JP5322712B2 - Facility usage information guidance method, information distribution server, image transmission apparatus, computer program therefor, and recording medium therefor - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a guidance method in a facility corresponding to a user on a first-come-first-served basis, such as a hospital or an osteopath, and in particular, a guidance method, an information distribution server, and an image that guide a user who can be used to accurately determine when to go to the facility The present invention relates to a transmission apparatus, a computer program therefor, and a recording medium therefor.

  In medical institutions such as hospitals, waiting time for medical treatment occurs. In particular, if there are many patients waiting for medical care in a facility where medical care is performed on a first-come-first-served basis, the time for waiting for medical care becomes longer. Moreover, it is difficult for each patient to go out because it is not clear when they will be called. For this reason, waiting time for medical care is a heavy burden for visitors.

  One way to solve this problem is to adopt a appointment system for consultation hours. For example, in a large-scale hospital or the like, a consultation reservation system has been introduced in which a visit time is determined for each patient and the reception time is managed. However, the introduction of such a system is expensive, and the medical treatment is delayed as planned, and the expected effect is often not obtained. As a result, the visitor's burden related to waiting for medical care has hardly been reduced. Such a problem is not limited to a medical institution and is a problem that can always occur in a facility corresponding to a user on a first-come-first-served basis.

  Even when using a facility that does not have a reservation system, the user makes various efforts to reduce the waiting time as much as possible. For example, there are many users who check the availability by making a phone call in order to know whether or not facilities are crowded. If the user lives near the facility, the user himself / herself may go directly to the facility and decide whether to use it by looking at the status of the waiting room.

  However, when a user calls a facility and confirms the availability, the facility that receives the call must respond to each call, which is very troublesome. When the user goes directly to the facility to check the situation, labor and time are wasted for the user who knows that it is crowded and returns without doing anything. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of the facility, it is desirable to be able to accept facility users in an average form without any difference between the busy and quiet. For this reason, in the facilities corresponding to the users on a first-come-first-served basis, there is a request on the user side and the facility side for simply knowing and notifying the crowded state.

  Therefore, there is a need for a system that allows the user to easily know the user's waiting status in a facility where the user is handled on a first-come-first-served basis. Furthermore, considering a small facility such as a medical institution, it is desirable that the introduction of such a system does not require a large cost.

  In order to notify the status of waiting for medical care, in Patent Document 1, the status of a waiting room in which a user waits is photographed by a camera, a face is detected from the image, the number of users in the waiting room is specified, a mobile phone, etc. A technique for transmitting data is disclosed.

JP 2008-242853 A

  Recently, the need to protect personal information has been emphasized. As in the technique described in Patent Document 1, when photographing a waiting room, it is necessary to obtain the consent of a person in the waiting room. In the case of a facility where an unspecified number of people gather, it is difficult to obtain such consent. Furthermore, in hospitals and other facilities, information on who is in the waiting room is also related to personal privacy because of the characteristics of medical institutions. Therefore, it is difficult to adopt the technique described in Patent Document 1 in a normal facility. Furthermore, since a technique for identifying a face is required, there is a problem that the system is complicated and expensive.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a guidance method, an information distribution server, an image transmission device, and a computer therefor capable of guiding a user in the facility corresponding to the user on a first-come-first-served basis with a simple configuration. It is to provide a program and its recording medium.

  Another object of the present invention is a guidance method and information capable of guiding the congestion of facilities with a simple configuration in consideration of personal privacy protection in facilities corresponding to users on a first-come-first-served basis. A distribution server, an image transmission device, a computer program therefor, and a recording medium thereof are provided.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a guidance method capable of guiding a crowded facility to a remote user with a simple configuration in consideration of personal privacy protection in a facility corresponding to the user on a first-come-first-served basis. An information delivery server, an image transmission device, a computer program therefor, and a recording medium therefor.

  The guidance method according to the first aspect of the present invention is a guidance method in a guidance system that uses an image delivery server and delivers facility usage guidance information corresponding to a user on a first-come-first-served basis. The user of this facility is supposed to put footwear in a predetermined position when using the facility. The server receives an image from a camera provided so as to photograph a predetermined position of the facility, receives a request for facility guidance information from an external terminal, and data reception storage means for storing the image in association with the facility And an image distribution means for transmitting an image at a predetermined location of the facility stored in the data reception storage means to the terminal that has transmitted the request. In this method, every time the data reception storage means receives an image from the camera, the image associated with the facility is updated to the latest image, and the image distribution means responds to the guidance information of a predetermined facility from an external terminal. In response to receiving the request, delivering an image stored in the data receiving and storing means corresponding to the facility to the terminal that sent the request.

