Digital signage device, digital signage control procedure and non-volatile computer-readable recording medium

Abstract

Digital signage system (7), comprising: a traffic conditions information acquisition unit (5208) designed to acquire traffic conditions information about traffic conditions near each of several digital signs (7), wherein the traffic conditions information includes information on the number of vehicles (3) passing on a road near each of the several digital signs (7) during a predetermined period of time, as well as traffic density information for a nearby road, and vehicle speed information for vehicles (3) passing on the nearby road; and a display control unit (5214) designed to: to cause the multiple digital signage displays (7) to show advertising information, and a digital signage (7) on which the advertising information is displayed, to be placed among the several digital signage (7) based on information on traffic conditions; and a first impact prediction unit (5211) designed to calculate a first impact index value indicating an impression of advertising information displayed on each of the multiple digital signage devices (7) over a predetermined display period, based on traffic condition information, by multiplying the number of passing vehicles (3), a vehicle speed coefficient corresponding to an average vehicle speed of the vehicles (3) passing on the road near each digital signage device (7) in a predetermined period, an average number of occupants, and a display direction coefficient corresponding to the display direction information, wherein the display control unit (5214) is designed to switch a digital signage (7) on which the first advertising information is displayed from the first digital signage (7) to a second digital signage (7) when the first impact index value of first advertising information displayed on a first digital signage (7) is less than a predetermined first standard value, wherein the first digital signage (7) and the second digital signage (7) are included in the multiple digital signage (7), and the first impact index value of the first advertising information displayed on the second digital signage (7) is greater than the first impact index value of the first advertising information displayed on the first digital signage (7).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention

[0001] The invention relates to a control device for digital signage, a control method for digital signage and a recording medium. 2. Description of related technology

[0002] Digital signage intended for vehicle occupants, including the driver, is known (see, for example, US 2016 / 0180709A1). From JP 2009-75683A, digital signage in the form of multiple advertising devices is known as part of an advertising information management device, encompassing the processing of traffic density information and the estimation of the effect of an advertisement on people. The advertising information management device also includes a storage device with a storage medium. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0003] However, depending on traffic conditions on a road near the digital signage, there is a possibility that the expected effect of an advertisement displayed on the digital signage may not be achieved. For example, if a nearby road from which the digital signage is visible is closed due to a traffic accident, roadworks, or similar events, or if lane restrictions are in place, traffic density will decrease, and therefore the effectiveness of an advertisement displayed on the digital signage may be diminished.

[0004] The invention provides a control device for digital signage that can achieve a suitable effect for advertising displayed on digital signage.

[0005] A control device for digital signage according to a first aspect of the invention comprises the following: a traffic condition information acquisition unit designed to acquire traffic condition information about traffic conditions near each of several digital signs, wherein the traffic condition information includes information on the number of vehicles passing on a road near each of the several digital signs in a predetermined period, as well as traffic density information for a nearby road and vehicle speed information for vehicles passing on the nearby road; and a display control unit designed to cause the several digital signs to display advertising information, and a digital sign on which the advertising information is displayed.among the multiple digital signage displays based on traffic condition information. The display control unit is further designed to calculate an initial impact forecasting unit, which is designed to calculate an initial impact index value that indicates the impression of advertising information displayed on each of the multiple digital signage displays over a predetermined display period, based on traffic condition information, by multiplying the number of passing vehicles, a vehicle speed coefficient corresponding to the average vehicle speed of vehicles passing on the road near each digital signage device in a predetermined period, an average number of occupants, and a display direction coefficient corresponding to the display direction information. The display control unit is designed to control a digital signage display.to switch from the first digital signage to a second digital signage if the first impact index value of the first advertising information displayed on a first digital signage is less than a predetermined first standard value, where the first digital signage and the second digital signage are included in the multiple digital signage, and the first impact index value of the first advertising information displayed on the second digital signage is greater than the first impact index value of the first advertising information displayed on the first digital signage.

[0006] According to this aspect, the digital signage control unit can, for example, determine traffic density on a road near a digital sign based on traffic condition information and predict an impact index corresponding to the impression of the digital sign. For example, the digital signage control unit can detect a change in traffic conditions on a road near a digital sign or predict its future change based on traffic condition information.Accordingly, the digital signage control unit can transfer advertising information displayed on the digital signage to another digital signage if a predicted effectiveness index value is lower than an expected standard value, if the traffic conditions of the road near the digital signage deviate from an area where an improvement in effectiveness is expected, or similar circumstances. As a result, it is possible to limit a decline in advertising effectiveness and to enhance the effectiveness of the advertising information displayed on the digital signage.

[0007] According to this aspect, the digital signage control unit can also predict the impact index corresponding to the impression of advertising information displayed on a digital sign and transfer the display location of one piece of advertising information to another digital sign if the predicted impact index is lower than an expected standard value. Accordingly, it is possible to limit a decline in the advertising impact corresponding to an impression and to improve the appropriate impact of the advertising information displayed on the digital signage.

[0008] In accordance with this aspect, the digital signage control unit can use traffic density information to determine the number of vehicles with a passenger who is likely to be able to see the digital signage. Generally, as the speed of a vehicle passing on a nearby road increases, it becomes more difficult to see the display of a digital sign. Conversely, the digital signage control unit can use vehicle speed information to determine the probability that an occupant of a vehicle passing on a nearby road will be able to see the digital signage.Accordingly, the control unit for digital signage can, in particular, predict an effectiveness index based on traffic density information and vehicle speed information, which corresponds to an impression.

[0009] In this respect, the control device for digital signage may further include: a capture unit for occupant count information, designed to capture occupant count information about the number of occupants of a vehicle passing on the nearby road.

[0010] According to this aspect, the digital signage control unit can predict the number of occupants of a vehicle passing by on a nearby road using occupant count information in addition to traffic density information. Accordingly, the digital signage control unit can, with high accuracy, predict an impact index corresponding to an impression, based on occupant count information in addition to traffic density and vehicle speed information.

[0011] In this respect, the digital signage control unit may further include the following: a vehicle movement history collection unit designed to collect a vehicle movement history containing position information from each of several vehicles under investigation; a device movement history collection unit designed to collect a device movement history containing position information from a mobile device carried by each of several users of the several vehicles under investigation; a passing vehicle identification unit designed to identify a vehicle under investigation passing by on the nearby road based on its movement history among the several vehicles under investigation; and an occupant identification unit designed to identify an occupant of the vehicle under investigation passing by on the nearby road.to identify the vehicle based on the movement history of the vehicle under investigation and the movement history of the mobile device of the user of the vehicle under investigation. The traffic conditions information acquisition unit can be designed to capture traffic density information, which includes the number of vehicles under investigation passing by on the nearby road, based on an identification result from the vehicle identification unit. Similarly, the occupant count information acquisition unit can be designed to capture occupant count information, which includes the number of occupants of the vehicle under investigation passing by on the nearby road, based on an identification result from the occupant identification unit.

[0012] According to this aspect, the digital signage control unit can, in particular, capture traffic density information, including the number of vehicles passing a digital sign on a road, based on the movement patterns of several vehicles. The digital signage control unit can also, in particular, capture occupant information, including the number of occupants in a vehicle passing a digital sign on a road, by comparing the vehicle's movement pattern with the movement patterns of mobile devices belonging to occupants of the vehicle.Accordingly, the control unit for digital signage can, in particular, predict an impact index, which corresponds to an impression, with greater accuracy based on traffic density information and information on the number of occupants.

[0013] In this respect, the control unit for digital signage may further include the following: a detection unit designed to capture detection information for each of the multiple digital signs when seen by the vehicle on the nearby road. The first impact prediction unit may be designed to calculate the first impact index value based on the detection information.

[0014] According to this aspect, the digital signage control unit can collect conspicuousness information (conspicuousness information) when a digital sign is seen from a vehicle, such as a relationship between the vehicle's direction of travel on a nearby road and the direction of the digital sign's display surface. Accordingly, the digital signage control unit can determine a probability, or similar, based on the conspicuousness information that advertising information on a digital sign will be seen by a vehicle passing by on a nearby road.Accordingly, the control unit for digital signage can predict with greater accuracy, in particular an impact index corresponding to an impression, based on the conspicuousness information in addition to the traffic density information and the vehicle speed information.

[0015] In this respect, the digital signage control unit may further include the following: a vehicle movement history collection unit designed to collect a vehicle movement history containing position information from each of several vehicles under investigation; a device movement history collection unit designed to collect a device movement history containing position information from several mobile devices carried by each of several users of the several vehicles under investigation; an attribute information storage unit designed to store predetermined attribute information from each of the several users; and a passing vehicle identification unit designed to identify a vehicle under investigation passing by on the nearby road, which is a road near each of the several digital signs.to identify, based on the vehicle movement pattern among the several vehicles under investigation; an occupant identification unit designed to identify an occupant of the vehicle under investigation passing by on the nearby road, based on the vehicle movement pattern of the vehicle under investigation and the device movement pattern of the mobile device of the user of the vehicle under investigation; an attribute information capture unit designed to capture the attribute information of the user identified by the occupant identification unit from the attribute information storage unit; and a second impact prediction unit designed to calculate, based on the attribute information captured by the attribute information capture unit, a second impact index value indicating the suitability of target group attributes for advertising information.which are displayed on each of the multiple digital signage displays for a predetermined display period. The display control unit can be configured to switch the digital signage displaying the third advertising information from the third digital signage to a fourth digital signage if the second impact index value of the third advertising information displayed on a third digital signage is less than a predetermined second standard value, where the third and fourth digital signages are included in the multiple digital signage displays, and the second impact index value of the third advertising information displayed on the fourth digital signage is greater than the second impact index value of the third advertising information displayed on the third digital signage.

[0016] According to this aspect, the digital signage control unit can identify an occupant of a vehicle under investigation, which is passing a digital sign on the road, based on the vehicle movement history of the vehicle under investigation and the device movement history of the mobile device carried by the occupant of the vehicle under investigation, and capture attribute information of the occupant (for example, gender and age).Accordingly, the digital signage control unit can predict an impact index associated with the suitability of target audience attributes for advertising displayed on a digital sign, based on attribute information of an occupant of a vehicle traveling on a road near the digital sign. It can then transfer the display destination for that advertisement to another digital sign if the predicted impact index is lower than an expected standard value. This allows the control unit to mitigate a decline in advertising effectiveness associated with the suitability of target audience attributes and to enhance the effectiveness of the advertising displayed on the digital sign.

[0017] The aspects mentioned above can be implemented as a control method for digital signage as in claim 6 and a computer-readable recording medium as in claim 7, which stores the program.

