Terminal device, control method, and control program

Abstract

To properly capture user behaviour.SOLUTION: A terminal device 100 establishes a geofence in a predetermined area based on predicted user behaviour. The terminal device 100 detects the user's entry into and exit from the geofence. The terminal device 100 then transmits the detection results to a server device 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal device, a control method, and a control program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, a technology has been known that detects a user's visit to or stay at a store using information such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) acquired from the user in order to utilize the data for congestion prediction, advertising effectiveness measurement, visitor analysis, etc. For example, a conventional technology has been provided that detects a user's entry into a store based on a store polygon in order to capture the user's behavior (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-044296 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology has room for improvement in capturing user behavior. For example, the conventional technology estimates whether a store has a geographical association with a user based on an area indicating the range of the user's location and an area indicating the area occupied by the store (store polygon). However, when the store is included in a complex commercial facility such as a shopping mall, it is difficult to appropriately capture the positional relationship between the user and the store. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the objectives, the terminal device of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a setting unit that sets a geofence in a specified area based on predicted user behavior, a detection unit that detects the user's entry and exit into the geofence, and a transmission unit that transmits the results of detection by the detection unit to a server device. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately capture user behavior. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing how to obtain user location information according to this embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a problem in the reference technology. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a position information acquisition system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a table diagram showing an example of a user context according to this embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a table diagram showing an example of information related to the geofence according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a table diagram showing an example of store information according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a table diagram showing an example of the detection information according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a control procedure of the terminal device according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a store visit detection procedure according to this embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of an advertisement information output procedure according to the present embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a store information output procedure according to the present embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an effect achieved by the terminal device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an effect achieved by the terminal device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the terminal device according to this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description does not limit the terminal device, control method, and control program according to the present embodiment. In addition, in the following embodiment, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0009] [1. Description of terminal device] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing acquisition of user position information according to the present embodiment. The terminal device 100 shown in Fig. 1 is an example of a computer that provides a technology for detecting entry or exit (hereinafter, simply "entering and exiting") into a geofence set according to user behavior predicted based on user context, and transmitting the detected information to a server device 200.

[0010] In recent years, reference technologies have become known that detect when a user enters a store based on a store polygon, and that detect when a user visits a store based on Wi-Fi (registered trademark) signal strength and GPS, in order to predict congestion based on user behavior, measure advertising effectiveness, analyze visitors, and so on.

[0011] However, in the reference technology, it may be difficult to properly capture user behavior. Here, the problems of the reference technology will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the problems of the reference technology.

[0012] 2, the location information acquisition system 10 detects a user's entry and exit into a geofence, a store polygon, or a store area to acquire location information. Note that a "geofence" in this embodiment is a virtual area that detects the entry and exit of a terminal device that uses location information such as GPS.

[0013] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a location information acquisition system 10 detects a user's entry into or exit from a geofence 11 or a geofence 12, and collects location information acquired by the user's terminal device ((1-1) and (1-2) in FIG. 2).

[0014] The location information acquisition based on the geofence described above is performed when the user enters or leaves a geofence that has been set in advance. Therefore, the location information acquisition system 10 may not be able to grasp the current location of the user when the user stays between two geofences ((2) in FIG. 2). If many geofences are set to prevent such a situation, the number of geofences that determine the user's entry and exit increases, and the calculation cost increases. In addition, when detecting the entry and exit of a geofence on the terminal device side, the terminal device side needs to recognize the area of ​​the geofence. However, in a typical terminal device such as a smartphone, an upper limit is set on the number of geofences that can be set in order to prevent an unlimited increase in the calculation cost, and it is not realistic to set many geofences. Therefore, in the case of location information acquisition based on the geofence according to the reference technology, the frequency of location information acquisition may be lower than the frequency that is originally required.

[0015] Furthermore, when a user enters or leaves a store polygon 13, the location information acquisition system 10 estimates and detects whether or not there is a geographical relationship between the user and the store ((3) in FIG. 2). However, as shown in (4) in FIG. 2, when the target store is a tenant or an individual store in a complex commercial facility such as a shopping mall, it may be difficult to acquire the user's location information by detecting the user's entry and exit into the geofence or store polygon described above.

[0016] Therefore, the terminal device 100 according to the present embodiment sets a geofence in a predetermined area based on the predicted user behavior. Next, the terminal device 100 detects entry and exit into the geofence. Then, the terminal device 100 transmits the detection result to the server device 200.

[0017] Here, the explanation will be continued by returning to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 shows a position information acquisition system 1 including a terminal device 100 and a server device 200.

[0018] First, the terminal device 100 sets a geofence including a target user, such as a circular geofence with a radius of XX m from the center of the user ((1) in FIG. 1).

[0019] Next, the terminal device 100 acquires a user context from the server device 200 to predict the behavior of the user for whom a geofence is to be set ((2-1) in FIG. 1). Next, the terminal device 100 predicts the user's behavior based on the acquired user context. Then, the terminal device 100 sets a geofence for the predicted destination location of the user and the facility to which the user is predicted to move ((2-2) in FIG. 1).

[0020] As shown in (3-1) of Fig. 1, the terminal device 100 detects the user's entry and exit into the set geofence. Then, the terminal device 100 transmits the detected detection information to the server device 200 ((3-2) of Fig. 1).

[0021] In this way, the terminal device 100 of this embodiment repeatedly sets a geofence according to the user's behavior predicted using the user text, and grasps the user's behavior by transmitting detection information regarding entry and exit into the geofence to the server device 200.

[0022] 2. Configuration of location information acquisition system Next, the configuration of the location information acquisition system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the location information acquisition system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the location information acquisition system 1 has a terminal device 100 and a server device 200, which are connected to each other via a wireless or wired network NW.

[0023] [2-1. Terminal device configuration] The terminal device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130. Although not shown in Fig. 3, the terminal device 100 may include an input unit (e.g., a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) that accepts various operations. Although not shown in Fig. 3, the terminal device 100 may include a display unit (e.g., a display, etc.) for displaying store information and advertisement information acquired from the server device 200.

[0024] (Communication unit 110) The communication unit 110 transmits and receives data when the terminal device 100 acquires user context and store information from the server device 200. In addition, the communication unit 110 transmits and receives data when transmitting, to the server device 200, detection information associated with a user's entry and exit into a geofence, a store polygon, a store area, or the like.

[0025] The communication unit 110 is connected to a network via a wired or wireless connection, and transmits and receives information between the terminal device 100 and an external device. For example, the communication unit 110 is realized by a network adapter, a network interface card, or the like.

