Coupon distribution system and coupon distribution method

Abstract

To provide a coupon distribution system that reliably distributes a coupon to a user who is a respondent to a questionnaire.SOLUTION: A coupon distribution system includes an application installed on a terminal device of a user and a robot that provides a predetermined service to the user. The robot requests a user to evaluate a predetermined service. The application is started by the terminal device, and when it is determined that the evaluation of the predetermined service by the user has been completed, acquires coupon data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a coupon distribution system and a coupon distribution method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a product purchase support system that detects its own position within a store, detects the position of a route guidance device that provides route guidance within the store based on a pre-set guidance route that corresponds to the detected own position and the display position of a product or group of products desired by the customer, and presents the display position of the product or group of products when the route guidance device arrives within a predetermined distance range of the product display shelf on which the product or group of products is displayed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-59288 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure has been devised in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and aims to provide a coupon distribution system and a coupon distribution method that more reliably distribute coupons to users who are respondents to a questionnaire. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure provides a coupon distribution system comprising an application installed on a user's terminal device and a robot that provides a predetermined service to the user, wherein the robot requests the user to evaluate the predetermined service, the application is launched by the terminal device, and when it determines that the user has completed evaluating the predetermined service, the application obtains coupon data.

[0006] The present disclosure also provides a coupon distribution method performed by a system including an application installed on a user's terminal device and a robot that provides a predetermined service to the user, the coupon distribution method requests the user to evaluate the predetermined service, is activated by the terminal device, and acquires coupon data when it is determined that the user has completed evaluating the predetermined service. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, coupons can be distributed more reliably to users who are respondents to a questionnaire. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a guidance system according to a first embodiment and a second embodiment. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a robot and a terminal device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of another guidance system according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 4] An example of a menu screen [Figure 5] FIG. 10 shows an example of screen transition when setting a guide destination in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation procedure of the guidance system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation procedure of the guidance system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 shows an example of screen transition when setting a guide destination in a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 shows an example of screen transitions when a coupon is distributed in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation procedure of the guidance system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 shows an example of screen transitions when a coupon is distributed in the first modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 shows an example of screen transitions when a coupon is distributed in Modification 2 of Embodiment 2. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation procedure of the guidance system according to the first and second modifications of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Background to this disclosure) Conventionally, a product purchase support system has been disclosed as a technology for guiding a user to a location in a store or facility where a product desired by the user is on display (see Patent Document 1). However, in the product purchase support system, each cart is controlled and managed by a store web server that accepts cart reservations and settings of products to be guided to. Therefore, users are required to reserve a cart in advance and set the products they wish to purchase, and if they are unable to make a reservation in time, it is difficult for them to receive the services provided by the product purchase support system.

[0010] Therefore, in each of the following embodiments, an example of a guide robot control system and a guide robot control method that allows a user to control a guide robot and assists in guiding the user to a destination will be described.

[0011] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings as appropriate, detailed descriptions of embodiments that specifically disclose the configuration and operation of a coupon distribution system and a coupon distribution method according to the present disclosure will be provided. However, unnecessary detailed descriptions may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or redundant descriptions of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter recited in the claims.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) First, a guidance system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the guidance system 100 according to the first and second embodiments. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the robot RB and the terminal device P1. It goes without saying that the guidance system 100 shown in Fig. 1 is just an example and is not limited to this. Furthermore, Fig. 2 omits the illustration of the access point AP and service server SS of the guidance system 100.

[0013] The guidance system 100 is a system that guides a user to a destination desired by the user by means of a robot RB placed in, for example, a commercial facility, a store, an airport, a hotel, a hospital, a station, etc. The guidance system 100 enables the control of the robot RB by the terminal device P1 carried by the user by connecting (linking) the robot RB to a terminal device P1 carried by the user so that data communication can be performed between the robot RB and the terminal device P1.

[0014] The guidance system 100 includes a robot RB, a terminal device P1, an access point AP, a service server SS, and a network NW. Note that the communication method between the robot RB and the terminal device P1 may be any wireless communication. Therefore, the access point AP is not an essential component and may be omitted. Also, while the example shown in FIG. 1 shows an example in which there is one robot RB and one terminal device P1, there may be multiple robots RB and multiple terminal devices P1.

[0015] Note that the wireless communication referred to here may be communication via a wireless Local Area Network (LAN) such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth Low Energy (hereinafter referred to as "BLE"), or communication via Internet of Things (IoT) network communication or protocols such as Matter, Z-Wave, or ZigBee.

[0016] The robot RB is configured to be able to move autonomously within the location where the robot RB is located (for example, a commercial facility, a store, an airport, or a station). When the robot RB acquires information about a destination (destination) desired by the user, the robot RB guides the user to the destination by moving autonomously toward the acquired destination (destination). The robot RB includes a communication unit 10, a processor 11, a memory 12, an input unit 13, a monitor 14, a detection unit 15, and a drive unit 16.

[0017] The communication unit 10 is connected to the terminal device P1 and the service server SS via an access point AP or a network NW so as to be able to communicate data with each other. The communication unit 10 may also be connected to the terminal device P1 so as to be able to communicate data directly with the terminal device P1. The communication unit 10 outputs various data transmitted from the terminal device P1 or the service server SS to the processor 11. The communication unit 10 also transmits various data output from the processor 11 to the terminal device P1 or the service server SS.

[0018] The processor 11 is configured using, for example, a Central Processing Unit (hereinafter referred to as "CPU") or a Field Programmable Gate Array (hereinafter referred to as "FPGA"), and performs various processes and controls in cooperation with the memory 12. Specifically, the processor 11 references the programs and data stored in the memory 12 and executes the programs to realize the functions of the robot RB.

[0019] The memory 12 includes, for example, a random access memory (hereinafter referred to as "RAM") as a work memory used when executing each process of the processor 11, and a storage for storing programs and data that define the operation of the processor 11. The RAM temporarily stores data or information generated or acquired by the processor 11. The storage stores programs that define the operation of the processor 11. The memory 12 records, for example, information on the patrol route that the robot RB will travel, map information of the area in which the robot RB can move independently, etc.

[0020] The input unit 13 can accept user operations and outputs the content of the input operation based on the user operation to the processor 11. The input unit 13 may be realized as a touch panel integrated with the monitor 14, or may be realized as a physical button that is provided on the housing of the robot RB or near the monitor 14 and that is pressed by the user. The input unit 13 may also include a microphone (not shown) and be configured to be able to accept voice input operations based on the user's voice. The input unit 13 is not an essential component and may be omitted.

[0021] The monitor 14 (input device) is configured using a display such as a Liquid Crystal Display (hereinafter referred to as "LCD"), an organic electroluminescence (hereinafter referred to as "EL"), a touch panel, etc. The monitor 14 displays various screens (not shown) output from the processor 11.

[0022] The detection unit 15 is controlled by the processor 11 and detects the environment around the robot RB (people, obstacles, passageways, etc.). The detection unit 15 may be realized by one or more cameras, sensors, radars, etc., or may be realized by combining a plurality of different devices such as radar and cameras. The robot RB may also be equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) or the like as the detection unit 15, which can identify the position of the robot RB. The detection unit 15 outputs, as detection results, position information of the robot RB itself, information on the environment around the robot RB, etc. to the processor 11.

