WO2024247918A1 - Information providing device, information providing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the present invention, a first acquiring unit acquires location information. The location information indicates a place that exists in a real space, and indicates at least one of a waypoint and a destination. A generating unit uses the location information to generate map information. The map information indicates a range of movement of a vehicle in a virtual space, and includes the waypoint or the destination indicated by the location information. In the map information, at least a portion of the layout of roads, such as the layout of a road leading to the waypoint or the destination, differs from the layout of the roads in the real space. A first output unit moves the vehicle within the map information of the virtual space in accordance with an input by a user, and outputs caution information indicating any important points, relating to the movement, of which the user should be notified, if any such important points arise.

Description

Information providing device, information providing method, and program

This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-091831, filed on June 2, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to an information providing device, an information providing method, and a program.

An example of a technology for allowing a driver to grasp the necessary knowledge to drive a vehicle before driving is the information display device described in Patent Document 1. This information display device displays an image corresponding to the movement of a virtual vehicle on a map, and displays warning information when the vehicle is located at a point where there is a possibility of a traffic accident, for example.

JP 2008-269178 A

In order to ensure that drivers understand the knowledge necessary to drive a vehicle before driving, it is also necessary to motivate the driver to learn. However, the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 may not sufficiently motivate the user to learn.

In view of the above-mentioned problems, one example of the objective of the present invention is to provide an information provision device, an information provision method, and a program that can motivate a user to learn the knowledge necessary for driving a vehicle before driving.

The information providing device in the present disclosure includes:
A first acquisition means for acquiring location information indicating a place existing in real space and indicating at least one of a waypoint or a destination;
a generating means for generating map information indicating a moving range of a vehicle in a virtual space and including the intermediate point or the destination, using the location information;
a first output means for moving the vehicle within the map information of the virtual space in accordance with an input by a user, and for outputting, when a caution that should be notified to the user occurs in relation to the movement, warning information indicating the caution;
Equipped with
The layout of roads in the map information differs from the layout of roads in the real space.

The information providing method according to the present disclosure includes:
Acquire location information indicating a location existing in real space and indicating at least one of a waypoint or a destination;
Using the location information, map information is generated that indicates a range of movement of the vehicle in a virtual space and includes the intermediate point or the destination;
moving the vehicle within the map information of the virtual space in accordance with an input by a user, and, if any caution that should be notified to the user occurs in relation to the movement, outputting caution information indicating the caution;
The layout of roads in the map information differs from the layout of roads in the real space.

The program in the present disclosure includes:
acquiring location information indicating a location existing in real space and indicating at least one of a waypoint or a destination;
Using the location information, generate map information indicating a range of movement of the vehicle in a virtual space and including the intermediate point or the destination;
moving the vehicle within the map information of the virtual space in accordance with an input by a user, and, if any caution that should be notified to the user occurs in relation to the movement, outputting caution information indicating the caution;
The layout of roads in the map information differs from the layout of roads in the real space.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to motivate a user to learn the knowledge necessary to drive a vehicle before driving.

1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration of an information providing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of map information. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of a processing operation of the information providing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a usage environment of an information providing device according to the present disclosure. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed example of a configuration of an information providing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a first detailed example of a method for generating map information. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a first detailed example of a method for generating map information. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a second detailed example of the method for generating map information. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a second detailed example of the method for generating map information. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of an information providing device. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information providing device according to the present disclosure. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information providing device according to the present disclosure. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed example of a configuration of an information providing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information providing device according to the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, in this disclosure, the drawings relate to one or more embodiments. In addition, in all drawings, similar components are given similar reference symbols and descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

First Embodiment
First, an overview of the information providing device 10 will be described. The information providing device 10 includes a first acquisition unit 120, a generation unit 130, and a first output unit 140, as shown in FIG.

The first acquisition unit 120 acquires point information. The point information indicates a location that exists in real space, and indicates at least one of a stopover point or a destination. For example, the point information indicates a point that a user of the information providing device 10 wants to visit. This point may be a specific facility, or may have a certain amount of area. In the latter case, the stopover point or destination may be, for example, a city, ward, town, or village, or a specific town, ward, or oaza within a specific city.

