Information processing device, information processing system, and program

Abstract

To provide information for supporting the smooth movement of a visitor in consideration of features of real estate present in a visit destination.SOLUTION: A management server 10 as an information processing device includes a control section 11. In the control section 11, a feature information acquisition section 101 acquires, for each transport means, feature information on a feature that may have an influence on transport means which may be used by a visitor when moving among features of real estate present in a visit destination, an event information acquisition section 102 acquires, for each transport means, event information on an event that may have an influence on the movement of the visitor, a support information generation section 104 generates, on the basis of the acquired feature information and event information, support information for supporting visitor's selection of transport means, including at least attention information to which the visitor should pay attention from the departure for the visit destination until the arrival.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Technologies for assisting visitors who visit a destination have conventionally existed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the characteristics of the real estate existing at the destination may hinder the smooth movement of the visitor.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide information that can assist the smooth movement of a visitor in consideration of the characteristics of the real estate existing at the destination.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The invention according to claim 1 includes: feature information acquisition means for acquiring, for each of the means of movement, feature information regarding a feature among the features of the real estate existing at the destination that can affect the means of movement that can be used by the visitor when moving; event information acquisition means for acquiring, for each of the means of movement, event information regarding an event that can affect the movement; and generation means for generating support information for assisting the selection of the means of movement of the visitor, the support information including at least attention information to be noted by the visitor from the time of departure toward the destination until arrival based on the acquired feature information and the event information. The information processing apparatus is characterized by having these components. The invention described in claim 2 is an information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the generation means generates information as support information, which associates the attention information with map data. The invention described in claim 3 is an information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the feature information acquisition means acquires, as feature information, information relating to features that may affect the means of transportation when the visitor enters the land and buildings of the destination, for each means of transportation. The invention described in claim 4 is an information processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that the feature information acquisition means acquires information regarding the features of the parking lot at the destination as information regarding features that may affect the means of transportation when entering the land at the destination. The invention described in claim 5 is an information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the event information acquisition means acquires event information of public transportation as a means of transportation and event information of a vehicle driven by the visitor or their companion. The invention described in claim 6 is an information processing device according to claim 5, characterized in that the event information acquisition means acquires information indicating the operating status of the public transportation as the event information of the public transportation. The invention described in claim 7 is an information processing device according to claim 5, characterized in that the event information acquisition means acquires one or more pieces of information as event information of the vehicle being driven, including information indicating road congestion conditions, information regarding road traffic laws and regulations, information regarding road construction, and information for suppressing the occurrence of traffic accidents. The invention described in claim 8 is an information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the event information acquisition means acquires at least one of the following information as event information: information related to events, information related to weather, and information related to social phenomena. The invention described in claim 9 is an information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the generation means generates the support information based on the visitor's current location. The invention described in claim 10 is an information processing device characterized by comprising: an input operation receiving means that receives an operation to input at least one of the following: feature information relating to features of real estate present at a destination that may influence the means of transportation that a visitor can use when traveling, and event information relating to events that may influence such travel; a transmission control means that controls the transmission of the received input information to another information processing device; and an information presentation means that, when the other information processing device transmits support information that includes at least note information that the visitor should be aware of from the time they depart for the destination until they arrive, and that supports the selection of the means of transportation of the visitor, the support information is acquired and presented to the visitor. The invention described in claim 11 is an information processing system characterized by comprising: an input operation receiving means that receives an operation to input at least one of the following: feature information relating to features of real estate present at a destination that may influence the means of transportation that the visitor can use when traveling, and event information relating to events that may influence such travel; an information acquisition means that acquires the received feature information and event information for each means of transportation; a generation means that generates support information that assists the visitor in selecting the means of transportation, which includes at least note information that the visitor should be aware of from the time they depart for the destination until they arrive, based on the acquired feature information and event information; and an information presentation means that acquires the generated support information and presents it to the visitor. The invention described in claim 12 is a program for a computer that enables the following functions: a function to acquire characteristic information for each mode of transportation, relating to characteristics of real estate present at a destination that may influence the mode of transportation that the visitor can use when traveling; a function to acquire event information for each mode of transportation, relating to events that may influence the travel; and a function to generate support information that assists the visitor in selecting the mode of transportation, which includes at least information to be aware of from the time the visitor departs for the destination until they arrive, based on the acquired characteristic information and event information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to claim 1 of the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device that takes into account the characteristics of the real estate present at the destination and supports the smooth movement of visitors. According to the present invention of claim 2, information associated with map data can be provided as support information to assist visitors in moving smoothly. According to the present invention of claim 3, support information can be provided for each mode of transportation that a visitor may use. According to the present invention of claim 4, support information that takes into account the characteristics of the parking lot at the destination can be provided. According to claim 5 of the present invention, support information can be provided that takes into account information that may affect travel by public transport and information that may affect travel by vehicle driven by the visitor or their companions. According to the present invention of claim 6, it is possible to provide support information that takes into account information indicating operating conditions that may affect travel by public transport. According to the present invention of claim 7, support information can be provided that takes into account information that affects travel by vehicles driven by visitors or their companions, such as information indicating road congestion, information regarding road traffic laws, information regarding road construction, and information for suppressing the occurrence of traffic accidents. According to the present invention of claim 8, support information can be provided that takes into account information that may affect movement, such as information about events, information about weather, and information about social phenomena. According to the present invention of claim 9, it is possible to provide support information that takes into account the visitor's current location. According to claim 10 of the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device that takes into account the characteristics of the real estate present at the destination and supports the smooth movement of visitors. According to claim 11 of the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing system that takes into account the characteristics of the real estate present at the destination and supports the smooth movement of visitors. According to the present invention of claim 12, it is possible to provide a program that takes into account the characteristics of the real estate present at the destination and supports the smooth movement of visitors. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system to which the present embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a management server as an information processing device to which the present embodiment is applied. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a visitor terminal as an information processing device to which the present embodiment is applied. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit of the management server. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit of the visitor terminal. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the management server. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the visitor terminal when an input operation for providing feature information and event information is performed. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the visitor terminal when an input operation for making an inquiry about support information is performed. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing a specific example of a user interface displayed on a visitor terminal that performs an input operation for making an inquiry about support information. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing a specific example of a user interface displayed on a visitor terminal when an input operation for displaying detailed information for each work item is performed. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing a specific example of a user interface displayed on a visitor terminal when an input operation for displaying support information including at least attention information to be noted from when the visitor departs for the destination until arrival is performed. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing a specific example of support information displayed on the user interface.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. (Configuration of Information Processing System) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system 1 to which the present embodiment is applied. The information processing system 1 is configured by connecting a management server 10 and visitor terminals 30-1 to 30-n (n is an integer value of 2 or more) via a network 90. The network 90 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, or the like. When it is not necessary to separately describe each of the visitor terminals 30-1 to 30-n, these are collectively referred to as the visitor terminal 30.

