WO2002027548A1

WO2002027548A1 - Position information circulating device and method for registering, editing, and using position information

Info

Publication number: WO2002027548A1
Application number: PCT/JP2001/008435
Authority: WO
Inventors: Takahiro Maeda
Original assignee: Access Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2000-09-27
Filing date: 2001-09-27
Publication date: 2002-04-04
Also published as: AU2001290290A1

Abstract

A position information circulating device for using position information and enhancing the value of the position information. The position information circulating device has a communication unit connected to clients through a network and communicable with the clients, a storage unit where position specifying information representing a specific position and position definition information given by a client having acquired the position specifying information and defining the position are stored, and a processing unit for circulating at least the position specifying information among the clients through the network. The position information circulating device functions as a server over the network.

Description

Description Location information distribution device and method enabling registration, editing and use of location information

The present invention relates to a mobile phone, a car phone, a PHS (Peers on al Handy-phone System), a car navigation system (hereinafter simply referred to as a "car navigation system"), a PDA (personal digital assistant). ), Notebook-type personal computers (PCs), desktop PCs, digital cameras, digital movies, and other terminal users (clients) register, edit, and use location-specific information that indicates specific locations using these terminals. The present invention relates to a position information distribution device that enables the user to perform the operation. Technology background

Many systems for providing location information among information providing services have been known. For example, a car navigation system that provides map information including position information is known. The GPS (Gl ob a Po s i ti ng S ys t s em) used for power navigation generally uses four or more satellites to detect the position with an accuracy of several hundred meters. A car navigation system has a GPS receiver that measures the current position of the vehicle by catching radio waves from satellites, and can display its position on a map by using a map display device linked to the GPS receiver. Furthermore, in recent years, DGPS (D ifferentia 1 GPS) using FM multiplex broadcasting has appeared, and it has become possible to know the position with an accuracy of several tens of meters (hereinafter, the concept of GPS includes DGPS in this application) On the other hand, with the spread of mobile terminals such as mobile phones and PHS, inventions combining these with GPS have already been proposed. For example, a mobile communication system is known in which location information of a vehicle acquired from GPS is transmitted to a service center by a car phone, and neighborhood information is acquired from the service center. Also, a GPS destination search and display system that displays a mobile terminal's position together with a map by calling the mobile terminal wirelessly and returning the called mobile terminal with location information acquired using GPS is also known.

In addition, a position detecting means using GPS is provided to record the image capturing date and time and position on the image. Digital camera systems and digital movies are also known.

On the other hand, various information provision services utilizing Internet are rapidly penetrating the general public through a distributed information system called WWW (World Wide Web). Software or hardware that provides files, data, and other services to www clients is called a WWW server, and the WWW server is addressed by URL (UniformResoueurceLoCator). The client uses a WWW browser (hereinafter simply referred to as “browser”) to search and browse information provided by the WWW server (hereinafter simply referred to as “server”). Terminals that can connect to the Internet are not limited to PCs, and mobile phones and other terminals have recently been able to receive e-mail and information distribution services via the Internet. Disclosure of the invention

However, conventional location information is limited to information about the current location or a fixed location, and there was no idea to use past location information effectively. On the other hand, location information is numerical information that indicates the longitude and latitude of a specific location, so it was inconvenient to use it alone, and the environment for distribution was not established. In addition, the conventional distribution is between service centers (companies) and individuals or companies, and not between individuals. On the other hand, conventional location information is preferably expressed as a part of the map information created by Service Center as shown in Rikiichi Navi, etc., and unauthorized storage and distribution may result in copyright infringement. There is no. Furthermore, the conventional map information obtained from the service center includes information such as destination identification, shortest route, road conditions, etc., but only information on destination location identification. For example, an underground shopping area is important for a user who is also at Tokyo Station, and a bus departure / import site is important for another user. For this reason, despite the demand for increasing the use and value of location information, such demand was not sufficiently satisfied.

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a new and useful position information distribution device that solves such a conventional problem. More specifically, it is an exemplary object of the present invention to provide a location information distribution device that enhances use and value of location information.

In order to achieve the above object, a position information distribution device of the present invention comprises: a communication unit connected to a plurality of clients via a network and capable of communicating with the client; position specifying information indicating a specific position; A storage unit for storing location definition information that is assigned by the client that has acquired location identification information and that defines the location; and that stores at least the location identification information between the plurality of clients via the network. And a processing unit that can be distributed as a server, and functions as a server on the network. Such a location information distribution device can distribute past location identification information registered by a client. Also, location identification information does not necessarily need to accompany service information at the time of distribution. Also, when there are multiple clients, the registered client and the client used may be different.

The processing unit of the location information distribution device can make the location identification information corresponding to the location definition information requested by one of the plurality of clients available to the one and other clients. As a result, information can be distributed and value can be obtained. Further, editing of the position definition information by any of the clients may be allowed. This can add value. The processing unit further stores the contents of the service registered by the client, and the processing unit further makes the service stored in the storage unit usable between the clients in association with the location specifying information. As a result, location information can be found and distributed. The communication unit is capable of communicating with a service information supply device that supplies service information corresponding to the position specifying information, wherein the client selects the position specifying information and provides a service corresponding to the position specifying information. When requesting information to the processing unit, the processing unit requests the communication with the service information supply device via the communication unit to send the service information.

