Area Identification System

Abstract

To provide a region identification system capable of identifying a region formed in a real space and associating the region with a virtual space.SOLUTION: The system comprises: an object installed in a real space; an acquisition unit which acquires installation information capable of identifying the position where the object is installed; and a region identification unit which on the basis of the installation information and map information, identifies a region formed by the position coordinates of the object and a structure included in the map information, as a real region formed in the real space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a region identification system. [Background technology]

[0002] Partitions and other partitions are used to create areas to temporarily set up venues for holding events, etc. For example, spaces available for hourly rental, special venues set up for special events, etc. may be temporarily set up.

[0003] On the other hand, it is known that AR (Augmented Reality) technology is used to display a composite image or video of an actual event combined with computer graphics (for example, Patent Document 1). By using such AR technology, information that reflects the location and state of the venue in a virtual space can be displayed on participants' smartphones, etc., thereby improving convenience for participants. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-004493 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, the real space is merely displayed according to the user's viewpoint position and posture. Therefore, a third party in the real space could not recognize a space (service provision space) that provides services such as a mixed reality experience in the real space. As a result, the uses of the real space have expanded, and in addition to uses that are recognizable to third parties in the real space, there are cases where a part of the real space is a service provision space corresponding to a virtual space, and third parties in the real space are unable to recognize the use of the real space. Furthermore, there is a demand for technology that can link virtual space and real space, such as by reflecting areas of real space in virtual space, thereby further eliminating the boundaries between them.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an area identification system that can identify an area formed in a real space and link it to a virtual space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an area identification system including: an acquisition unit that acquires an object installed in a real space and installation information that can identify a position where the object is installed; and an area identification unit that, based on the installation information and map information, identifies an area formed by position coordinates of the object and a structure included in the map information as a real area formed in the real space. The object has a dial unit capable of setting a direction, the acquisition unit acquires direction information indicating the direction set on the dial unit, and the region identification unit sets a boundary line of the real region in the direction indicated by the direction information, passing through the position coordinates of the object, based on the direction information. do. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to identify an area formed in real space and link it to a virtual space. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an area specifying system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2A] 1 is a side view of a guide pole-type object used in the area identification system according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2B]10 is a side view of another guide pole-type object used in the area identification system according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2C] 1 is a side view of a mobile object used in an area identification system according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an identification signal transmitter provided in an object. [Figure 4A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a partition-type object. [Figure 4B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a partition-type object. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an area setting server according to the embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a first method in which an area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a first method in which an area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second method in which the area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second method in which the area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 7C] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second method in which the area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 7D] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second method in which the area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third method for the area setting server to set a virtual area. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fourth method for the area setting server to set a virtual area. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fifth method in which the area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fifth method in which the area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 11A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a sixth method in which the area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 11B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a sixth method in which the area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a correction method performed when the area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another method 1 in which the area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 14A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a dial portion provided on an object. [Figure 14B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a dial portion provided on an object. [Figure 15A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another method 2 in which the area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 15B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another method 2 in which the area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 15C] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another method 2 in which the area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a correction method performed when the area setting server sets a virtual area using a dial unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] <Configuration of Area Identification System 1> 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an area identification system 1 according to an embodiment. The area identification system 1 includes, for example, an object 10, a positioning device 40, an area setting server 50, and digital signages 60 and 70.

[0012] The object 10 is an object placed in the real space. The position where the object 10 is placed indicates the boundary of an area (real area) formed in the real space. The area identification system 1 is required to include at least one object 10, but may include multiple objects 10. By placing the object 10 in the real space in this way, a specific area can be recognized by a person in the real space, and the object 10 can link the real space and the virtual space.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2A, object 10 is a guide pole type object, and FIG. 2A is a side view of object 10. Object 10 has a support pole 102 attached to a base 101. A cylindrical portion 103 is provided on the top of support pole 102. A belt 12 is wound around and stored in cylindrical portion 103. A drawer portion 104 for drawing out belt 12 is provided on the side of cylindrical portion 103. By connecting objects 10 with belt 12, a partition can be formed to separate a space. Object 10 has an identification signal transmitter 11. Identification signal transmitter 11 emits an identification signal that identifies object 10. Identification signal transmitter 11 emits the identification signal using a wireless communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), UWB (Ultra Wide Band), or RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier).

[0014] The positioning device 40 is installed in a space in which a real area is formed. The positioning device 40 receives an identification signal from each object 10 and calculates the installation position of each object 10 in the real space using the received identification signal. The positioning device 40 calculates the installation position of the object 10 based on, for example, the direction from which the identification signal transmitted from the object 10 arrives, the signal strength, etc. The positioning device 40 calculates the installation positions of the multiple objects 10 based on, for example, the respective identification signals received from the multiple objects 10 that form the real area.

