Server equipment and area identification system

Abstract

To provide a server device capable of reflecting a region formed in an actual space to a virtual space.SOLUTION: A server device comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires installation information which can identify a position of an object installed in an actual space; and a virtual region generation unit that generates a virtual region corresponding to an actual region formed by installation of the object in a virtual space on the basis of the installation information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0006] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device and a region identification system.

Background Art

[0002] By forming a region using partitions or the like, a venue for holding an event or the like is temporarily set up. For example, there are cases where a time-rental space, a special venue provided for an event such as a festival, etc. is temporarily set up.

[0003] On the other hand, it is known to use AR (Augmented Reality) technology to synthesize and display an actual image or video and computer graphics (for example, Patent Document 1). By presenting information that reflects the location and state of the venue in a virtual space to the participants' smartphones or the like using such AR technology, the convenience of the participants can be improved.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, when temporarily forming a venue, it may be operated flexibly according to the on-site situation. For example, when the number of participants in an event held at the venue is unexpectedly large, the scale of the venue may be expanded to deal with it. Even when it is changed from the original plan like this, it is desirable that the changed content can be reflected in the virtual space.

[0006] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a server device and a region identification system that can reflect a region formed in the real space in the virtual space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A server device according to one aspect of the present invention is in real space Event venue set up An acquisition unit that acquires installation information that can identify the position of an object that has been installed, and based on the installation information, the object is formed as a result of being installed. As an event venue A virtual domain generation unit that creates a virtual domain in the virtual space that corresponds to the real domain, and A distribution information generation unit generates distribution information that associates operational information relating to the operation of the physical domain, which includes the size, location coordinates, floor, administrator, and information on events held in the physical domain, according to the installation information, with the virtual domain. It is equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to reflect areas formed in real space in a virtual space according to the positions of objects placed in real space. This makes it possible to set up a virtual space that reflects areas formed in real space, even when the venue is set up flexibly according to the conditions on site. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates the outline of the region identification system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2A] This is a side view of a guide pole-type object used in the area identification system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2B] This is a side view of another guide pole-type object used in the area identification system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2C] This is a side view of a mobile object used in the region identification system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of an identification signal transmitting unit provided on an object. [Figure 4A] This is a diagram illustrating a partition-type object. [Figure 4B] This is a diagram illustrating a partition-type object. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the area setting server according to the embodiment. [Figure 6A] It is a diagram for explaining a first method by which an area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 6B] It is a diagram for explaining a first method by which an area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 7A] It is a diagram for explaining a second method by which an area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 7B] It is a diagram for explaining a second method by which an area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 7C] It is a diagram for explaining a second method by which an area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 7D] It is a diagram for explaining a second method by which an area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 8] It is a diagram for explaining a third method by which an area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 9] It is a diagram for explaining a fourth method by which an area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 10A] It is a diagram for explaining a fifth method by which an area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 10B] It is a diagram for explaining a fifth method by which an area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 11A] It is a diagram for explaining a sixth method by which an area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 11B] It is a diagram for explaining a sixth method by which an area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 12] It is a diagram for explaining a correction method performed when an area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 13] It is a diagram for explaining another first method by which an area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 14A] It is a diagram for explaining a dial portion provided in an object. [Figure 14B] It is a diagram for explaining a dial portion provided in an object. [Figure 15A] It is a diagram for explaining another second method by which an area setting server sets a virtual area. [Figure 15B] This diagram illustrates another method (2) for the area configuration server to configure the virtual area. [Figure 15C] This diagram illustrates another method (2) for the area configuration server to configure the virtual area. [Figure 16] This diagram illustrates the correction method used when the area setting server configures a virtual area using the dial unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

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

[0012] Object 10 is an object placed in real space. The location where object 10 is placed indicates the boundary of a region (real region) formed in real space. The region identification system 1 only needs to have at least one object 10, but may have multiple objects 10. By placing object 10 in real space in this way, it becomes possible for a person in real space to recognize a specific region, and object 10 makes it possible to link real space and virtual space.