Further, the position information distribution method of the present invention includes: a step of storing position specifying information indicating a specific position, and position definition information provided by the client that has acquired the position specifying information and defining the position. Making at least the location specifying information available to the plurality of clients via the network. A step of determining whether a predetermined condition is satisfied; and obtaining the position specifying information indicating a specific position stored in advance and the position specifying information when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied. Making at least the position specifying information of the position definition information given by the client and defining the position available to the client via the network. According to this method, the past position specifying information stored in the server can be distributed between the clients, and the information can be protected by determining whether a predetermined condition is satisfied.

The communication device of the present invention is a communication unit that receives position specifying information indicating a specific position from the network, and adds position definition information that defines the position to the position specifying information acquired via the communication unit. A processing unit that can search the position specifying information from the position definition information, and the position definition added to the position specifying information and the position specifying information so that the processing unit can search for the position specifying information. And a storage unit capable of storing a plurality of types of information, wherein the communication unit can transmit the position identification information and the position definition information to the network. Further, it has an input unit for inputting the position definition information. Such a communication device can generate a value to be distributed by storing the position specifying information and the position definition information as a set. Further, the position information distribution system of the present invention includes a position information distribution device which can store position identification information indicating a specific position and position definition information for identifying the position, and is connected to a network and functions as a server. And a client terminal capable of communicating with the location information distribution device via the network and registering, editing, and using the location identification information and the location definition information in the location information distribution device. According to such a location information distribution system, past location information registered by the client can be distributed. In addition, location identification information does not necessarily have to accompany service information at the time of distribution, and is separated. Also, when there are multiple clients, the registered client and the client to use may be different.

Other objects and further features of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a position information distribution device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an exemplary screen transmitted by the location information distribution device shown in FIG. 1 to a client.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure in which the client shown in FIG. 1 registers as a member with the location information distribution device shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary position information registration screen transmitted by the position information distribution device shown in FIG. 1 to the client.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure in which the client shown in FIG. 1 registers position specifying information in the position information distribution device shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary screen for editing location information transmitted by the location information distribution apparatus shown in FIG. 1 to the client.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure in which the client shown in FIG. 1 edits the location specifying information for the location information distribution device shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary screen for using location information transmitted from the location information distribution apparatus shown in FIG. 1 to the client.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure in which the client shown in FIG. 1 uses the location specifying information for the location information distribution device shown in FIG. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, a position information distribution device 100 of the present invention that functions as a WWW server on the Internet 30 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a position information distribution system including the position information distribution device 100 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of exemplary various databases stored in the data storage device 200 of the position information distribution device 100. The location information distribution device 100 is connected to the client 10 and the service center 20 via the Internet 30. In the present invention, however, the use of the Internet 1 network 30 is not indispensable, and it is sufficient to provide a LAN, a commercial leased line, or another wired or wireless network.

10 is for individuals and corporations, and for installations in Japan and overseas However, it typically refers to a PC operated by an individual user: a terminal such as a car phone, a mobile phone, a PHS, a PDA, or software stored therein. In the present embodiment, the client 10 is assumed to be the mobile phones 1OA and 10B and the software stored therein unless otherwise specified. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication terminal as the client 10 includes a processing unit 11, a memory 12, a storage unit 13, an input unit 14, and a communication unit 15. However, as described later, the communication terminal of the present invention does not include the storage unit 13 as one of the essential components (in the present embodiment, the configuration of the mobile phone 10B is depicted in detail. However, the mobile phone 1 OA (not shown) has basically the same configuration.) That is, it is only necessary to connect to the service center 20 and the location information distribution device 100 and use the information obtained from them (the information obtained by the client 10 need not always be stored). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the client 1 OA has a GPS receiver (not shown) and the client 10B does not have a GPS receiver.

The processing unit 11 widely includes a processing device having any name such as a CPU and an MPU, and controls each unit of the mobile phone 1OA or 10B. If necessary, the mobile phones 1OA and 10B are connected to a host device (not shown), and the processing unit 11 can communicate with the host device.

The memory 12 stores various software for operating the processing unit 11, firmware, and other software. The memory 12 stores software for operating a browser for communicating with the location information distribution device 100 via the Internet 30 in the context of the present invention. The browser allows the client 10 to use email.

The storage unit 13 stores position specifying information indicating a specific position, which will be described later, and position definition information which is also given by the client 10 and defines the position. For example, the storage unit 13 can use a browser to store the position specifying information like a bookmark. As described above, it is not always necessary to store the information related to the storage unit 13 or to have the storage unit 13.

