Information providing device, information providing method, and program
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025524064
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-04
Abstract
Description
Information providing device, information providing method, and program
[0001] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-091831, filed on June 2, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0002] The present invention relates to an information providing device, an information providing method, and a program.
[0003] An example of a technology for allowing a driver to grasp the necessary knowledge for driving a vehicle before driving is an information display device described in Patent Document 1. This information display device displays an image corresponding to the movement of a virtual vehicle on a map, and also displays warning information when the vehicle is located at a point where there is a possibility of a traffic accident, for example.
[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-269178
[0005] In order to ensure that drivers understand the necessary knowledge for driving a vehicle before driving, it is also necessary to motivate the driver to learn. However, the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 may not sufficiently motivate the user to learn.
[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, one example of the object of the present invention is to provide an information providing device, an information providing method, and a program that can motivate a user to learn the knowledge necessary to drive a vehicle before driving.
[0007] The information providing device of the present disclosure comprises: a first acquisition means for acquiring location information indicating locations that exist in real space and indicating at least one of a waypoint or a destination; a generation means for using the location information to generate map information indicating a range of movement of a vehicle in a virtual space and including the waypoint or the destination; and a first output means for moving the vehicle within the map information in the virtual space in accordance with input by a user, and for outputting warning information indicating any warnings that the user should be notified of regarding the movement, wherein the road layout in the map information differs from the road layout in real space.
[0008] The information providing method disclosed herein includes at least one computer: acquiring location information indicating locations in real space and indicating at least one of a route point or a destination; using the location information, generating map information indicating a range of movement of a vehicle in a virtual space and including the route point or the destination; moving the vehicle within the map information in the virtual space according to input by a user; and outputting warning information indicating any important points that the user should be notified of regarding the movement; and the road layout in the map information differs from the road layout in real space.
[0009] The program disclosed herein causes at least one computer to: acquire location information indicating locations that exist in real space and that indicate at least one of a waypoint or a destination; use the location information to generate map information that indicates the range of movement of a vehicle in a virtual space and that includes the waypoint or the destination; move the vehicle within the map information in the virtual space in accordance with input from a user; and, if any precautions arise that the user should be notified of regarding the movement, output warning information indicating the precautions; and the road layout in the map information differs from the road layout in real space.
[0010] According to the present disclosure, when a user is made to understand the knowledge necessary for driving a vehicle before driving, the user can be motivated to learn.
[0011] 1 is a block diagram showing an overview of the configuration of an information providing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of map information. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an overview of the processing operation of an information providing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a usage environment of an information providing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a detailed example of the configuration of an information providing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first detailed example of a method for generating map information. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a first detailed example of a method for generating map information. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a second detailed example of a method for generating map information. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a second detailed example of a method for generating map information. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information providing device. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of an information providing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a detailed example of the configuration of an information providing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of an information providing device according to the present disclosure.
[0012] Hereinafter, in this disclosure, the drawings relate to one or more embodiments. In addition, in all drawings, similar components are given similar reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
[0013] First Embodiment First, an overview of an information providing device 10 will be described. As shown in FIG.
[0014] The first acquisition unit 120 acquires point information. The point information indicates a location that exists in real space, and indicates at least one of a stopover point or a destination. For example, the point information indicates a point that a user of the information providing device 10 wants to visit. This point may be a specific facility or may have a certain amount of area. In the latter case, the stopover point or destination may be, for example, a city, ward, town, or village, or a specific town, ward, or oaza within a specific city.
[0015] The generation unit 130 generates map information using the point information. The map information indicates the range of vehicle movement in the virtual space, and includes the waypoints or destinations indicated by the point information. In this map information, at least a portion of the road layout, for example, the layout of roads connecting to the waypoints or destinations, differs from the road layout in the real space. The real space to be compared here is an area of a predetermined size that includes the waypoints or destinations.
[0016] The first output unit 140 moves the vehicle within the map information of the virtual space in accordance with input from the user of the information providing device 10, and outputs warning information indicating any important points that the user should be notified of regarding the movement.
