User position identifying system, user position identifying method, user terminal, position management device, user terminal program, and position management program

Abstract

A user terminal (200) is connected to one of a plurality of displays (101), acquires a display identifier as a connection display identifier from the display (101) that is connected, and transmits a user identifier and the connection display identifier. A position management device (300) receives the user identifier and the connection display identifier, acquires, as connection display position information, display position information associated with the same display identifier as the connection display identifier from a position management database (320), and registers the user identifier in the position management database (320) in association with the connection display position information.

Description

User location identification system, user location identification method, user terminal, location management device, user terminal program, and location management program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for determining a user's location.

[0002] In recent years, with the progress of work style reforms in various organizations such as companies, the so-called free address system, in which individuals are not assigned fixed seats within an area, is becoming more common. As a result, it is becoming increasingly difficult to grasp the location (location) of employees within an office area. In such an environment, in order to facilitate smooth communication between employees and improve work efficiency, it is desirable to be able to grasp the location of each employee within a facility such as an office area.

[0003] Patent Literature 1 proposes a system that can sufficiently improve work efficiency while ensuring security in business operations in various organizations. However, this system requires each employee to carry a device that transmits a beacon signal in order to identify their location. This means that a device purchase cost is required for each employee.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-23826

[0005] The present disclosure aims to enable the location of employees in a free address environment to be identified without requiring employees to carry beacon transmitters.

[0006] The user position identification system of the present disclosure comprises: a plurality of displays; a user terminal connected to one of the plurality of displays, acquiring a display identifier from the connected display as a connected display identifier, and transmitting a user identifier and the connected display identifier; and a location management device that receives the user identifier and the connected display identifier, acquires display position information associated with the same display identifier as the connected display identifier from a location management database in which display position information is registered in association with the display identifier for each display, as connected display position information, and registers the user identifier in the location management database in association with the connected display position information.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to identify the location of employees in a free address environment without requiring employees to carry beacon transmitters.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a user position identification system 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a user terminal 200 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a position management device 300 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a position management database 320 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a user position display device 400 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a user position identification method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a user terminal 200 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a user position update process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a position management device 300 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a new display management process according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a position management device 300 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a user position identification method according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of step S423 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a user position identification method according to an example of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a hardware configuration diagram of a user terminal 200 according to the embodiment. FIG. 16 is a hardware configuration diagram of a position management device 300 according to the embodiment. FIG. 17 is a hardware configuration diagram of a user position display device 400 according to the embodiment.

[0009] In the embodiments and drawings, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. The description of elements denoted by the same reference numerals as those already described will be omitted or simplified as appropriate. Arrows in the drawings primarily indicate the flow of data or the flow of processing.

[0010] First Embodiment A user location identification system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0011] *** Description of Configuration *** The configuration of the user location identification system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The user location identification system 100 includes a plurality of displays 101. Each display 101 is fixedly installed at a specific position. For example, the plurality of displays 101 are installed at different seats in a free-address office area.

[0012] The user position identification system 100 includes a user terminal 200, a position management device 300, a position management database 320, and a user position display device 400. The user terminal 200, the position management device 300, and the user position display device 400 communicate with each other via a network 109.

[0013] The user terminal 200 is carried by the user 102 and connected to any one of the displays 101. An example of the user 102 is an employee. An example of the user terminal 200 is a notebook PC. PC is an abbreviation for personal computer.

[0014] The position management device 300 uses a position management database 320 to manage the position of each display 101 and the position of the user 102. The position management database 320 is a database used to manage the position of each display 101 and the position of the user 102. The position management database 320 may be provided inside the position management device 300 or outside the position management device 300.

[0015] The user location display device 400 displays the location of the user 102 .

[0016] The configuration of the user terminal 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The user terminal 200 is a computer equipped with hardware such as a processor 201, a memory 202, an auxiliary storage device 203, a communication device 204, and an input / output interface 205. These pieces of hardware are connected to each other via signal lines.

[0017] The processor 201 is the processor of the user terminal 200. The processor is an IC that performs arithmetic processing and controls other hardware. For example, the processor is a CPU. IC is an abbreviation for Integrated Circuit. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit.

[0018] The memory 202 is the memory of the user terminal 200. Data stored in the memory 202 is saved in the auxiliary storage device 203 as needed. The memory is a volatile or non-volatile storage device. The memory is also called a primary storage device or a main memory. For example, the memory is a RAM. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory.

[0019] The auxiliary storage device 203 is an auxiliary storage device of the user terminal 200. Data stored in the auxiliary storage device 203 is loaded into the memory 202 as needed. The auxiliary storage device is a non-volatile storage device. For example, the auxiliary storage device is a ROM, a HDD, a flash memory, or a combination of these. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive.

[0020] The communication device 204 is a communication device of the user terminal 200. The communication of the user terminal 200 is performed using the communication device 204. The communication device is a receiver and a transmitter. For example, the communication device is a communication chip or NIC. NIC is an abbreviation for Network Interface Card.

[0021] The input / output interface 205 is an input / output interface of the user terminal 200. Input and output of the user terminal 200 is performed via the input / output interface 205. The input / output interface is a port to which an input device and an output device are connected. For example, the input / output interface is a USB terminal, the input devices are a keyboard and a mouse, and the output device is a display. USB is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus.

[0022] The user terminal 200 includes elements such as a display information acquisition unit 211, a user information acquisition unit 212, and a connection information transmission unit 213. These elements are realized by software.

[0023] The auxiliary storage device 203 stores a user terminal program for causing the computer to function as a display information acquisition unit 211, a user information acquisition unit 212, and a connection information transmission unit 213. The user terminal program is loaded into the memory 202 and executed by the processor 201. The auxiliary storage device 203 also stores an OS. At least a portion of the OS is loaded into the memory 202 and executed by the processor 201. The processor 201 executes the user terminal program while executing the OS. OS is an abbreviation for Operating System.

