Information provision method and information provision server

Abstract

To prevent complication of display of a spot image.SOLUTION: An information providing method in an information providing system is a method for providing information on a plurality of spots to a user by a server and a terminal device. A plurality of images having mutually different sections are associated with each of the plurality of spots. The information providing method includes: a step (for example, step S122, and step S124) of specifying an object spot among the plurality of spots; and a step (for example, step S125) of selecting at least one image having the section according to the feature of the user, as an image displayed on the display of the terminal device, among the plurality of images associated with the object spot.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an information providing method and an information providing server, and particularly to an information providing method for providing information about a plurality of spots to a user by a computer, and an information providing server for providing information about a plurality of spots to a user.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a method of displaying spot images associated with spots on a map (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the method of Patent Document 1, when spot images overlap, all spot images are displayed as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 13, and 16 of Patent Document 1. In this case, there is a problem that the display becomes complicated.

[0005] This disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an information providing method and an information providing server capable of preventing the display of spot images from becoming complicated.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information provision method described herein is a method of providing information about multiple spots to a user via computer. Each of the multiple spots is associated with multiple images that have different classifications from each other. The information provision method includes the steps of identifying a target spot from among the multiple spots, and selecting at least one image from among the multiple images associated with the target spot that has a classification corresponding to the user's characteristics as the image to be displayed on the display.

[0007] With this configuration, from among multiple images associated with a target spot identified from among multiple spots, at least one image having a classification according to the user's characteristics is selected as the image to be displayed on the screen. As a result, it is possible to provide an information provision method that does not make the display of spot images cumbersome.

[0008] The user's characteristic is the user's place of residence. Images categorized according to the user's characteristics may be an overhead view of the target spot if the user's place of residence is at or above a predetermined distance from the target spot, and an image other than an overhead view if the user's place of residence is less than a predetermined distance from the target spot.

[0009] With this configuration, from among multiple images associated with a target spot identified from among multiple spots, at least one image having a classification based on whether or not the distance from the user's place of residence to the target spot is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance can be selected as the image to be displayed on the display.

[0010] User characteristics are the user's browsing history, and images categorized according to user characteristics may be an overhead view of the target spot if the number of times the target spot's image has been viewed is less than a predetermined number of times, and an image other than an overhead view may be used if the number of times it has been viewed is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times.

[0011] With this configuration, from among multiple images associated with a target spot identified from among multiple spots, at least one image having a classification based on whether or not the user has viewed the target spot more than a predetermined number of times can be selected as the image to be displayed on the display.

[0012] A user characteristic is their preference for how images of a spot are categorized, and the categories of images associated with a spot may include both overhead and detailed images.

[0013] With this configuration, from among multiple images associated with a target spot identified from among multiple spots, at least one image having a classification according to the user's preference for the classification of the spot's image can be selected as the image to be displayed on the display.

[0014] According to other aspects of this disclosure, the information server provides the user with information about multiple spots. The information server includes a storage unit that stores multiple images with different classifications, associating each of the multiple spots with one of the images, and a processor. The processor identifies a target spot from among the multiple spots and selects at least one image from among the multiple images associated with the target spot that has classifications according to the user's characteristics as the image to be displayed on the display.

[0015] This configuration makes it possible to provide an information server that can display spot images in a way that avoids becoming cumbersome. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] This disclosure provides an information provision method and information provision server that can prevent the display of spot images from becoming cumbersome. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of the information provision system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart showing the flow of spot presentation processing executed by the server of the information providing system in this embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of a database of spot images in this embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of the transition of an image displayed on the display of the output unit of the terminal device in this embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of an information providing system 1 according to this embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the information providing system 1 includes a server 100 and a plurality of user terminal devices 500A to 500C (hereinafter, typically referred to as "terminal device 500"). The server 100 and the terminal device 500 can communicate with each other through a communication network 900. The communication network 900 includes private networks such as LAN (Local Area Network) and VPN (Virtual Private Network), and public networks such as the Internet, public lines, and public wireless LAN.

[0020] The server 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110, a memory 120, a storage device 150, and a communication unit 190. The CPU 110, the memory 120, the storage device 150, and the communication unit 190 are connected to each other by a bus 180.

