Congestion information display system, sensor device, congestion information display method, and storage medium

Abstract

A crowded information display system has: a sensor device having a housing having a plurality of faces associated with crowded information indicating a crowded state of a facility, and an acceleration sensor that acquires an acceleration that changes in association with a change in orientation of the housing resulting from a user's operation; a detection section that detects a face in a prescribed direction among the plurality of faces based on the acceleration acquired by the acceleration sensor; a crowded information acquisition section that acquires the crowded information associated with the face detected by the detection section; and a display processing section that causes the crowded information acquired by the crowded information acquisition section to be displayed on a display device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a congestion information display system, a sensor device, a congestion information display method, and a program.

[0002] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-091389, filed on May 26, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] In the past, various technologies have been proposed to provide real-time availability information for facilities such as restaurants and hotels to guests who are considering going there or who are considering making reservations.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses the following technology: using sensors or cameras to detect whether shop visitors are seated, and updating the available seats in real time based on the detection results for reference by those making reservations.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6414944 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] However, store managers sometimes visually assess crowding (vacancy) levels and manually update crowding (vacancy) information. Manual updates require managers to launch and log into the management application, input confirmation results, and perform other tasks, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the time and labor required for store and other facility managers to manually update crowding information.

[0010] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a congestion information display system, sensor device, congestion information display method and program that allow users to easily and manually update congestion information of facilities.

[0011] Methods for solving problems

[0012] To address the aforementioned issues, one aspect of the congestion information display system of the present invention includes: a sensor device comprising: a housing having a plurality of surfaces associated with congestion information indicating the congestion status of a facility; an acceleration sensor acquiring an acceleration that changes in conjunction with an orientation change of the housing caused by a user's operation; a detection unit that detects a surface among the plurality of surfaces oriented in a predetermined direction based on the acceleration acquired by the acceleration sensor; a congestion information acquisition unit acquiring the congestion information associated with the surface detected by the detection unit; and a display processing unit that displays the congestion information acquired by the congestion information acquisition unit on a display device.

[0013] One aspect of the present invention provides a sensor device comprising: a housing having a plurality of surfaces associated with congestion information indicating the congestion status of a facility; and an acceleration sensor acquiring an acceleration that changes in conjunction with a change in the orientation of the housing caused by a user's operation. The sensor device further comprises: a detection unit that detects a surface among the plurality of surfaces oriented in a predetermined direction based on the acceleration acquired by the acceleration sensor; and a communication unit that transmits surface information representing the surface detected by the detection unit to a device that acquires the congestion information of the facility based on the surface.

[0014] One aspect of the present invention is a congestion information display method, comprising a sensor device including: a housing having a plurality of surfaces associated with congestion information indicating the congestion status of a facility; and an acceleration sensor acquiring an acceleration that changes in conjunction with a change in the orientation of the housing caused by a user's operation. The congestion information display method includes: a detection unit detecting a surface oriented in a predetermined direction among the plurality of surfaces based on the acceleration acquired by the acceleration sensor; a congestion information acquisition unit acquiring the congestion information associated with the surface detected by the detection unit; and a display processing unit displaying the congestion information acquired by the congestion information acquisition unit on a display device.

[0015] One embodiment of the present invention is a storage medium storing a program that causes a computer to operate as follows: acquiring an acceleration that changes in the orientation of a housing having multiple surfaces associated with congestion information indicating the congestion status of a facility, generated based on user operation; detecting a surface among the multiple surfaces that is oriented in a predetermined direction based on the acceleration; acquiring the congestion information associated with the detected surface; and displaying the congestion information on a display device.

[0016] Invention Effects

[0017] According to the present invention, users can easily update facility congestion information manually. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the congestion information display system according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of the external configuration of the sensor device according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2B This is an unfolded view of the housing of the sensor device according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the face information table in the face information DB of the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the congestion information table in the congestion information DB of the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5 This is an example of a display image showing congestion information of a facility according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 6 This is an example of a display image showing congestion information of multiple facilities in the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow in the congestion information display system of the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the congestion information display system according to the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 9 This is an unfolded view of the housing of the sensor device according to the second embodiment.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the face information table in the face information DB of the second embodiment.

[0029] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the congestion information table in the congestion information DB of the second embodiment.

[0030] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the display of crowding information for each seat in the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis as needed. In each axis, the direction in which the arrow extends is called the "positive direction," and the direction opposite to the positive direction is called the "negative direction."

[0032] <<1. First Implementation>>

[0033] Reference Figures 1 to 7 The first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0034] <1-1. Composition of a congestion information display system>

[0035] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates an example of the configuration of the congestion information display system according to the first embodiment. (See diagram for example.) Figure 1 As shown, the congestion information display system 1 includes a sensor device 100, a gateway 200, a server device 300, and a display device 400. The sensor device 100 and the gateway 200 are installed in facility 10. In addition, in the first embodiment, one sensor device 100 and one gateway 200 are provided for one facility 10.

[0036] Facility 10 is the object for displaying congestion information. Congestion information is information indicating the congestion status of a facility. Examples of facilities 10 include those displaying seat availability as congestion information and those displaying equipment utilization as congestion information. Facilities displaying seat availability as congestion information specifically include restaurants, cinemas, and study rooms in academic institutions. Facilities displaying equipment utilization as congestion information specifically include sports facilities such as gyms.