  The facility user places his / her footwear in a predetermined position when using the facility. The camera captures the predetermined position and transmits the image to the data reception storage means. The data reception storage means updates and stores the image in association with the facility each time an image from the camera is received. In response to receiving a request for guidance information on a predetermined facility from an external terminal, the image distribution unit transmits an image stored in the data reception storage unit corresponding to the facility to which the request has been transmitted. Deliver to.

  When a request for guidance information of a predetermined facility is transmitted to the server from, for example, a mobile phone, an image of a position where the user puts his footwear is distributed to the mobile phone in this facility. By looking at the footwear image displayed on the mobile phone, it is possible to easily grasp the congestion status of the facility. There is no need to go out to the facility or ask the person in charge about the congestion situation over the phone. As a result, it is possible to provide a guidance method capable of guiding the user how busy the facility is with a simple configuration in the facility corresponding to the user on a first-come-first-served basis.

  An information distribution server according to a second aspect of the present invention is an information distribution server in a guidance system that distributes facility usage guidance information corresponding to a user on a first-come-first-served basis. The user of this facility is supposed to put footwear in a predetermined position when using the facility. This server receives an image from a camera provided to photograph a predetermined position of a facility, stores data associated with the facility, and stores a request for facility guidance information from an external terminal. Image distribution means for receiving and transmitting an image at a predetermined location of the facility stored in the data reception storage means to the terminal that has transmitted the request.

  Preferably, the data reception storage means is a reception means for receiving an image from a camera provided to photograph a predetermined position of the facility, and a first for storing an image associated with the facility, respectively. In response to the reception of a new image by the second and third storage means and the reception means, the image stored in the first storage means is moved to the second storage means, and a new In response to the update of the images in the first and second storage means by the image update means, the image update means for storing the image in the first storage means, and in the first and second storage means A determination means for determining whether or not the stored images match each other, and a response when the determination means determines that the images stored in the first and second storage means match each other To the first or second storage means The image that has been and a distribution image updating means for moving the third storage means. The image distribution means includes means for transmitting the image stored in the third storage means to the terminal that has transmitted the request in response to receiving a request for facility guidance information from an external terminal.

  Each time an image from the camera is received, the image is stored in the first storage unit, and the immediately preceding image is moved to the second storage unit. When the images stored in the two match, there is a high possibility that a person is not reflected in the image, and the image is stored in the third storage means and released by the image distribution means. When the two do not match, there is a high possibility that a person appears in the image, and the image is not released. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the risk of distributing the image of the facility user. As a result, it is possible to provide an information distribution server capable of guiding the crowded state of the facility to the user with a simple configuration in consideration of personal privacy protection in the facility corresponding to the user on a first-come-first-served basis.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program comprising: a receiving means for receiving an image from a camera provided to photograph a predetermined position of a facility; and an image associated with each facility. In response to the reception of a new image by the reception means, the image stored in the first storage means is stored in the second storage. In response to the update of the images in the first and second storage means by the image update means, and an image update means for storing the new image in the first storage means. And the image stored in the first and second storage means match each other by the determination means for determining whether or not the images stored in the second storage means match each other. In response to the decision And a response to receiving a request for facility guidance information from an external terminal, and a distribution image updating unit for moving the image stored in the first or second storage unit to the third storage unit Thus, the image stored in the third storage unit is caused to function as a unit for transmitting to the terminal that has transmitted the request.

  An image transmitting apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes an image receiving unit for receiving image data from a camera, first and second storage units for storing image data, and an image receiving unit, respectively. In response to the means receiving new image data, the image stored in the first storage means is moved to the second storage means, and the new image data is stored in the first storage means. Whether the images stored in the first and second storage means match in response to the image update means and the image update means updating the images in the first and second storage means In response to determining that the images stored in the first and second storage means match by the determination means and the determination means for determining whether the image is stored in the first or second storage means The image being sent to the specified image distribution server And an image transmitting means fit.

