Information gathering system, request device, information gathering method, and information gathering program

Abstract

On the basis of a plurality of items of attribute information corresponding to a plurality of collection devices, a matching unit (212) selects, as a collection request destination, a collection device that satisfies a request destination condition, which is a condition for a request destination that is requested to collect equipment information of subject equipment. A request unit (213) transmits a collection request for requesting collection of the equipment information to the collection request destination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method for collecting information on remote equipment.

Background Art

[0002] A method for mediating digital data has been proposed. Patent Document 1 discloses the following method. Each photographer accesses the server of the service provider from a terminal and registers shooting reception information. The requester accesses the server of the service provider from a home terminal and registers request information. The requester operates the home terminal and selects a photographer whom the requester wishes to request to shoot based on the shooting reception information registered for each photographer. Specifically, the requester selects a photographer located at a desired position. The selected photographer takes a shot and registers the video on the server of the service provider. The requester receives the video from the server of the service provider and sends a reward to the photographer.

[0003] By the method of Patent Document 1, it becomes possible for the requester to request a photographer near the equipment to shoot the remote equipment.

[0004] However, the method of Patent Document 1 has the following problems. When the equipment is in an intrusion-restricted area, requesting a photographer near the equipment to shoot may induce illegal intrusion. Therefore, legal risks arise for the photographer. When shooting the same equipment multiple times, the requester needs to request multiple times. Therefore, it takes time and effort for the request. When an appropriate video is not registered and the requester checks the video and requests reshooting, it takes time until the reshooting request, and there is a possibility that the photographer leaves the equipment. Therefore, it takes time and effort for the movement for reshooting.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-217831 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] This disclosure aims to enable the automatic collection of equipment information by the appropriate service provider. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The information collection system in this disclosure is: A matching unit selects a collection device as a collection request destination that meets the request destination conditions, which are the conditions for a request destination to collect equipment information of the target equipment, based on multiple attribute information corresponding to multiple collection devices, A request unit that sends a collection request to the collection recipient requesting the collection of the aforementioned equipment information, It is equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it will be possible to automatically request the collection of equipment information from the appropriate service provider. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Configuration diagram of the information gathering system 100 in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Functional configuration diagram of the information gathering system 100 in Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Configuration diagram of the request device 200 in Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Configuration diagram of the control device 300 in Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Configuration diagram of the collection device 400 in Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] A flowchart of the information gathering method in Embodiment 1. [Figure 7]A diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information collection system 100 in Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information collection system 100 in Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] Hardware configuration diagram of the request device 200 in Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] Hardware configuration diagram of the management device 300 in Embodiment 1. [Figure 11] Hardware configuration diagram of the collection device 400 in Embodiment 1. **Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention**

[0010] In the embodiments and the drawings, the same elements or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. The description of elements denoted by the same reference numerals as those already described will be omitted or simplified as appropriate. The arrows in the figures mainly indicate the flow of data or the flow of processing.

[0011] Embodiment 1. The information collection system 100 will be described based on FIGS. 1 to 11.

[0012] ***Description of Configuration*** Based on FIG. 1, the configuration of the information collection system 100 will be described. The information collection system 100 includes one or more target facilities 110, a request device 200, a management device 300, and a plurality of collection devices 400.

[0013] The target facility 110 is a facility from which facility information is collected. The target facility 110 is provided, for example, in a building. Examples of the target facility 110 include elevators, air conditioners, lighting fixtures, processing machines, wiring, water pipes, gas pipes, automatic doors, audio devices, measuring meters, control panels, or cameras. The target facility 110 may also be a vehicle or the like.

[0014] The request device 200 is implemented, for example, as a server device.

[0015] The management device 300 is implemented, for example, as a server device.

[0016] The data collection device 400 is a device (data collection device) for collecting information (equipment information) of the target equipment 110. Specifically, the data collection device 400 is a terminal owned by user 101. User 101 is the person (owner) of the data collection device 400. For example, user 101's smartphone is used as the data collection device 400. If the target equipment 110 is an elevator in an apartment building, for example, a resident of the apartment building can act as user 101 instead of a maintenance worker to collect information about the elevator using a smartphone for inspection purposes.

[0017] Figure 2 shows the functional configuration of the information gathering system 100. The target equipment 110 includes a sensor group 111 and a communication device 112. The sensor group 111 consists of one or more sensors. For example, the sensor group 111 may include a microphone and a 3-axis accelerometer. Each of the request device 200 and the collection device 400 of the management device 300 is equipped with communication devices (204, 304, 404). The target equipment 110, the request device 200, the management device 300, and the collection device 400 communicate with each other via the communication network 109. Specifically, the management device 300 communicates with the target equipment 110 and the request device 200. The request device 200 also communicates with the collection device 400.

