Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To easily provide users with the information they seek regarding information on a current target area.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus 10 comprises a reception unit 12a, a search unit 12b, a transmission unit 12c, and a display unit 12d. The reception unit 12a receives a question, the destination of the questioner who asked the question, and a response to the question. The search unit 12b searches for responder terminals 30 existing around the destination based on the received destination of the questioner. The transmission unit 12c transmits the accepted question to the searched responder terminal 30. The display unit 12d displays the accepted response on a questioner terminal 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional technology, there is known a weather forecast system that distributes predictions about the movement of rain clouds, lightning activity, tornado occurrence probability, etc. in an area divided into a grid of 500 meters square every 5 minutes or 10 minutes. With this system, users can know the current movement of rain clouds in the target area and the predicted movement of rain clouds in the target area until 1 hour later.

[0003] In recent years, due to the spread of SNS (social networking service), UGC (user generated content) issued by individuals has been emphasized. Since UGC is created by ordinary users rather than companies, a sense of familiarity is likely to arise in the created content. Therefore, the number of people who refer to UGC in their own decision-making is increasing.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

[0005]

Non-Patent Document 2

[0006] However, with the conventional technologies described above, it was only possible to obtain weather information distributed by the system, and users could not obtain the information they needed. Furthermore, it was not easy to obtain weather information for the current target area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the information processing device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a receiving unit that receives a question, the destination of the questioner who asked the question, and a response to the question; a search unit that searches for responder terminals located around the destination of the questioner based on the destination of the questioner received by the receiving unit; a transmitting unit that transmits the question to the responder terminal found by the search unit; and a display unit that displays the response received by the receiving unit on the questioner terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the effect is that users can easily be provided with the information they seek regarding the current target area. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the information processing method according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3]Figure 3 shows a specific example of information processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a specific example of an image displayed on the questioner's terminal as a result of the information processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a hardware configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application.

[0011] [1. Overview of Information Processing Methods] First, with reference to Figure 1, an overview of the information processing method performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the information processing method according to the embodiment. In Figure 1, an example of information processing is described in which a question is sent to the responder terminal in response to the input of a destination and a question from the questioner terminal, and a response is displayed on the questioner terminal in response to the input of a response to the question from the responder terminal.

[0012] In the example shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 10 is a server device that holds information about the user terminal. In this embodiment, the information processing device 10 is a server device that works in cooperation with the questioner terminal 20 and the responder terminal 30, and displays the response content entered by the responder terminal 30 on the questioner terminal 20, and is implemented by a computer or a cloud system.

[0013] The information processing device 10 transmits a question to the responder terminal 30 in response to the destination and question input from the questioner terminal 20, and displays a response to the questioner terminal 20 in response to the response input from the responder terminal 30.

[0014] Specifically, the information processing apparatus 10 receives the destination and questions of the questioner input by the questioner terminal 20. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 receives a specific place name, address, and the name of a specific facility as the destination of the questioner input by the questioner terminal 20. Also, for example, the information processing apparatus 10 receives questions regarding weather or congestion status as the questions input to the questioner terminal 20.

[0015] Subsequently, based on the input of the destination from the questioner terminal 20, the information processing apparatus 10 searches for responder terminals 30 existing around the destination, and transmits the received questions described above to the searched responder terminals 30. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 searches for responder terminals 30 existing around the received destination from the position information of user terminals held in advance by the information processing apparatus 10 or an external device, and transmits the received questions described above to the responder terminals 30.

[0016] After that, the information processing apparatus 10 receives the responses of the responders input by the responder terminals 30. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 receives answers corresponding to the above-described question content as the responses input by the responder terminals 30. Finally, the information processing apparatus 10 displays the received responses on the questioner terminal 20. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 displays an image in which the received responses are plotted on a map around the above-described destination on the questioner terminal 20.

[0017] In this way, the information processing apparatus 10 displays the responses from the responders staying at the destination on the questioner terminal 20 according to the destination and questions input by the questioner terminal 20. As a result, the questioner can easily obtain responses to questions regarding the current situation of the destination.

[0018] 〔2. Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus 10〕 Next, referring to FIG. 2, the configuration of the information processing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment includes a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, and a storage unit 13. Further, the information processing apparatus 10, the questioner terminal 20, and the responder terminal 30 are connected to each other via the network N so as to be communicable with each other by wire or wirelessly.