The generation unit 130 generates map information using the point information. The map information indicates the range of movement of the vehicle in the virtual space, and includes the waypoints or destinations indicated by the point information. In this map information, at least a part of the road layout, for example the layout of roads leading to the waypoints or destinations, differs from the layout of roads in real space. The real space to be compared here is an area of a predetermined size that includes the waypoints or destinations.

The first output unit 140 moves the vehicle within the map information of the virtual space according to input from the user of the information providing device 10, and outputs warning information indicating any important points that the user should be notified of in relation to the movement.

Next, an example of the map information generated by the generation unit 130 and the functions of the first output unit 140 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. This map information includes at least one of intermediate points and a destination, and also includes points for which warning information should be output.

As mentioned above, the road layout in this map information is different from the road layout in real space. Here, the road layout is at least one of the length of the road between intersections, the way the road curves, the distance between intersections, and the number of roads that intersect at intersections. Also, when the map information includes nodes and links, a different road layout means that at least one of the nodes and links is different.

Then, the first output unit 140 moves the user's position within this map information, for example the position of the vehicle being driven by the user, according to input from the user. Then, when the vehicle reaches a location where warning information should be output, the first output unit 140 outputs the warning information corresponding to that location. The user learns about the matters to be aware of by recognizing the warning information output by the first output unit 140.

Next, an example of the outline of the operation of the information providing device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. First, the first acquisition unit 120 acquires location information (step S10). Next, the generation unit 130 uses this location information to generate map information (step S20). The first output unit 140 then uses this map information to provide the user with a service related to the virtual space. In this case, the first output unit 140 moves the vehicle within the map information of the virtual space according to input by the user of the information providing device 10, and outputs warning information indicating any warnings that the user should be notified of regarding the movement (step S30).

If roads are simple in the real space, providing a virtual space using map information that corresponds to the layout of the real space may reduce the opportunities for the first output unit 140 to provide the user with warning information. This may reduce the user's motivation to learn.

In addition, if a user of the information providing device 10 inputs one waypoint and one destination, and the waypoint and destination are far apart in real space, providing a virtual space using map information that corresponds to the layout of the real space means that it will take a long time to travel from the waypoint to the destination, even in the virtual space. This, too, could reduce the user's motivation to learn.

In contrast, the road layout of the map information generated by the generation unit 130 differs from the road layout in the real world. Therefore, the generation unit 130 can prepare map information that does not reduce the user's motivation to learn.

A detailed example of the information providing device 10 is described below.

First, an example of a usage environment of the information providing device 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the information providing device 10 is used together with at least one first communication device 20 and at least one second communication device 30.

The first communication device 20 is a communication device operated by a user of the information providing device 10, and may be a fixed terminal or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. The first communication device 20 displays an image showing the virtual space provided by the information providing device 10 on a display. This display may be a part of the first communication device 20.

Furthermore, the user of the information providing device 10 operates the first communication device 20 to input the necessary information. One example of the information input here is location information, i.e., information that can identify a waypoint or a destination, and information for moving the vehicle within the virtual space. The latter information corresponds, for example, to information that the driver of the vehicle inputs to the vehicle when driving the vehicle, such as at least one operation information of the accelerator, brake, and steering wheel.

The user of the information providing device 10 inputs information about the user by operating the first communication device 20. An example of the information input here includes attributes, such as at least one of nationality and place of residence, and at least one of language used. The input attributes may further include at least one of gender and age.

Then, at least a portion of the information input to the first communication device 20 is linked to the user's identification information and transmitted to the information providing device 10.

The first communication device 20 operated by the user when inputting location information and the first communication device 20 operated by the user when receiving a service related to the virtual space, for example the first communication device 20 operated when moving a vehicle in the virtual space, may be the same device or may be different devices.

The second communication device 30 is a communication device operated by a person associated with a potential stopover or destination point, and may be a fixed terminal or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. The person operating the second communication device 30 stores information about a potential stopover or destination point, for example, in advance in a storage unit available to the information providing device 10, such as the storage unit 110 described below. An example of the information stored here relates to at least one of products that can be purchased and services that can be received at that point in real space. When displaying information about the virtual space on the display of the first communication device 20, the information providing device 10 also displays the information stored in this storage unit as necessary.