[0010] The management server 10 is an information processing device as a server that manages the entire information processing system 1. For example, the management server 10 acquires information input to the visitor terminal 30 or provided from the outside (for example, a predetermined website or the like). For example, the management server 10 acquires information regarding features (hereinafter referred to as "feature information") among the features of the real estate existing at the destination that can affect the means of movement that the visitor can use when moving, information regarding events (hereinafter referred to as "event information") that can affect the movement of the visitor, and map data. The feature information and the event information are acquired for each means of movement that the visitor can use when moving.

[0011] The "destination" refers to, for example, a place or facility where a customer or the like is located. The "real estate" refers to land and things fixed on the land, and includes, for example, parking lots, roads, gardens, buildings, trees, bridges, and stone walls. The "visitor" refers to, for example, a merchant, worker, delivery person, or the like who visits a place or facility that becomes the destination. The "means of movement" refers to a vehicle or a method of movement that the visitor can use to reach the destination, and includes, for example, public transportation such as trains and buses, vehicles such as cars and motorcycles that the visitor or their companions drive themselves, and walking.

[0012] Based on the acquired characteristic information and event information, the management server 10 generates information to assist visitors in selecting their mode of transportation (hereinafter referred to as "support information"), which includes at least information that visitors should be aware of from the time they depart for their destination until they arrive (hereinafter referred to as "note information"). Details of the support information will be described later.

[0013] The visitor terminal 30 is an information processing device such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer operated by the visitor, who is the user. The visitor terminal 30 displays a predetermined user interface on the display unit 36 ​​(see Figure 3). The visitor terminal 30 also acquires information transmitted and received from the management server 10 or an external source, and displays at least a portion of that information on the user interface.

[0014] Examples of information displayed on the user interface include support information and map data. The visitor terminal 30 also receives input information entered into the user interface and transmits it to the management server 10. Examples of this input information include the aforementioned feature information and event information. Details of these processes performed by the visitor terminal 30 will be described later.