[0026] (Storage unit 120) The storage unit 120 stores and holds programs for the terminal device 100 to function, various information for each functional unit of the control unit 130 to perform processing, and the like. The storage unit 120 is realized by a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. Specifically, the storage unit 120 has a user context DB 121, a geofence DB 122, a store information DB 123, and a detection information DB 124.

[0027] (User context DB121) The user context DB 121 is a database that stores user context used for predicting user behavior by the later-described setting unit 132. The user context here includes various information that affects user behavior, such as time period, location, weather, communication environment, user behavior before and after, and psychological state.

[0028] Here, an example of user context stored in the user context DB 121 will be described. Fig. 4 is a table diagram showing an example of user context according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the user context DB 121 stores user identification information, user attribute information, date and time, weather, usage environment, movement speed, movement direction, behavior history, purchase history, behavior schedule, and psychological state in association with each other.

[0029] The above-mentioned user identification information is identification information unique to each user, such as a user name or a unique character string. The user attribute information is information including demographic data such as the user's age, sex, family structure, occupation, educational background, annual income, and life stage, and psychographic data such as the user's values, hobbies, preferences, inclinations, tastes, and habits. The date and time is information on the date and time when the user's behavior is predicted. The weather is information on the weather at the user's location, such as clear, sunny, cloudy, and rainy. The usage environment is information on the connection status of the user's terminal device 100, such as connection to a mobile line such as 4G / 5G, and connection to a wireless LAN. The moving speed is an index of the moving speed of the user, represented by the moving distance per unit time such as speed per hour. The moving direction is information that represents the direction in which the user moves using the direction of movement and the moving direction. The behavior history is information on the user's behavior history, such as the points visited by the user on the past time axis. The purchase history is information on the user's purchase history, such as the stores visited by the user on the past time axis, the products purchased, the prices, and the number of purchases. The behavior plan is information about the user's behavior plan, such as what points the user will visit on a future time axis, what actions the user will take, etc. The psychological state is information about the user's psychological state, such as surprise, joy, anger, fear, sadness, disgust, etc.

[0030] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the user context DB121 stores information such as user identification information “User A”, user attribute information “AAA”, date and time “2023 / 6 / 5 12:00”, weather “clear”, usage environment “mobile line”, movement speed “4km / h”, movement direction “straight south”, behavior history “BBB”, purchase history “CCC”, planned behavior “DDD”, and psychological state “EEE”.

[0031] For example, user attribute information "AAA" may include information such as "age: 35, gender: male, family structure: single, occupation: company employee, education: university graduate, annual income: 5 million yen, hobby: movies." Behavioral history "BBB" may include information such as "visited store XX." Purchase history "CCC" may include information such as "purchased C units of product A at price B from store XX." Planned behavior "DDD" may include information such as "plan to visit point XX." Mental state "EEE" may include information such as "feeling happy."

[0032] Furthermore, the user context DB121 can store search history, browsing history, and communication history in addition to the above. For example, the search history includes a map destination search history such as "XX district izakaya yakitori XX shop" searched by the user, a map search history such as "XX district izakaya yakitori" and an internet search history for "XX district izakaya yakitori" or "XX district izakaya yakitori XX shop". The search history also includes a history of "XX shop XX shop" being recommended as a response to "What is a good yakitori shop around here?" input by the user to the chat-type generation AI.

[0033] Browsing history also includes the user's history of registering "XX district, yakitori bar XX shop" as a favorite in a map or car navigation application, and the user's history of viewing or registering "XX district, yakitori bar XX shop" as a favorite in an internet browser.

[0034] The communication history also includes information about meeting places such as "●● store, XX store" and store information that the user has sent in email or chat applications.

[0035] (Geofence DB122) The geofence DB 122 is a database that stores information about geofences set for target users and facilities. Specifically, the geofence DB 122 stores information about geofences set to include target users and facilities, geofences set based on predicted behavior of the users, and the like.

[0036] Here, the information related to the geofence stored in the geofence DB 122 will be described. Fig. 5 is a table diagram showing an example of the information related to the geofence according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the geofence DB 122 stores user identification information, a geofence number, a classification, a longitude and latitude, a geofence size (X, Y), and an expiration date in association with each other.

[0037] The above-mentioned user identification information is identification information unique to each user, such as a user name or a unique character string. The geofence number is a serial number assigned to the set geofence. The classification is classification information assigned to each target for setting the geofence, such as a user or a store. The longitude and latitude are the longitude and latitude of the center part of the geofence, and are information indicating the setting position of the geofence. The geofence size (X, Y) is information indicating the size of the geofence and its shape, such as a circle or an ellipse. The expiration date is information on the date and time indicating the timing of deleting the set geofence. Note that, although an example of the above geofence size indicated by two radii, X and Y, has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be expressed by a mathematical formula expressing a circle or an ellipse, or a graphic depiction based on a Fourier series.

[0038] For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the geofence DB 122 stores information such as user identification information "user A", geofence number "1", classification "user", longitude and latitude "x1, y1", geofence size (X, Y) "150 m, 50 m", and expiration date "2023 / 6 / 5 13:00". In other words, the geofence DB 122 stores information such as "For user A, a geofence with a geofence size of 150 m, 50 m identified by geofence number 1 is set at a position with longitude and latitude of x1, y1 with an expiration date of 2023 / 6 / 5 13:00".

[0039] (Store information DB123) The store information DB 123 is a database that stores store information acquired from the server device 200 by the acquisition unit 131 described later. Specifically, the store information DB 123 stores a store polygon, a store area, store information, and the like that correspond to a store included in a geofence that is set according to a predicted behavior of a user.

[0040] Here, a description will be given of store information stored in the store information DB 123. Fig. 6 is a table diagram showing an example of store information according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the store information DB 123 stores store identification information, a location, a store polygon, a store area, store details, a store visit history, a purchase history, and advertisement information in association with each other.

[0041] The above-mentioned store identification information is identification information unique to each store, such as a store name or a unique character string. The location is the address of the location of the store. The store polygon is information related to the store polygon, such as configuration information of the store polygon used to detect visits to the store, and information identifying the store polygon. The store area is information related to the store area, such as configuration information of the store area used to detect entry or exit to the store, and information identifying the store area. The store details are information on the products and services handled by the store, features, promotional points, etc. The store visit history is user history information such as the number of visitors per unit period and the attributes of the visitors. The purchase history is history information on products and services purchased at the store, such as the number of sales per unit period, the sales amount, and information on products and services sold. The advertising information is a method related to advertising implemented at the store.