[0015] Alternatively, the positioning device 40 may receive image information of a space in which the objects 10 are installed from an imaging device such as a camera, and use the received image information to calculate the installation position of each object 10 in real space. As a camera that images the space in which the objects 10 are installed, a surveillance camera or the like installed in the space in which the objects 10 are installed can be used. The positioning device 40 transmits to the area setting server 50 information indicating the installation positions of the plurality of objects 10 that form the real area.

[0016] The area setting server 50 identifies an area (real area) formed in real space based on the installation position of the object 10 received from the positioning device 40. The area setting server 50 sets a virtual area corresponding to the identified real area in the virtual space. The method by which the area setting server 50 sets a virtual area in the virtual space will be described in detail later.

[0017] The area setting server 50 also generates information about the virtual area, for example, distribution information that associates an event with the range of a real area corresponding to the virtual area. The area setting server 50 transmits the generated distribution information to smartphones of event participants and each digital signage device (described later).

[0018] The area setting server 50 generates, for example, area management information and area operation information as information relating to the real area.

[0019] The area management information is information that can be used to manage the real space, and is information indicating, for example, position coordinates, floor information, manager, time, area, usage fee, etc. The position coordinates indicate the position coordinates of each object 10 identified by the area setting server 50. The floor information indicates information indicating the floor on which each object 10 is installed. The administrator indicates the name of the person who manages the real space created this time. For example, the administrator or the like notifies the area setting server 50 in advance of the floor information and the name of the administrator, and the area setting server 50 sets the floor information and the administrator in the area management information based on the information notified by the administrator or the like. The time, area, and usage fee indicate the time when the real space created this time can be used, the area of ​​the real space created this time, and the usage fee for using the real space created this time, respectively. For example, if the real space created this time is a rental space, fees will be charged according to the usage time and area used. By including information on time, area, and usage fee in the area management information, it becomes possible to clearly show how usage fees will change when, for example, the usage time is extended or the venue area is expanded depending on the status of the event.

[0020] Area operation information is information that can be used to operate a real space, and is information that indicates, for example, a navigation destination, a no-entry area, space rental, and the like. The navigation destination indicates information for setting the real space that has just been created as a destination in the navigation system. For example, the navigation destination may indicate an address corresponding to the location that has just been created, or a map code (a number that quantifies latitude and longitude). By including information about the navigation destination in the area operation information, it is possible to set a temporarily created real area that cannot be searched for using the map information of the navigation system as a destination in the navigation system. This makes it possible for participants to easily reach the venue using a navigation app on a smartphone or other device, even if it is not on the map. The no-entry areas display information indicating areas in the real space that participants are not allowed to enter. By including information about no-entry areas in the area operation information, it is possible to clearly indicate spaces in the real space that are reserved for related parties, that is, areas that participants are not allowed to enter, and even if the area is a temporarily created area, it is possible to prevent participants from entering spaces that are reserved for related parties, thereby making it possible to smoothly hold an event or the like. Space rental is information that indicates the area that is being rented. By including information about space rental in the area operation information, users can be notified whether there is an area available for rental near the area that has just been created. Therefore, for example, users who want to expand the area of ​​the venue depending on the status of an event can be informed of which spaces are available for rental, thereby improving convenience.

[0021] Each digital signage (digital signages 60 and 70) is a fixed electronic bulletin board that displays various information under the control of the area setting server 50. This digital signage is intended to inform people in the real space of the purpose for which a specific real space corresponding to the virtual space is being used and until when. For example, each digital signage obtains information from the area setting server 50 about the real area corresponding to the virtual area set by the area setting server 50, and displays the obtained operational information. Note that the area identification system 1 may include only one of the digital signages, or may include both.

[0022] The digital signage 60 is a fixed electronic bulletin board. For example, the digital signage 60 is installed near the entrance of a real area, and displays information about the real area on a display unit 63 under the control of the area setting server 50.

[0023] Furthermore, the digital signage 60 may function as the object of this embodiment. In this case, the digital signage 60 and any one of the objects or a combination thereof form a real area. The digital signage 60 has an identification signal transmitting unit 61 having the same function as the identification signal transmitting unit 11. The identification signal transmitting unit 61 transmits an identification signal that identifies the digital signage 60. The digital signage 60 can display, on a display unit 63, the installation position of the digital signage 60, which has been identified by the area setting server 50 using the identification signal.

[0024] The digital signage 70 is a mobile electronic bulletin board. Similar to the digital signage 60, the digital signage 70 displays various information on a display unit 73 in accordance with the control of the area setting server 50. The digital signage 70 also has a movement mechanism 72, and moves in response to an external operation or a movement control function provided inside the digital signage 70.