[0021] Memory 120 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a working area necessary for the CPU 110 to execute programs, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing programs to be executed by the CPU 110. Also, programs and data for executing predetermined processes are read from the ROM or the like and stored in the RAM.

[0022] The storage device 150 is composed of a hard disk drive, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) drive, a memory card reader / writer, or the like. The storage device 150 magnetically, optically, or electrically records predetermined data or programs received from the CPU 110 on the recording medium 151, or reads data from the recording medium 151 and transfers it to the CPU 110. Examples of the recording medium 151 include magnetic disks such as hard disks, optical disks such as DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), memory cards, or USB (Universal Serial Bus) memories.

[0023] The communication unit 190 transmits and receives data via the communication network 900 to and from an external device (e.g., the terminal device 500). The communication unit 190 transmits data received from a device connected to the bus 180 such as the CPU 110 to the outside, or transfers data received from the outside to a device connected to the bus 180 such as the CPU 110.

[0024] The CPU 110 controls the memory 120, the communication unit 190, and the storage device 150, executes predetermined processes according to the programs and data stored in the memory 120, processes the data input from the communication unit 190 and the storage device 150, and stores the processed data in the memory 120, outputs it from the communication unit 190 to other devices, or stores it in the recording medium 151 of the storage device 150.

[0025] In this embodiment, the server 100 does not include an operation unit and a display unit, but is not limited to this and may include the configuration of an operation unit and a display unit. The operation unit may include a keyboard and a mouse, and operation signals indicating the operation content input to the server 100 by operating the keyboard and mouse of the operation unit may be passed to the CPU 110. The display unit may include, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and the LCD may display an image corresponding to the image data received from the CPU 110.

[0026] The terminal device 500 includes a CPU 510, a memory 520, an operation unit 530, an output unit 540, an external storage device 550, and a wireless communication unit 590. The CPU 510, memory 520, operation unit 530, output unit 540, external storage device 550, and wireless communication unit 590 are connected to each other by a bus 580. The CPU 510 and memory 520 are the same as the CPU 110 and memory 120 of the server 100, so redundant explanations will not be repeated.

[0027] The external storage device 550 consists of a memory card reader / writer. The external storage device 550 electrically records predetermined data or programs received from the CPU 510 onto a recording medium 551 such as a memory card or USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, or reads them from the recording medium 551 and passes them to the CPU 510. The external storage device 550 may also consist of a storage device such as a hard disk drive, flexible disk drive, MO (Magneto-Optical disk) drive, CD (Compact Disc) drive, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) drive.

[0028] The operation unit 530 includes a touch panel and operation buttons for inputting numbers, letters, and other characters such as telephone numbers and various data. The operation unit 530 may also include parts for other operations. When the operation unit 530 is operated by the user, an operation signal corresponding to the operation is transmitted from the operation unit 530 to the CPU 510. The CPU 510 controls each part of the terminal device 500 in accordance with the operation signal from the operation unit 530.

[0029] The wireless communication unit 590 is controlled by the CPU 510 and receives wireless signals from the other terminal device 500 or landline telephone of the person being called via the public line and antenna, converts the received wireless signals into voice signals, and transmits the converted voice signals to the voice input / output unit. It also converts the voice signals from the voice input / output unit into wireless signals and transmits them to the other terminal device 500 or landline telephone of the person being called via the antenna and the telecommunications carrier's communication equipment.

[0030] Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 590, controlled by the CPU 510, receives wireless signals via public lines and antennas from data communication-capable devices, such as a server 100 or other terminal device 500, converts the received wireless signals into data, stores the converted data in memory 520, or transmits it to output unit 540 for display, and also converts the data to be transmitted into wireless signals and transmits them to the data communication destination server 100 or other terminal device 500 via antennas and telecommunications carrier communication equipment.

[0031] Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 590 is controlled by the CPU 510 and exchanges data with other network-enabled devices, such as the server 100 and other terminal devices 500, via a public wireless LAN or a private wireless LAN.

[0032] The output unit 540 includes a display and a speaker. The output unit 540 is controlled by the CPU 510 and displays the image signal and audio signal converted by the CPU 510 from information received by the wireless communication unit 590, information stored in the memory 520, or information read from the recording medium 551 by the external storage device 550 as an image on the display and outputs the audio from the speaker, respectively.