[0013] Object 10 is a guide pole type, as shown in Figure 2A, which is a side view of object 10. Object 10 has a support column 102 suspended from a base 101. A cylindrical part 103 is provided at the top of the support column 102. A belt 12 is wound around and stored in the cylindrical part 103. A pull-out part 104 for pulling out the belt 12 is provided on the side of the cylindrical part 103. By connecting the objects 10 with the belt 12, a partition can be formed to divide a space. Object 10 has an identification signal transmitting unit 11. The identification signal transmitting unit 11 transmits an identification signal to identify object 10. The identification signal transmitting unit 11 transmits the identification signal using a wireless communication method such as Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), UWB (Ultra Wide Band), or RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier).

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

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

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

[0017] Furthermore, the area configuration server 50 generates information about the virtual area, for example, distribution information that associates events with the range of the physical area corresponding to the virtual area. The area configuration server 50 transmits the generated distribution information to the smartphones of event participants and to the digital signage described later.

[0018] The area configuration server 50 generates information about the actual area, such as area management information and area operation information.

[0019] Area management information is information that can be used to manage a physical space, and includes, for example, location coordinates, floor information, administrator, time, area, and usage fee. The location coordinates indicate the location coordinates of each object 10 identified by the area setting server 50. The floor information indicates the floor on which each object 10 is installed. The administrator information indicates the name of the person who will manage the physical space created in this instance. For example, the administrator may notify the area setting server 50 in advance of the floor information and the administrator's name, and the area setting server 50 will set the floor information and administrator in the area management information based on the information notified by the administrator. The terms "time," "area," and "usage fee" indicate the time period during which the created physical space is available, the area of ​​the created physical space, and the usage fee for using the created physical space, respectively. For example, if the created physical space is a rental space, a fee will be charged according to the usage time and area. By including information on time, area, and usage fee in the area management information, it becomes possible to clearly show how the usage fee will change, for example, when the usage time is extended or the venue area is expanded depending on the status of the event.

[0020] Area operation information is information that can be used to operate in a real space, such as navigation destinations, no-entry zones, and space rental information. The navigation destination displays information that allows the currently formed physical space to be set as the destination in the navigation system. For example, the navigation destination displays information such as the address corresponding to the currently formed location and the map code (a numerical number representing latitude and longitude). By including information about the navigation destination in the area operation information, it becomes possible to set a temporarily formed physical area that cannot be searched using the navigation system's map information as the destination in the navigation system. Therefore, even if the location is not shown on the map, participants can easily reach the venue using a navigation app on their smartphone or other device. The restricted area displays information indicating areas in the physical space created that participants cannot enter. By including information about restricted areas in the area operation information, it is possible to clearly indicate spaces reserved for authorized personnel, i.e., areas where participants are prohibited from entering, even if the area is temporarily created. This makes it possible to smoothly operate events and other activities by preventing participants from entering these restricted areas. Space rental information indicates areas that are being rented out. By including information about space rentals in the area operation information, users can be notified whether or not there are rented-out areas near the newly created area. Therefore, for example, it is possible to show users who want to expand the venue area depending on the event situation which areas are available for rent, thereby improving convenience.

[0021] Each digital signage (digital signage 60 and 70) is a fixed electronic bulletin board that displays various information in accordance with the control of the area setting server 50. This digital signage is intended to inform people in the physical space about the purpose and duration of use of a specific physical space corresponding to a virtual space. For example, each digital signage obtains information from the area setting server 50 regarding the physical space corresponding to the virtual space set by the area setting server 50, and displays the obtained operational information. The area identification system 1 may be equipped with only one of the digital signage or both.

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

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

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

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

[0026] In this embodiment, the area identification system 1 is formed when object 10 is placed in real space. The area setting server 50 calculates the placement position of object 10 in real space based on the identification signal output by object 10. Based on the calculated placement position, the area setting server 50 sets a virtual area in virtual space that corresponds to the real area. The area setting server 50 distributes and provides information about the real area and information about the virtual area that corresponds to this real area.

[0027] For example, when holding an event using a rented space, an object 10 is placed at the boundary of the area allocated as the rented space, and by connecting the placed objects 10 with a belt 12, for example, a physical area corresponding to the rented space is formed. The area setting server 50 calculates the placement position of the object 10 based on the identification signal output by the object 10. Based on the calculated placement position, the area setting server 50 identifies the area where the event using the rented space will take place. The area setting server 50 sets a virtual area corresponding to the identified area in the virtual space, reflects the physical space in the virtual space, and aggregates the information. The area setting server 50 generates distribution information that associates the calculated object 10's installation location information, area information such as location and size, and other information such as location coordinates, floor, administrator, and event date and time with the virtual area as operational information related to the operation of the rental space. The floor, administrator, and event date and time information are assumed to have been notified to the area setting server 50 in advance by the administrator or other relevant parties. The area setting server 50 displays the generated distribution information on digital signage 60 or the like.

