JP2023170514A - Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a new service related to visualization of the change in the number of persons with time.SOLUTION: A information processing device according to the present application includes: an input part which receives the designation of an area by a user; and a display control part which displays, on a screen, a population matrix in which the population of the area designated by the user is expressed in a matrix format with the date and time as axes and also displays, on the screen, an index value related to the store use estimated at the date and time corresponding to the cell when the cell of the population matrix is selected by the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

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

A technique has been disclosed that displays the distribution of target persons such as customers as a heat map on a map.

JP2012-079037A

However, with conventional technology, it is possible to visually compare the distribution of subjects by location as a heat map, but it is not possible to visually compare the distribution of subjects at each location by date or time (change over time). It was not easy to compare.

The present application has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a new service related to visualization of changes in the number of people over time.

The information processing device according to the present application includes an input unit that accepts the designation of a region by a user, and displays on the screen a population matrix that expresses the population of the region designated by the user in a matrix format with date and time as axes. and a display control unit that displays on the screen, when a cell of the population matrix is selected by the user, an index value related to store usage estimated at the date and time corresponding to the cell. .

According to one aspect of the embodiment, an object is to provide a new service related to visualization of changes in the number of people over time.

FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of an information processing method according to an embodiment. FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a population matrix selection operation. FIG. 1C is an explanatory diagram regarding a graph regarding selection items of the population matrix. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a service related to a population matrix. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a service related to a population matrix. FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram showing the specifications of the population matrix. FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a graph and a population ratio when the horizontal selection "A: Daily" is selected. FIG. 4C is a diagram showing a graph and population ratio when the horizontal selection "B: Time specification" is selected. FIG. 4D is a diagram showing a graph and a population ratio when the horizontal selection "A: Daily" and the vertical selection "C: Monthly average" are selected. FIG. 4E is a diagram showing a graph and a population ratio when the horizontal selection "B: Time specification" and the vertical selection "C: Monthly average" are selected. FIG. 4F is a diagram showing a graph and a population ratio when the horizontal selection "A: daily" and the vertical selection "D: date specification" are selected. FIG. 4G is a diagram showing a graph and a population ratio when the horizontal selection "A: daily" and the vertical selection "D: date specification" are selected. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of region selection on a map. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a terminal device according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information providing apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a user information database. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a history information database. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a population information database. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the store usage information database. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the information providing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the terminal device according to the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program according to the present application (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application are not limited to this embodiment. In addition, in the following embodiments, the same parts are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[1. Overview of information processing method]
First, an overview of an information processing method performed by an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1A. FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of an information processing method according to an embodiment. In FIG. 1A, an example will be described in which the population of a designated area is displayed in a matrix format based on date and time.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the information processing system 1 includes a terminal device 10 and an information providing device 100. The terminal device 10 and the information providing device 100 are connected to each other via a network N (see FIG. 6) so that they can communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly. In this embodiment, the terminal device 10 cooperates with the information providing device 100.

The terminal device 10 is a smart device such as a smartphone or a tablet used by a user U (user), and can communicate with any server device via a wireless communication network such as 4G (Generation) or LTE (Long Term Evolution). This is a mobile terminal device that can perform Further, the terminal device 10 has a screen such as a liquid crystal display, which has a touch panel function, and displays data such as content through a tap operation, a slide operation, a scroll operation, etc. from the user U using a finger or a stylus. Accepts various operations on. Note that an operation performed on an area of the screen where content is displayed may be an operation on the content. Further, the terminal device 10 may be not only a smart device but also an information processing device such as a desktop PC (Personal Computer) or a notebook PC.

In this embodiment, the terminal device 10 cooperates with the information providing device 100 to display the population matrix of the area specified by the user U. A population matrix is a table (matrix table) in which the population of the area specified by user U for each date and time is expressed in an L-shaped matrix format (matrix format) with date and time as the item axes. be. Here, as shown in FIG. 1A, the population of the area specified by user U is expressed as a population matrix in a matrix format with time in rows and dates in columns, in units of one month. Note that the day of the week or time zone may be used instead of the date or time. Furthermore, the user U can specify the month in which the population matrix is to be displayed. The initial setting (default) may be the current month (this month). Furthermore, by selecting a plurality of months, the population matrix may be displayed in units of several months instead of in units of one month.

In the population matrix, differences in the population of the area specified by the user U by date or time are expressed by differences in the display format of cells (squares) in the table. For example, by dividing the color shading and gradation of table cells into multiple levels (for example, 10 levels) and changing the color shading and gradation according to the population size, you can calculate the population of a region by date or time. is expressed in a heat map. As a result, the user U can see at a glance the changes (increases and decreases) and size relationships in the population of the region for each date and time by comparing it with the population of other dates and times in the population matrix.

The information providing device 100 cooperates with the terminal device 10 of each user U, and provides API (Application Programming Interface) services for various applications (hereinafter referred to as applications), etc., to the terminal device 10 of each user U, and various It is an information processing device that provides data, and is realized by a server device, a cloud system, etc.

Further, the information providing device 100 may be an information processing device that provides some kind of web service online to the terminal device 10 of each user U. For example, the information providing device 100 provides web services such as Internet connection, search service, SNS (Social Networking Service), electronic commerce, electronic payment, online games, online banking, online trading, accommodation/ticket reservation, video/music distribution, etc. services may be provided. In reality, the information providing apparatus 100 may cooperate with various servers that provide the above-mentioned Web services and may mediate the Web services.

Note that the information providing device 100 can acquire user information regarding the user U. For example, the information providing device 100 acquires information regarding attributes of the user U, such as the user's U's gender, age, and area of residence. Then, the information providing device 100 stores and manages information regarding attributes of the user U along with identification information indicating the user U (user ID, etc.).

Further, the information providing device 100 acquires various kinds of history information (log data) indicating the behavior of the user U from the terminal device 10 of the user U or from various servers based on the user ID or the like. For example, the information providing device 100 acquires a location history, which is a history of the user U's location, date and time, from the terminal device 10. The information providing device 100 also acquires a search history, which is a history of search queries input by the user U, from a search server (search engine). The information providing device 100 also acquires a viewing history, which is a history of content viewed by the user U, from the content server. The information providing device 100 also acquires a purchase history, which is a history of product purchases and payment processing by the user U, from the electronic commerce server and the payment processing server. Further, the information providing device 100 may acquire the listing history and the sales history, which are the listing history of the user U on the marketplace, from the electronic commerce server or the payment server. The information providing device 100 also acquires a posting history, which is a history of postings by the user U, from a posting server or SNS server that provides a word-of-mouth posting service.

[1-1. basic action〕
For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the information providing device 100 measures the population of each region on a daily basis (step S1). For example, the information providing device 100 constantly or periodically (for example, every hour) collects location information, history information, etc. of each user U, and aggregates the information by region to determine the population of each region. Measure.

Subsequently, the user U uses the terminal device 10 to specify a target area (step S2). That is, the terminal device 10 receives the designation of the target area from the user U. For example, the user U specifies a target area on the map. Note that the map may be a map showing the population distribution in the form of a heat map. Further, the area on the map may be specified in mesh units. Alternatively, the user U inputs a keyword related to the region, such as a region name or address, and specifies the target region. At this time, the user U may search for a target area by inputting a keyword related to the area as a search query into a search engine or the like.

Subsequently, the information providing device 100 generates a population matrix for the area specified by the user U (step S3). For example, the information providing device 100 generates a population matrix for the area specified by the user U based on the measured population. At this time, the information providing device 100 generates information necessary for displaying the population matrix of the area on the terminal device 10.

Subsequently, the information providing device 100 provides information regarding the population matrix of the specified area to the terminal device 10 of the user U who specified the target area (step S4). At this time, the information providing device 100 provides information necessary for displaying the population matrix of the area on the terminal device 10. For example, the information providing device 100 provides information regarding the layout of the population matrix, each item, the display mode of table cells, the breakdown of the population, and the like.