10 is provided with a storage unit 13 to store location identification information and location definition information. Can be paid. As a result, even in an environment where the client 100 cannot connect to the service center 20 or the location information distribution device 100, the client 10 can utilize the location specifying information, which is convenient. Also, the client 10 can distribute and utilize the location specifying information among a plurality of users without passing through the service center 20 or the location information distribution device 100. Note that such information may be stored in the memory 12.

The input unit 14 includes a keyboard, a mouse, and other pointing devices, and can input position definition information and the like on a browser, and can select a desired icon / link.

The communication unit 15 includes a public telephone line network connected to the Internet 30, an ISDN, various dedicated lines, a USB boat and an IEEE 1394 port that can be connected via a modem, terminal adapter (TA), etc. Including. Further, as shown in the present embodiment, the communication unit 15 may use an antenna (not shown) provided in the mobile phones 10A and 10B. That is, the client 10 can perform wireless communication with the wireless base station 24. Therefore, the client 10 may communicate with the service center 20 via the wireless base station 24 by wireless communication. In addition, a wireless relay station 24 with which an antenna (not shown) communicates communicates with the service center 20 via the Internet 30 (or using the Internet 30 connected through various ports). You may. In addition, the client 10 can communicate with the location information distribution device 100 using the Internet 30.

The service center 20 is connected to the exchange 22 and a plurality of radio base stations 24, and the client 10 and the location information distribution device 100 provide map information, traffic information, and other service information corresponding to the location identification information. Supply. The map information includes, for example, a map with a radius of several hundred meters corresponding to the position specifying information, a map including a route from the position corresponding to the position specifying information to the target position, and the like. Traffic information includes information on accidents, inspections, traffic congestion, construction, etc.

The service center 20 includes, for example, a control signal transmitting / receiving device for transmitting / receiving a control signal to / from the exchange 22, a call processing device for performing call control, a communication line switch for transmitting service information, and a transmission buffer for efficiently transmitting service information. , Service information database Processor for inputting / outputting service information required for storage, service information database, buffer memory for efficiently writing information to the service information database, processor for rewriting service information database, efficient externally Although it includes a reception buffer for receiving service information, any structure known in the art can be used, and a detailed description is omitted here. The service center 20 supplies service information by voice, e-mail, or the like.

If the service center 20 uses a mobile communication system that detects the position of the client 10 based on the position of the wireless base station 24, the service center 20

It communicates with client 10 by wireless communication via 24. In this case, the service center 20 identifies the area where the client 10 is located by detecting which of the plurality of radio base stations 24 each covering its own area has communicated with the client 10. be able to.

However, as described above, in the present embodiment, the client 10 can supply the location specifying information to the service center 20 via the Internet 30 to obtain the desired service information. In this case, the client 10 illustratively includes a baseband processing unit having a control signal transmission / reception function, a transmission / reception unit, a processor, and a GPS receiver. The control signal transmission / reception function in the baseband processing unit can be realized by using a method known in the art such as using a control signal storage memory and MPU. When the client 1 OA obtains the service information from the service center 20 based on the position specifying information obtained from the GPS receiver, when the client 1 OA receives the position specifying information request from the service center 20, the client 1 OA receives the request. The baseband processing unit determines the request signal and notifies the processor accordingly. The processor reads the absolute position (ie, longitude and latitude, etc.) of the client 10 from the GPS receiver and sends the position identification information to the baseband processing unit. The baseband processing unit transmits the mobile station position information as a control signal to the service center 20 via the transmission unit.

The location information distribution device 100 is composed of a CPU 110, a communication port 120, and a RAM 1

30, a ROM 140, and a data storage device 200. Note that the location information distribution device 100 can also function as a mail server or a news server. CPU 110 includes a wide range of processing devices of any name, such as MPU, It controls each unit of the location information distribution device 100. The position information distribution device 100 may include a dedicated processing device that is controlled by the CPU 110 and processes various data bases of the data storage device 200.

In relation to the present invention, the CPU 110 uses various databases stored in the data storage device 200 to determine the position of the specific position and the position definition information that defines the specific position. Register, edit and use. Location identification information indicates a specific location. Not only latitude and longitude, but also information for obtaining coordinates from a location information service (postal code, area code, mobile phones 1OA and 10B communicate) ID of the base station used for communication, cell ID indicating the area where mobile phones 10A and 10B are communicating, ID of antenna used when mobile phones 10A and 10B communicate, etc. ) Is information that specifies the position. The location definition information is defined by a client 10A, that is, a specific location given by the person who acquired the location identification information. In other words, a name valid for the client 1OA is added to the location specifying information. More specifically, while one point of Tokyo Station identified by the location identification information is defined, one client defines it as "Tokyo Station" and the other client defines it as "Tokyo Station West Exit". It means to allow. In addition, by using and circulating the location definition information together with the corresponding location identification information, it is possible to find value in the location identification information. Further, by storing the location-related additional information related to the location definition information in addition to the location definition information in the location identification information, the information can be more effectively used.

The service information supplied from the service center 20 by the conventional force navigation system includes information such as destination specification, shortest route, road conditions, etc. did not exist. For this reason, in the past, when specifying Tokyo Station, users used pre-determined location information, but that location did not always indicate an effective point for the user. On the other hand, in the present invention, the position information acquired for a specific use of the individual user may indicate a valid point for a third party. It is possible to increase the use value of the acquired location information.

