WO2023209929A1

WO2023209929A1 - Mobile provision device and information provision system

Info

Publication number: WO2023209929A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/019230
Authority: WO
Inventors: 康洲鎌
Original assignee: 三菱電機株式会社
Priority date: 2022-04-28
Filing date: 2022-04-28
Publication date: 2023-11-02
Also published as: JP7483164B2; JPWO2023209929A1

Abstract

A mobile provision device (100) comprises: a storage unit (110) that stores a plurality of contents; an acquisition unit (120) that acquires the respective congestion degrees of a plurality of regions and map information; a content determination unit (130) that determines a content corresponding to one region among the plurality of regions from the plurality of contents; a movement destination determination unit (140) that, on the basis of the plurality of congestion degrees, determines, as a movement destination, one region among the plurality of regions; a movement control unit (150) that performs control for the mobile provision device to move to the movement destination or to the vicinity of the movement destination using the map information; and a provision control unit (160) that performs control for providing the determined content.

Description

Mobile provision device and information provision system

The present disclosure relates to a mobile providing device and an information providing system.

Signage is installed at stations etc. Signage provides content such as advertisements to many people. Here, a robot that moves autonomously and displays advertisements has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-172879

However, depending on where the signage is installed, it may not be possible to provide useful information to users.

The purpose of this disclosure is to provide useful information to users.

A mobile providing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is provided. The mobile providing device includes a storage unit that stores a plurality of contents, an acquisition unit that acquires the congestion degree of each of the plurality of areas, and map information, and a storage unit that stores a plurality of contents. a content determining unit that determines content corresponding to one area of the area; a destination determining unit that determines one area of the plurality of areas as a movement destination based on a plurality of congestion degrees; and a provision control section that performs control to provide the determined content.

According to the present disclosure, useful information can be provided to the user.

1 is a diagram showing an information providing system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of processing performed by the mobile providing device of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing hardware included in the mobile providing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the mobile providing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a content determination table according to the first embodiment. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the mobile providing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functions of a mobile providing device according to a second embodiment. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a content determination table according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the mobile providing device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functions of a mobile providing device according to a third embodiment. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a content determination table according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the mobile providing device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functions of a mobile providing device according to a fourth embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the mobile providing device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a specific example of providing fire-specific content according to the fourth embodiment. It is a figure showing the information provision system of Embodiment 5. 12 is a block diagram showing functions of a server according to a fifth embodiment. FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present disclosure.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an information providing system according to the first embodiment. The information providing system includes a mobile providing device 100, a server 200, and a mobile providing device 300. The mobile providing device 100, the server 200, and the mobile providing device 300 communicate via a network.
The mobile providing device 100 may be considered an autonomous providing device or an automatically moving signage. For example, the mobile providing device 100 exists within a facility. For example, the facility is a station, an airport, a park, a tourist facility, a shopping mall, a competition facility (eg, a baseball field, a golf course, etc.), or an entertainment facility (eg, a theater, a racetrack, etc.).
For example, server 200 is a cloud server. The mobile providing device 300 is a device having the same functions as the mobile providing device 100.

Next, an example of processing performed by the mobile providing device 100 will be briefly described. Furthermore, the facility where the mobile providing device 100 exists is a station.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specific example of processing performed by the mobile providing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows that the mobile providing device 100 is located within the premises of a station. Furthermore, stores A to D are located within the station premises.
The mobile providing device 100 obtains the congestion degree of each of the stores A to D from the server 200. Here, it is assumed that store A has the highest degree of congestion. Assume that store D has the lowest level of congestion.

The mobile providing device 100 determines the content of store D, which has the lowest congestion level. The mobile providing device 100 determines store A with the highest degree of congestion as the destination. The mobile providing device 100 moves to store A or near store A. After arriving at store A or near store A, mobile providing device 100 displays the content of store D. Here, since store A is crowded, the user is waiting outside the store. The user checks the content of store D by visually checking the mobile providing device 100. Store D is a store that is not crowded. In other words, store D is a store that users can enter without waiting. Therefore, the content of store D is information useful to the user. The mobile providing device 100 can provide useful information to the user by displaying the contents of the store D. Then, by moving to store D, the user can enter store D without waiting.

Additionally, the mobile providing device 100 may determine the store D, which has the lowest degree of congestion, as the destination. The mobile providing device 100 moves to the store D or the vicinity of the store D. The mobile providing device 100 displays the contents of the store D after arriving at the store D or near the store D. A user existing near store D confirms the contents of store D by visually recognizing the mobile providing device 100. Store D is a store that is not crowded. In other words, store D is a store that users can enter without waiting. Therefore, the content of store D is information useful to the user. The mobile providing device 100 can provide useful information to the user by displaying the contents of the store D. The user can then enter the store D without waiting.

Note that the mobile providing device 100 may display the congestion status of the store A (for example, the number of people, waiting time, etc.) as the content of the store A at or near the store D. By displaying the content of store A on the mobile providing device 100, the user can enter store D without having to go to store A and check the congestion situation. Therefore, the mobile providing device 100 can provide useful information to the user by displaying the content of store A.

The above is an example of the processing performed by the mobile providing device 100. Therefore, the mobile providing device 100 may perform processing different from the above. The mobile providing device 100 will be described in detail below.

Next, the hardware included in the mobile providing device 100 will be explained.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing hardware included in the mobile providing device according to the first embodiment. The mobile providing device 100 includes a processor 101 , a volatile storage device 102 , a nonvolatile storage device 103 , an imaging section 104 , and an information providing section 105 .

The processor 101 controls the entire mobile providing device 100. For example, the processor 101 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like. Processor 101 may be a multiprocessor. Furthermore, the mobile providing device 100 may include a processing circuit.