Next, a detailed example of the configuration of the information providing device 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the information providing device 10 can use a storage unit 110. In the example shown in this figure, the storage unit 110 is part of the information providing device 10, but it may also be an external device to the information providing device 10.

The storage unit 110 stores multiple types of information used by the information providing device 10.

For example, the storage unit 110 stores information about the virtual space, such as various information required to display an image of the virtual space on the display of the information providing device 10. The storage unit 110 also stores information acquired by the information providing device 10 from the second communication device 30, such as information about points that can be route points or destinations, by linking it to those points. The storage unit 110 also stores information acquired by the information providing device 10 from the first communication device 20, such as at least one of route points and destinations, by linking it to the identification information of the user who set the route point and destination.

The first acquisition unit 120 acquires from the first communication device 20 information indicating at least one of the waypoints and the destination, i.e., location information, and user identification information, and links these pieces of information together and stores them in the storage unit 110. The first acquisition unit 120 also acquires from the first communication device 20 information about the user, for example, the user's attributes along with the user's identification information, and links these pieces of information together and stores them in the storage unit 110. These processes are performed before the information providing device 10 provides the user with a service related to the virtual space.

The generating unit 130 generates map information using the location information. For example, the generating unit 130 acquires the user's identification information from the first communication device 20, and reads out the location information corresponding to this identification information from the storage unit 110. The generating unit 130 then generates map information using this location information. A detailed example of a method for generating map information by the generating unit 130 will be described with reference to other figures.

The first output unit 140 uses the map information generated by the generation unit 130 to generate information necessary to provide services related to the virtual space, and transmits this information to the first communication device 20. For example, a user operating the first communication device 20 drives a vehicle in the virtual space. The range in which the vehicle can move here is, for example, the range indicated by the map information generated by the generation unit 130. The first output unit 140 then generates an image corresponding to the position of the vehicle in the virtual space, and causes this image to be displayed on the display of the first communication device 20.

The first output unit 140 also moves the vehicle within the virtual space according to the vehicle operation information input by the user to the first communication device 20. As the vehicle moves, the image that the first output unit 140 displays on the display of the first communication device 20 is also updated.

If any caution that the user should be notified of occurs regarding the movement of the vehicle, the first output unit 140 outputs caution information indicating the caution to the output device of the first communication device 20. This output device may be a display or a speaker. The caution information output here relates to, for example, traffic rules that must be followed when driving a vehicle.

The warning information output by the first output unit 140 may be based on information about the user stored in the memory unit 110, such as the attributes of the user. For example, if the warning information relates to traffic rules and the memory unit 110 includes information capable of identifying the user's place of residence or nationality, such as at least one of the place of residence, nationality, and language used, the caution is based on the difference between the traffic rules of the area to which the location indicated by the place information belongs and the traffic rules of the area indicated by the place of residence or nationality. An example of an area here is a country.

As an example, at least one of the traffic rules for turning right at an intersection and the traffic rules for turning left at an intersection may differ depending on the country. In this case, an example of a traffic rule is the status of the traffic lights when a right turn or a left turn is permitted. The warning information includes information indicating these differences.

Note that the warning information is stored in advance in the storage unit 110, for example. For example, the storage unit 110 stores warning information for each region, for example, each country, indicated by the user's place of residence or nationality, linked to an output condition for the warning information. In this case, the warning information is based on, for example, the difference between the traffic rules of the region to which the point indicated by the place information belongs and the traffic rules of the region indicated by the place of residence or nationality. Note that an example of an output condition is when the user's vehicle turns right or left at an intersection.

Next, a first detailed example of a method for generating map information by the generating unit 130 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. In this example, for each of a number of points that can be intermediate points or destinations, partial map information including the point and roads is prepared in advance. The partial map information is information that becomes at least a part of the map information generated by the generating unit 130, and is stored in the storage unit 110, for example, in association with the point. The generating unit 130 then generates map information using the partial information that corresponds to the point information.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when multiple locations are selected by the user, the generation unit 130 obtains partial map information corresponding to these multiple locations from the storage unit 110. The generation unit 130 then generates map information by linking these multiple pieces of partial map information. Preferably, the shape of the area indicated by the partial map information and the positions of roads on the edge of the area are standardized, so that when multiple pieces of partial map information are linked, the roads are continuous between the multiple pieces of partial map information.

Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the generation unit 130 includes information indicating the location where the warning information should be output in the map information. This location is selected, for example, from a point corresponding to the warning information among the route for moving from one point to the next point in the map information generated by the generation unit 130. For example, the location where the warning information regarding a right turn should be output is a location where a right turn should be made on the above-mentioned route. Note that this route may be displayed, for example, superimposed on the map information when the map information is displayed on the display of the first communication device 20.

The multiple locations selected by the user may be far apart in real space. In contrast, in map information generated using this method, the distance between multiple locations falls within a certain range. This reduces the time required to move between multiple locations in virtual space, so the user's motivation to learn about important points is less likely to wane.

The partial map information preferably includes information necessary for generating, for each point in the partial map information, an image to be displayed on the display of the first communication device 20 when the user's vehicle is located at that point. The image displayed here preferably reflects the scenery that a person can see when located at that point in real space. In this way, the user's satisfaction with the information providing device 10 is increased.

Next, a second detailed example of a method for generating map information by the generation unit 130 will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. In this example, as shown in Figure 8, standard map information including at least one road, and preferably multiple roads, is prepared in advance. This standard map information is stored, for example, in the storage unit 110. Then, as shown in Figure 9, the generation unit 130 generates map information by placing the location selected by the user, i.e., the location indicated by the location information, within the map indicated by the standard map information. At this time, the generation unit 130 further includes information indicating the location where warning information should be output.

Comparing the first and second detailed examples described above, the advantage of the first detailed example is that it increases the variety of map information that is generated, while the advantage of the second detailed example is that it reduces the amount of advance preparation and calculation required to generate map information.

Furthermore, in both the first and second detailed examples described above, the layout of all of the roads included in the generated map information often differs from the layout of the roads in the real space to which it is compared. However, in the first detailed example, the layout of at least a portion of the roads included in the partial map information, for example the layout of roads that directly connect to a point corresponding to that partial map information, may be the same as the layout of the roads in the real space, for example the layout of roads that directly connect to that point in the real space.

Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the information providing device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 10. The information providing device 10 has, for example, a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input/output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060.

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

The processor 1020 is a processor realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc.

Memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by a removable medium such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a memory card, or a ROM (Read Only Memory), and has a recording medium. The recording medium of the storage device 1040 stores program modules that realize each function of the information providing device 10 (e.g., the first acquisition unit 120, the generation unit 130, and the first output unit 140). The processor 1020 loads each of these program modules onto the memory 1030 and executes them, thereby realizing each function corresponding to the program module. The storage device 1040 may also function as the memory unit 110.

The input/output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the information providing device 10 to various input/output devices.

The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the information providing device 10 to a network. This network is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The method for connecting the network interface 1060 to the network may be a wireless connection or a wired connection. The information providing device 10 may communicate with at least one of the first communication device 20 and the second communication device 30 via the network interface 1060.

In addition, the information providing device 10 may be realized by multiple devices each having the configuration shown in FIG. 10.

The hardware configuration of the first communication device 20 and the second communication device 30 is similar to the hardware configuration of the information providing device 10 shown in FIG. 10.

Next, a first operation example of the information providing device 10 and the first communication device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 11. This is an operation example when a user of the information providing device 10 registers location information.

First, the user operates the first communication device 20 to display a screen for registering location information on the display. Next, the user inputs location information into the first communication device 20 (step S110), and causes the first communication device 20 to transmit the input location information to the information providing device 10 (step S120). At this time, the first communication device 20 also transmits the user's identification information to the information providing device 10. The user's identification information is input into the first communication device 20 before or at step S110.

The first acquisition unit 120 of the information providing device 10 links the location information transmitted from the first communication device 20 to the user's identification information and stores it in the storage unit 110 (step S130).