For example, if client A decides to be Tokyo Station when meeting, the East Exit, Without showing the details of the west exit etc., it is possible to determine the meeting place of Tokyo Station for Client 1 OA and specify the position. The client 10B, which has received the position information, can communicate with the service center 20 and acquire a map around the meeting place and information on the means of transportation.

As described above, the CPU 110 manages the position specifying information together with the position definition information, and makes it possible to distribute the position specifying information alone or together with the position definition information. Since the location identification information roughly identifies the location, such as longitude and latitude, and postal code and area code, it is inconvenient to search and use by itself. In addition, the coordinates provided by the location information service do not always exactly match the coordinates of the location of the location information acquirer, and location information services using mobile phones and PHS systems require Since the location of the base station antenna is provided, it generally does not match the location of the location information acquirer. However, since the CPU 110 manages the position specifying information in association with the position definition information, the client 10 can easily search for the desired position specifying information based on the position definition information. Further, since the CPU 110 can distribute the position specifying information alone between the clients 10, the client 10 receiving the position specifying information can acquire the service information by transmitting the position specifying information to the service center 20. . Further, since the CPU 110 can set and distribute the location definition information in the location identification information between the clients 10, the received client 10 can obtain information that cannot be obtained from the service information from the location definition information. Can be. In addition, even when an error occurs between the acquired position specifying information and the position information desired by the information acquirer, the acquirer can correct the error by himself.

The CPU 110 of the present embodiment does not include the map and other service information created by the service center 20 in the position definition information, and the client 10 uses the registration form prepared by the CPU 110 to store the position definition information. Since it is created, even if it is distributed by the client 10, there is no risk of infringing the copyright on the service information of the service center 20. In addition, the location information to be distributed generally does not need to accompany large-capacity service information, which is convenient for high-speed transmission and large-capacity storage. In the present embodiment, the CPU 110 is a client other than the image created by the service center 20. Images created by the client 10 themselves (for example, images taken with a digital camera ゃ computer graphic images) are acceptable. CPU 110 eliminates the registration of such images in the service information by reading the identifiers contained in the images contained in the service information, but in an alternative embodiment CPU 110 locates all images It may be refused to include it in the definition information. This embodiment is convenient when it is difficult for the CPU 110 to distinguish the image created by the client 10 from the image created by the service center 20.

In a preferred embodiment, the CPU 110 enables the location identification information and the location definition information registered by one client 10 to be used by another client 10. In this embodiment, if the registered client 1 OA does not want the information to be used by another client 10 B, a flag of “undisclosed” is set in the location definition information. On the other hand, if the registered client 1 OA permits the information to be used by another client 10B, a “public” flag is set in the location definition information. The distinction between "public and non-public" may be attached to a part of the location definition information. For example, when the client 10 includes personal information in the location definition information, the client 10 can make the information “private”.

The communication port 120 is a wired or wireless interface. Specifically, the communication port 120 is connected to a public telephone line network connected to the Internet 30, an ISDN, various dedicated lines via a modem, a terminal adapter (TA), or the like. Includes a connectable USB port, IEEE 1394 port, wireless LAN interface, etc. The RAM 130 temporarily stores data to be read from the ROM 140 or the data storage device 200 or data to be written to the data storage device 200 or the like. The ROM 140 stores various software, firmware, and other software necessary for the operation of the CPU 110.

Referring to FIG. 1, data storage device 200 includes, but is not limited to, a membership registration database 210, a service center registration database 220, a registration and editing database 230, and a usage database 240. And one or more of these may be selectively omitted.

The member registration database 210 stores the name, address, phone number, Email address, user name, password, type of service subscribed, age, bank account number, credit card number, gender, birthday, encryption key, registration date and expiration date, etc. Stores ID information. Client 10 registration can be done online or offline. When performing online, the client 10 inputs and transmits the predetermined registration form prepared by the CPU 110 through the input unit 14. Client 10 can use its own terminal at any time to check its ID information and change it if necessary.

The CPU 110 refers to the member registration database 210 and authenticates the client 10 when the client 10 wants to access the location information distribution device 100. Further, as will be described later, when the client 10 updates or deletes registered contents, additional authentication may be performed. If necessary, the location information distribution device 100 may include a voiceprint recognition device that authenticates with the voiceprint of the user of the client 10. In this case, the ID information is stored in the user of the client 10. Includes voiceprint. S

The service center registration database 220 stores the name (store name), trade name, address, telephone number, fax number, e-mail address, URL, and charge of each service center 20 when there are multiple service centers 20. It stores information identifying the user, each wireless base station 24, one user, a passcode, an encryption key, a registration date and an expiration date, and other ID information. Registration of the service center 20 can be performed online or offline. By registering the service center 20, the location information distribution device 100 adds additional additional information (for example, service information such as map information) in cooperation with the service center 20, as described later. Can be provided to client 10. The service center 20 may be different if the type of the client 10 is different, such as a car navigation system, a mobile phone, a PHS, and the like. It is possible to provide service information.