[0018] The configuration of the requested device 200 will be explained based on Figure 3. The requested device 200 is a computer equipped with hardware such as a processor 201, memory 202, auxiliary storage device 203, communication device 204, and input / output interface 205. These hardware components are connected to each other via signal lines.

[0019] A processor is an integrated circuit (IC) that performs calculations and controls other hardware. For example, a processor is a CPU. IC is an abbreviation for Integrated Circuit. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit.

[0020] Memory is a type of storage device that can be either volatile or non-volatile. It is also called main memory. For example, memory is RAM. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory.

[0021] The data stored in memory 202 is saved to auxiliary storage device 203 as needed.

[0022] Auxiliary storage devices are non-volatile storage devices. For example, auxiliary storage devices include ROM, HDD, flash memory, or a combination of these. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive.

[0023] Data stored in the auxiliary storage device 203 is loaded into memory 202 as needed.

[0024] The communication device 204 is a receiver and transmitter. For example, the communication device 204 is a communication chip or NIC. NIC is an abbreviation for Network Interface Card.

[0025] Communication with the requesting device 200 is performed using the communication device 204.

[0026] An input / output interface is a port to which input and output devices are connected. For example, an input / output interface is a USB port. USB is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus.

[0027] Input and output of the request device 200 are performed using the input / output interface 205.

[0028] The request device 200 includes elements such as an attribute acquisition unit 211, a matching unit 212, a request unit 213, an information reception unit 214, a verification unit 215, and a reward granting unit 216. These elements are implemented by software.

[0029] The auxiliary storage device 203 stores request programs that enable the computer to function as an attribute acquisition unit 211, a matching unit 212, a request unit 213, an information reception unit 214, a verification unit 215, and a reward granting unit 216. The request programs are loaded into memory 202 and executed by the processor 201. The auxiliary storage device 203 also stores the operating system. At least a portion of the OS is loaded into memory 202 and executed by the processor 201. Processor 201 executes the requested program while running the OS. OS is an abbreviation for Operating System.

[0030] The data for the requested program (input data, output data, etc.) is stored in the storage unit 290. Memory 202 functions as storage unit 290. However, storage devices such as auxiliary storage device 203, registers in the processor 201, and cache memory in the processor 201 may function as storage unit 290 instead of memory 202, or together with memory 202.

[0031] The requested program can be recorded (stored) in a computer-readable format on a non-volatile recording medium such as an optical disc or flash memory.

[0032] The configuration of the control device 300 will be explained based on Figure 4. The management device 300 is a computer equipped with hardware such as a processor 301, memory 302, auxiliary storage device 303, communication device 304, and input / output interface 305. These hardware components are connected to each other via signal lines.

[0033] The data stored in memory 302 is saved to auxiliary storage device 303 as needed. Data stored in the auxiliary storage device 303 is loaded into memory 302 as needed. Communication of the management device 300 is performed using the communication device 304. Input and output of the management device 300 are performed using the input / output interface 305.

[0034] The management device 300 includes elements such as a log acquisition unit 311, a flag generation unit 312, and a flag deletion unit 313. These elements are implemented in software.

[0035] The auxiliary storage device 303 stores management programs that enable the computer to function as a log acquisition unit 311, a flag generation unit 312, and a flag deletion unit 313. The management programs are loaded into memory 302 and executed by the processor 301. The auxiliary storage device 303 also stores the operating system. At least a portion of the OS is loaded into memory 302 and executed by the processor 301. Processor 301 runs the OS while simultaneously executing management programs.

[0036] Input and output data for the management program are stored in the storage unit 390. Memory 302 functions as a storage unit 390. However, storage devices such as auxiliary storage device 303, registers in the processor 301, and cache memory in the processor 301 may function as a storage unit 390 instead of memory 302, or together with memory 302.

[0037] The management program can be recorded (stored) in a computer-readable format on a non-volatile recording medium such as an optical disc or flash memory.

[0038] The configuration of the collection device 400 will be explained based on Figure 5. The data collection device 400 is a computer equipped with hardware such as a processor 401, memory 402, auxiliary storage device 403, communication device 404, input / output interface 405, and sensor group 406. These hardware components are connected to each other via signal lines.