Subsequently, the terminal device 10 displays the population matrix of the area specified by the user U based on the information provided by the information providing device 100 (step S5). Here, as shown in FIG. 1A, the terminal device 10 displays the population of the area designated by the user U as a population matrix in a matrix format with time in rows and dates in columns, in monthly units. do. The date is displayed along with the day of the week, and the time is displayed every hour from 0:00 to 23:00.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1A, the terminal device 10 expresses the difference in the population of the area specified by the user U by date and time by different display modes of cells in the table. For example, by dividing the color shading and gradation of table cells into 10 levels and changing the color shading and gradation according to the population size, the population of the area by date and time can be expressed in a heat map. Note that, in reality, the color of the cells in the table may be changed depending on the population size. For example, the larger the population size, the closer the color is to warm colors, and the larger the population size, the closer the color is to cool colors.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1A, the terminal device 10 displays the population average D_AVE on a daily basis (all hours of the day) in the row closest to the date axis of the population matrix (the row at the top of the matrix). . In addition, the monthly average T_AVE of the population in units of time is displayed in the column closest to the time axis of the population matrix (the leftmost column of the matrix). Then, the monthly average M_AVE of the daily population is displayed at the intersection of the row closest to the date axis of the population matrix and the column closest to the time axis (the upper left cell of the matrix).

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 1B, the user U selects cells and items (date, time) of the population matrix using the terminal device 10 (step S6). That is, the terminal device 10 receives selections of cells and items of the population matrix from the user U. FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a population matrix selection operation. The selected cell is displayed with a colored thick frame, etc., indicating that it has been selected by the user U. When a date is selected, the entire column corresponding to that date is displayed with a thick colored frame, etc., indicating that it has been selected by user U. When a time is selected, the entire line corresponding to that time is displayed with a thick colored frame, etc., indicating that it has been selected by the user U. Note that the user U can select multiple cells or items (date, time) at the same time. Here, the user U uses the terminal device 10 to perform time selection TC, first date selection DC1, and second date selection DC2. In the example shown in FIG. 1B, the user U selects the time "13:00" as the time selection TC. Further, the date "2 (Wednesday)" is selected as the first date selection DC1, and the date "9 (Wednesday)" is selected as the second date selection DC2.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 1C, the terminal device 10 displays a graph regarding the items (date, time) of the population matrix selected by the user U (step S7). FIG. 1C is an explanatory diagram regarding a graph regarding selection items of the population matrix. In the example shown in FIG. 1C, the terminal device 10 displays a line graph LG indicating population trends in the middle of the screen (lower part of the population matrix), and displays a stacked horizontal bar graph BG indicating population proportions in the lower part of the screen (line graph LG). below).

In this embodiment, the date "2 (Wednesday)" is selected as the first date selection DC1, and "9 (Wednesday)" is selected as the second date selection DC2, so as shown in FIG. 1C, The terminal device 10 displays a line graph LG that shows the population trends at each hour of the day on the date "2 (Wednesday)" corresponding to the first date selection DC1, and a line graph LG corresponding to the second date selection DC2. A line graph showing the population trends at each hour of the day on the date "9 (Wednesday)" is displayed. Furthermore, since the time "13:00" is selected as the time selection TC, the time "13:00" corresponding to the time selection TC is emphasized in each line graph.

Note that in step S6, if the first date selection DC1 and the second date selection DC2 are not performed and only the time selection TC is performed, the terminal device 10 selects the date at the time "13:00" in one month. Display a line graph showing changes in population by region.

That is, in this embodiment, when a time selection is made but a date selection is not made in the population matrix, the daily population at the selected time is used as the target of the line graph, and the time selection is not made. If this is not done and a date is selected, the hourly population on the selected date is used as the object of the line graph.

Also, the time "13:00" is selected as the time selection TC, the date "2 (Wednesday)" is selected as the first date selection DC1, and "9 (Wednesday)" is selected as the second date selection DC2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1C, the terminal device 10 displays the time "13:00" corresponding to the time selection TC of the date "2 (Wednesday)" corresponding to the first date selection DC1 as the stacked horizontal bar graph BG. ” and a stacked horizontal bar graph showing the population percentage at the time “13:00” corresponding to the time selection TC of the date “9 (Wed)” corresponding to the second date selection DC2. indicate.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1C, the terminal device 10 selects the date "2 (Wednesday)" corresponding to the first date selection DC1 and the date "9 (Wednesday)" corresponding to the second date selection DC2. '', two stacked horizontal bar graphs are displayed: a stacked horizontal bar graph showing the population percentage classified by gender, and a stacked horizontal bar graph showing the population percentage classified by age. In the example shown in Figure 1C, of the two stacked horizontal bar graphs shown above and below, the upper graph (UG1, UG2) is a stacked horizontal bar graph showing the population proportion classified by gender, and the lower graph (LG1, LG2) is a stacked horizontal bar graph showing the population proportion classified by gender. ) is a stacked horizontal bar graph showing the percentage of the population classified by age group. Gender is classified as male or female (or unknown). The age group is divided into 10s and younger, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s and older. It also displays a breakdown of the number of people in each category.

Note that in step S6, if the first date selection DC1 is performed and the time selection TC is not performed, the terminal device 10 displays a stacked horizontal bar graph showing the population ratio in the average daily population for one month. indicate.

That is, in this embodiment, when a time is selected and a date is not selected in the population matrix, the monthly average of the population at the selected time is used as the target of the stacked horizontal bar graph, and the time selection If this is not done and a date is selected, the average population on the selected date is used as the target of the stacked horizontal bar graph.

Furthermore, the terminal device 10 can also narrow down the population of the area targeted by the population matrix based on gender and age. For example, if user U specifies gender and age such as "female" and "20s," the terminal device 10 determines whether the user U is a "female" or "20s" among the population of the target area. Display population matrix and graph regarding population.

[1-2. Services related to population matrix〕
Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a service related to the population matrix according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are diagrams showing an example of a service related to a population matrix.

In this embodiment, the service related to the population matrix is, for example, a service for businesses such as stores and commercial facilities, and estimates and provides index values related to store usage. Note that, below, a case will be described in which store sales are estimated as an index value and displayed on the terminal device 10. Moreover, although the sales here refer to the amount of sales, it may also refer to the number of predetermined products sold.

As shown in FIG. 3, first, the user U who is a business operator specifies a cell in the upload target range DC11 from the population matrix displayed on the terminal device 10, and stores the store usage information on the date and time corresponding to the cell. Upload to the providing device 100 (step S11).

Here, the store usage information is, for example, information regarding store sales at each date and time. That is, the information providing device 100 receives information regarding sales for each date and time included in the upload target range DC11 from the terminal device 10. For example, a link destination of a template for inputting store usage information is displayed on the population matrix display screen, and after the user obtains the template, the user inputs and uploads the store usage information using the template.

Note that the information providing device 100 may cooperate with an electronic payment system used at a store to obtain store usage information from the electronic payment system. The electronic payment system here includes, for example, credit card payment, QR code (registered trademark) payment, and the like. For example, the information providing device 100 obtains store usage information at each store from various electronic payment systems that cooperate with each other.

The information providing device 100 learns the relationship between the population measured when generating the population matrix and store usage information (for example, sales) (step S12). For example, the information providing device 100 generates a model by learning the relationship between population and sales through various types of machine learning using population at each date and time and store sales as learning data. For example, the information providing device 100 generates a model for each region by learning the relationship between population and store usage information for each region. Note that the area here may be arbitrarily set for each store, commercial facility, mesh, etc.

Further, when learning the relationship with store usage information, the information providing device 100 may include weather information at each date and time in the learning data. The weather information here includes information on various weather-related items such as weather, temperature, atmospheric pressure, precipitation, pollen, and air pollution (for example, PM2.5).