In addition, in step S110, other information such as information about the user, for example, attributes of the user, may be input to the first communication device 20. In this case, this information is also transmitted to the information providing device 10 in step S120, and this information is also stored in the storage unit 110 in step S130.

Next, a second operation example of the information providing device 10 and the first communication device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 12. This is an operation example when the information providing device 10 provides a service using a virtual space to a user.

First, the first communication device 20 requests map information from the information providing device 10 (step S210). At this time, the first communication device 20 transmits the user's identification information to the information providing device 10.

The generation unit 130 of the information providing device 10 reads out from the storage unit 110 the location information corresponding to the user's identification information acquired from the first communication device 20, and generates map information using the read location information (step S220).

Then, the first output unit 140 of the information providing device 10 and the first communication device 20 perform processing to cause the first communication device 20 to perform output that allows the user to experience the virtual space (step S230).

As an example, the first output unit 140 sets a specific point in the map information as the current position of the vehicle, generates an image corresponding to this current position, and displays it on the display of the first communication device 20. The user then inputs information for moving the vehicle in the virtual space, for example information corresponding to at least one of the operation information of the steering wheel, accelerator, and brake, to the first communication device 20. The first communication device 20 transmits this information to the information providing device 10. The first output unit 140 then updates the current position of the vehicle in the virtual space in accordance with this information, and generates an image corresponding to the updated current position, and displays it on the display of the first communication device 20.

The first output unit 140 also transmits warning information to the first communication device 20 to output it as necessary. For example, when the current position of the vehicle reaches a location where warning information should be output, the first output unit 140 transmits the warning information to the first communication device 20 to output it.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the generation unit 130 generates map information to be used in a virtual space. In this map information, the layout of the roads differs from the layout of the roads in the real space. For this reason, the generation unit 130 can make the layout of the roads in the map information a layout that enhances the user's motivation to learn about the caution information. Therefore, by using the information providing device 10, the driver can be motivated to learn when knowledge necessary for driving a vehicle is grasped as caution information before driving.

Second Embodiment
The information providing device 10 shown in FIG. 13 includes a second output unit 150 and a second acquisition unit 160 in addition to the storage unit 110, the first acquisition unit 120, the generation unit 130, and the first output unit 140.

The second output unit 150 outputs virtual experience information to the first communication device 20 when the user's vehicle arrives in the virtual space at the point indicated by the point information, i.e., the waypoint or destination selected by the user. The virtual experience information is linked to the point indicated by the point information, and is information that allows the user to virtually experience a specific item in the virtual space.

As an example, the virtual experience information includes a program that allows the user to virtually experience a specified attraction or service. Examples of the specified attraction or service are at least one of fishing, agricultural harvesting, craft experiences, and beauty services. The virtual experience information is created, for example, by a person or organization associated with a potential stopover or destination. The virtual experience information is stored in advance in the storage unit 110, for example, linked to a potential stopover or destination.

Then, when the user's vehicle arrives at a stopover or destination in the virtual space, the second output unit 150 reads out virtual experience information corresponding to the stopover or destination from the storage unit 110, and uses this virtual experience information to allow the user to virtually experience a specified item.

Note that the second output unit 150 may not output the virtual experience information even if virtual experience information corresponding to the stopover or destination is stored in the storage unit 110. For example, in the process using FIG. 11, if the user inputs information indicating that a virtual experience is not required when inputting location information into the information providing device 10, this information is also stored in the storage unit 110. In this case, the second output unit 150 does not output the virtual experience information. Also, in the process using FIG. 11, the user may input information indicating that a virtual experience is desired when inputting location information into the information providing device 10. In this case, this information is also stored in the storage unit 110. The second output unit 150 outputs the virtual experience information only if this information is stored in the storage unit 110.

In the above-mentioned virtual experience, at least one of the information providing device 10 and the first communication device 20 may generate experience data, which is information related to the content of the virtual experience performed by the user, for example, data related to the result virtually obtained through the virtual experience. The second acquisition unit 160 acquires this experience data. As an example, the experience data includes at least one of the type and size of fish caught by fishing, the type and size of agricultural products obtained by harvesting, and the type of item virtually generated through the manufacturing experience and its three-dimensional shape information.

