There is provided an information processing apparatus including a transmission section which transmits, to an external device that has collected an index pertaining to a feature of an output of a sensor for each classification, classification information for specifying the classification, and a reception section which receives information about the index corresponding to the classification information.

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, information processing apparatuses having various types of sensors thereon are in widespread use. For example, as examples of the sensors mounted on an information processing apparatus, there are given an acceleration sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a pressure sensor, a GPS sensor, and the like. Those sensors are each capable of outputting a detection value according to the state of the information processing apparatus on which the sensor is mounted. The output is sometimes used for causing the position of the information processing apparatus to be detected, for example. Alternatively, the output is sometimes used for detecting a tilt of a housing used for operation input performed by the information processing apparatus, for example.

Incidentally, to the detection value output from a sensor, an index indicating the feature of the detection value may be assigned. For example, error/accuracy of position information to be detected may be assigned to an output value of a GPS sensor. An application that uses the detection value output from the sensor can process the detection value based on the index. For example, JP 2006-038792A discloses a satellite signal reception processing apparatus which performs positioning calculation when a positional accuracy index is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

SUMMARY

However, the assignment of the index used here may be performed based on different standards for each classification mainly such as a model or the like of a terminal in most of the cases. Accordingly, the following may differ for each classification: how the application should handle the detection value output by the sensor by using the index.

In light of the foregoing, the present disclosure provides an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program, which are capable of acquiring information about an index collected in a server for each classification.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing apparatus which includes a transmission section which transmits, to an external device that has collected an index pertaining to a feature of an output of a sensor for each classification, classification information for specifying the classification, and a reception section which receives information about the index corresponding to the classification information.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing method which includes transmitting, to an external device that has collected an index pertaining to a feature of an output of a sensor for each classification, classification information for specifying the classification, and receiving information about the index corresponding to the classification information.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a program for causing a computer to function as an information processing apparatus including a transmission section which transmits, to an external device that has collected an index pertaining to a feature of an output of a sensor for each classification, classification information for specifying the classification, and a reception section which receives information about the index corresponding to the classification information.

According to the embodiments of the present disclosure described above, the information about an index collected in a server for each classification can be acquired.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

2. Functional Configuration

4. Hardware Configuration

5. Modified Example

First, with reference toFIG. 1andFIG. 2, an overview of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.FIG. 1is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 2is a graph showing an example of model-based appearance frequency distribution of accuracy indices, which is collected by the system according to the embodiment.

Note that there are various sensors to which the technique of the present disclosure applies as described above, and an index to be mainly assigned differs for each target sensor. However, hereinafter, the description will be made using as an example a case where the present technology is applied to an accuracy index (positional error) assigned to position information acquired by a GPS sensor.

First, with reference toFIG. 1, an overview of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure collects, from multiple terminal devices100, model names and the appearance frequency of accuracy indices, and uses a model-based accuracy index distribution DB210obtained by making a database of appearance frequencies of accuracy indices using models name as keys.

An error of position information differs depending on an environment in which the position is measured. For example, at a location at which multiple strong GPS signals can be received, position information with high accuracy (i.e., with small positional error) can be obtained. In such a location, an accuracy index indicating that the positional error is small is assigned to the position information.

However, the assignment of accuracy index may not be performed based on a unified standard. For example, a standard for accuracy index-assignment may differ depending on a model of a terminal device100. Further, there may be a model which does not perform accuracy index-assignment. Further, in one model, the accuracy index may show the positional error using a distance, and on the other hand, in another model, the accuracy index may show a classified positional error (for example, high, medium, or low) in accordance with the degree of the positional error.

Further, there may be a case where, when models each showing the positional error using a distance are compared with each other, the appearance frequency distributions vary from each other as shown inFIG. 2. In the graph ofFIG. 2, the horizontal axis represents the accuracy index (for example, positional error shown using distance), and the vertical axis represents appearance frequency of the accuracy indices (for example, the number of times of assignments). In this way, a peak value of frequency at which the accuracy index appears and a standard to be used may differ for each model. For example, a model D shows a certain accuracy index. In this case, it is highly likely that the model D does not actually determine the accuracy of the position information.