[0015] The above-described processing of the management server 10 and visitor terminal 30, which constitute the information processing system 1, is merely an example, and it is sufficient that the information processing system 1 as a whole has the functionality to realize the above-described processing. For this reason, some or all of the functions that realize the above-described processing may be shared or collaborated within the information processing system 1. That is, some or all of the functions of the management server 10 may be functions of the visitor terminal 30, or some or all of the functions of the visitor terminal 30 may be functions of the management server 10. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the management server 10 and visitor terminal 30, which constitute the information processing system 1, may be transferred to other servers, etc., not shown in the diagram. This will facilitate processing for the information processing system 1 as a whole, and it will also be possible for the processing to complement each other.

[0016] (Management server hardware configuration) Figure 2 shows the hardware configuration of the management server 10, which is an information processing device to which this embodiment is applied. The management server 10 includes a control unit 11, a memory 12, a storage unit 13, a communication unit 14, an operation unit 15, and a display unit 16. These units are connected by a data bus, an address bus, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus, etc.

[0017] The control unit 11 is a processor that controls the functions of the management server 10 through the execution of various software such as the OS (operating system) and application software. The control unit 11 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 12 is a storage area that stores various software and data used for its execution, and is used as a work area during calculations. The memory 12 is composed of, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0018] The memory unit 13 is a memory area that stores input data for various software and output data from various software. The memory unit 13 is composed of, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or semiconductor memory used to store programs and various setting data. The memory unit 13 stores various information as a database, such as a map DB 901 that stores map data, a feature DB 902 that stores feature information, an event DB 903 that stores event information, and a support DB 904 that stores support information.

[0019] The communication unit 14 transmits and receives data between the visitor terminal 30 and the outside world via the network 90. ​​The operation unit 15 consists of, for example, a keyboard, mouse, mechanical buttons, and switches, and accepts input operations. The operation unit 15 also includes a touch sensor that forms a touch panel integrally with the display unit 16. The display unit 16 consists of, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (=Electro Luminescence) display used for displaying information, and displays image and text data.

[0020] (Hardware configuration of visitor terminals) Figure 3 shows the hardware configuration of the visitor terminal 30, which is an information processing device to which this embodiment is applied. The visitor terminal 30 has hardware configurations corresponding to the control unit 11, memory 12, storage unit 13, communication unit 14, operation unit 15, and display unit 16 of the management server 10 shown in Figure 2, as well as an imaging unit 37. These units are connected by a data bus, address bus, PCI bus, etc.

[0021] In other words, the visitor terminal 30 has a control unit 31 composed of a processor such as a CPU, a memory 32 composed of a storage area such as RAM, and a storage unit 33 composed of a storage area such as an HDD, SSD, or semiconductor memory. It also has a communication unit 34 that sends and receives data to and from the management server 10 and external parties via the network 90.

[0022] Furthermore, the visitor terminal 30 has an operation unit 35 consisting of a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, etc., and a display unit 36 ​​consisting of a liquid crystal display or organic EL display, etc. It also has an imaging unit 37 consisting of a camera, etc., which also functions as a camera viewfinder, and captures images of subjects displayed on the display unit 36 ​​and acquires them as image data.

[0023] (Functional configuration of the control unit of the management server) Figure 4 shows the functional configuration of the control unit 11 of the management server 10. The control unit 11 of the management server 10 functions as follows: feature information acquisition unit 101, event information acquisition unit 102, map data acquisition unit 103, support information generation unit 104, and transmission control unit 105.

[0024] The feature information acquisition unit 101 acquires feature information for each mode of transportation transmitted from the visitor terminal 30 and from external sources. The feature information acquired by the feature information acquisition unit 101 is stored and managed in the feature DB 902 of the storage unit 13. Specifically, for example, when the mode of transportation is public transport or a vehicle driven by the visitor or their companion (hereinafter referred to as "visiting vehicle"), the feature information acquisition unit 101 acquires information such as information regarding various restrictions on entry to the building, apartment, detached house, etc., of the visited location.

[0025] Furthermore, for example, the feature information acquisition unit 101 acquires feature information when the means of transportation is a vehicle used for visiting, such as whether or not there is a parking lot at the destination, if there is a parking lot at the destination, its size and rules of use, information on the width and usage restrictions of roads (public or private roads) facing the destination (for example, information on road traffic laws such as one-way streets and school zones), and the impact of street trees on private roads at the destination on vehicle traffic.

