Information provision device, information provision method, and program

Abstract

An information providing device (1) comprises a position information acquisition unit (40), a terminal information acquisition unit (10), a provision information identifying unit (20), and an output control unit (30). The position information acquisition unit (40) acquires moving object position information indicating the position of a moving object. The terminal information acquisition unit (10) acquires first terminal information relating to a first terminal of a user outside the moving object. The provision information identifying unit (20) uses the moving object position information and personal information for the user stored in association with the first terminal information to identify provision information that is to be provided to the user. The output control unit (30) causes the first terminal to output the provision information.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information providing apparatus, an information providing method, and a program. [Background Art]

[0002] International Publication No. WO 2016 / 046923 discloses a server device comprising a common preference information acquisition unit that searches each life log of a plurality of users corresponding to a plurality of pieces of identification information included in an information request, and acquires common preference information including an object that the plurality of users are commonly interested in.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-176765 discloses a technique for improving the usability of a navigation device when a plurality of people travel together while maintaining driving safety. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. WO 2016 / 046923 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-176765 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] Providing information that is related to a mobile object and suitable for a user to a terminal of the user located outside the mobile object is considered to be valuable for the user.

[0006] An example of the problem to be solved by the present invention is to enable providing information that is related to a mobile object and suitable for a user to a terminal of the user located outside the mobile object. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0007] The invention according to claim 1 is A location information acquisition unit that acquires mobile object location information, which is the location information of a moving object, A terminal information acquisition unit that acquires first terminal information relating to a first terminal of a user outside the mobile device, A provision information identification unit that identifies provision information to be provided to the user using the user's personal information and the mobile location information stored in association with the first terminal information, The information providing device includes an output control unit that outputs the aforementioned information from the first terminal.

[0008] The invention described in claim 9 is, The computer that makes up the information provision device We obtain the mobile object's location information, which is the location information of the moving object. The first terminal information relating to the first terminal of a user outside the mobile body is acquired. Using the user's personal information and the mobile location information stored in association with the first terminal information, the information to be provided to the user is identified. This is an information provision method that causes the aforementioned information to be output from the first terminal.

[0009] The invention described in claim 10 is, The computer that will realize the information provision device Procedure for obtaining the location information of a moving object, A procedure for obtaining first terminal information relating to a first terminal of a user outside the mobile device, A procedure for identifying information to be provided to the user using the user's personal information and the mobile location information stored in association with the first terminal information. This is a program for executing the procedure of outputting the aforementioned provided information from the first terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram illustrating the outline of the information provision system of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information provision device. [Figure 3] It is a flow diagram of processing by the information providing apparatus and the first terminal when the first terminal of the first embodiment outputs provided information. [Figure 4] It is a flow diagram of processing by the information providing apparatus and the first terminal when the first terminal of the second embodiment outputs provided information. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram showing provided information output to the display of the first terminal of the second embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram showing provided information output to the display of the first terminal after the provision position information is selected. [Figure 7] It is a block diagram schematically showing the information providing system of the third embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of identifying a second terminal which is a driver's terminal device and acquiring second terminal information about said second terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, similar constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted as appropriate.

[0012] In the following description, each constituent element of each apparatus indicates a functional block, not a hardware-based configuration. Each constituent element of each apparatus is realized by any combination of hardware and software, centering on a CPU and memory of an arbitrary computer, a program loaded into the memory, a storage medium such as a hard disk that stores the program, and a network connection interface. And there are various modifications to the implementation method and apparatus.

[0013] [First Embodiment] (Information Providing System 100) FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an information providing system 100 according to a first embodiment. The information providing system 100 is a system that cooperates with a first terminal 3 of a user U outside a moving body to improve driving convenience. The information providing system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0014] The information providing system 100 includes an information providing device 1 and a moving body side device 2. The moving body side device 2 is a device provided in a moving body. In the first embodiment, the moving body side device 2 is mounted on the moving body. That is, the moving body side device 2 moves together with the moving body. In the first embodiment, the moving body is an automobile. The moving body side device 2 includes a camera unit 2a, an audio output control unit 2b, an audio input unit 2c, and a position sensor unit 2d. Although not shown, the moving body side device 2 may include a display.

[0015] The camera unit 2a includes an in-camera and an out-camera (not shown). The in-camera faces the interior of the vehicle, and at least the driver's seat is included in its imaging range. The in-camera images the interior of the vehicle such that the operator (i.e., driver) is captured in the image. Alternatively, the in-camera may image the entire interior of the vehicle compartment such that passengers (the operator and fellow passengers) are captured in the image. The out-camera faces the outside of the vehicle. The out-camera images the state outside the vehicle. In the first embodiment, the out-camera can image the front of the vehicle.

[0016] In the first embodiment, the audio output control unit 2b outputs mechanical audio. The audio output control unit 2b outputs, for example, information related to route guidance to a destination as audio.

[0017] Audio uttered by a passenger is input to the audio input unit 2c. The audio input unit 2c is interlocked with a microphone (not shown). Passengers include the operator and fellow passengers.