Accordingly, when using an application that provides a service using position information for example, in the case of attempting to use different processes based on the accuracy index, there may be a case where operation is not executed normally when using a certain threshold. For example, let us assume the case where threshold processing based on the accuracy index is executed by using a threshold Th1shown inFIG. 2. In the case of the accuracy index showing the positional error using a distance, a larger value of the accuracy index represents larger error and lower accuracy. Accordingly, for example, the threshold processing may be performed by discarding the position information having the accuracy index that is equal to or more than the threshold Th1, and only using the position information having the accuracy index that is less than the threshold Th1. In this case, as for a model A, the accuracy indices assigned to all pieces of position information are smaller than the threshold Th1. Further, as for a model B, the accuracy indices assigned to several percent of pieces of position information out of the acquired pieces of position information are larger than the threshold Th1. Further, as for a model C, the accuracy indices assigned to most of the acquired pieces of position information are larger than the threshold Th1, and many pieces of position information are discarded. Further, as for the model D, the accuracy indices assigned to all pieces of position information are larger than the threshold Th1, and all pieces of position information are discarded.

Accordingly, in such a case, the model C and the model D do not operate normally since most of or all pieces of position information are discarded. Further, it is also difficult for the model A to fulfill the intention of discarding position information with low accuracy. Further, under the present circumstances, the variation of appearance frequency distribution does not necessarily reflect the difference of accuracy of the accuracy of GPS sensors. That is, the model A has accuracy indices being assigned thereto, the accuracy indices having smaller values as a whole than the accuracy indices of the model C, that is, indicating that the accuracy is higher than that of the model C. However, the model A is actually not capable of acquiring all the time the position information having accuracy higher than that of the model C, and the variation is largely caused by difference in the standard for accuracy index-assignment.

Accordingly, in the case of attempting to correctly perform processing based on the accuracy index in an application using the position information, there arises a request of attempting to recognize the appearance frequency distribution of the accuracy indices. However, for example, in order for a developer of the application to obtain information of the appearance frequency distribution, the developer accumulates pieces of information of accuracy indices acquired by respective models, investigates the behavior thereof, and sets a threshold. Those works involve a great amount of time and effort. In order to create an application that operates normally in all models, it is necessary that the above-mentioned investigation be performed for all models. Further, each time a new model is put on sale, the same investigation has to be performed.

Further, a trend of the accuracy index may be learned in each terminal device100. In this case, the burden imposed on the developer of the application is saved. However, in order to accurately recognize the trend of the accuracy index, it is necessary that information be collected for a certain period of time. Accordingly, the present disclosure suggests the use of the model-based accuracy index distribution DB210as described above. The model-based accuracy index distribution DB210can collect information about the accuracy index from multiple terminal devices100. Accordingly, the time period necessary for recognizing the feature of the accuracy indices can be reduced dramatically compared to the case where the terminal devices100each collecting information. Further, if the application using the position information uses the information about the accuracy indices collected in the server, the burden imposed on every application developer performing investigation for each accuracy index is saved.

Here, with reference toFIG. 1again, paying attention to a stage of updating information collected in the database, pieces of information are collected from multiple terminal devices100into the model-based accuracy index distribution DB210. Here, the terminal device100collects the appearance frequency of the assigned accuracy indices for a certain period of time and collectively transmits the information to the model-based accuracy index distribution DB210, but the present technology is not limited thereto. The terminal device100may transmit the information to the model-based accuracy index distribution DB210each time the accuracy index is assigned, that is, each time the sensor detects the information. In this case, the information to be transmitted to the model-based accuracy index distribution DB210may be the assigned accuracy index itself and the model name. The collected pieces of information may be aggregated by model and may be held in a form of information indicating appearance frequency distribution of accuracy indices.

Further, paying attention to a stage of using information collected in the database, an application operating in the terminal device100makes a request to the model-based accuracy index distribution DB210for desired information and acquires the desired information, and thus can use the acquired information on the application. For example, terminal device100transmits, to the model-based accuracy index distribution DB210, an acquisition condition of desired information including the model name. For example, the acquisition condition may be an x %-threshold. The x %-threshold is, for example, a threshold used for identifying top x % data. For example, the terminal device100can use the x %-threshold and can use the top x % data on the application. For example, the application can use the x %-threshold and can discard the position information having an accuracy index that is equal to or more than the threshold.

Heretofore, the overview of the system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described. Hereinafter, there will be described in detail a configuration and operation for realizing such functions.

Next, with reference toFIGS. 3 to 5, a functional configuration of a terminal device and a functional configuration of an index information server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will each be described.FIG. 3is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a terminal device according to the embodiment.FIG. 4is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an index information server according to the embodiment.FIG. 5is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information that the index information server according to the embodiment provides from collected accuracy index distribution.

First, with reference toFIG. 3, a configuration of a terminal device100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The terminal device100is an information processing apparatus used by a user. The terminal device100may be an information processing apparatus such as a mobile phone, a personal handyphone system (PHS), a music playback device, a video processing device, a game console, a personal computer (PC), and a personal data assistance (PDA).

