Registration method and registration system for count area

Abstract

To provide a registration method and a registration system for a count area that can register a count area in a shape and / or a size that meet the need of a user on the monitoring side.SOLUTION: A registration method for a count area CA is a registration method that registers a count area CA which is used for monitoring a monitoring target within a monitoring area, and in which stop or stay of the monitoring target is counted, and includes an acquisition step for acquiring a drawing image DI, a display step that displays the drawing image DI obtained in the acquisition step on a display, and then displays multiple masses M on the drawing image DI, a first adjustment step that adjusts the size of at least one or more of the masses M after the display step, and a registration step that selects at least one or more of the masses M from among the masses M after the first adjustment step, then registers an area corresponding to the selected masses M as a counting area CA.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and system for registering a counting area. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, techniques for monitoring people in a monitored area have been proposed. In such techniques, for example, a technique is disclosed in which, on the condition that a person carrying a terminal device enters a predetermined area in the monitored area and association information that associates information about the person with information about the predetermined area is registered, a server counts up the number of times the terminal device has stayed in the predetermined area and provides the terminal device with an incentive (for example, an advertisement or a coupon related to an item) according to the number of times the terminal device has stayed (for example, see Patent Document 1). In addition, when registering the predetermined area, an area within a predetermined distance from a location associated with the item is registered. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-060425 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Here, in the above conventional technology, as described above, the predetermined area is merely registered within a range of a predetermined distance from the location associated with the item, so that, for example, it is difficult to adjust the shape and / or size of the predetermined area depending on the situation, and therefore, there is a risk that it may be difficult to register the predetermined area with a shape and / or size that meets the needs of the user who monitors. Therefore, there is room for improvement in terms of registering a count area such as the above predetermined area with a shape and / or size that meets the needs of the user who monitors.

[0005] The present invention is intended to solve the problems in the above-mentioned conventional technology, and aims to provide a method and system for registering a count area that makes it possible to register a count area of ​​a shape and / or size that meets the needs of the monitoring user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the count area registration method described in claim 1 is a count area used when monitoring a monitoring subject within a monitoring area, and is a registration method for registering a count area in which the monitoring subject's visits or stays are counted, and includes an acquisition step of acquiring a drawing image showing a drawing of the monitoring area, a display step of displaying a plurality of squares on the drawing image acquired in the acquisition step while the drawing image is displayed on a display means, a first adjustment step of adjusting the size of at least one or more squares among the plurality of squares after the display step, and a registration step of selecting at least one or more squares from the plurality of squares and registering the area corresponding to the selected squares as a count area after the first adjustment step.

[0007] The count area registration method described in claim 2 is the count area registration method described in claim 1, in which, in the registration step, two or more count areas are selected from the multiple count areas registered in the registration step, and the selected two or more count areas are registered as the same group category.

[0008] The method for registering a count area as described in claim 3 is the method for registering a count area as described in claim 2, wherein the two or more selected count areas registered as the same group category include the count area that is positioned so as to be an enclave.

[0009] The method of registering a count area as described in claim 4 is a method of registering a count area as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a second adjustment step of adjusting the position of at least a portion of the multiple squares after the display step, and in the registration step, after the first adjustment step and the second adjustment step, at least one square is selected from the multiple squares, and an area corresponding to the selected square is registered as a count area.

[0010] The count area registration method described in claim 5 is a count area registration method described in any one of claims 1 to 3, further including, after the registration step, an editing step of editing the count area by increasing or decreasing the number of squares of the count area registered in the registration step.

[0011] The count area registration method described in claim 6 is a count area registration method described in any one of claims 1 to 3, further including, after the registration step, a selection step of selecting at least one count area from the count areas registered in the registration step, and a threshold setting step of setting a threshold for the at least one count area selected in the selection step.

[0012] The count area registration method described in claim 7 is the count area registration method described in claim 6, wherein the count areas registered in the registration step include count areas corresponding to each of a plurality of mutually different monitoring areas, and in the selection step, a specific monitoring area is selected from the plurality of monitoring areas, and at least one count area is selected from the count areas corresponding to the selected specific monitoring area.

[0013] The count area registration method described in claim 8 is the count area registration method described in claim 6, in which in the selection step, at least one count area is selected from the count areas registered in the registration step by referring to the identification information of the count area, the group category of the count area, and / or the preset threshold value.

[0014] The count area registration method described in claim 9 is the count area registration method described in claim 6, in which in the threshold setting process, a threshold is set according to the size of the count area, the characteristics of the goods displayed in the count area, the attributes of the monitored object, and / or the stop-by or stay status of the monitored object in the count area.

[0015] The registration system described in claim 10 is a count area used when monitoring a monitoring subject within a monitoring area, and registers a count area in which the monitoring subject's visit or stay is counted, and comprises an acquisition means for acquiring a drawing image showing a drawing of the monitoring area, a display control means for displaying a plurality of squares on the drawing image acquired by the acquisition means while the drawing image is displayed on a display means, a first adjustment means for adjusting the size of at least one or more squares among the plurality of squares displayed by the display control means, and a registration means for selecting at least one or more squares from the plurality of squares adjusted by the first adjustment means, and registering an area corresponding to the selected square as a count area. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the count area registration method described in claim 1, the method includes a display step of displaying multiple squares on the drawing image acquired in the acquisition step while the drawing image is displayed on a display means, a first adjustment step of adjusting the size of at least one of the multiple squares after the display step, and a registration step of selecting at least one square from the multiple squares and registering an area corresponding to the selected squares as a count area after the first adjustment step, so that the area corresponding to the squares adjusted in the first adjustment step can be registered as a count area, and a count area of ​​a shape and / or size according to the needs of the monitoring user can be registered.

[0017] According to the count area registration method described in claim 2, in the registration step, two or more count areas are selected from the multiple count areas registered in the registration step, and the selected two or more count areas are registered as the same group category, so that multiple count areas can be registered as the same group category and multiple count areas can be monitored for each group category.

[0018] According to the method of registering count areas as described in claim 3, two or more selected count areas registered as the same group category include a count area that is positioned so as to be an enclave, so that multiple count areas including a count area that is positioned so as to be an enclave can be registered as the same group category, thereby increasing the freedom of such registration.

[0019] According to the method for registering a count area as described in claim 4, after the display step, a second adjustment step of adjusting the position of at least a portion of the multiple squares is further included, and in the registration step, after the first adjustment step and the second adjustment step, at least one square is selected from the multiple squares, and the area corresponding to the selected square is registered as a count area, so that the position of the squares can be adjusted and it is easy to register a count area of ​​a shape and / or size according to the needs of the monitoring user.

[0020] According to the method for registering a count area as described in claim 5, after the registration step, the method further includes an editing step of editing the count area by increasing or decreasing the number of squares in the count area registered in the registration step, so that the count area registered in the registration step can be edited and a count area having a shape and / or size according to the needs of the monitoring user can be registered.

[0021] According to the count area registration method described in claim 6, after the registration step, the method further includes a selection step of selecting at least one count area from the count areas registered in the registration step, and a threshold setting step of setting a threshold for at least one count area selected in the selection step. Therefore, a threshold can be set according to the needs of the monitoring user, making it easier to extract desired issues or / and evaluate desired measures.

[0022] According to the count area registration method described in claim 7, the count areas registered in the registration process include count areas corresponding to each of a plurality of mutually different monitoring areas, and in the selection process, a specific monitoring area is selected from the plurality of monitoring areas, and at least one count area is selected from the count areas corresponding to the specific monitoring area selected. Therefore, a threshold value can be set for the count area corresponding to the specific monitoring area according to the needs of the monitoring user, making it easier to extract desired issues or / and evaluate desired measures related to the specific monitoring area.

[0023] According to the count area registration method described in claim 8, in the selection step, at least one count area is selected from the count areas registered in the registration step by referring to the count area identification information, the count area group category, and / or the preset threshold value. Therefore, the count area can be selected according to the count area identification information, the group category, and / or the preset threshold value, and the count area for which a threshold value is set can be efficiently selected.

[0024] According to the count area registration method described in claim 9, in the threshold setting step, thresholds are set according to the size of the count area, the characteristics of the merchandise displayed in the count area, the attributes of the monitored subject, and / or the stop-by or stay status of the monitored subject in the count area. Therefore, it is possible to set thresholds according to the size of the count area, the characteristics of the merchandise displayed in the count area, the attributes of the monitored subject, and / or the stop-by or stay status of the monitored subject in the count area, and it is possible to extract desired issues and / or evaluate desired measures in accordance with the actual situation.