When the information providing device 100 finishes learning the relationship between population and store usage information (for example, sales), as shown in FIG. The cell DC12 is designated (step S13).

As a use case in this case, for example, when the user U desires to extend or change the business hours of the store, it is preferable that the user U designates a cell corresponding to the desired date and time of the expansion or change as the estimation target cell DC12. That is, the service provided by the information providing device 100 is a service that simulates sales (an example of an index value) when business hours have been changed and provides the simulation results to users.

Information regarding the estimation target cell DC12 designated by the user U is notified from the terminal device 10 to the information providing device 100. Then, the information providing device 100 that has received the information regarding the estimation target cell DC12 estimates the sales (an example of an index value) at each date and time included in the estimation target cell DC12 using the model obtained from the learning result in step S12. (Step S14).

Then, the information providing device 100 passes the information regarding the estimated sales at each date and time to the terminal device 10, and the terminal device 10 displays the information regarding the sales at each date and time estimated by the information providing device 100 on the screen.

Note that, for example, when a cell included in the estimation target cell DC 12 is selected by the user U, the terminal device 10 may display the sales on the date and time corresponding to the selected cell, and The total amount of sales for the entire target cell DC 12 may be displayed.

By providing such a service, user U can easily grasp the index values related to sales at each date and time. Optimization support can be provided.

In addition, although the case where the information provision apparatus 100 performs the estimation process of step S14 by using the selection of the estimation target cell by the user U as a trigger is shown here, it is not limited to this. For example, when the information providing device 100 generates information regarding the population matrix to be displayed on the terminal device 10, or every time store usage information is acquired, estimation processing is performed in advance for cells in which store usage information is not registered at a predetermined timing. You can do it like this.

[1-3. Specifications of population matrix〕
Next, the specifications of the population matrix according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4G. FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram showing the specifications of the population matrix. Note that the population matrix, graphs, etc. are displayed on the terminal device 10. User U performs operations such as selection.

As shown in Figure 4A, the population matrix is expressed in a matrix format with date on the horizontal axis (rows) and time on the vertical axis (columns), with each cell containing the population of the selected region at that time on that date. , are displayed in a display mode that corresponds to the population size. In this embodiment, the color shading, gradation, etc. of the table cells are changed depending on the population size of the selected region. Also, the top row shows the average daily population. The leftmost column shows the monthly average (hourly) of the population. The upper left cell where the upper row and leftmost column intersect shows the monthly average (in daily units) of the population.

In the example shown in FIG. 4A, "A: day unit" and "B: time designation" are shown as examples of horizontal selection that is row selection of a matrix. Furthermore, "C: monthly average" and "D: date specification" are shown as examples of vertical selection, which is selection of columns of a matrix. "A: Daily" indicates the selection of the upper row showing the daily population average. "B: Time designation" indicates selection of time on the vertical axis (column). "C: Monthly average" indicates the selection of the leftmost column indicating the monthly average of population (in hourly units). "D: Date designation" indicates selection of a date on the horizontal axis (row).

FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a graph and a population ratio when the horizontal selection "A: Daily" is selected. FIG. 4C is a diagram showing a graph and population ratio when the horizontal selection "B: Time specification" is selected. FIG. 4D is a diagram showing a graph and a population ratio when the horizontal selection "A: Daily" and the vertical selection "C: Monthly average" are selected. FIG. 4E is a diagram showing a graph and a population ratio when the horizontal selection "B: Time specification" and the vertical selection "C: Monthly average" are selected. FIG. 4F is a diagram showing a graph and a population ratio when the horizontal selection "A: daily" and the vertical selection "D: date specification" are selected. FIG. 4G is a diagram showing a graph and a population ratio when the horizontal selection "A: daily" and the vertical selection "D: date specification" are selected.

In the population matrix shown in Figure 4A, if only the horizontal selection "A: Daily" or "B: Time specification" is selected, the line graph of the date axis shown in Figures 4B and 4C is displayed, and the The monthly average population in the left cell is displayed as a population percentage. For example, when the horizontal selection "A: Daily" is selected, the monthly average (daily) population is displayed as a population percentage and is displayed as an average line ML on the graph, as shown in Figure 4B. . In addition, when the horizontal selection "B: Time specification" is selected, the monthly average (hourly) population is displayed as a population percentage and is displayed as an average line ML on the graph, as shown in Figure 4C. .

In this embodiment, based on horizontal selection, one or more horizontal selections are always selected, and the initial setting (default) is horizontal selection "A: daily". Note that cell selection is also considered a type of horizontal selection, but horizontal selection is not visually displayed in cell selection mode.

If only horizontal selection is used, monthly average items are displayed in the population percentage, so the leftmost cell is highlighted with a colored frame etc. so that it can be seen that it is selected.

Since the horizontal selections "A: day unit" and "B: time specification" have different aggregation units, the horizontal selections "A: day unit" and "B: time specification" cannot be selected at the same time. Horizontal selection "B: Time specification" can be selected at the same time. That is, multiple horizontal selections "B: time specification" can be specified. If a plurality of horizontal selections "B: time specification" are specified, the average monthly population of the plurality of specified times is displayed as the average line ML. It is also possible to specify a time range, such as from 1 to 3 o'clock, and display a graph and population percentage based on the total number of people during the selected time range.

If vertical selection "C: Monthly average" or "D: Date specification" is selected in addition to horizontal selection "A: Daily" or "B: Time specification", Figure 4D, Figure 4E, Figure 4F, Figure 4G A line graph of the time axis shown in is displayed, and the population of the cell at the cross section (intersecting and overlapping section) of the horizontal selection and vertical selection is displayed as a population percentage. Further, as shown in FIGS. 4E and 4G, the population CP of the cell at the intersection of the horizontal selection and the vertical selection is highlighted and displayed on the line graph.

Vertical selection "C: Monthly average" and "D: Date specification" can be selected at the same time. Further, multiple vertical selections can be specified for "D: Date specification." Note that if the vertical selections "C: Monthly average" and "D: Date designation" are selected at the same time, the monthly average and the population of the designated date can be compared.

When a cell of the population matrix is selected, the mode changes to cell selection mode, the target cell is highlighted with a colored frame, and the same graph and population percentage as when horizontal or vertical selection is performed are displayed.

Although a plurality of cells in the population matrix can be selected, as in the case of horizontal selection, the cells on the horizontal selection "A: Day unit" and the cells on "B: Time specification" cannot be selected at the same time. Cells on the horizontal selection "A: Day unit" can be selected at the same time. Further, cells on the horizontal selection "B: Time specification" can be selected at the same time.

In this way, the terminal device 10 according to the present application receives the designation of a region from the user U, and displays the population of the region designated by the user U in a matrix format with date and time as axes on a monthly basis. Display the matrix on the screen.

Further, the terminal device 10 changes the display mode of the cell of the population matrix according to the population at the date and time corresponding to the cell of the population matrix. For example, the terminal device 10 changes the color shading of the cells of the population matrix according to the population at the date and time corresponding to the cells of the population matrix.

Furthermore, when time is selected from among the items in the population matrix, the terminal device 10 displays a line graph with date on the horizontal axis and population on the vertical axis regarding the population at the selected time. At this time, when a plurality of times are selected, the terminal device 10 simultaneously displays a line graph regarding the population of each of the selected times.

Further, when a date is selected from among the items in the population matrix, the terminal device 10 displays a line graph with time on the horizontal axis and population on the vertical axis regarding the population on the selected date. At this time, when a plurality of dates are selected, the terminal device 10 simultaneously displays a line graph regarding the population of each of the selected dates.

In addition, when date and time are each selected from among the items of the population matrix, the terminal device 10 displays a line graph with time on the horizontal axis and population on the vertical axis regarding the population on the selected date, and selects Highlight the population of the time.