[0039] The data stored in memory 402 is saved to auxiliary storage device 403 as needed. Data stored in the auxiliary storage device 403 is loaded into memory 402 as needed. Communication of the data collection device 400 is performed using the communication device 404. Input and output of the collection device 400 are performed using the input / output interface 405.

[0040] Sensor group 406 consists of one or more sensors. For example, sensor group 406 may include a satellite positioning sensor, a camera, a microphone, and a 3-axis accelerometer. Satellite positioning sensors are sensors that use satellite positioning systems to determine their location. An example of a satellite positioning system is the Global Positioning System (GPS).

[0041] The data collection device 400 includes elements such as an attribute notification unit 411, a request reception unit 412, a collection unit 413, and a submission unit 414. These elements are implemented by software.

[0042] The auxiliary storage device 403 stores collection programs that enable the computer to function as an attribute notification unit 411, a request reception unit 412, a collection unit 413, and a submission unit 414. The collection programs are loaded into memory 402 and executed by the processor 401. The auxiliary storage device 403 also stores the operating system. At least a portion of the OS is loaded into memory 302 and executed by the processor 401. Processor 401 runs the collection program while simultaneously running the OS.

[0043] The input and output data of the collection program are stored in the storage unit 490. Memory 402 functions as storage unit 490. However, storage devices such as auxiliary storage device 403, registers in the processor 401, and cache memory in the processor 401 may function as storage unit 490 instead of memory 402, or together with memory 402.

[0044] The data collection program can be recorded (stored) in a computer-readable format on a non-volatile recording medium such as an optical disc or flash memory.

[0045] ***Explanation of operation*** The operating procedure of the information gathering system 100 corresponds to the information gathering method. Furthermore, the operating procedure of the information gathering system 100 corresponds to the processing procedure performed by the information gathering program. The information gathering program includes a request program, a management program, and a collection program.

[0046] The following describes the methods for gathering information. First, let me explain the premise of the information gathering method. In each data collection device 400, the attribute notification unit 411 transmits the attribute information of the data collection device 400 to the request device 200. In the request device 200, the attribute acquisition unit 211 receives attribute information from each collection device 400 and stores the received attribute information. The information collection method is performed for each target facility 110.

[0047] Based on Figure 6, the procedure for information gathering will be explained. Steps S110 through S160 are executed repeatedly.

[0048] In step S110, the flag generation unit 312 determines whether the trigger condition is met. The trigger condition is the condition that triggers the collection of equipment information for the target equipment 110.

[0049] The triggering conditions are determined as follows: Trigger condition data is pre-stored in the storage unit 390. The trigger condition data indicates the trigger condition for each target equipment 110. The triggering conditions specify requirements regarding the state of the target equipment 110. These requirements are indicated using thresholds, such as the Mahalanobis distance. For example, the triggering conditions are met when the target equipment 110 is in an abnormal state. First, the log acquisition unit 311 acquires log data from the target equipment 110. The log data is data that indicates the status of the target equipment 110. For example, the log data includes the equipment identifier, acquisition date and time, control data, and measurement data. Control data indicates the value (control value) set for each of one or more control parameters. The measurement data shows various types of information obtained using the sensor group 111, etc. For example, the measurement data may show sound collected by the microphone, 3-axis acceleration measured by the 3-axis acceleration sensor, etc. If the target equipment 110 is an elevator, the measurement data may show the time series of the elevator car's movement. The flag generation unit 312 then determines whether the state shown in the acquired log data satisfies the requirements shown in the trigger condition. For example, this determination is made using the Weibull hazard function or artificial intelligence (AI). If the state shown in the acquired log data satisfies the requirements shown in the trigger condition, the trigger condition is met.

[0050] The trigger condition may also be the passage of a certain amount of time. In this case, the trigger condition is determined as follows: If a certain amount of time has elapsed since the last time the trigger condition was determined to be met, the flag generation unit 312 determines that the trigger condition is met.

[0051] If the triggering conditions are determined to be met, the flag generation unit 312 sets a collection flag and notifies the requesting device 200 that the collection flag has been set. In the request device 200, the matching unit 212 receives the notification. Then, the process proceeds to step S120.

[0052] In step S120, the matching unit 212 selects a collection device 400 that satisfies the client's requirements based on multiple attribute information corresponding to multiple collection devices 400. The client requirements are the conditions for the client that will be asked to collect equipment information. The selected collection device 400 is referred to as the collection request recipient.