[0018] The position sensor unit 2d acquires position information of the moving body (or the moving body side device 2) by, for example, GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).

[0019] The mobile device 2 is configured to communicate with the information providing device 1 via the first network 101. The first network 101 includes, for example, communication over a 4G or 5G line.

[0020] (Information provision device 1) The information providing device 1 comprises a terminal information acquisition unit 10, a provided information identification unit 20, an output control unit 30, a location information acquisition unit 40, a receiving unit 50, a route setting unit 60, and a storage unit 70. In the first embodiment, the information providing device 1 is located outside the vehicle. The information providing device 1 may also be a so-called cloud server.

[0021] The information providing device 1 is configured to communicate with the first terminal 3 via the second network 102. The second network 102 includes, for example, communication over a 4G or 5G line. At least a portion of the second network 102 may be shared with at least a portion of the first network 101. The first terminal 3 includes one of a smartphone, a tablet, and a PC (personal computer). The first terminal 3 is a terminal of user U outside of a mobile device, and is a terminal managed, owned, carried, or used by user U. The first terminal 3 has a display, which is, for example, a touch panel.

[0022] The mobile device 2 and the first terminal 3 are configured to communicate with each other via the information providing device 1. Furthermore, the mobile device 2 and the first terminal 3 are configured to communicate with each other via the information providing device 1. The following describes the functions of each part of the information providing device 1 when the mobile device 2 and the first terminal 3 are connected via the information providing device 1.

[0023] (Terminal information acquisition unit 10) The terminal information acquisition unit 10 acquires first terminal information. In the first embodiment, the information providing device 1 acquires first terminal information via the second network 102. The first terminal information is information relating to the first terminal 3 of user U outside of the mobile device. Information relating to the first terminal 3 is information associated with the first terminal 3, and includes, for example, the name, terminal model, and terminal ID registered on the first terminal 3.

[0024] (Location information acquisition unit 40) The position information acquisition unit 40 acquires mobile body position information, which is the position information of the moving object, via the position sensor unit 2d. Alternatively, the position information acquisition unit 40 acquires the position information of the mobile body-side device 2 as mobile body position information via the position sensor unit 2d.

[0025] (Provided Information Specification Department 20) The information provision identification unit 20 identifies the information to be provided to user U using the user U's personal information outside the mobile device and the mobile device's location information. The user U's personal information is stored in the storage unit 70 in association with the first terminal information. The user U's personal information includes at least one of the following: attribute information relating to user U's attributes, visit history information relating to visit history on the mobile device, search history information relating to search history on the first terminal 3, and purchase history information relating to purchase history on the first terminal 3. The attribute information includes at least one of the following: user U's gender, age, address, family structure, occupation, income, and hobbies and preferences.

[0026] The information provision identification unit 20 uses personal information to identify user U's preferences and interests, and then identifies information provision related to those interests.

[0027] (Provided information) The information to be provided to user U includes at least one of the following: information about locations related to user U's hobbies and preferences, information about locations related to user U's interests, information about products related to (or of interest to) user U's hobbies and preferences, and news information related to (or of interest to) user U's hobbies and preferences.

[0028] Information regarding locations related to user U's hobbies and preferences, and information regarding locations related to user U's interests, includes, for example, the location information of favorite (interesting) food stores, outlets that sell favorite (interesting) clothing, and favorite (interesting) general merchandise stores.

[0029] In the first embodiment, the information to be provided is stored in the storage of the information providing device 1. The information to be provided may also be stored on a server located outside the information providing device 1.

[0030] (Output control unit 30) The output control unit 30 causes the first terminal 3 to output the provided information. In the first embodiment, the output control unit 30 transmits the provided information to the first terminal 3 via the second network 102, and the first terminal 3 outputs the provided information. The method of outputting the provided information may be audio output, screen output, or both.

[0031] The output control unit 30 causes at least one of the image information and video information generated by the camera unit 2a mounted on the mobile device 2 to be output to the first terminal 3. In the first embodiment, the camera unit 2a captures the outside of the vehicle with the rear camera, and the output control unit 30 can output the video generated by the capture to the first terminal 3 in real time. In the first embodiment, the camera unit 2a can also capture the driver V in the driver's seat with the rear camera, and the output control unit 30 can output the video generated by the capture to the first terminal 3 in real time.

[0032] (Receiver unit 50, route setting unit 60) The receiving unit 50 receives input information. The input information is information input to the first terminal 3 after the output control unit 30 has output the provided information to the first terminal 3. In the first embodiment, the input information includes user confirmation information indicating whether or not to set a route for the moving object to take.

[0033] The route setting unit 60 sets the route that the mobile object should take using the input information received by the receiving unit 50. In the first embodiment, the route setting unit 60 sets the route that the mobile object should take using user confirmation information.

[0034] The output control unit 30 causes the route information of the route set by the route setting unit 60 to output to at least one of the mobile device 2 and the first terminal 3. The route information includes information regarding directions to the destination and also includes map information. The route information may be output as voice from the mobile device 2 or output to a display on the mobile device 2. The route information may be output as voice from the first terminal 3 or output to a display on the first terminal 3.