[0033] Although the terminal device 500 has been described as a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, it is not limited to this and may also be a PC (Personal Computer) or other information processing device such as a tablet.

[0034] One possibility is to display spot images associated with spots on the map shown on the display of the output unit 540 of the terminal device 500 described above. Spots could include tourist facilities such as accommodations, restaurants, and entertainment venues; natural tourist resources such as mountains and lakes; cultural tourist resources such as temples and shrines and local landscapes; and multi-purpose tourist resources; as well as souvenir shops, stores, restaurants, and service providers. In cases where spot images overlap, it is conceivable to display all spot images. However, this presents the challenge of making the display cluttered.

[0035] Therefore, it is conceivable that each of the multiple spots be associated with multiple images that have different classifications from each other, and that the information provision method for providing information about the multiple spots to the user include the steps of identifying a target spot from among the multiple spots, and selecting at least one image from among the multiple images associated with the target spot that has a classification according to the user's characteristics as the image to be displayed on the display.

[0036] This allows at least one image with characteristics tailored to the user to be selected from among multiple images associated with a specific target spot, and displayed on the screen. As a result, the display of spot images can be kept from becoming cluttered.

[0037] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the spot presentation process executed by the server 100 of the information provision system 1 in this embodiment. Referring to Figure 2, this spot presentation process is called and executed by the CPU 110 of the server 100 from a higher-level process.

[0038] The CPU 110 determines whether it is time to collect information (for example, a predetermined time such as 3 a.m.) (step S111). If it determines that it is time to collect information (YES in step S111), the CPU 110 acquires a new image of the spot from another server connected to the communication network 900 or from a recording medium 151 that can be read by the storage device 150 (step S112).

[0039] The CPU 110 then classifies the acquired images into different categories (for example, overhead view, exterior view, detail view, interior view, object view, and target service view), and stores each classified image in the recording medium 151 of the storage device 150 as an image of the classified category for each spot corresponding to that image (step S113). An overhead view is an image of the spot viewed from above. An exterior view is an image of the spot viewed from the outside. A detail view is an image showing the details of the spot. An interior view is an image of the inside of the spot. An object view is an image of an object sold or displayed at the spot. A target service view is an image showing the service provided at the spot. Note that the categories may include categories of other images.

[0040] Figure 3 shows an example of a spot image database in this embodiment. Referring to Figure 3, the spot image database stored on the recording medium 151 of the storage device 150 stores the spot name, the spot image category, and the spot image data in association with each other. For example, the spot name "Spot A", the spot image category "Overhead view", and the spot image data "spotA1.jpg" are stored in association with each other.

[0041] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of images displayed on the display 541 of the output unit 540 of the terminal device 500 in this embodiment. Referring to Figure 4, as shown in Figure 4(A), the search screen of the spot suggestion application program (hereinafter referred to as the "spot suggestion app") is displayed on the display 541. The spot suggestion app is an application program that communicates with the server 100 in the terminal device 500 to display information about spots. This search screen displays a recommended spot search button 5411 for searching for recommended spots, as well as a search window 5412 and a search button 5413 for keyword searches.

[0042] In the search screen shown in Figure 4(A) of the spot suggestion app, when the recommended spot search button 5411 is pressed, the operation is detected by the touch panel of the operation unit 530, and the detected operation is transmitted from the operation unit 530 to the CPU 510. Upon receiving this operation from the operation unit 530, the CPU 510 of the terminal device 500 transmits information instructing the server 100 to search for recommended spots (hereinafter referred to as "recommended spot search instruction") via the communication network 900 from the wireless communication unit 590.

[0043] In the search screen shown in Figure 4(A) of the spot display app, when a user enters a keyword related to a desired spot into the search window 5412 and operates the search button 5413, this operation is detected by the touch panel of the operation unit 530, and the operation content including the detected keyword is transmitted from the operation unit 530 to the CPU 510. Upon receiving this operation content from the operation unit 530, the CPU 510 of the terminal device 500 transmits information instructing the server 100 to search for spots related to the keyword (hereinafter referred to as "keyword spot search instruction") via the communication network 900 from the wireless communication unit 590.