  Each time an image from the camera is received, the image is stored in the first storage unit, and the immediately preceding image is moved to the second storage unit. When the images stored in the two match, there is a high possibility that no person is reflected in the image, and the image is transmitted to the image distribution server and released. When the two do not match, there is a high possibility that a person appears in the image, and the image is not transmitted to the image distribution server and is not disclosed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the risk of distributing the image of the facility user. As a result, it is possible to provide an image transmission apparatus capable of guiding the crowded state of the facility to the user with a simple configuration in consideration of personal privacy protection in the facility corresponding to the user on a first-come-first-served basis.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program comprising: an image receiving means for receiving image data from a camera; first and second storage means for storing image data; In response to the reception of new image data by the image receiving means, the image stored in the first storage means is moved to the second storage means, and the new image data is stored in the first storage means. Whether the images stored in the first and second storage means match in response to the image update means for updating the image and the image update means updating the images in the first and second storage means In response to determining that the determination means for determining whether the images stored in the first and second storage means match by the determination means is stored in the first or second storage means Predetermined images To function as the image transmission means for transmitting to the image distribution server.

  A recording medium according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium storing any of the computer programs described above.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in a facility usage status guidance system corresponding to users on a first-come-first-served basis, a place where footwear is placed, typically an image of a front door, is distributed, so that it can be accurately configured with a simple configuration. You can guide the congestion situation of the facility. By publishing only images when images that are repeatedly shot match, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the user's image will be distributed and to protect the privacy of the user. As a result, it is possible to provide a guidance method, an information distribution server, and an image transmission apparatus for the facility that can guide the user to the crowded state of the facility with a simple configuration in the facility corresponding to the user on a first-come-first-served basis. .

It is a figure which shows the structure of the guidance system 46 which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the information processing terminal 30 which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image delivery server 32 which concerns on this Embodiment. In the guidance system which concerns on 1st Embodiment, it is a figure which shows the screen displayed on a mobile telephone. In the image delivery server which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, it is a figure which represents the program structure of the server operation | movement when it is performed with CPU90 and image data is received from the information processing terminal 30 in a flowchart format. In the information processing terminal which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, it is a figure showing the structure of the program which is performed by CPU60 and performs the operation | movement until it takes in an image from a web camera and transmits to the image delivery server 32. It is a figure for demonstrating the masking process which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure showing the structure of the program performed in the information processing terminal which concerns on 4th Embodiment in the flowchart format.

  This embodiment is intended for a small clinic as a facility corresponding to users on a first-come-first-served basis. In the present embodiment, the image of the entrance in the clinic is provided to a remote user as information for the user to grasp the degree of congestion in the clinic. In small clinics, visitors often take off their shoes and enter the hospital. Knowing how many shoes are at the entrance, remote users can guess how busy the hospital is. Only a simple camera is needed to capture the interior. Since only the entrance is photographed, no visitor is identified. Therefore, it is possible to perform information distribution in consideration of personal privacy protection.

  In the following description and drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and names. Their functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[First Embodiment]
-Constitution-
Referring to FIG. 1, a guidance system 46 used in a small clinic is connected to the information processing terminal 30 and the information processing terminal 30, and is a web installed at a position where the entire entrance 48 of the clinic can be photographed. Camera 40. The information processing terminal 30 is connected to an existing image distribution server 32 via a router (not shown), an Internet service provider server, and the Internet 42. The image distribution server 32 is a normal image distribution server for a web camera. By accessing the image distribution server 32 with a predetermined URL, an image taken by the web camera of the information processing terminal specified by the URL is displayed. The image is distributed from the image distribution server 32 to a mobile phone 38 or the like via a mobile phone network (not shown). The image distribution server 32 stores information (hereinafter referred to as “registration information”) regarding an information processing terminal that provides a service for distributing images. Although not particularly repeated in the following description, the image distribution server 32 is configured to accept only images from registered information processing terminals.

  The hardware configurations of the information processing terminal 30 and the image distribution server 32 may be very general as described below.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the information processing terminal 30 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 60, a bus 78 connected to the CPU 60, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 62 and a RAM (RAM) all connected to the bus 78. Random Access Memory) 64, a display unit 68, an operation unit 66, a storage unit 70, and an external medium drive 72.