[0026] In other words, the feature information acquired by the feature information acquisition unit 101 includes features inherent to the property itself, such as the size of the parking lot, the width of the road, or the height of the branches of street trees that may obstruct passage on the private road, as well as features of laws, regulations, and rules predetermined regarding the use of the property, such as information on rules for using the parking lot or restrictions on the use of the road.

[0027] The event information acquisition unit 102 acquires event information transmitted from the visitor terminal 30 and external sources for each mode of transportation. The event information acquired by the event information acquisition unit 102 is stored and managed in the event DB 903 of the storage unit 13. The event information includes, for example, information indicating the operating status when the mode of transportation is public transportation such as trains and buses, information indicating road congestion when the mode of transportation is a vehicle driven by the visitor or their companion, information on road traffic laws and regulations, information on road construction, and information to prevent traffic accidents. Among these, information to prevent traffic accidents includes, for example, information on places where caution should be exercised regarding pedestrians suddenly appearing.

[0028] Furthermore, event information includes information on events, weather, and social phenomena. Examples of event information include information on festivals and other events. Weather information includes information on natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes. Social phenomena include information on epidemics, incidents, and accidents.

[0029] The map data acquisition unit 103 acquires map data transmitted from an external source. The map data acquired by the map data acquisition unit 103 is stored and managed in the map DB 901 of the storage unit 13. The map data may be independently created by the management server 10, but commonly used map data can also be used. The map data is kept up-to-date by being updated at predetermined intervals.

[0030] The support information generation unit 104 generates support information based on the feature information and event information acquired by the feature information acquisition unit 101. For example, if the acquired feature information includes information such as "there is no parking space at or near the destination" and "the destination is a 1-minute walk from XX Station on the XX Line", the support information generation unit 104 generates support information such as "no parking available" and "it is preferable to visit by train as it is a 1-minute walk from XX Station on the XX Line". Also, for example, if the acquired feature information includes information such as "there is a parking space available for business use at the destination" and "the destination is a 30-minute walk from XX Station on the XX Line and a 20-minute walk from the XX bus stop", the support information generation unit 104 generates support information such as "parking available" and "it is preferable to visit by car as it is difficult to use public transportation".

[0031] Furthermore, for example, if the acquired event information includes information such as "Vehicle entry is prohibited in the shopping street where the destination is located from [Month] [Day] to [Month] [Day] due to an event," the support information generation unit 104 will generate support information such as "Due to the vehicle entry ban, it is preferable to visit by train (however, from [Month] [Day] to [Month] [Day])." Also, for example, if the acquired characteristic information includes information such as "The destination is a 1-minute walk from [Station Name] on the [Line Name] line," and the acquired event information includes information such as "Typhoon No. [Number] is approaching in the afternoon of [Month] [Day]," the support information generation unit 104 will generate support information such as "There is a possibility of delays or suspension of service on the [Line Name] line due to the typhoon," and "It is preferable to visit by car."

[0032] The form of support information generated by the support information generation unit 104 is not particularly limited; for example, it may be in the form of text data, or it may be in the form of text data and map data linked together. Furthermore, the support information generation unit 104 can generate support information based on the location of the destination, regardless of the visitor's current location, or it can generate support information based on the visitor's current location.

[0033] The transmission control unit 105 controls the transmission of various information to the visitor terminal 30 or an external source via the communication unit 14 (see Figure 2). For example, the transmission control unit 105 controls the transmission of map data acquired by the map data acquisition unit 103 and its update information to the visitor terminal 30. Also, for example, when the transmission control unit 105 receives information regarding an inquiry about support information from the visitor terminal 30, it controls the transmission control unit 105 to transmit the support information generated by the support information generation unit 104 to the visitor terminal 30.

[0034] (Functional configuration of the visitor terminal's control unit) Figure 5 shows the functional configuration of the control unit 31 of the visitor terminal 30. The control unit 31 of the visitor terminal 30 functions as an information acquisition unit 301, a display control unit 302, an input operation reception unit 303, and a transmission control unit 304.

[0035] The information acquisition unit 301 acquires various types of information. For example, the information acquisition unit 301 acquires information transmitted from the management server 10 and from external sources. Examples of information transmitted from the management server 10 and external sources include map data and support information.

[0036] The display control unit 302 controls the display of various information on the display unit 36 ​​(see Figure 3) as a display means. For example, the display control unit 302 controls the display of a user interface on the display unit 36. The user interface can be displayed by launching user-facing application software pre-installed on the visitor terminal 30, or by accessing a user-facing website.

