Matching system, matching program, and matching method

Abstract

To provide a matching system that, when a new participant actually enters a shop, performs notification in real time, and performs different types of processing on a user actually entering the shop and a user not entering the shop and gives a privilege to the user entering the shop.SOLUTION: A matching system of the present invention comprises: an entry information notification unit that monitors entry of a user by using an entry management device, and when a user enters a shop, notifies the other users of the information in real time; and a user information providing unit that, when there is an information requester who requests information on one user in the shop, provides different types of information depending on whether the information requester is a user inside the shop or a user outside the shop.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a matching system, a matching program, and a matching method. [Background technology]

[0002] So-called matching services for finding a potential partner are widely run as a business. For example, there are matchmaking events where people gather at a pre-designated venue to find a partner.

[0003] However, when it comes to matching at such events, there is the psychological hurdle of first talking to strangers and the physical hurdle of talking to many people before actually matching, so seeking to meet people at such events can be physically and mentally taxing. Also, since there are generally limited dates and times, you may not be able to participate if your schedule does not suit you.

[0004] There is application software (hereinafter referred to as "matching app") to assist in matching. Many matching apps are known to have the primary purpose of providing users with opportunities to talk and chat, and leave it up to the users themselves to actually meet offline.

[0005] However, even if there is an opportunity to talk or chat, there is a psychological barrier between the users and actually meeting. In other words, even if the conversation or chat is lively, it often does not lead to an actual meeting. Furthermore, online profiles (image information such as photos of faces and text information such as self-introductions) may not always be accurate. Furthermore, even users of matching apps may not be using the app with the intention of meeting someone, but simply to have fun.

[0006] Therefore, one way to solve these problems would be to have a method that would allow users to see where people are and what kind of people are there when they enter a matchmaking venue such as a store, and then be able to approach people they are interested in without actually speaking to them.

[0007] For example, businesses and stores may provide a place for people to meet, but there is no one-on-one interaction between matching app users. Users can find someone they are interested in by browsing the profiles of other users in the store, etc., and then meet that person and start chatting or talking. The advantage of this is that there is a high probability of meeting the matching app user in person, which significantly reduces the chances of false information being written in the profile.

[0008] Patent Document 1 discloses an information providing server and an information providing system that provide information based on information provision settings that require a user to be within a specific range on a map and disclosure of the user's location information.

[0009] In the case of events held at venues, it is preferable to properly manage the entry of event participants, as popular events can be expected to attract large numbers of attendees.

[0010] Patent Document 2 discloses a technology that provides an information processing method and the like that makes it possible to limit the number of people that can be accommodated at an event venue. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] WO2016-125203 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-062527

[0012] Here, it is preferable that the provision of opportunities for conversation and chat and the provision of a place for actual meetings are seamless. In other words, it is preferable for users of matching apps to be able to communicate with other users on the matching app on a regular basis, check the activities of other users they are interested in, and also to be able to participate in events at stores and other locations when possible without forcing themselves.

[0013] Among matching app users, those who actually visit stores and other venues are more likely to be users who are seriously looking to meet someone, rather than those who are just looking to have a casual conversation. Therefore, it is conceivable that these users could be given benefits to further support their encounters. Furthermore, such benefits can encourage users who are hesitant to participate in store events to do so.

[0014] Furthermore, if you find out that another user you are interested in through online interactions is going to or has been participating in a store event, this could be an opportunity to participate in the event.

[0015] For this reason, a matching app needs to clearly distinguish between users who will visit the store (come to the venue) and users who will not. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0016] The problem that we are trying to solve is that in matching apps that provide encounters in real stores, etc., there are currently no matching apps that can notify users in real time when a new participant actually enters the store, etc., or that can separate processing between users who are actually in the store, etc. and users who are not, and can grant benefits to users who are in the store, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] The matching system of the present invention includes: an entrance information notification unit that notifies other users in real time of user entrance information of a user who has entered through entrance processing by an entrance management device; A user map information providing unit that provides "user map information" to users within the facility; and When there is an information requester requesting information about a user on the premises, (1) if the information requester is another user on the premises, the information requester will be asked to provide "user profile information including specific information" to the user. The most important feature of the information providing unit is that it is equipped with a user information providing unit that provides "user profile information that does not include specific information" if the information requester is not an in-venue user, and (2) a user information providing unit that provides "user profile information that does not include specific information" if the information requester is not an in-venue user.

[0018] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and employs the following means, for example. That is, an entrance information acquisition unit that acquires information on users who have entered the venue through entrance processing by the entrance management device as user entrance information; an admission information notifying unit that notifies other users of the user admission information in real time; an in-facility user position acquisition unit that acquires the in-facility user's position information as in-facility user position information; a user map information creation unit that creates user map information from the in-facility user position information and in-facility map information; a profile information acquisition unit that acquires user profile information; When there is an information requester requesting information about a user in the facility, (1) If the information requester is another user in the venue, provide user profile information and user map information including specific information; (2) a user information providing unit that provides user profile information that does not include specific information if the information requester is not an on-site user; an information exchange request acquisition unit that receives a request for individual information exchange from the other on-site users to the one on-site user; The matching system is characterized by comprising an individual communication permission unit that, upon receiving consent from the one in-venue user, permits individual information exchange between the other in-venue users and the one in-venue user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] The matching system of the present invention has the advantage of notifying users in real time when a new participant actually enters a store, etc., and of separating processing between users who are actually entering the store, etc. and users who are not, and of awarding benefits to users who are entering the store, etc., thereby encouraging users to participate in store events, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a matching system 1 (network configuration diagram). [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an authentication information display screen. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a map display screen of the venue. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an individual chat screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an admission status display screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a profile screen for users outside the store. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a profile screen for in-store users. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an entrance monitoring process. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a user location update process. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a user information providing process. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an information exchange support process. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the server 10. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a user terminal 30. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing a user location update process according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted as appropriate. The drawings used below are used to explain the present embodiment, and may differ from the actual device configuration, user interface (UI), data configuration, etc.

[0022] (Outline of the embodiment) The outline of this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram (network diagram) showing an overview of a system (hereinafter referred to as "matching system 1") that performs processing according to a matching program P1 of this embodiment.

[0023] (Details of the embodiment) The matching system 1 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below. That is, in the matching system 1, information processing by the matching program P1 is specifically realized using hardware resources such as the server 10.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the matching system 1 includes a server 10 equipped with a matching program P1, an entrance management device 21 that manages users' entrance into the venue, a positioning device 22, and a user terminal 30 equipped with a user terminal application program P20 (hereinafter referred to as "user app P20"). In this embodiment, the inside of the venue is the inside of the store, and is the area surrounded by the dotted line indicating the boundary of venue E in FIG. The positioning device 22 is a beacon 22a, which measures the position of the user by communicating with the user terminals 30A and 30B of the users present within the venue. The server 10 also functions as a web server, and provides various information about other users to a user terminal 30 equipped with a user application P20.

[0025] The matching system 1 distinguishes between users inside and outside the venue in real time using the entrance management device 21. 1, the user terminals 30A and 30B are user terminals for in-store users (users within the store), and the user terminal 30C is a user terminal for an out-of-store user (user outside the store).

[0026] The server 10 provides user information to all users, whether inside or outside the store, but particularly to in-store users, it presents detailed information about other in-store users. In other words, in-store users can view the location information and detailed profile information of other in-store users (see Figures 3 and 7 below).

[0027] The matching system 1 clearly distinguishes between users who visit a store and provides a lot of information, thereby encouraging users to visit the store and contributing to successful matching between users who visit the store.

[0028] The following describes the components of the matching system 1 in order: 1. user interface, 2. program processing, 3. data, and 4. hardware configuration.