The volatile storage device 102 is the main storage device of the mobile providing device 100. For example, the volatile storage device 102 is a RAM (Random Access Memory). The nonvolatile storage device 103 is an auxiliary storage device of the mobile providing device 100. For example, the nonvolatile storage device 103 is an SSD (Solid State Drive).
The imaging unit 104 performs imaging. For example, the imaging unit 104 is a camera. The information providing unit 105 provides information. For example, the information providing unit 105 is a display, a speaker, etc. The display displays content. The speaker outputs sound. Further, the information providing unit 105 may include a mechanism for changing the direction of providing information, a mechanism for performing a rotation operation, and the like. Illustrations of these mechanisms have been omitted.
Note that the display and the speaker are examples of devices for providing useful information to the user. The information providing unit 105 may be other than a display and a speaker. For example, the information providing unit 105 is a projector that can project content onto the road surface around the mobile providing device 100. Further, for example, the information providing unit 105 is a chime for outputting sound effects.
Furthermore, the mobile providing device 100 includes a drive unit and the like for performing operations. Illustrations of the drive unit and the like are omitted.
The mobile providing device 300 has the same hardware as the mobile providing device 100.

Next, the functions of the mobile providing device 100 will be explained.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functions of the mobile providing device according to the first embodiment. The mobile provision device 100 includes a storage section 110, an acquisition section 120, a content determination section 130, a destination determination section 140, a movement control section 150, a provision control section 160, and a congestion degree control section 170.

The storage unit 110 may be realized as a storage area secured in the volatile storage device 102 or the nonvolatile storage device 103.
Part or all of the acquisition unit 120, content determination unit 130, destination determination unit 140, movement control unit 150, provision control unit 160, and congestion degree control unit 170 may be realized by a processing circuit. Additionally, some or all of the acquisition unit 120, content determination unit 130, destination determination unit 140, movement control unit 150, provision control unit 160, and congestion level control unit 170 are realized as modules of a program executed by the processor 101. You may.

The storage unit 110 stores a plurality of contents. For example, the content is image, video, or sound information.
The acquisition unit 120 acquires the congestion degree of each of the plurality of areas from the server 200. Further, the acquisition unit 120 may acquire the congestion degree of each of the plurality of areas from the server 200 via an external device. Note that illustrations of external devices are omitted.

For example, the area is an area inside a store, an area inside a station platform, an area near stairs, an area near an escalator, an area imaged by a surveillance camera, etc.

Here, the degree of congestion will be explained. The server 200 calculates the degree of congestion based on the image generated by the surveillance camera. For example, the server 200 calculates the degree of congestion based on the number of people included in the image and the maximum number of people corresponding to the area imaged by the surveillance camera. Further, the server 200 may calculate the degree of congestion based on information obtained from a human sensor (for example, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, etc.). Further, the server 200 may calculate the degree of congestion based on information obtained from a microphone or the like.

Further, the congestion degree of each of the plurality of areas may be expressed as a plurality of congestion degrees corresponding to the plurality of areas. That is, the congestion level is associated with each area. For example, the area within store A is associated with the degree of congestion within store A. Note that the area within store A may be expressed as store A.

Additionally, the acquisition unit 120 may acquire the degree of congestion corresponding to the area from the mobile providing device 300. For example, the mobile providing device 300 has the same function as the congestion degree control unit 170. Therefore, the acquisition unit 120 can acquire the congestion degree corresponding to the area from the mobile providing device 300.

The acquisition unit 120 acquires map information from the storage unit 110 or the server 200. For example, the map information is map information within a station.

The content determining unit 130 determines a content corresponding to one of the plurality of areas from among the plurality of contents. For example, the content determination unit 130 determines content using a content determination table. Here, a content determination table will be illustrated.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a content determination table according to the first embodiment. For example, the content determination table 111 is stored in the storage unit 110. The content determination table 111 may also be referred to as content determination information. The content determination table 111 is information indicating the correspondence between a plurality of areas and a plurality of contents.
For example, the content determination unit 130 uses the content determination table 111 to determine content (i.e., content of store A) corresponding to an area within store A (i.e., store A).

The content determining unit 130 may determine the content corresponding to the area with the lowest congestion degree from among the plurality of contents. For example, if the area with the lowest congestion level is an area within store D, the content determination unit 130 uses the content determination table 111 to determine the content (i.e. , content of store D).
Further, the content determining unit 130 may determine the content corresponding to the area with the highest degree of congestion from among the plurality of contents. For example, if the area with the highest degree of congestion is an area within store A, the content determination unit 130 uses the content determination table 111 to determine the content (i.e. , content of store A).
Note that when the content determination table 111 is used, the content determination table 111 is acquired from the storage unit 110 or the server 200 by the acquisition unit 120.

When determining content, the content determining unit 130 may determine the content using a learned model. For example, the content determining unit 130 inputs information indicating the area and the degree of congestion corresponding to the area into the learned model. Thereby, the trained model outputs information indicating the content.

Returning to FIG. 4, the destination determining unit 140 will be explained.
The destination determining unit 140 determines one of the multiple areas as the destination based on the multiple congestion degrees. The method for determining the destination will be explained in detail.
The destination determining unit 140 determines the area with the highest degree of congestion or the lowest degree of congestion as the destination.

Additionally, the destination determining unit 140 may determine the destination using the following method. The destination determining unit 140 prioritizes a plurality of areas corresponding to a plurality of congestion degrees based on a plurality of congestion degrees. For example, the destination determining unit 140 prioritizes a plurality of areas corresponding to a plurality of congestion degrees in descending order of congestion degree. Further, for example, the destination determining unit 140 prioritizes a plurality of areas corresponding to a plurality of congestion degrees in descending order of congestion degree. The destination determining unit 140 determines the destination area according to the priority. For example, if the areas are prioritized in descending order of congestion, the destination determining unit 140 determines the area with the highest priority as the destination. Further, for example, if the regions are prioritized in descending order of congestion, the destination determining unit 140 determines the area with the second highest priority as the destination. For example, if the regions are prioritized in descending order of congestion, the destination determining unit 140 determines the region with the highest priority as the destination. Further, for example, if the regions are prioritized in descending order of congestion, the destination determination unit 140 determines the area with the second highest priority as the destination.