[0035] (Example hardware configuration) Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information providing device 1. The information providing device 1 includes a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input / output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060.

[0036] Bus 1010 is a data transmission path for the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input / output interface 1050, and network interface 1060 to send and receive data to and from each other. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the other components to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0037] Processor 1020 is a processor implemented in components such as the CPU (Central Processing Unit) and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0038] Memory 1030 is a main memory device implemented using RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.

[0039] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device implemented as a removable media such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or memory card, or as ROM (Read Only Memory), and has a recording medium. The recording medium of the storage device 1040 stores program modules that realize each function of the information providing device 1 (for example, the terminal information acquisition unit 10, the provided information identification unit 20, the output control unit 30, and the location information acquisition unit 40). The processor 1020 reads each of these program modules into the memory 1030 and executes them, thereby realizing each function corresponding to that program module. The storage device 1040 also functions as a storage unit 70.

[0040] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the information providing device 1 with various input / output devices.

[0041] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the information providing device 1 to a network. This network may be, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The method by which the network interface 1060 connects to the network may be wireless or wired. The information providing device 1 may communicate with the mobile device 2 and the first terminal 3 via the network interface 1060.

[0042] (Example of operation of the first embodiment) Figure 3 is a flowchart of the processing performed by the information providing device 1 and the first terminal 3 when the first terminal 3 outputs the provided information in the first embodiment. It is assumed that the mobile device 2 is constantly in communication with the information providing device 1 via the first network 101.

[0043] In step S10, the terminal information acquisition unit 10 of the information providing device 1 determines whether it is permitted to provide various information regarding the mobile device 2 to the first terminal 3. For example, if a passenger of the mobile body who wishes to communicate with a user U who is outside the mobile body operates the mobile device 2 to request a communication connection between the mobile device 2 and the first terminal 3, and user U permits the request by operating the first terminal 3, the terminal information acquisition unit 10 of the information providing device 1 may determine that it is permitted to provide various information regarding the mobile device 2 to the first terminal 3. Alternatively, if a user U who is outside the mobile body and wishes to communicate with a passenger of the mobile body operates the first terminal 3 to request a communication connection between the mobile device 2 and the first terminal 3, and the passenger of the mobile body permits the request by operating the mobile device 2, the terminal information acquisition unit 10 of the information providing device 1 may determine that it is permitted to provide various information regarding the mobile device 2 to the first terminal 3.

[0044] If the terminal information acquisition unit 10 determines that it is permitted to provide various information about the mobile device 2 to the first terminal 3 (Yes in step S10), it proceeds to step S20, in which step S20 the terminal information acquisition unit 10 acquires the first terminal information. On the other hand, if the terminal information acquisition unit 10 determines that it is not permitted to provide various information about the mobile device 2 to the first terminal 3 (No in step S10), it repeats the determination in step S10 to determine again whether it is permitted to provide various information about the mobile device 2 to the first terminal 3.

[0045] Furthermore, the various information relating to the mobile device 2 that is permitted to be provided to the first terminal 3 includes at least location information obtained from the position sensor unit 2d of the mobile device 2 and set route information, and may also include any of the following: audio information input to the audio input unit 2c of the mobile device 2, image information and video information generated by the camera unit 2a of the mobile device 2.

[0046] In step S30, the location information acquisition unit 40 of the information providing device 1 acquires mobile body location information from the mobile body side device 2. In step S40, the information provision identification unit 20 of the information providing device 1 uses the user U's person information and mobile body location information to identify the information to be provided to user U.

[0047] More specifically, the information provision identification unit 20 uses at least some of the personal information of user U to identify information related to that personal information from among multiple pieces of information. Then, from among the multiple pieces of information related to that personal information, the information provision identification unit 20 extracts information that is located within a predetermined distance from the current position of the mobile device 2 (i.e., the current position of the mobile body on which the mobile device 2 is mounted) or within a predetermined time until the mobile body arrives, as information to be provided to user U. In this way, the information provision identification unit 20 uses user U's personal information and mobile body position information to identify information to be provided to user U.

[0048] More specifically, the person information includes information such as that user U likes cake and that there is a certain number of cake purchases made on terminal 1 3. It is also assumed that there is a popular cake shop near the mobile body. In step S40, the information provision identification unit 20 uses the person information and the mobile body location information to identify information about the cake shop (including the cake shop's location information) that should be provided to user U.

[0049] In step S50, the output control unit 30 of the information providing device 1 transmits the information provided (in the above example, information about a cake shop) identified by the information provided identification unit 20 to the first terminal 3. Alternatively, the output control unit 30 may transmit selected information (in the above example, information about a cake shop selected from among multiple cake shops) from among the information provided by the information provided identification unit 20 to the first terminal 3.