The terminal device100mainly includes a sensor section105, an application control section110, an updating section115, and a storage section120.

The sensor section105has a function of detecting a state and the like of the terminal device100. Here, although the sensor section105is a GPS sensor, the present technology is not limited thereto. For example, the sensor section105may be a sensor such as a GPS sensor, an acceleration sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, or a pressure sensor. The sensor section105can assign an index pertaining to a feature of an output of the sensor to the output of the sensor. Here, in the case of using the GPS sensor, the index pertaining to the feature of the sensor may be an accuracy index indicating an error of position information output by the GPS sensor. The accuracy index may be shown as a distance of the error, for example. Further, the accuracy index may be an index showing a degree of error at multiple stages. The sensor section105can detect current position information, and can also assign to the position information and output the accuracy index of the detected position information.

The application control section110can control an application function using a detection value acquired by the sensor section105. The application control section110has a function of acquiring a threshold determined based on distribution information of accuracy indices from an index information server200. The application control section110can control the application function using the acquired threshold. As will be described in detail later, the index information server200collects the distribution of accuracy indices by performing classification by model. The application control section110can transmit classification information for specifying the classification, that is, model information of the terminal device100in this case, to the index information server200, and can receive a threshold determined based on the distribution of accuracy indices corresponding to the model information from index information server200. That is, the application control section110is an example of a transmission section that transmits, to the index information server200which has collected accuracy indices for each classification, the classification information for specifying the classification of the terminal device100. Further, the application control section110is also an example of a reception section that receives information about the index corresponding to the classification information.

Here, as typical examples of the application function controlled by the application control section110, there are given a navigation function and a travel trajectory logging function. In addition, the application function may be any function that uses a GPS sensor. For example, the application control section110can process information output from the GPS sensor by using the threshold acquired from the index information server200. For example, the application control section110can acquire a 95%-threshold from the index information server200. For example, when the application function attempts to identify position information having bottom 5% accuracy index, the application control section110can process position information by using the acquired 95%-threshold. For example, the application control section110may determine position information having bottom 5% accuracy index based on the threshold, and may not use such position information for the application function. It is highly likely that position information with a large accuracy index include a large error. Accordingly, the application control section110can improve measurement accuracy by performing threshold processing based on accuracy indices and using the position information having a relatively small error. That is, the application control section110is also an example of a processing section that processes an output of the sensor section105in accordance with the information acquired from the index information server200.

The updating section115has a function of updating information of the model-based accuracy index distribution DB210. The updating section115can transmit the acquired accuracy index and the model information of the terminal device100to the index information server200so that information of the model-based accuracy index distribution DB210is updated using the accuracy index of the position information acquired by the sensor section105. The updating section115can update the information at a timing according to a frequency that the sensor section105acquires the position information. For example, in the case where the frequency that the sensor section105acquires the position information is sufficiently low, the updating section115may update the information each time the sensor section105acquires the position information. Further, in the case where the frequency that the sensor section105acquires the position information is high to some extent, the updating section115can update the information collectively at a predetermined cycle or at the time of completion of the application. When the updating section115collectively updates the information, the updating section115may aggregate the appearance frequency of the acquired accuracy indices and may generate appearance frequency distribution information. In this case, the updating section115can transmit model information of the terminal device100and the generated appearance frequency distribution information to the index information server200.

The storage section120is a device for storing data, and can include a storage medium, a recording device for recording data in the storage medium, a reading device for reading the data from the storage medium, and a deletion device for deleting the data recorded in the storage medium. Here, as the storage medium, there may be used a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, a magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), a ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM), a phase change random access memory (PRAM), and an electronically erasable and programmable read only memory (EEPROM), and a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD). When the updating section115collectively updates information, the storage section120can store information of accuracy index used for the updating. The information of accuracy index may be an accuracy index itself, or may be the above-mentioned appearance frequency distribution information.

Next, with reference toFIG. 4, a functional configuration of an index information server200will be described. The index information server200has a function of collecting information of accuracy index distribution by model and providing the terminal device100with information about accuracy index based on the collected information.

The index information server200mainly includes an accepting section205, a model-based accuracy index distribution DB210, and a notification section215.

The accepting section205has a function of accepting information from multiple terminal devices100and updating information of the model-based accuracy index distribution DB210. The accepting section205can update accuracy index distribution information of a classification corresponding to model information included in information received from the terminal device100. The accepting section205may update the information of the model-based accuracy index distribution DB210each time the accepting section205accepts information. Alternatively, the accepting section205may collectively update information at regular intervals using multiple pieces of information that have been accepted.