[0044] Returning to Figure 2, if it is determined that it is not time to collect information (NO in step S111), and after step S113, the CPU 110 of the server 100 determines whether or not it has received a recommended spot search instruction from the terminal device 500 (step S121). If it is determined that a recommended spot search instruction has been received (YES in step S121), the CPU 110 identifies multiple target spots to recommend to the user who sent the recommended spot search instruction from among the multiple spots stored in the recording medium 151 of the storage device 150 (step S122).

[0045] On the other hand, if it is determined that no recommended spot search instruction has been received (NO in step S121), the CPU 110 determines whether or not a keyword spot search instruction has been received from the terminal device 500 (step S123). If it is determined that a keyword spot search instruction has been received (YES in step S123), the CPU 110 identifies multiple target spots that match the keyword indicated in the keyword spot search instruction from multiple spots stored in the database shown in Figure 3 on the recording medium 151 of the storage device 150 (step S124).

[0046] After steps S122 and S124, the CPU 110 selects at least one image from among a plurality of images stored in the database shown in Figure 3 on the recording medium 151 of the storage device 150, which is associated with the target spot identified in step S122 or step S124, to be displayed on the terminal device 500 as an image corresponding to the characteristics of the user (step S125).

[0047] The images of a target spot that correspond to the user's characteristics are as follows: If the target spot is close to the user's place of residence (for example, if the target spot is less than a predetermined distance from the user's place of residence), the images are of a category other than an overhead view or exterior view (for example, a detailed view, an interior view, an object view, or an object view). If the target spot is far from the user's place of residence (for example, if the target spot is more than a predetermined distance from the user's place of residence), the images are of an overhead view or exterior view. If the user has viewed the target spot less than a predetermined number of times, the images are of an overhead view or exterior view. If the user has viewed the target spot more than a predetermined number of times, the images are of a category other than the images included in the viewing history (or images with a high number of views). Alternatively, the images correspond to the user's preferences; for example, if the overhead view is the user's preference (for example, if the overhead view is an image of a category that has been viewed more often than images of other categories, or if the overhead view is an image of a category that the user has previously set as their preference), the images are of an overhead view.

[0048] Next, the CPU 110 controls the communication unit 190 to send information to the user's terminal device 500 to display a spot selection screen (a screen that displays the selected images on a map, or a screen that displays the selected images in a list) that includes the selected images for each spot (step S126).

[0049] Moving on to Figure 4, as shown in Figure 4(B), the spot selection screen of the spot presentation app is displayed on the display 541 of the user's terminal device 500. This selection screen displays a map, along with an overhead image 5421 of spot A at the location of spot A on the map, a detailed image 5422 of spot B at the location of spot B on the map, and an image 5423 of the products sold at spot C at the location of spot C on the map. Note that while Figure 4(B) shows an example of a selection screen that displays images of target spots on a map, it is not limited to this, and a selection screen that displays images of target spots arranged in a list or tile pattern may also be used.

[0050] Returning to Figure 2, if it is determined that no keyword spot search instruction has been received (NO in step S123), and after step S126, the CPU 110 determines whether any target spots have been selected on the selection screen sent to the terminal device 500 in step S126 (step S131). If it is determined that any target spots have been selected on the selection screen (YES in step S131), the CPU 110 controls the communication unit 190 to send a spot screen containing images of multiple categories stored in the database shown in Figure 3 on the recording medium 151 of the storage device 150, associated with the selected target spots, to the user's terminal device 500 (step S132). For example, if the overhead image 5421 of spot A is selected on the selection screen, a spot screen containing images of multiple categories associated with spot A is sent to the user's terminal device 500.

[0051] Moving on to Figure 4, as shown in Figure 4(C), the spot screen for spot A of the spot display app is displayed on the display 541 of the user's terminal device 500. This spot screen displays an overhead image 5431 of spot A, an exterior image 5432, an interior image 5433, an image of the products for sale 5434, and an image of the services offered 5435.