[0025] According to the registration system of claim 10, the system includes a display control means for displaying a plurality of squares on the drawing image acquired by the acquisition means when the drawing image is displayed on the display means, a first adjustment means for adjusting the size of at least one of the plurality of squares displayed by the display control means, and a registration means for selecting at least one of the plurality of squares adjusted by the first adjustment means and registering an area corresponding to the selected squares as a count area, so that the area corresponding to the squares adjusted by the first adjustment means can be registered as a count area, and a count area of ​​a shape and / or size according to the needs of the monitoring user can be registered. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a count area DB. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a threshold DB. [Figure 4] 11 is a diagram showing a display process of the count area registration method in the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 6 is a diagram showing a first adjustment step of the count area registration method in accordance with the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 13 is a diagram showing a second adjustment step of the count area registration method in accordance with the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a diagram showing a registration process of the counting area registration method in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a threshold setting step of the count area registration method in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a registration system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart of a registration process according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the count area registration method and registration system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. First, [I] the basic concept of the embodiment will be described, then [II] the specific contents of the embodiment will be described, and finally, [III] modified examples of the embodiment will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.

[0028] [I] Basic Concept of the Embodiment First, the basic concept of the embodiment will be described.

[0029] Embodiment 1 generally relates to a count area registration method for registering a count area used when monitoring a monitored subject within a monitored area, in which the visit or stay of the monitored subject is counted.

[0030] The second embodiment generally relates to a registration system that registers count areas used when monitoring a subject within a surveillance area, where the visit or stay of the subject is counted.

[0031] Here, the term "monitoring area" refers to an area in which a monitoring target is monitored. This monitoring area includes, for example, an area inside a building such as a store, a shopping street, a downtown area, a factory, or a nursing home, or an area outside the building, but in the first and second embodiments, the monitoring area will be described as a store in a shopping center.

[0032] In addition, the term "monitoring target" refers to a target being monitored. Examples of the monitoring target include customers and store clerks in a store, workers in a factory, caregivers and care recipients in a care facility, etc., but in the first and second embodiments, the monitoring target will be described as a customer in a store in a shopping center.

[0033] Furthermore, the specific type of "counting area" is arbitrary, and may be, for example, a product display area or accounting area within a store, a work area in a factory, or a care area in a care facility, but in embodiments 1 and 2, it will be described as a product display area within a store in a shopping center.

[0034] Additionally, "dropping in" means that the subject simply enters the counting area.

[0035] Additionally, "staying" means that the monitored subject remains in the counting area for a specified period of time after entering the area.

[0036] [II] Specific Contents of the Embodiments Next, the specific contents of the embodiment will be described.

[0037] [First embodiment] First, there will be described a method for registering a counting area according to embodiment 1. In this embodiment 1, a processing device is used to register a counting area.

[0038] (Configuration-Processing Unit) First, the configuration of a processing device used in the count area registration method according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0039] The processing device 1 according to the first embodiment is a device for executing processing related to the above-mentioned registration method. This processing device 1 is owned by a monitoring user (not shown) (hereinafter referred to as a "monitoring user"), and includes an operation unit 10, a communication unit 20, a display unit 30, an audio output unit 40, a power supply unit 50, a control unit 60, and a storage unit 70, as shown in FIG.

[0040] Incidentally, configurations of the processing device 1 that are not specifically mentioned will not be described as they are similar to those of a known desktop personal computer.

[0041] (Configuration-Processing device-Operation unit) The operation unit 10 is an operation means for receiving operation input to the processing device 1, and is configured using, for example, known operation means (eg, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch pad, etc.).

[0042] (Configuration - Processing device - Communication unit) The communication unit 20 is a communication means for communicating directly or indirectly with an external device (not shown) (e.g., an external server such as a cloud server, or another processing device 1), and is configured using a known communication means for communicating using, for example, a known wired communication network or wireless communication network.

[0043] (Configuration - Processing device - Display unit) The display unit 30 is a display means for displaying various information related to the processing device 1.

[0044] The specific configuration of the display unit 30 is arbitrary, but for example, a known flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display can be used. For example, when the operation unit 10 is a touch pad, the display unit 30 may be integrally formed as the touch pad.

[0045] (Configuration - Processing device - Audio output section) The audio output unit 40 is an audio output means that outputs various types of information by voice under the control of the control unit 60, and is configured using, for example, a known speaker.

[0046] (Configuration - Processing unit - Power supply unit) The power supply unit 50 is a power supply means that supplies power to each component of the processing device 1 .

[0047] (Configuration-Processing device-Control unit) The control unit 60 is a control means for controlling each part of the processing device 1. Specifically, it is a computer including a CPU, various programs interpreted and executed on the CPU (including basic control programs such as an OS, and application programs that are started on the OS and realize specific functions), and an internal memory such as a RAM for storing the programs and various data.

[0048] (Configuration - Processing device - Storage unit) The storage unit 70 is a storage means for storing programs and various data necessary for the operation of the processing device 1. The storage unit 70 is configured using a rewritable recording medium, and may be a non-volatile recording medium such as a flash memory.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 1, the storage unit 70 includes a count area database (hereinafter, the database is referred to as “DB”) 71 and a threshold DB 72.

[0050] (Configuration - Processing device - Memory unit - Count area DB) The count area DB 71 is a count area identification information storage means for storing information (hereinafter referred to as "count area identification information") that uniquely identifies the count area CA (see FIG. 7) registered in a registration process described later.

[0051] The count area identification information corresponds to the "count area identification information" in the claims.

[0052] 2, this count area DB71 is configured by associating the items "drawing image information", "grid identification information", "grid size information", "grid position information", "count area identification information", and "group category information" with information corresponding to each item. Also, the item "count area identification information" further includes the item "count area number information" and the item "count area name information" as items related to the count area identification information.

[0053] Among these, the information corresponding to the item "Drawing Image Information" is information (hereinafter referred to as "Drawing Image Information") relating to a drawing image DI (hereinafter simply referred to as "Drawing Image DI"; see Figure 4, etc.) showing a drawing of the monitored area, and for example, as shown in Figure 2, "PIC0001.jpg" which is a drawing image DI, etc. corresponds to this.

[0054] In addition, the information corresponding to the item "square identification information" is square identification information that uniquely identifies square M, which will be described later, and for example, as shown in Figure 2, this corresponds to "M00001", which is the ID of square M, which will be described later.

[0055] Moreover, the information corresponding to the item "grid size information" is grid size information indicating the size of the grid M described later, and corresponds to, for example, "100cm long x 100cm wide" which is the size of the grid M described later (specifically, the vertical length and horizontal length of the grid M described later) based on the display dimensions of the display unit 30 (hereinafter referred to as "display display dimensions") set in the processing device 1 as shown in Fig. 2. Note that the unit of the dimensions of the grid M is not limited to "cm" and may be other units such as "px", for example.

[0056] Furthermore, information corresponding to the item "square position information" is square position information indicating the position of square M, which will be described later, and corresponds to, for example, "(50, 150)", which is the position of square M, which will be described later (specifically, the center position of square M, which will be described later) based on the display coordinates of the display unit 30 (hereinafter referred to as "display unit display coordinates", the coordinate unit being "cm") set in the processing device 1, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0057] Moreover, information corresponding to the item "count area identification information" is count area identification information. Furthermore, information corresponding to the item "count area number information" is count area number information indicating the number of the count area CA, such as "CA0001" which is the ID of the count area CA, as shown in FIG. 2. Moreover, information corresponding to the item "count area name information" is count area name information indicating the name of the count area CA, such as "brand cosmetics" which is the name of the count area CA, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0058] In addition, the information corresponding to the item "group category information" is group category information indicating the group category (grouped by category) of the count area CA, and for example, as shown in Figure 2, this corresponds to the group category ID "G0001", etc.

[0059] (Configuration-Processing device-Memory unit-Threshold DB) The threshold DB 72 is a threshold information storage means for storing information (hereinafter referred to as "threshold information") indicating the threshold of the count area CA set in a threshold setting step described later.

[0060] In addition, in the first embodiment, the "threshold value of the count area CA" is a value used to determine whether or not a monitoring target has stayed in the count area CA.

[0061] The method of using this threshold is arbitrary, but for example, if the time that the monitoring subject has stayed in the count area CA since stopping by the count area CA is less than the threshold, it may be determined that the monitoring subject is not staying in the count area CA. On the other hand, if the time that the monitoring subject has stayed in the count area CA since stopping by the count area CA is equal to or greater than the threshold, it may be determined that the monitoring subject is staying in the count area CA.

[0062] 3, the threshold DB 72 is configured by associating the items "count area identification information", "threshold information", and "threshold update information" with information corresponding to each item. The item "count area identification information" further includes the items "count area number information" and "count area name information" as items related to the count area identification information.

[0063] Among these, the information corresponding to the item "count area identification information" is count area identification information. Furthermore, the information corresponding to the item "count area number information" is count area number information. Furthermore, the information corresponding to the item "count area name information" is count area name information.

