Visitor support device

Abstract

To provide a visitor support device that allows visitors to efficiently view exhibits at tourist facilities. [Solution] The visitor support device 1 includes a control unit 2 that performs a filtering item display process, which reads filtering item selection screen configuration data 11, which constitutes a screen 24 for selecting an exhibit filtering item that includes multiple categories in which exhibits have been classified in advance, from the storage unit 3 and displays it on the display unit 4; a reception process that receives input of the exhibit filtering item selected by the visitor; and a visitor candidate display process that reads visitor candidate configuration data 12, which constitutes a list of visitor candidates narrowed down based on the selection of the exhibit filtering item, from the storage unit and displays it on the display unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a visitor support device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, when a visitor is visiting a sightseeing facility such as a museum, an art museum, or various exhibition halls (showrooms), generally, the visitor selects an exhibit to be visited from a variety of exhibits by referring to a pamphlet, a homepage, etc., and then visits the exhibit. Patent Document 1 below discloses an online customer service system configured such that a person in charge selects a product based on requests received from customers in advance and provides information about the product to a customer terminal before online customer service.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above - mentioned system, when it is desired to check information about a product, it is necessary to make an online customer service reservation in advance, and when visiting a sightseeing facility without making a reservation, complicated procedures are required.

[0005] This disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a visitor support device that enables a visitor to efficiently visit a sightseeing facility.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the visitor support device relating to this disclosure is characterized by comprising a control unit that performs: a filtering item display processing that reads filtering item selection screen configuration data from a storage unit and displays it on a display unit, which constitutes a screen for selecting an exhibit filtering item that includes a plurality of categories in which exhibits have been classified in advance; a reception processing that receives input of the exhibit filtering item selected by the visitor; and a visitor candidate display processing that reads from the storage unit and displays it on the display unit, which constitutes a list of visitor candidates that have been narrowed down based on the selection of the exhibit filtering item. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The visitor support device described in this disclosure, with its configuration as described above, allows visitors to efficiently tour the facility. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] (a) and (b) schematically show an example of a visitor support device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, where (a) is a schematic block diagram and (b) is a schematic plan view. [Figure 2] This is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by the visitor support device. [Figure 3] (a) and (b) are schematic plan views. [Figure 4] (a) and (b) are schematic plan views. [Figure 5] (a) and (b) are schematic plan views. [Figure 6] (a) and (b) are schematic plan views. [Figure 7] (a) and (b) are schematic plan views. [Figure 8] (a) and (b) are schematic plan views. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 8 schematically show an example of a visitor support device according to this embodiment and an example of a program executed in the visitor support device. As shown in Figure 1(a), the visitor support device 1 according to this embodiment includes a control unit 2. The control unit 2 reads from the storage unit 3 and performs a filtering item display process to display filtering item data 11, which constitutes a screen (filtering item selection screen) 24 for selecting filtering items for exhibits that include multiple categories into which exhibits have been pre-classified, on the display unit (display operation unit) 4 (see Figure 3(b)). With this configuration, visitors can be allowed to select filtering items for exhibits displayed on the display operation unit 4 to narrow down the exhibits.

[0010] The control unit 2 performs a reception process to receive input of exhibit filtering items selected by the visitor, and a visitor candidate display process to read visitor candidate configuration data (12) that constitutes the narrowed-down visitor candidates based on the selection of exhibit filtering items from the storage unit 3 and display it on the display operation unit 4. With this configuration, exhibits are narrowed down based on the selection of exhibit filtering items and displayed on the display operation unit 4 as visitor candidates. This allows visitors to check information on the narrowed-down visitor candidates and select what they want to visit from among the candidates, enabling an efficient visit. Furthermore, since this process is executed in the control unit 2 using data stored in the storage unit 3 within the visitor support device 1, it can be achieved without sending and receiving data with a server or the like via a network, improving the stability and safety of the display and operation. In addition, the operation history of the visitor support device 1 by visitors can be easily collected and used to improve the application, etc.

[0011] This visitor support device 1 may also be a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet provided to visitors at the visitor facility. The visitor facility in which this visitor support device 1 is used may be a visitor facility that displays various exhibits, such as a museum or art gallery. In this example, a showroom displaying housing-related equipment and building materials is given as an example of a visitor facility, but it is not limited to such an example. The visitor support device 1 comprises a control unit 2 including a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage unit 3 composed of various storage media, and a display operation unit 4 that constitutes a display unit. The memory unit 3 includes at least one of the following: memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory), or SSD (Solid State Drive) or HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The display and operation unit 4 is comprised of a touch panel capable of receiving display and operation inputs.