Furthermore, the terminal device 10 arranges a cell indicating the average daily population in the upper row of the population matrix. Furthermore, the terminal device 10 arranges a cell indicating the monthly average of the hourly population in the leftmost column of the population matrix. Furthermore, the terminal device 10 arranges a cell indicating the monthly average of the daily population in the upper left cell of the population matrix.

[1-4. Select region on map]
Next, selection of an area on a map according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of region selection on a map. Note that the map may be a map showing the population distribution in the form of a heat map.

As shown in FIG. 5, the terminal device 10 displays a map MP divided into meshes, and the user U specifies the area targeted by the population matrix by selecting an arbitrary mesh. That is, the range of the mesh selected by user U on the map becomes the area targeted by the population matrix. User U can select not only one mesh but multiple meshes. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the mesh selected by the user U on the map is shown as the selected mesh MC. The terminal device 10 displays a population matrix regarding the population of the area corresponding to this selected mesh MC.

The mesh on the map may be a standard regional mesh or an arbitrarily set mesh. If it is a standard regional mesh, it may be a primary mesh, a secondary mesh, or a tertiary mesh. Alternatively, a divided area mesh may be used. In the case of a divided area mesh, it may be a 1/2 area mesh, a 1/4 area mesh, or a 1/8 area mesh.

In this way, the terminal device 10 according to the present application receives designation of an area in mesh units on the map from the user U. For example, by using the terminal device 10 to specify an arbitrary mesh on a map showing the population distribution as a heat map, the user U can use the terminal device 10 to specify the date and time of the region corresponding to the specified mesh on a monthly basis. You can see a population matrix that shows the population by hour as a heat map. Note that the number and range of meshes that can be specified by the user U are arbitrary. In reality, the terminal device 10 may set an upper limit on the number and range of meshes that the user U can specify.

Furthermore, the user U may specify the area to be covered by the population matrix not only in mesh units but also in administrative district units such as prefectures and cities, wards, towns and villages. Further, the user U may specify the area targeted for the population matrix on a store-by-store/facility-by-facility basis. Furthermore, by specifying the name of a particular service, the user U may specify the target area where that service is provided as the target area of the population matrix.

[2. Configuration example of information processing system]
Next, the configuration of the information processing system 1 including the information providing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment will be described using FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment includes a terminal device 10 and an information providing device 100. These various devices are connected via a network N so that they can communicate by wire or wirelessly. The network N is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet.

Furthermore, the number of devices included in the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 6 is not limited to what is illustrated. For example, in FIG. 6, only one terminal device 10 is shown to simplify the illustration, but this is just an example and is not limited, and there may be two or more terminal devices.

The terminal device 10 is an information processing device used by the user U. For example, the terminal device 10 may be a smart device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, a feature phone, a PC (Personal Computer), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a game console with a communication function, a car navigation system, a smart watch, or a head-mounted display. wearable devices, smart glasses, etc.

The terminal device 10 also supports wireless communication networks such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), and 5G (5th Generation), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and wireless LAN (Local It is possible to connect to a network N via short-distance wireless communication such as a local area network) and communicate with the information providing device 100.

The information providing device 100 is, for example, a PC, a server device, a mainframe, a workstation, or the like. Note that the information providing device 100 may be realized by cloud computing.

[3. Configuration example of terminal device]
Next, the configuration of the terminal device 10 will be explained using FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 10. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the terminal device 10 includes a communication section 11, a display section 12, an input section 13, a positioning section 14, a sensor section 20, a control section 30 (controller), and a storage section 40. Be prepared.

(Communication Department 11)
The communication unit 11 is connected to a network N (see FIG. 6) by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the information providing device 100 via the network N. For example, the communication unit 11 is realized by a NIC (Network Interface Card), an antenna, or the like.

(Display section 12)
The display unit 12 is a display device that displays various information such as position information. For example, the display unit 12 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electro-luminescent display (EL display). Further, the display unit 12 is a touch panel type display, but is not limited to this. In this embodiment, the display unit 12 displays the population matrix of the area specified by the user U. The display unit 12 also displays a map for the user U to specify an area. Note that the display unit 12 may display a screen including a search window (search box) for the user U to search for a region.

(Input section 13)
The input unit 13 is an input device that receives various operations from the user U. Furthermore, the input unit 13 includes, for example, buttons for inputting characters, numbers, and the like. Further, when the display section 12 is a touch panel display, a part of the display section 12 functions as the input section 13. Note that the input unit 13 may be a microphone or the like that receives voice input from the user U. The microphone may be wireless. In this embodiment, the input unit 13 accepts a region specification from the user U. For example, the input unit 13 accepts from the user U designation of an area in mesh units on the map. Further, the input unit 13 may receive a keyword input into a search window (search box) on the screen displayed on the display unit 12.

(Positioning unit 14)
The positioning unit 14 receives a signal (radio wave) sent from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite, and based on the received signal, determines position information (for example, latitude and longitude). That is, the positioning unit 14 positions the terminal device 10 . Note that GPS is just one example of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).

Further, the positioning unit 14 can measure the position using various methods other than GPS. For example, the positioning unit 14 may use various communication functions of the terminal device 10 to measure the position as an auxiliary positioning means for position correction and the like, as described below.

(Wi-Fi positioning)
For example, the positioning unit 14 positions the terminal device 10 using the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication function of the terminal device 10 or the communication network provided by each communication company. Specifically, the positioning unit 14 performs Wi-Fi communication, etc., and determines the position of the terminal device 10 by measuring the distance to nearby base stations and access points.

(Beacon positioning)
Further, the positioning unit 14 may use the Bluetooth (registered trademark) function of the terminal device 10 to measure the position. For example, the positioning unit 14 measures the position of the terminal device 10 by connecting to a beacon transmitter connected by a Bluetooth (registered trademark) function.

(geomagnetic positioning)
Furthermore, the positioning unit 14 positions the terminal device 10 based on the geomagnetic pattern of the structure measured in advance and the geomagnetic sensor included in the terminal device 10 .

(RFID positioning)
Further, for example, if the terminal device 10 has an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag function equivalent to a contactless IC card used at station ticket gates, stores, etc., or has a function to read an RFID tag. In this case, the location where the terminal device 10 used the terminal device 10 is recorded together with the information that the payment was made. The positioning unit 14 may measure the position of the terminal device 10 by acquiring such information. Further, the position may be determined by an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, or the like provided in the terminal device 10.

The positioning unit 14 may position the terminal device 10 using one or a combination of the above-mentioned positioning means, if necessary.

(sensor section 20)
The sensor unit 20 includes various sensors mounted on or connected to the terminal device 10. Note that the connection may be a wired connection or a wireless connection. For example, the sensors may be a detection device other than the terminal device 10, such as a wearable device or a wireless device. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the sensor unit 20 includes an acceleration sensor 21, a gyro sensor 22, an atmospheric pressure sensor 23, an air temperature sensor 24, a sound sensor 25, an optical sensor 26, a magnetic sensor 27, and an image sensor ( camera) 28.

Note that each of the sensors 21 to 28 described above is merely an example and is not limited to the above. That is, the sensor section 20 may be configured to include a portion of each of the sensors 21 to 28, or may include other sensors such as a humidity sensor in addition to or instead of each of the sensors 21 to 28. .

The acceleration sensor 21 is, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor, and detects the physical movement of the terminal device 10, such as the moving direction, speed, and acceleration of the terminal device 10. The gyro sensor 22 detects physical movements of the terminal device 10 such as tilt in three axes directions based on the angular velocity of the terminal device 10 and the like. The atmospheric pressure sensor 23 detects the atmospheric pressure around the terminal device 10, for example.

Since the terminal device 10 is equipped with the above-mentioned acceleration sensor 21, gyro sensor 22, atmospheric pressure sensor 23, etc., it is possible to implement technologies such as pedestrian autonomous navigation (PDR) using these sensors 21 to 23, etc. It becomes possible to measure the position of the terminal device 10 using the . This makes it possible to obtain indoor position information that is difficult to obtain using positioning systems such as GPS.