[0028] Furthermore, if the venue size needs to be expanded due to the event's progress, the administrator can change the installation location of object 10. The area setting server 50 recalculates the installation location of each object based on the identification signal output by each object whose installation location has been changed. The area setting server 50 changes the physical area based on the calculated installation location. The area setting server 50 sets a virtual area corresponding to the changed area in the virtual space and generates updated distribution information. The area setting server 50 displays the updated distribution information on digital signage 60, etc. This allows the changed venue area to be reflected in the virtual space even if the area designated as the venue is changed, enabling real-time reflection of changes in the physical space into the virtual space.

[0029] The region identification system 1 according to this embodiment can be used, for example, in the following ways.

[0030] (1) Navigation apps that provide guidance to temporary destinations, such as during events. (2) Display of temporary restricted areas due to construction or maintenance in navigation applications. (3) Audio guidance for limited-time events and other events in the guidance app. (4) Display of signs indicating temporarily restricted areas by autonomous mobile robots. (5) Delivery of goods to a temporary unloading area by delivery robots. (6) Setting the scope of control over equipment such as lighting in building management services. (7) Setting the range of security levels in the security system.

[0031] In the various services described above, users can notify the service provider of the area they wish to use by placing objects in the physical space. Furthermore, if they wish to change the area they wish to use, they only need to change the placement of the objects. This eliminates the need to notify the service provider in advance about the area they wish to use, or to notify them again if the area changes. Additionally, the service provider can understand the area being used by the user based on the placement of each object, allowing them to obtain accurate information without frequent contact with the user or on-site visits.

[0032] <How to calculate the placement position of object 10> The method for calculating the installation position of object 10 will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the identification signal transmitting unit 11 and the positioning device 40.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 and 2A, object 10 is provided with an identification signal transmitting unit 11. As shown in Figure 3, the identification signal transmitting unit 11 is composed of a control unit 112, a direction detection unit 113, and a transmission unit 114.

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

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

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

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

[0038] <Configuration of Area Setting Server 50> Next, the area setting server 50 will be described using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the area setting server 50 according to the embodiment. In the following explanation, for the sake of simplicity, we will describe the configuration of the area configuration server 50 using the example of the area configuration server 50 communicating with object 10.

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

[0040] The receiving unit 501 receives information indicating the placement information of object 10 from the positioning device 40. The acquisition unit 502 acquires information indicating the placement information of object 10, such as the two-dimensional coordinate position, from the receiving unit 501.

[0041] The region identification unit 503 identifies a real region based on the two-dimensional coordinate position acquired by the acquisition unit 502 and sets a virtual region corresponding to the real region. The following methods are possible for the region identification unit 503 to set the virtual region. The methods for the region identification unit 503 to set the virtual region will be explained in detail later.

[0042] Method 1: Using three or more objects (basic) Method 2: Using structural information Third method: A method of sequentially connecting the placement locations of objects. Method 4: Using Area Fifth method: Using only one object Method 6: Using two objects

[0043] The digital map 504 stores the real-world location information of the area where object 10 is placed. Furthermore, if object 10 is placed indoors, the digital map 504 also stores the location coordinates of structural elements such as room corners and windows.

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

[0045] <Method 1 for configuring a virtual area> Next, a first method by which the region identification unit 503 sets a virtual region corresponding to a real region will be described. Figures 6A and 6B illustrate the first method of setting a virtual region. In Figures 6A and 6B, P1 to P4 indicate the object coordinates of four objects 10. The region identification unit 503 basically obtains the position coordinates of the objects 10 that divide the space and defines the region surrounded by multiple (three or more) objects 10 as a virtual region. In the case of Figure 6A, the region identification unit 503 calculates the region surrounded by object coordinates P1 to P4 as virtual region A1.