[0037] Hereinafter, in the first embodiment, an example will be described where facility 10 is a restaurant and crowding information is information indicating the availability of seats in the restaurant.

[0038] The sensor device 100 acquires sensing and detection information related to itself. The sensor device 100 includes a housing 101 and an acceleration sensor 102. The sensor device 100 is, for example, disposed within the housing 101 (see reference 102). Figure 2A An accelerometer 102 is used to acquire acceleration as sensing information and to detect changes in acceleration within the sensor device 100. The accelerometer 102 can be disposed either inside or outside the housing 101. The sensor device 100, for example, acquires acceleration that changes in conjunction with changes in the orientation of the housing 101 caused by user operation. The user, for example, moves the sensor device 100 by hand, thereby changing the orientation of the housing 101 of the sensor device 100.

[0039] The housing of the sensor device 100 is a three-dimensional shape with multiple faces. Each face of the housing is associated with congestion information of the facility 10. For example, the user may or may not orient the face associated with the congestion information that the display device 400 (described later) wants to display in a specified direction.

[0040] On each surface of the housing 101 associated with congestion information, for example, a medium printed with congestion information is affixed. Thus, by observing the medium, the user can easily distinguish the surface associated with the desired congestion information and orient it in a specified direction. Furthermore, the user can easily grasp the congestion information of the surface currently oriented in the specified direction based on the medium. Additionally, the congestion information associated with each surface of the housing 101 can be directly depicted, printed, or handwritten relative to each surface.

[0041] The sensor device 100 detects a face facing a predetermined direction from among multiple faces based on the acceleration obtained by the accelerometer 102. The predetermined direction is the direction that uniquely determines the congestion information displayed by the display device 40. For example, the predetermined direction is the vertically upward direction. When the predetermined direction is the vertically upward direction, for example, if the shape of the housing 101 is a cuboid, cube, cylinder, prism, polyhedron, etc., having at least one set of two parallel faces, then the face facing the vertically upward direction can be uniquely determined. Hereinafter, the information indicating the face facing the predetermined direction detected by the sensor device 100 will be referred to as "face information." In this embodiment, the predetermined direction will be described as the vertically upward direction.

[0042] Sensor device 100 and gateway 200 are communicatively connected. For example, sensor device 100 communicates with gateway 200 via wireless connection such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Sensor device 100 sends various information to gateway 200 through communication. These various information include, for example, identification information, sensing detection information, surface information, and operational information of sensor device 100. Identification information is the unique ID (Identification) of sensor device 100. Hereinafter, ID will also be referred to as "sensor ID". Operational information is used to determine whether sensor device 100 is operating, such as information indicating the remaining battery level of sensor device 100.

[0043] Here, refer to Figure 2A as well as Figure 2B The external configuration of the sensor device 100 will be described. Figure 2A This is a perspective view of the external configuration of the sensor device 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2B This is an unfolded view of the housing 101 of the sensor device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0044] like Figure 2A As shown, the housing 101 of the sensor device 100 is rectangular in shape. The shape of the housing 101 is not limited to a cuboid; it can also be a cube, cylinder, prism, or polyhedron.

[0045] At least two faces of the housing 101 of the sensor device 100 are associated with congestion information. For example, in Figure 2B In the shell 101 shown, three of the six surfaces A1 to A6, namely surfaces A1, A2, and A3, are associated with congestion information. Specifically, surfaces A1, A2, and A3 are associated with congestion information such as "available spaces", "few available spaces", and "no available spaces", respectively.

[0046] Users (e.g., managers of facility 10) place the sensor device 100 with the face of the housing 101, A1 to A6, facing a predetermined direction to establish association with the crowding information to be displayed on the display device 400 (described later). For example, if there are empty seats in facility 10, the user places the sensor device 100 with face A1 facing upwards. Conversely, if there are no empty seats in facility 10, the user places the sensor device 100 with face A3 facing upwards.

[0047] In addition to crowding information, surfaces A1 to A6 can also be associated with PR (Public Relations) information. PR information is, for example, information that wants to be displayed to users of facility 10. As an example, information such as "Limited to 10 YY set meals available" can be listed. By pre-registering PR information associated with any surface that is associated with crowding information, the PR information and crowding information can be displayed together on the display device 400. By allowing users to confirm the PR information, for example, the user's intention to visit the store can be increased. Alternatively, the PR information can be made visually visible to the user through the aforementioned media, or it can be made otherwise.

[0048] Gateway 200 is a device that relays information between sensor device 100 and server device 300. Gateway 200 is communicatively connected to server device 300 via network NW. Gateway 200 sends various information input from sensor device 100 to server device 300 via network NW. This information includes sensor device 100 identification information, sensing detection information, surface information, and operational information. In addition to the information input from sensor device 100, gateway 200 also sends its own identification information to server device 300. This identification information is a unique ID of gateway 200. Hereinafter, the ID will also be referred to as "gateway ID". Since one gateway 200 is installed for each facility 10, facility 10 can be identified by associating the gateway ID with the facility name, etc.

[0049] Gateway 200 is connected to server device 300, for example, via a wide area network (WAN). WAN is implemented, for example, via an Internet connection.