[0023] The drive unit 16 is controlled by the processor 11 to make the robot RB move independently.

[0024] The terminal device P1 is realized by a device capable of accepting user operations, such as a smartphone or tablet terminal. The terminal device P1 controls the robot RB and acquires coupons distributed by the robot RB based on the user operations. The terminal device P1 includes a communication unit 20, a processor 21, a memory 22, an input unit 23, a monitor 24, and a camera 25.

[0025] The communication unit 20 is connected to the robot RB and the service server SS via an access point AP or a network NW so as to be able to communicate with each other via data. Note that the communication unit 20 may be connected to the robot RB via the access point AP via Wi-Fi so as to be able to communicate with each other, or may be connected to the robot RB directly via BLE so as to be able to communicate with each other via data without via the access point AP.

[0026] The communication unit 20 outputs various data transmitted from the robot RB or the service server SS to the processor 21. The communication unit 20 also transmits various data output from the processor 21 to the robot RB or the service server SS.

[0027] The processor 21 is configured using, for example, a CPU or FPGA, and performs various processes and controls in cooperation with the memory 22. Specifically, the processor 21 references the programs and data stored in the memory 22 and executes the programs to realize the functions of the terminal device P1. The processor 21 also starts an application (hereinafter referred to as a "store application") that provides various services from the store or facility where the robot RB is installed, and realizes the functions of the store application 211.

[0028] The store application 211 realizes various services (functions), such as a guidance service provided by the robot RB, answering a questionnaire about the guidance service, and obtaining a coupon as a reward for answering the questionnaire. The store application 211 stores information about the user who is the owner of the terminal device P1 (for example, a user ID or a user name). The store application 211 transmits the stored information about the user to the service server SS. This enables the service server SS to identify the user who operates the robot RB and receives the service from among an unspecified number of users who can receive the guidance service, answer the questionnaire, or obtain a coupon.

[0029] The memory 22 includes, for example, a RAM as a work memory used when executing each process of the processor 21, and a storage for storing programs and data that define the operation of the processor 21. The RAM temporarily stores data or information generated or acquired by the processor 21. The storage stores programs that define the operation of the processor 21.

[0030] The input unit 23 is capable of accepting a user operation and outputs the content of the input operation based on the user operation to the processor 21. The input unit 23 is realized as a touch panel configured integrally with the monitor 24. The input unit 23 may also be configured to include a microphone (not shown) and to be capable of accepting a voice input operation based on the user's voice.

[0031] The monitor 24 is configured using a display such as an LCD, an organic EL, a touch panel, etc. The monitor 24 displays various screens (not shown) output from the processor 21.

[0032] Camera 25 is controlled by processor 21. Camera 25 is capable of reading two-dimensional codes and outputs the read information to processor 21. The two-dimensional code referred to here is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark).

[0033] The service server SS is a server managed by the store or facility where the robot RB is installed. The service server SS manages each robot RB and the store application 211 installed in each terminal device P1. The service server SS is connected to the robot RB and the terminal device P1 via a network NW so that they can communicate with each other.

[0034] The service server SS identifies the robot RB that is providing the service to the user based on various information transmitted from the terminal device P1, and determines whether the terminal device P1 is the terminal device of the user receiving the service provided by the robot RB. If the service server SS determines that the terminal device P1 is the terminal device P1 that read the two-dimensional code presented by the identified robot RB, it permits a communication connection between the terminal device P1 and the robot RB, that is, it permits the robot RB to control (operate) the robot RB using the terminal device P1.

[0035] The various information referred to here is, for example, information specific to the robot RB, such as identification information (ID, etc.) of the robot RB that can identify the robot RB, address information of the service server SS (Uniform Resource Locator (hereinafter referred to as "URL"), etc.), or authentication information for requesting control of the robot RB. The authentication information referred to here may be, for example, authentication information with an expiration date, such as a one-time password or a one-time two-dimensional code.

[0036] Furthermore, the service server SS may further acquire unique information of the store application 211 downloaded to the terminal device P1, or information about the user who owns the terminal device P1 (for example, a user ID or a user name, etc.). In such a case, the service server SS may perform authentication as to whether or not the user who owns the terminal device P1 permits the robot RB to establish a communication connection between the terminal device P1 and the robot RB, that is, whether or not the robot RB is permitted to control (operate) the robot RB using the terminal device P1.

[0037] As a result, even when the same robot RB is used by multiple different users, the service server SS can authenticate and manage the connection between the terminal device owned by each user and the robot RB. Note that the "connection between the terminal device and the robot" in this disclosure may be replaced with "pairing between the robot and a store application installed in the terminal device." Furthermore, the terminal device P1 and the robot RB may be connected via an access point AP.

[0038] Furthermore, the guidance system 100 can reduce communication delays between the terminal device P1 and the robot RB by connecting the terminal device P1 and the robot RB via Wi-Fi via BLE or an access point AP. The guidance system 100 may also be configured to use communication via a service server SS. For example, the robot RB can be operated via BLE or Wi-Fi, thereby improving the response of the robot RB to user operations. Furthermore, communications related to authentication, payment, etc. of the robot RB and the user's terminal device P1 may be performed via the service server SS. This allows for diversification of service content and strengthening of communication security.

[0039] The access point AP is provided in the store or facility where the robot RB is installed. The access point AP is connected to the robot RB via wireless communication so that data can be communicated therewith, and is also connected to the service server SS via the network NW so that data can be communicated therewith. The access point AP connects the robot RB, the service server SS, and the terminal device P1 so that data can be communicated therewith. Note that the access point AP is not an essential component and may be omitted.

[0040] The network NW connects the access point AP and the service server SS, and the terminal device P1 and the service server SS so that data communication is possible.

[0041] Next, a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of another guidance system 100A will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of another guidance system 100A according to the first and second embodiments.

[0042] The guidance system 100A has substantially the same configuration as the guidance system 100. In the following description of the guidance system 100A, the same components as those in the guidance system 100 are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. The guidance system 100A includes a robot RB, a terminal device P1, an access point APA, a service server SS, and a network NW. Similarly, the example shown in FIG. 3 shows an example in which there is one robot RB and one terminal device P1, but there may be more than one robot RB and one terminal device P1.

[0043] The access point APA is installed in the store or facility where the robot RB is installed. The access point APA establishes a wireless communication connection between the robot RB and the terminal device P1 via wireless communication. The access point APA connects the robot RB and the terminal device P1, the robot RB and the service server SS, and the terminal device P1 and the service server SS so that data communication is possible.

[0044] Next, a menu screen SC10 displayed on the robot RB and an example of screen transitions when setting a guide destination displayed on the terminal device P1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, respectively. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the menu screen SC10. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of screen transitions when setting a guide destination in the first embodiment. Note that the screens shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these.