[0019] The communication unit 11 is realized by, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like. The communication unit 11 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the questioner terminal 20 and the responder terminal 30 via the network N.

[0020] The storage unit 13 is realized by, for example, a storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a hard disk. The storage unit 13 stores data and programs necessary for various processes by the control unit 12. In particular, in relation to the present invention, it has a reception information storage unit 13a and a user information storage unit 13b. Further, if necessary, it may have an estimation information storage unit 13c and a point information storage unit 13d.

[0021] The reception information storage unit 13a stores questions received by the reception unit 12a, the destination of the questioner who asked the question, the responder's response to the question, and the evaluation of the response. For example, the reception information storage unit 13a stores, as reception information, questions regarding the name of the destination of the questioner, such as a place name or the weather, the responder's response to the question, and the evaluation from the questioner of the response. Further, the reception information storage unit 13a stores, for example, the time when the information was received together with the reception information.

[0022] The user information storage unit 13b stores information regarding the user terminal. For example, the user information storage unit 13b stores, in advance as information regarding the user terminal, the serial number of the user terminal or the like before the destination is input by the questioner terminal 20.

[0023] The estimated information storage unit 13c stores information related to the estimated results of the user's planned outing by the estimation unit 12e, which will be described later. For example, the estimated information storage unit 13c stores the destination, date and time, etc., of the user's planned outing, which are stored in the user terminal.

[0024] The point information storage unit 13d stores information about the points awarded to the responder terminal 30 by the awarding unit 12f, which will be described later. For example, the point information storage unit 13d stores the total number of points awarded to the responder terminal 30 to date, and the amount of points that the responder terminal 30 currently possesses.

[0025] The control unit 12 is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), etc., which executes various programs stored in the memory device inside the information processing device 10 using RAM as the working area. Alternatively, the control unit 12 can be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 12 includes a receiving unit 12a, a search unit 12b, a transmission unit 12c, and a display unit 12d. It may also include an estimation unit 12e and an assignment unit 12f as needed.

[0026] The reception unit 12a receives the question, the destination of the person who asked the question, and the response to the question. The reception unit 12a then stores the received information, along with the time the information was received, in the reception information storage unit 13a. For example, the reception unit 12a receives a question about the weather, etc., entered into the questioner terminal 20 and stores that information, along with the time the information was received, in the reception information storage unit 13a. Questions about the weather, etc., could include, for example, questions about the weather, wind speed, whether to wear long or short sleeves, laundry, pollen, etc., as well as questions about the current situation in the target area, such as congestion levels.

[0027] The reception unit 12a receives, for example, the destination name or the name of the facility at the destination as the questioner's destination entered into the questioner terminal 20. Furthermore, the reception unit 12a receives, for example, a response to a question entered into the questioner terminal 20 regarding the current situation in the target area, corresponding to the aforementioned question. The reception unit 12a may also receive, for example, an answer regarding the weather and comments related to that answer as a response to a question regarding the weather.

[0028] Furthermore, the reception unit 12a may receive questions and answers selected from a plurality of pre-set questions and answers. The reception unit 12a then stores the received information in the reception information storage unit 13a.

[0029] For example, the reception unit 12a receives a question selected by the questioner terminal 20 from among several pre-set questions displayed on the questioner terminal 20. Pre-set questions may include, for example, questions about the weather, wind strength, long sleeves / short sleeves on clothing, laundry, pollen, and congestion levels, as well as questions about the current situation in the target area.

[0030] Furthermore, the receiving unit 12a receives, for example, a response selected by the responder terminal 30 from among a set of pre-configured responses displayed on the responder terminal 30. Pre-configured responses may include, for example, responses to the aforementioned questions regarding the weather, such as sunny, cloudy, or rainy, or regarding wind strength, such as strong wind or light wind.

[0031] Furthermore, the reception unit 12a may also receive evaluations of the responses. The reception unit 12a then stores the received evaluations of the responses in the reception information storage unit 13a. For example, the reception unit 12a receives the evaluation by the questioner of the response displayed on the questioner terminal 20 by the display unit 12d (described later) as an evaluation of the response input to the questioner terminal 20, and stores it in the reception information storage unit 13a.