[0050] Server device 300 is a device for obtaining congestion information of facility 10 based on surface information from sensor device 100. Server device 300 receives various information including surface information from gateway 200 via network NW. Server device 300 obtains congestion information based on the surface information received from gateway 200.

[0051] Additionally, server device 300 is connected to display device 400 via network NW. Server device 300 is communicatively connected to gateway 200. Server device 300 sends congestion information to display device 400 via network NW.

[0052] Server device 300 and display device 400 are connected, for example, via a WAN.

[0053] Display device 400 is a device for displaying congestion information. Display device 400 receives and displays congestion information from server device 300 via network NW.

[0054] The display device 400 is implemented, for example, through a smartphone, tablet terminal, PC (Personal Computer), digital signage, or other such device.

[0055] <1-2. Functional Composition of Sensor Devices>

[0056] Reference Figure 1 The functional configuration of the sensor device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the sensor device 100 includes a sensor unit 110, a detection unit 120, a storage unit 130, and a communication unit 140.

[0057] (1) Sensor section 110

[0058] The sensor unit 110 has the function of acquiring sensing and detection information related to the sensor device 100. In this embodiment, as an example, the function of the sensor unit 110 is implemented by the accelerometer 102. The accelerometer 102 acquires the acceleration of the sensor device 100 as sensing and detection information. After acquiring the sensing and detection information, the sensor unit 110 inputs the acceleration of the sensor device 100 acquired by the accelerometer 102 to the detection unit 120.

[0059] (2) Testing Department 120

[0060] The detection unit 120 detects the face of a plurality of faces that faces a predetermined direction based on the acceleration obtained by the accelerometer 102. For example, the detection unit 120 detects the face of the plurality of faces that corresponds to the acceleration obtained by the accelerometer 102 as the face facing the predetermined direction. After detecting the face facing the predetermined direction, the detection unit 120 inputs the face information representing the face of the housing 101 facing the vertically upward direction to the communication unit 140.

[0061] Specifically, the detection unit 120 detects the surface of the housing 101 facing vertically upwards based on the acceleration obtained by the accelerometer 102 after the orientation of the housing 101 changes. The acceleration is the gravitational acceleration g obtained after the orientation of the housing 101 changes. If the user changes the orientation by operating the sensor device 100, it is preferable to keep the sensor device 100 stationary. This allows the value of the acceleration measured by the accelerometer 102 to be closer to the value of the gravitational acceleration g. The accelerometer 102 of the first embodiment is an accelerometer 102 capable of detecting acceleration in three axial directions, and pre-establishes a correlation between the gravitational acceleration detected in each axial direction and each surface of the housing 101.

[0062] For example, the direction of the 3 axes is set as follows: Figure 2A The X, Y, and Z axes are shown. In this case, when the sensor device 100 is placed with surface A1 facing upwards, the acceleration detected in the stationary state is (0, g, 0). Therefore, by pre-establishing an association between surface A1 and the acceleration (0, g, 0), the detection unit 120 can detect that surface A1 is facing upwards when it detects acceleration (0, g, 0). Similarly, surface A2 is associated with acceleration (-g, 0, 0), surface A3 with (0, -g, 0), surface A4 with acceleration (g, 0, 0), surface A5 with (0, 0, g), and surface A6 with acceleration (0, 0, -g). The information that associates the acceleration of the sensor device 100 with the facing surface (surface information) is stored in the surface information DB (database) of the storage unit 130.

[0063] Therefore, the detection unit 120 can detect the surface of the housing 101 facing the vertically upward direction based on the acceleration obtained in the static state after the orientation of the sensor device 100 changes due to the user's operation.

[0064] (3) Storage unit 130

[0065] The storage unit 130 is composed of a storage medium, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), flash memory, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Read / Write Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), or any combination of these storage media. The storage unit 130 may, for example, use non-volatile memory.

[0066] The storage unit 130 has the function of storing various types of information. For example, the storage unit 130 stores information that associates the acceleration of the sensor device 100 with surface information (indicating information about the surface facing the vertical upward direction) in the surface information DB.

[0067] (4) Communications Department 140

[0068] The communication unit 140 has the function of sending and receiving various types of information. For example, the communication unit 140 sends various types of information input from the detection unit 120 to the server device 300. In addition, various types of information are sent to the server device 300 via the gateway 200 and the network NW.

[0069] <1-3. Functional Composition of Server Device>

[0070] Reference Figure 1 The functional configuration of the server device 300 according to the first embodiment will be described. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the server device 300 includes a communication unit 310, a control unit 320, and a storage unit 330.

[0071] (1) Communications Department 310

[0072] The communication unit 310 has the function of transmitting and receiving various types of information. For example, the communication unit 310 receives various types of information from the sensor device 100 via the gateway 200 and the network NW. Specifically, the communication unit 310 receives identification information, sensing detection information, surface information, operation information, and identification information from the sensor device 100, as well as identification information from the gateway 200. The communication unit 310 inputs the various types of information received to the control unit 320.

[0073] In addition, the communication unit 310 sends the congestion information input from the control unit 320 (described later) to the display device 400 via the network NW.

[0074] (2) Control Unit 320

[0075] The control unit 320 has the function of controlling the overall operation of the server device 300. The control unit 320 is implemented, for example, by having the CPU (Central Processing Unit) of the server device 300, which is a hardware component, execute a program.