The movement control unit 150 uses the map information to control the mobile providing device 100 to move to or near the destination. For example, the movement control unit 150 controls the drive unit of the mobile providing device 100 to move the mobile providing device 100 to or near the destination. Note that, for example, the vicinity of the destination is the vicinity of store A. Further, the vicinity of the destination may be expressed as a position at a predetermined distance from the destination.

The provision control unit 160 performs control for providing the determined content. For example, if the content is an image or video, the provision control unit 160 performs control to display the image or video on the display. Further, for example, when the content is sound information, the provision control unit 160 performs control to output the sound indicated by the sound information from the speaker.
Note that the mobile providing device 100 may provide content after arriving at or near the destination, or may provide content while moving.

Further, the provision control unit 160 may perform control so that the content is provided in a predetermined direction after the mobile provision device 100 arrives at or near the destination. For example, if the direction of congestion at or near the destination is determined in advance, the predetermined direction is the direction of congestion (for example, the direction of a store entrance, the direction of an aisle, etc.). Under the control of the provision control unit 160, the display or speaker faces a predetermined direction. The mobile providing device 100 then provides the content. Thereby, the mobile providing device 100 can provide content to many users.

After the mobile providing device 100 arrives at or near the destination, the provision control unit 160 selects the direction with the highest degree of congestion based on a plurality of images obtained by the imaging unit 104 capturing images of the surrounding area. Control may be performed such that content is detected and provided in the detected direction. For example, the provision control unit 160 uses the plurality of images and image recognition technology to detect the direction with the highest degree of congestion. Under the control of the provision control unit 160, the display or speaker faces the detected direction. The mobile providing device 100 then provides the content. Thereby, the mobile providing device 100 can provide content to many users. Further, the provision control unit 160 may control the display and the speaker to face the detected direction. Here, the congestion situation around the mobile providing device 100 changes from moment to moment. Therefore, the provision control unit 160 periodically controls the content to be provided in the direction with the highest degree of congestion, which is detected based on a plurality of images obtained by imaging the surrounding area by the imaging unit 104. You may go.

After the mobile providing device 100 arrives at or near the destination, the provision control unit 160 controls the information provision unit 105 (for example, a display or a speaker) to provide content while rotating. Good too. Thereby, the mobile providing device 100 can provide content to many users existing at the destination or in the vicinity of the destination. Further, the provision control unit 160 provides the content while the information providing unit 105 (for example, display or speaker) rotates after arriving at the destination or near the destination where the degree of congestion is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold. The control may be performed as follows. Further, the rotation of the information providing unit 105 may include a reciprocating motion such as a swinging motion (ie, a swivel motion). Further, the provision control unit 160 may perform switching control between one rotation operation and a reciprocating operation depending on the degree of congestion. For example, when the degree of congestion is below a predetermined threshold, the provision control unit 160 controls the information provision unit 105 to perform one rotation operation. If the degree of congestion is greater than the threshold, the provision control unit 160 controls the information provision unit 105 to perform a reciprocating operation. Note that the provision control unit 160 may perform control so that both the display and the speaker rotate once. The provision control unit 160 may control the reciprocation of both the display and the speaker.

The provision control unit 160 may control the mobile provision device 100 to rotate after the mobile provision device 100 arrives at or near the destination. Specifically, the provision control unit 160 controls the mobile provision device 100 to rotate at the arrival point. In detail, the provision control unit 160 controls the mobile provision device 100 to continuously rotate (for example, pivot turn) while maintaining the position of the mobile provision device 100. Thereby, the mobile providing device 100 can provide content to many users existing at the destination or in the vicinity of the destination. Further, the provision control unit 160 may perform control such that the mobile provision device 100 rotates after arriving at or near the destination where the degree of congestion is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold. The rotation of the mobile providing device 100 may include a reciprocating motion such as a swinging motion (ie, a swivel motion). Further, the provision control unit 160 may perform switching control between one rotation operation and a reciprocating operation depending on the degree of congestion. For example, when the degree of congestion is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the provision control unit 160 controls the mobile provision device 100 to perform one rotation operation. When the degree of congestion is greater than the threshold, the provision control unit 160 controls the mobile provision device 100 to perform a reciprocating operation.
The mobile providing device 100 can be made to stand out by rotating. Therefore, the mobile providing device 100 can appeal the content to many users. Therefore, the mobile providing device 100 can provide useful information to many users.

The congestion degree control unit 170 calculates the congestion degree based on the image obtained by imaging by the imaging unit 104. The method of calculating the congestion degree is the same as that of the server 200. The congestion degree control unit 170 may transmit the congestion degree to the mobile providing device 300.

The following process may be executed in the mobile providing device 100. The acquisition unit 120 acquires location information indicating the location of the mobile providing device 300. For example, the acquisition unit 120 acquires the position information from the server 200 or the mobile providing device 300. Here, the mobile providing device 300 is also referred to as a first mobile providing device. When determining the destination, the destination determining unit 140 uses the position information and map information to exclude the area where the mobile providing device 300 exists from the destination. Thereby, the mobile providing device 100 can prevent the mobile providing device 100 and the mobile providing device 300 from providing content at the same location. For example, it is assumed that the mobile providing device 100 and the mobile providing device 300 provide the same content. When the mobile providing device 100 and the mobile providing device 300 provide the same content at the same place, the number of people to whom the content is provided cannot be said to be large. Therefore, by providing the content at different locations between the mobile providing device 100 and the mobile providing device 300, many users can receive the content.

Next, the process executed by the mobile providing device 100 will be explained using a flowchart.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the mobile providing device according to the first embodiment.
(Step S11) The acquisition unit 120 acquires the congestion degree of each of the plurality of areas from the server 200.
(Step S12) The acquisition unit 120 acquires map information from the storage unit 110.
(Step S13) The content determining unit 130 determines the content corresponding to the area with the lowest congestion degree from among the plurality of contents.
(Step S14) The destination determining unit 140 determines the area with the highest degree of congestion as the destination.
(Step S15) The movement control unit 150 uses the map information to control the movement of the mobile providing device 100 to the vicinity of the destination. Thereby, the mobile providing device 100 moves to the destination.
(Step S16) The provision control unit 160 performs control for providing the determined content. Thereby, the mobile providing device 100 provides the content.