[0032] The search unit 12b searches for responder terminals 30 located near the destination of the questioner, based on the destination of the questioner received by the reception unit. The search unit 12b then notifies the transmission unit 12c, which will be described later, of the search results. For example, the search unit 12b obtains location information using the GPS (global positioning system) function of the user terminal from the serial number of the user terminal stored in the user information storage unit 13b, and searches for responder terminals 30 located near the destination of the questioner, which is stored in the reception information storage unit 13a, from among the user terminals.

[0033] Then, for example, the search unit 12b notifies the transmission unit 12c of the serial number of the searched responder terminal 30 as a search result. The aforementioned area around the questioner's destination refers, for example, if Roppongi (place name) is entered as the destination, the latitude and longitude of Roppongi Station are obtained and the area refers to a location within any radius centered on Roppongi Station. If the name of a facility is entered as the destination, the latitude and longitude of that facility are obtained and the area refers to a location within any radius centered on that facility.

[0034] Furthermore, for example, if the search unit 12b finds no responder terminals 30 near the destination, it may expand the search range and perform a re-search. However, expanding the search range too much may cause discrepancies in the destination, so it may be possible to perform a re-search in stages up to a predetermined range. Moreover, for example, if the search unit 12b finds no responder terminals 30 near the destination, it may perform a re-search after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0035] The transmitting unit 12c transmits a question to the responder terminal 30 found by the search unit 12b. For example, depending on the search results notified by the search unit 12b, the transmitting unit 12c transmits to the found responder terminal 30 the question from the questioner stored in the reception information storage unit 13a and the time the question was received. The transmitting unit 12c may also transmit, for example, a pre-set expiration date for the response in addition to the time the question was received.

[0036] Furthermore, if the receiving unit 12a receives a similar question from a third party after the response has been displayed on the questioner's terminal 20 by the display unit 12d (described later), the transmitting unit 12c may also transmit a response to the similar question received by the receiving unit 12a to the questioner's terminal 20.

[0037] For example, after the display unit 12d (described later) displays an image showing the response (sunny) to the question (current weather) on the questioner's terminal 20, the receiving unit 12a receives a similar question from a third party (is it sunny now?), and then transmits the response (it's sunny.) to the similar question (is it sunny now?) to the questioner's terminal 20, along with the time the response was received.

[0038] Furthermore, the transmission unit 12c may send a suggestion comment to the user terminal based on the outing schedule estimated by the estimation unit 12e, which will be described later. For example, the transmission unit 12c may, based on information such as the destination and date and time of the user's outing schedule stored in the estimation information storage unit 13c, send a comment to the user terminal a few hours before the scheduled outing date and time, suggesting a question about the current status of the destination of the outing schedule.

[0039] Furthermore, the transmission unit 12c may also transmit the above-mentioned suggestion comment if, for example, the distance between the planned destination and the current location of the user's terminal is greater than a certain distance.

[0040] The display unit 12d displays the response received by the reception unit 12a on the questioner terminal 20. For example, the display unit 12d displays an image on the questioner terminal 20 in which the response to the question stored in the reception information storage unit 13a is plotted on a map of the area around the questioner's destination. The display unit 12d may also be configured to allow the user to change the size of the mesh used to display the image in which the responses are plotted.

[0041] Furthermore, the display unit 12d displays an image on the questioner terminal 20 in which one or more responses to the question are plotted on a map of the area around the questioner's destination. For example, the display unit 12d displays an image on the questioner terminal 20 in which one or more responses to the question stored in the reception information storage unit 13a are plotted on a map of the area around the questioner's destination. Here, for example, if the reception unit 12a receives multiple responses to a single question, the display unit 12d plots the received multiple responses on a map of the area around the destination so as to correspond to the location information of the responder terminal 30, and displays it on the questioner terminal 20.

[0042] Furthermore, when the reception unit 12a receives the questioner's destination, the display unit 12d displays the responses made so far regarding the area around the destination on the questioner's terminal 20. For example, when the reception unit 12a receives the questioner's destination, the display unit 12d displays an image on the questioner's terminal 20 in which one or more responses to questions made by third parties so far, stored in the reception information storage unit 13a, are plotted on a map of the area around the questioner's destination, based on the questioner's destination stored in the reception information storage unit 13a.