[0042] For example, as shown in FIG. 6, store information DB123 stores information such as store identification information "Store A", location "XX Ward, Tokyo", store polygon "XXX", store area "●●●", store details "FFF", store visit history "GGG", purchase history "HHH", and advertising information "III".

[0043] For example, the store polygon "XXX" may include, as information on the store polygon related to the store, a program or data for making the store polygon function, or information for identifying the store polygon stored in another device. The store area "●●●" may include, as information on the store area related to the store, a program or data for making the store area function, or information for identifying the store area stored in another device. The store details "FFF" may include information on the products and services handled by the store, such as "The product being sold is product A" and "The service being provided is service B". The store visit history "GGG" may include information such as "The number of male visitors in May 2023 was 100". The purchase history "HHH" may include information such as "The sales amount of product A in May 2023 was 100,000 yen". The advertisement information "III" may include information such as "A 30% off sale is being held for product A".

[0044] (Detection information DB124) The detection information DB 124 stores, as detection information, information detected by a detection unit 133 described later when a user enters or leaves a geofence.

[0045] Here, the detection information stored in the detection information DB 124 will be described. Fig. 7 is a table diagram showing an example of the detection information according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, the detection information DB 124 stores user identification information, a geofence number, an entry / exit flag, a date and time, and longitude and latitude in association with each other.

[0046] The above-mentioned user identification information is information for identifying a user who has been detected entering or exiting the geofence, such as identification information unique to each user, such as a user name or a unique character string. The geofence number is a serial number for identifying the set geofence. The entry / exit flag is information indicating the entry or exit of the user into the set geofence. The date and time is information indicating the date and time when the user entered and exited the geofence. The longitude and latitude are location information, such as the longitude and latitude, of the user or the geofence, etc., obtained when the user entered and exited the geofence.

[0047] For example, the detection information DB 124 can store information such as user identification information "user A", geofence number "1", entry / exit flag "enter", date and time "2023 / 6 / 5 13:00", and longitude / latitude "x11, y11". The above-mentioned information includes the content that "user A entered geofence number 1 at 2023 / 6 / 5 13:00, and location information with longitude / latitude of x11, y11 was acquired."

[0048] (Control unit 130) The control unit 130 performs a process in which the terminal device 100 predicts a user's behavior based on the user context and sets a geofence at a predetermined position, facility, etc. related to the predicted behavior of the user. Specifically, the control unit 130 has an acquisition unit 131, a setting unit 132, a detection unit 133, a transmission unit 134, and an output unit 135, and realizes the above-mentioned process.

[0049] The control unit 130 is realized by a processor, a micro processing unit (MPU), a central processing unit (CPU), or the like, executing various programs stored in the storage unit 120 of the terminal device 100 using a RAM as a working area. The control unit 130 is also realized by an integrated circuit (IC), such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0050] (Acquisition part 131) The acquisition unit 131 acquires, from the server device 200, information to be used in a process for grasping the user's behavior.

[0051] Specifically, the acquisition unit 131 acquires a user context from the server device 200. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires user identification information, user attribute information, date and time, weather, usage environment, movement speed, movement direction, behavior history, purchase history, behavior schedule, psychological state, search history, browsing history, communication history, and the like, which are used by the setting unit 132 described later to predict the user's behavior. Then, the acquisition unit 131 stores the acquired user context in the user context DB 121.

[0052] Specifically, the acquisition unit 131 acquires a store polygon of a predetermined facility included in a geofence set by the setting unit 132 described later from the server device 200 every time the geofence is set. For example, when a geofence is set to include "store a" based on a user's behavior predicted by the setting unit 132 described later, the acquisition unit 131 acquires a store polygon related to "store a" from the server device 200 every time the geofence is set. Then, the acquisition unit 131 stores the acquired store polygon in the store information DB 123.

[0053] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 acquires store information corresponding to the store polygon from the server device 200. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires store identification information, a location, store details, a store visit history, a purchase history, advertisement information, and the like corresponding to the store polygon related to "store a". Note that the acquisition unit 131 can acquire store information from the server device 200 in conjunction with or independently of the acquisition of the store polygon. Then, the acquisition unit 131 stores the acquired store information in the store information DB 123.

[0054] On the other hand, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the store area of ​​a predetermined facility included in the set geofence from the server device 200. For example, when the geofence is set to include "store a" based on the user's behavior predicted by the setting unit 132 described later, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the store area corresponding to "store a" from the server device 200. Note that the acquisition unit 131 can acquire store information in conjunction with or independently of the acquisition of the store area. Then, the acquisition unit 131 stores the acquired store area in the store information DB 123.

[0055] (Setting unit 132) The setting unit 132 sets a geofence at a target location based on predicted user behavior.

[0056] Specifically, the setting unit 132 predicts the user's behavior using at least one of the following included in the user context: date and time, weather, the usage environment of the terminal device 100, movement speed, movement direction, action history, purchase history, action schedule, mental state, search history, browsing history, and communication history. Then, the setting unit 132 sets a geofence in a predetermined area based on the predicted user's behavior.

[0057] For example, the setting unit 132 sets a geofence of a predetermined shape at a position where the user is expected to move based on the user's behavior predicted by the above-mentioned process. As an example, the setting unit 132 predicts, for example, "the amount of user activity increases on Sundays" based on the date and time, and sets a geofence of a size of "150 m, 150 m" or the like, which is larger than a default geofence of a size of "100 m, 100 m" or the like. In addition, the setting unit 132 predicts, for example, "because it is raining, the user will be active within a nearby facility" based on the weather, and sets a geofence including a facility near the user's location. In addition, the setting unit 132 predicts, for example, "because the signal strength of the mobile line is weak, the user will move outdoors" based on the usage environment of the terminal device 100, and sets a geofence to include the outdoors near the user's location.

[0058] Furthermore, the setting unit 132 sets a geofence having a shape according to the predicted user behavior. As an example, the setting unit 132 predicts, for example, "a visit to store a is planned" based on a behavior plan extracted from a schedule tool of the user, and sets a geofence including the store a or a geofence along a route to the store a. Furthermore, the setting unit 132 predicts, for example, "there is a possibility that the user will visit store a again because the user has a history of visiting the store a" based on a behavior history and a purchase history of the user accumulated in the server device 200, and sets a geofence including the store a or a geofence along a route to the store a.

[0059] In addition, the setting unit 132 predicts, based on the psychological state, that "the user's emotions include anxiety and there is a possibility that the user will behave in an unexpected manner," and sets multiple geofences to surround the user so that the user's behavior can be captured even when the user behaves in an unexpected manner.