Here, a specific example will be further explained. First, it is assumed that the station platform is crowded. Stairs shall not be crowded. The acquisition unit 120 acquires from the server 200 the degree of congestion in the area within the station platform and the degree of congestion in the area near the stairs. The content determining unit 130 determines content corresponding to an area near the stairs (for example, stairs), which is an area with the lowest degree of congestion. The destination determining unit 140 determines the area within the station platform, which is the area with the highest degree of congestion, as the destination. The movement control unit 150 uses the map information to control the movement of the mobile providing device 100 to the station platform. As a result, the mobile providing device 100 moves to the home. The provision control unit 160 performs control to display content for guiding the user to the stairs on the display of the mobile provision device 100 after the mobile provision device 100 arrives at the station platform. As a result, content for guiding the user to the stairs is displayed on the display of the mobile providing device 100. For example, the content for guiding the user to the stairs is an image showing "The stairs are not crowded." A user present at the home recognizes that the stairs are not crowded by visually recognizing the mobile providing device 100. Since the stairs are not crowded, content for guiding the user to the stairs can be said to be useful information for the user. Therefore, the mobile providing device 100 can provide useful information to the user by displaying content for guiding the user to the stairs.

According to the first embodiment, as described above, the mobile providing device 100 can provide useful information to the user.

Embodiment 2.
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, matters that are different from the first embodiment will be mainly explained. In the second embodiment, explanations of matters common to the first embodiment will be omitted. In the second embodiment, a case where attribute information is used will be described.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functions of the mobile providing device according to the second embodiment. Components in FIG. 7 that are the same as those shown in FIG. 4 are designated by the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. The mobile providing device 100a includes a storage unit 110a, an acquisition unit 120a, a content determination unit 130a, a destination determination unit 140a, and a congestion degree control unit 170a.
The storage unit 110a may store a content determination table. The content determination table is illustrated.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a content determination table according to the second embodiment. For example, the content determination table 111a is stored in the storage unit 110a. The content determination table 111a may also be referred to as content determination information. The content determination table 111a is information indicating the correspondence between a plurality of areas, attribute information, and a plurality of contents. The attribute information will be explained later.

The acquisition unit 120a acquires the content determination table 111a from the storage unit 110a or the server 200.
The acquisition unit 120a acquires the congestion degree corresponding to the attribute information of each of the plurality of areas from the server 200. Further, the acquisition unit 120a may acquire the congestion degree corresponding to the attribute information of each of the plurality of areas from the server 200 via an external device.

For example, the attribute information is age, gender, etc. For example, the acquisition unit 120a acquires the degree of crowding of men in store A, the degree of crowding of women in store A, the degree of crowding of men in store B, the degree of crowding of women in store B, the degree of crowding of men in store C, the degree of crowding of men in store C, The degree of crowding for women, the degree of crowding for men at store D, and the degree of crowding for women at store D are obtained.

Here, the degree of congestion will be explained. The server 200 calculates the degree of congestion corresponding to the attribute information based on the image generated by the surveillance camera. For example, the server 200 calculates the degree of crowding of men based on the number of men included in the image and a predetermined maximum number of men corresponding to the area imaged by the surveillance camera. Further, for example, the server 200 calculates the degree of crowding of men based on the number of men included in the image and the number of men included in the image.

Additionally, the acquisition unit 120a may acquire the degree of congestion corresponding to the attribute information of the area from the mobile providing device 300. For example, the mobile providing device 300 has the same function as the congestion degree control unit 170a. Therefore, the acquisition unit 120a can acquire the degree of congestion corresponding to the attribute information of the area from the mobile providing device 300.

The content determination unit 130a uses the content determination table 111a to determine, from among the plurality of contents, the content that corresponds to the area with the lowest congestion degree and the content that corresponds to the attribute information of the lowest congestion degree. For example, if the lowest degree of crowding is the degree of crowding of men in store D, the content determining unit 130a determines the attribute of content that corresponds to the area within store D (i.e., store D) and has the lowest degree of crowding. Content (i.e., content for men at store D) corresponding to the information (i.e., men) is determined.

The destination determining unit 140a determines the area with the highest or lowest congestion degree as the destination among the plurality of congestion degrees corresponding to the attribute information of the lowest congestion degree. For example, if the attribute information with the lowest congestion level is male, the destination determining unit 140a selects the area with the highest or lowest congestion level as the destination among the male congestion levels in stores A to D. decided on. For example, the destination determining unit 140a determines store A as the destination.

Additionally, the destination determining unit 140a may determine the destination using the following method. The destination determining unit 140a prioritizes a plurality of areas corresponding to a plurality of congestion degrees of the attribute information having the lowest congestion degree in order of highest congestion degree or lowest congestion degree. For example, if the attribute information with the lowest degree of crowding is female, the destination determining unit 140a prioritizes a plurality of areas corresponding to the degree of crowding of women in stores A to D in descending order of the degree of crowding. Further, for example, the destination determining unit 140a prioritizes a plurality of areas corresponding to the degree of crowding of women in stores A to D in order of decreasing degree of crowding. The destination determining unit 140a determines the destination area according to the priority. For example, if the areas are prioritized in descending order of congestion, the destination determining unit 140a determines the area with the highest priority as the destination. Further, for example, if the areas are prioritized in descending order of congestion, the destination determining unit 140a determines the area with the second highest priority as the destination. For example, if the areas are prioritized in descending order of congestion, the destination determining unit 140a determines the area with the highest priority as the destination. Further, for example, if the regions are prioritized in descending order of congestion, the destination determining unit 140a determines the area with the second highest priority as the destination.

The congestion degree control unit 170a calculates the congestion degree corresponding to the attribute information of the area based on the image obtained by imaging by the imaging unit 104. For example, the congestion degree control unit 170a uses image analysis technology to extract attribute information included in the image. The method of calculating the degree of congestion after the attribute information is extracted is the same as that of the server 200. The congestion degree control unit 170a may transmit the congestion degree corresponding to the attribute information of the area to the mobile providing device 300.