[0050] In step S60, the first terminal 3 displays the information it received from the output control unit 30 on its display. For example, the first terminal 3 displays, "There is a cake shop yyy (name of the cake shop) that we recommend for xxx (where xxx is the name of user U) 1km away. Would you like to stop by there?" At this time, icons for the messages "Yes" and "No" are also displayed on the display. The output control unit 30 may also output the information as audio from the first terminal 3 in addition to displaying it on the first terminal 3's display.

[0051] Next, in step S70, input information is entered into the first terminal 3. In the first embodiment, the input information includes user confirmation information regarding whether or not to set a route for the moving object to take (in this case, a route to the cake shop) (= whether or not to set a waypoint (or destination)). For example, in the above case, if user U selects the "yes" icon on the display, information that the user selected that icon, that is, information that the user selected the provided information (= information that the user agreed to set a route to the cake shop), is entered into the first terminal 3 as user confirmation information.

[0052] In step S80, the first terminal 3 transmits the input information (=user confirmation information) to the receiving unit 50 of the information providing device 1. In step S90, the receiving unit 50 receives the input information.

[0053] In step S100, the route setting unit 60 of the information providing device 1 uses the input information (=user-side confirmation information) to determine whether or not to set a route for the moving object to take (in this case, a route to the cake shop) (=whether or not to set a waypoint (or destination)). The route setting unit 60 may decide to set a route for the moving object to take if the "Yes" icon is selected on the first terminal 3. The route setting unit 60 may decide not to set a route for the moving object to take if the "No" icon is selected on the first terminal 3.

[0054] If the input information (=user confirmation information) includes information indicating that the user agrees to proceed along the said route, that is, if the "Yes" icon is selected in step S70 (Yes in step S100), then in step S110, the route setting unit 60 sets the route that the mobile body should take (the route to the cake shop). Then, in step S120, the output control unit 30 transmits the route information regarding the route to the cake shop to the first terminal 3 and the mobile body-side device 2 in order to have the route information regarding the route to the cake shop output from the first terminal 3 and the mobile body-side device 2.

[0055] In step S130, the first terminal 3 and the mobile device 2 output the route information. On the first terminal 3, the route information to the cake shop is displayed on the terminal 3's screen along with the message, "The route to yyy (name of the cake shop) has been set." On the mobile device 2, a voice message is output, such as, "The route to yyy (name of the cake shop) has been set. Route guidance will begin. Turn left at the next intersection 500m ahead."

[0056] If the input information (=user confirmation information) contains information indicating that the user does not consent to setting the route, that is, if the "No" icon is selected in step S70 (No in step S100), the process returns to step S40, and the information provision unit 20 of the information provision device 1 identifies information other than the above-mentioned information. Then, in step S50, the output control unit 30 transmits this other information to the first terminal 3. Note that if the input information (=user confirmation information) contains information indicating that the user does not consent to setting the route (No in step S100), control may be terminated.

[0057] Furthermore, in step S10, if it is determined that permission is granted to provide various information regarding the mobile device 2 to the first terminal 3, the information providing device 1 may transmit voice information, image information, and video information acquired from the first terminal 3 and the mobile device 2 to both the first terminal 3 and the mobile device 2 in real time, so that voice or video calls are possible between the first terminal 3 and the mobile device 2. In this case, the image information or video information acquired by the mobile device 2, such as images of the driver V or images of the scenery outside the mobile body, will be transmitted to the first terminal 3. That is, the passenger of the mobile body and the user U outside the mobile body can set the route of the mobile body while having a conversation such as, for example, "There seems to be a delicious cake shop up ahead. Shall we stop by?", "Sure!".

[0058] As described above, the information providing device 1 of the first embodiment comprises a terminal information acquisition unit 10, a provided information identification unit 20, an output control unit 30, and a location information acquisition unit 40. The provided information identification unit 20 identifies information to be provided to user U using person information and mobile location information, and the output control unit 30 outputs the identified information to the first terminal 3, which is the terminal of user U.

[0059] This allows for the provision of information relevant to the current location of the moving vehicle and tailored to user U, who is not on the vehicle. As a result, driver V can more easily stop at locations suitable for user U (i.e., places preferred by user U). Therefore, the convenience of the drive can be improved.

[0060] Furthermore, by including a receiving unit 50 and a route setting unit 60, it becomes easier to set a route to a location suitable for user U. This allows the driver V to easily stop at places of interest to user U outside the mobile device.

[0061] Furthermore, by outputting route information of the path the moving object should take from the first terminal 3, it becomes easier for user U to recognize the route after it has been set.

[0062] Furthermore, by outputting route information of the path the mobile body should take from the mobile body-side device 2, the driver V can more easily recognize the route after it has been set.

[0063] Furthermore, the input information includes user confirmation information indicating whether or not to set a route for the moving object. This allows the route to be set after confirming the user's intention. Therefore, the route setting unit 60 can set the route effectively.

[0064] The first terminal 3 is configured to communicate with the mobile device 2, allowing the driver V and the user U, who is not in the mobile vehicle, to communicate comfortably. Furthermore, the driver V and the user U, who is not in the mobile vehicle, can easily discuss the information being provided. In addition, the driver V and the user U, who is not in the mobile vehicle, can easily discuss whether or not they should stop at the location related to the information being provided.

