Incentive granting system, incentive granting method, and program

Abstract

To provide an incentive application system capable of reducing the stress of a user by causing the user to take an action that reduces the stress.SOLUTION: An incentive application system 1 comprises: an acquisition unit 1a which acquires a stress level indicating the level of stress of a user; and an application processing unit 1b which executes processing for applying an incentive to the user in a case where the stress level of the user is lower than a predetermined reference.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an incentive granting system, an incentive granting method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a technology that calculates an evaluation score indicating a user's psychological state based on acceleration data measured by a terminal device used by the user, calculates a change in the user's psychological state by comparing the evaluation score for a predetermined period with an evaluation score outside the predetermined period, calculates a score corresponding to an action that contributes to improving the user's psychological state based on the change in the user's psychological state, and outputs the calculated score. Patent Document 1 also describes a technology that outputs the score given to the user, one or more types of goods or services, and a conversion rate between them. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-076916 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, an incentive cannot be obtained unless the user takes an action that contributes to improving the user's psychological state, so there is a risk that the user himself / herself will not take the initiative to take action to reduce stress.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and provides an incentive granting system, an incentive granting method, and a program that can encourage a user to take actions to reduce stress, thereby alleviating the user's stress. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The incentive granting system according to the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires a stress level indicating the degree of stress of a user, and an incentive granting processing unit that executes processing to grant an incentive to the user when the stress level of the user is lower than a predetermined standard. As a result, the incentive granting system performs processing to give preferential treatment to users whose stress levels are lower than the predetermined standard, so that the users themselves can take the initiative in taking actions to reduce their stress, and as a result, the user's stress can be reduced.

[0007] The predetermined criteria may be criteria according to the attributes of the user. In this way, the incentive granting system uses the criteria for granting incentives according to the attributes of the user, so that the user can be made to take actions to reduce stress in accordance with the attributes of the user.

[0008] The granting processing unit may, as the process, instruct the traffic facilities or a management system that manages the traffic facilities to control transportation facilities installed near the current location of the user to be granted, at least one of locations on the route the user moves, and locations along the route so that the user to be granted can move with priority. In this way, the incentive granting system controls the transportation facilities so that the user can move with priority as an incentive, making it easier for the user to move, and therefore makes it easier for the user to take actions that reduce stress.

[0009] Here, the transportation facility may change at least one of the timing of the change and the duration of the changed state for at least one of the change in display and the change in shape of the transportation facility based on the instruction. In this way, the incentive granting system controls at least one of the display and the shape of the transportation facility to give the user priority as an incentive to move, making it easier for the user to move, and therefore making it easier for the user to take actions to reduce stress.

[0010] The acquisition unit may acquire a stress level of a user who uses a mobile object as the user, and the granting processing unit may, as the process, instruct the traffic facility or a management system that manages the traffic facility to control transportation facilities installed near the current location of the mobile object used by the user to be granted, on the route along which the mobile object moves, and at least one of the locations along the route so that the mobile object can move with priority. In this way, the incentive granting system controls the transportation facilities so that the mobile object using the user can move with priority as an incentive, making it easier for the mobile object to move, and thus making it easier for the user to take actions that reduce stress.

[0011] Here, the transportation facility may change at least one of the timing of the change and the duration of the changed state for at least one of the change in display and the change in shape of the transportation facility based on the instruction. In this way, the incentive granting system controls at least one of the display and the shape of the transportation facility to allow a moving object using the user to move preferentially as an incentive, thereby making it easier for the moving object to move, and thus making it easier for the user to take actions to reduce stress.

[0012] The acquisition unit may acquire a stress level of a user who uses an autonomous moving body that travels autonomously as the user, and the granting processing unit may, as the process, instruct the autonomous moving body or a mobility management system that manages the movement of the autonomous moving body to control the autonomous moving body used by the user to be granted so that it can move with priority. In this way, the incentive granting system controls the autonomous moving body that uses the user as an incentive so that it can move with priority, making it easier for the autonomous moving body to move, and therefore makes it easier for the user to take action to reduce stress.

[0013] The granting processing unit may perform, as the process, a process of granting at least one of electronic money, virtual currency, and points that can be used in a product purchasing service to the grantee user. In this way, the incentive granting system can grant incentives that are easy for users to use, and can encourage users to take the initiative in taking actions to reduce stress.