[0053] The collection request recipients are selected as follows: The request destination condition data is pre-stored in the storage unit 290. The request destination condition data indicates the request destination conditions for each target equipment 110. The requirements for the service provider include location, qualifications, and organizational structure. "Qualifications" include licenses. Attribute information includes the user identifier of user 101, the user's location, the qualifications held by user 101, and the organization to which user 101 belongs. The user's location is, for example, the user's address or the location of the collection device 400. The matching unit 212 selects a data collection device 400 that corresponds to attribute information that meets the requirements shown in the requester conditions. The selected data collection device 400 is the data collection requester.

[0054] For example, the collection request recipient is selected as follows: The target facility 110 is located on the 10th floor of the X Mansion. Collection device A is collection device 400 owned by user A. User A lives on the 10th floor of X Mansion, holds a Class 1 Electrician's license, and works for M Electric. A Class 1 Electrician's license is a higher qualification than a Class 2 Electrician's license. The attribute information of collection device A indicates "X Mansion, 10th Floor" as the location of user A, "First-Class Electrician" as the qualifications held by user A, and "M Electric" as the organization to which user A belongs. The requirements for the service provider are as follows: location requirement: "X Mansion, 10th floor"; qualification requirement: "Class 2 Electrician"; organization requirement: "M Electric or S Service". In this case, the attribute information of collection device A satisfies the requirements specified in the client conditions. Therefore, collection device A is selected as the recipient of the collection request.

[0055] The requirements for the service provider may specify either qualifications or organizational structure. The attribute information may indicate either the qualifications held by user 101 or the organization to which user 101 belongs.

[0056] In step S130, the request unit 213 transmits the collection request to the collection device 400 that is the recipient of the collection request. A data collection request is data sent to request the collection of equipment information. For example, a data collection request will show the information specified in the requester's criteria (location, qualifications, affiliation, etc.) and a data collection flag.

[0057] In the collection device 400 to which the collection request was made, the request reception unit 412 receives the collection request.

[0058] In step S140, the collection unit 413 collects equipment information of the target equipment 110. Equipment information is data that shows various types of information obtained using sensor group 406 and other devices.

[0059] Equipment information includes equipment identifiers, equipment images, and sensor data. Equipment information may include either equipment images or sensor data. Equipment images are images (video or still images) obtained by taking pictures of the target equipment 110 using a camera. Sensor data is data obtained using various sensors in sensor group 406. For example, sensor data shows time-series data such as sound collected by a microphone and vibration measured by a 3-axis accelerometer.

[0060] For example, the equipment information for target equipment 110 is collected as follows: The request reception unit 412 displays collection requests on its display. User 101 confirms the collection request and moves to the location of the target equipment 110 with the collection device 400. Then, User 101 activates the camera to photograph the target equipment 110 and activates various sensors to perform various measurements on the target equipment 110. This allows for the collection of equipment information for the target equipment 110.

[0061] The collected equipment information is referred to as "collected information." The submission unit 414 transmits the collected information to the request device 200.

[0062] In the request device 200, the information receiving unit 214 receives the collected information.

[0063] In step S150, the verification unit 215 determines whether the collected information satisfies the information conditions. The information criteria are the conditions for the equipment information that should be collected.

[0064] The decision will be made as follows: Information condition data is pre-stored in the storage unit 290. The information condition data indicates the information conditions for each target equipment 110. The information requirements specify the requirements for at least one of the following: images and sensor data. The verification unit 215 determines whether the equipment information included in the collected information meets the requirements specified in the information conditions.

[0065] For example, the following decisions are made: Each of the collected information and information conditions indicates an equipment identifier. If the equipment identifier shown in the collected information differs from the equipment identifier shown in the information conditions, the verification unit 215 determines that the collected information does not satisfy the information conditions. The collected information and the information conditions each represent images showing the target equipment 110. If the appearance of the target equipment 110 shown in the image of the collected information differs from the appearance of the target equipment 110 shown in the image of the information conditions, the verification unit 215 determines that the collected information does not satisfy the information conditions. The collected information represents sensor data, and the information conditions represent data length. If the data length of the sensor data shown in the collected information differs from the data length shown in the information conditions, the verification unit 215 determines that the collected information does not satisfy the information conditions. Alternatively, if the data length of the sensor data shown in the collected information is smaller than the data length shown in the information conditions, the verification unit 215 determines that the collected information does not satisfy the information conditions. Data length may be replaced with data size.