[0065] The output control unit 30 outputs the video information generated by the camera unit 2a to the first terminal 3, allowing user U, who is outside the moving object, to view the same scenery as driver V in real time via the first terminal 3.

[0066] Furthermore, because User U can see the same scenery as Driver V in real time while on a call, User U can give directions to Driver V as if they were actually in the car, even though they are not in the vehicle. Therefore, the convenience of driving can be further improved.

[0067] Furthermore, the information provided includes at least one of the following: information about locations related to user U's hobbies and preferences, and information about locations related to user U's interests. This ensures that user U is not provided with information about locations that are not of interest to them, and that they receive customized information that matches their interests and preferences, thereby improving user U's satisfaction. Moreover, since this information is provided only to user U's first terminal 3, driver V can drive without experiencing any inconvenience.

[0068] [Second Embodiment] The configuration of the information providing device 1 in the second embodiment is the same as that of the information providing device 1 in the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, but the functions of the route setting unit 60 and the location information acquisition unit 40 differ from those of the first embodiment. The following will mainly describe the differences from the first embodiment.

[0069] In the second embodiment, the route setting unit 60 generates difference information regarding the difference between the already set route and the route to which the mobile body should newly travel. The output control unit 30 causes at least one of the mobile body-side device 2 and the first terminal 3 to output the difference information.

[0070] Furthermore, the location information acquisition unit 40 of the second embodiment acquires provided location information from the provided information identified by the provided information identification unit 20. The location information acquisition unit 40 acquires provided location information by extracting provided location information contained in the provided information. Provided location information is information about the location of the provided information. For example, if the provided information includes information about a bag of a brand that user U likes, the provided location information may include the location information of a store where that brand of bag is sold.

[0071] In the second embodiment, the output control unit 30 outputs the provided location information along with map information from the first terminal 3. The route setting unit 60 uses the provided location information to set the route that the moving object should take.

[0072] (Example of operation of the second embodiment) Figure 4 is a flowchart of the processing performed by the information providing device 1 and the first terminal 3 when the first terminal 3 outputs the provided information in the second embodiment. Steps S10, S20, and S30 are the same as the control in Figure 3. In the operation example of the second embodiment, the person information is assumed to include information such as that user U's favorite brand is "bbb" and that user U has a history of frequently searching for bags of that brand on the first terminal 3. The person information is also assumed to include information that user U has a spouse (husband).

[0073] In step S41, the information provision device 1's information provision identification unit 20 uses the person information and the moving object location information to identify the information to be provided to user U.

[0074] Specifically, suppose there is an apparel shop selling bags from the brand "bbb" on sale, and a supermarket having a sale, near the moving object. In step S41, the information provision identification unit 20 uses the person information and the location information of the moving object to identify information about the apparel shop and the supermarket as information to be provided to user U.

[0075] Then, in step S42, the location information acquisition unit 40 of the information providing device 1 extracts the location information of the apparel shop and the location information of the supermarket included in the provided information and acquires that location information.

[0076] In step S51, the output control unit 30 of the information providing device 1 transmits the information provided (including the location information of the apparel shop and the location information of the supermarket) identified by the information provided identification unit 20 to the first terminal 3.

[0077] Then, in step S61, the information provided by the first terminal 3, including the location information of the apparel shop and the location information of the supermarket, which the first terminal 3 has received from the output control unit 30, is output to the display of the first terminal 3 along with the map information.

[0078] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the information provided that is output to the display of the first terminal 3 in the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the display of the first terminal 3 shows location information related to the location of the provided information (for example, location information for apparel shops and location information for supermarkets) along with map information. The black line Route R in Figure 5 shows a route that has already been set.

[0079] In step S62 shown in Figure 4, the location information selected by user U is stored as input information. Specifically, when user U taps the location information icon (star mark, black circle mark in Figure 5) displayed on the display of the first terminal 3, the location information related to the tapped icon is stored as input information. The input information includes the location information selected by user U.

[0080] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the information provided on the display of the first terminal 3 after selecting the location information to be provided. The example in Figure 6 describes the case where the user taps the apparel shop icon.

[0081] If a route to the destination has already been set, the route setting unit 60 generates difference information D regarding the difference between the already set route and the route to be newly set for the moving object. In step S63 of Figure 4, the output control unit 30 causes the difference information D to be output from the first terminal 3. In the second embodiment, the difference information D includes at least one of the following: time, distance, and whether or not toll roads were used.

[0082] On the display of the first terminal 3 in Figure 6, information regarding at least one of the difference in travel time and distance between the existing route and the route via the apparel shop is displayed as difference information D. In Figure 6, difference information D shows that making a detour to the apparel shop increases the travel time to the pre-set destination by 10 minutes and adds a 3-kilometer detour.