[0060] Furthermore, the setting unit 132 predicts that the user is likely to visit "●●ya XX store" based on the map destination search history such as "XX district Izakaya Yakitori XX store", the map search history, and the internet search history. Then, the setting unit 132 sets a geofence that includes the store, or sets a geofence along the route to the store.

[0061] In addition, the setting unit 132 predicts that the user "is likely to visit XX store" based on a history of recommendations such as "XX store" in response to the question "What is a good yakitori restaurant around here?" input by the user to the chat-type generation AI. The setting unit 132 then sets a geofence that includes the store, or sets a geofence along the route to the store.

[0062] Furthermore, the setting unit 132 predicts that the user "is likely to visit XX store" based on the browsing history, such as "XX district Izakaya Yakitori XX store" and the like, based on browsing of maps, car navigation, internet browsers, and other applications, and favorite registration information. Then, the setting unit 132 sets a geofence that includes the store, or sets a geofence along the route to the store.

[0063] Furthermore, the setting unit 132 predicts that the user "may visit XX store" based on the communication history and the transmission history of meeting place information and store information for "XX store" in email and chat applications. Then, the setting unit 132 sets a geofence that includes the store and sets a geofence along the route to the store.

[0064] In addition, the setting unit 132 predicts user behavior such as potential visitor data based on a learning model trained using explicit behavior prediction data such as weighted user reservation information and implicit behavior prediction data such as search and communication processes.

[0065] In addition, the setting unit 132 sets a geofence having a shape including an area where the user is expected to be located when the user performs the predicted action. As an example, the setting unit 132 can predict that "the user is moving straight south and will continue to move without changing his / her course" and set multiple geofences in a line according to the user's moving direction, or set a geofence in an elliptical shape or the like that matches the user's moving direction.

[0066] The setting unit 132 sets a geofence of a predetermined shape so as to include a predetermined facility to which the user is expected to move based on the predicted user behavior. As an example, the setting unit 132 can predict, based on the user's moving speed, that "the user is moving on foot" or "the user is moving by car" and set a geofence of a size according to the user's moving speed. Specifically, when the moving speed of the user is slow, such as when the user is moving on foot, the setting unit 132 sets a default geofence of a size of, for example, "100m, 100m". On the other hand, when the moving speed of the user is fast, such as when the user is moving by car, a geofence of a size of, for example, "100m, 200m" that is elongated in the moving direction is set.

[0067] Furthermore, the setting unit 132 deletes the set geofence when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Specifically, the setting unit 132 deletes the set geofence when a preset time elapses after the user exits the geofence or when the expiration date set for the geofence as shown in FIG. 5 elapses.

[0068] (Detection unit 133) The detection unit 133 detects the user's entry into and exit from the geofence. Specifically, the detection unit 133 detects entry into or exit from the geofence set by the setting unit 132, and stores detection information such as an entry / exit flag, date and time, and latitude and longitude in the detection information DB 124.

[0069] Furthermore, the detection unit 133 detects the user's visit to a store based on the store polygon. Specifically, the terminal device 100 acquires from the server device 200 a store polygon corresponding to a store included in the geofence set for the user, and sets it. Then, the detection unit 133 can detect that the user has visited the store when a predetermined area of ​​the store polygon interferes with a predetermined area set to include the user's current location. Note that the method of detecting the user's visit to a store based on the store polygon may be a known method, and is not particularly limited.

[0070] Furthermore, the detection unit 133 detects the entry and exit of a user into a store area in order to output advertising information to the user. Specifically, the terminal device 100 can set a store area corresponding to a store included in a geofence set for the user. Then, the detection unit 133 can detect that the user has entered the store area when a predetermined area of ​​the store area interferes with a predetermined area set to include the user's current location. Note that the method of detecting the entry of a user based on the store area referred to here may be a known method and is not particularly limited.

[0071] (Transmitter 134) The transmission unit 134 transmits the result of the detection by the detection unit 133 to the server device 200. Specifically, when the detection unit 133 detects that the user has entered or left a geofence, a store polygon, or a store area, the transmission unit 134 transmits the detection information to the server device 200 each time. For example, when the user enters a geofence, a store polygon, or a store area, the transmission unit 134 transmits the user's position information detected by the detection unit 133 and the entry information into the geofence to the server device. On the other hand, when the user exits a geofence, a store polygon, or a store area, the transmission unit 134 transmits the user's position information detected by the detection unit 133 and the exit flag from the geofence to the server device 200.

[0072] (Output unit 135) The output unit 135 outputs to the user store information about a store that is predicted to be visited by the user based on the user's behavior predicted by the setting unit 132. For example, when it is predicted that "the user has visited store a in the past and may visit again," the output unit 135 displays to the user store information corresponding to the predicted store a.

[0073] Furthermore, when the detection unit 133 detects that the user has entered a store area, the output unit 135 outputs an advertisement related to a specific store to the user. For example, when the output unit 135 detects that the user has entered the store area of ​​store a, the output unit 135 displays advertisement information related to store a, "30% off sale on product A," to the user. Furthermore, when the output unit 135 detects that the user has left the store area of ​​store a, the output unit 135 stops displaying the advertisement.

[0074] [2-2. Server device configuration] The server device 200 is an example of a computer that stores user context and store information used for setting a geofence, a store polygon, and a store area, or detection information transmitted from the terminal device 100. As shown in Fig. 3, the server device 200 has a communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a control unit 230. Although not shown in Fig. 3, the server device 200 may also include an input unit (e.g., a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) that accepts various operations, and a display unit (e.g., a display, etc.) that displays the results of information processing.

[0075] (Communication unit 210) The communication unit 210 is connected to a network by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information between the server device 200 and an external device. The communication unit 210 is realized by a network adapter, a network interface card, or the like. In the following description, the communication between the terminal device 100 and the server device 200 is assumed to be performed via the communication unit 210.

[0076] (Storage unit 220) The storage unit 220 stores and holds programs for the server device 200 to function, various information for each functional unit of the control unit 230 to perform processing, etc. Specifically, the storage unit 220 stores user context and store information to be transmitted by the server device 200 to the terminal device 100, and detection information transmitted from the terminal device 100.

[0077] The storage unit 220 is realized by a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 220 has a user context DB 221, a store information DB 222, and a detection information DB 223. In the following items, each functional unit of the storage unit 220 will be described.

[0078] (User context DB221) The user context DB 221 is a database that stores user context used to predict user behavior for setting a geofence by the terminal device 100. Note that the content of the user context stored by the user context DB 221 is similar to the user context described in the section on the terminal device 100, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted in this section.