[0014] The granting processing unit may instruct a product management system that manages the delivery of the product to ship the product to the user to whom the incentive is to be given, as the process. This allows the incentive granting system to grant incentives that are easy for users to use, and allows users to take the initiative in taking actions to reduce stress.

[0015] The incentive granting system may include an identification unit that identifies the user, and an inquiry unit that inquires of a terminal device used by the user identified by the identification unit as to whether or not to execute an incentive grant process based on the user's stress level, thereby enabling the incentive granting system to reflect the user's intention and grant an incentive according to the user's stress level.

[0016] The acquisition unit may acquire the stress level of the user measured by a measuring device worn by the user, whereby the incentive granting system can encourage the user to take an action to reduce stress according to the measured stress level.

[0017] The acquisition unit may acquire vital information measured by a measuring device worn by the user, and determine the stress level of the user based on the vital information. In this way, the incentive granting system can have the user take an action to reduce stress according to the stress level determined based on the measured vital information.

[0018] The incentive granting system may include an identification unit that identifies the user, and the acquisition unit may acquire vital information measured by a measuring device worn by the user, and determine the stress level of the user from the vital information using a learning model that is machine-learned on the user identified by the identification unit. In this way, the incentive granting system can have the user take an action to reduce stress according to the stress level accurately determined based on the measured vital information.

[0019] The acquisition unit may acquire imaging data of a facial image of the user and determine a stress level of the user based on the imaging data. In this way, the incentive granting system can make the user take an action to reduce stress according to the stress level determined based on the captured facial image.

[0020] The incentive granting system may include an identification unit that identifies the user, and the acquisition unit may acquire imaging data capturing a facial image of the user, and may determine the stress level of the user from the imaging data using a learning model that is machine-learned on the user identified by the identification unit. In this way, the incentive granting system can cause the user to take an action to reduce stress in accordance with the stress level accurately determined based on the captured facial image.

[0021] In the incentive granting method according to the present disclosure, a computer acquires a stress level indicating the degree of stress of a user, and grants an incentive to the user when the stress level of the user is lower than a predetermined standard. As a result, the incentive granting method performs processing that gives preferential treatment to users whose stress levels are lower than the predetermined standard, so that the user can take the initiative to take actions to reduce stress, thereby reducing the user's stress.

[0022] The program according to the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute a process of acquiring a stress level indicating the degree of stress of a user, and giving an incentive to the user when the stress level of the user is lower than a predetermined standard. As a result, the program performs a process of giving preferential treatment to users whose stress level is lower than a predetermined standard, so that the user can take the initiative in taking actions to reduce stress, thereby reducing the user's stress. Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an incentive granting system, an incentive granting method, and a program that can induce a user to take actions to reduce stress, thereby reducing the user's stress. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an incentive granting system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a flow chart for explaining an example of a process in the incentive granting system of FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a system including the incentive granting system of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic top view showing an example of the arrangement of transportation facilities in the system of FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic top view showing an example of the arrangement of transportation facilities in the system of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a schematic top view showing an enlarged portion of the example of the layout of the transportation facilities in FIG. 4, illustrating another scene. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a table used to control transportation facilities in the system of FIG. 3. [Figure 8] 4 is a schematic top view showing another example of the arrangement of transportation facilities in the system of FIG. 3. [Figure 9]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a learning system that generates a learning model used in the system of FIG. 3. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of teacher data used in the learning system of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration included in the apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The present invention will be described below through embodiments of the invention, but the invention according to the claims is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, not all of the configurations described in the embodiments are necessarily essential as means for solving the problems. The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0026] <Embodiment Mode> Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an incentive granting system according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the incentive granting system 1 according to the present embodiment may include an acquisition unit 1a and a grant processing unit 1b.

[0027] The acquisition unit 1a acquires a stress level indicating the degree of stress (stress level) of the user. The stress level may be any index indicating the degree of stress, and the acquisition unit 1a may acquire the stress level as one of a plurality of predetermined levels. The degree of stress may be, for example, a degree indicating whether the user is in an overstressed state or is calm. An overstressed state may indicate a state of impatience or irritation.

[0028] The acquisition unit 1a may include, for example, an input interface for inputting information indicating the stress level stored in a storage unit (not shown) or information that is the basis for calculating the stress level, and an input control unit that controls the input of information. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 1a may include an interface such as a communication interface that receives information indicating the stress level or information that is the basis for calculating the stress level from an external device such as a server device connected to the outside of the incentive granting system 1, and an input control unit that controls the input of information. In either configuration, when the acquisition unit 1a inputs information that is the basis for calculation, the acquisition unit 1a may include a calculation unit (not shown) that calculates the stress level from the information.