  The information processing terminal 30 further includes a LAN interface 74 connected to the bus 78 and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface 76 connected to the web camera 40.

  The LAN interface 74 is connected to a router (not shown).

  Referring to FIG. 3, the image distribution server 32 includes a CPU 90, a bus 108 connected to the CPU 90, and a ROM 92, a RAM 94, a display unit 98, an operation unit 96, a storage unit 100, all connected to the bus 108. And a LAN interface 104. The image distribution server 32 further includes a terminal DB (database) unit 106 for storing information necessary for providing the service, such as registration information of an information processing terminal that uses the image data distribution service, and an external medium drive 102. Including.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the mobile phone in the guidance system. The displayed screen includes an image 150 taken by a web camera.

-Operation-
In the present embodiment, the web camera 40 captures the entrance 48 at a constant frame rate and transmits the image to the information processing terminal 30. The information processing terminal 30 captures the image transmitted from the web camera 40 and transmits the latest image at that time to the image distribution server 32 at regular time intervals. Each time the image distribution server 32 receives an image from the information processing terminal 30, the image distribution server 32 stores this image in the storage unit 100 at a position corresponding to the URL assigned for the clinic where the guidance system 46 is installed. To do. In the present embodiment, the image is always overwritten at this time.

  A user who wants to visit the clinic where the guidance system 46 is installed inputs the URL assigned to this clinic in the URL field of the browser of the mobile phone 38 and accesses the image distribution server 32. In response to this access, the image distribution server 32 returns the latest image transmitted and stored from the information processing terminal 30 to the mobile phone 38. When the mobile phone 38 displays this image, the user of the mobile phone 38 can know the state of the entrance of the clinic, and can check the crowded state of the clinic from the situation of the shoes.

  In FIG. 1, the image distribution server 32 and the information processing terminal 30 may be realized by the same computer. In this case, it is needless to say that this computer needs to be assigned a unique IP address.

  In the present embodiment, the image capture and transmission program executed by the information processing terminal 30 and the image reception and distribution program executed by the image distribution server 32 are all currently available. Since it can be used as it is, its details are not described here.

  As described above, by acquiring an image of the entrance 48 of the clinic using the web camera 40 and publishing it on the Internet, it is possible to distribute information regarding the degree of congestion in the clinic in the form of an image. Since only the entrance is photographed and the visitors are not directly projected, information can be distributed in consideration of personal privacy. A known web camera is used as the camera, and an ordinary computer can be used as the information processing terminal for image acquisition. An existing image distribution server 32 can be used. For this reason, a clinic or the like that newly introduces this system may prepare a web camera, an information processing terminal, and software for web camera capture and transmission. Since any of these can be used, it is possible to construct a guidance system that discloses the degree of congestion in the clinic with a very inexpensive and simple configuration. As a result, it is possible to provide a guidance system that can provide guidance to the user about the congestion of the facility with a simple configuration in the facility corresponding to the user on a first-come-first-served basis. Compared to the one described in Patent Document 1, since the waiting room is not photographed, the risk of infringing on the privacy of the user of the facility can be reduced.

[Second Embodiment]
In the guidance system according to the first embodiment, image data of the entrance is acquired and released at regular intervals. In such a method, the user of the facility may be reflected in the image data depending on the timing. Such an image will be updated with the next image in a very short period of time, so it seems that there will be no big problem from the viewpoint of personal privacy protection, but the image is also released in a way that the facility user can understand. It is not desirable.

  In the second embodiment, only when the server determines that there is no one at the entrance based on the received image, the image is disclosed and when it is determined that there is a person at the entrance, the image is displayed. By destroying, personal privacy will be fully protected.

-Constitution-
The guidance system according to the second embodiment uses the same hardware as the guidance system 46 and the image distribution server 32 shown in FIG. However, instead of the image distribution server 32 according to the first embodiment, an image distribution server that executes a program that explains the control structure is used to receive an image from the information processing terminal.

  In this image distribution server, in order to compare two images transmitted continuously from the same information processing terminal, a first frame area for storing the latest image of the latest two images, A second frame region for storing the immediately preceding image is secured in the storage unit 100 (see FIG. 3) for each information processing terminal. The image distribution server further secures in the storage unit 100 a third frame region for storing an image that is to be released as a result of comparison of the images stored in the first and second frame regions. .