[0052] Returning to Figure 2, if it is determined that no target spot has been selected on the selection screen (NO in step S131), and after step S132, the CPU 110 determines whether one image has been selected on the spot screen sent to the terminal device 500 in step S132 (step S141). If it is determined that one image has been selected on the spot screen (YES in step S141), the CPU 110 controls the communication unit 190 to send a screen containing an enlarged image of the selected image to the user's terminal device 500 (step S142). For example, if an internal image is selected on the spot screen, a screen containing an enlarged image of the internal image is sent to the user's terminal device 500.

[0053] Moving on to Figure 4, as shown in Figure 4(D), a screen containing an enlarged image 5441 of the internal image of spot A in the spot display application is displayed on the display 541 of the user's terminal device 500.

[0054] Returning to Figure 2, if it is determined that no image is selected on the spot screen (NO in step S141), and after step S142, the CPU 110 returns the processing to the higher-level processing that called this spot presentation process.

[0055] [Differentiation] (1) Images of building spots may include images of shops or restaurants located within the building as parent-child images, specifically images of categories other than aerial or exterior views of the building spot, for example, as detailed images. Images of facility spots may include images of shops or restaurants located within the facility as parent-child images, specifically images of categories other than aerial or exterior views of the facility spot, for example, as detailed images. Images of tourist resource spots may include images of shops or restaurants located within the area of ​​the tourist resource as parent-child images, specifically images of categories other than aerial or exterior views of the tourist resource spot, for example, as detailed images. In other words, images of child spots may be included in parent spot images as detailed images.

[0056] (2) If both the parent spot and its child spots are found in steps S122 and S124 of Figure 2, in step S125, at least one image from the images of both the parent spot and the child spots that corresponds to the user's characteristics may be selected as the display image. In this case, the image corresponding to the user's characteristics regarding the target spot is, if the parent spot is close to the user's place of residence (for example, if the parent spot is less than a predetermined distance from the user's place of residence), an image of a category other than the parent spot's overhead image and exterior image (for example, a detailed image, interior image, object image, target service image of the parent spot or child spot, or an overhead image and exterior image of the child spot). If the parent spot is far from the user's place of residence (for example, if the parent spot is more than a predetermined distance from the user's place of residence), it is an overhead image or exterior image of the parent spot. If the user's browsing history of the parent spot is less than a predetermined number of times, it is an overhead image or exterior image of the parent spot. If the parent spot has been viewed more than a predetermined number of times, the image will be from a category other than the images included in the viewing history of the parent or child spot (or images with a high number of views). Alternatively, the image will be one that matches the user's preferences. For example, if the overhead view is the user's preference (for example, if the overhead view is from a category that has been viewed more often than images from other categories, or if the overhead view is from a category that the user has previously specified as their preference), then the overhead view will be from the parent spot.

[0057] (3) In the embodiment described above, as shown in step S113 of Figure 2, the acquired images are classified into different categories. This classification may be performed using AI (Artificial Intelligence) or by human intervention. When the parent spot image includes the child spot image, if the distance between the parent spot and a certain spot is very close, the certain spot may be treated as a child spot of the parent spot, and the child spot image may be classified as a detailed image of the parent spot. When the parent spot image includes the child spot image, if the names of the parent spot and a certain spot are similar (for example, if the parent spot is XX Shopping Mall, and the name of a certain spot is □□ Restaurant XX Shopping Mall Branch, including the name of the parent spot), the certain spot may be treated as a child spot of the parent spot, and the child spot image may be classified as a detailed image of the parent spot.

[0058] (4) In the embodiment described above, one image is displayed for each spot, as shown in Figure 4(B). However, the system is not limited to this, and multiple images may be displayed for each spot, as long as the display does not become cluttered. In this case, it is desirable to display the multiple images so that they do not overlap.

[0059] (5) The aforementioned disclosures can be interpreted as disclosures of information provision systems 1, information provision servers such as server 100 or information processing devices such as terminal devices 500 as shown in Figure 1, or as disclosures of information provision methods executed by the information provision servers and information processing devices in the information provision system 1, or as disclosures of information provision programs executed by the information provision servers or information processing devices, or as disclosures of computer-readable recording media 151, 551 on which information provision programs are recorded as shown in Figure 2.