[0079] (Store information DB222) The store information DB222 is a database that stores store information used by the terminal device 100. Specifically, the store information DB123 stores store polygons, store areas, and store information corresponding to stores included in a geofence set for a user. Note that the store information stored by the store information DB222 is similar to the store information described in the section on the terminal device 100, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted in this section.

[0080] (Detection information DB223) The detection information DB 223 stores the detection information detected and transmitted by the terminal device 100. Note that the store information stored in the detection information DB 223 is similar to the detection information described in the section on the terminal device 100, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0081] (Control unit 230) The control unit 230 is realized by a processor, an MPU, a CPU, or the like executing various programs stored in the storage unit 220 of the server device 200 using the RAM as a working area. The control unit 230 is also realized by an IC such as an ASIC or an FPGA. Specifically, the control unit 230 has a receiving unit 231 and a transmitting unit 232.

[0082] (Reception Department 231) The reception unit 231 receives detection information transmitted by the terminal device 100. Specifically, the reception unit 231 receives the transmitted user identification information, the geofence number, the entry / exit flag, the date and time, the longitude and latitude, etc. Then, the reception unit 231 stores the received detection information in the detection information DB 223.

[0083] (Transmitter 232) The transmission unit 232 transmits user context such as user identification information, user attribute information, date and time, weather, usage environment, movement speed, movement direction, behavior history, purchase history, behavior schedule, psychological state, search history, browsing history, and communication history in response to a request from the terminal device 100. In addition, the transmission unit 232 transmits store information such as store identification information, location, store polygon, store area, store details, store visit history, purchase history, and advertisement information in response to a request from the terminal device 100.

[0084] 2-3. Examples Hereinafter, an example of geofence-related control realized by the terminal device 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 8 to Fig. 10 are diagrams showing examples according to this embodiment.

[0085] (Setting geofences according to movement speed and direction) First, an example in which the terminal device 100 sets a geofence by dynamically changing the radius size and shape of the geofence based on the moving speed, moving direction, and the like of the user will be described with reference to FIG.

[0086] For example, when the user moves in a certain direction on foot at a speed of, for example, 4 km / h, the terminal device 100 sets multiple geofences in the direction in which the user is predicted to move ((1) in FIG. 8). Also, instead of multiple geofences, the terminal device 100 sets an elongated elliptical geofence along the direction in which the user is predicted to move ((2) in FIG. 8). On the other hand, when it is not possible to predict in which direction the user will move, the terminal device 100 sets a geofence in a direction in which the user may move that is different from the current direction of movement of the user ((3) in FIG. 8).

[0087] Furthermore, when the user is in a vehicle and travels at high speed, the terminal device 100 sets a geofence that is larger in size (e.g., "radius 500 m or more") than a geofence set for a user traveling at low speed in the direction in which the user is predicted to travel at high speed ((4) in FIG. 8). At this time, the terminal device 100 sets multiple large-sized geofences, sets an elliptical geofence along the user's travel direction, or the like, to capture the user traveling at high speed.

[0088] As a result, the terminal device 100 can appropriately capture the user's behavior by suppressing the setting of unnecessary geofences when there is an upper limit on the number of geofences that can be set, etc. Also, the terminal device 100 can suppress the acquisition of unnecessary location information and acquire more accurate location information of the user.

[0089] (Setting a geofence for facilities within the user's location area) Next, an example of setting a geofence for a facility that the user may visit in the future, among the specific facilities included in the geofence predicted by the terminal device 100 using user context such as the user's behavior history, behavior schedule, and search information, will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0090] For example, the terminal device 100 predicts that the user will visit store a using information such as "visited store a in the past," "purchased product A at store a," and "user has a plan to visit store a in his / her schedule" ((1) in FIG. 9). Then, the terminal device 100 sets a geofence, a store polygon, and a store area for the predicted store a. Furthermore, the terminal device 100 predicts plans to visit multiple stores ((2) in FIG. 9) in the same area in addition to store a ((1) in FIG. 9), and sets geofences.

[0091] In addition, when the terminal device 100 sets a geofence for a specific facility as described above, the terminal device 100 sets an expiration date for the geofence and deletes the geofence whose expiration date has passed. For example, when the user's planned stay at store a extracted from the schedule information is "June 8, 2023, 10:00 to 12:00", the terminal device 100 can set the expiration date of the geofence set for store a to "June 8, 2023, 13:00", etc. Note that, if the user stays within the geofence even after the set expiration date has passed, the terminal device 100 can automatically update the expiration date.

[0092] As a result, the terminal device 100 can set a geofence for a predetermined facility related to the predicted user's behavior, and delete the geofence when the expiration date has passed. As a result, the terminal device 100 can maintain the accuracy of detecting the user by the geofence while suppressing the unnecessary setting of the geofence.

[0093] (Setting geofences using generative AI and outputting store information) Next, an example will be described with reference to Figure 10 in which the terminal device 100 inputs a user's voice chat or content generated by the user into a generation AI, and uses the output information to set geofences for users and stores, and display store information to the user.

[0094] 10, the terminal device 100 acquires information on exchanges in voice chat such as "I want to go now, is there a good yakiniku restaurant near Tokyo Station?" and "There is a popular yakiniku restaurant called Yakiniku A within a 100m radius." The terminal device 100 also acquires user-generated content such as an impression generated by any user, such as "Store A was delicious, so I want to go again," as well as images and videos.

[0095] Then, the terminal device 100 inputs the voice chat and user-generated content into the generation AI, and extracts words such as "5 / 9~24:00", "Around Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo", "Yakiniku Restaurant A", "Yakiniku", "Delicious", etc. The above-mentioned "5 / 9~24:00" is information that the generation AI infers from the time of the voice chat exchange to the end of the day, based on the information "I want to go now" in the voice chat.

[0096] Next, the terminal device 100 matches the extracted words with the store information to identify "store identification information of Yakiniku A restaurant." The terminal device 100 then matches the identified "store identification information of Yakiniku A restaurant" with the store information stored in the server device 200 to identify the location, store polygon, store area, etc. of the Yakiniku A restaurant. The terminal device 100 then acquires the identified information from the server device 200 and sets a geofence store polygon and store area to include the Yakiniku A restaurant.

[0097] In addition, the terminal device 100 compares the identified "store identification information of Yakiniku A Restaurant" with the store information stored in the server device 200 to obtain the identified information from the server device 200, and outputs store information such as the location, business hours, and price range of Yakiniku A Restaurant, as well as advertising information, to the user.