[0029] Alternatively, the acquisition unit 1a can be configured to include a sensor that measures the stress level, or a sensor that detects information that is the source of calculation of the stress level and a calculation unit (not shown) that calculates the stress level from the information. In these cases, the sensor can have a function of measuring one or more types of information that can express the user's stress level.

[0030] An example of a method for acquiring a stress level in the acquiring unit 1a will be described. The acquisition unit 1a may acquire the stress level of the user measured by a measuring device worn by the user, for example. This measuring device can measure the stress level by, for example, measuring vital information of the user wearing the device and estimating or determining the stress level of the user based on the measurement result. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 1a can acquire the vital information measured by a measuring device worn by the user and estimate or determine the stress level of the user based on the vital information.

[0031] Alternatively, the acquisition unit 1a may acquire imaging data of a facial image of the user, and may estimate or otherwise determine the stress level of the user based on the imaging data. When the stress level is determined using imaging data in this manner, the stress level measured as described above or the stress level determined based on the measured vital information may also be taken into account for the final determination. This allows the stress level to be determined accurately.

[0032] A supplementary note on the above imaging data: The imaging data can be still image data or a series of still image data or video image data captured at a predetermined interval, and can be acquired by an imaging device (hereinafter, camera). The acquisition unit 1a can extract face area data (face image data) from the imaging data acquired by the camera, detect or determine the user's facial expression from the face image data, and determine the user's stress level based on the detected or determined facial expression.

[0033] The acquisition unit 1a may be equipped with a camera or may be configured to acquire imaging data from a camera. The camera may be mounted on a terminal device such as a mobile terminal device used by a user, and in this case, the imaging data may be acquired from the terminal device.

[0034] Alternatively, the cameras can be installed at approximately equal intervals in the managed area among the areas where the user is expected to move, or at approximately equal intervals on roads such as sidewalks that can be expected as the user's movement route. However, the placement is not limited to equal intervals. For example, the intervals at which the sensors are installed can be narrowed at points where there are changes in the road, such as intersections and curves. Furthermore, the cameras can be installed at least at places where the user is likely to pass through, such as the entrance of the managed area, and can also be installed continuously from the entrance at, for example, a certain interval. Furthermore, if there is a bus (which may be an autonomous moving object) that travels around a certain route in the managed area, the sensor can be installed at a bus stop. Here, the managed area can be, for example, an area where traffic facilities described later are installed, and can also be an area specified by, for example, a city unit, a district unit, or a prefecture unit.

[0035] In addition, a sensor other than a camera, that is, a measuring device other than a camera, can be installed in the area to be managed instead of or together with the camera to measure the stress level of the user. In this case, the method of measuring the stress level does not matter. For example, a microphone can be installed in the area to be managed, and voice data indicating the user's voice can be obtained by the microphone, and the voice data can be analyzed, and the stress level of the user can be determined based on the analysis result or based on the analysis result and face image data. In addition, the sensor other than a camera can be installed in a terminal device such as a mobile terminal device used by the user.

[0036] As described above, the sensor that measures the stress level or the information on which the stress level is calculated can be a camera or other measuring device provided on a terminal device such as a mobile terminal device held by the user, a measuring device worn by the user, or a camera or measuring device installed at various locations in the environment in which the user moves.

[0037] Here, since the sensors installed in the environment where the user moves perform sensing at each installation location, the sensing area at each installation location can also be called a sensing zone. In addition, since the stress level of the user can also be used to manage the health condition, for example, this sensing zone can also be called a health care zone. This health care zone is a zone where the user can obtain data indicating the health condition by simply passing through the zone by walking or the like. The health care zone can include various sensors such as cameras required for obtaining information, supports such as poles or gates that support the various sensors, and a communication unit that transmits the measurement results by the sensors. As described as the installation location of the sensor, the health care zone can be installed at least in a place where the user is likely to pass through in the area to be managed, and can also be installed continuously from the place, for example, at a certain interval, or can be installed at a bus stop.