(Model-based Accuracy Index Distribution DB210)

The model-based accuracy index distribution DB210is a database which stores appearance frequency distribution information of accuracy indices aggregated by model. Information of the model-based accuracy index distribution DB210is updated by the accepting section205, and the model-based accuracy index distribution DB210can provide the notification section215with information.

The notification section215has a function of providing information about accuracy index in response to a request from the terminal device100, based on information stored in the model-based accuracy index distribution DB210. For example,FIG. 5shows a model-based cumulative rate of accuracy index. In this example, when the terminal device100makes a request for the 95%-threshold of the model A, the notification section215can notify the terminal device100of a value at which the cumulative rate becomes 0.95, which is 35000 mm, as the 95%-threshold. Further, in this example, when the terminal device100makes a request for the 95%-threshold of the model B, the notification section215can notify the terminal device100of a value at which the cumulative rate becomes 0.95, which is 45000 mm, as the 95%-threshold. Note that there may be some models that are not equipped with the function of determining the accuracy index, and that performs assignment of fixed information at all times regardless of the accuracy. In such a case, that is, in the case where distribution of a certain model does not exist and only fixed pieces of information are collected, the notification section215may transmit that effect to the terminal device100.

Heretofore, there have been shown examples of the functions of the terminal device100and the index information server200according to the present embodiment. Each of the above structural elements may be configured using general-purpose members or circuits, or may be configured using hardware specialized for the function of each structural element. Further, the function of each structural element may be realized by reading, by an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a control program from the storage medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory) that stores the control program in which procedures for realizing those functions are written, and by interpreting and executing the program. Therefore, the configuration to be used can be changed appropriately in accordance with the technical level each time when the embodiment is carried out.

Note that there may be produced a computer program for realizing respective functions of the terminal device100and the index information server200according to the present embodiment as described above, and the computer program can be implemented in a personal computer or the like. Further, there can also be provided a computer-readable recording medium having the computer program stored therein. Examples of the recording medium include a magnetic disk, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disk, and a flash memory. Further, the computer program may be distributed via a network, without using the recording medium, for example. Note that examples of hardware configurations of the terminal device100and the index information server200will be described below.

Next, with reference toFIG. 6, operation of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.FIG. 6is a flowchart showing an operation example of the system according to the embodiment.

First, the application control section110determines whether there is a threshold inside the terminal device100, which is appropriate for the model of the terminal device100(S100). Then, in the case where there is the appropriate threshold inside the terminal device100, the application control section110uses the threshold that is held inside, and hence, the operation of the system is completed. Here, the appropriate threshold may be a threshold determined by using sufficient pieces of information inside the terminal device100, for example. Alternatively, the appropriate threshold may also be a threshold acquired from the index information server200in advance.

Then, when it is determined in Step S100that there is no appropriate threshold inside the terminal device100, the application control section110makes a request to the index information server200for a threshold of a model of the terminal device100(S105). Here, for example, the application control section110transmits classification information including the name of the model and an acquisition condition (for example, top x %) of the threshold to the index information server200.

After that, the notification section215of the index information server200determines whether there are sufficient number of accuracy index distribution information samples inside the index information server200(S110). Then, in the case where there are sufficient number of accuracy index distribution information samples inside the index information server200, the notification section215sends back the threshold to the terminal device100based on the accuracy index distribution (S115).

On the other hand, in the case where it is determined in Step S110that there are not sufficient number of accuracy index distribution information samples inside the index information server200, the notification section215sends back a default threshold to the terminal device100(S120). Then, the notification section215makes a request to the terminal device100for information of accuracy index distribution (S125). Here, the default threshold may be a threshold of a similar classification. For example, the notification section215may set different models manufactured by a same manufacturer as classifications similar to each other. Here, the different models manufactured by the same manufacturer have parts of the model names that correspond to each other in many cases. Accordingly, whether the models are different models manufactured by the same manufacturer may be determined based on whether parts of the model names correspond to each other, for example. Alternatively, let us consider the case where the classification information includes multiple pieces of information other than the model name. In this case, with increase of the number of pieces of information included in the classification information, the probability that the classification of the accuracy index becomes accurate increases. However, for example, although the model is actually different, the accuracy index may exhibit the same behavior when the sensor with the same model number is used. Accordingly, the notification section215may send back, as the default threshold to the terminal device100, a threshold of a classification in which the model is different and the model number of the sensor is the same.