[0045] The robot RB displays a menu screen SC10 on the monitor 14 that can accept user operations. The menu screen SC10 includes buttons such as "Sales Floor Guide [Location Search]" and "Store Facility Guide [Restroom, etc.]," which transition to a setting screen for accepting input of a destination desired by the user, and a button such as "Survey Entry [Please Cooperate]," which transitions to a questionnaire response screen regarding the guidance service provided by the robot RB to the user. Note that, in the present disclosure, an example in which the user is guided to a sales floor selling a product desired by the user will be described as an example, but if the robot RB is installed in a facility (e.g., a commercial facility, an airport, a train station, etc.) with multiple stores or facilities, the robot RB may guide the user to a store or facility (e.g., a restroom, a coin locker, etc.) desired by the user.

[0046] When the button "Sales floor guide [location search]" is pressed (selected) by the user, the robot RB in the first embodiment generates a screen SC21 including a two-dimensional code for connection to enable communication between the robot RB and the terminal device P1, and displays the screen SC21 on the monitor 14. When the button "Survey input [please cooperate]" is pressed (selected) by the user, the robot RB generates a survey screen SC31 (see FIGS. 9 and 11) or SC31A (see FIG. 10) for accepting input of how to answer the survey, and displays the screen SC31 on the monitor 14.

[0047] The terminal device P1 captures an image of the two-dimensional code included in the screen SC21 displayed on the monitor 14 of the robot RB using the camera 25, and reads various information recorded in the two-dimensional code. The terminal device P1 transmits the read information, such as the robot RB's identification information, the address information (URL) of the service server SS, or authentication information, to the service server SS, and requests a communication connection with the robot RB.

[0048] After the communication connection between the terminal device P1 and the robot RB is authenticated by the service server SS, the terminal device P1 is connected to the robot RB so as to be able to communicate wirelessly with the robot RB. The terminal device P1 outputs a location search screen SC11 stored in the store application 211 or transmitted from the robot RB to the monitor 24. The terminal device P1 accepts a selection operation of the category of the product for which the user requests guidance on the location search screen SC11.

[0049] The location search screen SC11 is generated so that it can accept the selection of multiple different categories of products desired by the user that are sold in the store where the robot RB is installed. The location search screen SC11 shown in Fig. 5 includes buttons "Baseball / Softball," "Soccer / Futsal," "Tennis / Soft Tennis," "Fitness / Training," "Leisure / Toys," "Snowboarding," "Volleyball," and "Table Tennis" that allow the selection of the sports category corresponding to the product as the product category, and a cancel button BT11 that cancels the current operation "Sales Floor Guide [Location Search]."

[0050] 5, when the terminal device P1 receives a selection operation of the button "Baseball / Softball" displayed on the location search screen SC11 by the user, it generates a control command requesting the current location of the robot RB and transmits it to the robot RB. The terminal device P1 acquires information on the current location of the robot RB from the robot RB, and generates a guide screen SC12 showing the sales floor for products corresponding to "Baseball / Softball" using the store application 211, and outputs it to the monitor 24.

[0051] The guidance screen SC12 includes a map MP of the sales floor, a guidance start button BT12 that accepts an operation to start guiding the user to the guidance destination Tg1, and a cancel button BT13 that accepts an operation to cancel the current operation, "Sales Floor Guidance [Location Search]." The guidance screen SC12 is generated by highlighting the guidance destination Tg1 (destination) in the map MP and superimposing an icon Pt0 indicating the current position of the robot RB on the map MP.

[0052] When the terminal device P1 receives a user operation to press (select) the guidance start button BT12 on the guidance screen SC12, it generates a control command requesting the start of guidance to the guidance destination Tg1 (destination) and transmits it to the robot RB.

[0053] Next, an example of an operation procedure of the guidance systems 100, 100A will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation procedure of the guidance systems 100, 100A in the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation procedure of the guidance systems 100, 100A in the first embodiment.

[0054] The robot RB patrols a predetermined patrol location or waits at a predetermined waiting position, and reproduces an advertisement corresponding to the position information of the robot RB (that is, the current position) on the monitor 14 (St11).

[0055] When the robot RB receives a user's call to the robot RB or an operation of a stop button to stop the patrol operation while patrolling or waiting (St12), the robot RB detects the user who called out or operated the stop button by capturing an image of the surroundings of the robot RB with a camera (not shown) or detecting a user (person) present around the robot RB with a sensor (not shown) (St13). The robot RB may receive a call from a predetermined location (for example, any sales floor) by a user or an operation on a menu screen, or may omit a user's call or operation and simply detect whether or not a user is present around the robot RB.

[0056] When the robot RB determines that it has detected a user, it stops playing the advertisement (St14), generates a menu screen SC10 (see FIG. 4), and displays it on the monitor 14 (St15). After displaying the menu screen SC10, the robot RB accepts user operations via the menu screen SC10.

[0057] The robot RB measures the time from when the menu screen SC10 is displayed on the monitor 14 to when a user operation is accepted on the menu screen SC10. The robot RB determines whether a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds, 1 minute, or 2 minutes) has elapsed from when the menu screen SC10 was displayed without accepting a user operation (St16).

[0058] If the robot RB determines in step St16 that a predetermined time has elapsed without receiving any user operation (St16, YES), it determines that there has been no operation on the menu screen SC10 by the user, and returns to the processing of step St11.

[0059] On the other hand, if the robot RB determines in step St16 that the predetermined time has not elapsed, that is, that the robot RB has received a user operation before the predetermined time has elapsed (St16, NO), the robot RB continues to receive an input operation by the user.

[0060] The user presses (selects) a button that guides the user from the menu screen SC10 (for example, "Sales floor guide [location search]" on the menu screen SC10 shown in FIG. 4) (St17).

[0061] After receiving the user operation, the robot RB generates a screen SC21 (see Figure 5) including a two-dimensional code for enabling connection for data communication with the terminal device P1 carried by the user, and displays it on the monitor 14 (St18).

[0062] The robot RB measures the display time of the screen SC21 from the time when the screen SC21 is displayed on the monitor 14. The robot RB determines whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds, 1 minute, or 2 minutes) has elapsed since the time when the screen SC21 was displayed without obtaining permission for connection with the terminal device P1 from the service server SS (St19).

[0063] The terminal device P1 reads the two-dimensional code displayed on the screen SC21 with the camera 25 in response to a user operation (St20). The terminal device P1 obtains various information by reading the two-dimensional code. The terminal device P1 transmits the various information to the service server SS and requests data communication (connection) with the robot RB. The various information referred to here is, for example, identification information (ID, etc.) of the robot RB, the URL of the service server SS, or authentication information for requesting control of the robot RB.

[0064] The service server SS determines whether or not a connection between the terminal device P1 and the robot RB is permitted by determining, based on various information transmitted from the terminal device P1, whether or not the terminal device P1 is the terminal device that read the two-dimensional code displayed by the robot RB, or whether or not the terminal device P1 is the terminal device of a user who has already been registered in the store application 211. If the service server SS determines that the connection between the terminal device P1 and the robot RB is permitted, it transmits to the robot RB a notification (control command) that the connection is permitted and user information including information about the user, and if it determines that the connection between the terminal device P1 and the robot RB is not permitted, it transmits to the robot RB a notification (control command) that the connection is rejected.