[0024] Data (input data, output data, etc.) of the user terminal program is stored in the storage unit 290. The memory 202 functions as the storage unit 290. However, a storage device such as the auxiliary storage device 203, a register in the processor 201, or a cache memory in the processor 201 may function as the storage unit 290 instead of or together with the memory 202.

[0025] The user terminal program can be recorded (stored) in a computer-readable manner on a non-volatile recording medium such as an optical disk or flash memory.

[0026] The configuration of the location management device 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The location management device 300 is a computer including hardware such as a processor 301, a memory 302, an auxiliary storage device 303, a communication device 304, and an input / output interface 305. These pieces of hardware are connected to each other via signal lines.

[0027] Processor 301 is the processor of the position management device 300. Memory 302 is the memory of the position management device 300. Data stored in memory 302 is saved in auxiliary storage device 303 as needed. Auxiliary storage device 303 is an auxiliary storage device of the position management device 300. Data stored in auxiliary storage device 303 is loaded into memory 302 as needed. Communication device 304 is the communication device of the position management device 300. Communication of the position management device 300 is performed using communication device 304. Input / output interface 305 is an input / output interface of the position management device 300. Input and output of the position management device 300 is performed via input / output interface 305.

[0028] The location management device 300 includes elements such as a connection information receiving unit 311, a user location identifying unit 312, a user location management unit 313, and a user location information notifying unit 314. These elements are realized by software.

[0029] Auxiliary storage device 303 stores a location management program for causing a computer to function as connection information receiving unit 311, user location identification unit 312, user location management unit 313, and user location information notification unit 314. The location management program is loaded into memory 302 and executed by processor 301. Auxiliary storage device 303 also stores an OS. At least a portion of the OS is loaded into memory 302 and executed by processor 301. Processor 301 executes the location management program while running the OS.

[0030] Data (input data, output data, etc.) of the position management program is stored in storage unit 390. Memory 302 functions as storage unit 390. However, a storage device such as auxiliary storage device 303, a register in processor 301, or a cache memory in processor 301 may function as storage unit 390 instead of memory 302 or together with memory 302.

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

[0032] An example of the configuration of the location management database 320 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The location management database 320 has a table for managing the location of each display 101 and the location of each user 102.

[0033] For example, (1) the location management database 320 has a table in which display IDs, physical locations, and user IDs are registered in association with one another. ID means an identifier. The physical location is information indicating the location of the display 101 (display location information). The physical location associated with the user ID corresponds to information indicating the location of the user 102 (user location information). The display 101 identified by "123456A" is installed in seat 10C in the first area, and user A is using seat 10C in the first area.

[0034] For example, (2) the location management database 320 includes a table in which display IDs and physical locations are registered in association with each other, and a table in which display IDs and user IDs are registered in association with each other. User IDs are associated with physical locations via display IDs.

[0035] The configuration of the user position display device 400 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The user position display device 400 is a computer equipped with hardware such as a processor 401, a memory 402, an auxiliary storage device 403, a communication device 404, and an input / output interface 405. These pieces of hardware are connected to each other via signal lines.

[0036] The processor 401 is the processor of the user position display device 400. The memory 402 is the memory of the user position display device 400. Data stored in the memory 402 is saved in the auxiliary storage device 403 as needed. The auxiliary storage device 403 is the auxiliary storage device of the user position display device 400. Data stored in the auxiliary storage device 403 is loaded into the memory 402 as needed. The communication device 404 is the communication device of the user position display device 400. Communication of the user position display device 400 is performed using the communication device 404. The input / output interface 405 is the input / output interface of the user position display device 400. Input and output of the user position display device 400 is performed via the input / output interface 405.

[0037] The user position display device 400 includes elements such as a user position information acquisition unit 411 and a user position information display unit 412. These elements are realized by software.

[0038] The auxiliary storage device 403 stores a user position display program for causing the computer to function as a user position information acquisition unit 411 and a user position information display unit 412. The user position display program is loaded into the memory 402 and executed by the processor 401. The auxiliary storage device 403 also stores an OS. At least a portion of the OS is loaded into the memory 402 and executed by the processor 401. The processor 401 executes the user position display program while executing the OS.

[0039] Data (input data, output data, etc.) of the user position display program is stored in storage unit 490. Memory 402 functions as storage unit 490. However, storage devices such as auxiliary storage unit 403, registers in processor 401, and cache memory in processor 401 may function as storage unit 490 instead of memory 402 or together with memory 402.

[0040] The user position display program can be recorded (stored) in a computer-readable manner on a non-volatile recording medium such as an optical disk or flash memory.

[0041] ***Description of Operation*** The operation procedures of the user position identification system 100 correspond to a user position identification method. Furthermore, the operation procedures of the user position identification system 100 correspond to processing procedures by a user position identification program. The user position identification program includes a user terminal program, a position management program, and a user position display program. The operation procedures of the user terminal 200 correspond to processing procedures by the user terminal program. The operation procedures of the position management device 300 correspond to processing procedures by the position management program. The operation procedures of the user position display device 400 correspond to processing procedures by the user position display program.

[0042] The preprocessing of the user position identification method will now be described. The administrator associates a display identifier and display position information for each display 101 and registers them in the position management database 320. The user 102 connects the user terminal 200 to the display 101 that he or she will use.

[0043] The display 101 to which the user terminal 200 is connected is called a connected display. The user 102 of the user terminal 200 connected to the connected display is called a connected user.

[0044] The user position identification method will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Steps S111 to S113 are executed by the user terminal 200.

[0045] In step S111, when the user terminal 200 is connected to the display 101, the display information acquisition unit 211 acquires display information of the connected display from the connected display.

[0046] The display information includes a display identifier. An example of the display information is Extended Display Identification Data (EDID). The EDID indicates the manufacturer name, model name, display ID, etc.