[0018] Based on the aspects mentioned above, it is possible to provide a control device for digital signage that can improve the effectiveness of advertising displayed on digital signage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Features, advantages and the technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements and wherein: Fig. 1 is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of a design of an advertising delivery system according to a first embodiment; Fig. Figure 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional design of a vehicle (an ECU) according to the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional design of a mobile device (a processor) according to the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional design of a central server (a processor) according to the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart that schematically illustrates an example of a processing routine performed by the central server according to the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 6 is a sub-flow diagram that schematically illustrates an example of a calculation process for an impression index, which is performed by the central server according to the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 7 is a sub-flow diagram that schematically illustrates an example of a calculation process for a target group attribute index, which is performed by the central server according to the first embodiment; Fig. 8A is a diagram illustrating an operation of the advertising delivery system; Fig. 8B is a diagram illustrating an operation of the advertising delivery system; Fig. 8C is a diagram illustrating an operation of the advertising delivery system; Fig. 8D is a diagram that illustrates an operation of the ad delivery system; Fig. 9 is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of a design of an advertising delivery system according to a second embodiment; Fig. Figure 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional design of a central server according to the second embodiment; and Fig. Figure 11 is a flowchart that schematically illustrates an example of a display destination change process performed by the central server according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTION FORMS

[0020] The following are descriptions of embodiments of the invention with reference to the associated drawings. <Erste Ausführungsform> [Design of the advertising delivery system]

[0021] First, an embodiment of an advertising delivery system 1 according to a first embodiment is described below with reference to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 described.

[0022] The Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of an embodiment of the advertising delivery system 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional design of a vehicle 3 according to this embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 is a functional block diagram that schematically illustrates an example of a functional design of a mobile device 4 according to this embodiment. Fig. Figure 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a central server 5 according to this embodiment.

[0023] The advertising delivery system 1 comprises several vehicles 3, several digital signage devices 7 installed near any given road, for example, on one side of the road or above the road, and a central server 5 that is communicatively connected to the several vehicles 3 and the several digital signage devices 7. The advertising delivery system 1 delivers advertising information to the digital signage devices 7 for the occupants of the vehicles 3 who are located on a road near the installation position of each digital signage device 7.

[0024] Each vehicle 3 has essentially the same design as other vehicles 3 associated with the advertising delivery system 1. Each mobile device 4 has essentially the same design as other mobile devices 4 associated with the advertising delivery system 1. Each digital signage device 7 has essentially the same design as other digital signage devices 7 associated with the advertising delivery system 1. Accordingly, a vehicle 3, a mobile device 4, and a digital signage device 7 are representatively illustrated in the drawings. The same applies to the Fig. 9, with the exception that mobile device 4 has been omitted.

[0025] The vehicle 3 includes a data communication module (DCM) 31, an electronic control unit (ECU) 32, a global positioning system (GPS) module 33, an ACC switch 34 and a vehicle speed sensor 35.

[0026] The DCM 31 is a device that communicates bidirectionally with the central server 5, for example, via a predefined communication network NW1, including a mobile phone network with multiple base stations as end devices, an internet network, or the like (which applies below to communication networks NW2 and NW3). The DCM 31 is connected to various ECUs, including an ECU 32, so that they are able to communicate with each other via an onboard network, such as a Controller Area Network (CAN).

[0027] The ECU 32 is an electronic control unit that performs the control of a variety of predetermined functions in the vehicle 3. For example, the ECU 32 can perform a process of acquiring a variety of information (vehicle information) about the state of the vehicle 3 (a vehicle state), the state of an occupant of the vehicle 3, and the state of the vehicle 3's environment, and uploading the acquired information as investigation data to the central server 5 via the DCM 31. The functions of the ECU 32 can be implemented by any hardware, any software, or a combination thereof, and the ECU 32 can essentially be designed as a microcomputer comprising a central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), auxiliary storage, and an input / output (I / O) interface.The ECU 32 comprises a vehicle information acquisition unit 321, a map matching unit 322, and a diagnostic information transmission unit 323 as functional units. These functional units are executed, for example, by causing the CPU to run one or more programs stored in the ROM or the auxiliary memory device. The ECU 32 also includes a memory unit 320, which is a memory area defined in internal memory, such as the auxiliary memory device. A map information database (DB) 320A is stored in the memory unit 320.

[0028] Some functions of the ECU 32 may be assigned to one or more other ECUs.

[0029] The vehicle information acquisition unit 321 acquires vehicle information input from a buffer in RAM by the GPS module 33, the ACC switch 34, and the vehicle speed sensor 35. Specifically, the vehicle information acquisition unit 321 acquires position information of the vehicle 3 input from the GPS module 33. The vehicle information acquisition unit 321 acquires ON / OFF signals from the ACC switch 34 input from the ACC switch 34. The vehicle information acquisition unit 321 acquires vehicle speed information of the vehicle 3 input from the vehicle speed sensor 35.

[0030] The map matching unit 322 identifies a road connection that corresponds to the position information of vehicle 3, that is, a road connection on which vehicle 3 is currently located, based on the map information database 320A, which is stored in the storage unit 320, and the position information of vehicle 3, which is acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 321. For example, several road connections forming a road network, which are contained in the map information database 320A, can be predefined in the identification information, that is, connection identifiers (IDs). The map matching unit 322 identifies a connection ID of the road connection on which vehicle 3 is currently located.

[0031] Map Information Database 320A comprises geographic information system (GIS) data, including nodes corresponding to intersections, road links corresponding to roads between adjacent intersections (i.e., those connecting the nodes), and lines or polygons corresponding to planimetric features such as buildings or streets. The same applies in the following description to Map Information Database 5200A, which is described later.

[0032] The Investigation Information Transmission Unit 323 generates investigation information, which includes a variety of vehicle information collected by the Vehicle Information Acquisition Unit 321, road connection IDs identified by the Map Matching Unit 322, and time information corresponding to the vehicle information. The Investigation Information Transmission Unit 323 then transmits the generated investigation information via the DCM 31 to the central server 5. The investigation information includes vehicle 3 position information, the corresponding time information, the corresponding connection ID, and vehicle 3 movement information, including vehicle 3 start and stop information.In this embodiment, the information below (ACC-ON information) indicating that the ACC switch 34 has been switched from an OFF state to an ON state is used as the information for starting the vehicle 3, and the information (ACC-OFF information) indicating that the ACC switch 34 has been switched from the ON state to the OFF state is used as the information for stopping the vehicle 3.

[0033] The investigation information transmitted from vehicle 3 to central server 5 may not contain time information corresponding to a variety of vehicle data. In this case, central server 5 can use a time at which the vehicle movement information was transmitted from vehicle 3, a time at which the vehicle movement information was received by central server 5, an estimated time corresponding to the position information of vehicle 3 calculated from these times, or similar information as the time information corresponding to the variety of vehicle data. Central server 5 can then add this time information to the investigation information as time information corresponding to the variety of vehicle data in the investigation information received from vehicle 3.

[0034] The GPS module 33 receives GPS signals transmitted from three or more satellites, preferably four or more, above the vehicle 3 and measures the position of the vehicle 3 on which the GPS module 33 is mounted. The GPS module 33 communicates with the ECU 32 or the like via a one-to-one communication line or an onboard network, such as a CAN bus, and the measured position information of the vehicle 3 is entered into the ECU 32 or the like.

[0035] The ACC switch 34 switches an auxiliary power source of the vehicle 3 to ON / OFF states in response to a predetermined operation performed by an occupant, such as the driver of the vehicle 3. For example, the ACC switch 34 can be switched to the ON / OFF states in response to an operation of a power switch (a push-button switch for operating the ACC switch 34 and an ignition switch (an IG switch)) provided on an instrument panel near the steering wheel for a driver's seat in the vehicle. The ACC switch 34 communicates with the ECU 32 or the like via a one-to-one communication line or an onboard network, such as a CAN bus, and a status signal from it (an ON / OFF signal) is input into the ECU 32.

[0036] The vehicle speed sensor 35 is an existing detector that detects the vehicle speed of vehicle 3. The vehicle speed sensor 35 is connected to the ECU 32 or the like via a one-to-one communication line or an onboard network, such as a CAN bus, and the vehicle speed information of vehicle 3 is entered into the ECU 32.

[0037] Examples of the mobile device 4 include a mobile phone, a smartphone, and a tablet device carried by a user, including the owner of the vehicle 3. The mobile device 4 comprises a communication device 41, a processor 42, a GPS module 43, an accelerometer 44, and a touch-panel display (hereinafter referred to simply as the "display") 45.

[0038] The communication device 41 is a device that communicates bidirectionally with the central server 5 via a predetermined communication network NW2 under the control of the processor 42 (in particular a communication processing unit 421, which is described below). The communication device 41 is a mobile communication module conforming to a communication standard, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), 4G (4th generation), or 5G (5th generation).

[0039] The processor 42 performs various control processes in the mobile device 4. The processor 42 can, for example, essentially consist of a computer comprising a CPU, RAM, ROM, an auxiliary memory device, and an I / O interface. The processor 42 includes a communication processing unit 421, a sensor information acquisition unit 422, a motion detection unit 423, and a transmission unit 424 for device motion information as functional units. These functional units are executed, for example, by causing the CPU to execute one or more programs stored in the ROM or the auxiliary memory device.

[0040] The communication processing unit 421 controls the communication device 41 so that it transmits and receives various signals to and from the central server 5.

[0041] The sensor information acquisition unit 422 acquires sensor information input from a buffer in RAM by various sensors, such as the GPS module 43 and the accelerometer 44. Specifically, the sensor information acquisition unit 422 acquires position information of the mobile device 4, which is input by the GPS module 43. The sensor information acquisition unit 422 also acquires acceleration information of the mobile device 4, which is input by the accelerometer 44.

[0042] The means-of-transport determination unit 423 determines whether a user carrying the mobile device 4 is moving in a vehicle or by other means of transport (on foot, by bicycle, by train, or the like) using any method. For example, the means-of-transport determination unit 423 can perform a determination, for example by employing a discriminator that has been pre-treated with machine learning, so that it can distinguish between the case where the user is moving in a vehicle and the case where the user is moving by other means of transport, based on the acceleration information input from the accelerometer 44.For example, the means of transport determination unit 423 can determine whether the user is moving in a vehicle as a means of transport or by a means of transport other than a vehicle, based on the position information of the mobile device 4, which is entered by the GPS module 43, in addition to or instead of the acceleration information, which is entered by the accelerometer 44.

[0043] The transmission unit 424 for terminal device movement information generates information on the movement of the mobile terminal device 4 (terminal device movement information), that is, the movement of a user carrying the mobile terminal device 4, and transmits the generated terminal device movement information via the communication processing unit 421 to the central server 5. The terminal device movement information can include the position information of the mobile terminal device 4, time information corresponding to the position information, and the determination result from the means-of-movement determination unit 423 (for example, whether there is a vehicle movement indicator indicating that a vehicle is moving).