Next, the process executed by the mobile providing device 100a will be explained using a flowchart.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the mobile providing device according to the second embodiment.
(Step S21) The acquisition unit 120a acquires the congestion degree corresponding to the attribute information of each of the plurality of areas from the server 200.
(Step S22) The acquisition unit 120a acquires map information from the storage unit 110a.
(Step S23) The content determination unit 130a uses the content determination table 111a to determine, from among the plurality of contents, the content that corresponds to the area with the lowest congestion degree and the content that corresponds to the attribute information of the lowest congestion degree. Determine.
(Step S24) The destination determining unit 140a determines, as the destination, the area with the highest degree of congestion among the plurality of degrees of congestion corresponding to the attribute information of the lowest degree of congestion.
(Step S25) The movement control unit 150 uses the map information to control the mobile providing device 100a to move near the destination. Thereby, the mobile providing device 100a moves to the destination.
(Step S26) The provision control unit 160 performs control for providing the determined content. Thereby, the mobile providing device 100a provides the content.

Here, a specific example will be explained. The acquisition unit 120a acquires crowding degrees corresponding to men and women in stores A to D from the server 200. Here, it is assumed that the area with the lowest degree of crowding is the area with the degree of crowding for men in store D. The content determining unit 130a determines content for store D aimed at men. The destination determining unit 140a determines the area with the lowest degree of crowding for men among the stores A to D (ie, store D) as the destination. The movement control unit 150 controls the movement of the mobile providing device 100a to the vicinity of the store D using the map information. The mobile providing device 100a moves near the store D. The provision control unit 160 performs control for providing content for men at store D. Thereby, the mobile providing device 100a displays the content. A male user present near store D confirms the content by visually recognizing the mobile providing device 100a. The content is aimed at men. Therefore, the content is information useful to the user. The mobile providing device 100a can provide useful information to the user by displaying the content.

Also, another specific example will be explained. Note that the process up to the determination of content for men at store D is the same, so the explanation will be omitted. The destination determining unit 140a determines the area with the highest degree of crowding for men among the stores A to D (ie, store A) as the destination. The movement control unit 150 controls the movement of the mobile providing device 100a to the vicinity of the store A using the map information. The mobile providing device 100a moves near the store A. The provision control unit 160 performs control for providing content for men at store D. Thereby, the mobile providing device 100a displays the content. Here, store A or the vicinity of store A is highly crowded with men. Therefore, the mobile providing device 100a can appeal the content to many men by displaying the content.

Embodiment 3.
Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. In the third embodiment, matters that are different from the first embodiment will be mainly explained. In the third embodiment, explanations of matters common to the first embodiment will be omitted. In the third embodiment, a case will be described in which content that can be provided at the current time is provided.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functions of the mobile providing device according to the third embodiment. Components in FIG. 10 that are the same as those shown in FIG. 4 are designated by the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. The mobile providing device 100b includes a storage section 110b, an acquisition section 120b, and a content determination section 130b.
The storage unit 110b may store a content determination table. The content determination table is illustrated.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a content determination table according to the third embodiment. For example, the content determination table 111b is stored in the storage unit 110b. The content determination table 111b may also be referred to as content determination information. The content determination table 111b is information indicating the correspondence between multiple areas, times, and multiple contents.
For example, the content determination table 111b indicates that the content that can be provided by store A between 8:00 and 11:00 is "content 1 of store A."

The acquisition unit 120b acquires the current time. Further, the acquisition unit 120b acquires the content determination table 111b from the storage unit 110b or the server 200.

The content determining unit 130b uses the content determining table 111b to determine a content corresponding to one of the plurality of regions from among the plurality of contents. Further, the content is content that can be provided at the current time. For example, if the current time is 9 o'clock, the content determining unit 130b determines "content 1 of store A".
The content determination unit 130b may use the content determination table 111b to determine the content corresponding to the area with the lowest congestion level among the plurality of contents. Further, the content is content that can be provided at the current time. For example, when the current time is 9 o'clock and the area with the lowest congestion level is an area within store D (that is, store D), the content determining unit 130b determines "content 1 of store D."

Next, the process executed by the mobile providing device 100b will be explained using a flowchart.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the mobile providing device according to the third embodiment. The process in FIG. 12 differs from the process in FIG. 6 in that steps S11a and 13a are executed. Therefore, in FIG. 12, steps S11a and 13a will be explained. A description of processes other than steps S11a and 13a will be omitted.

(Step S11a) The acquisition unit 120b acquires the current time.
(Step S13a) The content determination unit 130b determines content that can be provided at the current time from among a plurality of contents using the content determination table 111b.

According to the third embodiment, the mobile providing device 100b can provide the user with useful information (i.e., content) according to the current time.

Embodiment 4.
Next, Embodiment 4 will be described. In the fourth embodiment, matters that are different from the first embodiment will be mainly explained. In the fourth embodiment, explanations of matters common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the functions of the mobile providing device according to the fourth embodiment. Components in FIG. 13 that are the same as those shown in FIG. 4 are designated by the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. The mobile providing device 100c includes an acquisition section 120c, a content determination section 130c, and a destination determination section 140c.
The acquisition unit 120c acquires fire information. For example, the acquisition unit 120 acquires fire information from the server 200 or a fire detection sensor. Note that the fire information is information indicating that a fire has occurred.
The content determining unit 130c determines fire-specific content from among a plurality of contents.
The destination determining unit 140c determines the area with the highest degree of congestion as the destination.

Next, the process executed by the mobile providing device 100c will be explained using a flowchart.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the mobile providing device according to the fourth embodiment.
(Step S31) The acquisition unit 120c acquires fire information.
(Step S32) The acquisition unit 120c acquires the congestion degree of each of the plurality of areas from the server 200.
(Step S33) The acquisition unit 120c acquires map information from the storage unit 110.
(Step S34) The content determining unit 130c determines fire-specific content from among the plurality of contents.
(Step S35) The destination determining unit 140c determines the area with the highest degree of congestion as the destination.
(Step S36) The movement control unit 150 uses the map information to control the mobile providing device 100c to move to or near the destination. As a result, the mobile providing device 100c moves to or near the destination.
(Step S37) The provision control unit 160 performs control for providing the determined content. Thereby, the mobile providing device 100c provides fire-specific content.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a specific example of providing fire-specific content according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 15 shows the fire detection sensor 10. When the fire detection sensor 10 detects a fire, it transmits fire information to the mobile providing device 100c. After arriving at the destination, the mobile providing device 100c displays fire-specific content. For example, the fire-specific content is an image that includes the character string "Please evacuate" and an arrow indicating the direction of evacuation. Further, for example, the fire-specific content may be information informing of a fire.