[0047] The display information of a connected display is referred to as “connected display information.” The display identifier included in the connected display information is referred to as “connected display identifier.”

[0048] In step S112, the user information acquisition unit 212 acquires the user information of the connecting user.

[0049] The user information includes a user identifier.

[0050] The user identifier is obtained, for example, as follows: The connecting user logs in to the user terminal 200 by inputting a user identifier and a login password. The user identifier input at the time of login is stored as the user identifier of the currently logged-in user 102. The user information obtaining unit 212 obtains the user identifier of the currently logged-in user 102.

[0051] The user information of a connected user is referred to as “connected user information.” The user identifier included in the connected user information is referred to as “connected user identifier.”

[0052] In step S113 , the connection information transmitting unit 213 transmits the connection information to the location management device 300 .

[0053] The connection information includes connected display information and connected user information.

[0054] Steps S121 to S124 are executed by the position management device 300.

[0055] In step S121, the connection information receiving unit 311 receives connection information.

[0056] In step S122, the user location identification unit 312 uses the location management database 320 to identify the location of the connected user based on the connection information.

[0057] The location of the connected user is identified as follows: User location identification unit 312 acquires, from location management database 320, display location information associated with the same display identifier as the connected display identifier indicated in the connection information. The acquired display location information is referred to as connected display location information. The location indicated in the connected display location information is identified as the location of the connected user.

[0058] In step S123, the user location management unit 313 manages the locations of connected users.

[0059] The location of the connected user is managed as follows: The user location management unit 313 registers the connected user identifier in the location management database 320 in association with the connected display location information.

[0060] In step S124, the user position information notification unit 314 transmits the position identification information to the user position display device 400.

[0061] The location specifying information includes a connected user identifier and connected user location information, which is the same as the connected display location information.

[0062] Steps S131 and S132 are executed by the user position display device 400.

[0063] In step S131, the user position information acquisition unit 411 receives the position identification information.

[0064] In step S132 , the user position information display unit 412 displays the position identification information on the display of the user position display device 400 .

[0065] ***Effects of First Embodiment*** The first embodiment realizes the identification of employee positions in a free address office area without the need to purchase additional terminals that emit beacon signals.

[0066] The first embodiment is characterized by the following points, for example: In an office area with a free address system, an employee carries a laptop PC and connects the laptop PC to a display at one of their seats. In such an environment, when the laptop PC is connected to a display, a unique identifier (display ID) of the display included in the EDID or the like is used as location identification information. In addition, a location management database is used that maintains the relationship between the display ID and the physical location where the display is located. When a user logs in to a PC, the display ID connected to the PC and user information are stored in the location management database. With these features, the first embodiment can solve the conventional problem of being unable to identify a user's location without an additional device (beacon transmitter) for the employee. In other words, the first embodiment makes it possible to identify a user's location simply by connecting a PC to an existing display.

[0067] For example, the first embodiment provides the following advantages: When a user connects a PC to an existing display to perform work, the display's unique identifier (display ID) is treated as location identification information. Then, by transmitting the user information and the display ID to the management server when the user logs in, the user's location can be easily identified even in a free address environment.

[0068] *** Supplementary Note to First Embodiment *** The user terminal 200 may be used as the user position display device 400. In other words, the user terminal 200 may have the functions of the user position display device 400.

[0069] A plurality of displays 101 may be installed for one seat.

[0070] The display 101 is fixed to one seat and can only be used at that seat. In this case, the display position information indicates the position of the seat to which the display 101 is fixed. The display 101 may be moved among multiple seats and used at any of the multiple seats. In this case, the display position information indicates a range of multiple seat positions to which the display 101 can be moved and used. However, the display position information may indicate only the position of one seat, and the range of multiple seat positions may be managed separately from the display position information. For example, the display 101 is a movable display. The movable display is attached to an arm fixed to the seat. Then, by operating the arm, the movable display can be moved between the seat to which the arm is fixed and the seats on either side (or one side) of that seat. For example, the display 101 is a mobile display. The mobile display is permitted to be used at any seat in a predetermined area. A display 101 that is only used at a fixed seat and a display 101 that can be moved among multiple seats may be mixed.

[0071] Second Embodiment A second embodiment in which the user terminal 200 is disconnected from the connected display and connected to another display 101 will be described, focusing mainly on the differences from the first embodiment, with reference to FIGS.

[0072] ***Description of Configuration*** The configuration of the user terminal 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The user terminal 200 further includes a connection status detection unit 214. The user terminal program also causes the computer to function as the connection status detection unit 214.

[0073] ***Description of Operation*** After being connected to one of the displays 101, the user terminal 200 is reconnected to another display 101. For example, the user 102 connects the user terminal 200 to the display 101 at one of the seats and performs work. Thereafter, the user 102 removes the user terminal 200 from the display 101, moves to another seat, connects the user terminal 200 to the display 101 at the new seat, and resumes work.

[0074] The user location update process will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The user location update process is included in the user location identification method. The user location update process is executed after steps S101 to S132 described in the first embodiment.

[0075] Steps S211 and S212 are executed by the user terminal 200.

[0076] In step S211, the connection status detection unit 214 detects a change in the connection status of the user terminal 200.

[0077] Specifically, the connection status detection unit 214 detects a change in the connected display.

[0078] A change in the connection status is detected, for example, as follows: The connected display information included in the connection information transmitted in step S113 is saved in storage unit 290. The display identifier included in the saved connected display information is referred to as a saved connected display identifier. Display information acquisition unit 211 periodically acquires connected display information. The display identifier included in newly acquired connected display information is referred to as a new connected display identifier. Each time a connected display identifier is acquired, connection status detection unit 214 compares the new connected display identifier with the saved connected display identifier. When the new connected display identifier differs from the saved connected display identifier, connection status detection unit 214 detects a change in the connection status.