[0098] In this way, the terminal device 100 uses natural language processing based on generation AI to select candidates for setting a geofence and output appropriate information based on the user's voice input information, information on content generated by the user, and other user context.

[0099] The process of the above-described example may be performed by the terminal device 100 or may be performed by the server device 200. When the process is performed by the server device 200, the terminal device 100 acquires a result of the process performed by the server device 200.

[0100] The generation AI may be an edge AI mounted on the terminal device 100, or may be an LLM (Large Language Models) that operates in a cloud environment such as the server device 200. It is preferable that the generation AI described above conceals information such as input personal information by learning so as not to be used as a new answer.

[0101] 3. Processing Procedure Next, a control procedure by the terminal device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11 to Fig. 14. Note that the control procedures described below can be combined and implemented as long as there is no contradiction.

[0102] (Geofence setting and entry / exit detection) First, a control procedure for setting a geofence and detecting entry and exit will be described. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a control procedure of the terminal device 100 according to this embodiment. Note that each step described below may be executed in a different order, and some processing may be omitted.

[0103] First, if the user is not a target of the geofence process (No in S101), the terminal device 100 waits for the process. On the other hand, if the user is a target of the geofence process (Yes in S101), the acquisition unit 131 acquires a user context from the server device 200 (S102).

[0104] The setting unit 132 sets a geofence for the user based on the user's behavior predicted using the acquired user context (S103). If the user does not enter the set geofence (No in S104), the terminal device 100 waits for processing. On the other hand, if the user enters the set geofence (Yes in S104), the detection unit 133 detects the entry into the geofence and stores the presence or absence of the user's entry, the date and time, and the location information in the detection information DB 124 (S105). Then, the transmission unit 134 transmits the detection information to the server device 200 (S106).

[0105] Here, if the user does not exit the set geofence (No in S107), the terminal device 100 waits for processing. On the other hand, if the user exits the set geofence (Yes in S107), the detection unit 133 detects the exit from the geofence and stores the presence or absence of the user's exit, the date and time, and the location information in the detection information DB 124 (S108). Then, the transmission unit 134 transmits the detection information to the server device 200 (S109).

[0106] The setting unit 132 deletes the geofence from which the user has exited (S110). If the next geofence is to be set (Yes in S111), the terminal device 100 returns to the process and continues the process. On the other hand, if the next geofence is not to be set (No in S111), the terminal device 100 ends the process.

[0107] (Store visit detection based on store polygons) Next, a control procedure for detecting a visit to a store based on a store polygon will be described. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for detecting a visit to a store according to this embodiment. Note that the steps described below may be executed in a different order, and some steps may be omitted.

[0108] First, if a geofence is not set for a specific store (No in S201), the terminal device 100 waits for processing. On the other hand, if a geofence is set for a specific store (Yes in S201), the acquisition unit 131 acquires store information from the server device 200 (S202).

[0109] The setting unit 132 sets a store polygon for the corresponding predetermined facility based on the user's behavior predicted using the acquired user context (S203). If the user does not enter the set store polygon (No in S204), the terminal device 100 waits for processing. On the other hand, if the user enters the set store polygon (Yes in S204), the detection unit 133 detects the entry into the store polygon and stores the presence or absence of the user's entry, the date and time, and the location information in the detection information DB 124 (S205). Then, the transmission unit 134 transmits the detection information to the server device 200 (S206).

[0110] Here, if the user does not exit the set store polygon (No in S207), the terminal device 100 waits for processing. On the other hand, if the user exits the set store polygon (Yes in S207), the detection unit 133 detects the exit from the store polygon, and stores the presence or absence of the user's exit, the date and time, and the location information in the detection information DB 124 (S208). Then, the transmission unit 134 transmits the detection information to the server device 200 (S209).

[0111] The setting unit 132 deletes the store polygon from which the user has exited (S210). If the next store polygon is to be set (Yes in S211), the terminal device 100 returns to the previous step and continues the process. On the other hand, if the next store polygon is not to be set (No in S211), the terminal device 100 ends the process.

[0112] (Store visit detection based on store area and output of advertising information) Next, a control procedure for detecting store visits based on store areas and outputting advertising information will be described. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of an advertising information output procedure according to this embodiment. Note that the steps described below may be executed in a different order, and some processing may be omitted.

[0113] First, if a geofence is not set for a specific store (No in S301), the terminal device 100 waits for processing. On the other hand, if a geofence is set for a specific store (Yes in S301), the acquisition unit 131 acquires store information from the server device 200 (S302).

[0114] The setting unit 132 sets a store area for the corresponding predetermined facility based on the user's behavior predicted using the acquired user context (S303). If the user does not enter the set store area (No in S304), the terminal device 100 waits for processing. On the other hand, if the user enters the set store area (Yes in S304), the detection unit 133 detects the entry into the store area and stores the presence or absence of the user's entry, the date and time, and the location information in the detection information DB 124 (S305). Then, the output unit 135 outputs advertisement information to the user (S306).

[0115] Here, if the user does not exit the set store area (No in S307), the terminal device 100 waits for processing. On the other hand, if the user exits the set store area (Yes in S207), the detection unit 133 detects the exit from the store polygon, and stores the presence or absence of the user's entry, the date and time, and the location information in the detection information DB 124 (S308).

[0116] The setting unit 132 deletes the store area from which the user has left (S309). If the next store area is to be set (Yes in S310), the terminal device 100 returns to the previous step and continues the process. On the other hand, if the next store area is not to be set (No in S310), the terminal device 100 ends the process.

[0117] (Output of store information corresponding to store polygons) Next, a control procedure for outputting store information corresponding to a store polygon will be described. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a store information output procedure according to this embodiment. Note that each step described below may be executed in a different order, and some processing may be omitted.

[0118] First, if a geofence is not set for a specific store (No in S401), the terminal device 100 waits for processing. On the other hand, if a geofence is set for a specific store (Yes in S401), the acquisition unit 131 acquires store information from the server device 200 (S402).

[0119] The setting unit 132 sets a store polygon for the corresponding predetermined facility based on the user's behavior predicted using the acquired user context (S403). Next, the output unit 135 identifies the store polygon that overlaps with the geofence based on the user context (S404). Then, the output unit 135 outputs the store information to the user (S405).

[0120] If the next store polygon is to be set (Yes in S407), the terminal device 100 returns to the previous step and continues the process. On the other hand, if the next store polygon is not to be set (No in S407), the terminal device 100 ends the process.