According to the fourth embodiment, the mobile providing device 100c provides fire-specific content to the user when a fire occurs. Fire-specific content is information useful to users. Therefore, the mobile providing device 100c can provide useful information to the user.

Modification 1 of Embodiment 4.
The destination determining unit 140 assigns a movement order to a plurality of areas corresponding to a plurality of congestion degrees in descending order of congestion degree.
The movement control unit 150 uses the map information to control the movement of the mobile providing apparatus 100c according to the order of movement. Thereby, the mobile providing device 100c moves to a plurality of areas or near a plurality of areas in descending order of congestion. By moving the mobile providing device 100c to multiple locations, the mobile providing device 100c can provide fire-specific content to many users. In other words, the mobile providing device 100c can provide useful information to many users.

Modification 2 of Embodiment 4.
The acquisition unit 120c acquires the congestion degree corresponding to the attribute information of each of the plurality of areas from the server 200. Further, the acquisition unit 120c may acquire the congestion degree corresponding to the attribute information of each of the plurality of areas from the server 200 via an external device.
For example, the attribute information indicates who should be evacuated preferentially. Those who will be given priority for evacuation include the elderly and those using wheelchairs.

The destination determining unit 140 determines the area with the highest degree of congestion as the destination among the plurality of degrees of congestion corresponding to the attribute information indicating the person to be evacuated with priority. The movement control unit 150 uses the map information to control the movement of the mobile providing device 100c to or near the destination. As a result, the mobile providing device 100c moves to or near the destination. The provision control unit 160 performs control for providing the determined content. Thereby, the mobile providing device 100c provides fire-specific content.

The mobile providing device 100c moves to a place where there are many elderly people and provides fire-specific content, thereby allowing those who are slow to evacuate to evacuate quickly.

Modification 3 of Embodiment 4.
Modification 3 of Embodiment 4 is a combination of Modification 1 of Embodiment 4 and Modification 2 of Embodiment 4.
The acquisition unit 120c acquires the congestion degree corresponding to the attribute information of each of the plurality of areas from the server 200.
The destination determining unit 140 assigns a movement order to a plurality of areas corresponding to a plurality of congestion degrees of attribute information indicating persons to be evacuated preferentially in descending order of congestion degree. For example, the destination determining unit 140 assigns a moving order to stores A to D corresponding to the degree of crowding for elderly people.

The movement control unit 150 uses the map information to control the movement of the mobile providing device 100c according to the movement order. Thereby, the mobile providing device 100c moves to a plurality of areas or near a plurality of areas in descending order of congestion. By moving the mobile providing device 100c to multiple locations, the mobile providing device 100c can quickly evacuate many people who are slow to evacuate.

In Embodiment 4 and Modifications 1 to 3, the case where a fire occurred in a facility was explained. Embodiment 4 and Modifications 1 to 3 can also be applied when a disaster occurs within a facility. For example, disasters include floods, earthquakes, accidents, power outages, and the like. For example, water damage is the submergence of facilities due to heavy rain.
Therefore, fire information is one type of disaster information. Disaster information is information indicating that a disaster has occurred. The disaster information is acquired by the acquisition unit 120c. Further, fire-specific content is one type of disaster-specific content. The disaster-specific content is determined from among a plurality of contents by the content determination unit 130c.

Embodiment 5.
Next, Embodiment 5 will be described. In Embodiment 5, matters that are different from Embodiments 1 to 4 will be mainly explained. In the fifth embodiment, explanations of matters common to the first to fourth embodiments will be omitted.

In Embodiments 1 to 4, the case where the mobile providing device determines the content, the destination, etc. has been described. In Embodiment 5, a case will be described in which the server determines content, destination, etc. The mobile providing device of Embodiment 5 provides content instructed by a server. Furthermore, the mobile providing device according to the fifth embodiment moves to or near the destination specified by the server.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an information providing system according to the fifth embodiment. The information providing system includes a server 400, a mobile providing device 500, and a mobile providing device 600. The server 400, mobile providing device 500, and mobile providing device 600 communicate via a network. Here, the server 400 is also referred to as an information processing device.
The server 400 has the same functions as the mobile providing device 100. Therefore, common functions will be briefly explained.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the functions of the server according to the fifth embodiment. The server 400 includes a storage section 410, an acquisition section 420, a content determination section 430, a destination determination section 440, a movement control section 450, a provision control section 460, and a congestion degree control section 470.

The storage unit 410 may be realized as a storage area secured in a volatile storage device or a nonvolatile storage device included in the server 400.
Part or all of the acquisition unit 420, content determination unit 430, destination determination unit 440, movement control unit 450, provision control unit 460, and congestion level control unit 470 may be realized by a processing circuit included in the server 400. . In addition, some or all of the acquisition unit 420, content determination unit 430, destination determination unit 440, movement control unit 450, provision control unit 460, and congestion level control unit 470 are part or all of the program executed by the processor included in the server 400. It may also be realized as a module.

Storage unit 410 stores a plurality of contents.
The acquisition unit 420 acquires the degree of congestion of each of the plurality of areas. For example, the acquisition unit 420 acquires the congestion degree of each of the plurality of areas from the storage unit 410 or an external device. The external device is a device that can be connected to the server 400. Illustrations of the external device are omitted. Further, the acquisition unit 420 may acquire the congestion degree of each of the plurality of areas from the congestion degree control unit 470.
Further, the acquisition unit 420 may acquire map information from the storage unit 410 or an external device.