[0044] Similar to the investigation information transmitted from vehicle 3 to central server 5, the device movement information transmitted from mobile device 4 to central server 5 may not contain time information corresponding to the position information. In this case, central server 5 may use a time at which the vehicle movement information was transmitted from mobile device 4, a time at which the device movement information was received by central server 5, an estimated time corresponding to the position information of mobile device 4 calculated from the times, or similar information as the time information corresponding to the device movement information, similar to the investigation information.Then the central server 5 can add the time information to the terminal movement information as the time information corresponding to the terminal movement information received from the mobile terminal 4.

[0045] A digital signage device 7 (an example of digital signage) is installed near a predetermined road and displays advertising information (an advertising image) that is delivered from the central server 5 to its own display unit, for example a liquid crystal display, via a predetermined communication network NW3. Accordingly, a vehicle 3 moving on the road, a pedestrian walking on the road, and the like are able to see the advertising information displayed on the digital signage device 7.

[0046] The central server 5 collects and stores investigation information from several vehicles 3. The central server 5 (an example of a digital signage control unit) delivers advertising information to the digital signage unit 7 and displays the advertising information on it. The central server 5 includes a communication unit 51 and a processor 52.

[0047] The function of the central server 5 can be performed by multiple servers.

[0048] The communication device 51 is a device that communicates bidirectionally via predetermined communication networks NW1 to NW3 under the control of the processor 52 (in particular a communication processing unit 5201) with several vehicles 3, several mobile terminals 4 and several digital signage devices 7.

[0049] Processor 52 (an example of a computer) performs various control processes in the central server 5. Processor 52 can, for example, essentially consist of a computer comprising a CPU, RAM, ROM, an auxiliary storage device, and an I / O interface. Processor 52 includes a communication processing unit 5201, a memory processing unit 5202 for vehicle movement information, a memory processing unit 5203 for terminal movement information, an extraction unit 5204 for the boarded vehicle, an identification unit 5205 for the vehicle in use, an entry detection unit 5206, an identification unit 5207 for passing vehicles, a traffic condition information acquisition unit 5208, an occupant count information acquisition unit 5209, a signage information acquisition unit 5210, and a first impact prediction unit 5211.A data acquisition unit 5212 for attribute information, a second impact forecasting unit 5213, and an advertising delivery unit 5214 as functional units, which are executed, for example, by causing the CPU to execute one or more programs stored in the ROM or the auxiliary memory device. The processor 52 also includes, for example, a memory unit 5200 as a memory area defined in an auxiliary memory device of a server computer, or as an external memory device connected to the server computer. A map information database 5200A, a vehicle information database 5200B, a terminal information database 5200C, a signage information database 5200D, an investigation information database 5200E, a vehicle movement history database 5200F, a terminal movement history database 5200G, and an advertising database 5200H.A DB 5200I for vehicles in use and a DB 5200J for passing vehicles are stored in the memory unit 5200.

[0050] The communication processing unit 5201 controls the communication device 51 so that it transmits and receives various signals (such as a control signal and an information signal) to and from several vehicles 3.

[0051] The 5202 vehicle motion information storage processing unit (an example of a vehicle motion history information collection unit) performs a process of processing vehicle motion information received sequentially from the multiple vehicles 3 by the 5201 communication processing unit, and storing the processed information as motion histories of the vehicles 3 (vehicle motion histories) in the vehicle motion history database 5200F. The vehicle motion history is, for example, a record of where the vehicle 3 has traveled.In particular, the 5202 storage processing unit for vehicle movement information can generate information on a movement history (trip information) for each period from the start to the stop of each vehicle 3, that is, for each trip, based on time series data of the vehicle movement information of the multiple vehicles 3, which are stored in the investigation information database 5200E. In other words, the 5202 storage processing unit for vehicle movement information generates trip information from a departure point to a destination for each trip of the vehicle 3.Specifically, the 5202 vehicle motion information memory processing unit determines the start of vehicle 3 based on the ACC-ON information contained in the vehicle motion information and defines the vehicle 3 position information contained in the vehicle motion information, including the ACC-ON information, as a starting point (departure point) of this vehicle 3 trip. The 5202 vehicle motion information memory processing unit defines the vehicle 3 position information contained in the last vehicle motion information containing the ACC-OFF information after the vehicle motion information has been transmitted in a time series as an endpoint (destination) of this vehicle 3 trip.The 5202 Vehicle Movement Information Storage Unit then combines two vehicle movement information sets associated with the start and end points of a trip for vehicle 3, and multiple vehicle movement information sets (a vehicle movement information group) between the two sets in a time series, generating trip information. The 5202 Vehicle Movement Information Storage Unit correlates the generated trip information for each vehicle 3 with identification information for the corresponding vehicle 3, such as a vehicle identification number (VIN) or a predefined vehicle ID, and stores the correlated data as a movement history for vehicle 3 in the 5200F Vehicle Movement History Database.

[0052] The process performed by the storage processing unit 5202 for vehicle movement information can be carried out in real time to correspond to the investigation information sequentially received by the communication processing unit 5201 from multiple vehicles 3, or it can be carried out periodically on unprocessed investigation information that has been collected to some extent in the investigation information database 5200E. The identification information for each of the multiple vehicles 3 is pre-registered in the vehicle information database 5200B.

[0053] The 5203 Device Motion Information Storage Processing Unit (an example of a Device Motion History Information Collection Unit) performs a process of storing device motion information that is sequentially received from multiple mobile devices 4 by the 5201 Communication Processing Unit as mobile device motion histories (device motion histories) in the device motion history database 5200G. Here, the device motion history is, for example, a record of where the mobile device 4 has moved.

[0054] The process performed by the 5203 storage processing unit for terminal motion information can be carried out in real time to match terminal motion information received sequentially by the 5201 communication processing unit from multiple terminals 4, or it can be carried out periodically on unprocessed terminal motion information that has been collected to some extent in a buffer of RAM or the like.

[0055] The extraction unit 5204 for the boarded vehicle extracts a vehicle 3 into which a user of one of several mobile devices 4 has boarded, based on the vehicle movement histories of several vehicles 3 and the device movement histories of several mobile devices 4, which are stored in the vehicle movement history database 5200F and the device movement history database 5200G. In other words, the extraction unit 5204 for the boarded vehicle extracts a vehicle 3 into which a user of one of the several mobile devices 4 has boarded, from among the several vehicles 3.

[0056] For example, the extraction unit 5204 can determine, based on the device movement histories of the mobile devices 4 in the device movement history DB 5200G and the vehicle movement histories of the vehicles 3 in the vehicle movement history DB 5200F, i.e., the tour information group, whether the following two conditions are met for the boarded vehicle.

[0057] First, the extraction unit 5204 determines, in particular, whether a location recording condition is met for the boarded vehicle, indicating that there is a location recording of a mobile device 4 at a departure point and a destination of a vehicle 3. Specifically, the extraction unit 5204 determines for the boarded vehicle whether the device movement history of the mobile device 4 in the trip information of the vehicle 3 indicates that the mobile device 4 was in the vicinity of the departure point when the vehicle 3 was started, that is, within a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) before the ACC switch was turned on.The extraction unit 5204 for the vehicle being boarded also determines whether the device movement history of the mobile device 4 in the trip information of the vehicle 3 indicates that the mobile device 4 was in the vicinity of the destination when the vehicle 3 stopped, that is, within a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) after the ACC switch was turned off. Accordingly, the extraction unit 5204 for the vehicle being boarded can determine that the mobile device 4 was in the vicinity of each point, the departure point and the destination of the vehicle 3, during periods when the vehicle 3 was parked at the departure point and the destination.

[0058] Secondly, the extraction unit 5204 determines for the boarded vehicle whether a condition for synchronous movement is met, indicating that the mobile device 4 was present at the same positions as the vehicle 3 at the same time on a movement route from the departure point to the destination. Specifically, the extraction unit 5204 compares a data set of vehicle movement information (time and position information) between the departure point and the destination, contained in the trip information of the vehicle 3, with a data set of device movement information (time and position information) contained in the device movement history of the mobile device 4 during the same time period as this data set.Then, the extraction unit 5204 determines for the vehicle being boarded that the condition for synchronous movement has been met if the vehicle movement information of vehicle 3 and the device movement information of mobile device 4 match at several points, so that it can be determined that both were present at the same positions at the same times.

[0059] This means that the extraction unit 5204 for the boarded vehicle can extract a vehicle 3 that has been boarded by a user of the mobile device 4 by searching the device movement histories of several mobile devices 4 for the tour information of the vehicle 3 where both the stay recording condition and the synchronous movement condition are met.

[0060] The vehicle extraction unit 5204 can extract data from a vehicle 3 that has been boarded by a user of the mobile device 4, using only the synchronous movement condition without using the presence recording condition. The vehicle extraction unit 5204 can perform the above-mentioned process in real time at the same time as updating the vehicle movement history database 5200F and the device movement history database 5200G in the vehicle movement information storage processing unit 5202 and the device movement information storage processing unit 5203. The vehicle extraction unit 5204 can perform the above-mentioned process periodically for unprocessed vehicle movement histories and device movement histories that are collected to some extent.

[0061] The identification unit 5205 for the vehicle in use identifies a vehicle 3 used by a user of each of the mobile devices 4. A vehicle 3 used by a user of a mobile device 4 includes a vehicle 3 used by a user as a driver and a vehicle 3 used by a user as a passenger of a driver. In particular, the identification unit 5205 for the vehicle in use identifies a vehicle 3 used by a user of each of several mobile devices 4 from among the vehicles 3 boarded by the users of the several mobile devices 4, that is, those that have been boarded and that are extracted by the extraction unit 5204 for the boarded vehicle.The identification unit 5205 for the vehicle in use correlates the mobile devices 4, or the users of the multiple mobile devices 4, with the identified vehicle 3 used by the user of each of the multiple mobile devices 4, and stores the correlated data in the database 5200I for vehicles in use. It is assumed below that the mobile devices 4 and the vehicles 3 used by the users of the mobile devices 4 are correlated and stored in the database 5200I for vehicles in use. At this point, the identification unit 5205 for the vehicle in use also stores an entry frequency (the number of times the vehicle has been entered) of the identified vehicle 3 used by the user of each of the multiple mobile devices 4 in the database 5200I for vehicles in use.This means that the identification unit 5205 for the vehicle in use builds the database 5200I for vehicles in use, in which several mobile devices 4 and vehicles 3, used by users of the several mobile devices 4, are correlated using an entry frequency (the number of times boarding), which indicates a relationship between them. For example, the database 5200I for vehicles in use can be structured as a graph-type database in which each vehicle 3 and each mobile device 4 are set as nodes and the entry frequency is set as relationship information.