In response to the request from the index information server200, the terminal device100transmits the information of accuracy index distribution collected inside the terminal device100to the index information server200(S130). The accepting section205of the index information server200updates the information of the model-based accuracy index distribution DB210based on the information received from the terminal device100(S135).

More accurate accuracy index distribution can be obtained also inside the terminal device100when the information of accuracy index distribution is collected individually. Up to here, the description has been made on the example in which the accuracy index distribution is collected for each model, but actually, the accuracy indices of the same model may show different trends from each other. Although described in detail later, accuracy indices may be assigned to the same models based on different standards, respectively, when the versions of the software operating therein are different from each other, for example. Accordingly, until the sufficient number of information samples are collected inside the terminal device100, threshold processing may be performed based on the information acquired from the index information server200, and after the sufficient number of information samples are collected, the threshold processing may be performed based on the information collected inside the terminal device100. By performing such an operation, more accurate information can be acquired.

Note that, here, although the default threshold is sent back in the case where the sufficient number of information samples are not collected inside the index information server200, the present technology is not limited thereto. For example, in the case where the sufficient number of information samples is not collected inside the index information server200, an error message may be sent back. In this case, exception handling is executed inside the terminal device100.

Note that, in the present specification, the steps written in the flowchart may of course be processed in chronological order in accordance with the stated order, but may not necessarily be processed in the chronological order, and may be processed individually or in a parallel manner. It is needless to say that, in the case where the steps are processed in the chronological order, the order of the steps may be changed appropriately according to circumstances.

Next, with reference toFIG. 7andFIG. 8, hardware configurations of the terminal device100and the index information server200according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.FIG. 7is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the terminal device according to the embodiment.FIG. 8is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the index information server according to the embodiment.

Here, an example of the configuration of the terminal device100will be described. Referring toFIG. 7, the terminal device100includes, for example, a telephone network antenna817, a telephone processing section819, a GPS antenna821, a GPS processing section823, a WiFi antenna825, a WiFi processing section827, a geomagnetic sensor829, an acceleration sensor831, a gyro sensor833, a pressure sensor835, an imaging section837, a CPU (Central Processing Unit)839, a ROM (Read Only Memory)841, a RAM (Random Access Memory)843, an operation section847, a display section849, a decoder851, a speaker853, an encoder855, a microphone857, and a storage section859. Note that the hardware configuration shown here is merely an example, and some of the structural elements may be omitted. Further, the hardware configuration may of course include structural elements other than the above-mentioned structural elements.

The telephone network antenna817is an example of an antenna having a function of establishing a connection via radio waves with a mobile phone network for telephone call and data communication. The telephone network antenna817can supply the telephone processing section819with a telephone call signal received through the mobile phone network.

The telephone processing section819has a function of performing various types of signal processing on a signal transmitted/received by the telephone network antenna817. For example, the telephone processing section819can perform various types of processing on an audio signal which is input through the microphone857and encoded by the encoder855, and can supply the telephone network antenna817with the audio signal. Further, the telephone processing section819can perform various types of processing on an audio signal supplied by the telephone network antenna817, and can supply the decoder851with the audio signal.

The GPS antenna821is an example of an antenna which receives a signal from a positioning satellite. The GPS antenna821is capable of receiving GPS signals from multiple GPS satellites, and inputs the received GPS signals to the GPS processing section823.

The GPS processing section823is an example of a calculation section which calculates position information based on the signals received from the positioning satellites. The GPS processing section823calculates current position information based on the multiple GPS signals input from the GPS antenna821, and outputs the calculated position information. To be specific, the GPS processing section823calculates positions of the respective GPS satellites based on the orbital data of the GPS satellites, and calculates distances from the respective GPS satellites to the terminal device100based on the differences between transmission time and reception time of the GPS signals. Then, based on the calculated positions of the respective GPS satellites and the calculated distances from the respective GPS satellites to the terminal device100, a current three-dimensional position can be calculated. Note that the orbital data of GPS satellites used here may be included in the GPS signals, for example. Alternatively, the orbital data of GPS satellites may be acquired from an external server via the WiFi antenna825.

The WiFi antenna825is an antenna having a function of transmitting/receiving a communication signal to/from a wireless local area network (LAN) communication network in accordance with the WiFi specification, for example. The WiFi antenna825can supply the WiFi processing section827with the received signal.

The WiFi processing section827has a function of performing various types of signal processing on the signal supplied by the WiFi antenna825. The WiFi processing section827can supply the CPU839with a digital signal generated from the supplied analog signal.

The geomagnetic sensor829is a sensor for detecting geomagnetism as a voltage value. The geomagnetic sensor829may be a 3-axis geomagnetic sensor which detects geomagnetism in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction. The geomagnetic sensor829can supply the CPU839with the detected geomagnetic data.