The content determination unit 430 determines a content corresponding to one of the plurality of areas from among the plurality of contents. The content determination unit 430 may determine the content corresponding to the area with the highest degree of congestion or the area with the lowest degree of congestion from among the plurality of contents.

The destination determining unit 440 determines one of the multiple areas as the destination based on the multiple congestion degrees. The destination determining unit 440 may determine the area with the highest degree of congestion or the lowest degree of congestion as the destination. Further, the destination determining unit 440 prioritizes a plurality of areas corresponding to a plurality of congestion degrees in order of increasing congestion degree or decreasing congestion degree, and determines the destination area according to the priority. It's okay.

The movement control unit 450 controls the mobile providing device 500 to move to or near the destination using map information. Specifically, the movement control unit 450 transmits instruction information for moving to or near the destination to the mobile providing device 500. As a result, the mobile providing device 500 moves to or near the destination. Note that the map information may be stored in the mobile providing device 500. If the mobile providing device 500 does not store map information, the movement control unit 450 transmits the map information to the mobile providing device 500.

The provision control unit 460 performs control for providing the determined content. Specifically, the provision control unit 460 transmits the content and a content provision instruction to the mobile provision device 500. Thereby, the mobile providing device 500 provides the content.

The server 400 may execute the following process. The acquisition unit 420 acquires the congestion degree corresponding to the attribute information of each of the plurality of regions, and content determination information that is information indicating the correspondence between the plurality of regions, the attribute information, and the plurality of contents. The content determination unit 430 uses the content determination information to determine, from among the plurality of contents, the content that corresponds to the area with the lowest congestion degree and the content that corresponds to the attribute information of the lowest congestion degree. The destination determining unit 440 determines, as the destination, the area with the highest congestion degree or the lowest congestion degree among the plurality of congestion degrees corresponding to the attribute information of the lowest congestion degree.

The server 400 may execute the following process. The acquisition unit 420 acquires the congestion degree corresponding to the attribute information of each of the plurality of regions, and content determination information that is information indicating the correspondence between the plurality of regions, the attribute information, and the plurality of contents. The content determination unit 430 uses the content determination information to determine, from among the plurality of contents, the content that corresponds to the area with the lowest congestion degree and the content that corresponds to the attribute information of the lowest congestion degree. The movement destination determination unit 440 prioritizes a plurality of areas corresponding to a plurality of congestion degrees of attribute information having the lowest congestion degree in order of highest congestion degree or lowest congestion degree, and moves according to the priority. Determine the destination area.

The server 400 may execute the following process. The acquisition unit 420 acquires the current time and content determination information indicating the correspondence between multiple areas, times, and multiple contents. The content determination unit 430 uses the content determination information to determine, from among the multiple contents, a content that corresponds to one of the multiple regions. Further, the content is content that can be provided at the current time. Furthermore, the content determining unit 430 may determine the content corresponding to the area with the lowest congestion degree from among the plurality of contents using the content determination information. Further, the content is content that can be provided at the current time.

The server 400 may execute the following process. The acquisition unit 420 acquires disaster information indicating that a disaster has occurred. For example, the acquisition unit 420 acquires disaster information from the storage unit 410, an external device, or a fire detection sensor. The content determining unit 430 determines disaster-specific content from among a plurality of contents. The destination determining unit 440 determines the area with the highest degree of congestion as the destination.

If fire information is acquired, the server 400 may execute the following process. The destination determining unit 440 assigns a movement order to a plurality of areas corresponding to a plurality of congestion degrees in descending order of congestion degree. The movement control unit 450 controls the movement of the mobile providing device 500 using map information according to the order of movement. Specifically, the movement control unit 450 transmits instruction information for performing the control to the mobile providing device 500. Thereby, the mobile providing device 500 moves according to the movement order.

If fire information is acquired, the server 400 may execute the following process. The acquisition unit 420 acquires the degree of congestion corresponding to the attribute information of each of the plurality of areas. The destination determining unit 440 determines, as the destination, an area with the highest degree of congestion among a plurality of degrees of congestion corresponding to attribute information indicating persons to be evacuated with priority. Further, the movement destination determining unit 440 may assign a movement order to a plurality of areas corresponding to a plurality of congestion degrees of attribute information indicating persons to be evacuated preferentially in descending order of congestion degree. The movement control unit 450 may control the movement of the mobile providing device 500 using map information according to the order of movement.

The server 400 may execute the following process. The provision control unit 460 performs control so that the determined content is provided in a predetermined direction after the mobile provision device 500 arrives at or near the destination. Specifically, the provision control unit 460 transmits instruction information for performing the control to the mobile provision device 500. Further, the provision control unit 460 transmits the instruction information before the mobile provision device 500 arrives at or near the destination, or after the mobile provision device 500 arrives at or near the destination. Good too.

The server 400 may execute the following process. First, the mobile providing device 500 has an imaging section. After the mobile providing device 500 arrives at or near the destination, the provision control unit 460 determines the detected degree of congestion based on a plurality of images obtained by the imaging unit capturing images of the surrounding area. Control is performed so that the determined content is provided in the highest direction. Specifically, the provision control unit 460 transmits instruction information for performing the control to the mobile provision device 500. Further, the provision control unit 460 transmits the instruction information before the mobile provision device 500 arrives at or near the destination, or after the mobile provision device 500 arrives at or near the destination. Good too. Note that detection of the direction with the highest degree of congestion is performed by the provision control unit 460 or the mobile provision device 500.

The server 400 may execute the following process. First, the mobile providing device 500 includes an information providing unit (eg, a display, a speaker, etc.). After the mobile providing device 500 arrives at or near the destination, the provision control unit 460 controls the information providing unit or the mobile providing device 500 to provide the determined content while rotating. conduct. Specifically, the provision control unit 460 transmits instruction information for performing the control to the mobile provision device 500. Further, the provision control unit 460 transmits the instruction information before the mobile provision device 500 arrives at or near the destination, or after the mobile provision device 500 arrives at or near the destination. Good too.