The second acquisition unit 160 then transmits this experience data to the second communication device 30. In this way, for example, when the user visits that location in real space, he or she can be provided with a service or item based on the experience data at that location. In this case, the user is highly motivated to use the information providing device 10. The service or item provided here is, for example, the provision of a dish using the fish or agricultural products indicated by the experience data, or the production and provision of the item indicated by the experience data. The item is produced, for example, by inputting the three-dimensional shape information into, for example, a three-dimensional printer.

The second communication device 30 to which the experience data is sent may be a communication device managed by a person or organization that provides an attraction or service corresponding to the virtual experience information in real space.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information providing device 10 and the first communication device 20. The process shown in this figure is performed, for example, in step S230 of FIG. 12. Furthermore, the process shown in this figure is not performed if information indicating that a virtual experience is not required is stored in the storage unit 110. Furthermore, the process shown in this figure may be performed only if information indicating that a virtual experience is desired is stored in the storage unit 110.

First, when the user's vehicle arrives at a waypoint or destination in the virtual space, the second output unit 150 of the information providing device 10 determines whether there is virtual experience information corresponding to the waypoint or destination. If there is virtual experience information, the second output unit 150 transmits information to the first communication device 20 to confirm whether or not the user desires a virtual experience according to the virtual experience information. The first communication device 20 prompts the user to input information indicating whether or not the user desires a virtual experience. If this information indicates that the user desires a virtual experience, the first communication device 20 transmits information indicating this to the information providing device 10 (step S310).

Then, the second output unit 150 of the information providing device 10 reads out the virtual experience information from the storage unit 110. The second output unit 150 and the first communication device 20 then use this virtual experience information to execute a process to allow the user to have a virtual experience (step S320). At this time, experience data is generated.

The second acquisition unit 160 then stores this experience data in the storage unit 110 (step S330) and transmits this experience data to the first communication device 20 (step S340).

Also in this embodiment, by using the information providing device 10, the driver can be motivated to learn when the driver is made to understand the knowledge necessary for driving the vehicle as caution information before driving. Furthermore, when the user's vehicle arrives at a waypoint or destination in the virtual space, the second output unit 150 of the information providing device 10 allows the user to have a virtual experience corresponding to that point. This increases the user's motivation to use the information providing device 10, and therefore increases the driver's motivation to learn.

The present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

In addition, in the multiple flow charts used in the above explanations, multiple steps (processing) are described in order, but the order in which the steps are executed in each embodiment is not limited to the order described. In each embodiment, the order of the steps shown in the figures can be changed to the extent that does not cause any problems in terms of content. In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined to the extent that the content is not contradictory.