[0025] Furthermore, the digital signage 70 may be configured to function as the object of this embodiment. In this case, a real area is formed using the digital signage 70, the object 10, and the digital signage 60 having an identification signal transmitter 61, or a combination thereof. The digital signage 70 has an identification signal transmitter 71 that has the same function as the identification signal transmitter 11. The digital signage 70 can display, on a display unit 73, the installation position of the digital signage 70, which has been identified by the area setting server 50 using the identification signal.

[0026] As described above, in the area identification system 1 according to the embodiment, a real area is formed by placing the object 10 in the real space. The area setting server 50 calculates the installation position of the object 10 in the real space based on the identification signal output by the object 10. The area setting server 50 sets a virtual area corresponding to the real area in the virtual space based on the calculated installation position. The area setting server 50 distributes and provides information about the real area and information about the virtual area corresponding to this real area.

[0027] For example, when an event is held using a rental space, objects 10 are placed on the boundary of the area allocated as the rental space, and the placed objects 10 are connected by, for example, a belt 12 to form a real area corresponding to the rental space. The area setting server 50 calculates the installation position of the object 10 based on the identification signal output by the object 10. The area setting server 50 specifies the area where the event using the rental space will be held based on the calculated installation position. The area setting server 50 sets a virtual area in the virtual space corresponding to the specified area, reflects the real space in the virtual space, and aggregates information. The area setting server 50 generates distribution information that associates the calculated installation position information of the object 10 and area information such as the location and size of the object 10 with the virtual area as operation information related to the operation of the rental space, including information such as location coordinates, floor, manager, and event date and time. It is assumed that the information such as the floor, manager, and event date and time has been notified to the area setting server 50 in advance by the manager, etc. The area setting server 50 displays the generated distribution information on the digital signage 60, etc.

[0028] Furthermore, if the scale of the venue needs to be expanded depending on the status of the event, etc., the administrator or the like changes the installation position of the object 10. The area setting server 50 recalculates the installation position of each object based on the identification signal output by each object whose installation position has been changed. The area setting server 50 changes the real area based on the calculated installation position. The area setting server 50 sets a virtual area corresponding to the changed area in the virtual space and generates changed distribution information. The area setting server 50 displays the changed distribution information on digital signage 60 or the like. As a result, even if the area set as the venue is changed, the changed venue area can be reflected in the virtual space, and changes in the real space can be reflected in the virtual space in real time.

[0029] The area identification system 1 according to this embodiment can be utilized, for example, as follows.

[0030] (1) In navigation apps, guidance to temporary destinations for a limited time, such as during events. (2) In navigation apps, display of restricted areas for a limited time due to construction, maintenance, etc. (3) Audio guidance for limited-time events in the guidance app. (4) Displaying signs indicating temporarily designated no-entry areas for autonomous mobile robots. (5) Delivery of the package to a temporary unloading area by a delivery robot. (6) In building management services, setting the scope of control of lighting and other facilities. (7) Setting the range of security levels in a security system.

[0031] In the various services described above, a user can install each object in the real space and notify the service provider of the area they wish to use. Furthermore, if they wish to change the area they wish to use, they simply change the installation position of the object. This eliminates the need to notify the service provider of the area they wish to use in advance, or to notify the service provider again if the area changes. Furthermore, because the service provider can grasp the area the user is using based on the installation position of each object, it becomes possible to obtain accurate information without frequently contacting the user or visiting the site to check.

[0032] <How to calculate the placement position of object 10> A method for calculating the installation position of the object 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the identification signal transmitter 11 and the positioning device 40.

[0033] 1 and 2A, an object 10 is provided with an identification signal transmitter 11. As shown in FIG. 3, the identification signal transmitter 11 includes a controller 112, a direction detector 113, and a transmitter 114.

[0034] The direction detection unit 113 detects the installation orientation of the object 10. As the direction detection unit 113, for example, an electronic compass or a gyro sensor can be used.

[0035] The control unit 112 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and performs various processes based on programs. In this embodiment, the control unit 112 performs a process of transmitting an identification signal that identifies the object 10 to the positioning device 40. The control unit 112 may transmit a signal indicating the installation orientation of the object 10 detected by the direction detection unit 113 to the positioning device 40 . The control unit 112 may transmit a signal indicating the connection state of the belt 12 to the positioning device 40 .

[0036] The transmitting unit 114 transmits a signal according to the control of the control unit 112 to the area setting server 50. For example, the transmitting unit 114 transmits an identification signal of the object 10 to the positioning device 40. The transmitting unit 114 transmits, together with the identification signal, to the positioning device 40 any one of a signal indicating the installation orientation of the object 10, a signal indicating the boundary direction or the area setting value, a signal indicating the channel setting value, and a signal indicating the connection state of the belt 12, or a combination of these.