The registration and editing database 230 registers the client 10 with the location identification information acquired by the client 10 through the service center 20 or the GPS transmitter together with the location definition information, and registers Edit, change, delete, etc. the contents To be able to do. The client 10 sets a flag of "public" to "public" in addition to the feature of the location when inputting the location definition information.

As described above, preferably, the client 10 can access not only the information registered by itself but also the information registered by other clients 10 in the registration 'edit database 230. Editing the registered information of another person is, for example, adding self-evaluation to the registered restaurant location definition information. For this reason, the registration / edit database 230 generally stores a large amount of information, and it may not be easy for the client 10 to access desired information. For this reason, preferably, the registration / editing database 230 includes or is linked to a search means for facilitating the access of the client 10 to the desired location specifying information. . The search method is usually performed by referring to the location definition information. Information registered by the client 10 by itself, the area (Shibuya, Aoyama, etc.), the type of destination (restaurant, bookstore, department store, etc.), registration date , 50 sounds, alphabets, ascending order, descending order, search conditions such as words and sections, but are not limited to these. In this embodiment, the search method is an input through the input unit 14 of the mobile phone. In another embodiment, the client 10 can search by voice input. In this case, the position information distribution device 100 needs to include a voice recognition device.

The usage database 240 is used to search for and use desired position specifying information and position definition information from the registered position specifying information and position definition information. Preferably, the client 10 can access not only the information registered by itself but also the information registered by other clients 10 in the usage database 240. For this reason, the usage collection database 240 generally stores a lot of information, and it may not be easy for the client 10 to access desired information. For this reason, preferably, the use database 240 includes search means for facilitating the client 10 to access desired location specifying information, similar to the registration / edit database. Or linked to a search method. The use screen described later with reference to FIG. 8 includes search means having search conditions of “by general category”, “all individuals”, and “by individual category”. "General classification" For example, it corresponds to the type of destination (restaurant, bookstore, department store, etc.), and “all individuals” corresponds to, for example, information registered by the client 10 itself. The “personal classification” is, for example, classification by the client 10 itself.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 9, an aspect of the use of the location information distribution device 100 by the client 10 will be described. First, referring to FIG. 2, “display user registration.confirmation” and “service menu” are displayed on the display of the mobile phone as the client 10.

First, the procedure for the new client 10 to register as a member will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for the new client 10 to register as a member.

First, (the user of) client 10 selects “User registration / confirmation” in the service menu shown in FIG. The selection is made by inverting the "user identification" and pressing the "OK" key normally equipped on the mobile phone, clicking "user identification", double-clicking, etc. The same applies to the following description. When you select "User registration / confirmation", "User registration" to register new user ID information and "User confirmation" to confirm registered user ID information appear. . In response, the client 10 selects “user registration” (step 1002), obtains a user registration input screen (step 1004), and confirms the content (step 1004). Step 106).

The user registration input screen generally includes information to be input by the client 10 (that is, information to be stored in the member registration database 210) and rules for use. In FIG. 2, information to be input by the client is given to the client 10 by an “ID information (ID) / password (PSW) input form”. The client 10 inputs its own ID information and the like through the input unit 14 (or a voice or the like). If you want to check the previous screen, you can check the duplication of information by selecting "Back" on the screen (step 1008). When the client 10 confirms the user registration contents and agrees to the terms and conditions, the user performs user registration by selecting “registration” appearing on the screen (step 11010), and stores the registration contents in the location information. The information is transmitted to the communication unit 120 of the information distribution device 100. Via communication unit 1 2 0 Then, the CPU 110 checks the registered contents, and if there is no problem, registers the contents in the member registration database 210 and returns the fact to the client 10 (step 1012).

The client 10 can then confirm its own registration contents transmitted via the communication unit 120. In this case, the client 10 (user) selects “user registration / confirmation” in the service menu shown in FIG. 2, and then selects “user confirmation”. As a result, the client 10 obtains a user registration screen including its own ID information. The client 10 can check the contents and change or delete some or all of them if necessary.

Next, a case where the client 1 OA registers the position identification information will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 4 shows a screen for registering position identification information displayed on the client 10A as a mobile phone, and is stored in the registration / edit database 230. The screen shown in FIG. 4 is configured in, for example, an HTML format. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure in which the client 1 OA registers location specifying information.

The client 1 OA attempts to access the location information distribution device 100 via the Internet 30 using a user name and a password or other ID information. In response, CPU 110 confirms the user. Confirmation of the user includes confirmation of the type (or attribute) of the terminal of the client 10A, confirmation of service, authentication, and the like. The CPU 110 checks the type of the client 10A from the browser of the client 1 OA (that is, the mobile phone in this embodiment). In addition, the CPU 110 refers to the member registration database 210 from the single user input by the client 10A to confirm the registered available services. Similarly, the CPU 110 authenticates whether the ID information input by the client 1 OA is correct with reference to the member registration database 210. The CPU 110 permits access to the client 10A if the ID information entered by the client 10A matches the information stored in the membership registration database 210, and re-enters the client 10A if the ID information does not match. Encourage power or deny access.