[0012] The visitor support device 1 may include a communication unit 5, which may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit that enable the transmission and reception of data over a network. With such a configuration, programs and data stored in the memory unit 3 can be easily updated by a server or the like via the communication unit 5, and operation history and other data can also be easily collected. Furthermore, it becomes possible to access, for example, a web page displaying more detailed explanations of exhibits via the internet. The control unit 2 loads the program (application software) stored in the memory unit 3 (e.g., ROM) onto the memory unit 3 (e.g., RAM), controls each part, and executes the processing operations described below. This program and various data, including the exhibit database 10 used to execute the program, may be pre-stored in the memory unit 3 or installed via the network.

[0013] In this example, the control unit 2 reads the tour candidate selection screen configuration data 12 from the storage unit 3 and displays it on the display operation unit 4. This data constitutes the tour candidate selection screen (tour candidate selection screen) 27 (see Figure 4(b)) used in the tour candidate display processing. The control unit 2 then executes a reception process to receive input from the tour candidate selection screen 27, which is used to select the tour target to be chosen by the tour participant from among the multiple tour candidates displayed. With this configuration, it is possible to select a tour target from among the tour candidates whose exhibits have been narrowed down based on the selection of exhibit filtering items, enabling an efficient tour. The control unit 2 executes an integrated time display process of accumulating the assumed required time for the visit to the selected visit target and displaying it on the display operation unit 4 (see Fig. 5(a)). With such a configuration, the assumed required time for the visit to the visit target selected by the visitor can be accumulated and displayed on the display operation unit 4. Thereby, the visitor can be made aware of the standard time required for the visit.

[0014] The control unit 2 executes a route display process of displaying the route from the current location to the closest visit target among the selected visit targets on the display operation unit 4 (see Fig. 5(b)). With such a configuration, the visitor can be made aware of the location of the next visit target to head to. Before executing the route display process, the control unit 2 reads out the arrival button configuration data 13 that constitutes the arrival buttons (23, 32) for the visitor to operate in order to acquire the current location from the storage unit 3 and displays it on the display operation unit 4. With such a configuration, by having the visitor operate the arrival buttons (23, 32), the current location of the visitor support device 1 can be acquired. Thereby, for example, it is not necessary to install a large number of beacons, sensors, etc. in the visit facility to measure the position information of the visitor support device 1, the system configuration can be simplified, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems in the route display due to positioning errors, etc. The control unit 2 executes an additional selection screen display process of reading out the additional selection screen configuration data 14 that constitutes an additional selection screen 35 (see Fig. 7(a)) for proposing visit candidates that are non - selected and related to the selected visit target among a plurality of visit candidates from the storage unit 3 and displaying it on the display operation unit 4. With such a configuration, the visitor can be made aware of the visit candidates related to the selected visit target, and the visitor can additionally select the visit target.

[0015] Specifically, as shown in Figure 1(b), the control unit 2 displays the guide start screen 20, including the guide start button 21, on the display operation unit 4, and executes the various processing operations described later. The example shown in the figure displays the guide start button 21 along with the message "Thank you for visiting" on the guide start screen 20. Note that the screens and buttons on each screen, including this guide start screen 20, which are displayed on the display operation unit 4, are displayed by reading the data that constitutes them from the storage unit 3. Also, the messages and button displays on each screen are merely examples, and various variations are possible. Furthermore, the guide start screen 20 may be displayed, for example, when the visitor support device 1 or application is launched. This guide start screen 20 may also be displayed at the reception of the visitor facility. Furthermore, each screen after this guide start screen 20 may display a back button to return to the previous screen, a help button to enable communication with an operator, etc.

[0016] As shown in Figures 2 and 3(a), when the guide start button 21 is operated (tapped) (step S100), the tour start point explanation screen 22, including the tour start point arrival button 23, is displayed on the display operation unit 4. In the example shown, the tour start point explanation screen 22 displays a map image showing the route from the visitor support device 1 lending point (reception) to the bench which serves as the tour start point, as well as an image of the bench. The tour start point explanation screen 22 also shows the message, "We will now explain how to take a tour, so please proceed to the bench," along with the message, "You have arrived at the bench," displayed on the tour start point arrival button 23. This tour start point arrival button 23 constitutes an arrival button that is operated to obtain the current location before displaying the route to the tour target, which will be described later. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3(b), if the operation of the visit start point arrival button 23 is performed (step S101), the narrowing-down item selection screen 24 is displayed on the display operation unit 4 (step S102). If the operation of the visit start point arrival button 23 is performed, before or after the narrowing-down item selection screen 24 is displayed, an explanatory video explaining the visit method, the operation method of the visitor support device 1, etc. may be played on the display operation unit 4. Further, after such an explanatory video is played, a screen allowing selective viewing of the outline explanations of each exhibit (product) may be displayed.