[0017] Next, an example of the map information generated by the generation unit 130 and the functions of the first output unit 140 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. This map information includes at least one of a route point and a destination, and also includes points for which warning information should be output.
[0018] As described above, the road layout in this map information differs from the road layout in real space. Here, the road layout refers to at least one of the length of the road between intersections, the curvature of the road, the distance between intersections, and the number of roads intersecting at the intersections. Furthermore, when the map information includes nodes and links, a different road layout means that at least one of the nodes and links is different.
[0019] The first output unit 140 then moves the user's position within the map information, for example, the position of the vehicle being driven by the user, in accordance with the user's input. When the vehicle reaches a location where warning information should be output, the first output unit 140 outputs the warning information corresponding to that location. The user learns about the matters they should be careful of by recognizing the warning information output by the first output unit 140.
[0020] Next, an example of the outline of the operation of the information providing device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 . First, the first acquisition unit 120 acquires location information (step S10). Next, the generation unit 130 generates map information using the location information (step S20). The first output unit 140 then uses the map information to provide the user with a service related to the virtual space. In this case, the first output unit 140 moves the vehicle within the map information of the virtual space in accordance with input by the user of the information providing device 10, and, if any cautions that should be notified to the user regarding the movement occur, outputs warning information indicating the cautions (step S30).
[0021] If roads in the real world are simple, providing a virtual space using map information corresponding to the layout of the real world may reduce the opportunities for the first output unit 140 to provide warning information to the user, which may reduce the user's motivation to learn.
[0022] Furthermore, if a user of the information providing device 10 inputs one waypoint and one destination, and the waypoint and destination are far apart in the real world, providing a virtual space using map information corresponding to the layout of the real world would require a long time to travel from the waypoint to the destination in the virtual space, which could also reduce the user's motivation to learn.
[0023] In contrast, the road layout of the map information generated by the generation unit 130 differs from the road layout in the real space, so the generation unit 130 can prepare map information that does not reduce the user's motivation to learn.
[0024] A detailed example of the information providing device 10 will be described below.
[0025] First, a description will be given of an example of a usage environment of the information providing device 10. As shown in Fig. 4, the information providing device 10 is used together with at least one first communication device 20 and at least one second communication device 30.
[0026] The first communication device 20 is a communication device operated by a user of the information providing device 10, and may be a fixed terminal or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. The first communication device 20 displays an image showing the virtual space provided by the information providing device 10 on a display. This display may be a part of the first communication device 20.
[0027] Furthermore, a user of the information providing device 10 inputs necessary information by operating the first communication device 20. Examples of the information input here include location information, i.e., information that can identify a waypoint or a destination, and information for moving a vehicle within a virtual space. The latter information corresponds to, for example, information that a driver of the vehicle inputs to the vehicle when driving the vehicle, such as operation information for at least one of the accelerator, brake, and steering wheel.
[0028] Furthermore, the user of the information providing device 10 inputs information about the user by operating the first communication device 20. An example of the information input here includes attributes, such as at least one of nationality and place of residence, and at least one of language used. The input attributes may further include at least one of gender and age.
[0029] At least a part of the information input to the first communication device 20 is then linked to the user's identification information and transmitted to the information providing device 10 .
[0030] In addition, the first communication device 20 operated by the user when inputting location information and the first communication device 20 operated by the user when receiving services related to the virtual space, for example, the first communication device 20 operated when moving a vehicle within the virtual space, may be the same device or may be different devices.
[0031] The second communication device 30 is a communication device operated by a person associated with a potential stopover or destination, and may be a fixed terminal or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. The person operating the second communication device 30 stores information about the potential stopover or destination in advance in a storage unit available to the information providing device 10, such as the storage unit 110 described below. An example of the information stored here relates to at least one of products available for purchase and services available at that location in real space. When displaying information about the virtual space on the display of the first communication device 20, the information providing device 10 also displays the information stored in this storage unit as necessary.
[0032] Next, a detailed example of the configuration of the information providing device 10 will be described. As shown in Fig. 5, the information providing device 10 can use a storage unit 110. In the example shown in this figure, the storage unit 110 is a part of the information providing device 10, but it may also be an external device to the information providing device 10.