[0066] If the target equipment 110 is an elevator, for example, the collection request would specify the starting floor (1st floor) and the ending floor (10th floor). The information condition would also specify the data length corresponding to the travel time of the elevator car from the starting floor to the ending floor. User 101, in accordance with the collection request, presses the landing button at the starting floor to trigger a car call and summon the car to the starting floor. Then, inside the car, User 101 presses the destination button for the ending floor to move the car to the ending floor. If a call for an elevator car occurs at an intermediate floor (5th floor) during travel from the starting floor to the ending floor, causing the elevator car to stop at that floor, the data length of the sensor data shown in the collected information will be longer than the data length shown in the information conditions. If user 101 presses the destination button for an intermediate floor (3rd floor) and the elevator car only moves to that intermediate floor, the data length of the sensor data shown in the collected information will be shorter than the data length shown in the information conditions.

[0067] The decision may be made using artificial intelligence (AI).

[0068] If the collected information is determined not to meet the information criteria, the process proceeds to step S130. Then, the request unit 213 resends the collection request to the collection recipient (step S130), the information receiving unit 214 receives the collected information again (step S140), and the verification unit 215 determines again whether the collected information meets the information conditions (step S150).

[0069] If the collected information is determined to meet the information criteria, the verification unit 215 transmits a verification result indicating that the collected information meets the information criteria to the management device 300. In the management device 300, the flag deletion unit 313 receives the verification result and deletes the collection flag. Then the process proceeds to step S160.

[0070] In step S160, the reward granting unit 216 grants a reward to the owner of the collection device 400 that has been requested to collect.

[0071] Rewards will be distributed as follows: Owner data is pre-stored in the storage unit 290. The owner data indicates the owner information for each collection device 400. Owner information refers to information about the owner of the collection device 400. First, the reward-granting unit 216 determines the reward based on the amount of information collected. For example, the reward-granting unit 216 calculates the amount of reward or the number of points by multiplying each amount of information, such as the number of images shown in the collected information or the data length of the sensor data shown in the collected information, by a coefficient corresponding to the type of information. The reward-granting unit 216 then grants a reward to the owner of the collection device 400, based on the owner information of the collection device 400 that has been requested to be collected.

[0072] ***Features of Embodiment 1*** The request device 200 matches the information collection request conditions with the attribute information of user 101. The management device 300 generates a collection flag based on the log data of the target equipment 110, and the requesting device 200 issues a collection request based on the collection flag. The request device 200 verifies the consistency between the equipment information collected by the collection device 400 and the information conditions of the target equipment 110 to determine whether re-collection is necessary. This reduces the effort required from the requester and the user 101.

[0073] ***Effects of Embodiment 1*** Embodiment 1 allows photographers (user 101) to accept photography requests (collection requests) with peace of mind. Furthermore, since the process from photography request to receipt of the results is automated, the burden on both the requester and the photographer can be reduced.

[0074] In Embodiment 1, the photographer's personal data (attribute information) is matched with the information collection request conditions. This makes it possible to eliminate the risk of illegal intrusion. In Embodiment 1, a collection flag is automatically issued. This eliminates the need to submit a shooting request each time a collection opportunity arises, thereby reducing the burden on the requester. In Embodiment 1, the collected information is automatically verified to determine if it was necessary. This makes it possible to immediately send a request to the photographer to collect the information again. Therefore, photographers can photograph the equipment with peace of mind, and the burden on both the client and the photographer when using the system can be reduced.

[0075] ***Embodiment of Embodiment 1*** As shown in Figure 7, the collection device 400 may be a device mounted on the mobile body 102. The mobile unit 102 is an automatically moving mobile unit. For example, the mobile unit 102 is a robot or a drone. For example, a security robot or a delivery robot can be used as the mobile unit 102. The use of the mobile unit 102 makes it possible to reduce the workload of the photographer. Figure 8 shows the functional configuration of the collection device 400 mounted on the mobile unit 102. The collection device 400 further includes a control unit 419. The data collection program further causes the computer to function as a control unit 419. The control unit 419 controls the drive mechanism (steering device, motor, etc.) of the mobile unit 102 when collecting equipment information to move the mobile unit 102 to the location of the target equipment 110. The location of the target equipment 110 is indicated in the collection request. The procedure for gathering information is the same as the procedure described in Figure 6. However, the attribute information indicates the functionality of the data collection device 400 instead of the user 101's qualifications and the organization to which user 101 belongs. For example, the attribute information indicates the camera's performance, the type of sensor, and the range of motion of the mobile body 102. Furthermore, the requirements for the service provider will specify functional requirements instead of qualification and organizational requirements.