[0079] A change in the connection status is detected, for example, as follows: When the user terminal 200 is connected to the display 101 after being disconnected from the connected display, the connection of the display 101 is detected and notified by the OS. The connection status detection unit 214 detects the change in the connection status through the notification from the OS.

[0080] In step S212 , the connection information transmitting unit 213 transmits the new connection information to the location management device 300 .

[0081] The new connection information includes new connected display information and connected user information. The new connected display information is display information of the display 101 to which the user terminal 200 is currently connected. The new connected display information is acquired from the display 101 to which the user terminal 200 is currently connected. The display identifier included in the new connected display information is referred to as the new connected display identifier.

[0082] Steps S221 to S224 are executed by the position management device 300.

[0083] In step S221, the connection information receiving unit 311 receives new connection information.

[0084] In step S222, the user location identification unit 312 uses the location management database 320 to identify the new location of the connected user based on the new connection information.

[0085] The new location of the connected user is identified as follows: The user location identification unit 312 acquires, from the location management database 320, display location information associated with the same display identifier as the new connected display identifier indicated in the new connection information. The acquired display location information is referred to as new connected display location information. The location indicated in the new display location information is identified as the new location of the connected user.

[0086] In step S223, the user location management unit 313 manages the new location of the connected user.

[0087] Specifically, the user position management unit 313 registers the connected user identifier in the position management database 320 in association with the new connected display position information in place of the connected display position information.

[0088] The new location of the connected user is managed, for example, as follows: First, user location identification unit 312 searches location management database 320 to find a user identifier that is the same as the connected user identifier indicated in the new connection information, and deletes the found user identifier from location management database 320. Then, user location identification unit 312 registers the connected user identifier indicated in the new connection information in location management database 320 in association with the new connected display location information.

[0089] In step S224, the user position information notification unit 314 transmits the new position identification information to the user position display device 400.

[0090] The new location specifying information includes a connected user identifier and connected user location information, which is the same as the new connected display location information.

[0091] Steps S231 and S232 are executed by the user position display device 400.

[0092] In step S231, the user position information acquisition unit 411 receives new position identification information.

[0093] In step S232, the user position information display unit 412 displays the new position specifying information on the display of the user position display device 400.

[0094] ***Effects of Second Embodiment*** The second embodiment is characterized by the following points, for example: When display information is periodically acquired and a change in the connection status is detected, the user information and display information are transmitted to the location management device as update data. Alternatively, when a notification of a change in the connection status of the display is received from the OS or the like, the user information and display information are transmitted to the location management device as update data. Due to these features, the second embodiment has the effect of being able to update the user's physical location information in the location management database without burdening the user when a change in the connection status of the display occurs.

[0095] Third Embodiment A third embodiment in which a display 101 is newly provided will be described, focusing mainly on the differences from the first and second embodiments, with reference to FIGS.

[0096] ***Description of Configuration*** The configuration of the user terminal 200 is the same as that in the second embodiment.

[0097] The configuration of the position management device 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The position management device 300 further includes a new display management unit 315. The position management program further causes the computer to function as the new display management unit 315.

[0098] ***Description of Operation*** The user terminal 200 is connected to the existing display 101, detached from the existing display 101, and connected to the new display 101. For example, when a new display 101 is installed, the user 102 connects the user terminal 200 to the existing display 101 that is installed in the seat where the new display 101 will be installed. Thereafter, the user 102 detaches the user terminal 200 from the existing display 101, installs the new display 101, and connects the user terminal 200 to the new display 101.

[0099] The new display management process will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The new display management process is included in the user position identification method. The new display management process is executed after steps S101 to S132 described in the first embodiment.

[0100] Steps S311 and S312 are executed by the user terminal 200.

[0101] In step S311, the connection state detection unit 214 detects a change in the connection state of the user terminal 200. Step S311 is the same as step S211 in the second embodiment.

[0102] In step S312, the connection information transmitting unit 213 transmits the new connection information to the location management device 300. Step S312 is the same as step S212 in the second embodiment.

[0103] Steps S321 to S323 are executed by the position management device 300.

[0104] In step S321, the connection information receiving unit 311 receives new connection information. Step S321 is the same as step S221 in the second embodiment.

[0105] In step S322, new display management section 315 uses location management database 320 to determine whether the newly connected display is a new display based on the new connection information.

[0106] A new display is a display 101 that has been newly installed. The display identifier of a new display is not registered in the location management database 320. On the other hand, an already installed display 101 that is managed in the location management database 320 is referred to as an existing display. The display identifier of an existing display is registered in the location management database 320.

[0107] The determination is made as follows: The new display management unit 315 searches the location management database 320 to find a display identifier that is the same as the newly connected display identifier indicated in the new connection information. If a display identifier that is the same as the new display identifier is not found, the new display management unit 315 determines that the newly connected display is a new display.

[0108] If the newly connected display is a new display, the process proceeds to step S323. If the newly connected display is not a new display, that is, if the newly connected display is an existing display, steps S222 to S232 described in the second embodiment are executed.

[0109] In step S323, the new display management unit 315 manages the position of the new display.

[0110] Specifically, the new display management unit 315 registers the new display position information in the position management database 320. The new display position information is display position information of the new display.

[0111] For example, new display position information is registered as follows: First, the new display management unit 315 searches the location management database 320 to find a user identifier that is the same as the connected user identifier indicated in the new connection information. Next, the new display management unit 315 acquires connected display position information associated with the found user identifier from the location management database 320. The acquired connected display position information becomes the new display position information. Then, the new display management unit 315 registers the new display position information in the location management database 320 in association with a display identifier that is the same as the new connected display identifier indicated in the new connection information.