[0076] (2-1) Congestion Information Acquisition Department 3202

[0077] The congestion information acquisition unit 3202 has the function of acquiring congestion information. For example, the congestion information acquisition unit 3202 acquires congestion information based on the surface information input from the communication unit 310. The congestion information acquisition unit 3202 inputs the acquired congestion information to the display processing unit 3204.

[0078] Specifically, the congestion information acquisition unit 3202 acquires congestion information associated with the surface of the housing 101 facing the vertically upward direction as shown in the surface information. The congestion information acquisition unit 3202 acquires congestion information from the congestion information DB, which stores information that associates the surface information of the sensor device 100 with the congestion information.

[0079] (2-2) Display Processing Unit 3204

[0080] The display processing unit 3204 has the function of controlling the display processing of congestion information. For example, the display processing unit 3204 displays the congestion information input from the congestion information acquisition unit 3202 on the display device 400. Specifically, the display processing unit 3204 generates a display image representing the congestion information based on the congestion information. After generating the display image, the display processing unit 3204 sends the display image to the display device 400 via the communication unit 310 and displays it.

[0081] The display processing unit 3204 visualizes the congestion information of facility 10 by displaying an image on the display device 400. As in this embodiment, when facility 10 is a restaurant, the display processing unit 3204 can display congestion information such as vacancy status. By checking the congestion information displayed on the display device 400, restaurant users can adjust their dining time and usage methods.

[0082] For example, by checking the congestion situation in advance, users can adjust their usage time to avoid peak hours such as lunchtime, thus shortening waiting times. Furthermore, by checking the congestion situation beforehand, users can choose to order takeout instead of in-store dining to avoid crowding. Additionally, by taking actions to avoid crowding based on the situation, users can also avoid close proximity to other users within the store. Therefore, the congestion information display system 1, through the visualization of congestion information, can alleviate the stress caused by congestion and stabilize congestion within the store.

[0083] (3) Storage unit 330

[0084] The storage unit 330 is composed of a storage medium, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), flash memory, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Read / Write Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), or any combination of these storage media. The storage unit 330 may, for example, use non-volatile memory.

[0085] The storage unit 330 has the function of storing various types of information. For example, the storage unit 330 stores information that associates the surface information of the sensor device 100 with congestion information in the congestion information DB.

[0086] <1-4. Data Composition>

[0087] Reference Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 An example of the data stored in various databases will be provided.

[0088] (1) Surface Information DB

[0089] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an example of the structure of the face information table in the face information DB of the first embodiment. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the records in the surface information table include the sensor ID, acceleration, and surface information. However, the information contained in the records of the surface information table is not limited to the examples described above.

[0090] Figure 3 In the first record of the surface information table shown, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100", the acceleration (g, 0, 0) and the surface information "surface A4" are associated. This means that when the acceleration of sensor device 100 is (g, 0, 0), the surface facing the vertical upward direction is "surface A4".

[0091] In the second record, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100", the acceleration (-g, 0, 0) and the surface information "surface A2" are associated. This means that when the acceleration of sensor device 100 is (-g, 0, 0), the surface facing the vertical upward direction is "surface A2".

[0092] In the third record, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100", the acceleration (0, g, 0) and the surface information "surface A1" are associated. This means that when the acceleration of sensor device 100 is (0, g, 0), the surface facing the vertical upward direction is "surface A1".

[0093] In the fourth record, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100", the acceleration (0, -g, 0) and the surface information "surface A3" are associated. This means that when the acceleration of sensor device 100 is (0, -g, 0), the surface facing the vertical upward direction is "surface A3".

[0094] In the fifth record, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100", the acceleration (0, 0, g), and the surface information "surface A5" are associated. This means that when the acceleration of sensor device 100 is (0, 0, g), the surface facing the vertical upward direction is "surface A5".

[0095] In the sixth record, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100", the acceleration (0, 0, -g), and the surface information "surface A6" are associated. This means that when the acceleration of sensor device 100 is (0, 0, -g), the surface facing the vertical upward direction is "surface A6".

[0096] (2) Crowded Information DB

[0097] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the congestion information table in the congestion information DB of the first embodiment. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the records in the congestion information table include sensor IDs, surface information, and congestion information. However, the information contained in the records of the congestion information table is not limited to the examples described above.

[0098] Figure 4 In the first record of the congestion information table shown, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100", the surface information "surface A1", and the congestion information "available" are associated. This means that when the surface of sensor device 100 facing the vertical upward direction is "surface A1", the congestion information is "available".

[0099] In the second record, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100", the surface information "surface A2", and the congestion information "few empty spaces" are associated. This means that when the surface of sensor device 100 facing the vertical direction is "surface A2", the congestion information is "few empty spaces".

[0100] In the third record, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100", the surface information "surface A3", and the congestion information "no empty space" are associated. This means that when the surface of sensor device 100 facing the vertical direction is "surface A3", the congestion information is "no empty space".

[0101] In the fourth record, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100", the surface information "surface A4", and the congestion information "-" are associated. This indicates that when the surface of sensor device 100 facing vertically upward is "surface A4", the congestion information is "-". That is, "surface A4" is not associated with congestion information.

[0102] In the fifth record, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100", the surface information "surface A5", and the congestion information "-" are associated. This indicates that when the surface of sensor device 100 facing vertically upward is "surface A5", the congestion information is "-". That is, "surface A5" is not associated with congestion information.