After the CPU 110 authenticates the client 10A, the client 10A selects “Register” in the service menu shown in FIG. 2 (FIG. 4A, step 1). 102). Next, the client 10 selects the registration of the location information (FIG. 4B), and acquires the location information acquisition confirmation screen (FIG. 4C, step 1104).

Next, as position information acquisition processing, the client 1 OA returns a position information acquisition confirmation screen including position identification information to the communication unit 120 (step 1106). The client 10A obtains the position specifying information by using its own GPS receiver or by communicating with the service center 20 that has obtained the position specifying information from the radio base station 24. Therefore, in the latter case, the position specifying information may be the position of the radio base station 24 or a certain range therefrom, and may not completely match the position information of the destination. However, as described later, the use may be combined with service information, and if the destination is within a certain range of the map represented by the map information, the purpose of use is sufficiently fulfilled.

CPU 110 determines whether or not position identification information has been acquired from client 10A (step 1108), and if acquired, transmits an acquired position information confirmation screen to client 10 (step 1 110). On the other hand, the CPU 110

If it is determined that the m report has not been obtained (step 1108), the process returns to step 1104. In step 1110, the client 1 OA checks the content of the acquired position information, and then inputs the position definition information on the position definition information input screen (FIG. 4C, step 1112). In the present embodiment, the position identification information and the position definition information (including “public / non-public”) of the constant-curry restaurant in Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku are registered. The client 10A corrects the position definition information and selects “clear value” shown in FIG. 4C for the item to be re-entered.

The client 1 OA checks the location identification information and the location definition information on the confirmation screen shown in FIG. (Steps 11 and 14). When a client registers, it is essential that the location identification information and the location definition information be a set. To cancel the registration, Client 1 OA selects “Cancel” on the confirmation screen shown in Figure 4D. At the time of confirmation, if the client wants to edit the registered contents, the client 10A returns to the screen of FIG. 4C from the terminal menu and edits the corresponding item. Client 10A then communicates through the communication unit 120 that it has been registered. (Figure 4E, step 1116). If it is necessary for the client 1 OA to confirm its registered contents later, it may edit the location information described below.

Next, a case where the client 10 edits the position specifying information will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 6 shows a screen for editing position information displayed on the client 10 as a mobile phone, and is stored in the registration / edit database 230. The screen shown in FIG. 6 is configured in, for example, an HTML format. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure in which the client 10 edits the position specifying information.

As with the registration of the location identification information, the client 10 attempts to access the location information distribution device 100 via the Internet 30 using the user name and password or other ID information. In response, the CPU 110 confirms the user.

When the CPU 110 authenticates the client 10, the client 10 then selects “Edit” in the service menu shown in FIG. 2 (FIG. 6A, step 1202), and obtains a registered position information list screen (FIG. 6B, step 1204). . Next, the client 10 selects location identification information (step 1206). In this embodiment, the client 10 selects “dining room A”. Although the screen shown in FIG. 6B arranges the registered position specifying information in the order of the Japanese syllabary, this is merely an example.

When the client 10 selects the location information, the CPU 110 checks the data (step 1208). If the CPU 110 determines that the corresponding data is absent or editing prohibited (eg, private) (step 1208), the client 10 must return to step 1204 to select another location identifying information. On the other hand, when CPU 110 determines that the corresponding data exists and can be edited (step 1208), CPU 110 supplies the position information editing screen shown in FIG. 6C to client 10 (step 1210).

The CPU 110 then determines whether the client 10 has selected update or delete, based on whether the client 10 has selected “register” or “clear value” shown in FIG. 4C (step 1212). ). In this embodiment, the client 10 changes the address of “Café A” from “Chiyoda-ku” to “Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku” (updated) Therefore, the client 10 re-enters the location definition information to be updated (step 1224). In the present embodiment, “Jinbocho” is added after Chiyoda Ward, but updating is a concept that includes not only addition but also change. Therefore, for example, when changing from “Chuo-ku” to “Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku”, client 10 reverses “Chuo-ku” and deletes it with a backspace, etc. I do. In this case, client 10 does not use “clear value”. “Clear value” is used to delete the item itself, as described later. However, alternatively, even if “Clear value” is selected, the CPU 110 can recognize the existence of “Update” if information is written to the item thereafter.

After the update, the client 10 selects “Registration” shown in FIG. 6C (step 1216). After that, the client 10 can confirm the edited location identification information and location definition information (FIG. 6D, steps 1218). After confirming, the client 100 transmits the edited screen to the communication unit 120 of the position information distribution device 100 by selecting the “register” button shown in FIG. 6D. Client 1 O A selects “Cancel” on the confirmation screen shown in Figure 6D to cancel the registration. At the time of confirmation, if the client wants to edit the registered contents, Client 10 returns to the screen shown in Fig. 6C from the terminal menu and edits the applicable items. After that, the client 10 is notified of the update from the communication unit 120 (FIG. 6E).