The acceleration sensor831is a sensor for detecting acceleration as a voltage value. The acceleration sensor831may be a 3-axis acceleration sensor which detects acceleration along the X-axis direction, acceleration along the Y-axis direction, and acceleration along the Z-axis direction. The acceleration sensor831can supply the CPU839with the detected acceleration data.

The gyro sensor833is a measuring instrument for detecting an angle or an angular velocity of an object. The gyro sensor833may be a 3-axis gyro sensor which detects a variable velocity (angular velocity) of the rotation angle around each of the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis as a voltage value. The gyro sensor833can supply the CPU839with the detected angular velocity data.

The pressure sensor835is a sensor for detecting the surrounding pressure as a voltage value. The pressure sensor835detects a pressure at a predetermined sampling frequency, and can supply the CPU839with the detected pressure data.

The imaging section837has a function of capturing a still image or a moving image via a lens in accordance with control of the CPU839. The imaging section837may cause the storage section859to store the captured image.

The CPU839functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation inside the terminal device100in accordance with various programs. Further, the CPU839may be a microprocessor. The CPU839can realize various functions in accordance with various programs.

The ROM841can store programs and arithmetic parameters used by the CPU839. The RAM843can temporarily store programs used during execution of the CPU839and parameters that appropriately change during the execution thereof.

The operation section847has a function of generating an input signal used by a user for performing a desired operation. For example, the operation section847may be configured from, for example, an input section for inputting information by the user, such as a touch sensor, a mouse, a keyboard, a button, a microphone, a switch, and a lever, and an input control circuit which generates an input signal based on the input by the user and outputs the generated input signal to the CPU839.

The display section849is an example of an output device, and may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device, or the like. The display section849displays a screen to the user, and thereby being able to provide information.

The decoder851has a function of performing decoding, analog conversion, and the like of input data in accordance with the control of the CPU839. The decoder851can perform decoding, analog conversion, and the like of audio data input through the telephone network antenna817and the telephone processing section819, and can output an audio signal to the speaker853, for example. Further, the decoder851can perform decoding, analog conversion, and the like of audio data input through the WiFi antenna825and the WiFi processing section827, and can output an audio signal to the speaker853, for example. The speaker853can output the audio based on the audio signal supplied from the decoder851.

The encoder855has a function of performing digital conversion, encoding, and the like of input data in accordance with the control of the CPU839. The encoder855can perform digital conversion, encoding, and the like of an audio signal input from the microphone857, and can output audio data. The microphone857can collect audio and output the audio as an audio signal.

The storage section859is a device for storing data, and can include a storage medium, a recording device for recording data in the storage medium, a reading device for reading the data from the storage medium, and a deletion device for deleting the data recorded in the storage medium. Here, as the storage medium, there may be used a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, a magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), a ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM), a phase change random access memory (PRAM), and an electronically erasable and programmable read only memory (EEPROM), and a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD).

((Index Information Server200)) Next, referring toFIG. 8, the function of each structural element included in the index information server200may be realized by using the hardware configuration shown inFIG. 8, for example. That is, the function of each structural element may be realized by controlling the hardware shown inFIG. 8using a computer program.

As shown inFIG. 8, the hardware mainly includes a CPU902, a ROM904, a RAM906, a host bus908, and a bridge910. In addition, the hardware includes an external bus912, an interface914, an input section916, an output section918, a storage section920, a drive922, a connection port924, and a communication section926. Note that “CPU” is an abbreviation for “central processing unit”. Further, “ROM” is an abbreviation for “read only memory”. Still further, “RAM” is an abbreviation for “random access memory”. Note that the hardware configuration shown here is merely an example, and some of the structural elements may be omitted. Further, the hardware configuration may of course include structural elements other than the above-mentioned structural elements.

The CPU902functions as an arithmetic processing unit or a control unit, and controls the overall operation or a part of the operation of each structural element based on various programs recorded in the ROM904, the RAM906, the storage section920, or a removable recording medium928. The ROM904is a unit for storing a program to be read by the CPU902, data used for calculation, and the like. The RAM906temporarily or permanently stores a program to be read by the CPU902, various parameters that appropriately change when executing the program, and the like.

Those structural elements are connected to each other via, for example, the host bus908capable of performing high-speed data transmission. On the other hand, the host bus908is connected via the bridge910to the external bus912whose data transmission speed is relatively low, for example. Further, as the input section916, there are used a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a button, a switch, or a lever, for example. Also, the input section916may be a remote control that can transmit a control signal by using an infrared ray or other radio waves.