[0038] Also, as can be seen from the fact that a user moves on a road such as a sidewalk, unless the area in which the user moves is a one-way road, the user's movement is not limited to only one direction, but includes movement from two opposing directions. Therefore, as for the sensors provided in the environment in which the user moves, at least two sets can be arranged so as to be able to handle the coming and going of users from at least the above two directions, or sensors capable of detecting multiple directions (or all directions) including at least the above two directions can be adopted.

[0039] The granting processing unit 1b executes a process of granting an incentive to a user when the stress level of the user acquired by the acquisition unit 1a is lower than a predetermined standard. The predetermined standard can be, for example, a predetermined value of an index of the stress level, that is, a predetermined level. The granting processing unit 1b can also include a setting unit (not shown) that sets the above-mentioned predetermined standard. Examples of stress level determination and incentives will be described later.

[0040] The granting processing unit 1b may perform a process of granting at least one of electronic money, virtual currency, and points that can be used in a product purchasing service to the grantee user when the user's stress level is lower than a predetermined standard. In this example, the granting processing unit 1b can instruct the management system that manages each of the electronic money, virtual currency, and points to grant the electronic money, virtual currency, and points. Note that the type of electronic money, the type of virtual currency, the type of product purchasing service, the amount of electronic money, the amount of virtual currency, and the value of points to be granted are not important.

[0041] In addition, when the stress level of the user is lower than a predetermined standard, the award processing unit 1b may instruct a product management system that manages the delivery of products to deliver a product to the user to whom the award is to be delivered. The type of product is not important, but for example, health care goods, health foods, etc. can be used to further promote the health of the user.

[0042] Furthermore, when the stress level of the user is lower than a predetermined standard, the granting processing unit 1b may instruct the traffic facility or the management system that manages the traffic facility to control the traffic facility (traffic infrastructure) so that the user to be granted can move preferentially. Here, the traffic facility to be controlled is a traffic facility installed in at least one of the vicinity of the current location of the user to be granted, a position on the route along which the user moves, and a position along the route.

[0043] The vicinity of the user's current location may be, for example, the location of a sensor that acquires information indicating a stress level or information that is the basis for calculating the stress level, or the detection range of that sensor.

[0044] Alternatively, if the sensor has a function for detecting the distance and direction from the sensor to the user even roughly, the vicinity of the user's current location may be an area within a predetermined distance and direction based on the user's location detected by the sensor. For example, the traffic facility installed near the user's current location may be a traffic facility whose azimuth angle is within a predetermined range of angles based on the direction of the user's face and is installed within a predetermined distance from the user, or may be a traffic facility installed within a predetermined radius around the user.

[0045] In addition, the position on the route along which the user moves can be within a range of a predetermined distance in the user's traveling direction from the user's current position, which is represented by the position of the sensor or the actual detected position of the user, and the traveling direction can be along the road, for example, if the road is a sidewalk or other road. As will be described later, the route can also be a route indicated by a navigation system in a mobile terminal device (not shown) used by the user, and in this case, the traveling direction can be the traveling direction indicated by this route. In addition, the position along the route can be a position included in a range that has a width of a predetermined distance in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction (left and right direction of the user) at the position on the route.

[0046] Furthermore, the traffic facility to be controlled may change at least one of the timing of the change and the duration of the changed state for at least one of the display change and the shape change in the traffic facility based on the above instruction. That is, the assignment processing unit 1b may instruct the traffic facility or the management system to change at least one of the timing of the change and the duration of the changed state for at least one of the display change and the shape change in the traffic facility as the above instruction. When an instruction is given to the management system, the management system receives the instruction and controls the traffic facility to change at least one of the timing of the change and the duration of the changed state for at least one of the display change and the shape change in the traffic facility.

[0047] The change in display can be, for example, a change in at least one of the timing at which the traffic light turns green and the length of the green period, but is not limited to this. In this example, the application processing unit 1b issues an instruction to change the timing at which the traffic light turns green to match the timing at which a user with a low stress level passes by, or issues an instruction to change the length of the green period of the traffic light to be longer.

[0048] The change in shape can refer to, for example, changing the separation line between the sidewalk and the roadway so that it physically appears, but is not limited to this. In this example, the assignment processing unit 1b instructs the sidewalk to expand by making the separation line physically appear or changing the position at which the separation line appears, in accordance with the timing when a user with a low stress level passes through. In addition, an example of the change in shape can refer to making the braille of the lift-up braille block, which will be described later, retract. In this example, the assignment processing unit 1b instructs the braille of the lift-up braille block that has appeared on the sidewalk to retract in accordance with the timing when a user with a low stress level passes through. In addition, an example of the change in shape can refer to making a change to make a guardrail or a guard pole appear. In this example, the assignment processing unit 1b instructs the guardrail or a guard pole to appear in accordance with the timing when a user with a low stress level passes through.