On the other hand, if the client 10 selects the deletion of the position identification information and the position definition information in step 1 122, the client 10 reverses the desired data and then “clears the value” in FIG. 6C. Is selected and the target item is deleted (Step 122). Thereafter, the client 10 can confirm the edited position identification information and position definition information (FIG. 6D, step 1222). The client 100 transmits the deleted screen to the communication unit 120 of the position information distribution device 100 by selecting the “register” button shown in FIG. 6D after the update. If the client 10A wants to cancel the registration, it selects "Cancel" on the confirmation screen shown in Fig. 6D. At the time of confirmation, if the client wants to edit the registered contents, the client 10 returns to the screen of FIG. 6C from the terminal menu and edits the corresponding item. Client 10 is then notified via communication unit 120 that it has been deleted (Figure 6E). Hereinafter, a case where the client 10B uses the position specifying information will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 8 shows a screen for using position information displayed on the client 10 B as a mobile phone, and is stored in the use database 240. The screen shown in FIG. 8 is configured, for example, in the HTML format. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for the client 10 to use the location specifying information. Similarly to the registration of the location specifying information, the client 10B attempts to access the location information distribution apparatus 100 via the Internet 30 using the user name and the passcode or other ID information. In response, CPU 110 confirms the user.

After the CPU 110 authenticates the client 10B, the client 10 selects “use” in the service menu shown in FIG. 2 (FIG. 8A, step 1302), and obtains a registered location information list screen (FIG. 8B, step 1304). In the present embodiment, the client 10B acquires the location specifying information and the service information of the cafeteria A from the location information acquisition device 100.

Client 10B selects “Canteen A” on the registered location information list screen (FIG. 4B, step 1306). When client 10B selects the location information, CPU 110 confirms the data (step 1308). If CPU 110 determines that the corresponding data is non-existent or unavailable (eg, private) (step 1308), client 10B must return to step 1304 to select another location-specific information. On the other hand, when CPU 110 determines that the corresponding data exists and is usable (step 1308), CPU 110 supplies the position information use screen shown in FIG. 8C to client 10B (step 1310).

Next, the client 10B selects a service for which service information is to be set by selecting “i Map Fun” in FIG. 8C (step 1312). The CPU 110 confirms that the client 10B wants the service information (step 1314), searches the service center registration database 220, and sends it to the client 10B via the communication unit 120. It contacts the service center 20 that can provide service information, and requests the transmission of service information by transmitting the position identification information (step 1316). The service center 20 searches for service information corresponding to the received location specifying information (step 1318), and if there is no corresponding service information (step 1320), notifies the CPU 110 of that. As a result, the client 10 must return to step 1314 and again select the location information for selecting the service information. On the other hand, when the service center 20 finds the corresponding service information (step 1320), it sends it to the CPU 110, and then the CPU 110 adds the received service information to the location specifying information and the location definition information, Combine and display (Figure 4D, steps 1322, 1324).

The CP 110 can charge the client 10 B if necessary for adding service information. In the preferred embodiment, CPU 110 sends the billing amount to client 10B to prompt for confirmation.

According to the present embodiment, it is convenient for the client 10B to be able to easily obtain the position identification information and the position definition information of the destination from the position information distribution device 100 even if the client 10B has not performed in the past. Further, the client 10B has no GPS receiver and can obtain service information without communicating with the service center 20, which is convenient.

If the client 10B is not a member of the location information distribution device 100, the client 10A selects the “send by e-mail” shown in FIG. After inputting the mail address, the position identification information and the position definition information can be transmitted to the client 10B. If the client 10B desires to further acquire the service information, the client 10B can independently access the service center 20 from the position identification information received from the client 1 OA and acquire the service information. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8D, the location identification information and the service information are not combined, but the type of information acquired by the client 10B is the same as in the above-described embodiment.

The present invention, for example, makes it easy for the client 1 OA to meet with the client 10B, who has never been to the cafeteria A, in the cafeteria A, which has been to the past. In particular, even if cafeteria A does not have its own site on the Internet, or if that information is not easily available, client 10 B can easily obtain information on the location of cafeteria A, location definition information, and other necessary service information.

Of course, the mode of using position information according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, Client 10A may check up to Step 1310 (ie, "NO" in Step 1312) or Step 13 to check the location or information of Cafeteria A where he has been in the past. You may want to do up to 24. In the former case, Client 1OA terminates the use if it considers that the location or information of canteen A could be confirmed without selecting to add service information.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention can be variously modified and changed within the scope of the gist. For example, in this embodiment, the embodiment in which the client 10 is a mobile phone has been described. However, the client may be any type of terminal such as a car phone, a PHS, a power navigation, a PDA, a notebook PC, and a desktop PC. Further, in the present embodiment, the client 100A transmits one piece of position specifying information to the position information distribution device 100, but it may transmit a plurality of pieces of position specifying information at one time. In this case, the location information distribution device 100 can cooperate with one or more service centers 20 for a plurality of location identification information. This embodiment is effective, for example, when the client 1OA wants to know the route, time, and neighbor information when traveling around two or more points. Further, the location information distribution device 100 can also transmit one piece of location identification information to a plurality of service centers 20 that provide different service information and combine these pieces of service information.