For example, a pedometer using the acceleration sensor 21 can calculate the number of steps, walking speed, and distance walked. Furthermore, by using the gyro sensor 22, it is possible to know the direction of travel of the user U, the direction of the line of sight, and the inclination of the user's body. Further, from the atmospheric pressure detected by the atmospheric pressure sensor 23, it is also possible to know the altitude and the number of floors where the terminal device 10 of the user U is located.

The temperature sensor 24 detects, for example, the temperature around the terminal device 10. The sound sensor 25 detects, for example, sounds around the terminal device 10. The optical sensor 26 detects the illuminance around the terminal device 10 . The magnetic sensor 27 detects, for example, the earth's magnetism around the terminal device 10. The image sensor 28 captures an image of the surroundings of the terminal device 10.

The above-mentioned atmospheric pressure sensor 23, temperature sensor 24, sound sensor 25, optical sensor 26, and image sensor 28 each detect atmospheric pressure, temperature, sound, and illuminance, and capture images of the surroundings, so that the terminal device 10 It is possible to detect the surrounding environment and situation. Furthermore, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the location information of the terminal device 10 based on the environment and situation around the terminal device 10.

(Control unit 30)
The control unit 30 includes, for example, a microcomputer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM, an input/output port, etc., and various circuits. Further, the control unit 30 may be configured with hardware such as an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control section 30 includes a transmitting section 31, a receiving section 32, a processing section 33, and a display control section 34.

(Transmission unit 31)
The transmitting unit 31 receives, for example, various information input by the user U using the input unit 13, various information detected by the sensors 21 to 28 mounted on or connected to the terminal device 10, and information measured by the positioning unit 14. The location information of the terminal device 10 and the like can be transmitted to the information providing device 100 via the communication unit 11. In the present embodiment, the transmitting unit 31 transmits information regarding the area specified by the user U to the information providing device 100 via the communication unit 11.

(Receiving unit 32)
The receiving unit 32 can receive various information provided from the information providing device 100 and requests for various information from the information providing device 100 via the communication unit 11 . In this embodiment, the receiving unit 32 receives information regarding the population matrix of the area designated by the user U from the information providing device 100 via the communication unit 11 .

(Processing unit 33)
The processing unit 33 controls the entire terminal device 10, including the display unit 12 and the like. For example, the processing unit 33 can output various types of information transmitted by the transmitting unit 31 and various types of information received by the receiving unit 32 from the information providing device 100 to the display unit 12 for display.

(Display control unit 34)
The display control unit 34 displays on the screen (display unit 12) a population matrix that represents the population of the area specified by the user U in a matrix format with date and time as axes on a monthly basis.

Further, the display control unit 34 changes the display mode of the cell of the population matrix according to the population at the date and time corresponding to the cell of the population matrix. For example, the display control unit 34 changes the color shading of the cells of the population matrix depending on the population at the date and time corresponding to the cells of the population matrix.

Further, when time is selected from among the items in the population matrix, the display control unit 34 displays a line graph with date on the horizontal axis and population on the vertical axis regarding the population at the selected time. At this time, when a plurality of times are selected, the display control unit 34 simultaneously displays a line graph regarding the population of each of the selected times.

Further, when a date is selected from among the items in the population matrix, the display control unit 34 displays a line graph with time on the horizontal axis and population on the vertical axis regarding the population on the selected date. At this time, when a plurality of dates are selected, the display control unit 34 simultaneously displays a line graph regarding the population of each of the selected dates.

In addition, when date and time are each selected from among the items of the population matrix, the display control unit 34 displays a line graph with time on the horizontal axis and population on the vertical axis regarding the population on the selected date, Highlight the population at the selected time.

Further, the display control unit 34 arranges a cell indicating the average daily population in the upper row of the population matrix. Furthermore, the display control unit 34 arranges a cell indicating the monthly average of the hourly population in the leftmost column of the population matrix. Further, the display control unit 34 arranges a cell indicating the monthly average of the daily population in the upper left cell of the population matrix. The upper left cell of the population matrix is a cell at the intersection of the upper row and leftmost column of the population matrix.

In addition, the display control unit 34 displays a UI for accepting the selection of the upload target range for uploading store usage information to the population matrix, and a UI for accepting the selection of the target cell for index value estimation (Figs. 2 and 3). (See 3).

In addition, the display control unit 34 may display information about the sales on the date and time corresponding to each cell, for example, when the date and time are each selected from among the items of the population matrix, the display control unit 34 displays the information on the horizontal axis regarding the sales on the selected date. Display a line graph with time and sales on the vertical axis. At this time, if the selected cell includes a cell whose index value is to be estimated, a line graph using the sales estimated by the information providing device 100 may be displayed.

Further, regarding the display of the line graph, the display control unit 34 may display a line graph indicating population trends and a line graph indicating sales trends together.

(Storage unit 40)
The storage unit 40 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or an optical disk. Ru. The storage unit 40 stores various programs, various data, and the like.

[4. Configuration example of information processing device]
Next, the configuration of the information providing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment will be described using FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information providing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the information providing device 100 includes a communication section 110, a storage section 120, and a control section 130.

(Communication Department 110)
The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card). Further, the communication unit 110 is connected to the network N (see FIG. 6) by wire or wirelessly.

(Storage unit 120)
The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. As shown in FIG. 8, the storage unit 120 includes a user information database 121, a history information database 122, a population information database 123, and a store usage information database 124.

(User information database 121)
The user information database 121 stores user information regarding the user U. For example, the user information database 121 stores various information such as user U's attributes. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the user information database 121. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the user information database 121 includes items such as "user ID (identifier),""age,""gender,""home,""worklocation," and "interest."

“User ID” indicates identification information for identifying user U. Moreover, "age" indicates the age of the user U identified by the user ID. Note that the "age" may be a specific age of the user U identified by the user ID, such as 35 years old. Furthermore, “gender” indicates the gender of the user U identified by the user ID.

Moreover, "home" indicates the location information of the home of the user U identified by the user ID. In the example shown in FIG. 9, "home" is illustrated as an abstract code such as "LC11", but it may also be latitude and longitude information. Furthermore, for example, "home" may be a region name or address.

Moreover, "work place" indicates the location information of the work place (school in the case of a student) of the user U identified by the user ID. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the "work location" is illustrated as an abstract code such as "LC12," but it may also be latitude and longitude information. Further, for example, the "work location" may be a region name or address.

Moreover, "interest" indicates the interest of the user U identified by the user ID. That is, "interest" indicates an object in which the user U identified by the user ID has a high interest. For example, "interest" may be a search query (keyword) that the user U inputs into a search engine. In the example shown in FIG. 9, one "interest" is shown for each user U, but there may be a plurality of "interests".

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the age of the user U identified by the user ID "U1" is "20s", and the gender is "male". Further, for example, the user U identified by the user ID "U1" indicates that his home is "LC11". Further, for example, the user U identified by the user ID "U1" indicates that the work location is "LC12". Further, for example, the user U identified by the user ID "U1" indicates that he is interested in "sports."

Here, in the example shown in FIG. 9, abstract values such as "U1", "LC11", and "LC12" are used for illustration, but "U1", "LC11", and "LC12" have specific values. It is assumed that information such as character strings and numerical values is stored. Below, abstract values may be illustrated in diagrams related to other information as well.

Note that the user information database 121 is not limited to the above, and may store various information depending on the purpose. For example, the user information database 121 may store various information regarding the terminal device 10 of the user U. In addition, the user information database 121 includes information such as demographic (demographic attributes), psychographic (psychological attributes), geographic (geographical attributes), behavioral (behavioral attributes), etc. of user U. Information regarding attributes may also be stored. For example, the user information database 121 includes name, family composition, place of birth (locality), occupation, position, income, qualifications, type of residence (single-family house, condominium, etc.), presence or absence of a car, commuting/commuting time, commuting/commuting, etc. It memorizes information such as routes, commuter pass sections (stations, lines, etc.), frequently used stations (other than the stations closest to your home or work), lessons (location, time, etc.), hobbies, interests, lifestyle, etc. Good too.