[0062] As described above, the extraction unit 5204 for the boarded vehicle performs a process of extracting a user who has boarded one of several vehicles 3 in real time in response to updates to the vehicle movement history database 5200F and the device movement history database 5200G, or periodically. Accordingly, the identification unit 5205 for the used vehicle updates the database 5200I for used vehicles depending on the result of the extraction process, which is performed sequentially by the extraction unit 5204 for the boarded vehicle.In particular, if a user of a mobile device 4 boards a vehicle 3 that has not yet been boarded, and the extraction unit 5204 for the boarded vehicle has newly extracted vehicle 3, the identification unit 5205 for the used vehicle stores the user of the mobile device 4 and the vehicle 3 in the database 5200I for used vehicles in correlation with each other. If a user of a mobile device 4 boards a vehicle 3 that has already been boarded, and the extraction unit 5204 for the boarded vehicle has newly extracted vehicle 3, the identification unit 5205 for the used vehicle updates the boarding frequency, which is the relationship information stored in the database 5200I for used vehicles.

[0063] The DB 5200I for used vehicles can be structured as a conventional relational database instead of a graph-type database.

[0064] The boarding detection unit 5206 (an example of an occupant identification unit) determines whether a user of a mobile device 4 actually boards a vehicle 3 used by the user of the mobile device 4, based on a conditional relationship between multiple mobile devices 4 and multiple vehicles 3, which is stored in the database 5200I for vehicles in use. In other words, the boarding detection unit 5206 identifies users who board the vehicles 3. For example, the boarding detection unit 5206 compares in real time current device movement information of the multiple mobile devices 4 with current vehicle movement information of the vehicle 3, which is correlated in the database 5200I for vehicles in use with the corresponding mobile devices 4.Accordingly, the entry detection unit 5206 only needs to monitor the vehicle movement histories of the vehicles 3, which have been identified in advance as being used by the users of the corresponding mobile devices 4, in the DB 5200I for used vehicles and can determine whether the users of the mobile devices 4 board the corresponding vehicles 3 in a realistic processing time.

[0065] The entry detection unit 5206 registers identification information of the user's mobile device 4, which is detected as boarding the corresponding vehicle 3, and an entry indicator that links the boarding to the relevant investigation information (vehicle movement information), and registers the resulting data in the investigation information database 5200E. Accordingly, the storage processing unit 5202 for vehicle movement information can add the identification information of the user's mobile device 4, who boards the vehicle 3 on each corresponding trip, to the trip information.

[0066] The identification information of the mobile device 4 is stored in the device information database 5200C, in which a large amount of information about the mobile device 4 is pre-registered.

[0067] The 5207 vehicle identification unit detects vehicles 3 passing in the vicinity of each of several digital signage devices 7. That is, the 5207 vehicle identification unit detects the vehicles 3 that have passed on nearby roads where a display section of each digital signage device 7 can be seen by any vehicle located on it (hereinafter referred to simply as nearby roads). Specifically, the 5207 vehicle identification unit captures information at an installation location of each digital signage device 7 (for example, position information or a connection ID of a nearby road) based on the signage information database 5200D.The identification unit 5207 for passing vehicles identifies the vehicles 3 that have passed each digital signage device 7, based on the vehicle movement histories of the vehicles 3 in the vehicle movement history database 5200F.

[0068] The vehicle identification unit 5207 identifies users boarding each identified vehicle 3. Specifically, the vehicle identification unit 5207 extracts relevant tour information from the vehicle movement history database 5200F based on the identification information of the vehicles 3 passing each digital signage device 7 and the time information of their passing. The vehicle identification unit 5207 identifies boarding users by extracting the identification information of the boarding users' mobile devices 4 contained in the extracted tour information.

[0069] The identification unit 5207 for passing vehicles stores the identification information of the identified vehicles 3, the time information of the passing and the identification information of the mobile devices 4 of the boarding users in the DB 5200J for passing vehicles in correlation with the identification information of the corresponding digital signage device 7 (for example, a signage ID).

[0070] The traffic conditions information acquisition unit 5208 acquires traffic conditions near each digital signage device 7 (traffic conditions information). In this embodiment, the traffic conditions information acquisition unit 5208 acquires traffic density information of a road near each digital signage device 7 and vehicle speed information of vehicles passing on the nearby road.

[0071] For example, the 5208 data acquisition unit for traffic conditions collects information on the number of vehicles 3 (an example of vehicles studied) passing on the road near each digital signage device 7 (information on the number of passing vehicles) within a predetermined time period, as traffic density information. Specifically, the 5208 data acquisition unit for traffic conditions calculates the number of passing vehicles by counting the vehicles 3 passing within a predetermined time period, based on the identification information of the vehicles 3 passing each digital signage device 7 and the time information of their passing, which is stored in the DB 5200J for passing vehicles.

[0072] For example, the data acquisition unit 5208 for traffic conditions records the vehicle speed information of passing vehicles 3 from the investigation information DB 5200E based on the identification information of the vehicles 3 passing each digital signage device 7 and the time information of passing stored in the DB 5200J for passing vehicles.

[0073] For example, the 5208 data acquisition unit can access an external road traffic information server via the 5201 communication processing unit or the like for traffic condition information and acquire the road traffic density information near each digital signage device 7 from the road traffic information server. For example, the 5208 data acquisition unit can access an external road traffic information server or the like for traffic condition information via the 5201 communication processing unit and acquire the vehicle speed information of vehicles passing on the nearby road, detected by a roadside device, the road traffic information server, or the like.For example, a vehicle speed detection unit, which detects vehicle speeds of vehicles passing on the nearby road, can be provided in each digital signage device 7, and the traffic conditions information capture unit 5208 can capture the vehicle speed information received by the digital signage device 7 through the communications processing unit 5201.

[0074] The 5209 occupant count data acquisition unit captures information on the number of occupants of vehicles passing on the road near each digital signage device 7. For example, the 5209 occupant count data acquisition unit captures the number of occupants of vehicles 3 passing on the road near each digital signage device 7, which is stored in the DB 5200J for passing vehicles. Specifically, the 5209 occupant count data acquisition unit captures the number of occupants of vehicle 3 based on the time information of vehicles 3 passing each digital signage device 7 and the identification information of the mobile devices 4 of the occupants of vehicles 3, which is stored in the DB 5200J for passing vehicles.

[0075] For example, the occupant count acquisition unit 5209 can access an external server associated with traffic control or the like via the communication processing unit 5201 and acquire occupant count information from the server about the number of occupants in vehicles passing on the road near each digital signage device 7. For example, a camera that captures images of vehicles passing on the nearby road can be provided in each digital signage device 7, and the occupant count acquisition unit 5209 can acquire the occupant count information based on a captured image received by the digital signage device 7 via the communication processing unit 5201.

[0076] The 5210 signage information capture unit (an example of a conspicuousness information capture unit) captures conspicuousness information when each digital signage device 7 is seen by a vehicle on the nearby road. Conspicuousness indicates, for example, how clearly the vehicle occupant can see the digital signage device 7. For example, the 5210 signage information capture unit captures information about the direction in which a display surface of each digital signage device 7 is facing, relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle on the nearby road.In particular, the 5210 signage information acquisition unit captures information on the installation conditions (installation condition information) of each digital signage device 7 in relation to the nearby road from the signage information database 5200D.

[0077] The signage information acquisition unit 5210 can acquire information on the height of the display surface of the digital signage device 7 from a road surface of the nearby road, information on the size of the display surface of each digital signage device 7 or the like as the conspicuousness information.

[0078] The first impact forecasting unit 5211 forecasts an impact index (an impression index) corresponding to the impression of advertising information displayed on each digital signage device 7 over a predetermined display period. The impression is one of the indices that indicate how often the typical audience sees the advertisement. Here, forecasting the impact index corresponding to the impression by the first impact forecasting unit 5211 can mean that the first impact forecasting unit 5211 calculates the impact index value that indicates the impression.

[0079] For example, the first impact prediction unit 5211 calculates an impression index of the advertising information during a predetermined period in which the advertising information is displayed on the digital signage device 7. The impression of the vehicle-bound advertising information displayed on the digital signage device 7 depends primarily on the number of passing vehicles. When the vehicle-bound advertising information displayed on the digital signage device 7 is seen from inside vehicles by occupants, it is more difficult to discern its details because the vehicle speed increases, and thus the speed of a passing vehicle influences the actual impression.Since there is a probability that an occupant, like a driver, is in a vehicle passing on a road near each digital signage device 7, the number of occupants in the vehicle passing on the road near the digital signage device 7 influences an actual impression. The conspicuousness of the digital signage device 7, when seen by an occupant passing on the nearby road, varies depending on the viewing direction (display direction) of the display surface of the digital signage device 7 relative to the direction of travel when viewed from the vehicle passing on the nearby road, and the viewing direction influences the occupant's recognition of the advertising information. Accordingly, the first effect prediction unit 5211 calculates the impression index using equation (1). Impression index = Number of passing vehicles × Vehicle speed coefficient × Average number of occupants × Display direction coefficient

[0080] The vehicle speed coefficient is a coefficient determined based on the mean vehicle speed (MV) of vehicles passing each digital signage device 7 on the road within a predetermined time period, as recorded by the traffic conditions information acquisition unit 5208. For example, the vehicle speed coefficient has a value from 0 to 1 and is set to decrease as the mean vehicle speed increases. The change in the vehicle speed coefficient with an increase in the mean vehicle speed can be determined using statistical data on human kinetic vision, experiments on the recognition of information from moving vehicles that have actually been conducted, or similar methods.The display direction coefficient is a coefficient that is determined depending on the viewing direction of the display surface of the digital signage device 7 relative to the direction of travel when viewed by an occupant of a vehicle on the nearby road. For example, the display direction coefficient has a value from 0 to 1 and is set such that the occupant has more difficulty seeing the display, and the value decreases when the viewing direction deviates more laterally to the right or left from the direction of travel, as if the digital signage device 7 were viewed essentially from the front (the direction of travel) of a vehicle on the nearby road.In particular, the display direction coefficient can be set to 1.0 if the digital signage device 7 is seen substantially from the front (of the direction of travel) from a vehicle on the nearby road, can be set to 0.75 if the viewing direction is obliquely to the side of a direction of travel, and can be set to 0.5 if the viewing direction is substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel.Calculation expressions or map information that specify a correspondence between the mean vehicle speed and the vehicle speed coefficient and a correspondence between a direction in which the display surface of the digital signage device 7 is visible with respect to the direction of travel and the display direction coefficient when the digital signage device 7 is seen by an occupant in a vehicle 3 on the nearby road, are, for example, pre-registered in the storage unit 5200.

[0081] In this embodiment, the impression index is calculated based on traffic density information, vehicle speed information, occupant count information, and conspicuousness information; however, the impression index can also be calculated simply based on some of these. For example, the impression index can be calculated using some of the following: vehicle speed information, occupant count information, and conspicuousness information, with traffic density information as one basis.

[0082] The first impact prediction unit 5211 forecasts an impression index over a predetermined display period (the entire display period), from the start of the display of the relevant advertising information until the end of the display, based on the calculated impression index during the predetermined period. For example, the first impact prediction unit 5211 can calculate a daily impression index based on the calculated impression index during the predetermined period and forecast the impression index for the entire display period by adding an impression index based on the number of days remaining. For example, the first impact prediction unit 5211 can calculate a daily impression index based on weekdays and holidays and forecast the impression index for the entire display period by adding an impression index based on the weekdays and holidays of the remaining days.