[0046] Furthermore, the region identification unit 503 considers adjacent object coordinates to be the same when the distance between them is less than a threshold, and sets up a virtual region. That is, in Figure 6B, among the eight object coordinates P11 to P14 and P21 to P24, object coordinates P11 and P21, object coordinates P12 and P22, object coordinates P13 and P23, and object coordinates P14 and P24 are located in the vicinity of each other. In this case, the region identification unit 503 considers the position coordinates of the nearby objects 10 to be the same and calculates the virtual region A2. More specifically, the first object coordinates and the second object coordinates located in the vicinity are considered to be located at the intersection of a line passing through the first object coordinates that constitute the edge of the region and a line passing through the second object coordinates that constitute the edge of the region.

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

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

[0049] Figures 7A to 7D illustrate a second method for setting up a virtual region. In Figure 7A, two object coordinates P31 and P32 are placed in a room enclosed by walls W31, W32, W33, and W34. In this case, the region identification unit 503 assumes that the room is separated by a straight line connecting object coordinates P31 and P32, and calculates the region enclosed by the straight line connecting object coordinates P31 and P32, and walls W31, W32, and W34 as the virtual region A3.

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

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

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

[0053] <Third method for setting up a virtual area> Next, a third method by which the region identification unit 503 sets a virtual region corresponding to a real region will be described. The region identification unit 503 identifies a virtual region by connecting predetermined object coordinates with lines.

[0054] Figure 8 illustrates a third method for setting up a virtual area. In this example, the area identification unit 503 identifies a virtual area by connecting the object coordinates of each object 10 with lines, or it is pre-configured. When the area identification unit 503 receives the installation information of the objects 10 and the identification information that identifies each object 10, it identifies a virtual area by connecting the object coordinates of each object 10 with lines based on the identification information. In the configuration of Figure 8, when the area identification unit 503 receives the installation information of multiple objects 10 and the identification information that identifies each object 10, it identifies a virtual area by connecting each object 10 with lines in a predetermined order. That is, in this example, if the identification information is specified to connect object coordinates P71, P72, P73, and P74 in that order, the virtual area A7 shown in Figure 8 is identified.

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

[0056] <Fifth method for configuring a virtual area> Next, a fifth method for the region identification unit 503 to set up a virtual region corresponding to a real region will be described. It is also possible to set up a virtual region without enclosing it with an object. Figures 10A and 10B illustrate the fifth method for setting up a virtual region. In Figure 10A, the area formed by a circle centered on a single object coordinate P111 is identified as virtual area A11. The radius of virtual area A11 may be configured in advance, or it may be included in the signals that the transmission unit 114 sends to the area setting server 50, such as signals indicating the direction of the boundary or the area setting value.

[0057] Furthermore, in Figure 10B, the virtual region A12 is identified as a semicircle formed by a line passing through one object coordinate P121 as its diameter. The radius of the virtual region A12 may be configured in advance, or it may be included in the signals that the transmission unit 114 sends to the area setting server 50, such as signals indicating the direction of the boundary or the setting value of the area. In addition, the direction of the line passing through one object coordinate P121 can be the direction identified by the direction detection unit 113.

[0058] <Sixth method for configuring a virtual area> Next, a sixth method for the region identification unit 503 to set a virtual region corresponding to a real region will be described. Figures 11A and 11B illustrate the sixth method for setting a virtual region. As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, when there are two object coordinates P121 and P122, the region identification unit 503 can identify either virtual region A12a or A12b by the straight line connecting object coordinates P121 and P122. Here, the following examples can be considered regarding which region, virtual region A12a or virtual region A12b, to adopt. (1) A method of designating only a predetermined side as the virtual area, that is, a predetermined location in the space such as the window side or the entrance side. (2) A method of determining which side to use as the virtual area based on the object's identification number, that is, specifying the area to the left when viewing object coordinates P122 from object coordinates P121. (3) A method of determining which side to designate as the virtual area using an object whose orientation can be identified, that is, by determining the orientation of object 10 or a switch. Furthermore, when setting up a virtual area using any of the methods described above, it is also possible to automatically correct for discrepancies in the placement and orientation of objects based on room shape information obtained from a digital map. Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram of object correction.