[0064] Moreover, information corresponding to the item "threshold information" is threshold information, and for example, as shown in FIG. 3, corresponds to "12 seconds" which is the threshold of the count area CA.

[0065] In addition, the information corresponding to the item "Threshold update information" is information regarding the update of threshold information (hereinafter referred to as "Threshold update information"), and for example, as shown in Figure 3, this corresponds to the update date and time of the threshold information, such as "2021 / 10 / 3 11:31" (indicating 11:31 on October 3, 2021).

[0066] (How to register a count area) Next, a method for registering the count area CA according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0067] The method of registering a count area CA according to the first embodiment is a method for registering a count area CA, and includes an acquisition step, a display step, a first adjustment step, a second adjustment step, a registration step, a selection step, and a threshold setting step.

[0068] Further, the timing for executing the method for registering the count area CA is arbitrary, but in the first embodiment, the method is described as being executed after the power supply of the processing device 1 is turned on.

[0069] (Counting area registration method - Acquisition process) First, the acquisition step will be described.

[0070] The acquisition step is a step of acquiring a drawing image DI.

[0071] Specifically, first, when the memory unit 70 of the processing device 1 is provided with a drawing DB (not shown) for storing drawing images DI, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 generates a display area (not shown) on the screen of the display unit 30 (hereinafter referred to as the "acquired display area"), and displays a list of information indicating the drawing images DI stored in the drawing DB (or information indicating the ID of the drawing images DI) in the generated acquired display area.

[0072] Then, when the monitoring user selects one of the pieces of information indicating the drawing image DI (or the information indicating the ID of the drawing image DI) via the operation unit 10, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 retrieves from the drawing DB the drawing image DI corresponding to the selected information indicating the drawing image DI (or the information indicating the ID of the drawing image DI) as the drawing image DI to be retrieved.

[0073] However, this is not limited to the above, and for example, when an operation to instruct the acquisition of a drawing image DI is received via the operation unit 10 by the monitoring user, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 may transmit acquisition instruction information indicating an instruction to acquire the drawing image DI to an external device via the communication unit 20, and then receive the drawing image DI from the external device, thereby acquiring the drawing image DI.

[0074] (Count area registration method-display process) Next, the display process will be described.

[0075] The display step is a step of displaying a plurality of squares M on the drawing image DI acquired in the acquisition step while the drawing image DI is displayed on the display unit 30 after the acquisition step.

[0076] Here, the "grids M" are lines to assist in the registration of the count area CA, and will be described as square loop lines in the first embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, rectangular loop lines, triangular loop lines, etc.

[0077] Specifically, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 generates a display area S1 (hereinafter referred to as "drawing display area S1") on the screen of the display unit 30, as shown in Fig. 4, and displays the drawing image DI acquired in the acquisition step in the generated drawing display area S1. Then, with the drawing image DI displayed, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 displays a plurality of squares M superimposed on the drawing image DI.

[0078] Here, in embodiment 1, each of the multiple squares M displayed on the drawing image DI is associated with square identification information, square size information, and square position information (note that the same applies to embodiment 2 described later).

[0079] Further, the method of displaying the drawing image DI in the drawing display area S1 is arbitrary, but for example, it may be displayed as follows (note that the same applies to the second embodiment described later).

[0080] That is, in order to match the origin position of the drawing image DI with the origin position of the drawing display area S1, the drawing image DI may be moved a predetermined amount by the monitoring user via the operation unit 10 and displayed (alternatively, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 may display the drawing image DI moved a predetermined amount based on the distance between the origin position of the drawing image DI and the origin position of the drawing display area S1 using a known image analysis method).

[0081] In addition, in order to match the drawing dimensions of the drawing image DI with the display dimensions of the display unit, the monitoring user may enlarge or reduce the drawing image DI via the operation unit 10 and display it (alternatively, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 may display the drawing image DI enlarged or reduced based on the size of the drawing image DI and / or the scale of the drawing image DI using a known image analysis method).

[0082] (Count area registration method - First adjustment step) Next, the first adjustment step will be described.

[0083] The first adjustment step is a step of adjusting the size of at least one or more of the multiple squares M after the display step.

[0084] Specifically, when adjusting the size of all of the multiple squares M displayed in the drawing display area S1, when the monitoring user operates the adjustment button B1 displayed in the drawing display area S1 via the operation unit 10, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 adjusts the size by enlarging or reducing all of the multiple squares M as shown in FIG. 5 (specifically, moving the adjustment button B1 to the left reduces the multiple squares M, and moving it to the right enlarges the multiple squares M) (in FIG. 5, the adjustment is made by reducing all of the multiple squares M).

[0085] However, this is not limited to the above, and for example, when adjusting the size of some of the multiple squares M displayed in the drawing display area S1 (for example, one square M, multiple squares M located in a specified column, or multiple squares M located in a specified row, etc.), when the monitoring user selects the portion of the squares M via the operation unit 10 and then operates the adjustment button B1 via the operation unit 10, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 may adjust the portion of the squares M by enlarging or reducing it.

[0086] In addition, in embodiment 1, after the size of the above-mentioned squares M is adjusted, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 uses a known image analysis method to correct the square size information and square position information linked to all of the multiple squares M based on the content of the adjustment (note that this applies substantially the same to embodiment 2 described later).

[0087] By such a first adjustment step, the size of the squares M can be adjusted, and it becomes easier to register a count area CA of a shape and / or size that meets the needs of the monitoring user.

[0088] (Count area registration method - second adjustment process) Next, the second adjustment step will be described.

[0089] The second adjustment step is a step of adjusting the positions of at least a part of the plurality of squares M after the display step.

[0090] Specifically, after the first adjustment process (or before the first adjustment process), when the monitoring user selects one of the multiple squares M displayed in the drawing display area S1 via the operation unit 10 and attempts to move the selected square M on the drawing image DI via the operation unit 10, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 adjusts the multiple squares M by moving all of them as shown in FIG. 6 (in FIG. 6, the adjustment is made by moving all of the multiple squares M to the left and downward).

[0091] However, without being limited to this, for example, after the first adjustment process (or before the first adjustment process), when the monitoring user selects some of the multiple squares M (e.g., one square M, multiple squares M located in a specified column, or multiple squares M located in a specified row, etc.) via the operation unit 10 and attempts to move any one of the selected squares M on the drawing image DI via the operation unit 10, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 may adjust the selected some of the squares M by moving only the selected some of the squares M.

[0092] In addition, in embodiment 1, after the position of the above-mentioned squares M is adjusted, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 uses a known image analysis method to correct the square position information linked to all of the multiple squares M based on the content of the adjustment (note that the same applies to embodiment 2 described later).

[0093] By such a second adjustment process, the position of the squares M can be adjusted, making it easier to register a count area CA of a shape and / or size that meets the needs of the monitoring user.

[0094] (Counting area registration method - registration process) Next, the registration process will be described.

[0095] The registration process is a process of selecting at least one square M from among the multiple squares M after the first adjustment process and the second adjustment process, and registering an area corresponding to the selected square M as a count area CA.

[0096] Specifically, first, when the monitoring user selects at least one or more squares M from among the multiple squares M displayed in the drawing display area S1 via the operation unit 10, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 identifies the area corresponding to the selected square M (the area shown by diagonal hatching in Figure 7) as the count area CA, as shown in Figure 7.

[0097] In the first embodiment, when multiple squares are selected, the selected squares are selected so that they are adjacent to any of the other selected squares (the same applies to the second embodiment).

[0098] Then, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 registers the drawing image information relating to the drawing image DI displayed in the display process (specifically, the drawing image DI in which multiple squares M are displayed on top of each other), the square identification information, square size information, and square position information linked to the selected square M, and the count area identification information (specifically, the count area number information and count area name information) relating to the specified count area CA by storing them in the count area DB71 in association with each other.

[0099] For example, when a drawing image DI with drawing image information = PIC0001.jpg is displayed in the drawing display area S1, and an L-shaped count area CA consisting of four squares M is identified as shown in Figure 7, the drawing image information = PIC0001.jpg, square identification information corresponding to the above squares = M00001, M00002, M00003, M00004, square size information corresponding to the above squares = 100 cm vertical x 100 cm horizontal, and square position information = (150,150), (150,250), (150,350), (50,150) are stored in the count area DB71 in mutual association, thereby registering the count area CA.

[0100] Furthermore, when registering a plurality of counting areas CA, the above-mentioned series of operations may be repeated.

[0101] The method for storing the count area identification information in the count area DB 71 is arbitrary, but for example, the count area identification information input by the monitoring user via the operation unit 10 may be stored in the count area DB 71. Alternatively, the count area identification information generated by the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 may be stored in the count area DB 71.

[0102] In addition, when multiple count areas are registered in the registration process, for example, two or more count areas CA may be selected from the multiple count areas CA, and the selected two or more count areas CA may be registered as the same group category.