  Referring to FIG. 5, the image distribution program executed by the image distribution server according to the second embodiment includes steps of receiving image data (hereinafter simply referred to as “S”) 502 and S 502. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the transmission source terminal of the received image is registered in the terminal DB unit, and the control flow is branched according to the determination result, and the terminal is not registered in S504 ( NO) is executed, and an error message is transmitted to the image data transmission source terminal. S518 and S518 are executed. The received image data is discarded, and the control returns to S502. S520 and S504 Is executed when it is determined that the terminal is registered (YES) in step S506, and the image received in step S502 is stored in the first frame area. It is, whether or not the image stored in the image and the second frame area which is stored in the first frame area coincides determines, and a S508 for branching control flow depending on the result of determination.

  This program is further executed subsequent to S510 and S510 in which the image stored in the second frame area is overwritten on the third frame area in response to being determined to match (YES) in S508, Generate an HTML document including S512 for acquiring time information from the received information, and time information acquired in S512, and a link to the image stored in the third frame area. The first frame is executed when the image stored in the storage unit 100 is stored at a position corresponding to the facility that is the transmission source of the image, and after the execution of S514 or when the image does not match (NO) in S508. Overwriting the image stored in the second frame and returning the control to S502.

  Note that in the determination in S508, it is not necessary that all the images match 100%. For example, using a motion vector detection technique in MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group), if the absolute value of the motion vector is smaller than a predetermined value in any region of the image, it may be determined that the two match.

―Operation―
In the second embodiment, the information processing terminal 30 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, the image distribution server operates as follows.

  When the image distribution server receives the image data from the information processing terminal (S502), it determines whether or not the transmission source terminal of the image data is registered in the terminal DB unit 106. If registered (YES in S504), the image distribution server received image is stored in the first frame area corresponding to the transmission source terminal (S506). The image distribution server compares the image in the first frame area corresponding to the transmission source terminal with the image stored in the second frame area, and determines whether the two images match (S508). If the two images match, the image of the second frame area is overwritten on the third frame area (S510), the time information when the image is received is acquired (S512), the time information and the link information to the image, An HTML document including is generated and saved by overwriting (S514). Thereafter, the second frame area is overwritten with the image in the first frame area (S516), and the next image data is received. If it is determined that the transmission source terminal is not registered (NO in S504), an error message is transmitted to the transmission source terminal (S518), the received data is discarded (S520), and the next image data Wait to receive.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the image received by the image distribution server from the information processing terminal determines whether or not the image received by the image distribution server matches the image received immediately before. Determine if there is movement. When the two images do not match, that is, when there is any movement at the entrance 48, there is a high possibility that the image of a person entering and exiting the entrance 48 will be included in the image, so the image published on the Internet is not updated. . If the two images match, that is, if it is determined that there is no change in the image of the entrance 48, it is considered that there is no one in the entrance 48, and therefore an image (third image) that is published on the Internet. The frame area image) is updated.

  In this way, by comparing a plurality of (typically two) consecutive images received, it is possible to confirm the movement at the entrance, that is, the presence or absence of movement of a person or an object. When the movement can be confirmed, the privacy of the person who passes through the entrance of the hospital can be more reliably protected by not updating the contents of the information to be disclosed.

[Third Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, the image distribution server determines whether or not a person is included in the image from the difference between the images. In the third embodiment, the image difference determination process is performed on the information processing terminal side, and the image is transmitted to the image distribution server only when it is determined that the preceding and succeeding images match. Since the difference is determined by the information processing terminal, the image distribution server 32 according to the first embodiment can be used as it is as the image distribution server.

-Constitution-
The guidance system according to the third embodiment uses the same hardware as the guidance system 46 and the image distribution server 32 shown in FIG. However, instead of the information processing terminal 30 in FIG. 1, an information processing terminal that performs the above-described image difference determination is included.