[0049] In addition, when multiple users are the targets of incentives for traffic facilities, it is necessary to determine which user is given priority in incentives for the same traffic facilities or traffic facilities in the same specified area. For example, the priority of instructions in the incentive processing unit 1b for the same traffic facilities or traffic facilities in the same specified area can be set so that the priority of the user with the lowest stress level is high and the priority of users with higher stress levels is low. For example, the incentive processing unit 1b can control the traffic facilities, such as instructing to change the length of the green period of a traffic light according to the user with the lowest stress level.

[0050] The transportation facility to be controlled may be a transportation facility installed near the current location of the mobile object used by the user to whom the attribute is to be applied, on the route the mobile object travels, or at least one of the locations along the route. Here, the mobile object is not limited to a mobile object such as an automobile, motorcycle, or bicycle driven by a user, but may also be a mobile object equipped with an autonomous movement function, that is, an autonomous mobile object. However, in this case, the acquisition unit 1a acquires the stress level of the user who uses the mobile object as the user.

[0051] In this case, when the stress level of the user is lower than a predetermined standard, the granting processing unit 1b instructs the traffic facility or the management system that manages the traffic facility to control the traffic facility installed near the current location of the mobile object used by the user to be granted, on the route the mobile object moves, and at least one of the locations along the route so that the mobile object can move preferentially. For example, the granting processing unit 1b can instruct the traffic facility or the management system that manages the traffic facility to control a traffic light so that the light turns green preferentially for the mobile object based on the timing of the movement of the mobile object in which the user with a low stress level is riding.

[0052] The controlled object may be an autonomous mobile object that runs autonomously or a mobile management system that manages the movement of the autonomous mobile object. The autonomous mobile object may be, for example, an autonomous mobile bus that travels around a fixed route in a managed area. In this case, however, the user whose stress level is to be acquired by the acquisition unit 1a is the user who uses the autonomous mobile object.

[0053] In this case, when the stress level of the user is lower than a predetermined standard, the granting processing unit 1b instructs the autonomous moving body or the mobility management system to control the autonomous moving body used by the user to be granted the rank to move preferentially. For example, the granting processing unit 1b can instruct the autonomous moving body in which the user with a low stress level is riding or the mobility management system that manages the autonomous moving body to set a comfortable route with few curves, few intersections, or a short travel time. This comfortable route can also be a route with designated lanes.

[0054] In addition, when multiple users are the targets of incentive granting for the same autonomous moving body, it is necessary to determine which user is given the incentive with priority. For example, the priority of instructions in the granting processing unit 1b to the same autonomous moving body or the mobility management system that manages the autonomous moving body can be set so that the priority of the user with the lowest stress level is high, and the priority of the user is lowered as the stress level increases. For example, the granting processing unit 1b can instruct the autonomous moving body or the mobility management system that manages the autonomous moving body to set a comfortable route for the user with the lowest stress level. In addition, for example, for multiple users using the same autonomous moving body, it is also possible to set up so that only the incentive is granted for the user with the highest priority. As a result, at least on the route traveled by the user with the highest priority, users with low priority can also travel comfortably, and a comfortable route for users with low priority can be set for a route that does not overlap with the route of the user with the highest priority.

[0055] In addition, multiple types of autonomous moving bodies can be controlled by the same mobility management system. In that case, the instructions can be different for each type of autonomous moving body even for users with the same stress level. This is because the controllable target parts, the range of control values, the roads and lanes on which the autonomous moving body can be driven, the size of the autonomous moving body, the number of people that can ride on the autonomous moving body, etc. may differ depending on the type of autonomous moving body.

[0056] The input control unit or the input control unit and the calculation unit, and the granting processing unit 1b described above can be provided as a control unit that controls the entire incentive granting system 1. This control unit can be realized, for example, by an integrated circuit, and can be realized, for example, by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a working memory, and a non-volatile storage device. A control program executed by the processor is stored in this storage device, and the processor reads the program into the working memory and executes it, thereby achieving the input control function in the input control unit or the input control function and the calculation function in the calculation unit, and the granting processing function in the granting processing unit 1b. The above-mentioned storage unit can utilize a part of the storage area of ​​this storage device.