[0065] In step St19, if the robot RB determines that a predetermined time has elapsed since the time when the screen SC21 was displayed without obtaining permission for connection with the terminal device P1 (St19, YES), the robot RB returns to step St11.

[0066] On the other hand, when the robot RB determines in step St19 that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the screen SC21 was displayed (St19, NO), the robot RB continues to display the screen SC21 including the two-dimensional code.

[0067] The robot RB acquires from the service server SS a notification (control command) that connection is permitted and user information requesting operation of the robot RB (St21). Based on the acquired notification, the robot RB approves the operation request from the terminal device P1 and connects to enable data communication with the terminal device P1. As a result, the communication state between the robot RB and the terminal device P1 transitions to a communication connection state (St22). Note that various screens (e.g., a location search screen SC11, a guidance screen SC12, etc.) described below may be acquired from the robot RB and displayed, or may be displayed by the store application 211 if the store application 211 is installed in the terminal device P1.

[0068] The terminal device P1 generates a location search screen SC11 in which the products to be guided are classified by product category, and displays it on the monitor 24 (St23). The user selects a product category corresponding to the product for which the user requests guidance and is considering purchasing or viewing from the location search screen SC11 displayed on the monitor 24 (St24).

[0069] The terminal device P1 generates a detailed map (not shown) corresponding to the product category selected by the user and displays it on the monitor 24 (St25). The detailed map here is a map that further classifies the selected product category, and for example, if the product category is "baseball / softball," it would be a map with product names such as "gloves," "balls," or "bats." The user selects a product for which they would like guidance and are considering purchasing or viewing from the detailed map (not shown) displayed on the monitor 24 (St26).

[0070] The terminal device P1 requests and acquires information on the current location of the robot RB from the robot RB. The terminal device P1 generates a map MP that visualizes the current location of the robot RB (for example, the icon Pt0 shown in FIG. 5) and the location of the sales floor for the product selected by the user (for example, the guide destination Tg1 shown in FIG. 5), based on the product selected by the user. The terminal device P1 generates a guidance screen SC12 that includes the generated map MP and guides the user to the sales floor for the product, and displays it on the monitor 24 (St27). The user presses (selects) a guidance start button BT12 on the guidance screen SC12 displayed on the monitor 24, which causes the robot RB to start guiding the robot RB to the guide destination Tg1 (destination), which is the search result for the product (St28).

[0071] The terminal device P1 determines whether or not it has received a user's operation to press (select) the guidance start button BT12 (St29).

[0072] When it is determined in step St29 that the terminal device P1 has received the user's operation of pressing (selecting) the guidance start button BT12 (St29), the terminal device P1 transmits information (destination information) of the guidance destination Tg1 to the robot RB (St30).

[0073] On the other hand, if the terminal device P1 determines in step St29 that it has not received the user's operation of pressing (selecting) the guidance start button BT12 (St29, NO), it generates the menu screen SC10 and displays it on the monitor 24 (St31). If the terminal device P1 determines that a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds, 1 minute, or 2 minutes) has elapsed since the menu screen SC10 was displayed (St32), it returns to step St11. Note that when returning to step St11, the connection between the terminal device P1 and the robot RB may be terminated or continued.

[0074] When the robot RB acquires the information (destination information) of the guide destination Tg1 transmitted from the terminal device P1, the robot RB starts guiding to the guide destination Tg1 (destination) (St33). After starting to move to the guide destination Tg1 (destination), the robot RB starts playing an advertisement on the monitor 14 (St34).

[0075] When the robot RB determines that the robot RB has arrived at the guide destination Tg1 (destination), it completes the guidance for the user. The robot RB ends the playback of the advertisement on the monitor 14 and displays the menu screen SC10 (St35). The user presses (selects) a guidance completion button (not shown) on a screen (not shown) displayed on the robot RB or the terminal device P1 to accept the completion of the guidance (St36). The guidance completion button may be included in the menu screen SC10 displayed in step St35, or may be included in the guidance screen SC12. When the guidance completion button is pressed on either the robot RB or the terminal device P1, the terminal device P1 may display the menu screen SC10 on the monitor 24.

[0076] As described above, the guidance systems 100, 100A in the first embodiment allow connection between the terminal device P1 carried by the user and the robot RB, and accept operations related to input of a guide destination (destination) or operations to start guidance to the guide destination (destination) from the terminal device P1, thereby enabling the terminal device P1 to operate the robot RB. As a result, the guidance systems 100, 100A can increase the degree of freedom in using the robot RB that guides the user in stores, facilities, etc., and encourage users to use the robot RB.

[0077] (Modification of the first embodiment) The guidance systems 100, 100A according to the first embodiment have been described as an example in which a terminal device P1 carried by a user is connected to a robot RB, and the robot RB is operated based on user operations via the terminal device P1. The guidance systems 100, 100A according to a modification of the first embodiment will be described as an example in which user operations are accepted through various screens displayed on a monitor 14 of the robot RB, and the robot RB is operated based on the input contents entered on the various screens.

[0078] A menu screen SC10 displayed on the robot RB and an example of screen transitions when setting a guide destination displayed on the robot RB will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of screen transitions when setting a guide destination in a modified example of the first embodiment. Note that the various screens shown in Fig. 8 are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these.

[0079] When the button "Sales floor guide [location search]" is pressed (selected) by the user, the robot RB in the modification of the first embodiment outputs a location search screen SC11 to the monitor 24. The robot RB receives, via the location search screen SC11, a selection operation for the category of merchandise for which the user requests guidance.

[0080] When the robot RB receives a selection operation of the button "Baseball / Softball" displayed on the location search screen SC11 by the user, the robot RB acquires the current location of the robot RB, generates a guidance screen SC12 showing the sales floor for products corresponding to "Baseball / Softball", and outputs it to the monitor 14. When the robot RB receives a pressing (selection) operation of the guidance start button BT12 on the guidance screen SC12 by the user, the robot RB starts guidance to the guidance destination Tg1 (destination).

[0081] In the guidance systems 100, 100A according to the modified example of embodiment 1, in the sequence diagrams shown in Figures 6 and 7, the processing of steps St20 and St30 executed by the terminal device P1 is omitted, and the processing of steps St23, St25, St27, St29, St31, and St32 executed by the terminal device P1 is executed by the robot RB.

[0082] As a result, the guidance systems 100, 100A in the modified examples of the first embodiment can accept operations of the robot RB that accepts operations related to input of a guidance destination (destination) by the user or operations to start guidance to the guidance destination (destination), and can guide the user to the guidance destination (destination) desired by the user. As a result, the guidance systems 100, 100A can increase the degree of freedom in using the robot RB that guides the user in stores, facilities, etc., and can encourage the user to use the robot RB.

[0083] (Background to the second embodiment) Conventionally, there are various services that can be received by visiting an actual store or facility, such as the service disclosed in Patent Document 1 that guides users to a location where a product they desire is displayed. Stores or facilities that provide such services may request users to complete a questionnaire about the service upon completion of the service in order to improve the service, investigate customer satisfaction, etc. However, there has been a problem in that it is difficult to obtain satisfactory responses to the questionnaire. Therefore, stores or facilities distribute coupons or the like in return to users who complete the questionnaire.