[0076] ***Supplement to Embodiment 1*** Based on Figure 9, the hardware configuration of the requested device 200 will be explained. The request device 200 includes a processing circuit 209. The processing circuit 209 is a processing circuit that implements the attribute acquisition unit 211, the matching unit 212, the request unit 213, the information reception unit 214, the verification unit 215, and the reward granting unit 216.

[0077] The processing circuit is hardware. The processing circuit may be dedicated hardware, or it may be a processor that executes a program stored in memory. When the processing circuit is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. ASIC is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. FPGA is an abbreviation for Field Programmable Gate Array.

[0078] The request device 200 may include multiple processing circuits that replace the processing circuit 209.

[0079] In the processing circuit 209, some functions may be implemented by dedicated hardware, while the remaining functions may be implemented by software or firmware.

[0080] Thus, the functions of the requested device 200 can be realized through hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0081] The hardware configuration of the management device 300 will be explained based on Figure 10. The control device 300 includes a processing circuit 309. The processing circuit 309 is a processing circuit that implements the log acquisition unit 311, the flag generation unit 312, and the flag deletion unit 313.

[0082] The control device 300 may include multiple processing circuits that replace the processing circuit 309.

[0083] In the processing circuit 309, some functions may be implemented by dedicated hardware, while the remaining functions may be implemented by software or firmware.

[0084] Thus, the functions of the management device 300 can be realized through hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0085] Based on Figure 11, the hardware configuration of the collection device 400 will be explained. The collection device 400 includes a processing circuit 409. The processing circuit 409 is a processing circuit that implements the attribute notification unit 411, the request reception unit 412, the collection unit 413, the submission unit 414, and the control unit 419.

[0086] The collection device 400 may include multiple processing circuits that replace the processing circuit 409.

[0087] In the processing circuit 409, some functions may be implemented by dedicated hardware, while the remaining functions may be implemented by software or firmware.

[0088] Thus, the functions of the collection device 400 can be realized through hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0089] Embodiment 1 is an example of a preferred embodiment and is not intended to limit the technical scope of this disclosure. Embodiment 1 may be implemented in part or in combination with other embodiments. The procedure described using flowcharts, etc., may be modified as appropriate.

[0090] The word "part" in each element of the request device 200, the management device 300, and the collection device 400 may be read as "processing," "process," "circuit," or "circuit." [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 100 Information gathering system, 101 User, 102 Mobile unit, 109 Communication network, 110 Target equipment, 111 Sensor group, 112 Communication device, 200 Request device, 201 Processor, 202 Memory, 203 Auxiliary storage device, 204 Communication device, 205 Input / Output interface, 209 Processing circuit, 211 Attribute acquisition unit, 212 Matching unit, 213 Request unit, 214 Information reception unit, 215 Verification unit, 216 Reward granting unit, 290 Storage unit, 300 Management device, 301 Processor, 302 Memory, 303 Auxiliary storage device, 304 Communication device, 305 Input / Output interface, 309 Processing circuit, 311 Log acquisition unit, 312 Flag generation unit, 313 Flag deletion unit, 390 Storage unit, 400 Collection device, 401 Processor, 402 Memory, 403 auxiliary storage device, 404 communication device, 405 input / output interface, 406 sensor group, 409 processing circuit, 411 attribute notification unit, 412 request reception unit, 413 collection unit, 414 submission unit, 419 control unit, 490 storage unit.

Claims

1. A matching unit selects a collection device as a collection request destination that meets the request destination conditions, which are the conditions for a request destination to collect equipment information of the target equipment, based on multiple attribute information corresponding to multiple collection devices, A request unit that sends a collection request to the collection recipient requesting the collection of the aforementioned equipment information, An information gathering system comprising, Each of the aforementioned collection devices is a terminal owned by the user, The attribute information of each of the plurality of collection devices indicates at least one of the user's ownership qualifications and the organization to which the user belongs. The aforementioned requirements for the service provider specify requirements for at least one of the following: qualifications and organization. The matching unit selects the collection device corresponding to the attribute information that meets the requirements shown in the requester conditions as the requester conditions. Information gathering system.

2. A matching unit selects a collection device as a collection request destination that meets the request destination conditions, which are the conditions for a request destination to collect equipment information of the target equipment, based on multiple attribute information corresponding to multiple collection devices, A request unit that sends a collection request to the collection recipient requesting the collection of the aforementioned equipment information, An information gathering system comprising, Each of the aforementioned collection devices is a device mounted on an automatically moving vehicle, The attribute information of each of the plurality of collection devices indicates the function of the collection device. The aforementioned client requirements specify the functional requirements, The matching unit selects the collection device corresponding to the attribute information that meets the requirements shown in the request destination conditions as the collection destination. Information gathering system.