[0037] The user interface displays map data and support information. Specific examples of the map data and support information displayed in the user interface will be described later, referring to Figures 11 and 12. The user interface also displays input fields for entering characteristic information and event information.

[0038] The input operation reception unit 303 accepts input operations from users, or visitors, as a means of reception. Examples of visitor input operations include touch operations with fingers and mouse operations. For example, the input operation reception unit 303 accepts input operations to launch application software.

[0039] Furthermore, for example, the input operation reception unit 303 receives various types of information input via the user interface displayed on the display unit 36 ​​when the application software is started. Examples of information input via the user interface include characteristic information and event information. Also, for example, the input operation reception unit 303 receives input operations to display support information transmitted from the management server 10 on the user interface.

[0040] The transmission control unit 304 controls the transmission of various information to the management server 10 or an external source via the communication unit 34 (see Figure 3). For example, the transmission control unit 304 controls the transmission of characteristic information and event information received as input by the input operation reception unit 303 to the management server 10.

[0041] (Processing flow of the management server) Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the management server 10. In Figures 6 through 8, visitor terminal 30-1 provides information to the management server 10, and visitor terminal 30-2 receives information from the management server 10. When the management server 10 receives feature information from the visitor terminal 30-1 or from an external source (YES in step 601), it retrieves the received feature information (step 602). Conversely, if no feature information has been received (NO in step 601), the management server 10 repeats step 601 until feature information is received.

[0042] When event information is sent to the management server 10 from the visitor terminal 30-1 or from an external source (YES in step 603), the management server 10 retrieves the transmitted event information (step 604). If no event information has been transmitted (NO in step 603), the management server 10 proceeds to step 605.

[0043] When map data is sent from an external source (YES in step 605), the management server 10 retrieves the transmitted map data (step 606). Conversely, if no map data has been sent (NO in step 605), the management server 10 repeats step 605 until map data is sent.

[0044] The management server 10 generates support information that associates the acquired information with map data (step 607). Specifically, the management server 10 generates support information that associates the acquired feature information and event information with map data. If event information was not acquired in step 604, the management server 10 generates support information that associates the feature information with map data.

[0045] When the management server 10 receives information regarding a support information inquiry from the visitor terminal 30-2 (YES in step 608), it sends the support information generated in step 607 to the visitor terminal 30-2 that made the support information inquiry (step 609). If, however, no information regarding a support information inquiry has been received (NO in step 608), the management server 10 repeats step 608 until information regarding a support information inquiry is received.

[0046] (Processing flow of the visitor terminal) Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of visitor terminal 30-1 when input operations are performed to provide feature information and event information. When an input operation to launch the application software is performed on the visitor terminal 30-1 (YES in step 701), the user interface is displayed on the display unit 36 ​​(see Figure 3) (step 702). Conversely, if no input operation to launch the application software is performed (NO in step 701), the visitor terminal 30-1 repeats step 701 until an input operation to launch the application software is performed.

[0047] When an input operation is performed via the user interface to input at least one of the feature information and event information (YES in step 703), the visitor terminal 30 accepts the input operation (step 704). Conversely, if no input operation is performed to input at least one of the feature information and event information (NO in step 703), the visitor terminal 30-1 repeats step 703 until an input operation is performed to input at least one of the feature information and event information. The visitor terminal 30 transmits the input information received in step 704 to the management server 10 (step 705).

[0048] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of visitor terminal 30-2 when an input operation is performed to inquire about support information. When an input operation to launch the application software is performed on the visitor terminal 30-2 (YES in step 801), the visitor terminal 30 displays the user interface on the display unit 36 ​​(see Figure 3) (step 802). Conversely, if no input operation to launch the application software is performed (NO in step 801), the visitor terminal 30 repeats step 801 until an input operation to launch the application software is performed.

[0049] When an input operation to request support information is performed on the visitor terminal 30-2 (YES in step 803), the terminal accepts the input operation (step 804) and sends information related to the support information request to the management server 10 (step 805). Conversely, if no input operation to request support information has been performed (NO in step 803), the visitor terminal 30-2 repeats step 803 until an input operation to request support information has been performed.

[0050] When visitor terminal 30-2 receives support information from management server 10 (YES in step 806), it retrieves the received support information (step 807) and displays the retrieved support information on the user interface (step 808). Conversely, if no support information has been received (NO in step 806), visitor terminal 30-2 repeats step 806 until support information is received.