[0084] However, it has been difficult for stores or facilities to verify whether the users who received the distributed coupons actually used the service and answered the questionnaire.

[0085] Therefore, in the following embodiments, examples of a coupon distribution system and a coupon distribution method that more reliably distributes coupons to users who are the recipients of the coupons will be described.

[0086] The guidance systems 100, 100A according to embodiment 2 have the same configuration as the guidance systems 100, 100A according to embodiment 1. Therefore, in the following description of the guidance systems 100, 100A according to embodiment 2, only the configurations and functions that are different from those of the guidance systems 100, 100A according to embodiment 1 will be described.

[0087] (Embodiment 2) The guidance systems 100 and 100A according to the second embodiment receive the operation of the robot RB shown in the modified example of the first embodiment through the monitor 14 of the robot RB, and after the robot RB guides the user to the destination, conducts a questionnaire about this guidance service. If the guidance systems 100 and 100A determine that the user has answered the questionnaire, they issue and distribute coupons as a reward for answering the questionnaire.

[0088] An example of screen transitions displayed on the robot RB when a coupon is distributed will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of screen transitions when a coupon is distributed in the second embodiment. Note that the various screens shown in Fig. 9 are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these. In the example of screen transitions when a coupon is distributed shown in Fig. 9, the terminal device P1 only needs to install the store application 211 at any time before the coupon is distributed, and the user's terminal device P1 does not need to be authenticated by the service server SS in advance.

[0089] When the user presses (selects) the button "Survey input [Please cooperate]" on the menu screen SC10, which transitions to the survey response screen, the robot RB generates a survey screen SC31 that presents how to respond to the survey and displays it on the monitor 14.

[0090] The questionnaire screen SC31 includes an area SL31A including a two-dimensional code for answering the questionnaire using the terminal device P1, and a button SL31B for answering the questionnaire using the robot RB. When the button SL31B is pressed (selected) by a user operation, the robot RB generates a questionnaire answer screen SC32 for accepting answers to the questionnaire and displays it on the monitor 14. An example of a case where the two-dimensional code included in the area SL31A is read by the terminal device P1 will be described in Modification 2 of the second embodiment.

[0091] The survey response screen SC32 includes survey contents and options SL32 or answer columns SL33 for each survey content. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the method of responding to the survey contents is a five-point scale indicated by the numbers "1" to "5," but it goes without saying that this is not limited to this. The answer columns SL33 are input columns into which free text can be input. Note that the input operation into the answer columns SL33 may be realized by pressing (selecting) the sound collection button SL33A to collect sound with a microphone (not shown), and then inputting sound based on the collected sound.

[0092] After receiving the user's response to the questionnaire, the robot RB issues a coupon to the user. The robot RB generates a two-dimensional code that can acquire (read) the issued coupon, generates a coupon distribution screen SC33 including the two-dimensional code, and displays it on the monitor 14.

[0093] The user activates the camera 25 of the terminal device P1 and captures and reads the two-dimensional code appearing on the coupon distribution screen SC33 displayed on the monitor 14 of the robot RB. The user outputs various pieces of information read from the two-dimensional code to the store application 211.

[0094] Based on the various read information, the store application 211 determines whether the user operating the terminal device P1 is a user who answered the questionnaire from the monitor 14 of the robot RB, that is, whether the user is eligible to receive a coupon. If the store application 211 determines based on the various read information that the user operating the terminal device P1 is a user who answered the questionnaire, it approves the issuance of a coupon to the terminal device P1 and distributes the coupon by storing the issued coupon in the terminal device P1. This allows the terminal device P1 to obtain the coupon.

[0095] Next, an example of an operation procedure of guidance systems 100 and 100A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation procedure of guidance systems 100 and 100A according to the second embodiment.

[0096] The user presses (selects) the button "Survey input [Please cooperate]" included in the menu screen SC10 (see FIG. 4) as the survey input button (St51).

[0097] Based on the user's operation, the robot RB generates a questionnaire screen SC31 that presents a method for answering the questionnaire, and displays it on the monitor 14 (St52). The questionnaire screen SC31 includes a two-dimensional code (area SL31A) for answering the questionnaire using the store application 211 installed in the terminal device P1, and a button SL31B for answering by inputting (answering) into the monitor 14 of the robot RB.

[0098] The user presses (selects) the button SL31B included in the questionnaire screen SC31 (St531A).

[0099] When the button SL31B is pressed (selected) by a user operation, the robot RB generates a survey response screen SC32 that can accept responses to the survey on the monitor 14, and displays it on the monitor 14 (St532A). The robot RB accepts, by a user operation, an input operation of responses to the survey contents included in the survey response screen SC32 (St532A).

[0100] When the robot RB determines that the user has completed the questionnaire input operation, it issues a coupon as a reward for the questionnaire answer. The robot RB generates a two-dimensional code for the coupon to acquire the issued coupon, and generates a coupon distribution screen SC33 including this two-dimensional code and displays it on the monitor 14 (St54).

[0101] Based on the user's operation, the terminal device P1 activates the camera 25 to capture the two-dimensional code included in the coupon distribution screen SC33 and reads various information for obtaining the coupon (St55). Note that the various information here includes the identification information of the robot RB, or a log generated in accordance with the route information guided by the robot RB, etc.

[0102] The terminal device P1 determines whether the user is eligible to receive a coupon based on the various pieces of information read by the store application 211. The store application 211 may request a log corresponding to the route information of the robot RB from the service server SS and compare the log sent from the service server SS with the log sent from the robot RB to determine whether the user is eligible to receive a coupon, or may send information about the log sent from the robot RB to the service server SS and obtain the result of the determination made by the service server SS as to whether the user is eligible to receive a coupon. If the store application 211 determines that the user who owns the terminal device P1 is a user who answered the questionnaire, that is, if the user is determined to be eligible to receive a coupon, the terminal device P1 obtains and stores data of the coupon distributed (issued) by the store application 211 (St55).

[0103] As described above, the guidance system 100, 100A according to the second embodiment can distribute coupons to the terminal device P1 held by the user even when the connection between the robot RB and the terminal device P1 has not been approved, as in the invention according to the modified example of the first embodiment, and the user who answered the questionnaire cannot be identified.

[0104] (Modification 1 of Embodiment 2) The guidance systems 100, 100A according to the above-described second embodiment are based on a modified example of the first embodiment, and an example has been shown in which the monitor 14 of the robot RB accepts an operation of the robot RB, the robot RB guides the user to the destination, and then a questionnaire about this guidance service is conducted, and a coupon is issued and distributed as a reward for answering the questionnaire. The guidance systems 100, 100A according to a modified example 1 of the second embodiment are based on the guidance systems 100, 100A according to the first embodiment, and an example will be described in which a questionnaire about a guidance service that is executed when the robot RB and the terminal device P1 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other when guiding the user, and a coupon is issued and distributed as a reward for answering the questionnaire.