The output section918is, for example, a display device such as a CRT, an LCD, a PDP, or an ELD, an audio output device such as a speaker or headphones, a printer, a mobile phone, or a facsimile, that can visually or auditorily notify a user of acquired information. Note that, “CRT” is an abbreviation for “cathode ray tube”. Further, “LCD” is an abbreviation for “liquid crystal display”. Still further, “PDP” is an abbreviation for “plasma display panel”. Also, “ELD” is an abbreviation for “electro-luminescence display”.

The storage section920is a device for storing various data. The storage section920is, for example, a magnetic storage device such as an HDD, a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, or a magneto-optical storage device. Note that “HDD” is an abbreviation for “hard disk drive”.

The drive922is a device that reads information recorded on the removal recording medium928such as a magnetic disk, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or writes information in the removal recording medium928. The removal recording medium928is, for example, a DVD medium, a Blu-ray medium, an HD-DVD medium, various types of semiconductor storage media, or the like. Of course, the removal recording medium928may be, for example, an IC card having a non-contact IC chip mounted thereon or an electronic device. Note that “IC” is an abbreviation for “integrated circuit”.

The connection port924is a port such as a USB port, an IEEE1394 port, an SCSI, an RS-232C port, or a port for connecting an externally connected device930such as an optical audio terminal. The externally connected device930is, for example, a printer, a mobile music player, a digital camera, a digital video camera, or an IC recorder. Note that “USB” is an abbreviation for “universal serial bus”. Also, “SCSI” is an abbreviation for “small computer system interface”.

The communication section926is a communication device to be connected to the network932, and is, for example, a communication card for a wired or wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or WUSB, an optical communication router, an ADSL router, or various communication modems. The network932connected to the communication section926is configured from a wire-connected or wirelessly connected network, and is the Internet, a home-use LAN, infrared communication, visible light communication, broadcasting, or satellite communication, for example. Note that “LAN” is an abbreviation for “local area network”. Also, “WUSB” is an abbreviation for “wireless USB”. Further, “ADSL” is an abbreviation for “asymmetric digital subscriber line”.

For example, in the embodiment above, for simplicity of the description, the description has been made on the example in which when the sensor section105is the GPS sensor, using the model name for the classification information, the appearance frequency distribution of accuracy indices each shown as a distance is collected. Further, in this example, the terminal device100acquires and uses in the application the x %-threshold. However, the present technology is not limited thereto. For example, the present technology can be applied to examples using the respective elements as shown below.

For example, in the above embodiment, the description has been made on the accuracy index of the GPS sensor, but the application range of the present technology is not limited thereto. For example, the sensor section105may be a sensor such as the geomagnetic sensor829, the acceleration sensor831, the gyro sensor833, or the pressure sensor835. Alternatively, the sensor section105may be all sensors that measures positions based on environmental information, such as a WiFi positioning section.

Further, although the embodiment described above used GPS as an example of the positioning satellite, the positioning satellite is of course not limited to the GPS. The positioning satellite may be various types of positioning satellites such as Galileo, GLONASS, COMPASS, and MICHIBIKI. In this case, one type of positioning satellite may be used, or positioning signals obtained from multiple types of satellites may be used in combination. The configuration to be used for acquiring position information can be changed appropriately in accordance with the technical level each time when the embodiment is carried out.

Further, the WiFi positioning section is given above as an example of the sensor section that measures a position based on the environmental information, but the present technology is not limited thereto. For example, as the sensor section that measures a position based on the environmental information, a sensor may be used, which acquires position information using various types of indoor positioning technology. Examples of the technology used for indoor positioning include an indoor messaging system (IMES) which is also referred to as indoor GPS, visible light communication, infrared data communication, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, and a quick response (QR) code.

For example, the offsets of the acceleration sensor831, the gyro sensor833, and the pressure sensor835vary in accordance with peripheral temperature. Accordingly, an accuracy index indicating whether the calibration is performed may be used. Further, in the geomagnetic sensor, an offset occurs by a static magnetic field inside the device. Accordingly, an accuracy index indicating whether the calibration is performed may be used. Those accuracy indices may each be expressed by an analog numerical value indicating the accuracy. Alternatively, those accuracy indices may be expressed in a manner that numerical values indicating the accuracies are classified into levels in stages. Further, for sensors having various positioning functions, such as the WiFi positioning section, an accuracy index expressed by a distance error may be used in the same manner as the GPS sensor.