[0029] (Definition of terms) Here we define some terms. A "venue" is a place where a matching service provider provides the matching service. A store is one type of venue. Examples include cafes, bars, restaurants, and other eating and drinking establishments, but venues are not limited to privately operated facilities and may also include public facilities (such as office buildings and their conference rooms). "Inside the venue" is a place where admission is managed by the admission management device 21. It is usually inside a venue, for example, inside a store where users gather. An in-store user is one type of in-venue user. Also, the outside of a place where admission is managed by the admission management device 21 is referred to as "outside the venue." "Requesting information" means requesting profile information of another person, for example, pressing an icon to view the profile information. A person making an information request is referred to as an "information requester." "Requesting information exchange" means that a venue user presses the like button UI-132 for another venue user. The "specific information" is a portion of the user's profile information that is determined by the administrator (the person who manages the matching system 1). A specific example will be described later.

[0030] In the following, when "XX processing" is mentioned, it means that the computer processor executes processing based on the "XX" program stored in the program storage unit. In this paragraph, the same word will be substituted for "XX". In other words, the "XX" program is a program that causes a computer to function as "XX" means by executing "XX" processing. In this case, the control unit equipped with the processor also functions as the "XX" unit (or "XX" device). In this case, the "XX" part means that "XX" processing is executed based on the "XX" program. Also, when describing a method, each processing procedure will be written as "XX" step.

[0031] For example, the matching program P1 is a program that causes a computer to function as a matching means by executing a matching process. In this case, the control unit 11 of the computer including the processor 111 functions as a matching unit 11a (or a matching device).

[0032] In the matching system 1, each terminal (computer) such as the in-house network device 20 and the user terminal 30 is equipped with a processor, but when simply referring to a processor, it refers to the processor that performs processing using the matching program P1, which in this embodiment refers to the processor 111 of the server 10.

[0033] 1. User Interface (UI) First, the interface that the matching system 1 of this embodiment displays on the user terminal 30 will be described with reference to the drawings. The interface described below is a simplified version of what the processor 111 causes the browser of the user terminal 30 to display.

[0034] In addition, only icons related to functions necessary for the explanation will be displayed, and other well-known icons will be omitted. For example, a back button for returning to the previously displayed page will be omitted.

[0035] In the following, for simplicity, "the processor 111 of the server 10 receives a request from the user terminal 30 and returns data to be displayed on the browser of the terminal" may be described as "the processor 111 displays (or makes the processor 111 display) on the user terminal 30 (browser)" or "the processor 111 displays (or makes the processor 111 display)". Similarly, "processor 111 of server 10 causes data to be stored in data storage unit 12b of storage unit 12" may be expressed as "the processor (causes) (data) to be stored."

[0036] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the authentication information display screen. The authentication information display screen is a screen that a user who has been granted permission to enter (enter the store) through a reservation process, which will be described later, displays on the display unit 351 of his / her user terminal 30 when entering the store. The authentication information display screen includes an authentication information display section UI-11. The user performs authentication by having the information reading unit 211 (QR code (registered trademark) reader) of the entrance management device 21 read the authentication information (QR code) on the authentication information display unit UI-11. If the authentication is successful, the user is allowed to enter the store. This authentication process for entry is referred to as "entrance process." 2 is the entrance management device 21.

[0037] In this embodiment, the user does not need to perform any operation when exiting. The processor 111 determines that the user has left when there is no longer any response from the beacon 22a.

[0038] A modification will be described below in which the entrance management device 21 reads the authentication information (QR code) when exiting, just as when entering.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the map display screen of the facility. The processor 111 causes the floor map display screen to be displayed only on the user terminals 30 of the users in the store (user terminals 30A and 30B in the example of FIG. 1).

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the venue map display screen displays a venue map UI-12. In this embodiment, the indoor map UI-12 is map information of the inside of the store.

[0041] The venue map UI-12 displays a self-location icon UI-121 indicating the location of the user terminal 30. The indoor map UI-12 also displays other user location icons UI-122 that indicate the locations of other users in the store.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, when the user presses the other person's location icon UI-122 (to request information), the processor 111 displays the other person's simple profile screen UI-13. Note that pressing means selecting by tapping, etc. This also applies below.

[0043] The simple profile screen UI-13 includes a details button UI-131 for displaying a profile screen for in-store users, which will be described later, and a like button UI-132. The profile screen for in-store users will be described later.

[0044] The like button UI-132 is a button that a user presses when they see a profile of a certain user and like it (hereinafter referred to as "giving a 'like'"). This Like button UI-132 has two functions: the commonly known "Like" function (here referred to as the "favorable rating function") and an information exchange request function. The favorable evaluation function is a function that indicates a favorable evaluation of the other person.

[0045] The information exchange request function will be explained. When both users are in the store (when the visitor flag is ON), when one user presses the Like button UI-132, the processor 111 notifies the other user (the user in question) that the Like button UI-132 has been pressed (notifying that the user has been Liked). The user can see which user liked the post and can check the profile of that user. The user can also like the user who liked the post (like the post in return). If a "Like" is returned, the processor 111 permits an individual chat between the two users. In this first stage, a user pressing the like button UI-132 corresponds to a request for information exchange. Responding to a like will be referred to as "accepting a request for information exchange" below.

[0046] In summary, if a user (another user) views a user's profile and gives a "like," and that user also views the other user's profile and gives a "like" (if the user returns the like), the processor 111 will allow the two users to have an individual chat.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the individual chat screen. The individual chat screen displays notifications from the system (system notifications) UI-14 and an individual chat screen UI-15. The individual chat screen UI-15 displays a user name UI-151, a user face image icon UI-152, and chat text UI-153.

[0048] Although a face image is displayed within the circle of the user face image icon UI-152, it is omitted in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the user's own chat is displayed on the left side, and the other party's chat is displayed on the right side.

[0049] The above is the screen displayed on the user terminal 30 of the in-store user. Next, a screen (entry status display screen) that can be viewed on the user terminal 30 equipped with the user application P20, whether inside or outside the store, will be described.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the admission status display screen. As shown in FIG. 5, the entrance status display screen includes a visitor list display section UI-16 and a real-time visit information display section UI-17.

[0051] The customer list display section UI-16 displays a list of users who are visiting the store at the time of display. The real-time visitor information display UI-17 displays the most recent customers. For example, in Figure 5, information on the four most recent customers is displayed, and the most recent visitor is "Yuta."

[0052] Although not shown in the figure, when a new customer comes to the store, the processor 111 sends a push notification to all users. This allows each user to know that a new user has entered the store. Users within the store can find out what kind of people are new to the store or who are nearby, and for users outside the store, there is the advantage that if they see someone with an interesting profile in the store, it can motivate them to enter as well.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 5, the visitor list display section UI-16 includes visitor name icons UI-161, and the real-time visit information display section UI-17 includes visitor name links UI-171. When the user presses (requests information from) either the customer name icon UI-161 or the customer name link UI-171, the processor 111 displays the profiles of other users. For example, when the user presses the customer name icon UI-161 for "Riku", the processor 111 displays the profile of "Riku".

[0054] Here, the content displayed differs depending on whether the user operating the user terminal 30 is inside or outside the store. Below, the screens displayed for an outside-store user and an in-store user will be described.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a profile screen for users outside the store. As shown in FIG. 6, the profile screen for off-site users includes a profile display section UI-18 and a face photo display section UI-19. The profile screen for off-store users displays a portion of the user's profile information.

[0056] Specifically, the processor 111 displays a profile that does not include identifying information such as a face photo on the profile screen for users outside the store. The identifying information will be described later. In the example in Figure 6, only the nickname and message are displayed.

[0057] The processor 111 does not display a face photo in the face photo display field UI-19 on the profile screen for off-store users, and instead displays the words "No Image." Instead of the words "No Image" or the like, an image other than a facial photograph, such as an illustration image of the user's choice, may be used.

[0058] That is, when an out-of-store user attempts to obtain profile information, processor 111 displays a profile that does not include specific information, regardless of whether the user is an in-store user or an out-of-store user.

[0059] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a profile screen for in-store users. As shown in FIG. 7, the profile screen for in-store users includes a profile display section UI-18 and a face photo display section UI-19, similar to the profile screen for out-of-store users.