(History information database 122)
The history information database 122 stores various information related to history information (log data) indicating the actions of the user U. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the history information database 122. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the history information database 122 has items such as "user ID", "location history", "search history", "browsing history", "purchase history", and "posting history".

“User ID” indicates identification information for identifying user U. Further, “position history” indicates a position history that is a history of the user U's position and movement. Further, “search history” indicates a search history that is a history of search queries input by the user U. In addition, “browsing history” indicates a browsing history that is a history of contents that the user U has viewed. Further, “purchase history” indicates a purchase history that is a history of purchases by user U. Moreover, "posting history" indicates a posting history that is a history of postings by user U. Note that the "posting history" may include questions regarding user U's belongings.

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10, user U identified by user ID "U1" moves as per "location history #1", searches as per "search history #1", and searches as per "view history #1". This indicates that the content was viewed according to "history #1", a predetermined product, etc. was purchased at a predetermined store etc. according to "purchase history #1", and the content was posted according to "posting history".

Here, in the example shown in FIG. 10, abstracts such as "U1", "location history #1", "search history #1", "browsing history #1", "purchase history #1" and "posting history #1" are used. Although the figures are shown using typical values, "U1", "location history #1", "search history #1", "browsing history #1", "purchase history #1" and "posting history #1" are It is assumed that information such as specific character strings and numerical values is stored.

Note that the history information database 122 is not limited to the above, and may store various information depending on the purpose. For example, the history information database 122 may store the user U's usage history of a predetermined service. Further, the history information database 122 may store the user U's visit history to a physical store, visit history to a facility, or the like. Further, the history information database 122 may store the payment history of user U's electronic payment.

(Population information database 123)
The population information database 123 stores various information related to the results of measuring the population of each region. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the population information database 123. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the population information database 123 has items such as "mesh ID", "year", "month", "time", "monthly average", and "date".

"Mesh ID" indicates identification information for identifying each mesh on the map. For example, the mesh ID may be a mesh code. Each mesh on the map is used by the user U to specify an area. "Year" indicates the year in which the population of each region was measured. Here, 2020 is shown as an example of a year. "Month" indicates the month in which the population of each region was measured. Here, November is shown as an example of the month. "Time" indicates the time when the population of each region was measured. Here, as an example of time, 24 hours from 0:00 to 23:00 are shown every hour. "Monthly average" indicates the monthly average of population for each region. Here, the monthly average "date" indicates the date on which the population of each region was measured. Here, as an example of dates, 30 days from the 1st to the 30th of November 2020 are shown every other day.

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 11, the monthly average population of the area corresponding to the mesh identified by the mesh ID "Mesh #A" on a "daily basis" for "November" in "2020" is "11 The population on the date "1" is "11/1 population" and the population on the date "30" is "11/30 population." Also, the monthly average at "0" is the "00:00 monthly average", the population on the date "1" is the "00:00 population" on "11/1", and the population on the "30" day is the "00:00 monthly average". The population indicates the "0:00 population" of "11/30".

Here, in the example shown in FIG. ", "Mesh #A", "November monthly average", "11/1 population", "11/30 population", "00:00 monthly average" and "0 It is assumed that information such as specific character strings and numerical values is stored in "Tokidai Population".

Note that the population information database 123 is not limited to the above, and may store various information depending on the purpose. For example, the population information database 123 may store information regarding the color shading, gradation, etc. of the cells of the population matrix. The population information database 123 may also store information regarding the daily maximum population, the monthly maximum hourly population, and the monthly maximum daily population.

(Store usage information database 124)
The store usage information database 124 stores various information regarding store usage by date and time for each region. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the store usage information database 124. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the store usage information database 124 has items such as "mesh ID", "year", "month", "time", "monthly average", and "date". Note that here, in order to simplify the explanation, a case where the store usage information is sales will be explained.

"Mesh ID" indicates identification information for identifying each mesh on the map. For example, the mesh ID may be a mesh code. Each mesh on the map is used by the user U to specify an area. “Year” indicates the year in which sales were recorded (settled) for each region. Here, 2020 is shown as an example of a year. “Month” indicates the month in which sales for each region were recorded (settlement was made). Here, November is shown as an example of the month. “Time” indicates the time at which sales were recorded (settled) for each region. Here, as an example of time, 24 hours from 0:00 to 23:00 are shown every hour. "Monthly average" indicates the monthly average of sales for each region. Here, the monthly average "date" indicates the date on which sales were recorded (settled) for each region. Here, as an example of dates, 30 days from the 1st to the 30th of November 2020 are shown every other day.

For example, in the example shown in Figure 12, the monthly average sales in the region corresponding to the mesh identified by the mesh ID "Mesh #A" in "November" in "2020" on a "daily basis" is "11 The sales on the date "1" are "11/1 sales" and the sales on the date "30" are "11/30 sales." Also, the monthly average at "0" is the "00:00 monthly average", the sales on the date "1" are the "00:00 sales" on "11/1", and the sales on the "30" day are the "00:00 monthly average". The sales indicate "sales around midnight" on "11/30".

Here, in the example shown in FIG. 12, "Mesh #A", "November monthly average", "11/1 sales", "11/30 sales", "00:00 monthly average", and "00:00 sales ", "Mesh #A", "November monthly average", "11/1 sales", "11/30 sales", "00:00 monthly average" and "0 It is assumed that information such as specific character strings and numerical values is stored in "Time table sales".

(Control unit 130)
Returning to FIG. 8, the explanation will be continued. The control unit 130 is a controller, and uses, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) to control the information providing apparatus 100. This is achieved by executing various programs (corresponding to an example of an information processing program) stored in an internal storage device using a storage area such as a RAM as a work area. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 130 includes an acquisition unit 131, a measurement unit 132, a learning unit 133, a generation unit 134, and a provision unit 135.

(Acquisition unit 131)
The acquisition unit 131 acquires user information regarding the user U via the communication unit 110. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires identification information indicating the user U (user ID, etc.), location information of the user U, attribute information of the user U, etc. from the terminal device 10 of the user U. Further, the acquisition unit 131 may acquire identification information indicating the user U, attribute information of the user U, etc. at the time of user U's user registration. The acquisition unit 131 then registers the user information in the user information database 121 of the storage unit 120.

Further, the acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of history information (log data) indicating the behavior of the user U via the communication unit 110. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of history information indicating the behavior of the user U from the terminal device 10 of the user U or from various servers based on the user ID or the like. The acquisition unit 131 then registers various types of history information in the history information database 122 of the storage unit 120.

In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 131 acquires position information, history information, etc. of each user U from the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 110 on a daily basis. For example, the acquisition unit 131 constantly or periodically (for example, every hour) collects location information, history information, etc. of each user U.

The acquisition unit 131 also acquires information regarding the area specified by the user U from the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 110. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires information regarding a mesh specified by the user U on a map divided into mesh units. Further, the acquisition unit 131 may acquire information regarding the area specified by the user U in units of administrative districts such as prefectures and cities, wards, towns, and villages. Further, the user U may obtain information regarding the area specified by the user U on a store-by-store/facility-by-facility basis.

The acquisition unit 131 also acquires a search query input by the user U from the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 110. For example, when the user U inputs a search query into a search engine or the like and performs a keyword search, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the search query via the communication unit 110.

(Measurement unit 132)
The measurement unit 132 measures the population of each region based on the location information, history information, etc. of each user U. For example, the measurement unit 132 measures the population of each region by dividing and aggregating the location information, history information, etc. of each user U by region. Note that the region is a mesh unit on the map. Further, the area may be in units of administrative districts such as prefectures and cities, wards, towns and villages, or may be in units of stores/facilities.