A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.
1. A first acquisition means for acquiring location information indicating a place existing in real space and indicating at least one of a waypoint or a destination;
a generating means for generating map information indicating a moving range of a vehicle in a virtual space and including the intermediate point or the destination, using the location information;
a first output means for moving the vehicle within the map information of the virtual space in accordance with an input by a user, and for outputting, when a caution that should be notified to the user occurs in relation to the movement, warning information indicating the caution;
Equipped with
An information providing device, wherein the layout of roads in the map information is different from the layout of roads in real space.
2. In the information providing device described in 1 above,
partial map information including each of a plurality of points that can be the waypoint or the destination and that constitutes at least a part of the map information is prepared,
The generating means generates the map information by using the partial map information corresponding to the spot information.
3. In the information providing device described in 2 above,
An information providing device, wherein the partial map information includes, for each point in the partial map information, information required to generate an image to be displayed when the vehicle is located at that point.
4. In the information providing device described in 1 above,
Standard map information including roads is prepared in advance,
The generating means, when generating the map information, places the point indicated by the point information within the map indicated by the standard map information.
5. In the information providing device according to any one of 1 to 4 above,
The generating means includes, in the map information, information indicating a location where the warning is to be output.
6. In the information providing device according to any one of 1 to 5 above,
The notice is based on an attribute of the user.
7. In the information providing device according to 6 above,
The attributes include information that can identify the user's place of residence or nationality,
The notice is based on a difference between traffic rules of a region to which the location indicated by the location information belongs and traffic rules of a region indicated by the place of residence or nationality.
8. In the information providing device according to any one of 1 to 7 above,
The information providing device is provided with a second output means that outputs virtual experience information linked to the location indicated by the location information and allowing the user to virtually experience a specified item in the virtual space to a first communication device operated by the user when the vehicle arrives at the location indicated by the location information in the virtual space.
9. In the information providing device according to the above item 8,
The information providing device includes a second acquisition means for acquiring experience data, which is information regarding the content of the virtual experience that the user had, and outputting the experience data to a second communication device operated by a person associated with the intermediate point or destination.
10. In the information providing device according to the above 9,
An information providing device, wherein the experience data includes data relating to an outcome virtually obtained through a virtual experience.
11. At least one computer is
Acquire location information indicating a location existing in real space and indicating at least one of a waypoint or a destination;
Using the location information, generate map information indicating a range of movement of the vehicle in a virtual space and including the intermediate point or the destination;
moving the vehicle within the map information of the virtual space in accordance with an input by a user, and, if any caution that should be notified to the user occurs in relation to the movement, outputting caution information indicating the caution;
The information providing method, wherein the layout of roads in the map information is different from the layout of roads in real space.
12. In the information providing method according to 11 above,
partial map information including each of a plurality of points that can be the waypoint or the destination and that constitutes at least a part of the map information is prepared,
The at least one computer generates the map information by using the partial map information corresponding to the spot information.
13. In the information providing method according to 12 above,
An information providing method, wherein the partial map information includes, for each point in the partial map information, information required to generate an image to be displayed when the vehicle is located at that point.
14. In the information providing method according to 11 above,
Standard map information including roads is prepared in advance,
The at least one computer arranges the location indicated by the location information within the map indicated by the standard map information when generating the map information.
15. In the information providing method according to any one of claims 11 to 14,
The at least one computer includes, in the map information, information indicating a location where the warning is to be output.
16. In the information providing method according to any one of claims 11 to 15,
The information providing method, wherein the notice is based on attributes of the user.
17. In the information providing method according to 16 above,
The attributes include information that can identify the user's place of residence or nationality,
The information providing method, wherein the cautions are based on a difference between traffic rules of a region to which the location indicated by the location information belongs and traffic rules of a region indicated by the place of residence or nationality.
18. In the information providing method according to any one of claims 11 to 17,
An information provision method in which, when the vehicle arrives at a location in the virtual space indicated by the location information, the at least one computer outputs virtual experience information to a first communication device operated by the user, the virtual experience information being linked to the location indicated by the location information and allowing the user to virtually experience a specified item in the virtual space.
19. In the information providing method according to claim 18,
An information provision method in which the at least one computer acquires experience data, which is information regarding the content of the virtual experience experienced by the user, and outputs the experience data to a second communication device operated by a person associated with the intermediate point or destination.
20. In the information providing method according to claim 19,
An information providing method, wherein the experience data includes data relating to an outcome virtually obtained through a virtual experience.
21. At least one computer has:
acquiring location information indicating a location existing in real space and indicating at least one of a waypoint or a destination;
Using the location information, generate map information indicating a range of movement of the vehicle in a virtual space and including the intermediate point or the destination;
moving the vehicle within the map information of the virtual space in accordance with an input by a user, and, if any caution that should be notified to the user occurs in relation to the movement, outputting caution information indicating the caution;
A program, wherein the layout of roads in the map information is different from the layout of roads in real space.
22. In the program according to 21 above,
partial map information including each of a plurality of points that can be the waypoint or the destination and that constitutes at least a part of the map information is prepared,
A program that causes the at least one computer to generate the map information by using the partial map information corresponding to the spot information.
23. In the program according to 22 above,
The partial map information includes, for each point in the partial map information, information necessary for generating an image to be displayed when the vehicle is located at that point.
24. In the program according to 21 above,
Standard map information including roads is prepared in advance,
A program that causes the at least one computer to place the point indicated by the point information within the map indicated by the standard map information when generating the map information.
25. In the program according to any one of claims 21 to 24,
A program that causes the at least one computer to include, in the map information, information indicating a location where the warning should be output.
26. In the program according to any one of claims 21 to 25,
The notice is based on an attribute of the user.
27. In the program according to 26 above,
The attributes include information that can identify the user's place of residence or nationality,
The program, wherein the caution is based on a difference between traffic rules of a region to which the location indicated by the location information belongs and traffic rules of a region indicated by the place of residence or nationality.
28. In the program according to any one of claims 21 to 27,
The at least one computer,
A program that, when the vehicle arrives at a location indicated by the location information in the virtual space, outputs virtual experience information to a first communication device operated by the user, the virtual experience information being linked to the location indicated by the location information and allowing the user to virtually experience a specified item in the virtual space.
29. In the program according to 28 above,
The at least one computer,
A program that acquires experience data, which is information regarding the content of the virtual experience that the user had, and outputs the experience data to a second communication device operated by a person associated with the intermediate point or destination.
30. In the program according to 29 above,
A program, wherein the experience data includes data regarding an outcome virtually obtained through a virtual experience.
31. A recording medium storing the program according to any one of claims 21 to 30.