[0112] For example, new display position information is registered as follows: Before user terminal 200 is connected to the new display, user terminal 200 is detached from the connected display. When user terminal 200 is detached from the connected display, connection status detection unit 214 detects the detachment of user terminal 200 from the connected display, and connection information transmission unit 213 transmits detachment information to position management device 300. The detachment information includes a detachment user identifier. The detachment user identifier is the user identifier of user 102 of user terminal 200 detached from the connected display. Connection information reception unit 311 receives the detachment information. New display management unit 315 determines whether the elapsed time from the time the detachment information was received to the time new connection information was received is within a predetermined time. If the elapsed time is within the predetermined time, new display management unit 315 registers new display position information in position management database 320 as described above.

[0113] For example, new display position information is registered as follows: The user terminal 200 includes an element called a user interface unit. The new display management unit 315 transmits a registration inquiry to the user terminal 200. The registration inquiry is data transmitted to inquire of the user 102 about whether or not to register the new display position information. The user interface unit receives the registration inquiry and displays a registration inquiry screen on the display of the user terminal 200 (and the new display). The registration inquiry screen is a screen displayed to inquire of the user 102 about whether or not to register the new display position information. The user interface unit transmits a user response indicating the response of the user 102 to the position management device 300. For example, the registration inquiry screen has a register button as a GUI. When the register button is pressed, the user interface transmits a user response instructing "register" to the position management device 300. GUI is an abbreviation for graphical user interface. The new display management unit 315 receives the user response. Then, when the user response indicates "registration," new display management section 315 registers the new display position information in position management database 320 as described above.

[0114] For example, new display position information is registered as follows: The new display position information may be specified on the above-mentioned registration inquiry screen. For example, the registration inquiry screen shows an office map, and user 102 specifies the seat where the new display is installed on the office map. The user interface unit transmits a user response including the new display position information to position management device 300. New display management unit 315 receives the user response. Then, if the user response includes new display position information, new display management unit 315 registers the new display position information included in the user response in position management database 320 as described above.

[0115] ***Effects of Embodiment 3*** Embodiment 3 is characterized by, for example, the following points. When a new display is installed, the existing display at the planned installation location is detached from the PC, and then the new display is connected to the PC. If it is detected that the new display ID is not a previously acquired display ID, the new display is registered in the location management database as the display located at the user's previous physical location. The user's physical location and the display ID may be linked only if the new display is connected within a predetermined time after the PC is detached from the existing display. Alternatively, a means may be provided for the user to explicitly register the new display, and after executing this means, the display ID of the connected display may be associated with the user's physical location. One means for explicitly registering the new display is for an application on the user terminal to display a "Register New Display" button on the GUI, and when the user presses that button, the connected display is treated as a new display. In addition, a means may be used in which the user specifies the physical location of the display from an office map. The display ID of the old display may also be manually deleted. Due to these features, the third embodiment has the advantage of being able to easily link the display ID of a newly installed display with information on the physical location of the display.

[0116] Fourth Embodiment A case where the user terminal 200 is not connected to the display 101 when the user 102 logs in will be described below, mainly with respect to differences from the first embodiment, with reference to Figs.

[0117] ***Description of Configuration*** The configuration of location management device 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Location management device 300 further includes user location information acquisition unit 316 and user location estimation unit 317. The location management program further causes a computer to function as user location information acquisition unit 316 and user location estimation unit 317.

[0118] ***Description of Operation*** The user 102 logs in to the user terminal 200 before connecting the user terminal 200 to the display 101 .

[0119] The user position identification method will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Steps S411 to S413 are executed by the user terminal 200.

[0120] In step S411 , the display information acquisition unit 211 determines whether the user terminal 200 is connected to the display 101 .

[0121] If the user terminal 200 is connected to the display 101, steps S111 to S132 described in embodiment 1 are executed. If the user terminal 200 is not connected to the display 101, the process proceeds to step S412.

[0122] In step S412, the user information acquisition unit 212 acquires the user information of the logged-in user 102.

[0123] The logged-in user 102 is referred to as a logged-in user. User information about the logged-in user is referred to as logged-in user information. A user identifier included in the logged-in user information is referred to as a logged-in user identifier.

[0124] In step S413 , the connection information transmitting unit 213 transmits the login user information to the location management device 300 .

[0125] Steps S421 to S425 are executed by the position management device 300.

[0126] In step S421, the connection information receiving unit 311 receives the login user information.

[0127] In step S422, the user location information acquisition unit 316 acquires the user location information of the logged-in user.

[0128] The user location information is information indicating the location of the user 102 .

[0129] For example, the user location information is a user location history. The user location history indicates the past locations of the user 102. The user location history is managed in the location management database 320. The user location information acquisition unit 316 acquires the user location history associated with the same user identifier as the login user identifier from the location management database 320. The acquired user location history is referred to as the login user location history.

[0130] For example, the user location information is schedule information recorded in a schedule. The schedule shows the schedule information of the user 102 for each time period. In particular, the schedule lists the location where the user 102 is located for each time period. The schedule is managed, for example, by a server. The user location information acquisition unit 316 acquires schedule information associated with the same user identifier as the login user identifier from the schedule. The acquired schedule information is referred to as login user schedule information.

[0131] For example, the user location information is entry / exit information indicated in entry / exit management data. The entry / exit management data indicates a record of the user 102 entering and exiting each room. The entry / exit management data is managed by the entry / exit management system. The user location information acquisition unit 316 acquires entry / exit information associated with the same user identifier as the login user identifier from the entry / exit management data. The acquired entry / exit information is referred to as login user entry / exit information.

[0132] The user location information of the logged-in user is referred to as logged-in user location information.

[0133] In step S423, the user position estimation unit 317 estimates the position of the logged-in user based on the logged-in user location information.