[0103] As an example, first, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 generates a display area (hereinafter referred to as the "group category registration display area") not shown on the screen of the display unit 30, and displays a list of multiple count area identification information (e.g., count area number information and / or count area name information) stored in the count area DB71 in the generated group category registration display area.

[0104] Then, when the monitoring user selects two or more count area identification information from the multiple count area identification information displayed in the list via the operation unit 10, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 may register the same group category information by associating it with each of the selected count area identification information and storing it in the count area DB 71.

[0105] As described above, when two or more count areas CA are registered as the same group category, in order to increase the freedom of registration, the two or more selected count areas CA registered as the same group category may include a count area CA that is positioned so as to be an enclave (i.e., a count area CA that is not adjacent to other count areas CA) and a count area CA that is positioned so as not to be an enclave (i.e., a count area CA that is adjacent to other count areas CA).

[0106] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may include only count areas CA that are not isolated. In this case, for example, when registering two or more count areas CA as the same group category, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 may be configured not to select a count area CA that is isolated.

[0107] By registering in this manner using group categories, multiple count areas CA can be registered as the same group category, and multiple count areas CA can be monitored for each group category.

[0108] Furthermore, by carrying out the above-mentioned acquisition process to registration process, the area corresponding to the square M adjusted in the first adjustment process can be registered as a count area CA, and a count area CA of a shape and / or size according to the needs of the monitoring user can be registered.

[0109] (Counting area registration method - selection process) Next, the selection step will be described.

[0110] The selection step is a step of selecting, after the registration step, at least one counting area CA from among the counting areas CA registered in the registration step.

[0111] Specifically, in the selection process, at least one count area CA is selected from the count areas CA registered in the registration process by referring to the count area identification information, the group category of the count area CA, and / or a predetermined threshold value (specifically, a default threshold value, a threshold value set in the past, etc.).

[0112] More specifically, first, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 generates a display area (hereinafter referred to as the "selected display area") not shown on the screen of the display unit 30, and displays a list of multiple count area identification information (e.g., count area number information and / or count area name information), group category information, and existing threshold information indicating a predetermined threshold value, which are stored in the count area DB71, in association with each other in the generated selected display area (however, for example, the group category information or the existing threshold information may be omitted).

[0113] Then, the monitoring user specifies, via the operation unit 10, one or more pieces of count area identification information from the plurality of pieces of count area identification information displayed in the list, thereby selecting them.

[0114] This makes it possible to select a count area CA according to the count area identification information, group category, and / or a preset threshold value, and thus makes it possible to efficiently select a count area CA for which a threshold value is set.

[0115] However, this is not limited to the above, and for example, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 may select by extracting all of the multiple count area identification information stored in the count area DB71, or by extracting only a specific count area CA from the multiple count area identification information (for example, only the most recently registered count area CA, etc.).

[0116] In addition, when the count area CA registered in the registration process includes a count area CA corresponding to each of a plurality of mutually different monitoring areas, the selection process may select a specific monitoring area from the plurality of monitoring areas, and select at least one count area CA from the count area CA corresponding to the selected specific monitoring area.

[0117] As an example, when a plurality of pieces of drawing image information stored in the count area DB71 are information on drawing images DI showing different monitoring areas, the monitoring user may select specific drawing image information from the plurality of pieces of drawing image information via the operation unit 10, and then, among the plurality of pieces of count area identification information stored in the count area DB71 in the selection display area, the count area identification information corresponding to the specific drawing image information may be displayed in a list in the selection display area. Then, the monitoring user may select one or more pieces of count area identification information from the plurality of count area identification information displayed in the list by specifying them via the operation unit 10.

[0118] This allows thresholds to be set for the count area CA corresponding to a specific monitored area according to the needs of the monitoring user, making it easier to extract desired issues related to the specific monitored area and / or evaluate desired measures, as described below.

[0119] (Count area registration method - threshold setting process) Next, the threshold setting step will be described.

[0120] The threshold setting step is a step of setting a threshold for at least one count area CA selected in the selection step, after the selection step.

[0121] Specifically, first, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 generates a display area S2 (hereinafter referred to as the "threshold setting display area S2") on the screen of the display unit 30, as shown in FIG. 8, and displays in the generated threshold setting display area S2 a list of the count area identification information (count area number information and count area name information) selected in the selection process, the existing threshold information, an input box IB for inputting threshold information, and threshold update information, all associated with each other (note that for the threshold update information, if threshold information has not been input into the input box IB, as shown in FIG. 8, "-" is displayed).

[0122] Then, when the monitoring user inputs threshold information into one or more of the input boxes IB listed above via the operation unit 10 and operates the update button B2 displayed in the threshold setting display area S2 via the operation unit 10, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 updates the threshold update information displayed in association with the input box IB, and sets the input threshold information by storing it in the threshold DB 72 in mutual association with the count area identification information and threshold update information displayed in association with the input box IB.

[0123] However, without being limited to this, for example, in the threshold setting process, a threshold may be set according to the size of the count area CA, the characteristics of the products (not shown) displayed in the count CA area, the attributes of the monitored object, and / or the stop-by or stay situation of the monitored object in the count area CA.

[0124] Here, "characteristics of the product" refers to, for example, the nature of the product requiring an explanation through customer service, the nature of the product causing demand to fluctuate depending on the monitored area and / or its surrounding environment (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity, etc.), etc.

[0125] Furthermore, the "attributes of the monitoring subject" include, for example, the age, sex, body type, etc. of the monitoring subject.

[0126] In addition, "the stop-in or stay status of the monitored subject in the count area CA" refers to, for example, the stop-in or stay time of the monitored subject, the stop-in date and time or stay date and time of the monitored subject, the number of stops or stays of the monitored subject, etc.

[0127] As an example, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 may receive information indicating a threshold value according to the size of the count area CA (for example, when the count area CA is 10 m 2 or more), information indicating a threshold according to the characteristics of the products displayed in the count CA area (for example, if the product has a nature that requires an explanation of the product by customer service, etc., the threshold = 15 seconds or more), information indicating a threshold according to the attributes of the monitored subject (for example, if the attribute of the monitored subject is female, the threshold = 20 seconds or more), and / or information indicating a threshold according to the stop-by or stay status of the monitored subject in the count area CA (for example, if the number of stays of the monitored subject is 100 times / day or more, the threshold = 18 seconds or more) may be displayed in the threshold setting display area S2 (or another display area displayed simultaneously with the threshold setting display area S2).The monitoring side user may set the threshold by referring to this information and inputting the threshold information into one or more input boxes IB via the operation unit 10.

[0128] Alternatively, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 may set the threshold by automatically inputting threshold information into one or more input boxes IB based on information indicating a threshold corresponding to the size of the count area CA, information indicating a threshold corresponding to the characteristics of the products displayed in the count CA area, information indicating a threshold corresponding to the attributes of the monitored subject, and / or information indicating a threshold corresponding to the stop-by or stay status of the monitored subject in the count area CA (this may also be applied to the processing of SA7 relating to embodiment 2 described later).

[0129] By setting in this manner, thresholds can be set according to the size of the count area CA, the characteristics of the merchandise displayed in the count CA area, the attributes of the monitored subject, and / or the stop-over or stay status of the monitored subject in the count area CA, making it possible to extract the desired issues described below in accordance with the actual situation and / or to evaluate the desired measures described below.

[0130] Furthermore, the above-mentioned selection process and threshold setting process enable thresholds to be set according to the needs of the monitoring user, making it easier to extract desired issues and / or evaluate desired measures.

[0131] Here, "extracting issues" refers to, for example, a company that operates multiple stores generating hypotheses about issues by comparing its stores with other stores based on various traffic patterns and area figures.

[0132] For example, if the "stay time" is extremely short, it may be that there is a problem with the in-store flow design or shelf layout, causing customers to shop for a short time before leaving the store. Also, if the purchase rate is extremely low, it may be that the customer service level of the store staff is low, which does not lead to customers trying on items or making a purchase.

[0133] In addition, the "desired policy evaluation" corresponds to, for example, an evaluation of customer attraction policies (specifically, SNS policies and MEO policies), an evaluation of customer service policies, an evaluation of in-store promotional policies, etc.

[0134] As an example, evaluation of customer attraction measures can be performed by evaluating the number of customers who visit the store. Evaluation of customer service measures can be performed by analyzing the changes before and after the customer is served, who has been flagged with a customer service flag (a virtual flag indicating that the customer has been served) by a specified method, and analyzing and evaluating whether the customer is served or not. Evaluation of in-store sales promotion measures can be performed by analyzing the changes before and after a customer who has been flagged with a viewing flag (a virtual flag indicating that the interior of the store has been viewed) by a specified method views the interior decoration (e.g., in-store pop-ups based on a specified VMD (visual merchandising)), the interior product display (e.g., product display based on a specified VMD), and / or the interior BGM (background music), and analyzing and evaluating whether the customer views the interior decoration, etc.