[0033] The storage unit 110 stores a plurality of types of information used by the information providing device 10 .
[0034] For example, the storage unit 110 stores information about the virtual space, such as various information necessary for displaying an image of the virtual space on the display of the information providing device 10. The storage unit 110 also stores information acquired by the information providing device 10 from the second communication device 30, such as information about points that can be route points or destinations, linked to those points. The storage unit 110 also stores information acquired by the information providing device 10 from the first communication device 20, such as at least one of route points and destinations, linked to identification information of the user who set the route point and destination.
[0035] The first acquisition unit 120 acquires, from the first communication device 20, information indicating at least one of a route point and a destination, i.e., location information, and user identification information, and links these pieces of information together and stores them in the storage unit 110. The first acquisition unit 120 also acquires, from the first communication device 20, information about the user, for example, user attributes along with the user identification information, and links these pieces of information together and stores them in the storage unit 110. These processes are performed before the information providing device 10 provides the user with a service related to the virtual space.
[0036] The generation unit 130 generates map information using the location information. For example, the generation unit 130 acquires user identification information from the first communication device 20 and reads location information corresponding to this identification information from the storage unit 110. The generation unit 130 then generates map information using this location information. A detailed example of a method for generating map information by the generation unit 130 will be described with reference to other figures.
[0037] The first output unit 140 uses the map information generated by the generation unit 130 to generate information necessary to provide services related to the virtual space and transmits this information to the first communication device 20. For example, a user operating the first communication device 20 drives a vehicle in the virtual space. Here, the range within which the vehicle can move is, for example, the range indicated by the map information generated by the generation unit 130. The first output unit 140 then generates an image corresponding to the position of the vehicle in the virtual space and displays this image on the display of the first communication device 20.
[0038] Furthermore, the first output unit 140 moves the vehicle within the virtual space in accordance with the vehicle operation information input by the user to the first communication device 20. In accordance with this movement, the image displayed by the first output unit 140 on the display of the first communication device 20 is also updated.
[0039] When a caution that the user should be notified of occurs regarding the movement of the vehicle, the first output unit 140 outputs caution information indicating the caution to the output device of the first communication device 20. This output device may be a display or a speaker. The caution information output here relates to, for example, traffic rules that must be followed when driving a vehicle.
[0040] The warning information output by the first output unit 140 may be based on information about the user, such as the attributes of the user, stored in the storage unit 110. For example, if the warning information relates to traffic rules and the storage unit 110 includes information that can identify the user's place of residence or nationality, such as at least one of the place of residence, nationality, and language used, the warning information is based on the difference between the traffic rules of the region to which the point indicated by the place information belongs and the traffic rules of the region indicated by the place of residence or nationality. An example of a region here is a country.
[0041] For example, at least one of the traffic rules for turning right and the traffic rules for turning left at an intersection may differ depending on the country. An example of a traffic rule in this case is the status of a traffic light when a right turn or a left turn is permitted. The warning information includes information indicating these differences.
[0042] The warning information is stored in advance in the storage unit 110. For example, the storage unit 110 stores warning information for each region, for example, each country, indicated by the user's place of residence or nationality, linked to an output condition for the warning information. In this case, the warning information is based on, for example, the difference between the traffic rules of the region to which the point indicated by the place information belongs and the traffic rules of the region indicated by the user's place of residence or nationality. An example of an output condition is when the user's vehicle turns right or left at an intersection.
[0043] Next, a first detailed example of a method for generating map information by the generation unit 130 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. In this example, partial map information including each of a plurality of points that can be route points or destinations and roads is prepared in advance. The partial map information is information that forms at least a part of the map information generated by the generation unit 130, and is stored in the storage unit 110, for example, in association with each of the points. The generation unit 130 then generates map information using the partial information corresponding to the point information.