[0043] The estimation unit 12e estimates the user's planned outing from the user's terminal. The estimation unit 12e then stores the estimated information in the estimation information storage unit 13c. For example, the estimation unit 12e estimates information such as the date and time of the outing and the destination based on the user's planned outing recorded in the calendar function of the user's terminal, etc., from the user terminal information stored in the user information storage unit 13b in advance, and stores the estimated information in the estimation information storage unit 13c.

[0044] The awarding unit 12f awards points to the responder terminal 30 that made the response based on the evaluation. For example, the awarding unit 12f awards points to the responder terminal 30 based on the questioner's evaluation of the response displayed on the questioner terminal 20 by the display unit 12d, which is stored in the reception information storage unit 13a, and stores information regarding the awarded points in the point information storage unit 13d.

[0045] Furthermore, the points mentioned above can be used to redeem coupons or other items depending on the number of points accumulated, or to set the system to prioritize the display of the user's questions when they are sent to the responder terminal 30.

[0046] [3. Specific Examples of Information Processing] Next, with reference to Figures 3 and 4, specific examples of information processing according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram showing a specific example of information processing according to the embodiment. Figure 4 is a diagram showing a specific example of an image displayed on the questioner terminal 20 by the information processing according to the embodiment. Below, the information processing of the information processing device 10 will be described, and then the specific processing from when a question and destination are entered into the questioner terminal 20 until the response entered into the responder terminal 30 is displayed on the questioner terminal 20 will be described.

[0047] First, the questioner terminal 20 transitions from a predetermined screen displaying the weather forecast to a reception screen where questions and destinations are received, based on input from the questioner. Then, the reception unit 12a receives the questioner's destination and question, for example, entered through the destination input or question submission slot displayed on the questioner terminal 20. The search unit 12b searches for responder terminals 30 located near the destination based on the received destination information.

[0048] Next, the transmission unit 12c transmits the received question to the searched responder terminal 30. Upon this transmission, for example, a comment suggesting a response is displayed on the responder terminal 30, and by entering a comment, the responder terminal 30 transitions to a reception screen where it receives a response to the question. Subsequently, the reception unit 12a receives the response to the question entered on the responder terminal 30.

[0049] Finally, the display unit 12d displays an image on the questioner's terminal 20 that plots the received response (e.g., "It's sunny now") on a map centered on the questioner's destination. Through the series of processes described above, the questioner can check on their own terminal the responses from respondents staying at their destination to their questions about the current conditions at their destination.

[0050] [4. Processing Procedure] Next, the processing of the information processing device 10 will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart of the processing procedure according to the embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 5, the reception unit 12a receives the question and destination entered into the questioner terminal 20 (step S101). If the reception unit 12a has not received the question and destination (step S101; No), it waits until the question and destination are received.

[0051] On the other hand, if the reception unit 12a receives the question and destination (step S101; Yes), the search unit 12b searches for responder terminals located around the destination (step S102). Then, the transmission unit 12c sends the question to the found responder terminal 30 (step S103).

[0052] Subsequently, the reception unit 12a receives the response entered into the responder terminal 30 (step S104). If the reception unit 12a has not received a response (step S104; No), it waits until a response is received. On the other hand, if the reception unit 12a has received a response (step S104; Yes), the display unit 12d displays an image on the questioner terminal 20 showing the response plotted on a map of the area around the destination (step S105).

[0053] [5. Effects] As described above, the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment includes a receiving unit 12a that receives a question, the questioner's destination, and a response; a search unit 12b that searches for responder terminals 30 located around the received destination; a transmission unit 12c that transmits the question to the searched responder terminal 30; and a display unit 12d that displays the response to the received question on the questioner terminal 20.

[0054] First, the reception unit 12a receives the question and the questioner's destination entered into the questioner's terminal. Then, the search unit 12b obtains the location information of the user terminal from the user terminal information that has been stored in advance and searches for responder terminals 30 located around the destination. The transmission unit 12c transmits the received question to the found responder terminal 30. After that, the reception unit 12a receives the response to the question entered into the responder terminal 30, and the display unit 12d displays the received response on the questioner terminal 20.

[0055] In this way, the information processing device 10 displays on the questioner terminal 20 the responses entered into the responder terminal 30 located near the destination, according to the question and destination entered into the questioner terminal 20. This allows the questioner to easily obtain answers to questions about the current situation at the destination. Therefore, the information processing device 10 has the effect of easily providing the information that the user requests regarding the current information of the target area.