[0121] [4. Effects] From here, the effects of the terminal device 100 according to this embodiment will be described appropriately with reference to Fig. 15 and Fig. 16. Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 are diagrams showing an example of the effects achieved by the terminal device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0122] Conventionally, a technology for setting a geofence to include a user is known, but it is difficult to predict the user's behavior, set a geofence for a point where the user may move, and obtain location information. In addition, a store polygon may be used to detect a visit to a store, but if the store polygon is set in a complex commercial facility such as a shopping mall, it may be difficult to detect a visit to a tenant store inside the facility. In addition, it is not realistic for the terminal device 100 to obtain and store all the store polygons set for each store in advance in terms of storage medium capacity and cost-effectiveness.

[0123] Therefore, the setting unit 132 of the terminal device 100 of this embodiment sets a geofence in a predetermined area based on the predicted user behavior. Next, the detection unit 133 of the terminal device 100 detects the user's entry and exit into the geofence. Next, the transmission unit 134 of the terminal device 100 transmits the result of detection by the detection unit 133 to the server device 200. Therefore, the terminal device 100 according to this embodiment provides the effect of appropriately capturing the user's behavior.

[0124] Specifically, the setting unit 132 of the terminal device 100 predicts the user's behavior using at least one of the following as user context for the user: date and time, weather, the usage environment of the terminal device 100, moving speed, moving direction, behavior history, purchase history, behavior schedule, psychological state, search history, browsing history, and communication history. In addition, the setting unit 132 predicts the user's behavior such as store visit candidate data based on a learning model trained using explicit behavior prediction data such as weighted reservation information of the user and implicit behavior prediction data such as search and communication process. In this way, the terminal device 100 can set a geofence more appropriately by accurately predicting the user's behavior based on the user context.

[0125] Furthermore, the setting unit 132 of the terminal device 100 sets a geofence of a predetermined shape at a position where the user is expected to move based on the predicted user behavior. This allows the terminal device 100 to appropriately capture the user's behavior while suppressing unnecessary geofence settings by setting a geofence at a point according to the user's behavior.

[0126] In addition, the setting unit 132 of the terminal device 100 sets a geofence having a shape according to the predicted user behavior. As a result, the terminal device 100 changes the shape of the geofence according to the direction in which the user moves, etc., thereby realizing more efficient geofence setting that suppresses unnecessary geofence setting, and making it possible to appropriately capture the user behavior.

[0127] In addition, the setting unit 132 of the terminal device 100 sets a geofence having a shape including an area in which the user is expected to be located when the user performs the predicted behavior. In this way, the terminal device 100 sets a geofence to capture the user's future behavior, thereby realizing more efficient geofence setting that suppresses unnecessary geofence setting, and enabling appropriate capture of the user's behavior.

[0128] In this way, the control process realized by the terminal device 100 enables the terminal device 100 to appropriately set a geofence for the user as shown in (1) of Figure 15 and detect entry and exit, thereby obtaining the user's location information frequently and with high accuracy.

[0129] Furthermore, the setting unit 132 of the terminal device 100 sets a geofence of a predetermined shape so as to include a predetermined facility to which the user is expected to move based on the predicted user behavior. In this way, when the user moves at high speed, the terminal device 100 changes the size of the geofence and changes the shape of the geofence according to the direction in which the user moves at high speed, thereby making it possible to efficiently acquire the user's position information. Therefore, the terminal device 100 is able to appropriately capture the user's behavior.

[0130] In this way, the terminal device 100 can visualize the user's behavior by predicting the user's behavior based on the user context and setting a geofence for a location or facility to which the user may move in the future, as shown in (2) of Figure 15.

[0131] The acquisition unit 131 of the terminal device 100 acquires a store polygon of a predetermined facility included in the geofence set by the setting unit 132 from the server device 200 every time the geofence is set. Then, the detection unit 133 detects a user's visit to a store based on the store polygon. In this way, the terminal device 100 sets a geofence for a target store based on a user's behavior prediction, and then sets a store polygon for the store. Therefore, the terminal device 100 enables store visit detection for a tenant in a commercial complex or the like.

[0132] In this way, the terminal device 100 can set geofences, store polygons, and store areas for facilities where the user is expected to move, as shown in (3) of Fig. 15. Therefore, the terminal device 100 can comprehensively expand the number of measurable facilities by efficiently setting geofences, the number of which is limited.

[0133] When the user enters the geofence, the transmission unit 134 of the terminal device 100 transmits the user's position information detected by the detection unit 133 and the entry information into the geofence to the server device 200. When the user exits the geofence, the transmission unit 134 transmits the user's position information detected by the detection unit 133 and an exit flag from the geofence to the server device. The terminal device 100 acquires the user's position information and transmits it to the server device 200 every time the user enters or exits the set geofence, thereby realizing the acquisition of the user's behavior with high accuracy and high frequency.

[0134] In this way, the terminal device 100 appropriately sets a geofence based on the predicted user behavior, and transmits detection information detected every time the user enters or leaves the geofence to the server device 200. In this way, the terminal device 100 realizes real-time notification of the user behavior as shown in (4) of FIG.

[0135] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 of the terminal device 100 acquires store information corresponding to the store polygon from the server device 200. Then, the output unit 135 outputs the store information to the user. In this way, the terminal device 100 realizes appropriate setting of the store polygon by acquiring the store polygon from the server device 200 every time a geofence is set for a target store. Then, the terminal device 100 provides the user with store information corresponding to the store, thereby enabling marketing support for the store, etc.

[0136] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 of the terminal device 100 acquires the store area of ​​a predetermined facility included in the set geofence from the server device 200. The detection unit 133 detects the entrance and exit of a user to the store area. Then, when the detection unit 133 detects the entry of the user into the store area, the output unit 135 outputs an advertisement related to the predetermined store to the user. The terminal device 100 can display advertisement information of a store that the user plans to visit or has visited to the user appropriately and at an appropriate time according to the predicted user behavior by setting the store area to the target store together with or separately from the store polygon. Therefore, the terminal device 100 realizes the display of advertisements that are highly compatible with the user.

[0137] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 16, an administrator of the location information acquisition system 1 according to this embodiment can organize and integrate the collected user behavior information and make predictions, thereby enabling the information to be utilized for further user behavior prediction, data analysis, advertisement delivery, user assistance, and the like.

[0138] Specifically, the terminal device 100 appropriately grasps the user's behavior, collects behavioral information such as the user's location information, and stores the collected data in the server device 200, etc. The server device 200 associates detection information such as the user's location information and behavior history collected by the terminal device 100, reservation information, user search information, store information including advertiser stores, etc., and integrates them as user context. Then, the server device 200 generates a user behavior prediction model based on information such as the integrated user context, events, schedules, weather, and purchase information.