[0060] The profile screen for in-store users displays a profile including specific information such as a photo of the user's face. In the example in Figure 7, in addition to the nickname and message, the user's age, occupation, hobbies, and photo are also displayed.

[0061] The profile screen for in-store users also includes a Like button UI-132 and a location information display button UI-20. The Like button UI-132 is as described above. When the user presses the location information display button UI-20, the processor 111 displays a venue map display screen, and indicates the location of the other user on the venue map UI-12 using a different user location icon UI-122.

[0062] In this embodiment, when an in-store user attempts to obtain profile information of an out-store user, the processor 111 displays a profile that does not include specific information. However, when an in-store user attempts to obtain profile information of an out-store user, the processor 111 may display a profile including specific information. In this case, the benefits to in-store users are greater, which has the advantage of motivating them to visit the store.

[0063] With the above configuration, the processor 111 distinguishes between in-store users and out-store users based on information acquired from the entrance management device 21. Then, the in-venue users are provided with detailed profile information and location information of other in-venue users. Furthermore, the processor 111 displays the users who are in the store to all users in real time based on the information acquired from the entrance management device 21. This will encourage off-site users to enter the store and participate in the event. The term "in real time" means that there may be a time lag due to communication or the like.

[0064] 2. Program processing <Matching process> The program processing performed in the matching system 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0065] In this embodiment, the processor 111 performs the matching process based on the matching program P1. The matching program P1 includes at least an entrance monitoring program P11, a user location update program P12, a user information provision program P13, an information exchange support program P14, a reservation acceptance program P15, and an individual registration program P16, and the processor 111 executes the user location update processing, the user information provision processing, the information exchange support processing, the reservation acceptance processing, and the individual registration processing based on each of these programs. The program configuration is merely an example, and these programs can be combined or separated as long as the functions of the matching system 1 described in this embodiment can be maintained.

[0066] <2-1. Entrance monitoring process> In the entrance monitoring process, the processor 111 monitors the entrance of a user, and if an entrance occurs, notifies other users of that fact in real time.

[0067] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the entrance monitoring process. When the entrance management device 21 is started, the processor 111 starts the entrance monitoring process.

[0068] Processor 111 monitors the entrance of a user through entrance management device 21 (step 1). In this embodiment, when the user holds a QR code over the entrance management device 21 and the entrance management device 21 authenticates the user, the processor 111 recognizes the user's entry. The reservation process and the QR code assignment process will be described later, but if the reservation time is earlier or later than a certain time, the processor 111 may not allow authentication.

[0069] When a user enters (Yes in step 1), processor 111 turns on the visitor flag of the entered user (step 2). That is, the processor 111 performs the entrance process using the entrance management device 21 and acquires information on the users who have entered the venue as "user entrance information."

[0070] The processor obtains the profile of the entering user (step 3) and notifies all other users of the user's entry (step 4). The processor 111 also reflects this information about the entrance on the visitor list display unit UI-16 and the real-time visit information display unit UI-17.

[0071] If any of the users entering the facility has been individually registered (described later), the processor 111 may notify the individually registered users by sending a special notification. In this case, user convenience is improved.

[0072] If the entrance management device 21 is operating (No in step 5), the processor 111 again monitors the entrance of the user. If the entrance management device 21 has stopped operating (Yes in step 5) (cannot communicate with the server 10), the entrance monitoring process ends.

[0073] <2-2. User location update process> In the user location update process, the processor 111 acquires and updates the location information of the users entering in real time.

[0074] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the user location update process. When the visitor flag is turned ON, the processor 111 starts the user position update process.

[0075] The processor 111 starts to cooperate with the positioning device 22 (beacon 22a) and acquires the user's position information as "in-venue user position information" (step 11). The processor 111 creates "user map information" from the in-facility user position information and in-facility map information.

[0076] As long as the user is within the venue (within the range of the radio waves of the beacon 22a) (Yes in step 12), the processor 111 continues to update the user's location information (step 13).

[0077] On the other hand, if the user terminal 30 of the user stops receiving radio waves from any of the beacons 22a (stops communicating with any of the beacons 22a) (step 12 No) and a certain amount of time has passed (step 14 Yes), the processor 111 determines that the user has left the premises (store). At this time, processor 111 turns off the visitor flag (step 15), and ends the user location update process for that user. If the user's position can be acquired (step 12 Yes) before the fixed time has elapsed (step 14 No), the updating of the user's position continues.

[0078] <2-3. User information provision process> In the user information providing process, the processor 111 identifies whether the user is an in-store user (in-store user) or an out-of-store user (out-of-store user), and provides profile information of other users accordingly.

[0079] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the user information providing process. The processor 111 starts the user information providing process by receiving a request from a certain user to provide a profile related to that user.

[0080] The processor obtains user profile data relating to the user to whom the provision request is addressed (step 21).

[0081] The processor 111 determines whether the user (information requester / other user) who has requested the provision of a profile related to one user is an in-store user or an out-of-store user (step 22). In this embodiment, this determination is made based on whether the visitor flag is ON.

[0082] If the other user requesting the information is an in-store user (visitor) (step 22 Yes), processor 111 obtains user profile information (hereinafter referred to as "in-store user profile information") including specific information such as a facial photograph and provides it to the other user. The specific information provided here is the specific information that the user is allowed to disclose, as will be described in detail later.

[0083] The processor 111 also makes it possible to provide the other users with user map information including location information of where the user is located within the store ("in-store user location information") (step 23). For example, when another user presses the location information display button UI-20 on the profile screen for in-store users (see Figure 7), the location information of the target user (one user) is displayed on the in-store map UI-12.

[0084] If the other user who is the information requester is not an in-store user (No in step 22), processor 111 provides user profile information that does not include specific information about the target user (one user) (step 24).

[0085] <2-4. Information exchange support processing> In the information exchange support process, the processor 111 relays an information exchange request from another user to a given user, and if the given user gives consent, enables the users to exchange information directly.

[0086] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the information exchange support process. When the visitor flag is turned ON, the processor 111 starts the information exchange support process.

[0087] Processor 111 enables information exchange requests for users whose visitor flags are ON (step 31). That is, in this embodiment, a certain in-store user can send a "Like" with an information exchange request function to another in-store user.

[0088] The processor 111 waits for an information exchange request from the in-store user (step 32 No), and if there is an information exchange request (step 32 Yes), it transfers the information exchange request to the target in-store user (step 33). The processor 111 notifies the user terminal 30 of the user who is the target of the information exchange request that an information exchange request has been made. In this embodiment, the user terminal 30 notifies the user by displaying that the "Like" has been received.

[0089] The processor 111 determines whether a request for information exchange from another user to a given user has been accepted by the given user. As described above, returning a "Like" to another user who has sent an information exchange request corresponds to acceptance (acceptance of the information exchange request).

[0090] If there is consent (step 34 Yes), processor 111 notifies the user who sent the information exchange request that the other party has consented (that the other party has also sent a "Like") (step 35), and starts a private chat between the two parties (step 36). Since individual chat processing is performed separately, the information exchange support processing ends when the individual chat starts.

[0091] Here, starting an individual chat means that the processor 111 prepares a web page called a chat room and allows both users to connect (enter) the web page. The processor 111 also acquires messages and the like entered by both users and displays the text information and the like in the chat room. In processing the individual chat, known techniques can be used as appropriate.

[0092] Returning to FIG. 11, if there is no consent (No in step 34), for example, if there is no "Like" reply for a certain period of time, the information exchange assistance process is terminated with or without a notification to that effect. In addition, if a "Like" reply is received after a considerable amount of time has passed and the information exchange support process has already ended, the user terminal that sent the "Like" reply may be notified that a timeout has occurred.