[0056] Furthermore, the display unit 12d of the information processing device 10 displays an image on the questioner terminal 20 in which one or more responses are plotted on a map of the area around the destination. This allows the questioner to easily distinguish between each response, even if there are multiple responses to the question. Therefore, the information processing device 10 has the effect of providing the questioner with multiple responses in an easily distinguishable format along with their location information by displaying images of multiple responses plotted on a map at locations corresponding to their respective location information.

[0057] Furthermore, when the reception unit receives the questioner's destination, the display unit 12d of the information processing device 10 displays the responses made so far regarding the area around the destination on the questioner's terminal 20. As a result, the questioner can check the responses made around the destination simply by entering the destination, and may be able to obtain the information they need without having to ask a question themselves.

[0058] Therefore, the information processing device 10, by displaying responses to previously asked questions about the area around the destination on the questioner terminal 20 upon input of the destination from the questioner terminal 20, has the effect of providing the questioner with responses to previously asked questions about the area around the destination before the questioner asks a question.

[0059] Furthermore, the receiving unit 12a of the information processing device 10 receives questions and answers selected from a plurality of pre-set questions and answers. This allows the questioner to easily ask questions about the information they are seeking. Therefore, the information processing device 10 has the effect of making it easy for the questioner to ask questions about the situation at their destination.

[0060] Furthermore, if the receiving unit 12a receives a similar question from a third party after the response has been displayed on the questioner terminal 20 by the display unit 12d, the transmitting unit 12c of the information processing device 10 transmits a response to the similar question received by the receiving unit 12a to the questioner terminal 20.

[0061] This allows the questioner to know the status of the response to a similar question that arose later. Therefore, the information processing device 10 has the effect of providing the questioner with information about the status of the response after the question was asked.

[0062] Furthermore, the estimation unit 12e of the information processing device 10 estimates the outing schedule stored in the user's terminal, and the transmission unit 12c sends a suggestion comment to the user's terminal based on the estimated outing schedule. This allows the user to review the suggestion comment sent from the transmission unit 12c before their outing. Therefore, the information processing device 10 has the effect of being able to suggest asking questions about the current situation at the destination before the user's outing.

[0063] Furthermore, the receiving unit 12a of the information processing device 10 receives evaluations of responses, and the awarding unit 12f awards points to the responder terminal 30 that provided the evaluated response, based on the evaluation. As a result, points are awarded to the responder terminal 30 that input the evaluated response, which is expected to encourage responders to provide better responses that will be evaluated positively by the questioner. Therefore, the information processing device 10 has the effect of enabling responders to provide high-quality responses to questions and providing high-quality responses to questioners.

[0064] [6. Hardware Configuration] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 according to the above-described embodiment is implemented by a computer 1000, for example, as shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration. The computer 1000 is connected to an output device 1010 and an input device 1020, and has a configuration in which an arithmetic unit 1030, a primary storage device 1040, a secondary storage device 1050, an output interface 1060, an input interface 1070, and a network interface 1080 are connected by a bus 1090.

[0065] The arithmetic unit 1030 operates based on programs stored in the primary storage device 1040 and the secondary storage device 1050, as well as programs read from the input device 1020, and performs various processes. The arithmetic unit 1030 can be implemented using, for example, a CPU, MPU, ASIC, FPGA, etc.

[0066] The primary storage device 1040 is a memory device that temporarily stores data used by the arithmetic unit 1030 for various calculations, such as RAM. The secondary storage device 1050 is a storage device in which data used by the arithmetic unit 1030 for various calculations and various databases are registered, and can be implemented using ROM, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, etc. The secondary storage device 1050 may be internal storage or external storage.

[0067] Furthermore, the secondary storage device 1050 may be a removable storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or an SD (Secure Digital) memory card. Alternatively, the secondary storage device 1050 may be cloud storage (online storage), a NAS (Network Attached Storage), a file server, etc.

[0068] The output I / F 1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to output devices 1010 that output various types of information, such as displays, projectors, and printers. It is implemented using connectors of standards such as USB, DVI (Digital Visual Interface), and HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface).

[0069] Furthermore, the input I / F 1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020 such as a mouse, keyboard, keypad, buttons, and scanner, and is implemented, for example, via USB.