[0135] By using the above-described registration method, it is possible to register the count area CA and set a threshold value corresponding to the count area CA, and to monitor the monitoring target based on the count area CA.

[0136] Here, the details of the monitoring of the monitoring target based on the count area CA are arbitrary, but may be, for example, as shown below.

[0137] That is, first, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 uses a known analysis method to generate movement line information indicating the movement line of the monitored object based on image information (or detection information) acquired at predetermined time intervals from a camera (or a sensor (e.g., RFID, Wifi, BLEBeacon, infrared sensor, ultrasonic sensor, magnetic sensor, pressure sensor, etc.)) installed in the store. However, this is not limited to the above, and for example, the movement line information may be acquired from an external device.

[0138] Next, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 refers to the information stored in the count area DB 71 and the threshold DB 72, and based on the traffic flow information generated above, identifies the number of times or the date and time, etc. that the monitored subject has visited (or the number of times or the date and time, etc. that the monitored subject has stayed in) the count area CA registered in the registration process.

[0139] Then, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 outputs information indicating the above-mentioned specified number of stops or date and time, etc. to the display unit 30 (or / and the audio output unit 40). However, without being limited thereto, for example, after performing various analyses based on the above-mentioned specified information indicating the above-mentioned specified number of stops or date and time, etc. using a known analysis method, information indicating the analysis results may be output to the display unit 30 (or / and the audio output unit 40).

[0140] (Effects of the First Embodiment) Thus, according to embodiment 1, the method includes a display process of displaying multiple squares M on the drawing image DI while the drawing image DI acquired in the acquisition process is displayed on the display unit 30, a first adjustment process of adjusting the size of at least one of the multiple squares M after the display process, and a registration process of selecting at least one of the multiple squares M after the first adjustment process and registering an area corresponding to the selected squares M as a count area CA, so that the area corresponding to the square M adjusted in the first adjustment process can be registered as the count area CA, and a count area CA of a shape and / or size according to the needs of the monitoring user can be registered.

[0141] In addition, in the registration process, two or more count areas CA are selected from the multiple count areas CA registered in the registration process, and the selected two or more count areas CA are registered as the same group category, so that multiple count areas CA can be registered as the same group category and multiple count areas CA can be monitored for each group category.

[0142] Furthermore, since the two or more selected count areas CA registered as the same group category include a count area CA that is positioned so as to be an exclave, multiple count areas CA including a count area CA that is positioned so as to be an exclave can be registered as the same group category, thereby increasing the degree of freedom of such registration.

[0143] In addition, after the display process, the method further includes a second adjustment process of adjusting the position of at least a portion of the multiple squares M, and in the registration process, after the first adjustment process and the second adjustment process, at least one square M is selected from the multiple squares M, and the area corresponding to the selected square M is registered as a count area CA, so that the position of the squares M can be adjusted and it is easy to register a count area CA of a shape and / or size according to the needs of the monitoring user.

[0144] In addition, after the registration process, the method further includes a selection process for selecting at least one count area CA from the count areas CA registered in the registration process, and a threshold setting process for setting a threshold for at least one count area CA selected in the selection process. This makes it possible to set a threshold according to the needs of the monitoring user, making it easier to extract desired issues or / and evaluate desired measures.

[0145] In addition, the count area CA registered in the registration process includes count areas CA corresponding to each of a plurality of mutually different monitoring areas, and in the selection process, a specific monitoring area is selected from the plurality of monitoring areas, and at least one count area CA is selected from the count areas CA corresponding to the selected specific monitoring area. Therefore, a threshold value can be set for the count area CA corresponding to the specific monitoring area according to the needs of the monitoring user, making it easier to extract desired issues related to the specific monitoring area or / and evaluate desired measures.

[0146] In addition, in the selection process, at least one count area CA is selected from the count areas CA registered in the registration process by referring to the identification information of the count area CA, the group category of the count area CA, and / or a preset threshold value. Therefore, the count area CA can be selected according to the identification information of the count area CA, the group category, and / or the preset threshold value, and the count area CA for which a threshold value is set can be efficiently selected.

[0147] In addition, in the threshold setting process, thresholds are set according to the size of the count area CA, the characteristics of the goods displayed in the count CA area, the attributes of the monitored subject, and / or the stop-by or stay status of the monitored subject in the count area CA. Therefore, thresholds can be set according to the size of the count area CA, the characteristics of the goods displayed in the count CA area, the attributes of the monitored subject, and / or the stop-by or stay status of the monitored subject in the count area CA, making it possible to extract desired issues in line with the actual situation and / or evaluate desired measures.

[0148] [Embodiment 2] Next, a registration system according to embodiment 2 will be described. In this embodiment 1, a count area is registered using a terminal device and a processing device. The configuration of this embodiment 2 is substantially the same as that of embodiment 1, except where otherwise specified, and the configuration substantially the same as that of embodiment 1 is given the same reference numerals and / or names as those used in embodiment 1 as necessary, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0149] (Configuration - Registration System) First, the configuration of the registration system according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0150] The registration system 100 is a system for registering a counting area CA, and generally includes a terminal device 110 and a processing device 120, as shown in FIG.

[0151] (Configuration - Registration System - Terminal Device) First, the configuration of the terminal device 110 will be described.

[0152] The terminal device 110 is a device capable of communicating with the processing device 120. This terminal device 110 is possessed by a monitoring user, and is connected to the processing device 120 via a network 101 directly or indirectly so as to be capable of communicating with the processing device 120.

[0153] In the second embodiment, for convenience of explanation, although FIG. 9 shows one terminal device 110 being held by the monitoring user, the explanation will be given assuming that another terminal device 110 is held by another monitoring user in addition to this.

[0154] Also, as shown in FIG. 9, the terminal device 110 includes a terminal operation unit 111, a terminal communication unit 112, a terminal display unit 113, a terminal audio output unit 114, a terminal power supply unit 115, a terminal control unit 116, and a terminal memory unit 117.

[0155] Note that configurations of the terminal device 110 that are not specifically mentioned are assumed to be similar to those of known mobile terminals (eg, tablet terminals) and will not be described.

[0156] (Configuration - Registration system - Terminal device - Terminal side operation unit) The terminal side operation unit 111 is a terminal side operation means that accepts operation input to the terminal device 110, and is configured using a known operation means such as a touch pad.

[0157] (Configuration - Registration system - Terminal device - Terminal side communication unit) The terminal side communication unit 112 is a terminal side communication means for communicating between the terminal device 110 and the processing device 120, and is configured using a known communication means for communicating using, for example, a known mobile wireless communication network.

[0158] (Configuration - Registration system - Terminal device - Terminal display unit) The terminal side display unit 113 is a display means for displaying various information related to the terminal device 110, and is configured using, for example, a known display means (for example, a known flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display), and is integrally formed with the terminal side operation unit 111 as a touch pad.

[0159] (Configuration - Registration system - Terminal device - Terminal side audio output unit) The terminal-side audio output unit 114 is a terminal-side audio output means that outputs various information by voice under the control of the terminal-side control unit 116, and is configured using, for example, a known speaker.

[0160] (Configuration - Registration system - Terminal device - Terminal power supply unit) The terminal side power supply unit 115 is a terminal side power supply means that supplies power to each unit of the terminal device 110 .

[0161] (Configuration-Registration system-Terminal device-Terminal side control unit) The terminal side control section 116 is a terminal side control means for controlling the terminal device 110, and is configured in a manner substantially similar to the control section 60 of the processing device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0162] The process executed by the terminal control unit 116 will be described in detail later.

[0163] (Configuration - Registration system - Terminal device - Terminal side storage unit) The terminal side storage unit 117 is a terminal side storage means for recording programs and various data necessary for the operation of the terminal device 110, and is configured in substantially the same manner as the storage unit 70 of the processing device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0164] (Configuration - Registration System - Processing Device) Next, the configuration of the processing device 120 will be described.

[0165] The processing device 120 is a device for registering the count area CA. The processing device 120 is connected to the terminal device 110 via the network 101 so as to be able to communicate directly or indirectly, and includes a processing-side communication unit 121, a processing-side control unit 122, and a processing-side storage unit 123, as shown in FIG.

[0166] In addition, configurations of the processing device 120 that are not specifically mentioned are the same as those of known cloud servers, and therefore descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0167] In addition, in FIG. 9, the processing device 120 is connected to one terminal device 110 so as to be able to communicate with each other, but it is assumed that the processing device 120 is connected to a plurality of terminal devices 110 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0168] (Configuration - Registration system - Processing device - Processing side communication unit) The processing side communication unit 121 is a processing side communication means for performing communication between the terminal device 110 and the processing device 120, and is configured using, for example, a known communication means for performing wireless communication using a wireless communication network.