[0017] On the narrowing-down item selection screen 24, together with the message "Please enter the building and number of visits under consideration", as an example of a plurality of categories, a building type selection button 25 for selecting the type of building is displayed. In the illustrated example, as the building type selection button 25, a detached house button 25A, an apartment button 25B, and an other (for example, non-residential such as a store) button 25C are exemplified. Depending on such building types (detached house, apartment, or non-residential), exhibits (products) are pre-classified and stored in the storage unit 3 as visit candidates. Further, a message "Please select the building under consideration" is displayed beside these building type selection buttons 25. Also, on the narrowing-down item selection screen 24, as an example of a plurality of categories, in addition to the type of building, a construction type selection button 26 for selecting the type of construction is displayed. In the illustrated example, as the construction type selection button 26, a new construction button 26A and a renovation button 26B are exemplified. Depending on such construction types (new construction or renovation), exhibits (products) are pre-classified and stored in the storage unit 3 as visit candidates. Further, a message "Please select the construction under consideration" is displayed beside these construction type selection buttons 26.

[0018] In other words, in this example, visitors are asked to select the type of building and the type of construction work as pre-visit questionnaire items to narrow down the exhibits, and the exhibit candidates corresponding to the selected items are displayed on the exhibit candidate selection screen 27 (see Figure 4(b) below). That is, for example, as shown in Figure 4(a), if the detached house button 25A and the renovation button 26B are selected on the narrowing item selection screen 24, exhibits that are detached houses and suitable for renovation will be displayed as exhibit candidates on the exhibit candidate selection screen 27. Furthermore, the example diagram shows that the filtering selection screen 24 displays buttons for selecting the number of visits, specifically a "first visit" button and a "second or later visit" button, with the message "Please select the number of visits to the main building" displayed next to them. In addition to displaying tour options based on the selection of building type and construction type as described above, tour options based on the number of visits may also be displayed. Moreover, the filtering options are not limited to the examples above; appropriate filtering options can be used depending on the type of facility being visited. For example, for museums and art galleries, the filtering options could include era, region, field (painting, sculpture, etc.), artist, etc. Furthermore, in the example diagram, the input completion button, which is operated when the selection of filtering items is complete, is displayed on the filtering item selection screen 24.

[0019] As shown in Figures 2 and 4(a) and 4(b), once the filtering items are entered (step S103), the tour candidate selection screen 27 is displayed on the display operation unit 4 (step S104). Before or after displaying the tour candidate selection screen 27, videos or images explaining how to operate the tour candidate selection screen 27 may be displayed. On the tour selection screen 27, along with the message "Please select all tour points (multiple selections allowed)," several tour selection buttons 28 corresponding to the input of the filtering items described above are displayed. In the example, below the message "View space exhibits and bathroom products," buttons are displayed as tour selection buttons 28, allowing selection of space exhibits, two types of kitchens, and washbasins. In another example, below the message "View interior products," buttons are displayed as tour selection buttons 28, allowing selection of interior doors, flooring materials, and living room storage. The products (exhibits) displayed as tour selection buttons 28 are not limited to those shown in the example; various other products (exhibits) may be displayed. In the example, the estimated time required to view each tour option is displayed next to each tour selection button 28.

[0020] Furthermore, the tour selection screen 27 displays an estimated time display area 29 that shows the estimated time required for the selected tour, as described later, and a tour start button 30 that is operated when the tour begins. In the example figure, a back button is also shown on the tour selection screen 27. As shown in Figures 2 and 5(a), once the multiple tour candidate selection buttons 28 displayed on the tour candidate selection screen 27 are operated, that is, a tour subject is entered (step S105), the estimated time required to tour the selected tour subject is calculated and displayed (step S106). In the example shown, the tour subject is selected as one of the following: a spatial exhibit, one type of kitchen, interior doors, and living room storage. The estimated time required to tour these is calculated and displayed as 45 minutes. The calculated estimated time required to tour the tour subject may include travel time, time spent viewing explanations of exhibits (products), experience time, time spent filling out questionnaires, etc.