[0083] The attribute information capture unit 5212 captures predetermined attribute information from vehicle occupants 3 passing on a road near each digital signage device 7, from the terminal information database 5200C (an example of an attribute information storage unit). For example, attributes for target users (e.g., age and gender) are preset for the advertising information displayed on a digital signage device 7, and the attribute information capture unit 5212 captures attribute information to determine whether the attributes match the target attributes.In particular, the data acquisition unit 5212 for attribute information records predetermined attribute information of the users from the terminal information database 5200C based on the identification information of the mobile terminals 4 of the occupants of the vehicles 3 that are passing on the road near the digital signage device 7, which is stored in the database 5200J for passing vehicles.

[0084] In addition to advertising information (for example, an advertising image) that corresponds to details of the entered advertisement, information (purchase incentive destination information) about a purchase incentive destination (an actual store selling the target items of the advertisement or the like) for which a target group is to be enticed to purchase by the advertisement, attribute information (target group attribute target information), target groups that are a target of the advertisement, information (location target information) about a location that is a target of the advertisement (for example, a point of interest (POI) where the largest target group gathers, an area near a purchase incentive destination, and a road connection with a high probability that the target group for the purchase incentive destination will pass by on this road connection), and the like are stored in the advertising database 5200H in correlation with the advertising data.The attribute information capture unit 5212 can determine the types of attribute information to be captured based on the user attribute target information of the corresponding advertising information stored in the advertising database 5200H.

[0085] The second impact prediction unit 5213 predicts an impact index (a target group attribute index) of the advertising information displayed on the digital signage device 7, which is associated with the suitability of target group attributes over a predetermined display period. In other words, the second impact prediction unit 5213 predicts what proportion of vehicle occupants suitable for the target group attribute information will pass by on the nearby road during the display period. Here, the prediction of the target group attribute index by the second impact prediction unit 5213 can mean that the impact index value, which indicates the suitability of target group attributes, is calculated by the second impact prediction unit 5213.

[0086] For example, the second impact forecasting unit 5213 calculates a target group attribute index of the advertising information in a predetermined period during which the advertising information is displayed on the digital signage device 7.

[0087] In particular, the second impact forecasting unit 5213 calculates a proportion of users for whom the attribute information recorded by the data collection unit 5212 for attribute information is suitable for the target group attribute target information, among the users boarding the vehicles 3 who pass by the digital signage device 7 on the road in the vicinity of the digital signage device 7 in a predetermined period.

[0088] The second effectiveness forecasting unit 5213 forecasts an audience attribute index over a predetermined display period (the entire display period), from the start of the display of the relevant advertising information until the end of the display, based on the calculated audience attribute index during the predetermined period. For example, the second effectiveness forecasting unit 5213 can forecast that a trend in the audience attribute index will be maintained during the predetermined period and set the calculated audience attribute index to the forecasted value. The second effectiveness forecasting unit 5213 can calculate an audience attribute index by weekdays and holidays as the predetermined period and then forecast the audience attribute index over the entire display period based on the proportions of weekdays and holidays among the remaining days.

[0089] The advertising delivery unit 5214 (an example of a display control unit) transmits advertising data via the communication processing unit 5201 to a digital signage device 7, which is an advertising delivery destination. Accordingly, the advertising delivery unit 5214 can display advertising information (an advertising image) on the display unit of the digital signage device 7 according to the advertising data.

[0090] If, based on traffic condition information collected by the traffic condition information capture unit 5208, it is determined that an expected advertising effect is not being achieved by a particular digital signage device 7, the advertising delivery unit 5214 changes the destination of the digital signage device 7 on which the advertising information is displayed. In particular, if the advertising effects of advertising information displayed on each digital signage device 7, as predicted by the first effect prediction unit 5211 and the second effect prediction unit 5213, do not reach an expected standard value, the advertising delivery unit 5214 transfers advertising information to another digital signage device 7 where the advertising effect is improved.Accordingly, it is possible to limit a decline in advertising effectiveness associated with the suitability of an impression and target group attributes, and to improve the appropriate effects of the advertising information displayed on a digital signage device 7. Details of this will be described later. [Details of the operation of the advertising delivery system]

[0091] A specific operation of the advertising delivery system 1 according to this embodiment is described below with reference to the Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7 described.

[0092] The Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart that schematically illustrates an example of a processing routine performed by processor 52 of the central server 5 according to this embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 is a sub-flow diagram that schematically illustrates an example of a calculation process for an impression index, which is performed by the processor 52 of the central server 5 according to this embodiment. Fig. Figure 7 is a sub-flow diagram that schematically illustrates an example of a computation process for a target group attribute index, which is performed by the processor 52 of the central server 5 according to this embodiment.

[0093] The processing routine shown in the flowchart of the Fig. As described in section 5, this can be carried out on digital signage devices 7 for any predetermined period, for example, daily. The same applies below to the flowchart of the Fig. 11.

[0094] With regard to the Fig. 5: In step S502, the processor 52 calculates an impression index for a display period (from the start of the display to the current time) of the advertising information currently displayed on a digital destination signage device 7. The calculation process for the impression index is described below with reference to the Fig. 6 described.

[0095] In the process of step S502, this corresponds to the Fig. 6 a “predetermined period” which is described later, a display period of advertising information currently displayed on a digital destination signage device 7.

[0096] In step S602, the data acquisition unit 5208 calculates the number of vehicles 3 passing on a road near the digital destination signage device 7 within a predetermined period, based on the DB 5200J for passing vehicles, for information on traffic conditions.

[0097] In step S604, the data acquisition unit 5208 for traffic conditions records vehicle speed information of the vehicles 3 that pass on the road near the digital signage device 7 in the predetermined period from the investigation information database 5200E.

[0098] In step S606, the first impact prediction unit 5211 calculates an average vehicle speed of the vehicles 3 passing on the road near the digital signage device 7 during the predetermined period, based on the vehicle speed information recorded by the traffic conditions detection unit 5208.

[0099] In step S608, the recording unit 5209 for information on the number of occupants records the number of occupants of the vehicles 3 who have boarded the vehicles 3 that pass on the road near the digital signage device 7 in the predetermined period, based on the DB 5200J for passing vehicles.

[0100] In step S610, the first impact prediction unit 5211 calculates the average number of occupants of the vehicles 3 passing on the road near the digital signage device 7 during the predetermined period, based on the occupant count information collected by the occupant count data acquisition unit 5209.

[0101] In step S612, the acquisition unit 5210 for signage information records display direction information of the digital signage device 7 from the signage information database 5200D.

[0102] In step S614, an impression index of the advertising information of the digital signage device 7 is calculated in the predetermined period by multiplying the number of passing vehicles, the vehicle speed coefficient, which corresponds to the average vehicle speed, the average number of occupants, and the display direction coefficient, which corresponds to the display direction information.

[0103] With reference to the Fig. 5: In step S504, a predicted value of an impression index (a predicted impression index) of the advertising information of the digital signage device 7 is calculated for the entire display period when the display ends.

[0104] In step S506, processor 52 calculates a target audience attribute index for a given display period (from the start of the ad to the current time) of the advertising information currently displayed on the digital destination signage device 7. The calculation process for a target audience attribute index is described below with reference to the Fig. 7 described.

[0105] In the process of step S506, this corresponds to the Fig. 7 a “predetermined period” which is described later, a display period of advertising information currently displayed on a digital destination signage device 7.

[0106] In step S702, the acquisition unit 5212 for attribute information records predetermined attribute information of occupants of the vehicles 3 who pass along the digital signage device 7 in a predetermined period of time, from the terminal information database 5200C.

[0107] In step S704, the second impact forecasting unit 5213 calculates a target group attribute index of the advertising information of the digital signage device 7 in the predetermined period based on the attribute information recorded by the data acquisition unit 5212 for attribute information.

[0108] With reference to the Fig. 5: In step S508, the second impact forecasting unit 5213 calculates a predicted value of a target group attribute index (a predicted target group attribute index) of the advertising information of the digital signage device 7 for the entire display period when the display ends.

[0109] In step S510, the ad delivery unit 5214 determines whether both the predicted impression index and the predicted audience attribute index meet predetermined target standards. The ad delivery unit 5214 executes step S512 if either index fails to meet the target standard and terminates the routine if both meet the target standard.

[0110] In step S512, the advertising delivery unit 5214 extracts one digital signage device 7 from among several digital signage devices 7 to be a transmission destination to which the advertising information displayed on the digital signage device 7 can be transmitted. For example, based on the signage information database 5200D, the advertising delivery unit 5214 extracts digital signage devices 7 that are installed in areas suitable for location target information of the advertising information. If a digital signage device 7 on which the advertising information is not displayed is present among the extracted digital signage devices 7, the advertising delivery unit 5214 can determine that the digital signage device 7 is a transmission destination.The advertising delivery unit 5214 can determine that a digital signage device 7, on which advertising information whose target standards of an impression index and a target group attribute index are not set (i.e., advertising information without guaranteed effect) is displayed, is a transmission destination among the extracted digital signage devices 7. The advertising delivery unit 5214 can also determine that a digital signage device 7, on which advertising information with a prescribed priority of relatively low is displayed, is a transmission destination among the extracted digital signage devices 7. The same applies to a second embodiment (step S1108 in the...). Fig. 11, which will be described later).

[0111] In step S514, the advertising delivery unit 5214 determines whether a digital signage device 7 exists as a transmission destination. The advertising delivery unit 5214 executes step S516 if a digital signage device 7 exists as a transmission destination and terminates this routine if no digital signage device 7 exists as a transmission destination.

[0112] If there are multiple digital signage devices 7 as one transmission destination, the processes of steps S516 to S522 are carried out in parallel on the digital signage devices 7 as one transmission destination.

[0113] In step S516, the processor 52 calculates an impression index of the advertising information of the digital signage device 7 as a transmission destination for one or more specific time periods (for example, for a past week) by the one in the Fig. 6 illustrated process.

[0114] In the process of step S516, the aforementioned "predetermined period" corresponds to the Fig. 6 the specific period.

[0115] In step S518, the first impact prediction unit 5211 calculates a predicted impression index for the entire display period when the advertisement ends, assuming the advertising information has been transmitted to the digital signage device 7 as a transmission destination. Specifically, the predicted impression index can be calculated by adding an impression index corresponding to the remaining display period, calculated based on the impression index calculated in step S516, to the impression index of the advertising information during the display period up to the present, calculated in step S502. For example, the impression index corresponding to the remaining display period can be calculated as a single value (a proportionally distributed value) determined by proportionally distributing the impression index for the specific period calculated in step S516 over the remaining display period.For example, the impression index corresponding to the remaining display period can be calculated based on the number of days of the week and holidays within that period by using a weekday impression index and a holiday impression index, calculated under the premise that the impression index in step S516 is calculated based on a specific weekday period and a specific holiday period. Alternatively, the impression index corresponding to the remaining display period can be calculated taking into account the change in the impression index across specific time periods, under the premise that the impression index in step S516 is calculated based on multiple specific time periods (for example, daily).