[0134] The location of the logged-in user is estimated as follows. The user location estimation unit 317 estimates the location of the logged-in user based on the logged-in user location history. For example, the user location estimation unit 317 estimates the user location that has been most frequently found among past user locations during the same time period as the current time period as the location of the logged-in user. For example, if the user terminal 200 has connected to the display 101 at least once today, the user location estimation unit 317 estimates the location of the most recently connected display as the location of the logged-in user. For example, if the user terminal 200 has not connected to the display 101 even once today, the location of the display 101 to which the user terminal 200 has been connected most frequently during a certain period in the past is estimated as the location of the logged-in user. Assume that it has been calculated that the usage rate of display a was 70%, the usage rate of display b was 20%, and the usage rate of display c was 10% over the past year. In this case, the user location estimation unit 317 estimates the location of display a as the location of the logged-in user.

[0135] The location of the logged-in user is estimated as follows: The user location estimation unit 317 estimates the location of the logged-in user based on the logged-in user location history, the logged-in user schedule information, and the logged-in user entry / exit information. FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of step S423. For example, the user location estimation unit 317 estimates the location of the logged-in user according to the procedure shown in FIG. 13. In step S1, the user location estimation unit 317 determines whether the logged-in user schedule information includes location information for the current time zone.

[0136] If the login user schedule information includes location information for the current time period, the process proceeds to step S2. If the login user schedule information does not include location information for the current time period, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0137] In step S2, the user position estimation unit 317 estimates the position of the logged-in user based on the user position history in the target location.

[0138] The target location is the location indicated in the location information for the current time period.

[0139] For example, the user position estimation unit 317 estimates the position of the display 101 to which the user terminal 200 was connected most frequently among the displays 101 in the target location over a certain period of time in the past as the location of the logged-in user. Assume that displays a and b are installed in a first area, and displays c and d are installed in a second area. Assume that it has been calculated that, over the past year, the usage rate of display a was 40%, the usage rate of display b was 30%, the usage rate of display c was 20%, and the usage rate of display d was 10%. Then, assume that the target location is the second area. In this case, the user position estimation unit 317 estimates the position of display c as the location of the logged-in user.

[0140] In step S3, the user position estimation unit 317 determines whether the logged-in user is present in any room based on the logged-in user entry / exit information.

[0141] If the logged-in user is in any room, the process proceeds to step S4. If the logged-in user is in any room, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0142] In step S4, the user position estimation unit 317 estimates the position of the logged-in user based on the user position history in the target room. The estimation method is the same as the method in step S2.

[0143] The target room is the room that the logged-in user is in. The target room is identified by referring to the logged-in user entry / exit information.

[0144] For example, the user position estimation unit 317 estimates the position of the display 101 to which the user terminal 200 has been connected most frequently among the displays 101 in the target room during a certain period in the past as the position of the logged-in user.

[0145] In step S5, the user position estimation unit 317 estimates that the logged-in user is located outside the target area.

[0146] The target area is an area in which the location of the user 102 is identified. For example, the target area is the entire office. Outside the target area means that the logged-in user is located outside the target area.

[0147] 12, the description will continue from step S424. In step S424, the user location management unit 313 manages the location of the logged-in user. The management method is the same as the method in step S123 in the first embodiment.

[0148] In step S425 , the user position information notification unit 314 transmits the position identification information to the user position display device 400 .

[0149] The location information includes a logged-in user identifier and logged-in user location information, which indicates an estimated location of the logged-in user.

[0150] Steps S431 and S432 are executed by the user position display device 400.

[0151] In step S431, the user position information acquisition unit 411 receives the position identification information.

[0152] In step S432 , the user position information display unit 412 displays the position specification information on the display of the user position display device 400 .

[0153] ***Description of the Example*** As shown in Fig. 14, the position of the user 102 may be estimated when a shutdown operation is performed on the user terminal 200. In step S441, the user information acquisition unit 212 detects a shutdown operation on the user terminal 200. The shutdown operation is an operation performed to shut down the user terminal 200. If a shutdown operation on the user terminal 200 is detected, the process proceeds to step S412. The process from step S412 onwards is the same as the process described above.

[0154] ***Effects of the Fourth Embodiment*** The fourth embodiment is characterized by, for example, the following points. When a user logs in to a PC and the PC is not connected to a display, user location information is estimated based on previously collected user location information, the connection time, PC power ON / OFF, a schedule (Outlook, etc.), or room entry / exit management information. Alternatively, a location that the user is most likely to use may be estimated from among locations where a PC is connected to an unusual display (such as a conference room or refreshment space). Due to these features, the fourth embodiment has the effect of being able to estimate the physical location of a user whose PC is not connected to a display.

[0155] *** Supplementary Note on Fourth Embodiment *** The fourth embodiment may be implemented in combination with either the second embodiment or the third embodiment. That is, in the fourth embodiment, the new position of the user may be managed as in the second embodiment, or the position of the newly installed display may be managed as in the third embodiment.

[0156] *** Supplementary Information about the Embodiment *** The hardware configuration of the user terminal 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 15. The user terminal 200 includes a processing circuit 209. The processing circuit 209 is the processing circuit of the user terminal 200. The processing circuit 209 is hardware that realizes a display information acquisition unit 211, a user information acquisition unit 212, a connection information transmission unit 213, and a connection status detection unit 214.

[0157] The processing circuitry may be dedicated hardware or may be a processor that executes a program stored in a memory.

[0158] If the processing circuit is dedicated hardware, it may be, for example, a single circuit, a multiple circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. ASIC is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. FPGA is an abbreviation for Field Programmable Gate Array.

[0159] The user terminal 200 may include multiple processing circuits that replace the processing circuit 209.

[0160] In the processing circuit 209, some functions may be realized by dedicated hardware, and the remaining functions may be realized by software or firmware.

[0161] Thus, the functions of the user terminal 200 can be realized by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

[0162] The hardware configuration of the position management device 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 16. The position management device 300 includes a processing circuit 309. The processing circuit 309 is the processing circuit of the position management device 300. The processing circuit 309 is hardware that realizes a connection information receiving unit 311, a user position identification unit 312, a user position management unit 313, a user position information notification unit 314, a new display management unit 315, a user location information acquisition unit 316, and a user position estimation unit 317.