[0044] For example, as shown in Fig. 6, when a user selects multiple locations, the generation unit 130 acquires partial map information corresponding to these multiple locations from the storage unit 110. The generation unit 130 then generates map information by connecting these multiple partial map information. Preferably, the shape of the area indicated by the partial map information and the positions of roads on the edge of the area are standardized so that when multiple partial map information are connected, roads are continuous between the multiple partial map information.
[0045] 7, the generation unit 130 includes information indicating a location where the warning information should be output in the map information. This location is selected, for example, from a location corresponding to the warning information among the routes for moving from one location to the next in the map information generated by the generation unit 130. For example, the location where the warning information regarding a right turn should be output is a location where a right turn should be made on the above-mentioned route. Note that this route may be displayed superimposed on the map information when the map information is displayed on the display of the first communication device 20, for example.
[0046] The multiple locations selected by the user may be far apart in the real world. In contrast, in the map information generated using this method, the distance between the multiple locations is within a certain range. This reduces the time required to travel between multiple locations in the virtual space, and the user's motivation to learn about the important points is less likely to decrease.
[0047] The partial map information preferably includes, for each point in the partial map information, information necessary to generate an image to be displayed on the display of the first communication device 20 when the user's vehicle is located at that point. The image displayed here preferably reflects a scene that a person can see when located at that point in real space. This increases the user's satisfaction with the information providing device 10.
[0048] Next, a second detailed example of a method for generating map information by the generation unit 130 will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. In this example, as shown in Figure 8, standard map information including at least one road, preferably multiple roads, is prepared in advance. This standard map information is stored, for example, in the storage unit 110. Then, as shown in Figure 9, the generation unit 130 generates map information by placing the location selected by the user, i.e., the location indicated by the location information, within the map indicated by the standard map information. At this time, the generation unit 130 further includes information indicating a location where warning information should be output.
[0049] Comparing the first and second detailed examples described above, the advantage of the first detailed example is that it increases the variety of map information that can be generated, while the advantage of the second detailed example is that it reduces the amount of advance preparation and calculation required to generate map information.
[0050] In both the first and second detailed examples described above, the layout of all roads included in the generated map information often differs from the layout of roads in real space to be compared. However, in the first detailed example, the layout of at least some of the roads included in the partial map information, for example, the layout of roads directly connecting to a point corresponding to the partial map information, may be the same as the layout of roads in real space, for example, the layout of roads directly connecting to that point in real space.
[0051] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the information providing device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The information providing device 10 includes a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input / output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060, for example.
[0052] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data among the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input / output interface 1050, and network interface 1060. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.
[0053] The processor 1020 is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like.
[0054] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.
[0055] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by removable media such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a memory card, or a read-only memory (ROM), 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 10 (e.g., the first acquisition unit 120, the generation unit 130, and the first output unit 140). The processor 1020 loads each of these program modules into the memory 1030 and executes them, thereby realizing each function corresponding to the program module. The storage device 1040 may also function as the memory unit 110.
[0056] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the information providing device 10 to various input / output devices.
[0057] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the information providing device 10 to a network. This network is, for example, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). The network interface 1060 may connect to the network wirelessly or by wire. The information providing device 10 may communicate with at least one of the first communication device 20 and the second communication device 30 via the network interface 1060.
[0058] The information providing device 10 may be realized by a plurality of devices each having the configuration shown in FIG.
[0059] The hardware configurations of the first communication device 20 and the second communication device 30 are similar to the hardware configuration of the information providing device 10 shown in FIG.
[0060] Next, a first operation example of the information providing device 10 and the first communication device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. This example is an operation example when a user of the information providing device 10 registers location information.
[0061] First, the user operates the first communication device 20 to display a screen for registering location information on the display. Next, the user inputs the location information into the first communication device 20 (step S110) and causes the first communication device 20 to transmit the input location information to the information providing device 10 (step S120). At this time, the first communication device 20 also transmits the user's identification information to the information providing device 10. The user's identification information is input into the first communication device 20 before or at step S110.
[0062] The first acquisition unit 120 of the information providing device 10 associates the location information transmitted from the first communication device 20 with the user's identification information and stores the linked information in the storage unit 110 (step S130).