[0093] <2-5. Reservation acceptance process> In the reservation acceptance process, the processor 111 accepts a reservation to visit the store from the user. A user can make a store reservation through the user application P20. Specifically, when the user inputs the store reservation date and time on a reservation screen (not shown) and registers (transmits) the date and time, the storage unit 12 of the server 10 stores the user information and the store reservation date and time information. Furthermore, when the reservation is completed, the processor 111 transmits an entrance QR code (authentication ID) to the user terminal 30 of the person who made the reservation. When entering the store, the user has the QR code read by the entrance management device 21, is authenticated, and then enters the store.

[0094] The processor 111 also includes information about the reservation date and time in the user profile (data). In this embodiment, the store reservation date and time information is not specific information, and therefore can be viewed by any user unless the user refuses disclosure.

[0095] In summary, the control unit 12 of the server 10 functions as a reservation reception unit (reservation reception means) that receives admission reservations from users and a reservation publication unit (reservation publication means) that publishes admission reservations from users. These functional units are included in the matching unit 12a. The user profile information also includes admission reservation information.

[0096] When a user registers a reservation and the user has not refused disclosure of reservation date and time information, if there is a user who has individually registered the user who registered the reservation (described later), the processor 111 notifies the individually registered user that the individually registered user has registered the reservation.

[0097] Specifically, assume that user A has individually registered user B (registered as a favorite). In this state, if user B makes a reservation to visit the store, processor 111 notifies user A of the information that user B has made a reservation to visit the store.

[0098] <2-6. Individual registration process> In the individual registration process, processor 111 accepts an individual registration of another user by a certain user. This is a process related to so-called "favorite registration." By registering a store as a favorite, when a user who is the subject of individual registration (a user who has been registered as a favorite) makes a reservation to visit the store or visits the store, the processor 111 notifies the user who has individually registered (a user who has been registered as a favorite) of the store reservation or visit information.

[0099] In particular, by being notified of store reservation information, users can make reservations according to their schedule, which has the advantage of increasing the chances of matching with someone they are interested in.

[0100] In summary, the control unit 12 of the server 10 functions as an individual registration unit (individual registration means) that individually registers users other than itself, and an individual registrant information notification unit (individual registrant information notification means) that notifies the user of the admission reservation or entry when the individually registered user other than itself makes the admission reservation or enters. These functional units are included in the matching unit 12a.

[0101] As described above, the processor 111 performs entrance monitoring processing, user location update processing, user information provision processing, information exchange support processing, reservation acceptance processing, and individual registration processing based on the entrance monitoring program P11, user location update program P12, user information provision program P13, information exchange support program P14, reservation acceptance program P15, and individual registration program P16, respectively. Furthermore, by executing various processes, these programs cause the computer to function as an entrance monitoring means, a user location updating means, a user information providing means, an information exchange support means, a reservation accepting means, and an individual registration means, respectively. In addition, the control unit 11 that performs these processes functions as an entrance monitoring unit, a user location updating unit, a user information providing unit, an information exchange support unit, a reservation accepting unit, and an individual registration unit, and these functional units are included in the matching unit 11a.

[0102] With the above-described configuration, the matching system 1 of this embodiment comprises an entrance information acquisition unit that acquires information on users who have entered the venue by performing entrance processing using an entrance management device as "user entrance information" (steps 1 and 2), and an entrance information notification unit that notifies other users of the "user entrance information" in real time (step 4).

[0103] The matching system 1 of this embodiment also includes an in-facility user position acquisition unit that acquires in-facility user position information as "in-facility user position information" (step 11); The facility includes a user map information creating unit that creates "user map information" from the in-facility user position information and in-facility map information (step 11).

[0104] Furthermore, the matching system 1 of this embodiment includes a profile information acquisition unit that acquires user profile information (step 21); When there is an information requester requesting information about a user in the facility, (1) If the information requester is another user in the venue, provide "user profile information including specific information" and "user map information" (steps 22 and 23); (2) A user information providing unit provides "user profile information not including specific information" if the information requester is not an in-venue user (steps 22 and 24).

[0105] In addition, the matching system 1 of this embodiment includes an information exchange request acquisition unit (step 32) that receives a request for individual information exchange from another user to the one user; The system further includes an individual communication permission unit that, upon receiving approval from the one on-site user (step 34), permits individual information exchange between the other on-site users and the one on-site user (step 36).

[0106] 3. Data The data handled by the matching system 1 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The matching system 1 of this embodiment includes a matching database D1 in the memory unit 12 (data storage unit 12b) of the server 10. The matching database D1 includes a user position table D11, an entrance / exit log table D12, a user profile table D13, a disclosure permission / non-permission item table D14, a store reservation table D15, and a posting data table D16.

[0107] The user position table D11 is a table that includes data relating to the user's position (user position data).

[0108] [Table 1]

[0109] Table 1 shows an example of data stored in the user position table D11. Here, the example shows a case where there are three beacons in or near the venue. As shown in Table 1, the user position table D11 has data items such as a unique user ID (identification), a beacon name, and an in-venue position code. The beacon name has a one-to-one correspondence with the UUID of the beacon 22a.

[0110] The user ID is a unique ID that the processor 111 assigns to the user.

[0111] The beacons (beacons 1 to 3) indicate the received radio wave strength (RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator)) of each beacon 22a received by the user terminal 30 of each user in a multi-level evaluation.

[0112] For example, user terminal 30 with user ID U000001 does not receive radio waves from beacon 1 (indicated by "-" in Table 1), but receives weak radio waves from beacon 2 (Low) and strong radio waves from beacon 3 (High). From this, it is understood that the user terminal 30 is near the beacon 3, and that the beacon 1 is far away. Then, for example, by using three-point positioning, the processor 111 can accurately obtain the position of the user terminal 30.

[0113] The in-venue location code is the user's location coordinates calculated from the information of each beacon 22a. The processor 111 uses this venue location code to plot the user's location (self-location icon UI-121 or other person's location icon UI-122) on the venue map UI-12.

[0114] Furthermore, depending on the positioning device 22 (beacon 22a) used, the user position table D11 may include data other than those described above. For example, angle information used for positioning, such as the angle of the line connecting the user terminal 30 and the positioning device 22 from the horizontal plane (ground), may be included.

[0115] The entrance / exit log table D12 is a table that includes user entrance / exit log data.

[0116] [Table 2]

[0117] Table 2 shows an example of data stored in the entrance / exit log table D12. The entry / exit log table in Table 2 is a table for one user (for example, a user with user ID U000001). As shown in Table 2, the entry / exit log table D12 has a unique log number, entry / exit date and time, and a flag as data items.

[0118] The log number is a unique number assigned in chronological order. The entry and exit dates and times indicate the entry and exit dates and times of the user. The flag indicates whether the person is entering or leaving, with "1" indicating entry and "0" indicating leaving. For example, this is the visitor flag in this embodiment.

[0119] For example, the user in Table 2 entered at 18:01 on April 12, 2024, and left at 20:24.

[0120] The entry time is the time when the entrance management device 21 authenticates the user when the user enters the venue (the time when the QR code is read). The exit time is the time when the processor 111 turns off the visitor flag after a certain period of time has elapsed since the user terminal 30 of the user stopped receiving radio waves from any of the beacons 22a.

[0121] The user profile table D13 is a table that includes data related to the user's profile (user profile (data)).

[0122] [Table 3]

[0123] Table 3 shows an example of data contained in the user profile table D13. As shown in Table 3, the user profile table D13 includes data items such as a unique user ID, as well as a user profile (name, nickname, age, gender, occupation, address 1 (prefecture), address 2 (city, ward, town, or village), face photo ID, background image ID, and self-introduction).

[0124] When a user installs and uses the user application 20 on his / her own user terminal 30, he / she first enters and registers his / her own profile. The information entered by the user at this time is stored by the processor 111 in the user profile table D13. In this embodiment, the nickname (or name) and gender are required input items.

[0125] Name is the user's real name. A nickname is a pseudonym for a user. Table 3 is an example, and it is also possible to obtain only nicknames without obtaining names (real names) as data.