Further, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the present invention can be implemented using a general commercially available digital computer and microprocessor programmed in accordance with the technology described in the above embodiment. Further, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the present invention includes a software program created by those skilled in the art based on the technology described in the above embodiment.

A computer program product, which is a storage medium containing instructions that can be used to program a computer implementing the present invention, is within the scope of the present invention. This storage medium is a disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, an optical disk, a CDROM and a magnetic disk, a ROM, a RAM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, a magnetic or optical disk. Forces such as force are not particularly limited to these. Industrial applicability

According to the position information distribution apparatus and method of the present invention, the past position specification information registered by the client can be distributed, so that the use and value of the position specification information are diversified. The past location information may be that of the client itself or of another client. By using the position specifying information of another client, the position specifying information of the target position can be obtained without having a device such as a GPS receiver. As a result, the location information distribution apparatus and method provide an environment in which location identification information is distributed between individuals. In addition, since the circulating location identification information does not necessarily need to accompany service information, it does not cause copyright infringement and is convenient for high-speed transmission and large-capacity storage. If necessary, the service information may be combined with the location specifying information ex post facto, or other service information may be added. In addition, the present invention enables location identification information to be distributed regardless of the type of client terminal. For example, the location information registered by the mobile phone client is:

The ant may record the date and time of shooting and the image together.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. a communication unit connected to a plurality of clients via a network and capable of communicating with the clients;

A storage unit for storing position identification information indicating a specific position, and position definition information assigned by the client that has acquired the position identification information to define the position; and A position information distribution device that has a processing unit that enables distribution between the plurality of clients via a network, and that functions as a server on the network.

2. The processing unit according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit can make the location specifying information corresponding to the location definition information requested by one client of the plurality of clients available to the one and other clients. Location information distribution device.

3. The position information distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit allows any one of the clients to edit the position definition information.

4. The storage unit further stores the ID data of the client,

2. The position information distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit restricts use of the position identification information of the client based on the ID data stored in the storage unit.

5. The storage unit further stores the contents of the service registered by the client, and the processing unit further uses the service stored by the storage unit between the clients in association with the location specifying information. 2. The position information distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the position information distribution device is enabled.

6. The communication unit can communicate with a service information supply device that supplies service information corresponding to the location specifying information,

When the client selects the position specifying information and requests the processing unit for service information corresponding to the position specifying information, the processing unit The position information distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the position information distribution device requests communication of the service information by communicating with the service information supply device.

7. A location information distribution method used for a network in which a plurality of clients and servers are connected,

Storing position identification information indicating a specific position, and position definition information given by the client that has acquired the position identification information to define the position; and Making the information available between the plurality of clients via the client.

8. A program for causing a computer to execute a location information distribution method used in a network in which a plurality of clients and a server are connected, wherein the location information distribution method includes:

Determining whether predetermined conditions are satisfied;

When it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, position specifying information indicating a specific position stored in advance, and a position assigned by the client that has acquired the position specifying information to define the position. Making at least the location specifying information of the definition information available to the client via the network.

9. A communication unit capable of communicating with other communication devices via a network,

A communication unit associated with position specifying information representing a specific position, and a processing unit for storing position definition information defining the position in the other communication device via the communication unit;

1 0. A communication device connected to a network,

A communication unit that receives position specifying information indicating a specific position from the network, and a processing unit that assigns position definition information that defines the position to the position specifying information acquired via the communication unit. The position identification information from the position definition information A processing unit that can search for

A storage unit capable of storing a plurality of types of the position identification information and the position definition information added to the position identification information so that the processing unit can perform a search; A communication device capable of transmitting information and the location definition information to the network.

11. The communication device according to claim 9, further comprising an input unit for inputting the position definition information.

12. A location information flow system in which the first and second communication devices are connected via a network,

The first communication device,

A storage unit that stores position specifying information indicating a specific position, and position definition information that defines the position;

A processing unit that makes at least the position specifying information available to the second communication device via the network via the network,

The position information distribution system, wherein the second communication device acquires the position identification information from the first communication device, and distributes the position identification information and the position definition information by adding the position definition information.

1 3. A location information flow system in which the first and second communication devices are connected via a network,

The first communication device,

A first storage unit for storing position identification information representing a specific position;

A first processing unit that makes the location specifying information available to the second communication device via the network;

A first communication unit for communicating with the second communication device via the network,

The second communication device includes: A second communication unit that acquires the position specifying information from the first communication unit of the first communication device via the network;

A second processing unit for adding position definition information defining the position to the position identification information acquired via the second communication unit, wherein the position identification information is obtained from the position definition information. A second processing unit that can search for

A second storage unit capable of storing a plurality of types of the position specifying information and the position definition information added to the position specifying information so as to be searchable by the processing unit; A position information distribution system that transmits the position specifying information and the position definition information.