[0139] Therefore, the terminal device 100 and the server device 200 realize a service that is more convenient for the user by more appropriately predicting the user's behavior and utilizing the prediction data for data analysis such as marketing, advertisement distribution, user assistance, etc. In addition, the terminal device 100 and the server device 200 predict the behavior of the user at a potential store or the like based on a learning model using explicit behavior prediction data such as reservation data as described above and implicit behavior prediction data such as search and communication processes. In this way, the behavior prediction data of the user recommended by the terminal device 100 and the server device 200 can also be used for sales promotion notifications, etc.

[0140] [5. Hardware Configuration] The terminal device 100 according to the embodiment described above is realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration as shown in Fig. 17, for example. Fig. 17 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the terminal device 100. The computer 1000 is connected to an output device 1010 and an input device 1020, and has a configuration in which a calculation device 1030, a primary storage device 1040, a secondary storage device 1050, an output I / F (Interface) 1060, an input I / F 1070, and a network I / F 1080 are connected by a bus 1090.

[0141] The arithmetic device 1030 operates based on programs stored in the primary storage device 1040 and the secondary storage device 1050 and programs read from the input device 1020, and executes various processes. The primary storage device 1040 is a memory device, such as a RAM, that temporarily stores data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations. The secondary storage device 1050 is a storage device that stores data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations and various databases, and is realized by a ROM (Read Only Memory), a HDD, a flash memory, or the like.

[0142] The output I / F 1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to an output device 1010 that outputs various types of information, such as a monitor or a printer, and is realized by a connector conforming to a standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or HDMI (registered trademark) (High Definition Multimedia Interface). The input I / F 1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020, such as a mouse, keyboard, and scanner, and is realized by a USB, for example.

[0143] The input device 1020 may be a device that reads information from an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a PD (Phase change rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory, etc. The input device 1020 may also be an external storage medium such as a USB memory.

[0144] The network I / F 1080 receives data from other devices via the network NW and sends the data to the arithmetic device 1030, and also transmits data generated by the arithmetic device 1030 to other devices via the network NW.

[0145] The arithmetic unit 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output I / F 1060 and the input I / F 1070. For example, the arithmetic unit 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or the secondary storage device 1050 onto the primary storage device 1040 and executes the loaded program.

[0146] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the terminal device 100 , the arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 realizes the functions of the control unit 130 of the terminal device 100 by executing a program loaded onto the primary storage device 1040 .

[0147] [6. Other] Although the details of this embodiment have been described above, this embodiment is not limited to the above contents. The above-mentioned components include those that a person skilled in the art can easily imagine, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the above-mentioned components can be appropriately combined. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the gist of the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0148] In addition, among the processes described in the embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by a known method. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed arbitrarily unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the illustrated information.

[0149] In addition, each component of each device shown in the figure is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0150] In addition, the above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate to the extent that the processing content is not contradictory, and "section," "module," or "unit" can be read as "means," "circuit," etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 1. Location information acquisition system 100 Terminal Equipment 110,210 Communications Department 120,220 storage section 121,221 User Context DB 122 Geofence DB 123,222 Store information DB 124,223 Detection information DB 130,230 Control section 131 Acquisition Department 132 Setting section 133 Detection Unit 134,232 Transmitter 135 Output section 200 Server device 231 Reception 1000 Computers 1010 Output device 1020 Input Device 1030 Arithmetic equipment 1040 Primary storage 1050 Secondary storage 1060 Output I / F 1070 Input I / F 1080 Network Interface 1090 Bus NW Network

Claims

1. A setting unit that sets a geofence in a predetermined area based on a predicted user behavior; A detection unit that detects the user's entry and exit into the geofence; A transmission unit that transmits a result of the detection by the detection unit to a server device; A terminal device comprising:

2. The setting unit is predicting the behavior of the user using at least one of the following items included in the user context of the user: date and time, weather, the usage environment of the terminal device, moving speed, moving direction, action history, purchase history, action schedule, psychological state, search history, browsing history, and communication history; setting the geofence of a predetermined shape at a location where the user is expected to move based on the predicted user behavior; 2. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

3. The setting unit is predicting the behavior of the user using at least one of the following items included in the user context of the user: date and time, weather, the usage environment of the terminal device, moving speed, moving direction, action history, purchase history, action schedule, psychological state, search history, browsing history, and communication history; Setting the geofence in a shape according to the predicted user behavior; 2. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

4. The setting unit is predicting the behavior of the user using at least one of the following items included in the user context of the user: date and time, weather, the usage environment of the terminal device, moving speed, moving direction, action history, purchase history, action schedule, psychological state, search history, browsing history, and communication history; setting the geofence having a shape including an area in which the user is expected to be located when the user performs the predicted behavior; 2. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

5. The setting unit is predicting the behavior of the user using at least one of the following items included in the user context of the user: date and time, weather, the usage environment of the terminal device, moving speed, moving direction, action history, purchase history, action schedule, psychological state, search history, browsing history, and communication history; setting the geofence of a predetermined shape so as to include a predetermined facility through which the user is expected to move based on the predicted behavior of the user; 2. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

6. The method further includes the steps of: acquiring, from the server device, a store polygon of the predetermined facility included in the geofence set by the setting unit each time the geofence is set; The detection unit is Detecting the user's visit to a store based on the store polygon; 6. The terminal device according to claim 5,

7. The acquisition unit is acquiring store information corresponding to the store polygon from the server device; An output unit that outputs the store information to the user.

7. The terminal device according to claim 6,

8. An acquisition unit that acquires, from the server device, a store area of ​​the predetermined facility that is included in the set geofence, The detection unit is Detecting entry and exit of the user into the store area; an output unit that outputs an advertisement for a predetermined store to the user when the detection unit detects the user's entry into the store area; 6. The terminal device according to claim 5,

9. The transmission unit is When the user enters the geofence, location information of the user detected by the detection unit and entry information into the geofence are transmitted to the server device; When the user exits the geofence, location information of the user detected by the detection unit and an exit flag from the geofence are transmitted to the server device.

2. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

10. A control method to be executed by a terminal device, A configuration step for setting up a geofence in a predetermined area based on predicted user behavior; A detection step of detecting the user's entry into and exit from the geofence; a transmission step of transmitting a result of the detection by the detection step to a server device; A control method comprising:

11. A control program for acquiring user location information, A setting step of setting a geofence in a predetermined area based on predicted user behavior; A detection step of detecting entry and exit of the user into the geofence; a transmission step of transmitting a result of the detection by the detection step to a server device; A control program for causing a computer to execute the above.

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