[0063] In step S110, other information such as information about the user, for example, attributes of the user, may be input to the first communication device 20. In this case, this information is also transmitted to the information providing device 10 in step S120, and is also stored in the storage unit 110 in step S130.
[0064] Next, a second operation example of the information providing device 10 and the first communication device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. This example is an operation example when the information providing device 10 provides a service using a virtual space to a user.
[0065] First, the first communication device 20 requests map information from the information providing device 10 (step S210). At this time, the first communication device 20 transmits the user's identification information to the information providing device 10.
[0066] The generation unit 130 of the information providing device 10 reads out, from the storage unit 110, the location information corresponding to the user identification information acquired from the first communication device 20, and generates map information using the read location information (step S220).
[0067] Next, the first output unit 140 of the information providing device 10 and the first communication device 20 perform processing to cause the first communication device 20 to perform output that allows the user to experience the virtual space (step S230).
[0068] As an example, the first output unit 140 sets a specific point in the map information as the current position of the vehicle, generates an image corresponding to this current position, and displays it on the display of the first communication device 20. The user then inputs information for moving the vehicle in the virtual space, for example, information corresponding to operation information for at least one of the steering wheel, accelerator, and brake, to the first communication device 20. The first communication device 20 transmits this information to the information providing device 10. The first output unit 140 then updates the current position of the vehicle in the virtual space in accordance with this information, and generates an image corresponding to the updated current position and displays it on the display of the first communication device 20.
[0069] Furthermore, the first output unit 140 transmits, as necessary, warning information to the first communication device 20 to output it. For example, when the current position of the vehicle reaches a location where warning information should be output, the first output unit 140 transmits the warning information to the first communication device 20 to output it.
[0070] As described above, according to this embodiment, the generation unit 130 generates map information to be used in a virtual space. In this map information, the layout of roads differs from the layout of roads in real space. Therefore, the generation unit 130 can create a layout for the roads in the map information that enhances the user's motivation to learn about the warning information. Therefore, by using the information providing device 10, the driver can be motivated to learn when knowledge necessary for driving a vehicle is provided as warning information before driving.
[0071] Second Embodiment The information providing device 10 shown in FIG. 13 includes a second output unit 150 and a second acquisition unit 160 in addition to a storage unit 110, a first acquisition unit 120, a generation unit 130, and a first output unit 140.
[0072] When the user's vehicle arrives in the virtual space at the point indicated by the point information, i.e., the waypoint or destination selected by the user, the second output unit 150 outputs virtual experience information to the first communication device 20. The virtual experience information is linked to the point indicated by the point information and is information for allowing the user to virtually experience a predetermined item in the virtual space.
[0073] As an example, the virtual experience information includes a program that allows a user to virtually experience a predetermined attraction or service. Examples of the predetermined attraction or service include at least one of fishing, agricultural harvesting, crafting experience, and beauty services. The virtual experience information is created by, for example, a person or organization associated with a potential stopover or destination. The virtual experience information is linked to, for example, a potential stopover or destination and stored in advance in the storage unit 110.
[0074] When the user's vehicle arrives at a stopover or destination in the virtual space, the second output unit 150 reads out virtual experience information corresponding to the stopover or destination from the memory unit 110, and uses this virtual experience information to allow the user to virtually experience specified items.
[0075] Note that the second output unit 150 may not output virtual experience information even if virtual experience information corresponding to the stopover or destination is stored in the storage unit 110. For example, in the process using FIG. 11 , if the user also inputs information indicating that a virtual experience is not required when inputting location information into the information providing device 10, this information is also stored in the storage unit 110. In this case, the second output unit 150 does not output virtual experience information. Also, in the process using FIG. 11 , the user may input information indicating that a virtual experience is desired when inputting location information into the information providing device 10. In this case, this information is also stored in the storage unit 110. The second output unit 150 outputs virtual experience information only if this information is stored in the storage unit 110.