[0083] Returning to Figure 4, in step S71, further input information is entered into the first terminal 3. In the second embodiment, the input information includes user confirmation information regarding whether or not to set a route for the moving object to take (in this case, a route to the apparel shop). For example, in Figure 6, when user U selects the "Yes" icon on the display of the first terminal 3, the user confirmation information that the user selected that icon (= agreed to set a route that includes a stop at the apparel shop) is entered into the first terminal 3.

[0084] In step S81 of Figure 4, the first terminal 3 transmits input information (= apparel shop location information and user-side confirmation information) to the information providing device 1. In step S91, the receiving unit 50 of the information providing device 1 receives the input information.

[0085] In step S101, the route setting unit 60 uses the input information (=location information provided by the apparel shop and user-side confirmation information) to determine whether or not to set a route for the mobile object to take (in this case, a route to the apparel shop). When the "Yes" icon shown in Figure 6 is selected, the route setting unit 60 may decide to set a route for the mobile object to take. When the "No" icon shown in Figure 6 is selected, the route setting unit 60 may decide not to set a route for the mobile object to take.

[0086] If the "Yes" icon is selected in step S71 (Yes in step S101), in step S111, the route setting unit 60 uses the provided location information to set the route the mobile device should take (a route that includes a stop at the apparel shop). Then, in step S121, the output control unit 30 transmits the route information to the apparel shop to the first terminal 3 and the mobile device 2 in order to have the route information to the apparel shop output from the first terminal 3 and the mobile device 2.

[0087] In step S131, the first terminal 3 and the mobile device 2 output the route information. On the first terminal 3, the route information to the apparel shop is displayed on the first terminal 3's display along with the message, "The route to the apparel shop where 'bbb' bags are on sale has been set." On the mobile device 2, an audio message is output, such as, "The route to the apparel shop where 'bbb' bags are on sale has been set. Route guidance will begin. Turn left at the next corner."

[0088] If the "No" icon is selected in step S71 (No in step S101), the process returns to step S41, and the information provision identification unit 20 of the information provision device 1 may re-identify the information to be provided to user U. The output control unit 30 of the information provision device 1 may then transmit the different information to the first terminal 3. If the "No" icon is selected in step S71 (No in step S101), the control may be terminated.

[0089] In the second embodiment, multiple pieces of information were displayed on the display of the first terminal 3, but the multiple pieces of information could also be displayed in a list format on the first terminal 3, and the selected piece of information could be used as input information.

[0090] As described above, according to the information provision device 1 of the second embodiment, the route setting unit 60 generates differential information D, and the output control unit 30 outputs the differential information D from the first terminal 3. This makes it clear the increase in travel time and distance when making a detour, making it easier to decide whether or not to make a detour to a recommended location.

[0091] Furthermore, the output control unit 30 outputs the provided location information along with map information from the first terminal 3, and the route setting unit 60 uses the provided location information to set the route that the moving object should take, thereby enabling user U to easily set a route.

[0092] [Third Embodiment] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating the schematic of the information provision system 100 of the third embodiment. Unlike the first and second embodiments, the mobile device 2 acquires information from the passenger's terminal device in order to identify the driver V of the mobile device. The following will mainly describe the differences from the first embodiment.

[0093] The mobile device 2 of the third embodiment is configured to communicate with one or more terminal devices brought into the mobile vehicle via a third network 103. The third network 103 is, for example, a wireless communication means, and the mobile device 2 is able to wirelessly communicate with at least one of the terminals in the mobile vehicle via the wireless communication means. The third network 103 includes, for example, WiFi and Bluetooth. The mobile device 2 is configured to include an in-vehicle communication unit for configuring the third network 103. One or more terminal devices brought into the mobile vehicle include a smartphone, a tablet, and a PC (personal computer). Of the one or more terminal devices brought into the mobile vehicle, the second terminal 4 is the driver V's terminal, and is a terminal managed, owned, carried, or used by the driver V. The mobile device 2 of the third embodiment identifies the second terminal 4, which is the driver V's terminal, by a method described later.

[0094] In the third embodiment, the terminal information acquisition unit 10 in the information providing device 1 further acquires second terminal information. The second terminal information is information relating to the second terminal 4 of the driver V. The information relating to the second terminal 4 is information associated with the second terminal 4, and includes, for example, the name, terminal model, and terminal ID registered on the second terminal 4. In the third embodiment, the terminal information acquisition unit 10 acquires the second terminal information when the second terminal 4 is brought into the vehicle and the second terminal 4 becomes able to communicate with the mobile device 2 via the third network 103.

[0095] (How to obtain device information) Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating how to identify the second terminal 4, which is a terminal device of driver V, and how to acquire second terminal information related to the second terminal 4. Using Figure 8, the method by which the terminal information acquisition unit 10 acquires second terminal information via the second terminal 4 will be explained.

[0096] In the third embodiment, when the terminal information acquisition unit 10 attempts to acquire second terminal information, second terminal identification information T for identifying the second terminal 4 is displayed in a list on the display of one or more terminal devices that communicate with the mobile device 2 via the third network 103. This display is, for example, a touch panel. At this time, a message supporting the selection of the second terminal identification information T, such as "Please select the driver's terminal," may be displayed. When any of the passengers, including the driver V, selects the second terminal identification information T corresponding to the second terminal 4 from the list, for example on the touch panel, the terminal information acquisition unit 10 can identify the second terminal 4 and acquire the second terminal information.