The server 400 may execute the following process. The acquisition unit 420 acquires location information indicating the location of the mobile providing device 600. When determining the destination, the destination determining unit 440 uses the position information and map information to exclude the area where the mobile providing device 600 exists from the destination. Here, the mobile providing device 600 is also referred to as a first mobile providing device.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the server 400 has the same effects as the first to fourth embodiments.

The features of each embodiment described above can be combined with each other as appropriate.

10 Fire detection sensor, 100, 100a, 100b, 100c Mobile providing device, 101 Processor, 102 Volatile storage device, 103 Non-volatile storage device, 104 Imaging unit, 105 Information providing unit, 110, 110a, 110 b Storage section, 111 , 111a, 111b content determination table, 120, 120a, 120b, 120c acquisition unit, 130, 130a, 130b, 130c content determination unit, 140, 140a, 140c movement destination determination unit, 150 movement control unit, 160 provision control unit , 170 , 170a congestion level control unit, 200 server, 300 mobile providing device, 400 server, 410 storage unit, 420 acquisition unit, 430 content determination unit, 440 destination determination unit, 450 movement control unit, 460 Provision control department, 470 congestion degree control unit, 500 mobile providing device, 600 mobile providing device.

Claims

A mobile provision device,
a storage unit that stores multiple contents;
an acquisition unit that acquires the congestion degree of each of the plurality of areas and map information;
a content determining unit that determines a content corresponding to one area of the plurality of areas from among the plurality of contents;
a destination determining unit that determines one of the plurality of areas as a destination based on a plurality of congestion degrees;
a movement control unit that uses the map information to control the mobile providing device to move to or near the destination;
a provision control unit that performs control to provide the determined content;
A mobile providing device having:
The content determining unit determines a content corresponding to an area with the highest degree of congestion or an area with the lowest degree of congestion from among the plurality of contents.
The mobile providing device according to claim 1.
The destination determining unit determines an area with the highest degree of congestion or the lowest degree of congestion as the destination.
The mobile providing device according to claim 1 or 2.
The destination determining unit prioritizes the plurality of areas corresponding to the plurality of congestion degrees in order of increasing congestion degree or decreasing congestion degree, and selects the destination area according to the priority. decide,
The mobile providing device according to claim 1 or 2.
The acquisition unit acquires a degree of congestion corresponding to attribute information of each of the plurality of areas, and content determination information that is information indicating a correspondence relationship between the plurality of areas, the attribute information, and the plurality of contents. ,
The content determination unit uses the content determination information to determine, from among the plurality of contents, content that corresponds to an area with the lowest congestion degree and that corresponds to attribute information of the lowest congestion degree. death,
The destination determining unit determines, as the destination, an area with the highest congestion degree or the lowest congestion degree among the plurality of congestion degrees corresponding to the attribute information of the lowest congestion degree.
The mobile providing device according to claim 1.
The acquisition unit acquires a degree of congestion corresponding to attribute information of each of the plurality of areas, and content determination information that is information indicating a correspondence relationship between the plurality of areas, the attribute information, and the plurality of contents. ,
The content determination unit uses the content determination information to determine, from among the plurality of contents, content that corresponds to an area with the lowest congestion degree and that corresponds to attribute information of the lowest congestion degree. death,
The movement destination determination unit prioritizes a plurality of areas corresponding to a plurality of congestion degrees of the attribute information of the lowest congestion degree in order of highest congestion degree or lowest congestion degree, and according to the priority. , determining the destination area;
The mobile providing device according to claim 1.
The acquisition unit acquires a current time and content determination information indicating a correspondence relationship between the plurality of areas, times, and the plurality of contents,
The content determining unit uses the content determination information to determine, from among the plurality of contents, content that corresponds to one area of the plurality of areas and that can be provided at the current time. do,
The mobile providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The acquisition unit acquires disaster information indicating that a disaster has occurred;
The content determining unit determines disaster-specific content from among the plurality of contents,
The destination determining unit determines the area with the highest degree of congestion as the destination.
The mobile providing device according to claim 1.
The movement destination determining unit assigns a movement order to the plurality of areas corresponding to the plurality of congestion degrees in descending order of congestion degree,
The movement control unit controls the movement of the mobile providing device according to the movement order using the map information.
The mobile providing device according to claim 8.
The acquisition unit acquires a degree of congestion corresponding to attribute information of each of the plurality of areas,
The destination determining unit determines, as the destination, an area with the highest degree of congestion among a plurality of degrees of congestion corresponding to attribute information indicating persons to be evacuated with priority.
The mobile providing device according to claim 8.
The movement destination determining unit assigns a movement order to a plurality of areas corresponding to a plurality of congestion degrees of attribute information indicating the priority evacuees in descending order of congestion degree,
The movement control unit controls the movement of the mobile providing device according to the movement order.
The mobile providing device according to claim 10.
The provision control unit controls the mobile provision device to provide the determined content in a predetermined direction after the mobile provision device arrives at or near the destination.
The mobile providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
further comprising an imaging section;
The provision control unit determines whether the degree of congestion is highest based on a plurality of images obtained by the imaging unit capturing images of the surrounding area after the mobile provision device arrives at the destination or near the destination. detecting a direction and controlling so that the determined content is provided in the detected direction;
The mobile providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
It also has an information provision department,
The provision control unit is configured to provide the determined content while the information provision unit or the mobile provision device rotates after the mobile provision device arrives at the destination or near the destination. control,
The mobile providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
The acquisition unit acquires position information indicating the position of the first mobile providing device,
When determining a destination, the destination determining unit uses the location information and the map information to exclude an area where the first mobile providing device exists from the destination.
The mobile providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.
a mobile provision device;
an information processing device;
including;
The information processing device includes:
a storage unit that stores multiple contents;
an acquisition unit that acquires the congestion degree of each of the plurality of areas;
a content determining unit that determines a content corresponding to one area of the plurality of areas from among the plurality of contents;
a destination determining unit that determines one of the plurality of areas as a destination based on a plurality of congestion degrees;
a movement control unit that controls the mobile providing device to move to or near the destination using map information;
a provision control unit that performs control to provide the determined content;
has,
Information provision system.