In the present embodiment, the measurement unit 132 measures the population of each region by date and time. For example, the measuring unit 132 measures the population of each region on a daily or hourly basis on a monthly basis by dividing and totaling the population of each region on a monthly basis by date or time. At this time, the measurement unit 132 measures the daily population of each region. Furthermore, the measurement unit 132 measures the population of each region every hour. Furthermore, the measurement unit 132 measures the monthly average of the population on a daily basis, the monthly average of the population on an hourly basis, etc. of each region.

(Learning Department 133)
The learning unit 133 learns the relationship between the population of the region corresponding to the store/facility by date and time and the store usage information of the store/facility. For example, the learning unit 133 learns the relationship between population and sales using each store or facility as one area.

The learning unit 133 learns the relationship between the sales at each date and time, which is the store usage method input by the user U who is a person related to the store/facility, and the population at the corresponding date and time. For example, the learning unit 133 generates a model that has learned the relationship between the population of each date and time and the sales of the corresponding date and time by machine learning using the population of each date and time and the sales of the corresponding date and time as learning data. At this time, the learning unit 133 may perform learning by including weather information of the corresponding date and time in the learning data. Further, for example, when a region is a facility, the learning unit 133 may use the sales of the entire facility as learning data, or may use the sales of each tenant opening a store in the facility as learning data. .

Further, the learning unit 133 may learn the relationship between the population of each date and time and the sales of the corresponding date and time for each product category. The product category here refers to the product category (for example, fresh foods, apparel products, etc.) that is sold in one store, but when targeting multiple stores such as commercial facilities, the tenant Alternatively, stores may be classified and each classified tenant or the entire store may be regarded as a product category.

Further, the learning unit 133 may, for example, learn the relationship between the population of each date and time and the sales of the corresponding date and time, taking into account seasonality. For example, in this case, the learning unit 133 may aggregate sales by product category at each store on a seasonal basis, and perform learning using the aggregated results.

Further, the learning unit 133 may use store usage information acquired from a payment system used at each store as learning data.

(Generation unit 134)
The generation unit 134 generates a population matrix for the area specified by the user U. For example, the generation unit 134 generates a population matrix for the area designated by the user U based on the measured population. At this time, the generation unit 134 generates information necessary for displaying the population matrix of the area on the terminal device 10.

Further, the generation unit 134 generates various information regarding store usage for displaying the population matrix on the terminal device 10. For example, the generation unit 134 generates information regarding sales at each date and time corresponding to each cell of the population matrix, and generates a population matrix in which information regarding sales is assigned to each cell.

In addition, when the estimation target cell (see FIG. 3) is specified by the user U, the generation unit 134 generates various information such as the date and time corresponding to the estimation target cell for the model generated by the learning result by the learning unit 133. By inputting data, information regarding sales at the corresponding date and time is generated (estimated).

(Providing unit 135)
The providing unit 135 provides information regarding the population matrix of the specified area to the terminal device 10 of the user U who specified the target area via the communication unit 110. At this time, the providing unit 135 provides information necessary for displaying the population matrix of the area on the terminal device 10. For example, the providing unit 135 provides information regarding the layout of the population matrix, each item, the display mode of table cells, the breakdown of the population, and the like.

The providing unit 135 also provides store usage information (e.g., sales) as information for displaying the population matrix on the terminal device 10 and index values related to store usage estimated based on the learning results by the learning unit 133 (e.g., Provide information regarding (sales).

Further, the providing unit 135 cooperates with the terminal device 10 of each user U via the communication unit 110, and provides API (Application Programming Interface) services and various data. Further, the providing unit 135 may provide some kind of web service online to the terminal device 10 of each user U via the communication unit 110.

[5. Processing procedure]
[5-1. Server-side processing procedure]
Next, a processing procedure by the information providing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment will be described using FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the information providing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. Note that the processing procedure shown below is repeatedly executed by the control unit 130 of the information providing device 100.

As shown in FIG. 13, the information providing device 100 acquires store usage information regarding store usage from the terminal device 10 (step S101). Subsequently, the information providing device 100 learns the relationship between the store usage information and the population at each date and time of the store usage information received from the terminal device 10 (step S102).

Subsequently, the information providing device 100 acquires information regarding the estimation target cell from which the index value is estimated from the terminal device 10 of the user U (step S103). Subsequently, the information providing device 100 estimates the index value regarding store usage of the estimation target cell received from the terminal device 10 (step S104).

Subsequently, the information providing device 100 provides information regarding the estimated index value to the terminal device 10 of the user U who has specified the target area via the communication unit 110 (step S105).

[5-2. Processing procedure on the terminal side]
Next, a processing procedure by the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment will be described using FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment. Note that the processing procedure shown below is repeatedly executed by the control unit 30 of the terminal device 10.

As shown in FIG. 14, the terminal device 10 receives a designation of a target area from the user U (step S201). For example, the processing unit 33 displays a map divided into mesh units on the display unit 12, and accepts any mesh specified by the user U using the input unit 13 as the area targeted for the population matrix. Then, the transmitting unit 31 of the terminal device 10 transmits information regarding the designated area to the information providing device 100 via the communication unit 11.

Subsequently, the terminal device 10 displays the population matrix of the target area (step S202). For example, the terminal device 10 receives information regarding the population matrix of the area specified by the user U from the information providing device 100 via the communication unit 11. The display control unit 34 displays the population matrix of the area specified by the user U on the display unit 12 based on the information regarding the population matrix from the information providing device 100.

Subsequently, the terminal device 10 uploads the store usage information of the date and time corresponding to the cell of the population matrix displayed on the display unit 12 to the information providing device 100 (step S203).

Subsequently, the terminal device 10 receives a designation of an estimation target cell whose index value is to be estimated based on the user's operation on the displayed population matrix (step S204). Information regarding the estimation target cell specified by the user is transmitted to the information providing device 100.

Then, the terminal device 10 acquires information regarding the index value of the estimation target cell received from the information providing device 100, and displays the index value of the estimation target cell (step S205).

[6. Modified example]
The terminal device 10 and the information providing device 100 described above may be implemented in various different forms other than the above embodiments. Therefore, a modification of the embodiment will be described below.

In the above embodiment, part or all of the processing executed by the information providing device 100 may actually be executed by the terminal device 10. For example, the process may be completed stand-alone (by the terminal device 10 alone). In this case, it is assumed that the terminal device 10 has the functions of the information providing device 100 in the above embodiment. Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, since the terminal device 10 cooperates with the information providing device 100, it appears to the user U that the terminal device 10 also executes the processing of the information providing device 100. That is, from another perspective, it can be said that the terminal device 10 includes the information providing device 100.

Further, in the above embodiment, the information providing device 100 may measure the population of each region based on the payment history at physical stores, the railway usage history, etc. among the history information of the user U. . At this time, the information providing device 100 may determine the location of a physical store or a station ticket gate as the location of the user U.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the terminal device 10 displays the population average on a daily basis instead of the average population on a daily basis (all hours of the day) in the row closest to the date axis of the population matrix (the row at the top of the matrix). The median or maximum population value may be displayed. In addition, the column closest to the time axis of the population matrix (the leftmost column of the matrix) may display the monthly median or maximum value of the hourly population instead of the monthly average of the hourly population. . Then, in the position where the row closest to the date category axis of the population matrix intersects the column closest to the time category axis (the upper left cell of the matrix), instead of the monthly average of the daily population, the daily population The monthly median or maximum population may be displayed.

Alternatively, in the above embodiment, the terminal device 10 may display the maximum value of the daily population in the bottom row of the population matrix. Furthermore, the monthly maximum value of the hourly population may be displayed in the rightmost column of the population matrix. Then, at the intersection of the bottom row of the population matrix and the rightmost column of the population matrix (the bottom right cell of the matrix), instead of the monthly average daily population, the monthly maximum daily population may be displayed.