[0116] In step S520, processor 52 calculates a target group attribute index in the specific period of the advertising information of the digital signage device 7 as a transmission destination by the one in the Fig. 7 illustrated process.

[0117] In the process of step S520, the aforementioned "predetermined period" corresponds to the Fig. 7 the specific period.

[0118] In step S522, the second impact prediction unit 5213 calculates a predicted audience attribute index for the entire display period when the ad ends, assuming the advertising information has been transmitted to the digital signage device 7 as a transmission destination. For example, the predicted audience attribute index can be calculated by summing the audience attribute index of the digital signage device 7 for the display period up to the present, calculated in step S506, and the audience attribute index for the specific period at the transmission destination, calculated in step S520, depending on the proportion of occupants passing by on the nearby road during those periods.For example, the audience attribute index can be calculated according to weekdays and holidays as the specific period in step S520, and the predicted audience attribute index can be calculated depending on the days of the week and holidays of the remaining display period.

[0119] In step S524, the advertising delivery unit 5214 determines whether there is a digital signage device 7 where the predicted impression index and the predicted audience attribute index are improved as a result of the transfer to the digital signage device 7 as a transfer destination. The advertising delivery unit 5214 performs step S526 if there is a digital signage device 7 where the predicted impression index and the predicted audience attribute index are improved as a result of the transfer, and terminates this routine if there is no such digital signage device 7.

[0120] In step S526, the ad delivery unit 5214 transmits the ad information to the digital signage device 7 where the predicted impression index and predicted audience attribute index are improved, delivers it, and then terminates this routine. If there are multiple digital signage devices 7 where the predicted impression index and predicted audience attribute index are improved, the ad delivery unit 5214 can transmit and deliver the ad information to the digital signage device 7 with the greatest improvement in effect. In this case, the ad delivery unit 5214 can focus on one of the two, the predicted impression index or the predicted audience attribute index, and transmit the ad information to the digital signage device 7 with the greatest improvement in the focused index.

[0121] If the advertising information is displayed on digital signage device 7 as a transmission destination, the advertising information can be transferred to the digital signage device 7 on which the advertising information to be transferred was displayed prior to the transfer. Regarding the advertising information that was displayed on digital signage device 7 as the transmission destination, a new digital signage device 7 can be selected as a transmission destination through the processes of steps S512 to S526. [Operation]

[0122] The operation of the advertising delivery system 1 according to this embodiment, in particular the operation based on the processing routine of the central server 5, which is located in the Fig. As illustrated in section 5, the following will be discussed with reference to the Fig. Sections 8A to 8D are described.

[0123] The Fig. Figures 8A to 8D are diagrams illustrating the operation of the advertising delivery system 1 according to this embodiment. In particular, the Fig. Figure 8A is a diagram that schematically illustrates a situation in which advertising information has been transferred from one digital signage device 7A to another digital signage device 7B between two digital signage devices 7A and 7B. Fig. 8B is a diagram illustrating the objectives of the impression index and the audience attribute index of the advertising information displayed on the digital signage device 7A. Fig. Figure 8C is a diagram illustrating a predicted impression index before the advertising information displayed on digital signage device 7A is transferred to digital signage device 7B. Fig. 8D is a diagram illustrating the results of the Impression Index and Audience Attribute Index over the entire display period, when the display period ends after the advertising information displayed on digital signage device 7A has been transferred to digital signage device 7B.

[0124] As in the Fig. As illustrated in Figure 8A, a road closure is implemented on a road connection LK 1, which is a road near a digital signage device 7, for some reason. Accordingly, the predicted impression index and the predicted target group attribute index do not reach the target reference values ​​of the impression index and the target group attribute index, as shown in the Fig. 8B and Fig. 8C illustrates this. In particular, the target value of the impression index is 500,000 impressions (see the Fig. 8B), and the calculated predicted impression index is 250,000 impressions (see the Fig. 8C). The target audience attribute index is 30%, which is the ratio of women in their twenties and women in their thirties to all users passing by on the nearby road, and the predicted target audience attribute index is 10%, which is the proportion of women in their twenties and women in their thirties.

[0125] As in the Fig. As illustrated in Figure 8A, the advertising delivery unit 5214 transmits the advertising information displayed on the digital signage device 7A to another digital signage device 7, as described above. In this example, the advertising delivery unit 5214 transmits the advertising information displayed on the digital signage device 7A to the digital signage device 7B, which is adjacent to a road link LK2 that runs substantially parallel to the road link LK1, which is subject to the closure. When the road link LK1 is subject to the closure, there is a probability that vehicles passing on the road link LK1 will enter the parallel road link LK2, and an improvement in impact, such as a high impression index, is expected.

[0126] Accordingly, in this example, as in the Fig. As illustrated in Figure 8D, the ad impression index for the entire ad period is 550,000 impressions, which is greater than predicted, and the target is met. The audience attribute index does not meet the target; however, the percentage of women in their twenties and women in their thirties is 25%, which is greater than predicted.

[0127] In this embodiment, the traffic information acquisition unit 5208 captures traffic conditions information relating to traffic conditions near several digital signage devices 7. The advertising delivery unit 5214 then modifies the digital signage device 7, on which advertising information is displayed, among several digital signage devices 7 based on the traffic conditions information.

[0128] Accordingly, the central server 5 can, for example, determine the traffic density on a road near each digital signage device 7 based on traffic condition information and predict an impact index corresponding to the impression of the digital signage device 7. The central server 5 can then transfer advertising information displayed on the digital signage device 7 to another digital signage device 7 if a predicted impact index value is lower than an expected standard value or similar. As a result, it is possible to limit a decline in advertising effectiveness and achieve a suitable impact for advertising displayed on the digital signage device 7.

[0129] In particular, the first impact prediction unit 5211, based on information on traffic conditions, predicts an impact index (an impression index) that corresponds to an impression of advertising information displayed on each of several digital signage devices 7 over a predetermined display period.If an impression index of an advertising information displayed on one of several digital signage devices 7 and predicted by the first effect prediction unit 5211 is less than a predetermined first standard value, the advertising delivery unit 5214 changes a destination where the one advertising information is displayed from one digital signage device 7 to another digital signage device 7 where the impression index of the one advertising information, predicted by the first effect prediction unit 5211, is improved among the several digital signage devices 7.

[0130] Accordingly, the central server 5 can predict the impact index of an advertisement displayed on a digital signage device 7 and transfer the advertisement to another digital signage device 7 as a display destination if the predicted impact index is lower than an expected standard value. This makes it possible to limit a decline in advertising effectiveness and achieve an appropriate impact for an advertisement displayed on the digital signage device 7.

[0131] In this embodiment, the traffic conditions acquisition unit 5208 acquires traffic conditions information, which includes traffic density information for a road near each of several digital signage devices 7 and vehicle speed information for vehicles passing on the nearby road. The first impact prediction unit 5211 then predicts an impact index based on the traffic density and vehicle speed information.

[0132] Accordingly, the central server 5 can determine, based on traffic density information, the number of vehicles occupied by people who are likely to see the digital signage device 7. Generally, as the speed of a vehicle passing on a nearby road increases, it becomes more difficult to see the display on a digital signage device 7. However, based on vehicle speed information, the central server 5 can determine the probability that an occupant of a vehicle passing on a nearby road will see the digital signage device 7 or similar. Therefore, the central server 5 can, in particular, predict an impact index (an impression index) based on traffic density and vehicle speed information.

[0133] In this embodiment, the occupant count detection unit 5209 acquires occupant count information about the number of occupants in the vehicles passing on the road near each digital signage device 7. The first impact prediction unit 5211 then predicts an impact index based on the occupant count information.

[0134] Accordingly, the central server 5 can predict the number of occupants of vehicles passing by on the nearby road using occupant count information in addition to traffic density information. Similarly, the central server 5 can predict with high accuracy an impact index (an impression index), corresponding to an impression, based on occupant count information in addition to traffic density and vehicle speed information.

[0135] In this embodiment, the vehicle movement information storage unit 5202 collects a vehicle movement history, including position information, from each of several vehicles (vehicles 3) under investigation. The device movement information storage unit 5203 collects a device movement history, including position information, from a mobile device 4 of each of several users operating one of several vehicles 3. Based on the vehicle movement histories, the passing vehicle identification unit 5207 identifies among the several vehicles 3 those vehicles 3 that are passing on a road near each digital signage device 7.The vehicle identification unit 5207 identifies the boarding users for the vehicles 3 passing on the road near the digital signage device 7, based on the vehicle movement trajectories of the vehicles 3 and the device movement trajectories of the mobile devices 4 of the vehicle 3 users. Then, the traffic conditions information acquisition unit 5208 captures traffic density information, which includes the number of vehicles 3 passing on a road near the multiple digital signage devices 7, based on the identification results from the vehicle identification unit 5207.The occupant count data acquisition unit 5209 captures occupant count data, including the number of occupants of the vehicles under investigation, passing on a road near each of the multiple digital signage devices 7, based on the identification results from the entry detection unit 5206.

[0136] Accordingly, the central server 5 can, in particular, collect traffic density information, including the number of vehicles 3 passing on a road near each digital signage device 7, based on the movement trajectories (vehicle movement patterns) of the multiple vehicles 3. The central server 5 can, in particular, collect information on the number of occupants, including the number of users boarding the vehicles 3 passing on the road near the digital signage device 7, by comparing the vehicle movement patterns of the vehicles 3 with the device movement patterns of the mobile devices 4 of the users of the vehicles 3. Accordingly, the central server 5 can, in particular, predict an impact index, corresponding to an impression, with greater accuracy based on the traffic density information and the information on the number of occupants collected in this way.

[0137] In this embodiment, the signage information detection unit 5210 acquires conspicuousness information when each of several digital signage devices 7 is seen by the corresponding vehicle on a nearby road. The first impact prediction unit 5211 then predicts an impression index based on the conspicuousness information.

[0138] Accordingly, the central server 5 can collect information on the conspicuousness (conspicuousness information) when a digital signage device 7 is seen from a vehicle, such as information (display direction information) on a relationship between a vehicle's direction of travel on a nearby road and the direction of the display surface of the digital signage device 7. Based on this conspicuousness information, the central server 5 can determine the probability that a vehicle passing by on the nearby road will see the advertising information of the digital signage device 7 or similar content.Accordingly, the central server 5 can predict with higher accuracy, in particular an impact index (an impression index) that corresponds to an impression, based on the anomaly information in addition to the traffic density information and the vehicle speed information.