[0169] (Configuration - Registration system - Processing device - Processing side control unit) The processing control unit 122 is a processing control means for controlling each unit of the processing device 120. This processing control unit 122 is configured in substantially the same manner as the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 according to the first embodiment, and as shown in Fig. 9, conceptually includes an acquisition unit 122a, a display control unit 122b, a first adjustment unit 122c, a registration unit 122d, a second adjustment unit 122e, a selection unit 122f, and a threshold setting unit 122g.

[0170] The acquiring unit 122a is an acquiring unit that acquires the drawing image DI.

[0171] The display control unit 122b is a display control means for displaying a plurality of squares M on the drawing image DI acquired by the acquisition unit 122a in a state in which the drawing image DI is displayed on the terminal side display unit 113.

[0172] The first adjustment unit 122c is a first adjustment means that adjusts the size of at least one or more squares M among the multiple squares M displayed by the display control unit 122b.

[0173] The registration unit 122d is a registration means that selects at least one or more squares M from the multiple squares M adjusted by the first adjustment unit 122c, and registers an area corresponding to the selected square M as a count area CA.

[0174] The second adjustment unit 122e is a second adjustment means that adjusts the positions of at least a part of the multiple squares M.

[0175] The selection unit 122f is a selection means for selecting at least one counting area CA from among the counting areas CA registered in the registration unit 122d.

[0176] The threshold setting unit 122g is a threshold setting means that sets a threshold for at least one count area CA selected by the selection unit 122f.

[0177] The process executed by the processing control unit 122 will be described later in detail.

[0178] (Configuration - Registration system - Processing device - Processing side memory unit) The processing side storage unit 123 is a processing side storage means for recording programs and various data necessary for the operation of the processing device 120. This processing side storage unit 123 is configured in substantially the same manner as the storage unit 70 of the processing device 1 according to the first embodiment, and includes a count area DB 123a and a threshold DB 123b, as shown in FIG.

[0179] The configurations of the count area DB 123a and the threshold DB 123b are approximately the same as those of the count area DB 71 and the threshold DB 72 according to the first embodiment, respectively, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0180] (Registration process) Next, a description will be given of the registration process executed by the registration system 100. In the following description, steps will be abbreviated as "S" in the description of each process shown in FIG.

[0181] The registration process is a process for registering the count area CA. This registration process may be executed at any timing, but in the second embodiment, the process is described as being started after the terminal device 110 and the processing device 120 are powered on.

[0182] After the registration process is started, as shown in FIG. 10, the acquisition unit 122a of the processing device 120 determines whether or not a drawing image DI has been acquired in SA1.

[0183] While there is no particular limitation on the method for determining whether or not this drawing image DI has been acquired, in the second embodiment, an instruction to transmit the drawing image DI stored in the terminal storage unit 117 is received by the monitoring user via the terminal operation unit 111, and the terminal control unit 116 of the terminal device 110 transmits the drawing image DI, and a determination is made based on whether or not the transmitted drawing image DI has been received. Here, if the drawing image DI has been received, it is determined that the drawing image DI has been acquired, and if the drawing image DI has not been received, it is determined that the drawing image DI has not been acquired.

[0184] Then, the acquisition unit 122a of the processing device 120 waits until it is determined that the drawing image DI has been acquired (SA1, No), and proceeds to SA2 if it is determined that the drawing image DI has been acquired (SA1, Yes).

[0185] In SA2, in a state in which the drawing image DI acquired in SA1 is displayed on the terminal side display unit 113, the display control unit 122b of the processing device 120 causes a plurality of squares M to be displayed on the drawing image DI.

[0186] Specifically, first, the display control unit 122b of the processing device 120 controls the terminal side control unit 116 of the terminal device 110 to generate a drawing display area S1 on the screen of the terminal side display unit 113, and displays the drawing image DI acquired by the acquisition unit 122a in the generated drawing display area S1.

[0187] Then, the display control unit 122b of the processing device 120 controls the terminal side control unit 116 of the terminal device 110 to display a plurality of squares M superimposed on the drawing image DI while the drawing image DI is being displayed.

[0188] In SA3, the first adjustment unit 122c of the processing device 120 adjusts the size of at least one of the multiple squares M displayed in the drawing image DI in SA2.

[0189] Specifically, the first adjustment unit 122c of the processing device 120 receives instruction information for adjusting all or part of the multiple squares M displayed on the drawing image DI from the terminal device 110 (or acquires it from the processing side memory unit 123 of the processing device 120) to a predetermined size, and adjusts the size of all or part of the multiple squares M based on the received instruction information (or the acquired information).

[0190] In SA4, the second adjustment unit 122e of the processing device 120 adjusts the position of at least one or more squares M among the multiple squares M displayed in the drawing image DI after the processing in SA3.

[0191] Specifically, the second adjustment unit 122e of the processing device 120 receives from the terminal device 110 (or acquires from the processing side memory unit 123 of the processing device 120) instruction information for adjusting all or part of the multiple squares M displayed on the drawing image DI to a specified position, and adjusts the position of all or part of the multiple squares M based on the received instruction information (or the acquired instruction information).

[0192] In SA5, the registration unit 122d of the processing device 120 selects at least one square M from among the multiple squares M displayed in the drawing image DI after processing in SA4, and registers the area corresponding to the selected square M as a count area CA.

[0193] Specifically, first, the registration unit 122d of the processing device 120 receives instruction information from the terminal device 110 (or acquires it from the processing side memory unit 123 of the processing device 120) for selecting a specific square M from the multiple squares M displayed on the drawing image DI, and selects the specific square M based on the received instruction information (or the acquired information), and identifies the area corresponding to the selected square M as the count area CA.

[0194] Then, the registration unit 122d of the processing device 120 registers the drawing image information relating to the drawing image DI after processing of SA4 (specifically, the drawing image DI in which multiple squares M are displayed on top of each other), the square identification information, square size information, and square position information linked to the selected square M, and the count area identification information (specifically, the count area number information and count area name information) relating to the specified count area CA by correlating them with each other and storing them in the count area DB 123a.

[0195] Regarding the square identification information, square size information, square position information, and count area identification information stored in the count area DB 123a in SA5, for example, the processing side control unit 122 of the processing device 120 may transmit this information to the terminal device 110 after the processing of SA5 (or SA7) and output it on the terminal side display unit 113. This allows the monitoring side user to check the details of the count area CA set in the registration process.

[0196] In SA6, the selection unit 122f of the processing device 120 selects at least one counting area CA from among the counting areas CA registered in the registration unit 122d.

[0197] Specifically, the selection unit 122f of the processing device 120 receives instruction information from the terminal device 110 (or acquires it from the processing side memory unit 123 of the processing device 120) for selecting a specific count area identification information from the count area identification information stored in the count area DB 123a, and selects the specific count area identification information based on the received instruction information (or the acquired information).

[0198] In SA7, threshold setting unit 122g of processing device 120 sets a threshold for at least one count area CA selected in SA6.

[0199] Specifically, first, the threshold setting unit 122g of the processing device 120 receives instruction information from the terminal device 110 (or acquires it from the processing side memory unit 123 of the processing device 120) for generating threshold information indicating a predetermined threshold for at least one or more count areas CA selected in SA6, and generates threshold information based on the received instruction information (or the acquired information).

[0200] Then, the threshold setting unit 122g of the processing device 120 sets the generated threshold information, the count area identification information of the count area CA corresponding to the threshold information, and the threshold update information indicating the date and time when the threshold information was generated by correlating them with each other and storing them in the threshold DB 123b.

[0201] Incidentally, the threshold information, count area identification information, and threshold update information stored in the threshold DB 123b in SA7 may be transmitted to the terminal device 110 by the processing control unit 122 of the processing device 120 after the processing of SA7, for example, and output to the terminal display unit 113 (and / or the terminal audio output unit 114). This allows the monitoring user to check the thresholds etc. set in the registration process.

[0202] By the above-described registration process, the area corresponding to the squares M adjusted by the first adjustment unit 122c can be registered as the count area CA, and the count area CA of a shape and / or size according to the needs of the monitoring user can be registered. In addition, a threshold value according to the needs of the monitoring user can be set, making it easier to extract a desired problem and / or evaluate a desired policy. Furthermore, the count area CA can be registered and a threshold value corresponding to the count area CA can be set, and the monitoring target can be monitored based on the count area CA.

[0203] Here, the details of the monitoring of the monitoring target based on the count area CA are arbitrary, but may be, for example, as shown below.

[0204] That is, first, the processing side control unit 122 of the processing device 120 uses a known analysis method to generate flow line information indicating the flow line of the monitored object based on image information (or detection information) acquired at predetermined time intervals from a camera (or sensor) installed in the store. However, without being limited to this, for example, the flow line information may be acquired from an external device.