[0051] (Specific example) Figure 9 shows a specific example of a user interface displayed on a visitor terminal 30 used for inputting information to inquire about support services. In the example shown in Figure 9, the destination is the location of a customer who purchased gas appliances, and the visitor is a worker who performs installation or other related tasks for those gas appliances. A worker intending to visit a customer's location as a visitor launches application software that provides support information, which is pre-installed on the visitor terminal 30, and performs a predetermined login operation. Then, a user interface like the one shown in Figure 9 is displayed.

[0052] The user interface shown in Figure 9 displays a list of information outlining the work assignments, along with the label "Assignment List." Specifically, information outlining eight work assignments, numbered "1" through "8," is displayed in the form of selectable buttons. The information outlining the work assignments includes the customer name, customer address, work details category indicating the content of the work, and visit time slot.

[0053] The user interface shown in Figure 9 can be displayed by pressing button B1, which is labeled "Task List," but it may also be displayed as the default screen that appears first after logging in. In the specific example in Figure 9, information summarizing eight task cases is displayed, but there may be nine or more task cases. In this case, the information summarizing the ninth and subsequent task cases can be displayed by scrolling the screen.

[0054] For example, if you press button B2 for a work project numbered "4" to show an overview of the target work project, you can display detailed information about that work project on the user interface. A specific example of the user interface displayed when button B2 is pressed will be shown later in Figure 10.

[0055] Figure 10 shows a specific example of the user interface displayed on the visitor terminal 30 when an input operation is performed to display detailed information for each work project. When button B2 in Figure 9 is pressed, a user interface like the one shown in Figure 10 is displayed. The user interface shown in Figure 10 displays the customer's name, "Mr. / Ms. ◆◆ ◆◆", along with "Work Information," which includes "Visit Time Slot," "Case Number," and "Detailed Work Category." In addition, "Customer Information" displays the "Gas Meter Installation Location Number," "Name," and "Address."

[0056] Furthermore, the user interface shown in Figure 10 displays three buttons: button B3 labeled "Route," button B4 labeled "Parking," and button B5 labeled "Caution." Of these, button B3 labeled "Route" is pressed when a visitor wants to know the route from departure to arrival at their destination. The "route information" may be displayed on a map in a manner that identifies the route, or it may be displayed in the form of text or diagrams without being linked to map data.

[0057] Furthermore, button B4, labeled "Parking," is a button to press when you want to display support information for visitors who use a car driven by themselves or their companions as their means of transportation. A specific example of the user interface displayed on the visitor terminal 30 when button B4 labeled "Parking" is pressed will be described later, referring to Figure 12.

[0058] Furthermore, button B5, labeled "Caution," is for visitors to press when they want to know about support information that includes at least important information to keep in mind from the time they depart for their destination until they arrive. Specific examples of the user interface displayed on the visitor terminal 30 when button B5 labeled "Caution" is pressed will be described later with reference to Figures 11 and 12.

[0059] Figure 11 shows a specific example of a user interface displayed on the visitor terminal 30 when an input operation is performed to display support information that includes at least important information that the visitor should be aware of from the time they depart for their destination until they arrive. When button B5 in Figure 10 is pressed, a user interface like the one shown in the left diagram of Figure 11 is displayed. The user interface shown in Figure 11 displays location symbols superimposed on the map.

[0060] The right-hand side of Figure 11 shows a magnified view of the dashed area F in the left-hand side of Figure 11. As shown in the magnified view of area F, symbol C1 on the map indicates the visitor's current location based on GPS (Global Positioning System) information, etc. Symbol C2 indicates the location based on the address of the destination.

[0061] Symbol C3 is a symbol indicating a location where a traffic violation has occurred in the past. The person responsible for the traffic violation is not specifically limited; for example, it could be a location where the visitor has previously committed a violation, or a location where another member of the visitor's team has previously committed a violation. It could also be a location where traffic violations are generally common or where enforcement is strict, including by individuals unrelated to the visitor.

[0062] Symbol C4 is a symbol indicating a location where a traffic accident has occurred in the past. The specific individuals involved in the accident are not limited; for example, it could be a location where a visitor was involved in a past accident, or a location where another member of the visitor's team was involved in a past accident. It could also be a location where traffic accidents are generally frequent, involving individuals unrelated to the visitor.

[0063] When the user selects symbol C2, which indicates a location based on the address of the destination, from among symbols C1 to C4 displayed on the map in Figure 11, support information for the destination will be displayed. Furthermore, when the user selects symbol C3, which indicates a location where a traffic violation has occurred in the past or a location where a traffic violation is likely to occur, support information for the location indicated by symbol C3 will be displayed.