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

[0060] <Another way to configure a virtual area 1> Alternatively, a method may be used in which an object 10 is further equipped with a channel switch 107, as shown in Figure 2B, in addition to the configuration of the object 10 of the above embodiment, to set up multiple virtual regions in real space. In this method, an identification signal transmitting unit 11 is used which is equipped with a channel switch input unit 117 that inputs the setting value from the channel switch 107 to the control unit 112. The control unit 112 of the identification signal transmitting unit 11 is configured to receive a signal indicating the channel setting value set by the channel switch 107 via the channel switch input unit 117, and to transmit information regarding the channel setting value of each object 10, along with an identification signal that identifies the object 10, to the positioning device 40. Based on the identification signal that identifies the object 10 transmitted to the receiving unit 41 of the positioning device 40 via the transmitting unit 114 of the identification signal transmitting unit 11, the positioning calculation unit 42 of the positioning device 40 is configured to calculate the installation location of each object 10 and identify the virtual area. By configuring channels in this way, a virtual area can be set for each channel. In other words, in this embodiment, multiple areas can be set by setting a virtual area for objects 10 on the same channel as a single group.

[0061] Figure 13 illustrates this method for setting up virtual regions. In the example in Figure 13, of the five object coordinates P61 to P65, object coordinates P61 and P62 are set to channel Ch1, and object coordinates P63 to P65 are set to channel Ch2. In this case, separate virtual regions A6a and A6b are formed between object coordinates P61 and P62 set to channel Ch1 and object coordinates P63 to P65 set to channel Ch2.

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

[0063] Figures 14A and 14B are explanatory diagrams of the dial units 106a and 106b. The dial units 106a and 106b are independently movable rotary dials. By rotating the two dial units 106a and 106b, the boundaries of the region can be set. As shown in Figure 14A, moving the dial units 106a and 106b simultaneously allows the direction of boundary K to be set. Also, as shown in Figure 14B, moving the dial units 106a and 106b independently sets two boundaries K1 and K2, corresponding to dial units 106a and 106b, respectively. As a result, the region R whose boundary lines move in accordance with the movement of the dial units 106a and 106b can be set as the region enclosing the two boundaries.

[0064] Figures 15A to 15C illustrate this method for setting up a virtual area. In Figure 15A, the orientation of the dial portions 106a and 106b of object 10 at object coordinates P201 is set to a 90-degree region R1. This sets up a virtual region A20. In Figure 15B, the orientation of the dial portions 106a and 106b of object 10 at object coordinates P211 is set to a 180-degree region R2. This sets up the virtual region A21. In Figure 15C, the orientation of the dial parts 106a and 106b of object 10 at object coordinate P221 is set so that they are parallel to walls W201 and W203, creating a 180-degree region R3. The orientation of the dial parts 106a and 106b of object 10 at object coordinate P222 is set so that they are parallel to walls W202 and W204, creating a 180-degree region R4. This sets up the virtual region A22.

[0065] In this way, by using the dial sections 106a and 106b, a virtual area can be set up with a small number of objects.

[0066] Furthermore, when setting a virtual area using the dial unit 106, the system may automatically correct any discrepancies in the orientation indicated by the dial unit 106 based on room shape information obtained from a digital map. Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram of object correction when using the dial unit 106.

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

[0068] As described above, the area setting server 50 of the embodiment comprises an acquisition unit 502 and a virtual area generation unit 505. The area setting server 50 is an example of a "server device". The acquisition unit 502 acquires information indicating the installation location of the object 10. This information indicating the installation location is an example of "installation information". The virtual area generation unit 505 generates a virtual area in the virtual space that corresponds to the real area formed by the installation of the object 10 based on the installation information. As a result, the area setting server 50 of the embodiment can generate a virtual area using the installation location of the object 10 installed in the real space. Therefore, the area formed in the real space can be reflected in the virtual space.

[0069] Furthermore, the area setting server 50 of the embodiment further includes a distribution information generation unit 507. The distribution information generation unit 507 generates distribution information that associates information about the physical area with the virtual area. As a result, the area setting server 50 of the embodiment can distribute information about the physical area, thereby improving convenience for administrators who manage the physical area, users who utilize the physical area, and others.

[0070] Furthermore, the area identification system 1 of this embodiment includes a digital signage 60 and an area setting server 50. The area identification system 1 is an example of an "area operation system". The digital signage 60 is an example of an "object having a display unit". The area setting server 50 causes the digital signage 60 to display information on the digital signage 60 that is formed by the installation of the digital signage 60 as an object. As a result, the area identification system 1 of this embodiment can display information on the digital signage 60 that corresponds to the location (self-position) where the digital signage 60 is installed. Therefore, the digital signage 60 can be given the function of an object and also function as a guide board indicating a real area, thereby improving the convenience of users who use the real area.