[0105] The guidance systems 100, 100A according to the first modification of the second embodiment and the guidance systems 100, 100A according to the second embodiment have the same configuration. Therefore, in the following description of the guidance systems 100, 100A according to the first modification of the second embodiment, only the configurations and functions that are different from those of the guidance systems 100, 100A according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0106] The guidance systems 100, 100A according to the first modification of the second embodiment accept responses to a questionnaire regarding this guidance service from either the robot RB or the terminal device P1, with the robot RB and the terminal device P1 connected so as to be able to communicate with each other as shown in the first embodiment. When the guidance systems 100, 100A determine that a user has responded to the questionnaire by operating either the robot RB or the terminal device P1, they issue and distribute coupons as a reward for the responses to the questionnaire.

[0107] An example of screen transitions displayed on the robot RB when a coupon is distributed will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of screen transitions when a coupon is distributed in Modification 1 of Embodiment 2. Note that the various screens shown in Fig. 11 are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these.

[0108] 11 shows an example of screen transitions when distributing a coupon, in which the questionnaire is answered by the terminal device P1. In this case, the terminal device P1 accepts the answers to the questionnaire by the store application 211.

[0109] When the user presses (selects) the button "Survey input [Please cooperate]" on the menu screen SC10, which transitions to the survey response screen, the robot RB generates a survey screen SC31A that presents how to respond to the survey and displays it on the monitor 14.

[0110] The questionnaire screen SC31A includes a button SL31C for launching the store application 211 installed in the terminal device P1 and answering the questionnaire using the terminal device P1. When the button SL31C is pressed (selected) by a user operation, the robot RB generates a control command requesting the launch of the store application 211 and the display of the questionnaire answer screen SC32 by the store application 211, and transmits the control command to the terminal device P1 with which the communication connection is maintained. Based on the control command transmitted from the robot RB, the terminal device P1 launches the store application 211 and displays the questionnaire answer screen SC32 on the monitor 24.

[0111] After accepting a user's response to the questionnaire, the terminal device P1 issues a coupon to the user and distributes the coupon by storing the issued coupon data in the terminal device P1, thereby allowing the terminal device P1 to obtain the coupon.

[0112] When the questionnaire is answered by the robot RB, the guidance system 100, 100A accepts the questionnaire answers based on a user's operation on the monitor 14 of the robot RB, as shown in Fig. 9. After accepting the user's operation to answer the questionnaire, the robot RB issues a coupon to the user and distributes the coupon by transmitting the issued coupon to the terminal device P1 in a connected state. In this way, the guidance system 100, 100A can distribute the coupon to the user who answered the questionnaire.

[0113] (Modification 2 of Embodiment 2) The guidance systems 100, 100A according to the first modification of the second embodiment described above are based on the first modification of the first embodiment, and an example has been shown in which the monitor 14 of the robot RB accepts an operation of the robot RB, the robot RB guides the user to the destination, and then a questionnaire about the guidance service is conducted, and a coupon is issued and distributed as a reward for answering the questionnaire. The guidance systems 100, 100A according to the second modification of the second embodiment are based on the guidance systems 100, 100A according to the first modification of the first embodiment, and an example will be described in which the robot RB and the terminal device P1 are not connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other when the user guidance starts, and the store application 211 installed in the terminal device P1 conducts a questionnaire about the guidance service, and issues and distributes a coupon as a reward for answering the questionnaire, at any timing before the start of answering the questionnaire.

[0114] The guidance systems 100, 100A according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 2 and the guidance systems 100, 100A according to Embodiment 2 have the same configuration. Therefore, in the following description of the guidance systems 100, 100A according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2, only the configurations and functions that are different from those of the guidance systems 100, 100A according to Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0115] The guidance system 100, 100A according to the second modification of the second embodiment guides the user to a destination (a destination) in a state where the robot RB and the terminal device P1 are not connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other, that is, in a state where the robot RB is unable to identify the terminal device P1 to which the coupon is to be distributed, as shown in the modification of the first embodiment. The guidance system 100, 100A according to the second modification of the second embodiment guides the user to the destination (a destination) using a guidance service, and then accepts responses to a questionnaire about this guidance service from the terminal device P1 on which the store application 211 is installed. When the guidance system 100, 100A determines that the user has responded to the questionnaire by operating the terminal device P1 via the store application 211, it issues and distributes a coupon as a reward for the questionnaire response.

[0116] An example of screen transitions displayed on the robot RB when a coupon is distributed will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of screen transitions when a coupon is distributed in Modification 2 of Embodiment 2. Note that the various screens shown in Fig. 12 are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these.

[0117] When the button "Survey Entry [Please cooperate]" on the menu screen SC10, which transitions to a survey response screen, is pressed (selected) by a user operation, the robot RB generates a survey screen SC31 that presents a method for responding to the survey, and displays it on the monitor 14. At the time when the survey screen SC31 is displayed, the robot RB may be in a connected state or a disconnected state with the user's terminal device P1.

[0118] The terminal device P1 reads the two-dimensional code displayed in the area SL31A by user operation and acquires various information. Note that the various information here includes identification information of the robot RB, or a log generated corresponding to information on the route guided by the robot RB, etc. The various information may also include a control command requesting the activation of the store application 211 and the display of the questionnaire response screen SC32 by the store application 211.

[0119] The terminal device P1 starts the store application 211 and displays the questionnaire response screen SC32 on the monitor 24. After accepting the user's operation to respond to the questionnaire, the terminal device P1 transmits the questionnaire response results to the robot RB or the service server SS via the store application 211.

[0120] Here, if the robot RB and the terminal device P1 are not connected when the guidance service is provided, the robot RB or the service server SS may determine whether the terminal device to which the questionnaire response results are to be sent is the terminal device P1 that read the two-dimensional code displayed on the questionnaire screen SC31, based on the identification information corresponding to the store application 211 where the questionnaire response was made, the authentication information corresponding to the two-dimensional code, or the robot RB's log, etc.

[0121] If the robot RB determines that the terminal device P1 is a terminal device P1 that has been connected since the guidance service was provided or that has read the two-dimensional code displayed on the questionnaire screen SC31 when answering the questionnaire and is eligible to receive a coupon, it generates a two-dimensional code that stores the coupon data and displays a coupon distribution screen SC33 including this two-dimensional code on the monitor 14.

[0122] The terminal device P1 reads the two-dimensional code on the coupon distribution screen SC33 based on a user operation and acquires the coupon data, thereby enabling the terminal device P1 to acquire the coupon.

[0123] As described above, the guidance system 100, 100A according to variant example 2 of embodiment 2 can distribute coupons to the terminal device P1 possessed by the user by reading a two-dimensional code to answer a questionnaire and distribute coupons, regardless of whether the robot RB and the terminal device P1 are connected or disconnected when the guidance service is provided.

[0124] Next, an example of an operation procedure of guidance systems 100, 100A according to Modifications 1 and 2 of Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation procedure of guidance systems 100, 100A according to Modifications 1 and 2 of Embodiment 2.

[0125] The operation procedure of the guidance systems 100, 100A shown in Fig. 13 is similar to the operation procedure of the guidance systems 100, 100A shown in Fig. 10 in the processes of steps St51 to St52 and steps St54 to St57. Therefore, in the following explanation, the explanation of the processes similar to those in the operation procedure of the guidance systems 100, 100A shown in Fig. 10 will be omitted, and only the different process (step St53B) will be explained.