[0103] In the sixth record, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100", the surface information "surface A6", and the congestion information "-" are associated. This indicates that when the surface of sensor device 100 facing vertically upward is "surface A6", the congestion information is "-". That is, "surface A6" is not associated with congestion information.

[0104] <1-5. Displaying Images>

[0105] Reference Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 An example of a display image representing congestion information will be explained.

[0106] (1) A display image of a facility

[0107] Figure 5 This is an example of a display image showing congestion information of a facility 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 The displayed image 410 is an example of a layout showing crowding information for a restaurant. Figure 5 As shown, the layout of the displayed image 410 is composed of display areas 411 to 414.

[0108] Display area 411 is the area for displaying the restaurant's name, which is displayed as "AAA store".

[0109] Display area 412 is the area for displaying restaurant information. This information can be displayed in any format, such as photos or articles.

[0110] Display area 413 is used to display information about the occupancy of the restaurant. To indicate available seats, it is displayed as a symbol “〇” and the text “Available seats”. To indicate few available seats, it is displayed as a symbol “△” and the text “Few available seats”. To indicate no available seats, it is displayed as a symbol “×” and the text “No available seats”.

[0111] Display area 414 is the area that displays the restaurant's PR information, which reads "Limited to 10 YY set meals available".

[0112] Furthermore, the layout of the displayed image 410 and the information displayed are not limited to the examples described above.

[0113] (2) Display images of multiple facilities

[0114] Figure 6 This is an example of a display image showing congestion information of multiple facilities 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 The displayed image 420 is an example of a layout showing crowding information for multiple restaurants. For example... Figure 6 As shown, display image 420 displays images of multiple restaurants. The layout of the display images of each restaurant is as follows: Figure 5 The layout shown is the same.

[0115] In the case of multiple restaurants in a facility 10, such as a restaurant rental building or the restaurant floor of a commercial facility, the congestion information of each restaurant can be displayed in a single display image, as shown in display image 420.

[0116] <1-6. Processing Flow>

[0117] Reference Figure 7 The processing flow of the congestion information display system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow of the congestion information display system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0118] like Figure 7 As shown, firstly, the congestion information display system 1 determines whether a change in the orientation of the sensor device 100 has been detected (S102). A change in the orientation of the sensor device 100 is detected, for example, when the orientation of the sensor device 100 is changed by the user's operation. Specifically, the detection unit 120 of the sensor device 100 detects a change in the orientation of the sensor device 100 when it detects a change in the acceleration obtained by the sensor unit 110.

[0119] If no change in orientation of the sensor device 100 is detected (S102 / No), the congestion information display system 1 repeatedly processes the information starting from S102.

[0120] When a change in orientation of the sensor device 100 is detected (S102 / Yes), the congestion information display system 1 acquires the acceleration of the sensor device 100 after the change in orientation (S104). The acceleration of the sensor device 100 after the change in orientation is acquired by the sensor section 110 of the sensor device 100.

[0121] Next, the congestion information display system 1 detects the surface of the housing of the sensor device 100 that faces a predetermined direction (S106). For example, the detection unit 120 of the sensor device 100 refers to the surface information DB and detects the surface shown in the surface information that is associated with the acceleration obtained by the sensor unit 110 after the orientation of the sensor device 100 changes as the surface facing the predetermined direction.

[0122] Next, the congestion information display system 1 obtains congestion information associated with the surface information of the sensor device 100 (S108). For example, the congestion information acquisition unit 3202 of the server device 300 obtains congestion information associated with the surface information of the sensor device 100 by referring to the congestion information DB.

[0123] Finally, the congestion information display system 1 displays congestion information (S110). For example, the display processing unit 3204 of the server device 300 generates a display image representing congestion information and displays the display image on the display device 400. After the congestion information is displayed, the congestion information display system 1 repeatedly processes the information starting from S102.

[0124] <<2. Second Implementation>>

[0125] Reference Figures 8-12 A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, an example in which a plurality of sensor devices 100 are provided for a facility 10 will be described. In addition, descriptions that are repeated in the first embodiment described above will be omitted below.

[0126] <2-1. Composition of a congestion information display system>

[0127] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates an example of the configuration of the congestion information display system according to the second embodiment. (See diagram for example.) Figure 8 As shown, the congestion information display system 2 includes sensor devices 100a to 100n (n is a natural number), a gateway 200, a server device 300, and a display device 400. Sensor devices 100a to 100n and gateway 200 are installed in facility 10. Hereinafter, facility 10 will be described as an example of a "study room for a training class".

[0128] In the second embodiment, sensor devices 100a to 100n are respectively installed on seats 12a to 12n. This allows for the acquisition of crowding information for each of seats 12a to 12n.

[0129] Here, refer to Figure 9 The external configuration of the sensor device 100 will be described. Figure 9 This is an unfolded view of the housing of the sensor device 100 according to the second embodiment. Furthermore, the external configuration of the sensor device 100 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the sensor device 100 of the first embodiment, therefore a detailed description is omitted.