[0064] Furthermore, when an input operation is performed to select symbol C4, which indicates a location where a traffic accident has occurred in the past or a location where an accident is likely to occur, support information for the location indicated by symbol C4 will be displayed. Specific examples of the user interface displayed when input operations are performed to select each of symbols C2 to C4 shown on the map in Figure 11 will be described later with reference to Figure 12.

[0065] Figure 12 shows a specific example of support information displayed in the user interface. Figure 12(A) shows specific examples of support information displayed on the user interface when button B4 labeled "Parking" in Figure 10 is pressed, or when an input operation is performed to select symbol C2 in Figure 11. Figure 12(B) shows specific examples of support information displayed on the user interface when an input operation is performed to select symbol C3 in Figure 11. Figure 12(C) shows specific examples of support information displayed on the user interface when an input operation is performed to select symbol C4 in Figure 11.

[0066] When button B4 labeled "Parking" in Figure 10 is pressed, or when an input operation is performed to select symbol C2 in Figure 11, support information such as that shown in Figure 12(A) will be displayed on the user interface. Specifically, support information indicating the presence or absence of parking, such as "(Parking) Available," and support information indicating points to note regarding the use of the parking lot, such as "(However, parking is prohibited for business use)," will be displayed on the user interface.

[0067] Furthermore, the user interface displays helpful information such as details about the surrounding roads of the destination, including "strict enforcement of parking regulations," details about the surrounding environment, including "received complaints from nearby residents," and details about precautions to take when entering the destination, such as "tenant building" and "entry procedures required at the reception on the 1st floor."

[0068] Visitors who are provided with the support information shown in Figure 12(A) can recognize before departure that, when choosing a mode of transportation, if they or their companions choose to drive themselves, they may not be able to park in the parking lot of their destination, and that it is best to avoid street parking, even for a short time. Furthermore, visitors can recognize that they will need to complete entry procedures at the reception on the first floor when entering the building (tenant building) of their destination.

[0069] Furthermore, if an input operation is performed to select symbol C3 in Figure 11, support information regarding violations of road traffic laws, such as "No entry from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM" as shown in Figure 12(B), will be displayed on the user interface when the mode of transportation is a car. When a visitor is provided with support information like that shown in Figure 12(B), and chooses to drive a car driven by themselves or their companion, they can drive with prior awareness of places where they may violate road traffic laws. This can prevent mistakes such as being late for an appointment with a client due to being caught by police.

[0070] Furthermore, if an input operation is performed to select symbol C4 in Figure 11, support information for when the mode of transportation is a car will be displayed on the user interface, such as "collision due to sudden appearance" as shown in Figure 12(C). When a visitor is provided with support information like that shown in Figure 12(C), and chooses to drive a car themselves or a car driven by the visitor or their companion, they can recognize in advance places where traffic accidents are likely to occur and drive safely. This can prevent mistakes such as being late for an appointment with a client due to a traffic accident.

[0071] Although this embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. Furthermore, the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in this embodiment. For example, the configuration of the information processing system 1 shown in Figure 1, and the hardware configurations of the management server 10 and visitor terminal 30 shown in Figures 2 and 3, respectively, are merely examples for achieving the objectives of the present invention and are not particularly limited.

[0072] Furthermore, the functional configuration of the management server 10 shown in Figure 4 and the functional configuration of the visitor terminal 30 shown in Figure 5 are merely examples and are not particularly limited. It is sufficient that the information processing system 1 in Figure 1 is equipped with the functionality to execute the above-described process as a whole, and the functional configuration used to realize this functionality is not limited to the examples in Figures 4 and 5.

[0073] Furthermore, the order of processing steps for the management server 10 shown in Figures 6 and 7, and the order of processing steps for the visitor terminal 30 shown in Figure 8, are merely illustrative examples and not particularly limiting. Processing is not limited to the order of steps shown in the diagrams; it may also be performed in parallel or individually. Similarly, the specific examples of user interfaces shown in Figures 9 to 12 are merely examples and not particularly limiting. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1... Information processing system, 10... Management server, 11... Control unit, 30... Visitor terminal, 31... Control unit, 90... Network, 101... Feature information acquisition unit, 102... Event information acquisition unit, 103... Map data acquisition unit, 104... Support information generation unit, 105... Transmission control unit, 301... Information acquisition unit, 302... Display control unit, 303... Input operation reception unit, 304... Transmission control unit