3. A matching unit selects a collection device as a collection request destination that meets the request destination conditions, which are the conditions for a request destination to collect equipment information of the target equipment, based on multiple attribute information corresponding to multiple collection devices, A request unit that sends a collection request to the collection recipient requesting the collection of the aforementioned equipment information, A verification unit that determines whether the information to be collected, transmitted from the aforementioned collection request recipient, satisfies the information conditions, which are the conditions for the equipment information to be collected. A reward-granting unit that grants a reward to the owner of the collection device, who is the recipient of the collection request, when it is determined that the collected information meets the information conditions, An information gathering system equipped with the following features.

4. The reward-granting unit determines the reward based on the amount of information in the collected information. The information gathering system according to claim 3.

5. A matching unit selects a collection device as a collection request destination that meets the request destination conditions, which are the conditions for a request destination to collect equipment information of the target equipment, based on multiple attribute information corresponding to multiple collection devices, A request unit that sends a collection request to the collection recipient requesting the collection of the aforementioned equipment information, A verification unit that determines whether the information to be collected, transmitted from the aforementioned collection request recipient, satisfies the information conditions, which are the conditions for the equipment information to be collected. An information gathering system comprising, If the requesting unit determines that the collected information does not meet the information conditions, it will send the collection request again to the collection request recipient. Information gathering system.

6. A matching unit selects a collection device as a collection request destination that meets the request destination conditions, which are the conditions for a request destination to collect equipment information of the target equipment, based on multiple attribute information corresponding to multiple collection devices, A request unit that sends a collection request to the collection recipient requesting the collection of the aforementioned equipment information, A request device equipped with, Each of the aforementioned collection devices is a terminal owned by the user, The attribute information of each of the plurality of collection devices indicates at least one of the user's ownership qualifications and the organization to which the user belongs. The aforementioned requirements for the service provider specify requirements for at least one of the following: qualifications and organization. The matching unit selects the collection device corresponding to the attribute information that meets the requirements shown in the requester conditions as the requester conditions. Requested device.

7. A matching unit selects a collection device as a collection request destination that meets the request destination conditions, which are the conditions for a request destination to collect equipment information of the target equipment, based on multiple attribute information corresponding to multiple collection devices, A request unit that sends a collection request to the collection recipient requesting the collection of the aforementioned equipment information, A request device equipped with, Each of the aforementioned collection devices is a device mounted on an automatically moving vehicle, The attribute information of each of the plurality of collection devices indicates the function of the collection device. The aforementioned client requirements specify the functional requirements, The matching unit selects the collection device corresponding to the attribute information that meets the requirements shown in the request destination conditions as the collection destination. Requested device.

8. A matching unit selects a collection device as a collection request destination that meets the request destination conditions, which are the conditions for a request destination to collect equipment information of the target equipment, based on multiple attribute information corresponding to multiple collection devices, A request unit that sends a collection request to the collection recipient requesting the collection of the aforementioned equipment information, A verification unit that determines whether the information to be collected, transmitted from the aforementioned collection request recipient, satisfies the information conditions, which are the conditions for the equipment information to be collected. A reward-granting unit that grants a reward to the owner of the collection device, who is the recipient of the collection request, when it is determined that the collected information meets the information conditions, A request device equipped with the following features.

9. A matching unit selects a collection device as a collection request destination that meets the request destination conditions, which are the conditions for a request destination to collect equipment information of the target equipment, based on multiple attribute information corresponding to multiple collection devices, A request unit that sends a collection request to the collection recipient requesting the collection of the aforementioned equipment information, A verification unit that determines whether the information to be collected, transmitted from the aforementioned collection request recipient, satisfies the information conditions, which are the conditions for the equipment information to be collected. An information gathering system comprising, If the requesting unit determines that the collected information does not meet the information conditions, it will send the collection request again to the collection request recipient. Requested device.

10. Based on multiple attribute information corresponding to multiple collection devices, a collection device that meets the conditions for requesting the collection of equipment information of the target equipment is selected as the collection request recipient. A request for collection of the aforementioned equipment information is sent to the aforementioned recipient. Information gathering methods, Each of the aforementioned collection devices is a terminal owned by the user, The attribute information of each of the plurality of collection devices indicates at least one of the user's ownership qualifications and the organization to which the user belongs. The aforementioned requirements for the service provider specify requirements for at least one of the following: qualifications and organization. The collection device corresponding to the attribute information that meets the requirements shown in the above-mentioned client conditions is selected as the client condition. Method for collecting information using a requested device.