[0097] Next, a method by which the terminal information acquisition unit 10 acquires second terminal information through the mobile device 2 will be described. When inputting second terminal identification information T to the mobile device 2, voice input is also permitted. In this case, for example, if the voice output control unit 2b of the mobile device 2 outputs the message "Is terminal ccc the driver's terminal?" and the user responds "Yes" to the message, the terminal information acquisition unit 10 may acquire the information of the terminal (terminal ccc) related to the message as second terminal information.

[0098] In this way, the terminal information acquisition unit 10 acquires the second terminal information when the second terminal identification information T, which identifies the second terminal 4, is input to the mobile device 2 and at least one of the one or more terminal devices that communicate with the mobile device 2 via the third network 103.

[0099] (Variations in the method for obtaining terminal information) A modified version of the terminal information acquisition method will be described below. As shown in Figure 7, the information providing device 1 of the third embodiment further includes an image information acquisition unit 80.

[0100] The image information acquisition unit 80 acquires first image information. The first image information is image information of the driver V generated by the camera unit 2a mounted on the mobile body. The first image information includes at least the face image information of the driver V.

[0101] The memory unit 70 has multiple second image information items stored in advance. The second image information is image information that includes the facial information of a user that has been registered in advance.

[0102] The terminal information acquisition unit 10 compares multiple second image information with the first image information and identifies at least the second image information corresponding to driver V. The terminal information acquisition unit 10 identifies the terminal information associated with the identified second image information and acquires that terminal information as second terminal information. In this way, the terminal information acquisition unit 10 acquires second terminal information using the first image information acquired by the image information acquisition unit 80 and the second image information stored in advance.

[0103] As a result, the terminal information acquisition unit 10 can acquire the second terminal information without the first terminal 3 or the mobile device 2 having to input the second terminal identification information.

[0104] In the third embodiment, the terminal information acquisition unit 10 can acquire the second terminal information by the method described above. The information provision device 1's provision information identification unit 20 then identifies the information to be provided to driver V using driver V's personal information and mobile location information, in the same manner as identifying the information to be provided to user U using user U's personal information and mobile location information. The output control unit 30 of the information provision device 1 transmits the identified information to the mobile device 2 or the second terminal 4, and the mobile device 2 or the second terminal 4 outputs information within the mobile device regarding the location of things that match driver V's hobbies and preferences, and information regarding the location of things that driver V is interested in. The output control unit 30 may also output a screen to the second terminal 4 showing directions to the apparel shop, as shown in Figure 6. Alternatively, the second terminal 4 may provide voice guidance to the apparel shop, as shown in Figure 6.

[0105] In this way, the output control unit 30 of the information provision device 1 in the third embodiment outputs information to be provided to the user U outside the mobile body from the user U's first terminal 3, and outputs information to be provided to the driver V of the mobile body from the mobile body-side device 2 or the driver V's second terminal 4, thereby providing information in a format suitable for both the driver V of the mobile body and the user U outside the mobile body. This makes it possible to improve the driving satisfaction of both the driver V inside the mobile body and the user U outside the mobile body.

[0106] The embodiments described above with reference to the drawings are examples of the present invention, and various other configurations can also be adopted.

[0107] In the first embodiment, the output control unit 30 output the provided information, and then the route setting unit 60 set the route. However, the configuration may also be such that the route is not set and only the provided information is output. In this case, the output control unit 30 may be configured to output only information (advertisements) about products that match the user U's tastes and preferences, and news information that matches the user U's tastes and preferences.

[0108] The output control unit 30 may output the differential information D from at least one of the mobile device 2 and the first terminal 3.

[0109] Furthermore, while the flowcharts used in the above description show multiple steps (processes) in sequence, the execution order of the steps performed in each embodiment is not limited to the order in which they are described. In each embodiment, the order of the illustrated steps can be changed to the extent that it does not impede the content. Also, the above embodiments can be combined to the extent that their contents do not conflict.