Claims

1. A feature information acquisition means that acquires feature information for each mode of transportation of a real estate located at a visitor's destination, which may influence the visitor's movement to the destination using the means of transportation available to the visitor, from at least one of the information entered by other visitors who have visited the destination and information provided on a predetermined website. Event information acquisition means for each means of transportation, which acquires event information regarding events that may affect travel to the destination by the means of transportation from at least one of the information entered by other visitors and information provided on a predetermined website. A generating means for generating support information that assists a visitor in selecting a means of transportation, which includes at least one of the following, identified from the acquired characteristic information and event information: restrictions on the use of the real estate, the time required to travel to the destination, and the impact on the visitor's body; caution information that the visitor should be aware of from the time they depart for the destination until they arrive; and recommended means of transportation for the visitor. A feature having Information processing device.

2. The generation means is characterized by further generating information that associates the location identified from the attention information with map data as support information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The feature information acquisition means is characterized in that, as the feature information, it acquires information regarding the characteristics of the land and buildings that may hinder the smooth movement of the visitor when entering the land and buildings of the destination by foot or vehicle, for each means of transportation, from at least one of the information entered by other visitors who have visited the destination and information provided on a predetermined website. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The characteristic information acquisition means is characterized by acquiring information regarding the characteristics of the parking lot at the destination, as information regarding the characteristics of the land and buildings that may hinder the smooth movement of the visitor when entering the land at the destination by vehicle as the means of transportation, from at least one of the information entered by other visitors and information provided on a predetermined website. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The event information acquisition means is characterized by acquiring information indicating the operating status of public transportation as event information for public transportation as a means of transportation from at least one of the information entered by other visitors and information provided on a predetermined website. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The event information acquisition means is characterized by acquiring one or more pieces of information as event information for a vehicle driven by the visitor or their companion, from at least one of the following: information indicating road congestion, information regarding road traffic laws and regulations, information regarding road construction, and information for preventing traffic accidents, from information entered by other visitors and information provided on a predetermined website. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The event information acquisition means is characterized by acquiring at least one of the following information as event information: information related to events, information related to weather, and information related to social phenomena, from at least one of the information entered by other visitors and information provided on a predetermined website. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The generation means is characterized by generating the support information which associates the current location of the visitor, identified from the visitor's location information, with map data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. An input operation receiving means that receives an operation to input at least one of the following: characteristic information relating to the characteristics of real estate located at a visitor's destination that may affect the visitor's movement to the destination using means of transportation available to the visitor; and event information relating to events that may affect the visitor's movement to the destination using means of transportation. A transmission control means that controls the transmission of information received as input to another information processing device, When the aforementioned other information processing device transmits support information to assist the visitor in selecting a means of transportation, which includes at least one of the following: restrictions on the use of the real estate, the time required to reach the destination, and the impact on the visitor's body, and which is generated based on the characteristic information and the event information, and which includes at least the information to be aware of from the time the visitor departs for the destination until they arrive, and the recommended means of transportation for the visitor, the information presenting means acquires the support information and presents it to the visitor. A feature having Information processing device.

10. An input operation receiving means that receives an operation to input at least one of the following: characteristic information relating to the characteristics of real estate located at a visitor's destination that may affect the visitor's movement to the destination using means of transportation available to the visitor; and event information relating to events that may affect the visitor's movement to the destination using means of transportation. Information acquisition means for acquiring the received characteristic information and event information for each of the means of transport, A generating means for generating support information that assists a visitor in selecting a means of transportation, which includes at least one of the following, identified from the acquired characteristic information and event information: restrictions on the use of the real estate, the time required to travel to the destination, and the impact on the visitor's body; caution information that the visitor should be aware of from the time they depart for the destination until they arrive; and recommended means of transportation for the visitor. Information presentation means for acquiring the generated support information and presenting it to the visitor, A feature having Information processing system.

11. On the computer, A function to acquire characteristic information about the characteristics of real estate located at a visitor's destination, which may influence the visitor's travel to that destination using available means of transportation, from at least one of the following sources: information entered by other visitors who have visited the destination and information provided on a predetermined website; A function to acquire event information for each means of transportation that may affect travel to the destination, from at least one of the information entered by other visitors and information provided on a predetermined website, A function for generating support information that assists a visitor in selecting a means of transportation, including at least one of the following, identified from the acquired characteristic information and event information: restrictions on the use of the real estate, the time required to reach the destination, and the impact on the visitor's body; cautionary information that the visitor should be aware of from the time they depart for the destination until they arrive; and recommended means of transportation for the visitor. A program to achieve this.

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