Further, in the above embodiment, a case has been described in which sales are estimated as the index value, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various index values related to store usage may be estimated. For example, the number of visitors, profits, usage rates of various campaigns such as coupons and points may be estimated as index values.

In this case, by acquiring store usage information including parameters corresponding to the index values, it becomes possible to learn and estimate various index values.

[7. effect〕
As described above, the information processing device (terminal device 10 and information providing device 100) according to the present application has an input unit 13 that accepts a region designation from the user U, and a date and a population of the region designated by the user. A population matrix expressed in matrix format with time as an axis is displayed on the screen, and when a cell of the population matrix is selected by the user, an index value related to store usage estimated at the date and time corresponding to the cell is displayed on the screen. and a display control unit 34 for displaying images on the screen.

Further, the display control unit 34 displays the estimated sales at the date and time corresponding to the cell specified by the user as an index value. Further, the display control unit 34 displays the estimated sales of each product at the date and time corresponding to the cell specified by the user as an index value.

Further, the display control unit 34 displays the estimated number of visitors at the date and time corresponding to the cell specified by the user as an index value. Further, the display control unit 34 displays the profit estimated at the date and time corresponding to the cell specified by the user as an index value.

Further, the display control unit 34 displays the usage rate of the campaign estimated at the date and time corresponding to the cell specified by the user as an index value. Further, when a cell of the population matrix is selected by the user, the display control unit 34 displays on the screen an index value related to store usage estimated based on weather information at the date and time corresponding to the cell.

By using any one or a combination of the above-described processes, the information processing apparatus according to the present application can provide a new service related to visualization of changes in the number of people over time.

[8. Hardware configuration]
Further, the terminal device 10 and the information providing device 100 according to the embodiments described above are realized by, for example, a computer 1000 having a configuration as shown in FIG. 14. The information providing apparatus 100 will be described below as an example. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration. The computer 1000 is connected to an output device 1010 and an input device 1020, and a calculation device 1030, a primary storage device 1040, a secondary storage device 1050, an output I/F (Interface) 1060, an input I/F 1070, and a network I/F 1080 are connected to a bus. 1090.

The arithmetic unit 1030 operates based on programs stored in the primary storage device 1040 and the secondary storage device 1050, programs read from the input device 1020, and performs various processes. The arithmetic device 1030 is realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like.

The primary storage device 1040 is a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores data used by the calculation device 1030 for various calculations. Further, the secondary storage device 1050 is a storage device in which data used by the calculation device 1030 for various calculations and various databases are registered, and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and an SSD (Solid Disk Drive). This is realized using flash memory, etc. The secondary storage device 1050 may be a built-in storage or an external storage. Further, the secondary storage device 1050 may be a removable storage medium such as a USB memory or an SD (Secure Digital) memory card. Further, the secondary storage device 1050 may be a cloud storage (online storage), a NAS (Network Attached Storage), a file server, or the like.

The output I/F 1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to the output device 1010 that outputs various information such as a display, a projector, and a printer. (Digital Visual Interface) and HDMI (registered trademark) (High Definition Multimedia Interface). Further, the input I/F 1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020 such as a mouse, keyboard, keypad, button, scanner, etc., and is realized by, for example, a USB or the like.

Further, the output I/F 1060 and the input I/F 1070 may be wirelessly connected to the output device 1010 and the input device 1020, respectively. That is, output device 1010 and input device 1020 may be wireless devices.

Moreover, the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 may be integrated like a touch panel. In this case, the output I/F 1060 and the input I/F 1070 may also be integrated as an input/output I/F.

Note that the input device 1020 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a PD (Phase change rewritable disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), or a tape. It may be a device that reads information from a medium, a magnetic recording medium, a semiconductor memory, or the like.

Network I/F 1080 receives data from other devices via network N and sends it to computing device 1030, and also sends data generated by computing device 1030 to other devices via network N.

Arithmetic device 1030 controls output device 1010 and input device 1020 via output I/F 1060 and input I/F 1070. For example, the arithmetic device 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or the secondary storage device 1050 onto the primary storage device 1040, and executes the loaded program.

For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the information providing device 100, the arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 realizes the functions of the control unit 130 by executing a program loaded onto the primary storage device 1040. Further, the arithmetic device 1030 of the computer 1000 may load a program obtained from another device via the network I/F 1080 onto the primary storage device 1040, and execute the loaded program. Furthermore, the arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 may cooperate with other devices via the network I/F 1080, and may call and use program functions, data, etc. from other programs of other devices.

[9. others〕
Although the embodiments of the present application have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents of these embodiments. Furthermore, the above-mentioned components include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are in a so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the aforementioned components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the constituent elements can be made without departing from the gist of the embodiments described above.

Further, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or the processes described as being performed manually can be performed manually. All or part of this can also be performed automatically using known methods. In addition, information including the processing procedures, specific names, and various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings may be changed arbitrarily, unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the illustrated information.

Furthermore, each component of each device shown in the drawings is functionally conceptual, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown in the drawings. In other words, the specific form of distributing and integrating each device is not limited to what is shown in the diagram, and all or part of the devices can be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in arbitrary units depending on various loads and usage conditions. Can be integrated and configured.

For example, the information providing apparatus 100 described above may be realized by a plurality of server computers, and depending on the function, it may be realized by calling an external platform etc. using an API (Application Programming Interface), network computing, etc. can be changed flexibly.

Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate within a range that does not conflict with the processing contents.

Further, the above-mentioned "section, module, unit" can be read as "means", "circuit", etc. For example, the acquisition unit can be read as an acquisition means or an acquisition circuit.

1 Information processing system 10 Terminal device 12 Display section 13 Input section 34 Display control section 100 Information providing device 110 Communication section 120 Storage section 121 User information database 122 History information database 123 Population information database 124 Store usage information database 130 Control section 131 Acquisition Section 132 Measurement section 133 Learning section 134 Generation section 135 Providing section

Claims (9)

an input section that accepts region designation by the user;
A population matrix expressing the population of the area specified by the user in matrix format with date and time as axes is displayed on the screen, and when a cell of the population matrix is selected by the user, the cell is displayed. a display control unit that displays on the screen an index value related to store usage estimated at a corresponding date and time;
An information processing device comprising: The display control section includes:
The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein sales estimated at a date and time corresponding to the cell specified by a user are displayed as the index value. The display control section includes:
The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein sales by product category estimated at a date and time corresponding to the cell specified by the user are displayed as the index value. The display control section includes:
The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the number of visitors estimated at the date and time corresponding to the cell specified by the user is displayed as the index value. The display control section includes:
The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein a profit estimated at a date and time corresponding to the cell specified by a user is estimated as the index value. The display control section includes:
The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein a usage rate of a campaign used in a store estimated at a date and time corresponding to the cell specified by a user is displayed as the index value. The display control section includes:
According to claim 1, when a cell of the population matrix is selected by the user, an index value regarding store usage estimated based on weather information at the date and time corresponding to the cell is displayed on the screen. The information processing device described. An information processing method performed by a computer, the method comprising:
an input step for accepting region designation by the user;
A population matrix expressing the population of the area specified by the user in matrix format with date and time as axes is displayed on the screen, and when a cell of the population matrix is selected by the user, the cell is displayed. a display control step of displaying on the screen an index value related to store usage estimated at a corresponding date and time;
An information processing method characterized by comprising: An input procedure for accepting a region specification by a user;
A population matrix expressing the population of the area specified by the user in matrix format with date and time as axes is displayed on the screen, and when a cell of the population matrix is selected by the user, the cell is displayed. a display control procedure for displaying on the screen an index value related to store usage estimated at a corresponding date and time;
An information processing program that causes a computer to execute.

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