[0037] The positioning device 40 includes, for example, a plurality of receiving units 41 and a positioning calculation unit 42 . The multiple receivers 41 each receive the identification information transmitted from each object 10, and output the received identification signal together with its attribute information to the positioning calculation unit 42. The attribute information here is information indicating the direction from which the identification signal arrives and the signal strength of the identification signal. The positioning calculation unit 42 calculates the installation position of each object 10 based on the direction from which the identification signal transmitted from the object 10 arrives, the signal strength, and the like. The positioning device 40 transmits information indicating the installation position of each object 10 calculated by the position calculation unit 42 to the area setting server 50.

[0038] <Configuration of area setting server 50> Next, the area setting server 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the area setting server 50 according to the embodiment. In the following description, for simplicity, the configuration of the area setting server 50 will be described taking as an example a case where the area setting server 50 communicates with the object 10.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, the area setting server 50 is configured to include a receiving unit 501, multiple acquisition units 502, an area identification unit 503, a digital map 504, a virtual area generation unit 505, an operation information storage unit 506, and a distribution information generation unit 507.

[0040] The receiving unit 501 receives information indicating the installation information of the object 10 from the positioning device 40. The acquiring unit 502 acquires, from the receiving unit 501, information indicating the installation information of the object 10, for example, a two-dimensional coordinate position.

[0041] The region identification unit 503 identifies a real region based on the two-dimensional coordinate position acquired by the acquisition unit 502, and sets a virtual region corresponding to the real region. The region identification unit 503 can set a virtual region in the following ways. The method by which the region identification unit 503 sets a virtual region will be described in detail later.

[0042] Method 1: Using three or more objects (basic) Second method: Using information about the structure Third method: Connecting the object placement positions in order Method 4: Using Area Method 5: Using only one object Method 6: Using two objects

[0043] The digital map 504 stores position information of the real space near where the object 10 is placed. Furthermore, if the object 10 is placed indoors, the digital map 504 stores the position coordinates of structures such as room corners and windows.

[0044] The virtual area generation unit 505 generates a virtual area in the virtual space corresponding to the area identified by the area identification unit 503. The operation information storage unit 506 stores information about the real area. The distribution information generation unit 507 generates distribution information that associates the information about the real area with the area calculated by the area identification unit 503, and distributes the distribution information to the digital signage 60, etc.

[0045] <First method for setting the virtual area> Next, a first method by which the region identification unit 503 sets a virtual region corresponding to a real region will be described. FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating the first method for setting a virtual region. In FIGS. 6A and 6B, P1 to P4 indicate the object coordinates of four objects 10. The region identification unit 503 basically acquires the position coordinates of the objects 10 that partition a space, and sets an area surrounded by multiple (three or more) objects 10 as a virtual region. In the case of FIG. 6A, the region identification unit 503 calculates the area surrounded by the object coordinates P1 to P4 as a virtual region A1.

[0046] Furthermore, when the distance between adjacent object coordinates is less than a threshold, the area detection unit 503 determines that the coordinates are the same and sets a virtual area. That is, in FIG. 6B , of the eight object coordinates P11 to P14 and P21 to P24, the object coordinates P11 and P21, the object coordinates P12 and P22, the object coordinates P13 and P23, and the object coordinates P14 and P24 are located in close proximity to each other. In this case, the area detection unit 503 determines that the position coordinates of the nearby objects 10 are the same and calculates the virtual area A2. More specifically, the area detection unit 503 determines that the nearby first object coordinates and second object coordinates are located at the intersection of a line passing through the first object coordinates and constituting a side of the area, and a line passing through the second object coordinates and constituting a side of the area.

[0047] For example, the position coordinates of object coordinates P11 and P21 are both considered to be the same object coordinate P31, located at the intersection of a line passing through object coordinates P11 and P12 and a line passing through object coordinates P21 and P24. The position coordinates of object coordinates P12 and P22 are both considered to be the same object coordinate P32, located at the intersection of a line passing through object coordinates P12 and P11 and a line passing through object coordinates P22 and P23. The position coordinates of object coordinates P13 and P23 are both considered to be the same object coordinate P33, located at the intersection of a line passing through object coordinates P13 and P14 and a line passing through object coordinates P23 and P22. The position coordinates of object coordinates P14 and P24 are both considered to be the same object coordinate P34, located at the intersection of a line passing through object coordinates P14 and P13 and a line passing through object coordinates P24 and P21. This allows the area surrounded by the object coordinates to be a simple rectangular area, preventing the virtual area from becoming unnecessarily complex in shape.