[0126] The age, sex, occupation, and address are the user's age, sex, occupation, and address, respectively. Due to the nature of matching, there is a strong desire to know the other person's occupation, so it is preferable to include occupation. In addition to occupation, items such as qualifications and annual income can also be included. This allows users to learn more about other users, making it easier to make a match.

[0127] In this embodiment, the address is divided into Address 1 and Address 2, with Address 1 including prefecture information and Address 2 including city, ward, town, and village information. However, it is not necessary to divide it in this way, and it may be divided into one or further into smaller parts.

[0128] The face photo ID is a unique ID linked to the image data of a face photo registered by the user. The matching database D1 includes a face photo database (not shown) that associates a face photo ID with image data of a face photo. The face photo ID is an ID for referencing the corresponding image data. In addition, if there is a data ID related to an image, a database that links the image data ID with the image data is provided, which also applies below. Due to the nature of matching, there is a strong desire to know the face of the other person, so it is preferable to include a photo of the face in the data.

[0129] The background image ID is a unique ID associated with the image data of the background image registered by the user. Like the face photo ID, it is an ID for referencing the corresponding image data.

[0130] The self-introduction text is text information about the self-introduction entered by the user. To encourage the user to enter information, the self-introduction may be divided into multiple categories, such as hobbies, special skills, favorite foods, least favorite foods, favorite places, how to spend holidays, and self-analysis (not shown). These can enrich the self-introduction.

[0131] To further enhance the self-introduction, the user profile table D13 may also include items of link URLs to other services. The service may be, for example, a social networking site or a video site, or it may be a web service such as a psychological test.

[0132] As described above, in this embodiment, the user profile table D13 includes admission reservation information in addition to the above. However, admission reservation information may be stored as a separate table (admission reservation table). In this case, the admission reservation table stores user IDs and reservation dates and times as data.

[0133] Table 3 is merely an example, and the user profile table D13 may not include some of the above data, or may include data other than those listed above. For example, the user profile table D13 may include a personal identification number such as a driver's license number used for personal identification. Furthermore, the user profile table D13 may include information (such as user ID) about people who have "liked" or individually registered, and / or people who have "liked" or individually registered.

[0134] As mentioned above, the real name data may be omitted, and the address data may also be omitted or omitted from the perspective of protecting personal information. On the other hand, in addition to the face photo ID and background image ID, IDs related to other images may also be included. This is because it is common these days to be able to set and coordinate various settings on the site, such as not only face photos and backgrounds but also self-introduction icons and the design of one's profile page.

[0135] The administrator sets part of the data related to the user profile table D13 as "specific information." For example, the "specific information" in this embodiment is information other than the nickname and self-introduction, specifically, the name, age, occupation, address, and face photo (image information of the face photo). The administrator can change what is considered "specific information" as appropriate. For example, if an administrator removes "occupation" from the identifying information, any user will be able to view the occupations of other users (exceptions (refusal of disclosure) will be explained in the next section).

[0136] The disclosure permission item table D14 is a table that includes data (disclosure permission data) that indicates whether or not a user's profile is to be disclosed, as set by the user.

[0137] [Table 4]

[0138] Table 4 shows an example of data included in the disclosure permission item table D14. As shown in Table 4, the disclosure item table D14 includes data items such as a unique user ID, name, nickname, age, occupation, address 1, address 2, face photo, and self-introduction.

[0139] Users can choose whether or not to disclose their name, nickname, age, occupation, address 1, address 2, photo, and self-introduction.

[0140] In Table 4, items for which the user allows disclosure of information are indicated by "1," and items for which the user does not allow disclosure are indicated by "0."

[0141] In this embodiment, the nickname and self-introduction cannot be hidden, so the nickname and self-introduction are set to "1" for all users. In other words, all users, regardless of whether they are in-store or out-of-store users, can view the nicknames and self-introductions of other users in their profiles. In addition, due to the nature of the system, they can also learn the gender of other users.

[0142] For example, in Table 4, a user with user ID U000001 has set all of his / her specific information (name, age, occupation, address 1, address 2, and face photo) to disclosure ("1"). Therefore, when the user is in the store, other users in the store can view the user's nickname and self-introduction, as well as his / her age, address 1, address 2, and face photo information.

[0143] On the other hand, the user with user ID U000002 has set the name and occupation of the specific information (name, age, occupation, address 1, address 2, and face photo) to undisclosed ("0"). Therefore, when the user is in the store, other users in the store can view the user's nickname and self-introduction, as well as their age, address 1, address 2, and face photo information.

[0144] Unlike non-store users, in-store users can generally view profile information, including specific information, of other in-store users. However, profile information that a user has chosen not to disclose cannot be viewed. Users can hide their profile information that they absolutely do not want to disclose, so they can use the user application P20 and participate in events etc. with peace of mind while being mindful of their personal information.

[0145] The items for which the user can set whether or not to disclose information may include reservation data table information and posted data table information, which will be described later. This is effective when users do not want their visit dates and times or the contents of their posts to be known.

[0146] In summary, the user profile information includes specific information that the user can choose to disclose and not disclose.

[0147] The store reservation data table D15 is a table that includes store reservation information of users. By accepting the registration of a store reservation from a user in the reservation acceptance process, the processor 122 stores the user ID of the user and the store reservation date and time in the storage unit 14.

[0148] [Table 5]

[0149] Table 5 shows an example of data stored in the store reservation data table D15. As shown in Table 5, the store reservation data table D15 includes a unique user ID, a store reservation date and time, and an authentication ID.

[0150] The reservation date and time indicates the reservation date and time entered and registered by the user. In this embodiment, the processor 111 includes the store reservation date and time in the user profile information and discloses it. Here, the store reservation date and time information is not specific information, so even a user who has not visited the store can know the store reservation information of other users. However, this does not apply if the user himself / herself refuses disclosure (the information will not be disclosed).

[0151] The authentication ID is information required for authentication. In this embodiment, the authentication ID is linked to a QR code. This authentication information is converted into a two-dimensional code and displayed on the display unit 351 of the user terminal 30. The processor 111 determines whether the authentication information in the QR code presented by the user matches the authentication information stored in the store reservation data table D15.

[0152] The posted data table D16 is a table that includes data related to posts by users (user posted data).

[0153] [Table 6]

[0154] Table 6 shows an example of data included in the post data table D16. As shown in Table 6, the post data table D16 includes data items such as a unique post ID, a posting date and time, a post content, an attached data ID, a reply ID, a rating 1, and a rating 2.

[0155] The posting ID is a unique ID assigned by the processor 111 at the time of posting. The posting date and time is the date and time when the user posted (the date and time when the server 10 accepted the posting). The post content is text data related to the post.

[0156] The attachment data ID is a unique ID associated with the image data that the user attaches to the post. The matching database D1 includes a database (not shown) that associates attachment data IDs with attachment image data.

[0157] The reply ID indicates the posting ID of another person's post when a user posts in the form of a reply (response) to the post of that other person.

[0158] Rating 1 and Rating 2 are numerical data related to other people's reactions to the user's post. For example, if another company presses the "Like" button on the post, the value of Rating 1 increases. In addition to "Like," there may be multiple buttons to suit the reader's emotions, such as "I see," "Amazing," and "Fun," and the processor 111 records numerical data corresponding to the number of times each button is pressed in items such as rating 1 and rating 2.

[0159] 4. Hardware Configuration 1, the matching system 1 includes a server 10, an in-venue network device 20, and a user terminal 30 including a user application P20. These devices are connected via a network N. The network N is, for example, the Internet. The server 10 has installed thereon software (application software) including a matching program P1 for operating the matching system 1 according to this embodiment, and executes various processes using the functions of the software. Each piece of hardware will be explained below.

[0160] <Server 10> The server 10 is a computer for executing the matching program P1. Although only one server 10 is shown in FIG. 1, the number is not limited to one, and may be realized by a plurality of servers. For example, from the viewpoint of load balancing and availability, it is possible to use multiple servers. The server 10 may be a computer of a cloud service provider, or a computer provided by the user.