[0130] In the second embodiment, each surface of the housing 101 of the sensor device 100 is associated with crowding information of the seat 12 on which the sensor device 100 is installed. For example, in Figure 9 In the housing 101 shown, all surfaces A1 to A6 are associated with congestion information. Specifically, surface A1 is associated with congestion information such as "empty seat". Surfaces A2 to A6 are associated with congestion information such as "in use". Furthermore, when a surface of housing 101 is associated with congestion information indicating "in use", it can also be further associated with information indicating how the seat is being used (hereinafter also referred to as "usage information"). As usage information, surface A2 is associated with "mathematics", surface A3 with "homework and others", surface A4 with "science / social studies", surface A5 with "English", and surface A6 with "Japanese". This indicates that the user of the study room in the learning center is studying the subject or homework indicated by the usage information. Usage information is primarily used for marketing, but it can also be included in the congestion information displayed on the display device 400.

[0131] The gateway 200 of the second embodiment has the same characteristics as the reference. Figure 1 The gateway 200 of the first embodiment described herein has the same function, therefore detailed description is omitted.

[0132] The server device 300 of the second embodiment has the same characteristics as the referenced one. Figure 1 The server device 300 of the first embodiment described herein has the same function, therefore detailed description is omitted.

[0133] The display device 400 of the second embodiment has a reference... Figure 1 The display device 400 of the first embodiment described herein has the same function, therefore detailed description is omitted.

[0134] <2-2. Functional Composition of Sensor Devices>

[0135] Functional configuration and reference of the sensor device 100 in the second embodiment Figure 1The sensor device 100 of the first embodiment described herein has the same functional configuration, therefore detailed description is omitted.

[0136] <2-3. Functional Composition of Server Device>

[0137] Functional configuration and reference of the server device 300 in the second embodiment Figure 1 The server device 300 of the first embodiment described herein has the same functional configuration, therefore detailed description is omitted.

[0138] <2-4. Data Composition>

[0139] Reference Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 An example of the data stored in various databases will be provided.

[0140] (1) Surface Information DB

[0141] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates an example of the structure of the face information table in the face information DB of the second embodiment. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the records in the surface information table include the sensor ID, acceleration, and surface information. However, the information contained in the records of the surface information table is not limited to the examples described above.

[0142] exist Figure 10 The surface information table shown contains surface information for sensor devices 100a to 100n. In records 1 to 6, the surface information for sensor device 100a is shown and referenced. Figure 3 The data described is the same. The same data as that of sensor device 100a is also registered in the surface information of sensor devices 100b to 100n.

[0143] (2) Crowded Information DB

[0144] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the congestion information table in the congestion information DB of the second embodiment. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the congestion information table records include sensor ID, area information, congestion information, and usage information. However, the information contained in the congestion information table records is not limited to the examples described above.

[0145] Figure 11 In the first record of the congestion information table shown, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100a", the surface information "surface A1", the congestion information "vacant", and the usage content "-" are associated. This means that when the surface of sensor device 100a facing vertically upward is "surface A1", the congestion information is "vacant", that is, it is not used.

[0146] In the second record, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100a", the surface information "surface A2", the congestion information "in use", and the usage content "mathematics" are associated. This means that when the surface of sensor device 100a facing the vertical direction is "surface A2", the congestion information is "in use" and it is used for "mathematics" learning.

[0147] In the third record, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100a", the surface information "surface A3", the congestion information "in use", and the usage content "operation and others" are associated. This means that when the surface of sensor device 100a facing vertically upward is "surface A3", the congestion information is "in use" and it is used for learning "operation and others".

[0148] In the fourth record, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100a", the surface information "surface A4", the congestion information "in use", and the usage content "science / social studies" are associated. This means that when the surface of sensor device 100a facing vertically upward is "surface A4", the congestion information is "in use" and it is being used for "science / social studies" learning.

[0149] In the fifth record, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100a", the surface information "surface A5", the congestion information "in use", and the usage content "English" are associated. This means that when the surface of sensor device 100a facing vertically upward is "surface A5", the congestion information is "in use" and it is used for learning "English".

[0150] In the sixth record, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100a", the surface information "surface A6", the congestion information "in use", and the content used "Mandarin" are associated. This means that when the surface of sensor device 100a facing vertically upward is "surface A6", the congestion information is "in use" and it is being used for learning "Mandarin".

[0151] In the congestion information DB, the congestion information of sensor devices 100b to 100n is registered in the same way as the congestion information of sensor device 100a.

[0152] <2-5. Display Image>

[0153] Reference Figure 12 An example of a display image representing congestion information will be explained.

[0154] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the display of crowding information for each seat in the second embodiment. Figure 12 The displayed image 430 is an image showing the crowding information for each seat in the study room of the training class. For example... Figure 12 As shown, in the display image 430, each seat is represented based on Figure 8 The crowding information shown is obtained by sensing and detecting information from sensor devices 100a-100n installed at each seat 12a-12n. For example, an empty seat is displayed as "〇" in the dialog box. On the other hand, a seat that is not empty is displayed as "×" in the dialog box.

[0155] Furthermore, the layout of the displayed image 430 and the information displayed are not limited to the examples mentioned above.

[0156] <2-6. Processing Flow>

[0157] The processing flow and reference in the congestion information display system 2 of the second embodiment Figure 7 The processing flow in the congestion information display system 1 of the first embodiment described herein is the same, so detailed description is omitted. However, in the second embodiment, processing corresponding to the number of sensor devices 100 installed in the facility 10 is required.