  An information processing terminal according to the third embodiment stores a second frame image stored from the web camera 40 in the storage unit 70 shown in FIG. 2 in order to compare received image data. The first and second frame areas are secured. Of these two frames, the latest image is stored in the first frame area, and the previous image is stored in the second frame area.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the program executed by the information processing terminal is S602 for capturing an image from web camera 40, and S604 that is executed subsequent to S602 and stores the captured image in the first frame area. It is determined whether or not the image stored in the first frame area and the image stored in the second frame area match, and the control flow is branched in accordance with the determination result. In response to the determination of (YES), the image data stored in the second frame area is transmitted to the image distribution server 32 together with the registration information of the information processing terminal, and after execution of S608 and at S606. This is executed when it is determined that the images do not match (NO), and the image stored in the first frame area is overwritten on the second frame area, and the control returns to S602. And a 610.

―Operation―
The information processing terminal according to the third embodiment operates as follows.

  When the information processing terminal captures the image data by controlling the web camera 40 (S602), the information processing terminal stores the captured image in the first frame region (S604). Thereafter, the image in the first frame area is compared with the image stored in the second frame area received immediately before (S606), and if the two images match, the image is stored in the second frame area. The image is transmitted to the image distribution server 32 together with the registration information of the information processing terminal (S608). Thereafter, the image of the first frame area is overwritten on the second frame area (S610), the image is taken in again from the web camera, and the above operation is repeated.

  As described above, the information processing terminal compares the two images, the latest image captured from the web camera and the image captured immediately before, and when both images match, that is, the image of the entrance 48. Only when it is determined that there is no change, the image data is transmitted to the server. By transmitting the image data only when it is determined that there is no one at the entrance 48, the possibility that the image of the user passing through the entrance will be disclosed by the image distribution server 32 is reduced, and privacy protection is further enhanced. it can. Since whether or not image data is transmitted is determined on the information processing terminal side, data exchange between the information processing terminal and the server is reduced, and the amount of data related to communication can be reduced. Furthermore, it is not necessary to determine whether or not consecutive images match in the image distribution server, and an information distribution system that can reduce the load on the image distribution server can be configured.

[Fourth Embodiment]
The entrance 48 of a hospital or the like has a reception counter and a receptionist is often waiting. Visitors go through the examination procedure here and wait in this place until the procedure is complete. If image data is read during that time, the image data including this visitor is photographed depending on the position of the reception counter. If the visitor waits without moving, the result of the difference determination is that it is determined that there is no person even though the person is photographed, and there is a risk that an image including the visitor will be distributed on the Internet. is there. Also, if there is a person in this part for a long time and it is moving, the image may not be distributed for a long time.

  Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, masking processing is performed on an image acquired by a web camera, and image information near a place where a visitor is likely to stop is invalidated.

-Constitution-
The guidance system according to the fourth embodiment uses the same hardware as the guidance system 46 and the image distribution server 32 shown in FIG. However, the program executed by the information processing terminal of the guidance system according to the fourth embodiment has a configuration described below.

  In order to compare the latest two received image data, the information processing terminal according to the fourth embodiment provides the first and second frame areas in the storage unit 70 shown in FIG. Image data for two images is stored. The latest image is stored in the first frame area, and the immediately preceding image is stored in the second frame area. The storage unit 70 further stores information related to a preset mask for masking a part of the image.

  Referring to FIG. 7A, in addition to the soil where shoes taken off are placed in the photographing region 120 when the hospital entrance 48 is photographed by the web camera 40, a reception counter 122 and a lower leg box 124 are obtained. And shall be included. Normally, the web camera is arranged so that the reception counter 122 and the like are not captured, but only an image as shown in FIG. 7A may be obtained due to the structure of the building.

  If the webcam is arranged in this way, the visitor's image will appear in multiple frames in the webcam image while the visitor is performing the consultation procedure at the reception counter 122. The image may be transmitted to the image distribution server and distributed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, occurrence of such a problem is avoided as follows.

  Referring to FIG. 7B, a mask 130 for performing a masking process on image data is provided. The mask 130 includes a mask region 126 and other transmissive regions. The mask area 126 is determined in advance so as to include the reception counter 122 and its vicinity. By ANDing the mask 130 and the image from the web camera, the image near the reception counter 122 is masked, and an image 140 of the processing result as shown in FIG. 7C is obtained. In the image 140, the image near the counter is deleted. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a person who is accepting the image data will move.