[0126] The terminal device P1 reads the two-dimensional code displayed on the questionnaire screen SC31 based on a user operation (St531B). Note that the processing of step St531B is executed only in the second modification of the second embodiment and is omitted in the first modification of the second embodiment.

[0127] The terminal device P1 starts the store application 211, generates a survey response screen SC32 capable of accepting responses to the survey, and displays it on the monitor 24 (St532B). The user performs an operation to input responses to the survey contents included in the survey response screen SC32 (St533B).

[0128] When it is determined that the user has completed the input operation to the questionnaire, the terminal device P1 transmits the answer results to the robot RB (St534B).

[0129] As described above, the guidance systems 100, 100A according to variants 1 and 2 of embodiment 2 can identify the terminal device P1 of the user who answered the questionnaire and distribute a coupon to the terminal device P1 even if the robot RB and the terminal device P1 are in a disconnected state when the provision of the guidance service ends.

[0130] In this disclosure, a case where a coupon is distributed to the terminal device P1 has been described as an example of a reward to a user for answering a questionnaire, but other forms of reward are also possible. For example, a coupon may be distributed to the user's account linked to the terminal device P1 or an application running on the terminal device P1. Furthermore, the reward to the user is not limited to a coupon. For example, a stamp may be distributed, or new authority regarding functions that can be used through the robot RB may be granted.

[0131] (Addendum) The above description of each embodiment discloses the following techniques.

[0132] (Technology 1-1) A guide robot control system (guidance system 100, 100A) including a robot RB that self-propels and guides a user to a destination (guide destination Tg1), The robot RB, A two-dimensional code for communication with the user's terminal device P1 is displayed on the input device (monitor 14), The terminal device P1 reading communication connection information for communicating with the robot RB from the two-dimensional code; The guide robot control system (guide system 100, 100A) includes: When a robot operation request based on the communication connection information is received from the terminal device P1, the robot RB performs an operation in accordance with the robot operation request. Guidance robot control system (guidance system 100, 100A). With this configuration, the guide robot control system (guidance system 100, 100A) allows a connection between a terminal device P1 carried by a user and the robot RB, thereby enabling the terminal device P1 to operate the robot RB. This allows the guide systems 100, 100A to increase the degree of freedom in using the robot RB that guides users in stores, facilities, etc., and encourages users to use the robot RB.

[0133] (Technology 1-2) The robot operation request is a request to guide the robot RB to a designated destination, The guide robot control system (guidance system 100, 100A) causes the robot RB to guide the user to the destination. The guide robot control system (guide system 100, 100A) described in (Technology 1-1). With this configuration, the guide robot control system (guidance system 100, 100A) accepts an operation related to inputting a guide destination (destination) or an operation to start guidance to the guide destination (destination) from the terminal device P1, and enables the terminal device P1 to operate the robot RB. As a result, the guidance systems 100, 100A can increase the degree of freedom in using the robot RB that guides users in stores, facilities, etc., and encourage users to use the robot RB.

[0134] (Technology 1-3) The two-dimensional code includes identification information unique to the robot RB, The robot RB is If the communication connection with the terminal device P1 is authenticated based on the reading of the two-dimensional code by the terminal device P1, a communication connection is established with the terminal device P1. The guide robot control system (guide system 100, 100A) described in (Technology 1-1). With this configuration, the guide robot control system (guide system 100, 100A) can permit connection between the terminal device P1 carried by the user and the robot RB based on reading the two-dimensional code.

[0135] (Technology 1-4) The terminal device P1 Acquire information on the current position of the robot RB from the robot RB; A map MP is generated that visualizes the destination (guidance destination Tg1) and the current position of the robot RB, and is displayed on the monitor 24. The guide robot control system (guide system 100, 100A) described in (Technology 1-1). With this configuration, the guide robot control system (guidance system 100, 100A) can display a map MP including the destination Tg1 to be guided by the robot RB on the monitor 24 of the terminal device P1 by connecting the terminal device P1 carried by the user and the robot RB.

[0136] (Technology 1-5) When the guide robot control system (guidance system 100, 100A) receives the robot operation request from the terminal device P1, Identifying the robot RB to be operated based on the robot operation request; The robot RB and the terminal device P1 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other, Controlling the robot RB to operate based on operation instructions from the terminal device P1. The guide robot control system (guide system 100, 100A) described in (Technology 1-1). With this configuration, the guide robot control system (guidance system 100, 100A) can permit any one of the robots RB to be controlled by the terminal device P1 carried by the user.

[0137] (Technology 1-6) The robot RB has a communication unit 10 for wireless communication, When the guide robot control system (guidance system 100, 100A) receives the robot operation request from the terminal device P1, Identifying the robot RB to be operated based on the robot operation request; connecting the robot RB and the terminal device via wireless communication; Controlling the robot RB to operate based on an operation instruction from the terminal device P1 via the wireless communication. The guide robot control system (guide system 100, 100A) described in (Technology 1-1). With this configuration, the guide robot control system (guidance system 100, 100A) can permit any one of the robots RB to be controlled by the terminal device P1 carried by the user.

[0138] (Technology 1-7) The connection by wireless communication is performed by pairing the robot RB with the terminal device P1, Operation instructions from the terminal device P1 to the robot RB are given via wireless communication according to the BLE standard. A guide robot control system (guide system 100, 100A) described in (Technology 1-6). With this configuration, the guide robot control system (guidance system 100, 100A) can connect any one robot RB among the plurality of robots to one terminal device P1 carried by a user so that communication between them is possible.

[0139] (Technology 1-8) the connection by wireless communication is established via wireless communication between the robot RB and an access point AP and wireless communication between the terminal device P1 and the access point AP; The operation instruction from the terminal device P1 to the robot RB is transmitted via wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi standard. A guide robot control system (guide system 100, 100A) described in (Technology 1-6). With this configuration, the guide robot control system (guidance system 100, 100A) can connect any one robot RB among the plurality of robots to one terminal device P1 carried by a user so that communication between them is possible.

[0140] (Technology 1-9) A control method for a guide robot (robot RB) performed by a system (guidance system 100, 100A) including a robot RB that moves by itself and guides a user to a destination (guide destination Tg1), A two-dimensional code that can be read to communicate with the user's terminal device P1 is displayed on the input device (monitor 14) of the robot RB, When a robot operation request based on the communication connection information is received from the terminal device that reads the two-dimensional code, the robot RB is caused to perform an operation in accordance with the robot operation request. A control method for a guide robot (robot RB). With this configuration, the guide robot control system (guidance system 100, 100A) allows a connection between a terminal device P1 carried by a user and the robot RB, thereby enabling the terminal device P1 to operate the robot RB. This allows the guide systems 100, 100A to increase the degree of freedom in using the robot RB that guides users in stores, facilities, etc., and encourages users to use the robot RB.