[0163] The position management device 300 may include multiple processing circuits that replace the processing circuit 309.

[0164] In the processing circuit 309, some functions may be realized by dedicated hardware, and the remaining functions may be realized by software or firmware.

[0165] In this way, the functions of the location management device 300 can be realized by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

[0166] The hardware configuration of the user position display device 400 will be described with reference to Fig. 17. The user position display device 400 includes a processing circuit 409. The processing circuit 409 is the processing circuit of the user position display device 400. The processing circuit 409 is hardware that realizes a user position information acquisition unit 411 and a user position information display unit 412.

[0167] The user location display device 400 may include multiple processing circuits replacing the processing circuit 409 .

[0168] In the processing circuit 409, some functions may be realized by dedicated hardware, and the remaining functions may be realized by software or firmware.

[0169] Thus, the functionality of the user location display device 400 can be realized in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0170] Each embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present disclosure. Each embodiment may be implemented in part or in combination with other embodiments. Procedures described using flowcharts, etc. may be modified as appropriate.

[0171] The "unit" of each element of each device of the user location identification system 100 may be read as a "process," a "step," a "circuit," or a "circuitry."

[0172] Aspects of the present disclosure are described below as appendices. (Appendix 1) A user position identification system comprising: a plurality of displays; a user terminal connected to one of the plurality of displays, acquiring a display identifier from the connected display as a connected display identifier, and transmitting a user identifier and the connected display identifier; and a location management device receiving the user identifier and the connected display identifier, acquiring display position information associated with the same display identifier as the connected display identifier as connected display position information from a location management database in which display position information is registered in association with the display identifier for each display, and registering the user identifier in the location management database in association with the connected display position information.

[0173] (Supplementary Note 2) The user location identification system described in Supplementary Note 1, wherein the user terminal, upon detecting a change in the connected display, transmits the user identifier and a new connected display identifier which is the display identifier of the connected display; the location management device receives the user identifier and the new connected display identifier, obtains display location information associated with the same display identifier as the new connected display identifier from the location management database as new connected display location information, and registers the user identifier in the location management database in association with the new connected display location information instead of the connected display location information.

[0174] (Supplementary Note 3) When the user terminal detects a change in the connected display, it transmits the user identifier and a new connected display identifier which is the display identifier of the connected display; the location management device receives the user identifier and the new connected display identifier, and if a display identifier identical to the new connected display identifier is not registered in the location management database, it registers the same display position information as the display position information associated with the same user identifier as the user identifier in the location management database in association with the new connected display identifier. This is a user location identification system described in Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2.

[0175] (Supplementary Note 4) If the user terminal is not connected to any of the plurality of displays when the user identified by the user identifier logs in, the user terminal transmits the user identifier as a login user identifier, and the location management device receives the login user identifier, estimates the location of the user based on the user's user location history, and registers login user location information indicating the estimated location in the location management database in association with the login user identifier. A user location identification system described in any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3.

[0176] (Supplementary Note 5) The user position identification system according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the position management device estimates the position of the user based on the user position history of the user and at least one of user schedule information of the user and entry / exit information of the user.

[0177] (Supplementary Note 6) The user terminal transmits the user identifier as a login user identifier when a shutdown operation is detected, and the location management device receives the login user identifier, estimates the location of the user based on the user location history of the user identified by the login user identifier, and registers login user location information indicating the estimated location in the location management database in association with the login user identifier. (Supplementary Note 6) A user location identification system described in any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 5.

[0178] (Supplementary Note 7) A user position identification method in which a user terminal is connected to one of a plurality of displays, acquires a display identifier from the connected display as a connected display identifier, and transmits a user identifier and the connected display identifier, and a position management device receives the user identifier and the connected display identifier, acquires display position information associated with the same display identifier as the connected display identifier from a position management database in which display position information is registered in association with the display identifier for each display, as connected display position information, and registers the user identifier in the position management database in association with the connected display position information.

[0179] (Supplementary Note 8) A user terminal that is connected to one of a plurality of displays, comprising: a user information acquisition unit that acquires a display identifier from the connected display as a connected display identifier; and a connection information transmission unit that transmits the user identifier and the connected display identifier, wherein the connection information transmission unit transmits the user identifier and the connected display identifier to a position management device that manages display position information of the display identified by the connected display identifier as user position information of the user identified by the user identifier.

[0180] (Supplementary Note 9) A location management device comprising: a connection information receiving unit that receives a user identifier and a connected display identifier from a user terminal that is connected to one of a plurality of displays and transmits the user identifier and a connected display identifier that identifies the connected display; a user position specifying unit that acquires, as connected display location information, display location information that is associated with the same display identifier as the connected display identifier from a location management database in which display location information is registered in association with the display identifier for each display; and a user location management unit that registers the user identifier in the location management database in association with the connected display location information.

[0181] (Supplementary Note 10) A user terminal program for a user terminal connected to any one of a plurality of displays, the program causing the user terminal to execute a user information acquisition process for acquiring a display identifier from the connected display as a connected display identifier, and a connection information transmission process for transmitting the user identifier and the connected display identifier, the connection information transmission process transmitting the user identifier and the connected display identifier to a position management device that manages display position information of the display identified by the connected display identifier as user position information of the user identified by the user identifier.

[0182] (Supplementary Note 11) A location management program for causing a computer to execute the following steps: a connection information receiving process for receiving a user identifier and a connected display identifier from a user terminal that is connected to one of a plurality of displays and transmits the user identifier and a connected display identifier that identifies the connected display; a user location specifying process for acquiring, as connected display location information, display location information that is associated with the same display identifier as the connected display identifier from a location management database in which display location information is registered in association with the display identifier for each display; and a user location management process for registering the user identifier in the location management database in association with the connected display location information.