[0048] <Second method for setting the virtual area> Next, a second method in which the area identification unit 503 sets a virtual area corresponding to a real area will be described. The area identification unit 503 may set a virtual area by combining the position coordinates and direction of the object 10 with the position coordinates of structures such as room corners and windows stored in the digital map 504. Note that, for simplicity, the expression "room corners and walls" is used here, but these do not necessarily have to be actual corners or walls, and are coordinates within which the virtual area can be set.

[0049] 7A to 7D are diagrams illustrating a second method for setting a virtual area. In the case of Fig. 7A, two object coordinates P31 and P32 are placed in a room surrounded by walls W31, W32, W33, and W34. In this case, the area identification unit 503 determines that the room is separated by a line connecting the object coordinates P31 and P32, and calculates the area surrounded by the line connecting the object coordinates P31 and P32 and the walls W31, W32, and W34 as the virtual area A3.

[0050] 7B, of the four object coordinates P41 to P44, two object coordinates P41 and P44 are on wall W42. In this case, area identification unit 503 calculates as virtual area A4 the area surrounded by the line connecting object coordinates P41 and P42, the line connecting object coordinates P42 and P43, the line connecting object coordinates P43 and P44, and wall W42.

[0051] 7C, of ​​the three object coordinates P51, P52, and P53, the object coordinate P51 is on wall W54, and the object coordinate P53 is on wall W53. In this case, the area identification unit 503 calculates the area surrounded by the line connecting the object coordinates P51 and P52, the line connecting the object coordinates P52 and P53, the wall W53, and the wall W54 as the virtual area A5.

[0052] Furthermore, when the distance between the object coordinates and the wall is less than a threshold, the region identification unit 503 determines that the coordinates are on the wall, and sets a virtual region. That is, in Fig. 7D, of the three object coordinates P51, P52, and P53, the object coordinate P51 is near the wall W54, and the object coordinate P53 is near the wall W53. If the distance E1 between the object coordinates P51 and the wall W54 and the distance E2 between the object coordinates P53 and the wall W53 are less than the threshold, the region identification unit 503 determines that the object coordinates P51 are on the wall W54 and the object coordinates P53 are on the wall W53, and calculates a virtual region A5a.

[0053] <Third method for setting virtual area> Next, a description will be given of a third method in which the area detection unit 503 sets a virtual area corresponding to a real area. The area detection unit 503 detects a virtual area by connecting predetermined object coordinates with a line.

[0054] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a third method for setting a virtual area. In this example, the area identification unit 503 connects the object coordinates of each object 10 with a line to identify a virtual area, or a predetermined method is set. When the installation information of the objects 10 and identification information identifying each object 10 are input, the area identification unit 503 connects the object coordinates of each object 10 with a line based on the identification information to identify a virtual area. In the configuration of FIG. 8, when the installation information of multiple objects 10 and identification information identifying each object 10 are input, the area identification unit 503 connects each object 10 with a line in a predetermined order to identify a virtual area. That is, in this example, when identification information is specified to connect object coordinates P71, P72, P73, and P74 in this order, a virtual area A7 as shown in FIG. 8 is identified.

[0055] <Fourth method for setting virtual space> Next, a fourth method in which the region identification unit 503 sets a virtual region corresponding to a real region will be described. The region identification unit 503 can identify a region as a virtual region using area. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a case in which a virtual region is set using area. In FIG. 9, when there are multiple regions formed by connecting the position coordinates of the object 10, the region identification unit 503 identifies the region with the largest area as the virtual region. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when multiple regions, for example, two regions A8a and A8b, are identified by object coordinates P81 to P87, the region identification unit 503 identifies the region with the largest area (region A8a) as the virtual region.

[0056] <5th method for setting virtual space> Next, a fifth method in which the region identification unit 503 sets a virtual region corresponding to a real region will be described. A virtual region can also be set without surrounding it with an object. Figures 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the fifth method for setting a virtual region. 10A, an area formed by a circle centered on one object coordinate P111 is identified as virtual area A11. Note that the radius of virtual area A11 may be configured to be set in advance, or may be configured to be notified by being included in a signal transmitted by transmission unit 114 to area setting server 50, such as a signal indicating the direction of the boundary or a setting value for the area.

[0057] 10B, an area formed by a semicircle having a diameter equal to a straight line passing through one object coordinate P121 is identified as the virtual area A12. The radius of the virtual area A12 may be configured to be set in advance, or may be configured to be notified by being included in a signal transmitted by the transmitter 114 to the area setting server 50, such as a signal indicating the direction of the boundary or a setting value of the area. The direction of the straight line passing through one object coordinate P121 may be the direction identified by the direction detector 113.