[0110] Examples of reference formats are provided below. 1. A location information acquisition unit that acquires mobile object location information, which is the location information of a moving object, A terminal information acquisition unit that acquires first terminal information relating to a first terminal of a user outside the mobile device, A provision information identification unit that identifies provision information to be provided to the user using the user's personal information and the mobile location information stored in association with the first terminal information, An output control unit that causes the provided information to be output from the first terminal, An information-providing device equipped with the following features. 2. In the information provision device described in 1., After the output control unit causes the provided information to be output to the first terminal, a receiving unit receives the input information input to the first terminal, The system further comprises a route setting unit that sets a route for the moving object to take using the input information received by the receiving unit, The output control unit is an information providing device that causes the mobile body to output route information of the route the mobile body should take to at least one of the mobile body-side device that moves with the mobile body and the first terminal. 3. In the information provision device described in 2. The route setting unit generates difference information regarding the difference between the already set route and the route to which the moving object should proceed. The output control unit is an information providing device that causes the differential information to be output from at least one of the mobile device and the first terminal. 4. In the information providing device described in 2. or 3., The location information acquisition unit acquires location information relating to the location of the provided information, The output control unit causes the provided location information to be output from the first terminal along with the map information. The input information includes the provided location information selected by the user, The route setting unit is an information providing device that uses the provided location information to set the route that the moving object should take. 5. In the information provision device described in 2. to 4., The aforementioned input information includes user confirmation information regarding whether or not to set the route that the moving object should take, The route setting unit is an information providing device that sets the route the moving object should take using the user-side confirmation information. 6. In the information providing device described in any one of items 1 to 5, An information providing device configured to enable communication via the first terminal and a mobile device mounted on the mobile body. 7. In the information provision device described in 6., The output control unit is an information providing device that causes at least one of image information and video information generated by the camera unit mounted on the mobile device to be output to the first terminal. 8. In the information providing device described in any one of items 1 to 7, An information providing device in which the provided information includes at least one of the following: information relating to locations of things that suit the user's hobbies and preferences, and information relating to locations of things that interest the user. 9. The computer that realizes the information provision device, We obtain the mobile object's location information, which is the location information of the moving object. The first terminal information relating to the first terminal of a user outside the mobile body is acquired. Using the user's personal information and the mobile location information stored in association with the first terminal information, the information to be provided to the user is identified. An information provision method that causes the aforementioned information to be output from the first terminal. 10. The computer that will realize the information provision device, Procedure for obtaining the location information of a moving object, A procedure for obtaining first terminal information relating to a first terminal of a user outside the mobile device, A procedure for identifying information to be provided to the user using the user's personal information and the mobile location information stored in association with the first terminal information. A program for causing the procedure for outputting the aforementioned provided information from the first terminal to be executed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0111] 1 Information provision device 2 Mobile side device 2a Camera section 3. Terminal 1 4. Second Terminal 10 Terminal Information Acquisition Unit 20 Provided Information Specification Department 30 Output control unit 40 Location information acquisition section 50 Receiver 60 Route setting section 70 Storage section

Claims

1. An information providing device that provides information regarding the movement of a mobile body to a user outside the mobile body, who is different from the driver of the mobile body being operated by the driver, A location information acquisition unit that acquires mobile object location information, which is the location information of a moving object, A terminal information acquisition unit that acquires first terminal information relating to a first terminal of a user outside the mobile device, A provision information identification unit that identifies provision information to be provided to the user using the user's person information and the mobile location information stored in association with the first terminal information, An output control unit that causes the provided information to be output from the first terminal, An information-providing device equipped with the following features.

2. In the information providing device according to Claim 1, The terminal information acquisition unit determines whether it is permitted to provide various information relating to the mobile device that moves together with the mobile body to the first terminal. If it is determined that the provision of the aforementioned various information is permitted, the first terminal information is acquired. The information providing device includes, at a minimum, location information acquired from the position sensor unit of the mobile device, and set route information.

3. In the information providing device according to Claim 2, When the terminal information acquisition unit determines that the provision of the various types of information is permitted, The information providing device transmits at least one of the voice information, image information, and video information acquired from the first terminal and the mobile device, respectively, to both the first terminal and the mobile device in real time, so that voice calls or video calls can be made between the first terminal and the mobile device.

4. In the information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, After the output control unit causes the provided information to be output to the first terminal, the receiving unit receives the input information input to the first terminal, The system further comprises a route setting unit that sets a route for the moving object to take using the input information received by the receiving unit, The output control unit is an information providing device that causes the mobile body to output route information of the route the mobile body should take to at least one of the mobile body-side device that moves with the mobile body and the first terminal.

5. In the information providing device according to claim 4, The route setting unit generates difference information regarding the difference between the already set route and the route to which the moving object should proceed. The output control unit is an information providing device that causes the differential information to be output from at least one of the mobile device and the first terminal.

6. A method for providing information relating to the movement of a mobile body, which is operated by a driver and is different from the driver of the mobile body, and which is located outside the mobile body, The computer that makes up the information provision device We obtain the mobile object's location information, which is the location information of the moving object. The first terminal information relating to the first terminal of a user outside the mobile body is acquired. Using the user's personal information and the mobile location information stored in association with the first terminal information, the information to be provided to the user is identified. An information provision method that causes the aforementioned information to be output from the first terminal.

7. A program for realizing an information providing device that provides information about the movement of a mobile body to a user outside the mobile body, who is different from the driver of the mobile body being operated by the driver, The computer that will realize the information provision device Procedure for obtaining the location information of a moving object, A procedure for obtaining first terminal information relating to a first terminal of a user outside the mobile device, A procedure for identifying information to be provided to the user using the user's personal information and the mobile location information stored in association with the first terminal information. A program for causing the procedure for outputting the aforementioned provided information from the first terminal to be executed.

8. A storage medium on which the program described in Claim 7 is recorded.

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