[0021] As shown in Figures 2 and 5(a) and 5(b), when the "Start Tour" button 30 is operated (step S107), a route display screen 31 showing the route to the tour target is displayed on the display operation unit 4 (step S108). On this route display screen 31, the route from the current location to the tour target closest to the selected tour target is displayed. Figure 5(b) shows an example where, on the route display screen 31, multiple selected tour targets (tour points) are displayed as balloon-shaped images on a floor map image of the tour facility. Also, Figure 5(b) shows an example where, on the route display screen 31, the route from the bench (the current location) obtained based on the operation of the "Arrive at Tour Start Point (Bench)" button 23 to the nearest tour point is displayed with an arrow along with the message "Proceed this way". This route display screen 31 shows a question button to be operated when asking a question to the operator, and a tour destination arrival button 32 to be operated when arriving at the tour destination. This tour destination arrival button 32 is an arrival button that is operated to obtain the current location before displaying the route to the next tour destination. In the example diagram, the tour destination arrival button 32 is shown with the message "Tap after arrival".

[0022] As shown in Figures 2 and 6(a) and 6(b), when the "Arrival of Tour Subject" button 32 is pressed (step S109), the "Tour Subject Display Screen 33" which displays information about the tour subject is displayed on the display operation unit 4 (step S110). On the viewing target display screen 33, the message "Tap the item you would like to see an explanation for" is displayed, along with multiple tappable circles on the image of the item to be viewed. Tapping these circles will display the appropriate explanation. The example also shows the viewing target display screen 33 with an overview button used to display an overview of the item to be viewed, and a delivery case example button used to display delivery case examples. Additionally, the tour target display screen 33 shows a "End Tour" button 34. The example diagram shows an example where the "End Tour and proceed to the next" message is displayed on the "End Tour" button 34.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 and 7(b), once the "End Tour" button 34 is pressed (step S111), the process from step S108 onwards is repeatedly executed until the "End Guide" button 37 (see Figure 8(b)) is pressed. In this case, as shown in Figure 7(a), once the "End Tour" button 34 is pressed (step S111), if there are any unselected tour candidates related to the tour subject that was just toured, an additional selection screen 35 suggesting tour candidates may be displayed on the display operation unit 4. In the example shown, the additional selection screen 35 displays the messages "Suggestions" and "Many people renovate their flooring along with their kitchen. Would you like to add flooring to your tour?" along with buttons to press when adding a tour and buttons to press when not adding a tour. The additional selection screen 35 is not limited to this example, and the system may also be configured not to display such an additional selection screen 35. Furthermore, once the "End Tour" button 34 is pressed, a questionnaire regarding the tour subject that has been completed may be displayed.

[0024] Furthermore, if the "End Tour" button 34 is pressed in step S111 and the tour of all selected tour targets has not been completed, the display operation unit 4 displays a route display screen 31 showing the route to the next tour target (step S108). Figure 7(b) shows an example where the route display screen 31 shows tour targets that have been completed among multiple tour targets with check marks (✓), and the route from this current tour target to the nearest tour target is displayed with an arrow along with the message "Proceed this way". In step S111, when the "End Tour" button 34 is pressed and all selected tours have been completed, as shown in Figures 8(a) and (b), all tours will be displayed with check marks (✓) on the route display screen 31, and the "End Guide" screen 36 will be displayed.

[0025] The guide completion screen 36 displays the message, "This concludes your selected tour. Would you like to view other exhibits?" along with a guide completion button 37 and a tour continuation button 38. In the example shown, the guide completion button 37 displays the message "End tour," and the tour continuation button 38 displays the message "View other exhibits." If the tour continuation button 38 is pressed, the tour candidate selection screen 27 may be displayed and the process from step S104 onwards may be executed. The guide ends when the guide end button 37 is pressed (step S112). At this time, explanations regarding the end of the guide may be displayed, such as images or videos showing the return location of the visitor support device 1, or information on accepting requests for return visits or web consultations, or accepting questionnaires.

[0026] The screens displayed in the display operation unit 4 are not limited to the examples shown and can be modified in various ways. Furthermore, the example of processing operations according to the program executed in the visitor support device 1 described above is merely one example, and can be modified as appropriate. For example, the above example shows an arrival button that visitors are instructed to operate to obtain their current location before the route display processing is executed, but the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, beacons or sensors for determining the location information of the visitor support device 1 may be installed within the visitor facility to enable the acquisition of the current location. Moreover, the system may be configured not to acquire the current location or display the route to the visitor's destination. The example above shows how to receive input for multiple tour targets and then display the estimated time required for each selected tour target. However, the system may also be configured not to display such estimated time. The visitor support device 1 described above and the program executed therein may have various other configurations.