10 Information providing device 20 First communication device 30 Second communication device 110 Storage section 120 First acquisition section 130 Generation section 140 First output section 150 Second output section 160 Second acquisition section

Claims (12)

A first acquisition means for acquiring location information indicating a place existing in real space and indicating at least one of a waypoint or a destination;
a generating means for generating map information indicating a moving range of a vehicle in a virtual space and including the intermediate point or the destination, using the location information;
a first output means for moving the vehicle within the map information of the virtual space in accordance with an input by a user, and for outputting, when a caution that should be notified to the user occurs in relation to the movement, warning information indicating the caution;
Equipped with
An information providing device, wherein the layout of roads in the map information is different from the layout of roads in real space. 2. The information providing device according to claim 1,
partial map information including each of a plurality of points that can be the waypoint or the destination and that constitutes at least a part of the map information is prepared,
The generating means generates the map information by using the partial map information corresponding to the spot information. 3. The information providing device according to claim 2,
An information providing device, wherein the partial map information includes, for each point in the partial map information, information required to generate an image to be displayed when the vehicle is located at that point. 2. The information providing device according to claim 1,
Standard map information including roads is prepared in advance,
The generating means, when generating the map information, places the point indicated by the point information within the map indicated by the standard map information. The information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The generating means includes, in the map information, information indicating a location where the warning is to be output. The information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The notice is based on an attribute of the user. 7. The information providing device according to claim 6,
The attributes include information that can identify the user's place of residence or nationality,
The notice is based on a difference between traffic rules of a region to which the location indicated by the location information belongs and traffic rules of a region indicated by the place of residence or nationality. The information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The information providing device is provided with a second output means that outputs virtual experience information linked to the location indicated by the location information and allowing the user to virtually experience a specified item in the virtual space to a first communication device operated by the user when the vehicle arrives at the location indicated by the location information in the virtual space. 9. The information providing device according to claim 8,
The information providing device includes a second acquisition means for acquiring experience data, which is information regarding the content of the virtual experience that the user had, and outputting the experience data to a second communication device operated by a person associated with the intermediate point or destination. 10. The information providing device according to claim 9,
An information providing device, wherein the experience data includes data relating to an outcome virtually obtained through a virtual experience. At least one computer
Acquire location information indicating a location existing in real space and indicating at least one of a waypoint or a destination;
Using the location information, map information is generated that indicates a range of movement of the vehicle in a virtual space and includes the intermediate point or the destination;
moving the vehicle within the map information of the virtual space in accordance with an input by a user, and, if any caution that should be notified to the user occurs in relation to the movement, outputting caution information indicating the caution;
The information providing method, wherein the layout of roads in the map information is different from the layout of roads in real space. At least one computer
acquiring location information indicating a location existing in real space and indicating at least one of a waypoint or a destination;
Using the location information, generate map information indicating a range of movement of the vehicle in a virtual space and including the intermediate point or the destination;
moving the vehicle within the map information of the virtual space in accordance with an input by a user, and, if any caution that should be notified to the user occurs in relation to the movement, outputting caution information indicating the caution;
A program, wherein the layout of roads in the map information is different from the layout of roads in real space.

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