[0158] The various embodiments of the present invention have been described above.

[0159] As described above, the sensor device 100 of the congestion information display system in each embodiment of the present invention is an acceleration sensor 102 for obtaining acceleration that changes in conjunction with changes in the orientation of the housing 101 caused by user operation, within a housing 101 having multiple surfaces associated with congestion information indicating the congestion status of the facility 10.

[0160] The detection unit 120 of the congestion information display system detects the face facing a specified direction among multiple faces based on the acceleration obtained by the acceleration sensor 102.

[0161] The congestion information acquisition unit 3202 of the congestion information display system acquires congestion information associated with the surfaces detected by the detection unit 120.

[0162] The display processing unit 3204 of the congestion information display system displays the congestion information acquired by the congestion information acquisition unit 3202 on the display device 400.

[0163] With the above configuration, the congestion information display system acquires congestion information associated with a surface that has been oriented by the user toward a specified direction, and displays the acquired congestion information on the display device 400. Thus, the user can update the congestion information displayed on the display device 400 simply by oriented the surface associated with the desired congestion information toward the specified direction.

[0164] Therefore, in the congestion information display system of each embodiment of the present invention, the user can easily update the congestion information of facility 10 manually.

[0165] <<3. Variations>>

[0166] Modifications to the embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0167] Furthermore, the various modifications described below can be applied individually or in combination to embodiments of the present invention. Additionally, each modification can replace the configurations described in the embodiments of the present invention, or can be used additionally to the configurations described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0168] (1) First variant

[0169] In the above embodiments, examples of applying the congestion information display system 1 to visualize the availability of seats in restaurants and study rooms of training institutions have been described, but the system is not limited to these examples. For example, the congestion information display system 1 can also be applied to visualize the congestion status of store checkout counters (e.g., checkout counters in food markets). Since the congestion status of the checkout counters is visualized, users can adjust their queuing time at the checkout counters. This prevents users and staff from crowding together near the checkout counters. In addition, store staff can monitor the current status of each checkout counter.

[0170] Therefore, the congestion information display system 1 can alleviate the pressure on users and staff caused by the dense crowds near the checkout counter by visualizing congestion information, and can smooth out the congestion at the checkout counter.

[0171] Furthermore, the congestion information display system 1 can display congestion information indicating the congestion status of the checkout counter on the store's bulletin board (digital signage) or on the store's website. Additionally, surfaces A1 to A6 of the housing 101 of the sensor device 100 are associated with congestion information such as "wait time 5 minutes," "wait time 10 minutes," and "wait time 20 minutes." Thus, the checkout counter wait time is displayed on the store's bulletin board and on the website. By checking the displayed wait time, users can easily determine when to avoid congestion.

[0172] Furthermore, the congestion information display system 1 effectively promotes products offered to users by displaying real-time product information as PR information. Real-time product information includes, for example, special offers and promotions. This information can be displayed in each section of a food market, with details tailored to each section. As a result, stores can provide real-time advertising services to users at every location. This can potentially lead to an increase in the average transaction value per user.

[0173] (2) Second variation

[0174] The crowding information display system 1 can also be applied, for example, to visualize crowding conditions in children's playrooms located in shops. This can lead to the easing of crowding in playrooms, reduced stress for users and staff, and improved personalized services.

[0175] (3) Third variation

[0176] The crowding information display system 1 can also be applied, for example, to visualize crowding conditions in baby-friendly lounges located in stores. This can help alleviate crowding in the lounges and reduce the density of users. Furthermore, it can enhance the image of the facility as a family-friendly facility.

[0177] (4) Fourth variation

[0178] The surfaces A1 to A6 of the housing 101 of the sensor device 100 can also be associated with density information indicating the density of the crowding situation. For example, when the crowding situation is "there are empty seats", it can be associated with information indicating that the facility 10 can be used without creating a crowding situation with other customers, specifically, "there is no need to worry about crowding." On the other hand, when the crowding situation is "crowded", it can be associated with information indicating that there is a possibility of crowding with other customers, specifically, "there is a possibility of crowding."

[0179] Therefore, the congestion information display system 1 can display congestion information corresponding to the congestion status of facility 10 on the display device 400. By checking the congestion information displayed on the display device 400 in advance, users can avoid congestion with other users.

[0180] (5) Fifth variation

[0181] In the above embodiments, examples were described where the detection unit 120 detects changes in the orientation of the sensor device 100 and detects surfaces facing a predetermined direction, but the embodiments are not limited to the above examples. The function of the detection unit 120 of the sensor device 100 can also be implemented by the server device 300. In this case, the sensing detection information obtained by the sensor unit 110 of the sensor device 100 is sent to the server device 300 via the communication unit 140.

[0182] The above describes variations of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0183] The congestion information display system 1 described in the above embodiment can also be implemented using a computer. In this case, the program for implementing this function can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the computer system can read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium. Furthermore, "computer system" here includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. Additionally, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to removable media such as floppy disks, optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into the computer system. Moreover, "computer-readable recording medium" can also include: a medium that dynamically holds the program for a short period of time, such as a communication line used to transmit the program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line; and a medium that holds the program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory inside a computer system that serves as a server or client in this case. Furthermore, the program described above can be a program for implementing a portion of the above functions, or a program that can implement the above functions by combining them with a program already recorded in the computer system, or a program implemented using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0184] The implementation methods described above can be performed as follows.