[0058] <6th method for setting virtual space> Next, a sixth method in which the region identification unit 503 sets a virtual region corresponding to a real region will be described. FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating the sixth method for setting a virtual region. As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, when there are two object coordinates P121 and P122, the region identification unit 503 can identify the virtual region A12a or A12b using a straight line connecting the object coordinates P121 and P122. Here, the following examples are possible for determining whether the region to be used is virtual region A12a or virtual region A12b. (1) A method in which only a predetermined side is set as the virtual area, that is, a method in which the side of the space is specified in advance, such as the window side or the entrance side. (2) A method of determining which side is the virtual area based on the object's identification number, that is, identifying the area as the left side when viewing object coordinates P122 from object coordinates P121. (3) A method of using an object whose installation direction can be specified to determine which side is the virtual area, that is, a method of specifying the direction of the object 10 or a switch. When setting a virtual area using any of the above methods, the position and orientation of objects may be automatically corrected based on information about the room shape obtained from a digital map. Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram of object correction.

[0059] 12, the area identification unit 503 corrects the position coordinates based on the position coordinates identified based on the installation information and the shape of the structure. That is, in FIG. 12, the line connecting the object coordinates P231 and P232 is not parallel to the walls W231 and W233. In this case, the area identification unit 503 corrects the virtual area A23 with reference to the digital map so that it is parallel to the walls W231 and W233.

[0060] <Another way to set the virtual area 1> Alternatively, a method may be used in which multiple virtual regions are set in real space by using an object 10 in which a channel switch 107 is further provided in addition to the configuration of the object 10 in the above embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2B. In this method, an identification signal transmitter 11 is used that includes a channel switch input unit 117 that inputs the setting value from the channel switch 107 to the controller 112. The control unit 112 of the identification signal transmitting unit 11 is configured to receive a signal indicating the setting value of the channel set by the channel switch 107 via the channel switch input unit 117, and to perform processing to transmit information regarding the channel setting value of each object 10 along with an identification signal that identifies the object 10 to the positioning device 40. Based on the identification signal identifying the object 10 transmitted to the receiving unit 41 of the positioning device 40 via the transmitting unit 114 of the identification signal transmitting unit 11, the positioning calculation unit 42 of the positioning device 40 is configured to calculate the installation position of each object 10 and identify the virtual area. By setting channels in this way, it is possible to set a virtual area for each channel. That is, in this embodiment, by setting a virtual area for each group of objects 10 in the same channel, it is possible to set multiple areas.

[0061] Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating this method for setting virtual areas. In the example of Fig. 13, of the five object coordinates P61 to P65, object coordinates P61 and P62 are set to channel Ch1, and object coordinates P63 to P65 are set to channel Ch2. In this case, separate virtual areas A6a and A6b are formed by the object coordinates P61 and P62 set to channel Ch1 and the object coordinates P63 to P65 set to channel Ch2.

[0062] <Another way to set the virtual area 2> Alternatively, a method may be used in which multiple virtual regions are set in real space by using an object 10 in which a dial unit 106 (dial units 106a and 106b) is further provided in addition to the configuration of the object 10 in the above embodiment. In this method, an identification signal transmitter 11 is used that includes a dial input unit 116 that inputs a setting value from the dial unit 106 to the controller 112. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2B, the object 10 is provided with two dial parts 106a and 106b as the dial part 106, which are rotating dials that move independently. On the other hand, the control unit 112 of the identification signal transmitting unit 11 is configured to receive the boundary direction and area setting values ​​set by the dial units 106a and 106b via the dial input unit 116, and to perform processing to transmit information regarding the setting values ​​from the channel switch 107 to the positioning device 40 along with a signal that identifies the object 10. The positioning calculation unit 42 of the positioning device 40 is configured to calculate the installation position of each object 10 and identify the virtual area based on the identification signal that identifies the object 10 received from the identification signal transmission unit 11. By moving the dial units 106a and 106b in this way, the direction and area of ​​the boundary can be set, and the number of installed objects to be used can be reduced.

[0063] 14A and 14B are explanatory diagrams of the dial units 106a and 106b. The dial units 106a and 106b are rotating dials that move independently. The boundary of the area can be set by rotating the two dial units 106a and 106b. As shown in FIG. 14A, when the dial units 106a and 106b are moved simultaneously, the direction of the boundary K can be set. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14B, when the dial units 106a and 106b are moved independently, two boundaries K1 and K2 corresponding to the dial units 106a and 106b, respectively, are set. As a result, the area R whose boundary line moves in accordance with the movement of the dial units 106a and 106b can be set as an area surrounding the two boundaries.