[0161] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 10. As shown in FIG. 12, the server 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication control unit 13. The control unit 11 also includes a processor 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, and a clock unit 114. The basic functions of each will be explained below.

[0162] The control unit 11 including the processor 111 also functions as a matching unit 11a (not shown) in the server 10. The matching unit 11a executes a matching program P1 to perform matching processing. In this embodiment, the processor 111 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0163] Furthermore, one program may include another program. For example, in this embodiment, the matching program P1 includes an entrance monitoring program P11 and a user position update program P12.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 12, the storage unit 12 includes a program storage unit 12a and a data storage unit 12b, and stores programs and data required for various processes. For example, the program storage unit 12a stores the matching program P1 according to this embodiment as well as a control program for controlling devices connected to the server 10, such as a communication control program for controlling the communication control unit 13.

[0165] 12, the communication control unit 13 is a device that performs communication between the server 10 and an external terminal, such as an entrance management device 21 (described later) or a user terminal 30. The communication control unit 13 connects the server 10 to a network N, as shown in FIG.

[0166] In addition to the above, the server 10 may also include an input unit (e.g., a keyboard) for inputting commands and data, an output unit (e.g., a voice output device) for outputting information in some form (not shown), etc. Furthermore, the server 10 may also include additional devices required for the use of this embodiment, or devices for improving the convenience of the use of this embodiment.

[0167] <In-venue network equipment 20> The on-site network device 20 is a network device that is installed on the site or in the vicinity thereof in order to obtain location information of users. The matching system 1 includes an entrance management device 21 and a positioning device 22 as on-site network devices 20.

[0168] <Entrance control device 21> The entrance management device 21 is an information processing device that manages the physical entrance of users into the venue. In this embodiment, the entrance management device 21 is installed at the entrance of the venue (at the boundary between the inside and outside of the venue). If there are multiple entrances, at least one entrance management device is installed at each entrance. Also, multiple entrance management devices 21 may be installed at one entrance.

[0169] In this embodiment, the entrance management device 21 is a computer that includes an information reading unit 211 as an input unit. In this embodiment, the information reading unit 211 is a QR code reader. Furthermore, the entrance management device 21 communicates with the server 10 via a communication control device provided in the entrance management device 21.

[0170] In this embodiment, for example, the user holds up a QR code that has been sent to the user in advance and stored in the user's smartphone over the QR code reader of the entrance management device 21 to perform authentication. If the authentication is successful, a gate disposed at the entrance, for example, opens, allowing the user to enter the venue.

[0171] Furthermore, since the entrance management device 21 transmits information for identifying the user to the server 10 at the time of authentication, the server 10 can obtain the entrance information of the user.

[0172] In this embodiment, the entrance management device 21 also manages the physical exit of users from the venue. However, since there may be a case where the entrance management device 21 does not manage exit, it will be referred to as an entrance management device here rather than an entrance / exit management device.

[0173] <Positioning Device 22> The positioning device 22 is a positioning device for accurately determining the position information of users in the venue. Examples of the positioning device include a beacon installed near the location to be positioned, and a GPS that uses radio waves from an artificial satellite.

[0174] In this embodiment, a beacon 22 a is used as the positioning device 22 . As the beacon 22a used in the present embodiment, a beacon that performs communication (emits radio waves) based on the BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) and / or UWB (Ultra Wide Band) standards is preferably used. The standards will be described later.

[0175] Examples of such beacons 22a include iBeacon (registered trademark) from Apple Inc. (registered trademark) (using BLE) and UWB Beacon (using BLE and UWB) from Estimote Inc. The beacon 22a includes a short-range wireless communication control unit as a communication control unit, and communicates with the user terminal 30 (communication according to the BLE standard or UWB standard).

[0176] One or more beacons 22a of this embodiment are installed in or near the venue, and can grasp user position information throughout the venue. In this embodiment, the beacons 22a can distinguish between user terminals 30 that are located at a distance of about 10 centimeters.

[0177] In order to sufficiently cover the entire area of ​​the venue, it is preferable that the matching system 1 normally uses two or more beacons 22a. However, for simplicity, only one beacon 22a is depicted in FIG.

[0178] Here, an example of positioning using radio waves emitted by the beacon 22a will be described. The beacon 22a has a unique ID such as a universally unique identifier (UUID) and emits radio waves (beacon signals) at regular intervals. A user terminal 30 equipped with a user application P20 receives the radio waves emitted by the beacon 22a and acquires the received radio wave strength indicator (RSSI).

[0179] The closer the distance from the beacon 22a to the user terminal 30, the stronger the received radio wave intensity, and the farther the distance from the beacon 22a, the weaker the received radio wave intensity. Therefore, the beacon 22a can measure the distance (ranging) to the user terminal 30. In particular, by using a plurality of beacons 22a, it is possible to identify the accurate position of the user terminal 30. One method of positioning is three-point positioning using three (or more) beacons 22a.

[0180] At this time, the user application P20 receives radio waves (signals) emitted by the beacon 22a and acquires the received radio wave strength indicator (RSSI), and also communicates with the beacon 22a to acquire information about the beacon 22a, and transmits the received radio wave strength indicator information and beacon identification information to the server 10.

[0181] That is, the user application P20 has a function of receiving radio waves emitted by the beacon and acquiring the received radio wave intensity, and a function of transmitting information related to the beacon 22a, such as the received radio wave intensity and beacon identification information, to the server 10.

[0182] However, this positioning method is merely an example and is not limited to this. For example, a method in which the positioning device 22 (beacon 22a) communicates with the server 10 instead of the user terminal 30 may be used.

[0183] Furthermore, positioning using the beacon 22a may use a technique other than the one described above. For example, techniques such as AoA (Angle of Arrival) that measures positioning based on the angle of reception of radio waves, or AoD (Angle of Departure) that measures positioning based on the angle of transmission of radio waves may be used. In this case, the user terminal 30 and the beacon 22a have a function that enables positioning of these. For example, the user application P20 has a function that processes this information.

[0184] The beacon 22a of this embodiment has the advantage that it can reduce power consumption and can be used indoors where radio waves from a GPS (Global Positioning System) are difficult to reach. Events at stores and other locations are primarily held indoors (including underground), and popular events tend to attract large crowds, so it is necessary to be able to measure indoor positions with an error of a few tens of centimeters. Since it is difficult to obtain this level of accuracy from a GPS, it is particularly preferable to use a beacon 22a that satisfies this requirement.

[0185] <Router 23> The router 23 is an information processing device that assists the user terminal 30 in connecting to the network N. In this embodiment, the router 23 is a Wi-Fi router. Wireless communication will be described later. In FIG. 1, the router 23 is not shown.

[0186] <User terminal 30> The user terminal 30 is an information processing device that enables a user to use the matching system 1. The user uses the matching system 1 by accessing the server 10 using the user terminal 30. In this embodiment, the user terminal 30 is a smartphone. However, the user terminal 30 is not limited to this, and may be a portable terminal such as a tablet.

[0187] Fig. 13 is a hardware configuration diagram of user terminal 30. As shown in Fig. 13, user terminal 30 includes a control unit 31, a memory unit 31, a communication control unit 33, an input unit 34, and an output unit 35. The control unit includes a processor 311, a ROM, a RAM, and a clock unit, and the memory unit includes a program storage unit 32a and a data storage unit 32b. The output unit 35 includes a display unit 351. Explanations of the contents that have already been explained and the basic functions that will be described later will be omitted.

[0188] The communication control unit 33 of the user terminal 30 includes a short-range wireless communication control unit 331. Examples of short-range wireless communication include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy), and UWB (Ultra Wide Band). In this embodiment, the short-range wireless communication control unit receives radio waves (for example, radio waves with a frequency of 2.4 GHz, which is the BLE standard) from a beacon 22a, which will be described later. The short-range wireless communication control unit is preferably based on the BLE or UWB standard, which has low power consumption and high ranging accuracy. UWB is particularly preferable when higher ranging accuracy is required.