[0139] In this embodiment, the terminal information database 5200C stores predetermined attribute information of multiple users, and the attribute information acquisition unit 5212 acquires the attribute information of the users of the vehicles 3 passing by on the nearby road from the terminal information database 5200C. The second effectiveness forecasting unit 5213 forecasts a target audience attribute index of advertising information displayed on each of several digital signage devices 7, which is associated with the suitability of target audience attributes over a predetermined display period, based on the attribute information acquired by the attribute information acquisition unit 5212.If the audience attribute index of an advertisement displayed on one of several digital signage devices 7, and predicted by the second effectiveness prediction unit 5213, is less than a predetermined second default value, the advertising delivery unit 5214 changes a destination where the advertisement is displayed from one digital signage device 7 to another digital signage device 7 among the several digital signage devices 7 where the audience attribute index of the advertisement, predicted by the second effectiveness prediction unit 5213, is equal to or greater than a second default value.

[0140] Accordingly, the central server can identify 5 users boarding vehicle 3, which is passing on a road near each digital signage device 7, based on the vehicle movement histories of vehicle 3 and the device movement histories of the mobile devices carried by the users of vehicle 3, and collect attribute information of the users (for example, gender and age).Accordingly, the central server 5 can predict an impact index of an advertisement displayed on a digital signage device 7, which is associated with the suitability of target group attributes, based on the attribute information of the users of the vehicles 3 passing by the digital signage device 7 on the road, and transfer a display destination of the advertisement to another digital signage device 7 if the predicted impact index is less than an expected standard value. Thus, it is possible to limit a decline in advertising effectiveness associated with the suitability of the target group attributes and to achieve a suitable effect for an advertisement displayed on the digital signage device 7.

[0141] In this embodiment, both the impression index and the target group attribute index are predicted, however, only one index may be predicted, and it can be determined whether the advertising information should be transmitted, depending on whether the predicted value is smaller than a predetermined standard value (target). <Zweite Ausführungsform>

[0142] A second embodiment is described below.

[0143] An advertising delivery system 1 according to this embodiment differs from the advertising delivery system according to the first embodiment in that the transmission of advertising information is carried out based on a fluctuation in the traffic information, without predicting an effectiveness index (such as an impression index) of the advertising information. In particular, the advertising delivery system 1 differs from the advertising delivery system 1 according to the first embodiment in that several mobile devices 4 are omitted.The advertising delivery system 1 differs from the advertising delivery system according to the first embodiment in that the storage processing unit 5203 for terminal movement information, the extraction unit 5204 for the vehicle boarded, the identification unit 5205 for the vehicle used, the entry detection unit 5206, the acquisition unit 5209 for information on the number of occupants, the acquisition unit 5210 for signage information, the first effect prediction unit 5211, the acquisition unit 5212 for attribute information, the second effect prediction unit 5213, the terminal information DB 5200C, the terminal movement history DB 5200G and the DB 5200I for vehicles used are omitted in the processor 52 of the central server 5 and an analysis unit 5215 for a change in traffic conditions is added.In the following description, the same or corresponding elements as in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals, and elements that differ from those of the first embodiment will be described substantially below. [Design of the advertising delivery system]

[0144] First, an embodiment of the advertising delivery system 1 according to this embodiment is described below with reference to the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 described.

[0145] The Fig. Figure 9 is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the design of the advertising delivery system 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional design of the central server 5 according to this embodiment.

[0146] The functional design of a vehicle 3 according to this embodiment is the same as that in the Fig. 2 is illustrated in the first embodiment.

[0147] The central server 5 comprises a communication device 51 and a processor 52, similar to the first embodiment.

[0148] The processor 52 comprises a communication processing unit 5201, a memory processing unit 5202 for vehicle motion information, an identification unit 5207 for passing vehicles, a traffic condition detection unit 5208, an advertising delivery unit 5214, and an analysis unit 5215 for changes in traffic conditions as functional units that are executed by causing the CPU to execute one or more programs stored in a ROM or an auxiliary memory device. The processor 52 includes, for example, a memory unit 5200, which is a memory area defined in an auxiliary memory device of a server computer or an external memory device connected to the server computer.A map information DB 5200A, a vehicle information DB 5200B, a signage information DB 5200D, an investigation information DB 5200E, a vehicle movement history DB 5200F, an advertising DB 5200H and a DB 5200J for passing vehicles are stored in the storage unit 5200.

[0149] Since the mobile devices 4 are omitted, the vehicle identification unit 5207 does not perform a process in this example to determine the occupants of the vehicles 3 passing on a road near each digital signage device 7. Accordingly, identification information of the vehicles 3 passing each digital signage device 7 and the time of passing are stored in the DB 5200J for passing vehicles in correlation with identification information of the corresponding digital signage device 7.

[0150] The 5208 Traffic Conditions Information Acquisition Unit captures information (traffic density change information) on the change in the number of vehicles 3 passing each digital signage device 7 on each road connection within a predetermined area, including nearby roads, as traffic conditions information. For example, the 5208 Traffic Conditions Information Acquisition Unit can calculate the number of vehicles 3 passing each digital signage device 7 on multiple road connections within a predetermined area during each predetermined period (e.g., one week) based on the vehicle movement data database 5200F and capture the traffic density change information.

[0151] For example, the 5208 data acquisition unit can access an external road traffic information server via the 5201 communication processing unit and acquire traffic density change information in a predetermined area, including nearby roads, of each digital signage device 7 from the road traffic information server.

[0152] The Traffic Conditions Change Analysis Unit 5215 analyzes changes in traffic conditions in the vicinity of each digital signage device 7 based on traffic conditions information collected by the Traffic Conditions Information Collection Unit 5208. Specifically, the Traffic Conditions Change Analysis Unit 5215 analyzes changes in traffic density at each predetermined time within the area, based on traffic density change information for each digital signage device 7. In particular, the Traffic Conditions Change Analysis Unit 5215 analyzes whether a change in traffic density has occurred with a tendency to worsen the perceived effectiveness of the advertising information displayed on the digital signage device 7.For example, the analysis unit 5215 determines, for a change in traffic conditions, whether the number of vehicles passing on a road near the digital signage device 7 decreases, based on an increase in the number of vehicles passing on a specific road link in a predetermined area that includes the digital signage device 7, or a closure or lane narrowing of the nearby road.

[0153] The Traffic Conditions Information Capture Unit 5208 can capture information other than the traffic conditions used by the Traffic Conditions Change Analysis Unit 5215 to analyze changes in traffic density, either instead of or in addition to the traffic density change information. For example, the Traffic Conditions Information Capture Unit 5208 can capture information on accidents, disasters, weather, new businesses, events, and the like related to accidents, disasters, weather, business openings, major events, or similar events that affect traffic conditions in an area.

[0154] If the analysis unit 5215 determines that a change in traffic conditions (traffic density) is occurring with a tendency for the impression of the advertising information to exceed a predetermined area and deteriorate within that area, including the digital signage device 7, the advertising delivery unit 5214 transfers a display destination for the advertising information from the digital signage device 7 to another digital signage device 7. For example, the predetermined area that can be considered a change in traffic conditions can be defined as a range of change in the number of vehicles passing on the road links, including the nearby road, within the area at each predetermined time period, and this information is stored in advance in the storage unit 5200.Details will be described later. [Details of the operation of the advertising delivery system]

[0155] A specific operation of the advertising delivery system 1 according to this embodiment is described below with reference to the Fig. 11 described.

[0156] The Fig. Figure 11 is a flowchart that schematically illustrates an example of a processing routine performed by the processor 52 of the central server 5 according to this embodiment.

[0157] In step S1102, the acquisition unit 5208 captures traffic density change information as the information on traffic conditions in the vicinity of a digital destination signage device 7.

[0158] In step S1104, the analysis unit 5215 analyzes changes in traffic conditions in the vicinity of the digital signage device 7.

[0159] In step S1106, the traffic conditions analysis unit 5215 determines whether there is a change in traffic density with a tendency for the impression of the advertising information to exceed a predetermined area and deteriorate within a predetermined area, including the digital signage device 7. The traffic conditions analysis unit 5215 performs step S1108 if such a change in traffic density exists and terminates this processing routine if no change in traffic density exists.

[0160] In step S1108, the advertising delivery unit 5214 extracts the digital signage device 7 from among several digital signage devices 7 as a transmission destination to which the advertising information displayed on the digital signage device 7 can be transmitted.

[0161] In step S1110, the advertising delivery unit 5214 determines whether a digital signage device 7 exists as a transmission destination. The advertising delivery unit 5214 executes step S1112 if a digital signage device 7 exists as a transmission destination, and terminates this processing routine if no digital signage device 7 exists as a transmission destination.

[0162] If there are multiple digital signage devices 7 as one transmission destination, the processes of steps S1112 to S1116 are carried out in parallel on the digital signage devices 7 as one transmission destination.

[0163] In step S1112, the acquisition unit 5208 for traffic conditions information captures the traffic density change information as the information on traffic conditions in the vicinity of the digital signage device 7 as a transmission destination.

[0164] In step S1114, the change in traffic conditions in the vicinity of the digital signage device 7 as a transmission destination is analyzed.

[0165] In step S1116, the traffic conditions analysis unit 5215 determines whether there is a change in traffic density with a tendency for the impression of the advertising information to exceed a predetermined area and deteriorate within a predetermined area, including the digital signage device 7 as a transmission destination. The traffic conditions analysis unit 5215 performs step S1118 if there is no change in traffic density and terminates this processing routine if such a change in traffic density exists.

[0166] In step S1118, the advertising delivery unit 5214 transmits the advertising information and delivers it to the digital signage device 7, which is installed in an area where there is no change in traffic density that would cause the perceived effectiveness of the advertising information to exceed a predetermined range and deteriorate, and then terminates this processing routine. If there are multiple digital signage devices 7 installed in areas where there is no change in traffic density that would cause the perceived effectiveness of the advertising information to exceed a predetermined range and deteriorate, the advertising delivery unit 5214 can transmit and deliver the advertising information to the digital signage device 7 installed in the area with the smallest range of change in traffic conditions, i.e., where the traffic conditions are stable.In this case, the advertising delivery unit 5214 can transmit and deliver the advertising information to the digital signage device 7, which is installed in an area where there is a change in traffic density with a tendency to improve the impression, and where its range of change is greatest. [Operation]

[0167] As described above, in this embodiment, the traffic conditions acquisition unit 5208 acquires traffic conditions information about the surrounding area of ​​each of several digital signage devices 7. The advertising delivery unit 5214 changes the digital signage device 7 on which advertising information is displayed among the several digital signage devices 7 based on the traffic conditions information.

[0168] Accordingly, the central server 5 can, for example, detect a change in the traffic conditions of a road near a digital signage device 7 based on the traffic condition information. If the traffic conditions of roads near the digital signage device 7 deviate from an area where an improvement in effectiveness is expected, the central server 5 can then transmit the advertising information from the digital signage device 7 to another digital signage device 7. This makes it possible to limit any deterioration in the advertising effectiveness and achieve a suitable effect for an advertisement displayed on the digital signage device 7.