  Referring to FIG. 8, the program executed by the information processing terminal of the guidance system according to the fourth embodiment is executed subsequent to S702 and S702 for taking an image from web camera 40 into the information processing terminal. Then, S704 performs masking processing on the captured image using the mask 130, and is executed subsequent to S704. The image subjected to the masking processing is stored in the first frame area. S706 is executed subsequent to S706. It is determined whether or not the image stored in the first frame area and the image stored in the second frame area match, and the control flow branches in accordance with the determination result. In response to the determination (YES), the image data stored in the second frame area is stored together with the registration information of this information processing terminal. S710 to be transmitted to S32, and after execution of S710 or when it is determined in S708 that the images do not match (NO), the image stored in the first frame area is overwritten on the second frame area, and control is performed. S712 to return to S702.

―Operation―
The information processing terminal of the guidance system according to the fourth embodiment operates as follows. The image distribution server 32 (see FIG. 1) operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  The information processing terminal captures the image data by controlling the web camera 40 (S702), and performs a masking process on the captured image using the mask 130 (S704). After the masking process, the processed image is stored in the first frame area (S706). Thereafter, the image in the first frame area is compared with the image stored in the second frame area (S708), and if the images match, the image data in the second frame area is displayed together with the registration information of the terminal. It transmits to the distribution server 32 (S710). Thereafter, the image of the first frame area is overwritten on the second frame area (S712), and the operations from S702 are repeated. If the two images do not match, the image of the first frame area is overwritten on the second frame area (S712), and the processing from S702 is repeated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the masking process for invalidating the image near the reception counter 122 is performed on the image captured using the web camera. As a result, the person who has stopped near the reception counter 122 can be excluded from the target of image data difference determination. As a result, it is possible to prevent misrecognition in a place where people are likely to stop and to further protect the privacy of people passing through the entrance. Since the image of a person who moves in the image for a long time is reflected, it is possible to prevent the update of the image from being delayed. By determining whether image data is transmitted on the information processing terminal side and transmitting the image only when necessary, data exchange between the information processing terminal and the server is reduced, and the amount of data related to communication may be reduced. it can. By reducing the number of data receptions, the number of processings at the server is also reduced, and an information distribution system with a light apparatus burden can be configured.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to distribute the congestion status of facilities corresponding to users in the form of an entrance image with a simple configuration using a camera. In the simplest configuration, it is possible to effectively realize a facility usage status guidance system by using existing hardware and software and devising their arrangement.

  Furthermore, it is judged whether or not people are reflected in the image captured from the camera, and only when it is determined that the person is not reflected in the image, the image is released to protect the privacy of the facility user. be able to. As a result, it is possible to realize an information disclosure system in consideration of personal privacy protection. Also, by sending only images to be disclosed from the information acquired from the camera to the server from the information processing terminal, data exchange between the information processing terminal and the server can be reduced, and information with a simple configuration can be obtained. A public system can be realized.

  The embodiment disclosed herein is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each of the claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are intended. Including.

30 Information processing terminal 32 Image distribution server 40 Web camera 46 Guidance system 60, 90 CPU
70, 100 storage unit

Claims (6)