[0060] [summary] (1) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the information provision method in the information provision system 1 is a method of providing information about multiple spots to the user via the server 100 and terminal device 500. As shown in Figure 3, each of the multiple spots is associated with multiple images that have different classifications from each other. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the information provision method includes the steps of identifying a target spot from among the multiple spots (for example, steps S122 and S124) and selecting at least one image from among the multiple images associated with the target spot that has a classification according to the user's characteristics as the image to be displayed on the display 541 of the terminal device 500 (for example, step S125).

[0061] As a result, from among multiple images associated with a specific target spot identified from among several spots, at least one image having a classification according to the user's characteristics is selected as the image to be displayed on the display 541. Consequently, the display of spot images can be kept from becoming cluttered.

[0062] (2) As shown in step S125 of Figure 2, the user's characteristics are the user's place of residence, and the images that have classifications according to the user's characteristics may be an overhead view or exterior view of the target spot if the place of residence is at or above a predetermined distance from the target spot, and an image other than an overhead view or exterior view if the place of residence is less than a predetermined distance from the target spot.

[0063] This allows the user to select at least one image from among multiple images associated with a specific target spot from among several spots, which has a classification based on whether or not the distance from the user's place of residence to the target spot is greater than a predetermined distance, to be displayed on the display 541. In addition, it is possible to avoid displaying familiar overhead or exterior images.

[0064] (3) As shown in step S125 of Figure 2, the user characteristics are the user's browsing history, and the images that have classifications according to the user characteristics may be an overhead view or exterior view of the target spot if the number of times the image of the target spot has been viewed is less than a predetermined number of times, and if the number of views is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times, the images may be other than overhead view and exterior view.

[0065] This allows the system to select at least one image from among multiple images associated with a specific target spot from among several spots, which has a classification based on whether or not the user has viewed the target spot more than a predetermined number of times, to be displayed on the display 541. This avoids displaying overhead or exterior images that have been viewed multiple times.

[0066] (4) As shown in step S125 of Figure 2, the user characteristic is the user's preference for the division of images of a spot, and the division of images associated with a spot may include an overhead image and a detailed image.

[0067] This allows the system to select at least one image from among multiple images associated with a specific target spot, which has a classification according to the user's preference for the classification of images for that spot, to be displayed on the display 541. Furthermore, it allows the system to display images of the target spot that the user desires.

[0068] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 1 Information provision system, 100 Server, 110, 510 CPU, 120, 520 Memory, 150 Storage device, 151, 551 Recording medium, 180, 580 Bus, 190 Communication unit, 500, 500A~500C Terminal device, 530 Operation unit, 540 Output unit, 541 Display, 550 External storage device, 590 Wireless communication unit, 900 Communication network, 5411 Recommended spot search button, 5412 Search window, 5413 Search button, 5421 Overhead image of spot A, 5422 Detailed image of spot B, 5423 Image of products for sale at spot C, 5431 Overhead image, 5432 Exterior image, 5433 Interior image, 5434 Image of products for sale, 5435 Image of services provided, 5441 Enlarged image.

Claims

1. A method of providing information to a user by computer regarding information about multiple locations, Each of the aforementioned multiple spots is associated with multiple images that have different classifications from each other. The aforementioned method of providing information is: The steps include identifying the target spot from among the aforementioned multiple spots, The step includes selecting at least one image having a classification corresponding to the user's characteristics from among a plurality of images associated with the target spot, to be displayed on the display. The characteristics of the user are the user's browsing history, Information provision method wherein the images having classifications according to the characteristics of the user are an overhead view of the target spot if the number of times the image of the target spot has been viewed is less than a predetermined number of times, and are images other than the overhead view if the number of times it has been viewed is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times.

2. An information server that provides users with information about multiple spots, The aforementioned information providing server is A storage unit that stores multiple images with different classifications, associating them with each of the multiple spots, Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, From among the aforementioned multiple spots, identify the target spot, From among a plurality of images associated with the aforementioned target spot, at least one image having a classification corresponding to the user's characteristics is selected as the image to be displayed on the display. The characteristics of the user are the user's browsing history, An information server that provides images categorized according to the characteristics of the user, wherein if the number of times the image of the target spot has been viewed is less than a predetermined number of times, the image is an overhead view of the target spot, and if the number of views is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times, the image is an image other than the overhead view.

Images