[0183] (Supplementary Note 12) A user terminal connected to any one of a plurality of displays, the user terminal transmitting a user identifier and a connected display identifier for identifying the connected display.

[0184] (Supplementary Note 13) A location management device that receives a user identifier and a connected display identifier that identifies a display to which a user terminal is connected, and transmits display location information of the display identified by the connected display identifier as user location information of the user identified by the user identifier.

[0185] 100 User position identification system, 101 Display, 102 User, 109 Network, 200 User terminal, 201 Processor, 202 Memory, 203 Auxiliary storage device, 204 Communication device, 205 Input / output interface, 209 Processing circuit, 211 Display information acquisition unit, 212 User information acquisition unit, 213 Connection information transmission unit, 214 Connection status detection unit, 290 Storage unit, 300 Position management device, 301 Processor, 302 Memory, 303 Auxiliary storage device, 304 Communication device, 305 Input / output interface, 309 Processing circuit, 311 Connection information reception unit, 312 User position identification unit, 313 User position management unit, 314 User position information notification unit, 315 New display management unit, 316 User location information acquisition unit, 317 User position estimation unit, 320 Position management database, 390 Storage unit, 400 User position display device, 401 processor, 402 memory, 403 auxiliary storage device, 404 communication device, 405 input / output interface, 409 processing circuit, 411 user position information acquisition unit, 412 user position information display unit, 490 storage unit.

Claims

1. A user location identification system comprising: a plurality of displays; a user terminal connected to one of the plurality of displays, which acquires a display identifier from the connected display as a connected display identifier, and transmits a user identifier and the connected display identifier; and a location management device which receives the user identifier and the connected display identifier, acquires display location information associated with the same display identifier as the connected display identifier from a location management database in which display location information is registered in association with the display identifier for each display, as connected display location information, and registers the user identifier in the location management database in association with the connected display location information.

2. The user position identification system described in claim 1, wherein when the user terminal detects a change in the connected display, it transmits the user identifier and a new connected display identifier which is the display identifier of the connected display; and the location management device receives the user identifier and the new connected display identifier, obtains display position information associated with the same display identifier as the new connected display identifier from the location management database as new connected display position information, and registers the user identifier in the location management database in association with the new connected display position information instead of the connected display position information.

3. The user location identification system described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the user terminal, when detecting a change in the connected display, transmits the user identifier and a new connected display identifier which is the display identifier of the connected display; the location management device receives the user identifier and the new connected display identifier, and if a display identifier identical to the new connected display identifier is not registered in the location management database, registers the same display position information as the display position information associated with the same user identifier as the user identifier in association with the new connected display identifier in the location management database.

4. A user location identification system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein if the user terminal is not connected to any of the plurality of displays when the user identified by the user identifier logs in, the user terminal transmits the user identifier as a login user identifier, and the location management device receives the login user identifier, estimates the user's location based on the user's user location history, and registers login user location information indicating the estimated location in the location management database in association with the login user identifier.

5. The user location identification system according to claim 4, wherein the location management device estimates the location of the user based on the user location history of the user and at least one of the user schedule information and entry / exit information of the user.

6. A user location identification system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the user terminal transmits the user identifier as a login user identifier when a shutdown operation is detected, and the location management device receives the login user identifier, estimates the location of the user based on the user location history of the user identified by the login user identifier, and registers login user location information indicating the estimated location in the location management database in association with the login user identifier.

7. A user position identification method in which a user terminal is connected to one of a plurality of displays, acquires a display identifier from the connected display as a connected display identifier, and transmits a user identifier and the connected display identifier, and a position management device receives the user identifier and the connected display identifier, acquires display position information associated with the same display identifier as the connected display identifier from a position management database in which display position information is registered in association with the display identifier for each display, as connected display position information, and registers the user identifier in the position management database in association with the connected display position information.

8. A user terminal connected to one of a plurality of displays, comprising: a user information acquisition unit that acquires a display identifier from the connected display as a connected display identifier; and a connection information transmission unit that transmits the user identifier and the connected display identifier, wherein the connection information transmission unit transmits the user identifier and the connected display identifier to a position management device that manages display position information of the display identified by the connected display identifier as user position information of the user identified by the user identifier.

9. A location management device comprising: a connection information receiving unit that receives a user identifier and a connected display identifier from a user terminal that is connected to one of a plurality of displays and transmits the user identifier and a connected display identifier that identifies the connected display; a user position specifying unit that acquires, as connected display position information, display position information that is associated with the same display identifier as the connected display identifier from a location management database in which display position information is registered in association with the display identifier for each display; and a user position management unit that registers the user identifier in the location management database in association with the connected display position information.

10. A user terminal program for a user terminal connected to one of multiple displays, which causes the user terminal to execute a user information acquisition process that acquires a display identifier from the connected display as a connected display identifier, and a connection information transmission process that transmits the user identifier and the connected display identifier, wherein the connection information transmission process transmits the user identifier and the connected display identifier to a position management device that manages display position information of the display identified by the connected display identifier as user position information of the user identified by the user identifier.

11. A location management program for causing a computer to execute the following steps: a connection information receiving process for receiving a user identifier and a connected display identifier from a user terminal that is connected to one of a plurality of displays and transmits the user identifier and a connected display identifier that identifies the connected display; a user location specifying process for acquiring, as connected display location information, display location information that is associated with the same display identifier as the connected display identifier from a location management database in which display location information is registered in association with the display identifier for each display; and a user location management process for registering the user identifier in the location management database in association with the connected display location information.

12. A user terminal that is connected to one of a plurality of displays, and that transmits a user identifier and a connected display identifier that identifies the connected display.

13. A location management device that receives a user identifier and a connected display identifier that identifies a display to which a user terminal is connected, and transmits display location information of the display identified by the connected display identifier as user location information of the user identified by the user identifier.

Images