An operation method of the image distribution server in a guidance system that distributes facility usage guidance information corresponding to a user on a first-come-first-served basis using an image distribution server ,
The user of the facility is supposed to put footwear in a predetermined position when using the facility,
The image distribution server
Data receiving and storing means for receiving an image from a camera provided so as to photograph the predetermined position of the facility and storing the image in association with the facility;
Image distribution means for receiving a request for guidance information of the facility from an external terminal and transmitting an image of the predetermined position of the facility stored in the data reception storage means to the terminal that has transmitted the request Including
The data reception storage means includes
Receiving means for receiving an image from a camera provided to photograph a predetermined position of the facility;
First, second and third storage means each for storing an image associated with the facility;
In response to the reception means receiving a new image, the image stored in the first storage means is moved to the second storage means, and the new image is transferred to the first storage means. Image updating means for storing in
Whether or not the images stored in the first and second storage means match each other in response to the update of the images in the first and second storage means by the image update means. A determination means for determining;
In response to determining that the images stored in the first and second storage units match each other by the determination unit, the image stored in the first or second storage unit is Distribution image update means for moving to the third storage means,
In response to receiving a request for the facility guidance information from an external terminal, the image distribution unit is configured to transmit the image stored in the third storage unit to the terminal that has transmitted the request. Including means,
The operation method is performed by the image distribution server.
Updating the image associated with the facility to the latest image each time the data reception storage means receives an image from the camera;
In response to receiving a request for guidance information on a predetermined facility from an external terminal, the image distribution unit transmits the request to the image stored in the data reception storage unit corresponding to the facility. and and a step of delivering to the terminal, the operation method. An information distribution server in a guidance system that distributes facility usage guidance information corresponding to users on a first-come-first-served basis,
The user of the facility is supposed to put footwear in a predetermined position when using the facility,
The information distribution server is
Data receiving and storing means for receiving an image from a camera provided so as to photograph the predetermined position of the facility and storing the image in association with the facility;
Image distribution means for receiving a request for guidance information of the facility from an external terminal and transmitting an image of the predetermined position of the facility stored in the data reception storage means to the terminal that has transmitted the request viewing including the door,
The data reception storage means includes
Receiving means for receiving an image from a camera provided to photograph a predetermined position of the facility;
First, second and third storage means each for storing an image associated with the facility;
In response to the reception means receiving a new image, the image stored in the first storage means is moved to the second storage means, and the new image is transferred to the first storage means. Image updating means for storing in
Whether or not the images stored in the first and second storage means match each other in response to the update of the images in the first and second storage means by the image update means. A determination means for determining;
In response to determining that the images stored in the first and second storage units match each other by the determination unit, the image stored in the first or second storage unit is Distribution image update means for moving to the third storage means,
In response to receiving a request for the facility guidance information from an external terminal, the image distribution unit is configured to transmit the image stored in the third storage unit to the terminal that has transmitted the request. An information distribution server including means . A computer program executed on a computer in a guidance system that distributes facility usage guidance information corresponding to users on a first-come-first-served basis,
The user of the facility is supposed to put footwear in a predetermined position when using the facility,
The computer
Receiving means for receiving the image from the camera which is arranged to shoot the predetermined position of the facility,
First, second and third storage means each for storing an image associated with the facility;
In response to the reception means receiving a new image, the image stored in the first storage means is moved to the second storage means, and the new image is transferred to the first storage means. Image updating means for storing in
Whether or not the images stored in the first and second storage means match each other in response to the update of the images in the first and second storage means by the image update means. A determination means for determining;
In response to determining that the images stored in the first and second storage units match each other by the determination unit, the image stored in the first or second storage unit is A delivery image update means for moving to a third storage means;
In response to receiving a request for the facility guidance information from an external terminal, the computer functions as means for transmitting the image stored in the third storage means to the terminal that has transmitted the request. program. An image transmission device in a guidance system that distributes facility usage guidance information corresponding to users on a first-come-first-served basis,
The user of the facility is supposed to put footwear in a predetermined position when using the facility,
Image receiving means for receiving image data from the camera;
First and second storage means for storing image data,
In response to the reception of new image data by the image receiving unit, the image stored in the first storage unit is moved to the second storage unit, and the new image data is transferred to the first storage unit. Image updating means for storing in the storage means,
In response to the update of the images in the first and second storage means by the image update means, it is determined whether or not the images stored in the first and second storage means match. Determination means for,
In response to the determination that the images stored in the first and second storage units match, the image stored in the first or second storage unit is changed to a predetermined image. An image transmission device including image transmission means for transmitting to a distribution server. A computer program executed on a computer in a guidance system that distributes facility usage guidance information corresponding to users on a first-come-first-served basis,
The user of the facility is supposed to put footwear in a predetermined position when using the facility,
The computer
Image receiving means for receiving image data from the camera;
First and second storage means for storing image data,
In response to the reception of new image data by the image receiving unit, the image stored in the first storage unit is moved to the second storage unit, and the new image data is transferred to the first storage unit. Image updating means for storing in the storage means,
In response to the update of the images in the first and second storage means by the image update means, it is determined whether or not the images stored in the first and second storage means match. Determination means for,
In response to the determination that the images stored in the first and second storage units match, the image stored in the first or second storage unit is changed to a predetermined image. A computer program that operates as image transmission means for transmitting to a distribution server. A computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program according to claim 3 or 5 .

Images