[0064] 15A to 15C are diagrams illustrating the present method for setting the virtual region. 15A, the orientation of the dial parts 106a and 106b of the object 10 at the object coordinate P201 is set to a 90-degree area R1, thereby setting a virtual area A20. 15B, the direction of the dial parts 106a and 106b of the object 10 at the object coordinate P211 is set to a 180-degree area R2, thereby setting a virtual area A21. 15C, a 180-degree region R3 is set so that the orientation of the dial portions 106a and 106b of the object 10 at the object coordinate P221 is parallel to the walls W201 and W203. A 180-degree region R4 is set so that the orientation of the dial portions 106a and 106b of the object 10 at the object coordinate P222 is parallel to the walls W202 and W204. This sets the virtual region A22.

[0065] In this way, by using the dial units 106a and 106b, it is possible to set a virtual area with a small number of objects.

[0066] When setting a virtual area using the dial unit 106, it is possible to automatically correct the deviation of the direction indicated by the dial unit 106 based on the information on the shape of the room obtained from the digital map. Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram of object correction when the dial unit 106 is used.

[0067] In FIG. 16, the area identification unit 503 corrects the position coordinates based on the position coordinates identified based on the installation information and the shape of the structure. In FIG. 16, the installation information includes direction information indicating the direction in which the area is formed based on the dial unit 106, and the area identification unit 503 corrects the direction based on the direction indicated by the direction information and the shape of the structure, and identifies the area using the corrected direction. That is, direction D is indicated by the dial units 106a and 106b. The angle between this direction D and the walls W241 and W243 is less than a predetermined value, and the direction D is not parallel. In this case, the area identification unit 503 corrects the virtual area A24 with reference to the digital map so that the orientation of the dial units 106a and 106b becomes parallel to the walls W241 and W243.

[0068] As described above, the area identification system 1 of the embodiment includes the object 10, an acquisition unit 502, and an area identification unit 503. The object 10 is installed in real space. The acquisition unit 502 acquires information indicating the installation position of the object 10. This information indicating the installation position is an example of "installation information." Based on the installation information and map information, the area identification unit 503 identifies an area formed by the position coordinates of the object 10 and structures included in the map information, such as walls, as a real area formed in real space. As a result, the area identification system 1 of the embodiment can identify an area formed in real space (real area) using the installation position of the object 10 installed in real space and the installation positions of structures such as walls, making it possible to link the real space with the virtual space.

[0069] Furthermore, in the region identification system 1 of the embodiment, the region identification unit 503 identifies the real region by regarding, among the position coordinates identified based on the installation information, the position coordinates whose distance to the structure is less than a threshold as the same coordinates as the structure. As a result, in the region identification system 1 of the embodiment, the real region can have a simple shape and can be prevented from becoming unnecessarily complex.

[0070] Furthermore, in the area identification system 1 of the embodiment, the "installation information" includes direction information indicating a direction. Based on the direction information, the area identification unit 503 identifies, as a real area, an area that is in the direction indicated by the direction information, among areas formed by the position coordinates of the object 10 and the structure. As a result, in the area identification system 1 of the embodiment, when multiple real areas can be formed using the installation position of the object 10 and the structure, it is possible to identify one real area using the direction information.

[0071] Furthermore, in the area identification system 1 of the embodiment, the area identification unit 503 identifies the real area by regarding, as the same coordinates, a plurality of position coordinates whose distance is less than a threshold value among the position coordinates identified based on the installation information of the object 10. As a result, in the area identification system 1 of the embodiment, the real space can be made into a simple rectangular area, and it is possible to prevent the virtual area from becoming unnecessarily complex in shape.

[0072] Furthermore, in the region identification system 1 of the embodiment, the object 10 has a dial unit 106 capable of setting a direction. The acquisition unit 502 acquires direction information indicating the direction set in the dial unit 106. The region identification unit 503 sets the boundary line of the real region in the direction indicated by the direction information, passing through the position coordinates of the object 10, based on the direction information. As a result, in the region identification system 1 of the embodiment, it is possible to set the boundary line of the real region using one object 10.

[0073] Furthermore, in the region identification system 1 of the embodiment, the region identification unit 503 corrects the position coordinates of the object 10 identified based on the "installation information" based on the shape of the structure. The region identification unit 503 identifies the real region using the corrected position coordinates. As a result, in the region identification system 1 of the embodiment, even if the direction in which the installation positions of the objects 10 are connected is slightly misaligned with the longitudinal direction of the structure such as a wall, the real space can be identified along the longitudinal direction of the structure such as a wall. Therefore, the real space can be made into a simple rectangular region, and it is possible to prevent the virtual region from becoming unnecessarily complex in shape.