The classification information, for which the model name is used in the above embodiment, can include a model number, a model number of the sensor section105, a version of an operating system (OS), a version of a device driver, and a device version, for example. Note that, which information is to be included as the classification information may be determined by the index information server200. In this case, the index information server200may designate information to be included in the classification information and may collect index information.

Note that with increase of the number of pieces of information included in the classification information, the probability that the classification of the accuracy index becomes accurate increases. However, for example, in the case of exhibiting the same behavior even though the OS version is actually different and the same model is used, the number of samples included in the same classification decreases by increasing the number of pieces of information included in the classification information. Accordingly, the index information server200may collect information by increasing for a limited period the number of pieces of information included in the classification information. For example, the index information server200can use for a limited period the classification information including the OS version in addition to the model name. Then, when there is no difference in the trend of the accuracy indices for each OS version, information may be integrated by causing the classification information to include only the model name again.

(Updating of Information of DB)

Further, in the above embodiment, the terminal device100collects for a predetermined period and transmits to the index information server200the appearance frequency of accuracy indices, but the present technology is not limited thereto. For example, the terminal device100may transmit to the index information server200an accuracy index each time the sensor section105detects information. The frequency that the terminal device100transmits information to the index information server200may be determined in accordance with a frequency that the sensor section105detects information, for example. For example, in the case where the frequency that the sensor section105detects the information is low, the updating section115may update the information of the index information server200each time the sensor section105detects the information. Further, in the case where the frequency that the sensor section105detects the information is high, the updating section115can accumulate information of the appearance frequency of accuracy indices inside the terminal device100for a certain period of time and then can update the information of the index information server200.

Further, in the above embodiment, the description has been made on the example in which the application control section110of the terminal device100makes a request for the top x %-threshold, but the present technology is not limited thereto. For example, the application control section110may make a request for the bottom x %-threshold. Further, the application control section110may also make a request for summary statistics as a measure of central tendency. Examples of the summary statistics include a variance, a standard deviation, an average, a mode, a maximum value, and a minimum value. Further, the application control section110may make a request for the distribution itself of accuracy indices. For example, in the case where the positional accuracy is low, as for a model which sends back at all times a distance error having sufficiently large value, the trend of the accuracy indices as a whole may not be recognized when using only the summary statistics or the threshold. Accordingly, when the distribution itself of accuracy indices is acquired, the trend of the accuracy indices can be grasped accurately.

Additionally, the present technology may also be configured as below.(1) An information processing apparatus including:

a transmission section which transmits, to an external device that has collected an index pertaining to a feature of an output of a sensor for each classification, classification information for specifying the classification; and

a reception section which receives information about the index corresponding to the classification information.(2) The information processing apparatus according to (1),

wherein the classification information includes information for identifying a model of the information processing apparatus.(3) The information processing apparatus according to (1) or (2),

wherein the classification information includes information for identifying a type of the sensor.(4) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3),

wherein the classification information includes information indicating a version of an operating system of the information processing apparatus.(5) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4),

wherein the classification information includes information indicating a version of software for calculating the index.(6) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5),

wherein the reception section receives information about appearance frequency distribution of the indices.(7) The information processing apparatus according to (6),

wherein the reception section receives a threshold based on the appearance frequency distribution of the indices.(8) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7), further including:

an updating section which transmits the classification information and the index to the external device.(9) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8), further including:

a processing section which processes the output of the sensor based on the information about the index.(10) The information processing apparatus according to (9),

wherein the reception section receives appearance frequency distribution of the indices, and

wherein the processing section processes the output of the sensor based on the appearance frequency distribution.(11) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (10),

wherein the sensor is a sensor used for measuring positions.(12) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (11),

wherein the index is an accuracy index indicating accuracy of the output of the sensor.(13) The information processing apparatus according to (12),

wherein the index is an accuracy index indicating an error of the output of the sensor.(14) The information processing apparatus according to (13),

wherein the sensor is a positioning sensor which measures positions based on environmental information, and

wherein the index is an accuracy index indicating a positional error.(15) The information processing apparatus according to (12),

wherein the index is information indicating whether the sensor has been calibrated.(16) An information processing method including:

transmitting, to an external device that has collected an index pertaining to a feature of an output of a sensor for each classification, classification information for specifying the classification; and

receiving information about the index corresponding to the classification information.(17) A program for causing a computer to function as an information processing apparatus including

a transmission section which transmits, to an external device that has collected an index pertaining to a feature of an output of a sensor for each classification, classification information for specifying the classification, and

a reception section which receives information about the index corresponding to the classification information.

The present disclosure contains subject matter related to that disclosed in Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2011-281351 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Dec. 22, 2011, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.