[0027] <Note> The following technologies are disclosed based on the above description of embodiments. <Technology 1> A visitor support device comprising a control unit that performs a filtering item display process, which reads filtering item selection screen configuration data from a storage unit and displays it on a display unit, which constitutes a screen for selecting filtering items for exhibits that include multiple categories in which exhibits have been classified in advance; a reception process that receives input of the filtering items for exhibits selected by the visitor; and a visitor candidate display process that reads visitor candidate configuration data from the storage unit and displays it on the display unit, which constitutes the visitor candidates that have been narrowed down based on the selection of the filtering items for exhibits. <Technology 2> The visitor support device according to Technology 1, wherein the control unit is configured to read from the storage unit and display on the display unit the visitor candidate selection screen configuration data that constitutes the screen for selecting a visitor candidate in the visitor candidate display processing, and performs a reception process to receive input of a visitor to be selected by the visitor from among a plurality of visitor candidates displayed on the visitor candidate selection screen. <Technology 3> The visitor support device according to Technology 2, wherein the control unit performs an accumulated time display process which calculates the estimated time required to visit the selected visitor object and displays it on the display unit. <Technology 4> The visitor support device according to Technology 2 or Technology 3, wherein the control unit performs a route display process to display on the display unit the route from the current location to the nearest selected visitor. <Technology 5> The visitor support device according to Technology 4, wherein the control unit reads from the storage unit and displays on the display unit the arrival button configuration data that constitutes an arrival button to be operated by the visitor in order to obtain the current location, before executing the route display processing. <Technology 6> The visitor support device according to any one of Techniques 2 to 5, wherein the control unit reads additional selection screen configuration data from the storage unit and displays on the display unit additional selection screen configuration data which constitutes an additional selection screen that proposes a tour candidate that is not selected from among a plurality of tour candidates and is related to a selected tour target. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0028] 1. Visitor support device 2 Control Unit 3 Storage section 11. Filter Item Selection Screen Configuration Data 12. Tour Candidate Selection Screen Configuration Data (Tour Candidate Configuration Data) 13. Arrival Button Configuration Data 14 Additional Selection Screen Configuration Data 4 Display operation section (display section) 23. Arrival at the starting point of the tour (Arrival button) 24. Filter Item Selection Screen (Screen for selecting filter items for exhibited items) 27. Screen for selecting tour options (screen for selecting tour options) 32 Arrival button for the tour target (Arrival button) 35 Additional Selection Screen

Claims

1. A visitor support device characterized by comprising a control unit that performs: a filtering item display process that reads filtering item selection screen configuration data from a storage unit and displays it on a display unit, which constitutes a screen for selecting filtering items for exhibits that include multiple categories in which exhibits have been classified in advance; a reception process that receives input of the filtering items for exhibits selected by the visitor; and a visitor candidate display process that reads visitor candidate configuration data from the storage unit and displays it on the display unit, which constitutes the visitor candidates that have been narrowed down based on the selection of the filtering items for exhibits.

2. In claim 1, The control unit is configured to read from the storage unit and display on the display unit the tour candidate selection screen configuration data that constitutes the screen for selecting tour candidates in the tour candidate display processing, and the visitor support device is characterized by performing an input processing for receiving input of a tour target to be selected by the visitor from among a plurality of tour candidates displayed on the tour candidate selection screen, and an accumulated time display processing for accumulating the estimated time required to visit the selected tour target and displaying it on the display unit.

3. In claim 1 or 2, The control unit is configured to read from the storage unit and display on the display unit the tour candidate selection screen configuration data that constitutes the screen for selecting tour candidates in the tour candidate display processing, and the visitor support device is characterized by performing a reception process to receive input of a tour target to be selected by the visitor from among a plurality of tour candidates displayed on the tour candidate selection screen, and a route display process to display on the display unit the route from the current location to the tour target closest to the selected tour target.

4. In claim 3, The visitor support device is characterized in that, before executing the route display process, the control unit reads from the storage unit and displays on the display unit the arrival button configuration data that constitutes an arrival button to be operated by the visitor in order to obtain the current location.

5. In claim 1 or 2, The visitor support device is configured such that the control unit reads from the storage unit and displays on the display unit the visitor candidate selection screen configuration data that constitutes a screen for selecting visitor candidates in the visitor candidate display processing, and performs an acceptance processing to receive input of a visitor to be selected by the visitor from among a plurality of visitor candidates displayed on the visitor candidate selection screen, and an additional selection screen display processing to read from the storage unit and display on the display unit the additional selection screen configuration data that constitutes an additional selection screen that proposes unselected visitor candidates related to the selected visitor from among the plurality of visitor candidates.

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