[0205] Next, the processing side control unit 122 of the processing device 120 refers to the information stored in the count area DB 123a and the threshold DB 123b, and based on the generated traffic line information, identifies the number of times or the date and time, etc. that the monitored subject has visited (or the number of times or the date and time, etc. that the monitored subject has stayed in) the count area CA registered in the registration unit 122d.

[0206] Then, the processing side control unit 122 of the processing device 120 provides information indicating the above-mentioned specified number of stops or date and time, etc. to the terminal device 110. However, without being limited thereto, for example, it is also possible to perform various analyses based on the above-mentioned specified information indicating the above-mentioned specified number of stops or date and time, etc. by using a known analysis method, and then provide information indicating the analysis results to the terminal device 110.

[0207] (Effects of the second embodiment) Thus, according to the second embodiment, when the drawing image DI acquired by the acquisition unit 122a is displayed on the terminal side display unit 113, the display control unit 122b displays multiple squares M on the drawing image DI, a first adjustment unit 122c adjusts the size of at least one of the multiple squares M displayed by the display control unit 122b, and a registration unit 122d selects at least one square M from the multiple squares M adjusted by the first adjustment unit 122c and registers an area corresponding to the selected squares M as a count area CA.Therefore, the area corresponding to the square M adjusted by the first adjustment unit 122c can be registered as the count area CA, and a count area CA of a shape and / or size according to the needs of the monitoring user can be registered.

[0208] [III] Modifications to the embodiment Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the specific configurations and means of the present invention can be modified and improved as desired within the scope of the technical ideas of the inventions described in the claims. Such modifications will be described below.

[0209] (About the problem to be solved and the effects of the invention) First, the problems that the invention aims to solve and the effects of the invention are not limited to those described above, and the present invention may solve problems that are not described above or achieve effects that are not described above, or may solve only some of the problems that are described or achieve only some of the effects that are described.

[0210] (Regarding decentralization and integration) In addition, each of the electrical components described above is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the drawings. In other words, the specific form of distribution or integration of each part is not limited to that shown in the drawings, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc. In addition, the term "device" in this application is not limited to one configured by a single device, but includes one configured by multiple devices.

[0211] For example, the processing device 1 according to embodiment 1 may be configured in a distributed manner across multiple devices that are configured to be able to communicate with each other, with a control unit 60 provided in some of the multiple devices and a memory unit 70 provided in another part of the multiple devices (the same applies to the processing device 120 according to embodiment 2).

[0212] (shape, number, structure, time series) The components illustrated in the embodiments and drawings may be modified and improved as desired within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention with respect to the shape, numerical values, or structure or chronological relationships of multiple components.

[0213] (Counting area identification information) In the above first and second embodiments, it has been described that the count area identification information includes the count area number information and the count area name information, but this is not limited thereto, and for example, either the count area number information or the count area name information may be omitted.

[0214] (How to register) In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the registration method is described as including the second adjustment step, the selection step, and the threshold setting step, but is not limited thereto. For example, the second adjustment step may be omitted, or the selection step and the threshold setting step may be omitted.

[0215] In addition, when the selection step and the threshold setting step are omitted, the threshold of the count area CA registered in the registration step may be set to a preset threshold.

[0216] In the above embodiment 1, the registration method includes the acquisition step, the display step, the first adjustment step, the second adjustment step, the registration step, the selection step, and the threshold setting step. However, the registration method is not limited to this. For example, the registration method may include an editing step in addition to these steps.

[0217] Here, the editing process is a process of editing the count area CA by increasing or decreasing the number of squares M of the count area CA registered in the registration process after the registration process. The details of this editing process are arbitrary, but it may be edited, for example, as follows.

[0218] That is, first, an operation to instruct the monitoring user to edit the count area CA is accepted via the operation unit 10, and then the monitoring user selects a specific count area CA from the count areas CA displayed in the drawing display area S1 via the operation unit 10, and the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 identifies the selected count area CA as the count area CA to be edited.

[0219] Next, when the monitoring user selects, via the operation unit 10, any of the squares M that constitute the specific count area CA among the squares M displayed in the drawing display area S1, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 deletes the area of ​​the selected square M from the specific count area CA (i.e., edits the count area CA by reducing the number of squares M in the registered count area CA).

[0220] Specifically, among the square identification information, square size information, and square position information corresponding to the specific count area CA stored in the count area DB71, the square identification information, square size information, and square position information corresponding to the selected square M is deleted.

[0221] On the other hand, when the monitoring user selects, via the operation unit 10, any of the squares M displayed in the drawing display area S1 that is adjacent to the specific count area CA, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 adds the area of ​​the selected square M to the specific count area CA (i.e., edits the count area CA by increasing the number of squares M in the registered count area CA).

[0222] Specifically, the square identification information, square size information, and square position information corresponding to the selected square M are added to the square identification information, square size information, and square position information corresponding to the specific count area CA stored in the count area DB71.

[0223] By such an editing process, the counting area CA registered in the registration process can be edited, and a counting area CA having a shape and / or size that meets the needs of the monitoring user can be registered.

[0224] In the registration system 100 according to the second embodiment, the processing control unit 122 of the processing device 120 may also execute a process corresponding to the above-mentioned editing step.

[0225] In the above embodiment 1, the registration process is described as registering two or more count areas CA in the same group category, but this is not limited to this. For example, the above two or more count areas CA may not be registered in the same group category.

[0226] In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, it has been described that in the selection step, at least one or more count areas CA are selected from among the count areas CA registered in the registration step by referring to the count area identification information, the group category of the count areas CA, and / or a preset threshold value, but this is not limited to this. For example, when a specific count area CA is specified by the monitoring user from among the count areas CA displayed in the drawing display area S1 via the operation unit 10, the control unit 60 of the processing device 1 may select the specified count area CA as the count area CA for which a threshold value is to be set.

[0227] (Registration system) In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the registration system 100 has been described as including the terminal device 110 and the processing device 120, but this is not limiting. For example, the terminal device 110 may be omitted, and only the processing device 120 may be included.

[0228] In this case, for example, the processing device 120 may be configured using a stationary personal computer and may be configured to include a display means.

[0229] (Regarding processing equipment) In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the processing device 120 is described as including the second adjustment unit 122e, the selection unit 122f, and the threshold setting unit 122g, but is not limited thereto. For example, the second adjustment unit 122e may be omitted. Alternatively, the selection unit 122f and the threshold setting unit 122g may be omitted.

[0230] Here, when the second adjustment unit 122e is omitted, the process of SA4 in the registration process may be omitted. Also, when the selection unit 122f and the threshold setting unit 122g are omitted, the processes of SA6 and SA7 in the registration process may be omitted, and the threshold of the count area CA registered in the registration process may be set to a preset threshold.

[0231] (Additional Note) The count area registration method of Appendix 1 is a count area used when monitoring a monitoring subject within a monitoring area, and is a registration method for registering a count area in which the monitoring subject's visits or stays are counted, and includes an acquisition step of acquiring a drawing image showing a drawing of the monitoring area, a display step of displaying a plurality of squares on the drawing image acquired in the acquisition step while the drawing image is displayed on a display means, a first adjustment step of adjusting a size of at least one or more squares among the plurality of squares after the display step, and a registration step of selecting at least one or more squares from the plurality of squares and registering an area corresponding to the selected squares as a count area after the first adjustment step.

[0232] The count area registration method of Appendix 2 is the count area registration method described in Appendix 1, in which, in the registration step, two or more count areas are selected from the multiple count areas registered in the registration step, and the selected two or more count areas are registered as the same group category.

[0233] The method of registering a count area in Appendix 3 is the method of registering a count area in Appendix 2, wherein the two or more selected count areas registered as the same group category include the count areas that are positioned so as to be enclaves.

[0234] The count area registration method of Appendix 4 is a count area registration method described in any one of Appendixes 1 to 3, further including a second adjustment step of adjusting the position of at least a portion of the multiple squares after the display step, and in the registration step, after the first adjustment step and the second adjustment step, at least one square is selected from the multiple squares, and an area corresponding to the selected square is registered as a count area.

[0235] The count area registration method of Appendix 5 is a method of registering a count area described in any one of Appendixes 1 to 3, further including, after the registration step, an editing step of editing the count area by increasing or decreasing the number of squares of the count area registered in the registration step.

[0236] The count area registration method of Appendix 6 is a count area registration method described in any one of Appendixes 1 to 3, further including, after the registration step, a selection step of selecting at least one count area from the count areas registered in the registration step, and a threshold setting step of setting a threshold for the at least one count area selected in the selection step.

[0237] The count area registration method of Appendix 7 is the count area registration method described in Appendix 6, in which the count areas registered in the registration step include count areas corresponding to each of a plurality of mutually different monitoring areas, and in the selection step, a specific monitoring area is selected from the plurality of monitoring areas, and at least one count area is selected from the count areas corresponding to the selected specific monitoring area.