[0076] In the virtual experience described above, at least one of the information providing device 10 and the first communication device 20 may generate experience data, which is information about the content of the virtual experience that the user has had, such as data about a virtually obtained product from the virtual experience. The second acquisition unit 160 acquires this experience data. As an example, the experience data may include at least one of the type and size of fish caught by fishing, the type and size of agricultural produce obtained by harvesting, and the type of item virtually generated through the crafting experience and its three-dimensional shape information.
[0077] The second acquisition unit 160 then transmits this experience data to the second communication device 30. In this way, for example, when a user visits a location in real space, the user can receive a service or product based on the experience data at that location. In this case, the user is more motivated to use the information providing device 10. The service or product provided here may be, for example, the provision of a dish using the fish or agricultural products indicated by the experience data, or the production and provision of the product indicated by the experience data. The product is produced, for example, by inputting the three-dimensional shape information into a three-dimensional printer.
[0078] In addition, the second communication device 30 to which the experience data is sent may be a communication device managed by a person or organization that provides an attraction or service corresponding to the virtual experience information in real space.
[0079] 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information providing device 10 and the first communication device 20. The process shown in this figure is performed, for example, in step S230 of FIG. 12. The process shown in this figure is not performed if information indicating that a virtual experience is not required is stored in the storage unit 110. The process shown in this figure may also be performed only if information indicating that a virtual experience is desired is stored in the storage unit 110.
[0080] First, when the user's vehicle arrives at a waypoint or a destination in the virtual space, the second output unit 150 of the information providing device 10 determines whether there is virtual experience information corresponding to the waypoint or the destination. If there is virtual experience information, the second output unit 150 transmits information to the first communication device 20 to confirm whether the user desires a virtual experience according to the virtual experience information. The first communication device 20 prompts the user to input information indicating whether or not the user desires a virtual experience. If this information indicates that the user desires a virtual experience, the first communication device 20 transmits information indicating this to the information providing device 10 (step S310).
[0081] Next, the second output unit 150 of the information providing device 10 reads the virtual experience information from the storage unit 110. Then, the second output unit 150 and the first communication device 20 use the virtual experience information to execute a process for allowing the user to have a virtual experience (step S320). At this time, experience data is generated.
[0082] Second acquisition unit 160 then stores this experience data in storage unit 110 (step S330) and transmits this experience data to first communication device 20 (step S340).
[0083] According to this embodiment, the information providing device 10 can also motivate the driver to learn by providing the driver with necessary knowledge for driving a vehicle as cautionary information before driving. Furthermore, when the user's vehicle arrives at a waypoint or a destination in the virtual space, the second output unit 150 of the information providing device 10 allows the user to have a virtual experience corresponding to that point. This increases the user's motivation to use the information providing device 10, thereby increasing the driver's motivation to learn.
[0084] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.
[0085] In addition, although the flowcharts used in the above description show multiple steps (processes) in a sequential order, the order of steps executed in each embodiment is not limited to the order shown. In each embodiment, the order of the steps shown in the drawings can be changed as long as it does not cause any problems in terms of content. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be combined as long as the content is not contradictory.