[0189] A user terminal application program P20 (user application P20) according to this embodiment is stored (installed) in the program storage unit 32a of the user terminal 30, and the processor 311 executes various processes using the functions of this software.

[0190] The various processes include processes related to communication with the beacon 22a described above, transmission of information to the server 10, acquisition of information from the server 10, and output (screen display, audio output) based on the acquired information. When the user starts the user application P20, the processor 311 of the user terminal 30 communicates with the server 10 via the network N and executes various processes. At least a part of the processing related to communication with the beacon 22a can be executed in the background.

[0191] In this embodiment, the user application P20 is installed in the user terminal 30 via the network N.

[0192] (Explanation of the basic functions of a computer) In principle, a computer comprises a control unit (processor, ROM, RAM, and clock unit), a memory unit, a communication control unit, an input unit, and an output unit. Each of these will be explained below. In any of the terminals of this embodiment, the connection mode (network topology) between the functional units is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a bus type, a star type, a mesh type, or the like.

[0193] The processor processes information and controls various devices according to programs stored in a ROM, a storage unit, etc. In this embodiment, the processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0194] However, the processor is not limited to a CPU. Various processors, such as a CPU, a DSP (Digital Signal Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a GPGPU (General Purpose Computing on GPU), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), may be used alone or in combination. For example, a processor that integrates a CPU and a GPU is called an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), and such a processor may also be used.

[0195] ROM is a read-only memory that stores various programs and data that the processor uses to perform various controls and calculations.

[0196] The RAM is a random access memory used by the processor as a working memory, and various areas can be allocated in the RAM to perform various processes in this embodiment.

[0197] The timekeeping unit performs timekeeping processes related to obtaining time information, etc. If the computer has a communication control unit, it may obtain time information from an external source using NTP (Network Time Protocol).

[0198] A memory unit is a device for storing information such as programs and data. A memory unit is also called storage. It does not matter whether the memory unit is built-in or external.

[0199] The storage unit includes a storage medium from which data can be read and written, and a drive that reads and writes data from and to the storage medium. Storage media can be internal or external, and examples include HD (hard disk), CD-ROM, and flash memory. Examples of drives include HDDs (hard disk drives) and SSDs (solid state drives).

[0200] The storage unit includes a program storage unit and a data storage unit as functional units. The program storage unit stores control programs for controlling various devices, such as a communication control program for controlling communication.

[0201] The communication control unit is a device for performing communication between terminals, etc. The communication control unit connects the terminal equipped with the communication control unit to the network N.

[0202] The communication method of the communication control unit is a known method, and a wired method or a wireless method is applied depending on the device. For example, if the terminal is a desktop PC, both wired and wireless communication methods are possible, and if the terminal is a smartphone, a wireless communication method is possible.

[0203] If it is wired, a communication method specified by IEEE802.3 (for example, a bus-type or star-type wired LAN) can be preferably used, but other communication methods such as those specified by IEEE802.5 (for example, a ring-type wired LAN) can also be used.

[0204] For wireless communication, a communication method specified by IEEE802.11 (e.g., Wi-Fi) can be suitably used, but other methods such as IEEE802.15 (e.g., Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark)), etc.), IEEE802.15.4z (UWB (Ultra Wide Band)), IEEE802.16 (e.g., WiMAX), or a communication method specified for optical communication such as infrared communication can also be used.

[0205] Note that what is shown here is just an example, and anything similar to this may also be used. For example, IEEE802.15.3a and IEEE802.15.4a are also examples related to UWB, but for simplicity, the above are used as examples.

[0206] The input unit and output unit are devices that handle input and output to and from the terminal, respectively. The input unit and output unit may be collectively referred to as the input / output unit. The input unit is a device that accepts input from a user, and examples of such an input unit include a keyboard, a mouse as a pointing device, a trackpad, a tablet, and a touch panel.

[0207] When the terminal is a tablet, smartphone, or the like, and the input unit is a touch panel, the input unit is disposed on the surface of a display unit, such as a touch screen, that displays images, etc. In this case, the input unit identifies the user's touch position corresponding to various operation icons displayed on the display unit, and accepts input from the user.

[0208] The output unit is, for example, a device for outputting images, sounds, forms, and the like. Examples of the output unit include display devices such as touch screens and displays (liquid crystal displays and organic EL displays), audio output devices such as speakers, and form output devices such as printers.

[0209] With the above configuration, the entrance management device 21 and the beacon 22a clearly separate the inside and outside of the venue, so that the processor 111 can clearly distinguish between inside and outside users, and can differentiate the processing for these users.

[0210] (Variation) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes various modifications to the above-described embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0211] In the above-described embodiment, the information reading unit 211 of the entrance management device 21 is a QR code reader, but the information reading unit 211 is not limited to this and may be any unit that can authenticate a user by at least one of knowledge authentication, possession authentication, or biometric authentication. Examples of the information reading unit 211 of the entrance management device 21 include an IC card reader, a magnetic tape reader, a password input device, a fingerprint authentication device, an iris authentication device, or a face authentication device. In addition, instead of the entrance management device 21 acquiring biometric authentication information, the entrance management device 21 may read processed authentication information stored in a user terminal such as a smartphone, for example, as in FIDO (registered trademark) authentication. However, for simple entrance / exit management, the information reader 211 that reads QR codes or the like, which are less resistant to users, is preferable. On the other hand, if high security is required, a system using biometric authentication or the like is preferable.

[0212] The entrance management device 21 may further manage the exit of users. In this case, when leaving, the user performs the same operation as when entering. That is, the user who is leaving causes the information reading unit 211 of the entrance management device 21 to read the authentication information on the authentication information display unit UI-11. The process related to this exit is referred to as "exit process."

[0213] The exit time in this case is the time when the entrance management device 21 authenticates the user (by reading the QR code) and the processor 111 turns off the visitor flag when the user leaves the venue.

[0214] When the entrance management device 21 also manages the exit of users, there is an advantage in that the exit time becomes clearer, which allows, for example, a user to correctly know whether other users are in the store or not.

[0215] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the user location update process according to this modification. In Fig. 14, steps 11, 13, and 15 are the same as those in Fig. 9. Explanation of matters that have already been explained will be omitted.

[0216] After step 11, processor 111 monitors whether or not there is an exit process. If there is no exit process (No in step 16), processor 111 updates the user's location information (step 13).

[0217] On the other hand, if there is an exit process (Yes in step 16), processor 111 turns off the visitor flag (step 15) and ends the user position update process for that user.