[0070] Furthermore, the output interface 1060 and input interface 1070 may be wirelessly connected to the output device 1010 and input device 1020, respectively. In other words, the output device 1010 and input device 1020 may be wireless devices.

[0071] Furthermore, the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 may be integrated as a touch panel. In this case, the output I / F 1060 and the input I / F 1070 may also be integrated as an input / output I / F.

[0072] The input device 1020 may also be a device that reads information from, for example, an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disc), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0073] The network interface 1080 receives data from other devices via network N and sends it to the computing unit 1030, and also transmits data generated by the computing unit 1030 to other devices via network N.

[0074] The arithmetic unit 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output interface 1060 and the input interface 1070. For example, the arithmetic unit 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or the secondary storage device 1050 onto the primary storage device 1040 and executes the loaded program.

[0075] [7. Other] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited by the content of these embodiments. Furthermore, the aforementioned components include those that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that fall within the so-called equivalent range. Moreover, the aforementioned components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the gist of the embodiments described above.

[0076] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods.

[0077] In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings may be changed at will unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information depicted.

[0078] Furthermore, each component of the illustrated device is a functional concept and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions. For example, all or part of the functions of the information processing device 10 may be performed by the questioner terminal 20 and the responder terminal 30.

[0079] Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be combined as appropriate, as long as the processing content is not contradictory.

[0080] Furthermore, the terms "section," "module," and "unit" mentioned above can be replaced with "means" or "circuits." For example, the acquisition unit can be replaced with acquisition means or acquisition circuit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 10 Information Processing Devices 11 Communications Department 12 Control Unit 12a Reception Department 12b Search section 12c Transmitter 12d Display section 12e Estimation part 12f Assignment section 13 Storage section 13a Reception Information Storage Unit 13b User information storage unit 13c Estimated Information Storage Unit 13d Point Information Storage Unit 20 Questioner's terminal 30 Responder terminal

Claims

1. A receiving unit that receives a question, the destination of the person who asked the question, and the response to the question, A search unit searches for responder terminals located near the destination of the questioner, based on the destination of the questioner received by the reception unit. A transmission unit that transmits the question to the responder terminal found by the search unit, A display unit that displays the response received by the reception unit on the questioner's terminal. Equipped with, The transmitting unit further transmits, if the receiving unit receives a similar question from a third party after the response has been displayed on the questioner's terminal by the display unit, to the questioner's terminal, along with the time the response was received. An information processing device characterized by the following:

2. The display unit displays an image on the questioner's terminal showing one or more of the responses plotted on a map of the area around the destination. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. When the reception unit receives the destination, the display unit will display the responses received so far regarding the area around the destination on the questioner's terminal. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

4. The receiving unit receives questions and answers selected from a set of multiple questions and answers. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

5. The system further includes an estimation unit that estimates the user's planned outings from the user's terminal. The transmission unit transmits a suggestion comment to the user terminal based on the outing schedule estimated by the estimation unit. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

6. The receiving unit receives an evaluation of the response, Based on the above evaluation, the system further includes a point awarding unit that awards points to the responder terminal that made the above-mentioned response. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

7. An information processing method performed by an information processing device, A receiving process that receives a question, the destination of the person who asked the question, and a response to the question. A search step, based on the destination of the questioner received in the aforementioned reception step, searches for responder terminals located in the vicinity of the destination, A transmission step of sending the question to the responder terminal found by the search step, A display step which displays the response received in the above reception step on the questioner's terminal. Includes The transmission step further includes, if, after the response has been displayed on the questioner's terminal by the display step, the reception step receives a similar question from a third party, the reception step transmits the response to the similar question received by the reception step to the questioner's terminal along with the time the response was received. An information processing method characterized by the following:

8. A reception procedure for receiving a question, the destination of the person who asked the question, and the response to the question, A search procedure that searches for responder terminals located near the destination of the questioner, based on the destination of the questioner received through the aforementioned reception procedure, A transmission procedure for sending the question to the responder terminal found by the search procedure, A display procedure to display the response received through the above reception procedure on the questioner's terminal. Have the computer run it, The transmission procedure further includes, if, after the response has been displayed on the questioner's terminal by the display procedure, the reception procedure receives a similar question from a third party, the response to the similar question received by the reception procedure, along with the time the response was received, is transmitted to the questioner's terminal. An information processing program that causes a computer to perform a task.

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