[0071] Furthermore, the area identification system 1 of the embodiment includes an object 30 and an area setting server 50. Object 30 is an example of an "object having a movement mechanism". Object 30 is installed in real space by remote operation. As a result, the area identification system 1 of the embodiment can form a real area by remote operation.

[0072] In addition, while the area identification system 1 of this embodiment uses a guide pole-type object 10, it is not limited to this. For example, a partition-type object 20 or a movable object 30 may be used, and combinations of each object 10, 20, and 30 may be installed and arranged in the actual area.

[0073] Object 20 has identification signal transmitting units 21 (identification signal transmitting units 21a and 21b). The identification signal transmitting units 21 are provided, for example, at both ends of the partition. The identification signal transmitting units 21 transmit identification signals to identify object 20. Similar to the identification signal transmitting unit 11, the identification signal transmitting units 21 transmit identification signals using a wireless communication method such as Bluetooth. The identification signals transmitted by each of the identification signal transmitting units 21 may include information indicating which end of the partition they are located at.

[0074] Figures 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams of the partition-type object 20. As shown in Figure 4A, the partition-type object 20 is provided with identification signal emitters 21a and 21b at each end of the partition, making it possible to acquire the positions of both ends. Furthermore, by providing identification signal emitters 21a and 21b at both ends, it is possible to detect the orientation of the boundary (partition) formed by the installation of the partition-type object 20. In this way, object 20 can be used instead of the two guide pole-type objects 10 in the above embodiment, and similar to object 10, a virtual area corresponding to a real area can be set by using object 20.

[0075] Object 30 also has an identification signal transmitting unit 31. The identification signal transmitting unit 31 transmits an identification signal to identify object 30. Similar to the identification signal transmitting unit 11, the identification signal transmitting unit 31 transmits the identification signal using a wireless communication method such as Bluetooth. Object 30 also has a movement mechanism 32. The movement mechanism 32 moves according to external operation or a movement control function provided inside object 30.

[0076] Furthermore, the identification signal transmitting unit 31 of the movable object 30 can be configured similarly to the guide pole type object 10, as shown in Figure 2C, and instead of the identification signal transmitting unit 11 of the object 10, it has an identification signal transmitting unit 3 that has the same function as the identification signal transmitting unit 11. The object 30 can be used instead of the guide pole type object 10 in the above embodiment, and similar to the object 10, a virtual area corresponding to the real area can be set by using the object 30.

[0077] The entire or a part of the region identification system 1 in the above-described embodiment may be implemented using a computer. In that case, the program for implementing this function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be loaded into the computer system and executed. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into the computer system. Moreover, "computer-readable recording medium" may also include those that dynamically hold programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, and those that hold programs for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory inside the computer system that acts as a server or client in that case. Furthermore, the above-mentioned program may be for implementing a part of the above-mentioned function, or it may be a program that can implement the above-mentioned function in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, or it may be implemented using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA.

[0078] Although embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the spirit of this invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 1...Area Identification System, 10...Object, 50...Area Setting Server (Server Device), 502...Acquisition Unit, 503...Area Identification Unit, 505...Virtual Area Generation Unit, 507...Distribution Information Generation Unit

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires installation information that can identify the location of an object installed at an event venue set up in real space, A virtual area generation unit generates a virtual area in virtual space that corresponds to the real area as an event venue formed by the installation of the object, based on the installation information. A distribution information generation unit generates distribution information that associates operational information relating to the operation of the physical domain, which includes the size, location coordinates, floor, administrator, and information on events held in the physical domain, according to the installation information, with the virtual domain. A server device equipped with the following features.

2. The acquisition unit acquires the identification information output from the object having a function of transmitting identification information as the installation information, The distribution information generation unit generates the distribution information corresponding to the changed physical area in response to the change in the installation position of the object. The server device according to claim 1.

3. An object installed in real space, which has a display unit, The server device according to claim 1 or claim 2 and Equipped with, The server device causes the display unit to display information regarding the physical area formed by the installation of the object. Area identification system.

4. An object installed in real space, which has a movement mechanism, The server device according to claim 1 or claim 2 and Equipped with, The object is installed in the physical space by remote control. Area identification system.

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