[0238] The count area registration method of Appendix 8 is the count area registration method described in Appendix 6, in which in the selection step, at least one count area is selected from the count areas registered in the registration step by referring to the identification information of the count area, the group category of the count area, and / or the predetermined threshold value.

[0239] The count area registration method of Appendix 9 is the count area registration method described in Appendix 6, wherein in the threshold setting step, a threshold is set according to the size of the count area, the characteristics of the merchandise displayed in the count area, the attributes of the monitored object, and / or the stop-by or stay status of the monitored object in the count area.

[0240] The registration system of Appendix 10 is a count area used when monitoring a target within a surveillance area, and is a registration system that registers a count area in which the target's visit or stay is counted, and includes an acquisition means for acquiring a drawing image showing a drawing of the surveillance area, a display control means for displaying a plurality of squares on the drawing image acquired by the acquisition means while the drawing image is displayed on a display means, a first adjustment means for adjusting a size of at least one or more squares among the plurality of squares displayed by the display control means, and a registration means for selecting at least one or more squares from the plurality of squares adjusted by the first adjustment means, and registering an area corresponding to the selected squares as a count area.

[0241] (Effect of supplementary notes) According to the method for registering a count area described in Appendix 1, the method includes a display step of displaying a plurality of squares on the drawing image acquired in the acquisition step while the drawing image is displayed on a display means, a first adjustment step of adjusting the size of at least one of the plurality of squares after the display step, and a registration step of selecting at least one of the plurality of squares after the first adjustment step and registering an area corresponding to the selected squares as a count area, so that the area corresponding to the square adjusted in the first adjustment step can be registered as a count area, and a count area of ​​a shape and / or size according to the needs of the monitoring user can be registered.

[0242] According to the count area registration method described in Appendix 2, in the registration step, two or more count areas are selected from the multiple count areas registered in the registration step, and the selected two or more count areas are registered as the same group category, so that multiple count areas can be registered as the same group category and multiple count areas can be monitored for each group category.

[0243] According to the method of registering count areas described in Appendix 3, two or more selected count areas registered as the same group category include a count area that is positioned so as to be an enclave, so that multiple count areas including a count area that is positioned so as to be an enclave can be registered as the same group category, thereby increasing the freedom of such registration.

[0244] According to the method for registering a count area described in Appendix 4, after the display step, it further includes a second adjustment step of adjusting the position of at least a portion of the multiple squares, and in the registration step, after the first adjustment step and the second adjustment step, at least one square is selected from the multiple squares, and the area corresponding to the selected square is registered as a count area, so that the position of the squares can be adjusted and it becomes easy to register a count area of ​​a shape and / or size that meets the needs of the monitoring user.

[0245] According to the method for registering a count area described in Appendix 5, after the registration process, the method further includes an editing process for editing the count area by increasing or decreasing the number of squares in the count area registered in the registration process, so that the count area registered in the registration process can be edited and a count area having a shape and / or size according to the needs of the monitoring user can be registered.

[0246] According to the count area registration method described in Appendix 6, after the registration step, the method further includes a selection step of selecting at least one count area from the count areas registered in the registration step, and a threshold setting step of setting a threshold for at least one count area selected in the selection step. This makes it possible to set a threshold according to the needs of the monitoring user, making it easier to extract desired issues and / or evaluate desired measures.

[0247] According to the count area registration method described in Appendix 7, the count areas registered in the registration process include count areas corresponding to each of a plurality of mutually different monitoring areas, and in the selection process, a specific monitoring area is selected from the plurality of monitoring areas, and at least one count area is selected from the count areas corresponding to the specific monitoring area selected. Therefore, a threshold value can be set for the count area corresponding to the specific monitoring area according to the needs of the monitoring user, making it easier to extract desired issues or / and evaluate desired measures related to the specific monitoring area.

[0248] According to the count area registration method described in Appendix 8, in the selection process, at least one count area is selected from the count areas registered in the registration process by referring to the count area identification information, the count area group category, and / or the preset threshold value. Therefore, the count area can be selected according to the count area identification information, the group category, and / or the preset threshold value, and the count area for which a threshold value is set can be efficiently selected.

[0249] According to the count area registration method described in Appendix 9, in the threshold setting process, thresholds are set according to the size of the count area, the characteristics of the products displayed in the count area, the attributes of the monitored subject, and / or the stop-by or stay status of the monitored subject in the count area. Therefore, thresholds can be set according to the size of the count area, the characteristics of the products displayed in the count area, the attributes of the monitored subject, and / or the stop-by or stay status of the monitored subject in the count area, making it possible to extract desired issues and / or evaluate desired measures in accordance with the actual situation.

[0250] According to the registration system described in Appendix 10, the system includes a display control means for displaying a plurality of squares on the drawing image acquired by the acquisition means when the drawing image is displayed on the display means, a first adjustment means for adjusting the size of at least one of the plurality of squares displayed by the display control means, and a registration means for selecting at least one of the plurality of squares adjusted by the first adjustment means and registering an area corresponding to the selected squares as a count area, so that the area corresponding to the squares adjusted by the first adjustment means can be registered as a count area, and a count area of ​​a shape and / or size according to the needs of the monitoring user can be registered. [Explanation of symbols]

[0251] 1 Processing equipment 10 Control section 20 Communications Department 30 Display section 40 Audio output section 50 Power supply section 60 Control section 70 Memory section 71 Count Area DB 72 Threshold DB 100 Registration System 101 Network 110 Terminal Equipment 111 Terminal side operation unit 112 Terminal communication unit 113 Terminal display unit 114 Terminal side audio output unit 115 Terminal side power supply unit 116 Terminal side control unit 117 Terminal side memory unit 120 Processing equipment 121 Processing communication unit 122 Processing side control section 122a Acquisition part 122b Display control unit 122c 1st adjustment section 122d Registration Department 122e 2nd adjustment section 122f Selection section 122g Threshold setting section 123 Processing side memory unit 123a Count Area DB 123b Threshold DB B1 Adjustment button B2 Refresh button CA Counting Area DI drawing image IB Input Box M Grid S1 Drawing display area S2 Threshold setting display area

Claims

1. A method for registering a count area used when monitoring a target in a monitoring area, the count area being a count of the target's visit or stay, comprising the steps of: acquiring a drawing image showing a drawing of the monitoring area; a display step of displaying a plurality of squares on the drawing image acquired in the acquisition step while the drawing image is displayed on a display means; a first adjustment step of adjusting a size of at least one of the plurality of squares after the display step; a registration step of selecting at least one square from the plurality of squares after the first adjustment step, and registering an area corresponding to the selected square as a count area; How to register a counting area, including:

2. In the registration step, selecting two or more count areas from the plurality of count areas registered in the registration step, and registering the selected two or more count areas as the same group category; The counting area registration method according to claim 1 .

3. The two or more selected counting areas registered as the same group category include the counting area located to be an outlying area. The counting area registration method according to claim 2.

4. The method further includes a second adjustment step of adjusting positions of at least a part of the plurality of squares after the display step, In the registration step, after the first adjustment step and the second adjustment step, at least one square is selected from the plurality of squares, and an area corresponding to the selected square is registered as a count area. The method for registering a count area according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The method further includes, after the registration step, an editing step of editing the count area by increasing or decreasing the number of squares in the count area registered in the registration step. The method for registering a count area according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. a selection step of selecting at least one counting area from the counting areas registered in the registration step after the registration step; and a threshold setting step of setting a threshold for the at least one count area selected in the selection step. The method for registering a count area according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The counting area registered in the registration step includes the counting area corresponding to each of the plurality of monitoring areas different from each other, In the selection step, a specific monitoring area is selected from the plurality of monitoring areas, and at least one count area is selected from the count areas corresponding to the selected specific monitoring area. The counting area registration method according to claim 6.

8. In the selection step, at least one count area is selected from the count areas registered in the registration step by referring to the identification information of the count area, the group category of the count area, and / or the preset threshold value. The counting area registration method according to claim 6.

9. In the threshold setting step, a threshold is set according to the size of the count area, the characteristics of the products displayed in the count area, the attributes of the monitoring target, and / or the stopover or stay status of the monitoring target in the count area. The counting area registration method according to claim 6.

10. A registration system for registering a count area used when monitoring a target in a monitoring area, the count area being a count of the target's visit or stay, An acquisition means for acquiring a drawing image showing a drawing of the monitoring area; a display control means for displaying a plurality of squares on the drawing image acquired by the acquisition means in a state where the drawing image is displayed on a display means; a first adjustment means for adjusting a size of at least one of the plurality of squares displayed by the display control means; a registration means for selecting at least one square from the plurality of squares adjusted by the first adjustment means, and registering an area corresponding to the selected square as a count area; A registration system comprising:

Images