11. Based on multiple attribute information corresponding to multiple collection devices, a collection device that meets the conditions for requesting the collection of equipment information of the target equipment is selected as the collection request recipient. A request for collection of the aforementioned equipment information is sent to the aforementioned recipient. Information gathering methods, Each of the aforementioned collection devices is a device mounted on an automatically moving vehicle, The attribute information of each of the plurality of collection devices indicates the function of the collection device. The aforementioned client requirements specify the functional requirements, The collection device corresponding to the attribute information that meets the requirements shown in the above-mentioned conditions for the collection destination is selected as the collection destination. Method for collecting information using a requested device.

12. Based on multiple attribute information corresponding to multiple collection devices, a collection device that meets the conditions for requesting the collection of equipment information of the target equipment is selected as the collection request recipient. A request for collection of the aforementioned equipment information is sent to the aforementioned recipient. We determine whether the information to be collected, which is the information condition for the equipment information to be collected, is sent from the aforementioned collection request recipient. If the collected information is determined to meet the information conditions, a reward will be paid to the owner of the collection device, who is the recipient of the collection request. Method for collecting information using a requested device.

13. Based on multiple attribute information corresponding to multiple collection devices, a collection device that meets the conditions for requesting the collection of equipment information of the target equipment is selected as the collection request recipient. A request for collection of the aforementioned equipment information is sent to the aforementioned recipient. We determine whether the information to be collected, which is the information condition for the equipment information to be collected, is sent from the aforementioned collection request recipient. If it is determined that the collected information does not meet the information conditions, the collection request will be sent again to the collection request recipient. Method for collecting information using a requested device.

14. A matching process that selects a collection device as the collection request destination that meets the request destination conditions, which are the conditions for a request destination to request the collection of equipment information of the target equipment, based on multiple attribute information corresponding to multiple collection devices, A request process that sends a collection request to the collection recipient requesting the collection of the aforementioned equipment information, An information gathering program to cause a computer to execute, Each of the aforementioned collection devices is a terminal owned by the user, The attribute information of each of the plurality of collection devices indicates at least one of the user's ownership qualifications and the organization to which the user belongs. The aforementioned requirements for the service provider specify requirements for at least one of the following: qualifications and organization. The matching process selects the collection device corresponding to the attribute information that meets the requirements shown in the requester conditions as the requester conditions. Information gathering program.

15. A matching process that selects a collection device as the collection request destination that meets the request destination conditions, which are the conditions for a request destination to request the collection of equipment information of the target equipment, based on multiple attribute information corresponding to multiple collection devices, A request process that sends a collection request to the collection recipient requesting the collection of the aforementioned equipment information, An information gathering program to cause a computer to execute, Each of the aforementioned collection devices is a device mounted on an automatically moving vehicle, The attribute information of each of the plurality of collection devices indicates the function of the collection device. The aforementioned client requirements specify the functional requirements, The matching process selects the collection device corresponding to the attribute information that meets the requirements shown in the request destination conditions as the collection destination. Information gathering program.

16. A matching process that selects a collection device as the collection request destination that meets the request destination conditions, which are the conditions for a request destination to request the collection of equipment information of the target equipment, based on multiple attribute information corresponding to multiple collection devices, A request process that sends a collection request to the collection recipient requesting the collection of the aforementioned equipment information, A verification process to determine whether the information to be collected from the aforementioned collection request recipient satisfies the information conditions, which are the conditions for the equipment information to be collected. If the collected information is determined to meet the information conditions, a reward payment process is performed to grant a reward to the owner of the collection device, who is the recipient of the collection request. A program that collects information to cause a computer to execute a command.

17. A matching process that selects a collection device as the collection request destination that meets the request destination conditions, which are the conditions for a request destination to request the collection of equipment information of the target equipment, based on multiple attribute information corresponding to multiple collection devices, A request process that sends a collection request to the collection recipient requesting the collection of the aforementioned equipment information, A verification process to determine whether the information to be collected from the aforementioned collection request recipient satisfies the information conditions, which are the conditions for the equipment information to be collected. An information gathering program to cause a computer to execute, The aforementioned request process, if it is determined that the collected information does not meet the information conditions, will send the collection request again to the collection request recipient. Information gathering program.

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