[0141] (Technology 1-10) The robot operation request is a request to guide the robot RB to a designated destination, causing the robot RB to guide the user to the destination; A control method for a guide robot (robot RB) described in (Technology 1-9). With this configuration, the guide robot (robot RB) can permit any one of the robots RB to be controlled by the terminal device P1 carried by the user.

[0142] (Technology 1-11) The robot RB has a communication unit 10 for wireless communication, When the robot operation request is received from the terminal device P1, Identifying the robot RB to be operated based on the robot operation request; The robot RB and the terminal device P1 are connected by wireless communication, Controlling the robot RB to operate based on an operation instruction from the terminal device P1 via the wireless communication. A control method for a guide robot (robot RB) described in (Technology 1-9). With this configuration, the guide robot (robot RB) can permit any one of the robots RB to be controlled by the terminal device P1 carried by the user.

[0143] (Technology 2-1) An application (store application 211) installed on the user's terminal device P1; A coupon distribution system (guidance system 100, 100A) comprising: a robot RB that provides a predetermined service (guidance service) to the user; The robot RB is requesting an evaluation of the predetermined service (guidance service) by the user; The application (store application 211) The terminal device P1 is activated, and when it is determined that the user has completed evaluation of the predetermined service (guidance service), coupon data is acquired. Coupon distribution system (guide system 100, 100A). With this configuration, the coupon distribution system (guidance system 100, 100A) can distribute a coupon to the terminal device P1 possessed by the user when the guidance service provided by the robot RB is evaluated (that is, a questionnaire response regarding the guidance service is made).

[0144] (Technology 2-2) The robot RB is displaying on the monitor 14 an evaluation screen (questionnaire response screen SC32) that can accept input of an evaluation of the predetermined service (guidance service) by the user; If it is determined that the input of the evaluation of the predetermined service (guidance service) is completed, a first two-dimensional code capable of reading the coupon data is generated and displayed on the monitor 14; The application (store application 211) The coupon data is acquired based on the reading of the first two-dimensional code by the terminal device P1. The coupon distribution system (guide system 100, 100A) described in (Technology 2-1). With this configuration, when the guidance service provided by the robot RB is evaluated (i.e., a questionnaire response to the guidance service), the coupon distribution system (guidance system 100, 100A) generates and displays a two-dimensional code that can be read by the terminal device P1, thereby enabling the coupon distribution system (guidance system 100, 100A) to distribute coupons only to users who have evaluated the guidance service. This also enables the coupon distribution system (guidance system 100, 100A) to distribute coupons to the terminal device P1 possessed by the user even if the robot RB and the terminal device P1 are not connected in advance and the user who answered the questionnaire cannot be identified.

[0145] (Technology 2-3) The robot RB is After the provision of the predetermined service (guidance service) is completed, a request is made to the application for an evaluation of the predetermined service (guidance service) by the user; The application displaying an evaluation screen (questionnaire response screen SC32) on the monitor of the terminal device P1, which can accept input of an evaluation of the predetermined service (guidance service) by the user; When it is determined that the user has completed inputting the evaluation, the coupon data is acquired. The coupon distribution system (guide system 100, 100A) described in (Technology 2-1). With this configuration, the coupon distribution system (guidance system 100, 100A) can distribute coupons only to users who have evaluated the guidance service provided by the robot RB (i.e., answered a questionnaire about the guidance service) by using the store application 211 installed on the terminal device P1.

[0146] (Technology 2-4) The robot RB is generating a second two-dimensional code for displaying an evaluation screen (questionnaire response screen SC32) capable of accepting input of an evaluation of the predetermined service (guidance service) by the user, and displaying the second two-dimensional code on a monitor; The application (store application 211) displaying the evaluation screen (questionnaire response screen SC32) on a display device (monitor 14) of the terminal device P1 based on the reading of the second two-dimensional code by the terminal device P1; When it is determined that the user has completed inputting the evaluation, the coupon data is acquired. The coupon distribution system (guide system 100, 100A) described in (Technology 2-1). With this configuration, the coupon distribution system (guidance system 100, 100A) can read the two-dimensional code to display a questionnaire response screen on the store application 211, and when there is an evaluation of the guidance service (i.e., a questionnaire response regarding the guidance service), distribute coupons only to users who have evaluated the guidance service.

[0147] (Technology 2-5) An application (store application 211) installed on the user's terminal device P1; A coupon distribution method performed by a system (guidance system 100, 100A) including a robot RB that provides a predetermined service (guidance service) to the user, requesting an evaluation of the predetermined service (guidance service) by the user; The terminal device P1 is activated, and when it is determined that the user has completed evaluation of the predetermined service (guidance service), coupon data is acquired. Coupon distribution method. With this configuration, the system (guidance system 100, 100A) can distribute a coupon to the terminal device P1 possessed by the user when the guidance service provided by the robot RB is evaluated (that is, a questionnaire response regarding the guidance service is made).

[0148] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications, alterations, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the various embodiments described above may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0149] The present disclosure is useful as a proposal for a coupon distribution system and a coupon distribution method that more reliably distributes coupons to users who are respondents to a questionnaire. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 10,20 Communications Department 11,21 processor 12,22 memory 13,23 Input section 14,24 monitor 15 Detection unit 16 Drive unit 25 Camera 100,100A Guidance System 211 Store Application AP, APA Access Point MP Map P1 terminal equipment Pt0 icon RB Robot SC10 menu screen SC11 Location search screen SC12 Information screen SC21 screen SC31, SC31A questionnaire screen SC32 Survey response screen SC33 Coupon distribution screen SS Service Server Tg1 Destination

Claims

1. an application installed on a user's terminal device; a robot that provides a predetermined service to the user, The robot requesting a rating of the predetermined service by the user; The application The method is activated by the terminal device, and when it is determined that the user has completed the evaluation of the predetermined service, coupon data is acquired. Coupon distribution system.

2. The robot displaying on a monitor an evaluation screen that can accept input of an evaluation of the predetermined service by the user; If it is determined that the input of the evaluation of the predetermined service has been completed, a first two-dimensional code capable of reading the coupon data is generated and displayed on a monitor; The application acquiring data of the coupon based on reading the first two-dimensional code by the terminal device; The coupon distribution system according to claim 1 .

3. The robot After the provision of the predetermined service is completed, a request is made to the application for an evaluation of the predetermined service by the user; The application displaying an evaluation screen on a monitor of the terminal device, the evaluation screen being capable of accepting input of an evaluation of the predetermined service by the user; When it is determined that the user has completed inputting the evaluation, the coupon data is acquired. The coupon distribution system according to claim 1 .

4. The robot generating a second two-dimensional code for displaying an evaluation screen capable of accepting input of an evaluation of the predetermined service by the user, and displaying the second two-dimensional code on a display device; The application displaying the evaluation screen on a monitor of the terminal device based on the reading of the second two-dimensional code by the terminal device; When it is determined that the user has completed inputting the evaluation, the coupon data is acquired. The coupon distribution system according to claim 1 .

5. an application installed on a user's terminal device; a robot that provides a predetermined service to the user, requesting a rating of the predetermined service by the user; The terminal device is activated, and when it is determined that the user has completed the evaluation of the predetermined service, the terminal device acquires coupon data. Coupon distribution method.

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