[0169] In particular, the Traffic Conditions Analysis Unit 5215 analyzes changes in traffic conditions within a predetermined area, including the digital signage device 7, based on traffic density change information acquired by the Traffic Conditions Information Capture Unit 5208. If the Traffic Conditions Analysis Unit 5215 determines that a change in traffic density is likely to cause the advertising information to exceed a predetermined area and deteriorate, the Advertising Delivery Unit 5214 transfers a destination for the advertising information from the digital signage device 7 to another digital signage device 7.

[0170] Accordingly, particularly if a change in traffic conditions has been observed that worsens the impression, the advertising information can be transferred to another digital signage device 7. This makes it possible, in particular, to limit any deterioration in the advertising effect and to achieve a suitable effect for advertising displayed on the digital signage device 7.

[0171] In this embodiment, the traffic condition analysis unit 5215 determines whether a change in traffic conditions is likely to cause an impression to exceed a predetermined range and deteriorate, but it can also predict such a tendency in advance. That is, based on traffic density change information, the traffic condition analysis unit 5215 predicts whether a change is likely to cause an impression to exceed a predetermined range and deteriorate. If such a change is predicted by the traffic condition analysis unit 5215, the advertising delivery unit 5214 can perform the aforementioned transmission of advertising information.Accordingly, it is possible to complete the transfer to a digital destination signage device 7, on which advertising information is displayed, before an impression of it deteriorates from a predetermined area.

[0172] Although embodiments of the invention have been described above, the invention is not limited to any specific embodiment and can be modified and changed in various ways without deviating from the core statement of the invention described in the attached claims.

[0173] For example, the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be combined. In particular, the predicted target group attribute index in the first embodiment and the result of the analysis of changes in traffic conditions for an impression in the second embodiment can be combined to carry out a transmission of advertising information. For example, the advertising delivery unit 5214 can carry out the transmission of advertising information when the determination result of step S510 of the Fig. 5, which is only associated with the predicted target group attribute index, is YES or if the determination result of step S1106 of the Fig. 11, which is associated with the analysis of changes in traffic conditions, is YES. In particular, in the Fig. The flowchart 5 illustrated steps S502, S504, S516 and S518 through steps S1102, S1104, S1112 and S1114 in the Fig. 11 replaced, and steps S1106 and S1116 in the Fig. Steps 11 are inserted before or after steps S510 and S524. If the result of step S510, which is only associated with the predicted target group attribute index, or the result of step S1106 is YES, step S512 is performed. If the result of step S524, which is only associated with the predicted target group attribute index, is YES, or if the result of step S1116 is NO, step S526 is performed.

[0174] In the embodiments mentioned above, equation (1) is used to predict an impression index, but it can also be used, for example, to calculate an impression index for advertising information whose display period expires later. Accordingly, the equation can be used to plan a strategy, such as selecting a digital signage device 7 to serve as a delivery destination in the future.

Claims

[1] Digital signage system (7), comprising: a traffic conditions information acquisition unit (5208) designed to acquire traffic conditions information about traffic conditions near each of several digital signs (7), wherein the traffic conditions information includes information on the number of vehicles (3) passing on a road near each of the several digital signs (7) during a predetermined period of time, as well as traffic density information for a nearby road, and vehicle speed information for vehicles (3) passing on the nearby road; and a display control unit (5214) designed to: to cause the multiple digital signage displays (7) to show advertising information, and a digital signage (7) on which the advertising information is displayed, to be placed among the several digital signage (7) based on information on traffic conditions; and a first impact prediction unit (5211) designed to calculate a first impact index value indicating an impression of advertising information displayed on each of the multiple digital signage devices (7) over a predetermined display period, based on traffic condition information, by multiplying the number of passing vehicles (3), a vehicle speed coefficient corresponding to an average vehicle speed of the vehicles (3) passing on the road near each digital signage device (7) in a predetermined period, an average number of occupants, and a display direction coefficient corresponding to the display direction information, wherein the display control unit (5214) is designed to switch a digital signage (7) displaying the first advertising information from the first digital signage (7) to a second digital signage (7) when the first impact index value of first advertising information displayed on a first digital signage (7) is less than a predetermined first standard value, wherein the first digital signage (7) and the second digital signage (7) are included in the multiple digital signage (7), and the first impact index value of the first advertising information displayed on the second digital signage (7) is greater than the first impact index value of the first advertising information displayed on the first digital signage (7). [2] Digital signage device (7) according to claim 1, further comprising: a data acquisition unit (5209) for occupant count information designed to acquire occupant count information about the number of occupants of a vehicle (3) passing on the nearby road. [3] Digital signage device (7) according to claim 2, further comprising: a vehicle movement history collection unit (5200F, 5202) designed to collect a vehicle movement history containing position information from each of several vehicles (3) under investigation; a terminal device movement history collection unit (5200G) designed to collect a terminal device movement history containing position information from a mobile terminal device (4) carried by each of several users of the several vehicles (3) under investigation; an identification unit (5207) for passing vehicles (3) designed to identify a vehicle under investigation (3) passing by on the nearby road, based on the vehicle movement pattern, among the several vehicles under investigation (3); and an occupant identification unit (5206) designed to identify an occupant of the vehicle under investigation (3) passing by on the nearby road, based on the vehicle movement history of the vehicle under investigation (3) and the device movement history of the mobile device (4) of the user of the vehicle under investigation (3), wherein the traffic conditions information acquisition unit (5208) is designed to acquire traffic density information, which includes the number of surveyed vehicles (3) passing on the nearby road, based on an identification result from the vehicle identification unit (5207) for passing vehicles (3), and The occupant number acquisition unit (5209) is designed to acquire occupant number information, which includes the number of occupants of the vehicle under investigation (3) passing by on the nearby road, based on an identification result from the occupant identification unit (5206). [4] Digital signage device (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a detection unit (5210) for anomaly information, designed to detect anomaly information when each of the multiple digital signs (7) is seen by the vehicle (3) on the nearby road, according to each of the multiple digital signs (7), wherein The first impact forecasting unit (5211) is designed to calculate the first impact index value based on the anomaly information. [5] Digital signage device (7) according to claim 1, further comprising: a vehicle movement history collection unit (5200F, 5202) designed to collect a vehicle movement history containing position information from each of several vehicles (3) under investigation; a terminal device movement history collection unit (5200G) designed to collect a terminal device movement history containing position information from multiple mobile terminal devices (4) carried by each of multiple users of the multiple vehicles (3) under investigation; a storage unit (300, 5200, 5200C) for attribute information, designed to store predetermined attribute information from each of the multiple users; an identification unit (5207) for passing vehicles (3) designed to identify a vehicle under investigation (3) passing on the nearby road, which is a road near each of the multiple digital signage signs (7), based on the vehicle movement history among the multiple vehicles under investigation (3); an occupant identification unit (5206) designed to identify an occupant of the vehicle under investigation (3) passing by on the nearby road, based on the vehicle movement history of the vehicle under investigation (3) and the terminal movement history of the mobile terminal (4) of the user of the vehicle under investigation (3); an attribute information capture unit (5212) designed to capture the attribute information of the user identified by the occupant identification unit (5206) from the attribute information storage unit (300, 5200, 5200C); and a second impact prediction unit (5213) designed to calculate, on the basis of the attribute information acquired by the attribute information acquisition unit (5212), a second impact index value indicating the suitability of target group attributes for advertising information displayed on each of the multiple digital signage displays (7) over a predetermined display period, wherein the display control unit (5214) is designed to switch the digital signage (7) on which the third advertising information is displayed from the third digital signage (7) to a fourth digital signage (7) when the second effect index value of the third advertising information displayed on a third digital signage (7) is less than a predetermined second standard value, wherein the third digital signage (7) and the fourth digital signage (7) are included in the multiple digital signage (7), and the second effect index value of the third advertising information displayed on the fourth digital signage (7) is greater than the second effect index value of the third advertising information displayed on the third digital signage (7). [6] Digital signage control procedure, comprehensive: to cause a digital signage control device to cause multiple digital signs (7) to display advertising information; to cause the digital signage control device to acquire traffic condition information about traffic conditions near each of the multiple digital signs (7), wherein the traffic condition information includes information on the number of vehicles (3) passing on a road near each of the multiple digital signs (7) in a predetermined period of time, as the traffic density information of a nearby road, and vehicle speed information of vehicles (3) passing on the nearby road; and to cause the digital signage control unit to switch a digital sign (7) on which the advertising information is displayed among the multiple digital signs (7) based on the traffic conditions information, wherein a first impact index value, which indicates an impression of advertising information displayed on each of the multiple digital signage devices (7) over a predetermined display period, based on traffic condition information, is calculated by multiplying the number of passing vehicles (3), a vehicle speed coefficient corresponding to an average vehicle speed of the vehicles (3) passing on the road near each digital signage device (7) in a predetermined period, an average number of occupants, and a display direction coefficient corresponding to the display direction information, and a digital sign (7) on which the first advertising information is displayed, switches from the first digital sign (7) to a second digital sign (7) if the first impact index value of first advertising information displayed on a first digital sign (7) is less than a predetermined first standard value, wherein the first digital sign (7) and the second digital sign (7) are included in the multiple digital signs (7), the first impact index value of the first advertising information displayed on the second digital sign (7) is greater than the first impact index value of the first advertising information displayed on the first digital sign (7). [7] Non-volatile, computer-readable recording medium that stores a program, the program causing a computer to perform the following: to display advertising information on multiple digital signage displays (7); To collect traffic condition information about traffic conditions near each of the multiple digital signs (7), wherein the traffic condition information includes information on the number of vehicles (3) passing on a road near each of the multiple digital signs (7) in a predetermined period of time, as the traffic density information of a nearby road, and vehicle speed information of vehicles (3) passing on the nearby road; and to place a digital sign (7) on which the advertising information is displayed among the several digital signs (7) based on the information on traffic conditions, wherein a first impact index value, which indicates an impression of advertising information displayed on each of the multiple digital signage devices (7) over a predetermined display period, based on traffic condition information, is calculated by multiplying the number of passing vehicles (3), a vehicle speed coefficient corresponding to an average vehicle speed of the vehicles (3) passing on the road near each digital signage device (7) in a predetermined period, an average number of occupants, and a display direction coefficient corresponding to the display direction information, and a digital sign (7) on which the first advertising information is displayed, switches from the first digital sign (7) to a second digital sign (7) if the first impact index value of first advertising information displayed on a first digital sign (7) is less than a predetermined first standard value, wherein the first digital sign (7) and the second digital sign (7) are included in the multiple digital signs (7), the first impact index value of the first advertising information displayed on the second digital sign (7) is greater than the first impact index value of the first advertising information displayed on the first digital sign (7).

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