[0086] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following notes. 1. An information providing device comprising: a first acquisition means for acquiring point information indicating a location that exists in real space and indicating at least one of a route point or a destination; a generation means for using the point information to generate map information indicating a range of movement of a vehicle in a virtual space and including the route point or the destination; and a first output means for moving the vehicle within the map information of the virtual space in accordance with input by a user, and outputting warning information indicating a warning that the user should be notified of regarding the movement when such warning occurs, wherein the layout of roads in the map information differs from the layout of roads in real space. 2. The information providing device described in above 1, wherein, for each of a plurality of points that can be the route point or the destination, partial map information including the point and roads and constituting at least a part of the map information is prepared, and the generation means generates the map information using the partial map information corresponding to the point information. 3. The information providing device described in any one of above 2, wherein the partial map information includes information necessary for generating, for each point in the partial map information, an image to be displayed when the vehicle is located at that point. 4. The information providing device described in any one of above 1, wherein standard map information including roads is prepared in advance, and the generation means, when generating the map information, places the points indicated by the point information within the map indicated by the standard map information. 5. The information providing device described in any one of above 1 to 4, wherein the generation means includes, in the map information, information indicating a location where the warning is to be output. 6. The information providing device described in any one of above 1 to 5, wherein the warning is based on an attribute of the user. 7. The information providing device described in above 6, wherein the attribute includes information capable of identifying the user's place of residence or nationality, and the warning is based on a difference between the traffic rules of the area to which the point indicated by the point information belongs and the traffic rules of the area indicated by the place of residence or nationality.8. The information providing device described in any one of 1 to 7 above, comprising second output means for outputting, to a first communication device operated by the user, virtual experience information that is linked to the location indicated by the location information and that allows the user to virtually experience a predetermined item in the virtual space when the vehicle arrives at the location indicated by the location information. 9. The information providing device described in 8 above, comprising second acquisition means for acquiring experience data that is information related to the content of the virtual experience experienced by the user, and outputting the experience data to a second communication device operated by a person associated with the waypoint or destination. 10. The information providing device described in 9 above, wherein the experience data includes data related to an outcome virtually obtained by the virtual experience. 11. 12. An information provision method in which at least one computer acquires point information indicating locations that exist in real space and indicates at least one of a route point or a destination, uses the point information to generate map information in a virtual space that indicates a range of movement of a vehicle and includes the route point or the destination, moves the vehicle within the map information of the virtual space in accordance with input by a user, and, if any important matters that should be notified to the user regarding the movement arise, outputs warning information indicating the important matters, and the road layout in the map information differs from the road layout in real space. 12. An information provision method in which at least one computer acquires point information that indicates locations that exist in real space and indicates at least one of a route point or a destination, uses the point information to generate map information in a virtual space that indicates a range of movement of a vehicle and includes the route point or the destination, moves the vehicle within the map information of the virtual space in accordance with input by a user, and, if any important matters that should be notified to the user regarding the movement arise, outputs warning information indicating the important matters, and the road layout in the map information differs from the road layout in real space. 13. An information provision method in which the information provision method described in above 11 is provided,14. The information provision method described in claim 11, wherein standard map information including roads is prepared in advance, and the at least one computer, when generating the map information, places the points indicated by the point information within the map indicated by the standard map information. 15. The information provision method described in any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the at least one computer includes, in the map information, information indicating a location where the warning should be output. 16. The information provision method described in any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the warning is based on an attribute of the user. 17. The information provision method described in claim 16, wherein the attribute includes information capable of identifying the user's place of residence or nationality, and the warning is based on a difference between the traffic rules of the area to which the point indicated by the point information belongs and the traffic rules of the area indicated by the place of residence or nationality. 18. 19. The information provision method described in any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein, when the vehicle arrives at a location indicated by the location information in the virtual space, the at least one computer outputs, to a first communication device operated by the user, virtual experience information that is linked to the location indicated by the location information and that allows the user to virtually experience a predetermined item in the virtual space. 19. The information provision method described in claim 18, wherein the at least one computer acquires experience data that is information related to the content of the virtual experience that the user had, and outputs the experience data to a second communication device operated by a person associated with the waypoint or destination. 20. The information provision method described in claim 19, wherein the experience data includes data related to an outcome virtually obtained by the virtual experience.21. A program that causes at least one computer to acquire point information indicating locations that exist in real space and indicate at least one of a route point or a destination, uses the point information to generate map information that indicates a vehicle's range of movement in a virtual space and includes the route point or the destination, moves the vehicle within the map information of the virtual space in accordance with user input, and, if any important matters that should be notified to the user regarding the movement arise, outputs warning information indicating the important matters, and the road layout in the map information differs from the road layout in real space. 22. A program in accordance with the program described in 21 above, wherein, for each of a plurality of points that can be the route point or the destination, partial map information that includes the point and roads and that forms at least a part of the map information is prepared, and causes the at least one computer to generate the map information using the partial map information that corresponds to the point information. 23. A program in accordance with the program described in 22 above, wherein the partial map information includes, for each point within the partial map information, information necessary to generate an image to be displayed when the vehicle is located at the point. 24. 21. The program described in any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein standard map information including roads is prepared in advance, and the at least one computer is caused to place the points indicated by the point information within the map indicated by the standard map information when generating the map information. 25. The program described in any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the at least one computer is caused to include, in the map information, information indicating a location where the warning should be output. 26. The program described in any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the warning is based on an attribute of the user. 27. The program described in claim 26, wherein the attribute includes information capable of identifying the user's place of residence or nationality, and the warning is based on a difference between the traffic rules of the area to which the point indicated by the point information belongs and the traffic rules of the area indicated by the place of residence or nationality.28. The program described in any one of claims 21 to 27 above, wherein the program causes the at least one computer to output, to a first communication device operated by the user, virtual experience information that is linked to the location indicated by the location information and that allows the user to virtually experience a predetermined item in the virtual space, when the vehicle arrives at the location indicated by the location information. 29. The program described in claim 28 above, wherein the program causes the at least one computer to acquire experience data that is information regarding the content of the virtual experience that the user had, and output the experience data to a second communication device operated by a person associated with the waypoint or destination. 30. The program described in claim 29 above, wherein the experience data includes data regarding an outcome virtually obtained by the virtual experience. 31. A recording medium storing the program described in any one of claims 21 to 30 above.