[0185] A computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium storing a program that causes a computer to operate as follows:

[0186] The acceleration that changes along with the orientation of the shell of multiple faces, which is associated with congestion information representing the congestion status of the facility, is obtained based on user operations.

[0187] Based on the above acceleration detection, the surface among the multiple surfaces that faces a specified direction,

[0188] Obtain the aforementioned congestion information that is correlated with the detected surfaces.

[0189] The aforementioned congestion information is displayed on the display device.

[0190] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to the above configuration, and various design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0191] Industrial availability

[0192] According to the present invention, users can easily update facility congestion information manually.

[0193] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0194] 1. Congestion Information Display System

[0195] 10 facilities

[0196] 12 seats

[0197] 100 sensor devices

[0198] 101 Casing

[0199] 102 Accelerometer

[0200] 110 Sensor Department

[0201] 120 Inspection Department

[0202] 130 Storage Department

[0203] 140 Ministry of Communications

[0204] 200 gateway

[0205] 300 server devices

[0206] 310 Ministry of Communications

[0207] 320 Control Department

[0208] 330 Storage Unit

[0209] 400 display device

[0210] 3202 Congestion Information Acquisition Department

[0211] 3204 Display Processing Unit

[0212] NW Network

Claims

1. A congestion information display system, comprising: The sensor device includes: a housing having multiple surfaces associated with congestion information indicating the congestion status of the facility; and an acceleration sensor that acquires acceleration that changes in conjunction with changes in the orientation of the housing based on user operations. The detection unit detects the surface of the plurality of surfaces that faces a predetermined direction based on the acceleration obtained by the acceleration sensor. The congestion information acquisition unit acquires congestion information associated with the surfaces detected by the detection unit from a congestion information database. This congestion information database stores information indicating the orientation of the surfaces in a predetermined direction, i.e., information relating the surface information to the congestion information; and The display processing unit generates a display image representing the congestion information based on the congestion information obtained by the congestion information acquisition unit, sends the display image to the display device, and displays the congestion information on the display device. If the detection unit detects other information besides the aforementioned congestion information and establishes a correspondence with other information different from the aforementioned congestion information, the display processing unit also displays information based on the aforementioned other information on the display device. The other information above is any one of the following: Dense information indicating the density of the situation corresponding to the congestion conditions shown in the above congestion information; PR information indicating the information that the user of the aforementioned facilities wants to be shown; and This indicates how the object displaying the aforementioned congestion information is being used.

2. The congestion information display system as described in claim 1, wherein, The detection unit detects the surface among the plurality of surfaces that is associated with the acceleration obtained by the acceleration sensor as a surface facing the specified direction.

3. The congestion information display system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The acceleration mentioned above is the gravitational acceleration obtained after the orientation of the shell changes.

4. The congestion information display system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The direction specified above is the vertical upward direction.

5. The congestion information display system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, A medium printed with the aforementioned congestion information is affixed to the surface associated with the congestion information.

6. A method for displaying congestion information, The sensor device includes: a housing having multiple surfaces associated with congestion information indicating the congestion status of the facility; and an acceleration sensor that acquires acceleration that changes in conjunction with changes in the orientation of the housing based on user operations. The method for displaying congestion information includes: Based on the acceleration obtained by the aforementioned acceleration sensor, the detection unit detects the surface of the plurality of surfaces that faces a predetermined direction; The congestion information acquisition unit obtains congestion information from a congestion information database that is associated with the surface detected by the detection unit. This congestion information database stores information indicating the orientation of the surface in a predetermined direction, i.e., information that associates surface information with the congestion information; and After generating a display image representing the congestion information based on the congestion information obtained by the congestion information acquisition unit, the display processing unit sends the display image to the display device and displays the congestion information on the display device. If the detection unit detects other information besides the aforementioned congestion information and establishes a correspondence with other information different from the aforementioned congestion information, the display processing unit also displays information based on the aforementioned other information on the display device. The other information above is any one of the following: Dense information indicating the density of the situation corresponding to the congestion conditions shown in the above congestion information; PR information indicating the information that the user of the aforementioned facilities wants to be shown; and This indicates how the object displaying the aforementioned congestion information is being used.

7. A storage medium storing a program that causes a computer to operate as follows: The acceleration of the change in orientation of the shell, which is associated with congestion information representing the congestion status of the facility, is obtained in conjunction with the user's operation-based changes. Based on the aforementioned acceleration, the surface facing a specified direction among the multiple surfaces is detected; The congestion information associated with the detected face is obtained from a congestion information database, which stores information about the face facing a specified direction, i.e., information about the face information associated with the congestion information; and After generating a display image representing the congestion information based on the congestion information, the display image is sent to the display device, and the congestion information is displayed on the display device. If the detected surface corresponds to other information besides the aforementioned congestion information, and this other information is also associated with the congestion information, then the information based on this other information is also displayed on the display device. The other information above is any one of the following: Dense information indicating the density of the situation corresponding to the congestion conditions shown in the above congestion information; This is PR information that indicates the information that you want to show to users of the aforementioned facilities; as well as This indicates how the object displaying the aforementioned congestion information is being used.

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