[0218] In other words, aspects of the present invention, including this embodiment, have the following features. The following corresponds to the claims at the time of filing of this application. However, due to amendments to the claims after filing, the claims may differ from the description of the amended claims. (1) In the first aspect, an entrance information acquisition unit acquires information of users who have entered the venue through entrance processing by an entrance management device as user entrance information, an entrance information notification unit notifies other users of the user entrance information in real time, an on-site user position acquisition unit acquires position information of the on-site user as on-site user position information, a user map information creation unit creates user map information from the on-site user position information and venue map information, and a profile information acquisition unit acquires user profile information. a user information providing unit that, when there is an information requester requesting information about a particular on-site user, (1) provides user profile information and user map information including specific information if the information requester is another on-site user, and (2) provides user profile information not including specific information if the information requester is not an on-site user; A matching system is provided, which is characterized by comprising an information exchange request acquisition unit that receives a request for individual information exchange from the other on-site users to the one on-site user, and an individual communication permission unit that, upon receiving consent from the one on-site user, permits individual information exchange between the other on-site users and the one on-site user. (2) In a second aspect, a matching system according to the first aspect is provided, characterized in that the on-site user position acquisition unit that acquires the on-site user's position information as on-site user position information is an on-site user position acquisition unit that acquires the on-site user's position information as on-site user position information using a plurality of beacons. This has the advantage that the user's location can be obtained with high accuracy even when the venue is indoors or crowded. It is necessary to distinguish between different users even when they are only a few tens of centimeters apart, but compared to GPS and other methods, using beacons improves the accuracy of user identification, especially in places with poor radio wave conditions such as indoors. (3) In a third aspect, a matching system according to the first aspect is provided, further characterized in that the user profile information including the specific information allows the user to select which information to disclose and which information not to disclose. In this case, the user can choose whether or not to disclose their personal information, allowing the user to use the matching system with peace of mind. (4) In a fourth aspect, a matching system according to the first aspect is provided, further comprising a reservation reception unit that receives a user's admission reservation, and a reservation publication unit that publishes the user's admission reservation, and the user profile information includes information about the admission reservation. In this case, the convenience of participating in an event is improved by making a reservation, and there is also the advantage that by disclosing the reservation information to other users, the other users can be encouraged to participate. (5) In a fifth aspect, a matching system according to the fourth aspect is provided, further comprising an individual registration unit for individually registering users other than the user, and an individual registrant information notification unit for notifying the user of the fact that an entry reservation or entry has been made when an individually registered user other than the user makes the entry reservation or enters. In this case, the trends of favorite users can be checked, improving the probability of matching. (6) In the sixth aspect, the computer includes an entrance information acquisition means for acquiring information on users who have entered the venue by performing entrance processing using an entrance management device as user entrance information, an entrance information notification means for notifying other users of the user entrance information in real time, an on-site user position acquisition means for acquiring the position information of the on-site user as on-site user position information, a user map information creation means for creating user map information from the on-site user position information and venue map information, and a profile information acquisition means for acquiring user profile information. a user information providing means for, when there is an information requester requesting information about a particular on-site user, (1) providing user profile information and user map information including specific information if the information requester is another on-site user, and (2) providing user profile information not including specific information if the information requester is not an on-site user; A matching program is provided, which functions as an information exchange request acquisition means for receiving a request for individual information exchange from the other on-site users to the one on-site user, and an individual communication permission means for permitting individual information exchange between the other on-site users and the one on-site user upon receiving consent from the one on-site user. (7) In the seventh aspect, a computer is used to perform an entrance information acquisition step of acquiring information on users who have entered the venue by performing entrance processing using an entrance management device as user entrance information, an entrance information notification step of notifying other users of the user entrance information in real time, an on-site user position acquisition step of acquiring position information on the on-site users as on-site user position information, a user map information creation step of creating user map information from the on-site user position information and venue map information, and a profile information acquisition step of acquiring user profile information. a user information providing step in the case where there is an information requester requesting information about a certain on-site user, (1) if the information requester is another on-site user, providing user profile information and user map information including specific information, and (2) if the information requester is not an on-site user, providing user profile information not including specific information; A matching method is provided which executes an information exchange request acquisition step of receiving a request for individual information exchange from the other on-site user to the one on-site user, and an individual communication permission step of permitting individual information exchange between the other on-site user and the one on-site user upon receiving consent from the one on-site user. [Industrial Applicability]

[0219] It can also be applied to matching events in various store formats, both indoors and outdoors. [Explanation of symbols]

[0220] 1 Matching System 10 Servers 11 Control section 111 processors 112 ROM 113 RAM 114 Timing section 11a Matching section 12 Storage section 12a Program storage section 12b Data storage section 13 Communication control section 20 On-site network equipment 21 Entrance control device 211 Information reading unit 22 Positioning equipment 22a Beacon 23 Router 30 User terminals 31 Control Unit 311 processor 32 Storage section 32a Program storage section 32b Data storage section 33 Communication control section 331 Short-Range Wireless Communications Division 34 Input section 35 Output section 351 Display section N Network Venue E (Inside E is inside the venue, outside E is outside the venue) (including stores) UI-11 Authentication information display section UI-12 Site Map UI-121 Self-location icon UI-122 Other Location Icon UI-13 Simple Profile Screen UI-131 Details button UI-132 Like button UI-14 System Notifications UI-15 Individual chat screen UI-151 Username UI-152 User Face Image Icon UI-153 Chat Text UI-16 Customer list display section UI-161 Customer Name Icon UI-17 Real-time store visit information display section UI-171 Customer Name Link UI-18 Profile display section UI-19 Face photo display section UI-20 Location Information Display Button P1 Matching Program P11 Entry Monitoring Program P12 User location update program P13 User Information Provision Program P14 Information Exchange Support Program P15 Reservation Program P20 User terminal application program (user app) D1 Matching Database D11 User Location Table D12 Entry / Exit Log Table D13 User Profile Table D14 Disclosure Item Table D15 Store reservation data table D16 Post Data Table

Claims

1. an entrance information acquisition unit that acquires, as user entrance information, information on users who have entered the venue through entrance processing by the entrance management device; an admission information notifying unit that notifies other users of the user admission information in real time; an in-facility user position acquisition unit that acquires the in-facility user's position information as in-facility user position information; a user map information creation unit that creates user map information from the in-facility user position information and in-facility map information; a profile information acquisition unit that acquires user profile information; When there is an information requester requesting information about a user in the facility, (1) if the information requester is another user in the venue, provide user profile information and user map information including specific information; (2) a user information providing unit that provides user profile information that does not include specific information if the information requester is not an in-venue user; an information exchange request acquisition unit that receives a request for individual information exchange from the other on-site users to the one on-site user; an individual communication permission unit that, upon receiving consent from the one on-site user, permits individual information exchange between the other on-site user and the one on-site user; A matching system comprising:

2. an in-facility user position acquisition unit that acquires the in-facility user position information as in-facility user position information; 2. The matching system according to claim 1, further comprising an in-venue user position acquisition unit that acquires in-venue user position information as in-venue user position information using a plurality of beacons.

3. The matching system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the user can select which pieces of user profile information including the specific information to disclose and which pieces of information not to disclose.

4. Furthermore, a reservation reception unit that receives admission reservations from users; a reservation publishing unit that publishes the admission reservation of the user, The matching system according to claim 1 , wherein the user profile information includes information on the admission reservation.

5. Furthermore, an individual registration section for individually registering users other than the user himself / herself; an individual registrant information notification unit that notifies the user when an individually registered user other than the user makes the admission reservation or enters the facility; The matching system according to claim 4, comprising:

6. Computer, an entrance information acquisition means for acquiring information on users who have entered the facility through entrance processing by the entrance management device as user entrance information; an entrance information notifying means for notifying other users of the user entrance information in real time; an in-facility user position acquisition means for acquiring the in-facility user position information; a user map information creating means for creating user map information from the user location information within the facility and the facility map information; profile information acquisition means for acquiring user profile information; When there is an information requester requesting information about a user in the facility, (1) if the information requester is another user in the venue, provide user profile information and user map information including specific information; (2) a user information providing means for providing user profile information that does not include specific information if the information requester is not an in-venue user; an information exchange request acquisition means for receiving a request for individual information exchange from the other on-site users to the one on-site user; individual communication permission means for permitting individual information exchange between the one on-site user and the other on-site user upon receiving consent from the one on-site user; A matching program characterized by functioning as

7. Using a computer, an entrance information acquisition step of acquiring information on users who have entered the venue by performing entrance processing using the entrance management device as user entrance information; an admission information notifying step of notifying other users of the user admission information in real time; an in-facility user position acquisition step of acquiring the in-facility user position information as in-facility user position information; a user map information creating step of creating user map information from the in-facility user position information and in-facility map information; a profile information acquisition step of acquiring user profile information; When there is an information requester requesting information about a user in the facility, (1) if the information requester is another user in the venue, provide user profile information and user map information including specific information; (2) a user information providing step of providing user profile information that does not include specific information if the information requester is not an in-venue user; an information exchange request acquisition step of receiving a request for individual information exchange from the other on-site user to the one on-site user; an individual communication permission step of permitting individual information exchange between the one on-site user and the other on-site user upon receiving consent from the one on-site user; The matching method to perform.

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