[0087] 10 Information Providing Device 20 First Communication Device 30 Second Communication Device 110 Storage Unit 120 First Acquisition Unit 130 Generation Unit 140 First Output Unit 150 Second Output Unit 160 Second Acquisition Unit
Claims
1. a first acquisition means for acquiring location information indicating a location existing in real space and indicating at least one of a route point or a destination; a generating means for generating map information that indicates a range of movement of a vehicle in a virtual space and includes the route points or the destination point, using the location information; a first output means for moving the vehicle within the map information of the virtual space in accordance with an input by a user, and for outputting, when a caution that should be notified to the user regarding the movement occurs, warning information indicating the caution; Equipped with An information providing device, wherein the layout of roads in the map information is different from the layout of roads in real space.
2. 2. The information providing device according to claim 1, partial map information including the location and a road and constituting at least a part of the map information is prepared for each of a plurality of locations that can be the route location or the destination; The generating means generates the map information using the partial map information corresponding to the location information.
3. 3. The information providing device according to claim 2, The partial map information includes, for each point in the partial map information, information necessary to generate an image to be displayed when the vehicle is located at that point.
4. 2. The information providing device according to claim 1, Standard map information including roads is prepared in advance, The generating means, when generating the map information, places the points indicated by the point information within the map indicated by the standard map information.
5. The information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The generating means includes, in the map information, information indicating a location where the warning should be output.
6. The information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The information providing device, wherein the notice is based on an attribute of the user.
7. 7. The information providing device according to claim 6, The attributes include information that can identify the user's place of residence or nationality, The information providing device, wherein the cautions are based on a difference between traffic rules of an area to which the location indicated by the location information belongs and traffic rules of an area indicated by the place of residence or nationality.
8. The information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An information providing device comprising a second output means for outputting virtual experience information linked to the location indicated by the location information and for allowing the user to virtually experience specified items in the virtual space to a first communication device operated by the user when the vehicle arrives at the location indicated by the location information in the virtual space.
9. At least one computer acquiring location information indicating a location existing in real space and indicating at least one of a route point or a destination; generating map information indicating a range of movement of the vehicle in a virtual space and including the intermediate points or the destination using the location information; moving the vehicle within the map information of the virtual space in accordance with an input by a user, and, if any cautionary notice that should be notified to the user regarding the movement occurs, outputting cautionary notice indicating the cautionary notice; An information providing method, wherein the layout of roads in the map information is different from the layout of roads in real space.
10. At least one computer acquiring location information indicating a location existing in real space and indicating at least one of a waypoint or a destination; generating map information indicating a range of movement of the vehicle in a virtual space and including the intermediate points or the destination using the location information; moving the vehicle within the map information of the virtual space in accordance with an input by a user, and outputting, when any caution that should be notified to the user regarding the movement occurs, caution information indicating the caution; A program in which the layout of roads in the map information is different from the layout of roads in real space.