[0074] Furthermore, in the region identification system 1 of the embodiment, the "installation information" includes direction information indicating a direction. The region identification unit 503 corrects the direction based on the direction indicated by the direction information and the shape of the structure. The region identification unit 503 sets the corrected direction as the boundary line of the real region. As a result, in the region identification system 1 of the embodiment, even if the direction included in the installation information is slightly off from the longitudinal direction of the structure such as a wall, it is possible to identify a real space that follows the longitudinal direction of the structure such as a wall. Therefore, the real space can be made into a simple rectangular region, and it is possible to prevent the virtual region from becoming unnecessarily complex in shape.

[0075] Additionally, although the area identification system 1 of the embodiment uses the guide pole type object 10, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a partition type object 20 or a moving type object 30 may be used, and a combination of the objects 10, 20, and 30 may be installed and positioned in the real area.

[0076] The object 20 has an identification signal transmitter 21 (identification signal transmitters 21a and 21b). The identification signal transmitters 21 are provided, for example, at both ends of a partition. The identification signal transmitters 21 emit an identification signal that identifies the object 20. Like the identification signal transmitter 11, the identification signal transmitters 21 emit the identification signal using a wireless communication method such as Bluetooth. The identification signal emitted by each of the identification signal transmitters 21 may include information indicating at which end of the partition it is provided.

[0077] 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams of a partition-type object 20. As shown in FIG. 4A, the partition-type object 20 is provided with identification signal transmitters 21a and 21b at both ends of the partition, respectively, making it possible to acquire the positions of both ends. Furthermore, by providing the identification signal transmitters 21a and 21b at both ends, it is possible to detect the orientation of the boundary (partition) formed by the installation of the partition-type object 20. In this way, the object 20 can be used in place of the two guide pole-type objects 10 of the above embodiment, and similarly to the object 10, the object 20 can be used to set a virtual area corresponding to a real area.

[0078] The object 30 also has an identification signal transmitter 31. The identification signal transmitter 31 emits an identification signal that identifies the object 30. Similar to the identification signal transmitter 11, the identification signal transmitter 31 emits the identification signal using a wireless communication method such as Bluetooth. The object 30 also has a movement mechanism 32. The movement mechanism 32 moves in accordance with an external operation or a movement control function provided inside the object 30.

[0079] The identification signal transmitter 31 of the mobile object 30 can also be configured in the same manner as the guide pole-type object 10, as shown in FIG. 2C , and has an identification signal transmitter 3 having the same function as the identification signal transmitter 11 instead of the identification signal transmitter 11 of the object 10. The object 30 can be used instead of the guide pole-type object 10 of the above embodiment, and like the object 10, the object 30 can be used to set a virtual area corresponding to a real area.

[0080] All or part of the area identification system 1 in the above-described embodiment may be implemented by a computer. In this case, a program for implementing this function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded and executed by a computer system. Note that the term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as floppy disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" may also include devices that dynamically store programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs over networks such as the Internet or telephone lines, or devices that store programs for a fixed period of time, such as volatile memory within a computer system that serves as a server or client. The program may also be designed to implement some of the above-described functions, or may be capable of implementing the above-described functions in combination with programs already stored in the computer system, or may be implemented using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA.

[0081] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1... area specification system, 10... object, 50... area setting server, 502... acquisition unit, 503... area specification unit, 505... virtual area generation unit, 507... distribution information generation unit

Claims

1. An object placed in real space; an acquisition unit that acquires installation information that can identify a position where the object is installed; an area specifying unit that specifies, based on the installation information and map information, an area formed by the position coordinates of the object and structures included in the map information as a real area formed in the real space; Equipped with the object has a dial portion capable of setting a direction, the acquisition unit acquires direction information indicating a direction set in the dial unit, The region specifying unit sets a boundary line of the real region in a direction indicated by the direction information, the boundary line passing through the position coordinates of the object. Area identification system.

2. The area specifying unit specifies the real area by regarding, among the position coordinates of the object specified based on the installation information, position coordinates whose distance to the structure is less than a threshold as the same coordinates as the structure. The region identification system of claim 1 .

3. the installation information includes direction information indicating a direction, The area specifying unit specifies, based on the direction information, an area in a direction indicated by the direction information, among areas formed by the position coordinates of the object and the structure, as the real area. The region identification system of claim 1 .

4. The area specifying unit corrects the position coordinates of the object specified based on the installation information based on a shape of the structure, and specifies the real area using the corrected position coordinates. The region identification system of claim 1 .

5. the installation information includes direction information indicating a direction, The region specifying unit corrects the direction based on the direction indicated by the direction information and the shape of the structure, and determines the corrected direction as a boundary line of the real region. The region identification system of claim 1 .

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