[0057] Next, an example of an incentive granting method executed in the incentive granting system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flow diagram for explaining an example of a process in the incentive granting system 1.

[0058] In this incentive granting method, first, the acquisition unit 1a acquires the stress level of the user (step S1), and the granting processing unit 1b judges whether the stress level is lower than a predetermined standard (step S2). If the answer is YES in step S2, that is, if the stress level is lower than the predetermined standard, the granting processing unit 1b grants an incentive to the user (step S3) and ends the process. On the other hand, if the answer is NO in step S2, that is, if the stress level is equal to or higher than the predetermined standard, the granting processing unit 1b ends the process without granting an incentive to the user.

[0059] This incentive granting method can be executed mainly by a computer. The above-mentioned control program can include a program for causing a computer to execute the processes shown in this incentive granting method.

[0060] As described above, the incentive granting system 1 performs processing to give preferential treatment to users whose stress level is lower than a predetermined standard. Thus, the incentive granting system 1 motivates the user to take actions to reduce stress, and allows the user to take the initiative in taking actions to reduce stress. As a result, the incentive granting system 1 can reduce the user's stress, and can preventatively promote the user's health. Note that the incentive granting system 1 does not require a device for providing the user with a sensory stimulus, for example, in order to reduce the user's stress. Furthermore, the incentive granting system 1 prevents a highly stressed user from experiencing a high level of stress when using the system, and can therefore prevent the highly stressed user from further increasing his or her stress level.

[0061] Furthermore, the incentive granting system 1 can make the user take actions to reduce stress depending on the characteristics of the adopted stress level acquisition method and the characteristics of the adopted incentive.

[0062] For example, the incentive granting system 1 can obtain a stress level measured by a measuring device worn by the user, and can cause the user to take an action to reduce stress according to the measured stress level. Also, the incentive granting system 1 can obtain vital information by a measuring device worn by the user, and can cause the user to take an action to reduce stress according to a stress level determined based on the measured vital information. Also, the incentive granting system 1 can obtain captured data of a face image, and can cause the user to take an action to reduce stress according to a stress level determined based on the captured face image.

[0063] Furthermore, the incentive granting system 1 grants at least one of electronic money, virtual currency, and points, or a product, as an incentive, making it possible to grant an incentive that is easy for users to use, and thus encouraging users to take the initiative in taking actions to reduce stress. Furthermore, even if such an incentive is granted to a user with low stress, it does not affect a user with high stress, and therefore it is possible to prevent a user with high stress from further increasing his or her stress level.

[0064] Furthermore, the incentive granting system 1 makes it easier for the user to move by issuing, as an incentive, instructions to the transportation facility or the management system to control the user so that the user has priority in moving, which makes it easier for the user to move, and thus makes it easier for the user to take actions that reduce stress. Furthermore, the incentive granting system 1 makes it easier for the user to move by issuing, as an incentive, instructions to the transportation facility or the management system to control at least one of the display and shape of the transportation facility so that the user has priority in moving, which makes it easier for the user to move, and thus makes it easier for the user to take actions that reduce stress.

[0065] Moreover, the incentive granting system 1 issues an instruction to control transportation facilities so that a moving body using a user can move with priority as an incentive, thereby making it easier for the moving body to move, and thus making it easier for the user to take actions to reduce stress. Moreover, the incentive granting system 1 issues an instruction to control at least one of the display and shape of transportation facilities so that a moving body using a user can move with priority as an incentive, thereby making it easier for the moving body to move, and thus making it easier for the user to take actions to reduce stress. Moreover, the incentive granting system 1 issues an instruction to an autonomous moving body or a movement management system to control so that an autonomous moving body using a user can move with priority as an incentive, thereby making it easier for the autonomous moving body to move, and thus making it easier for the user to take actions to reduce stress.

[0066] Next, a detailed description will be given of an example of the configuration of the incentive granting system 1. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system including the incentive granting system 1.

[0067] 3 may include an incentive granting device 10 as an example of the incentive granting system 1, a plurality of transportation facilities 20a, 20b,..., and a target management system 21. The system 2 may also be configured to include only the transportation facilities 20a, 20b,..., or the target management system 21. Note that the following description will be given on the assumption that the transportation facilities 20a, 20b,..., which are the control targets, are not included in the components of the example of the incentive granting system 1, but the transportation facilities 20a, 20b,..., may also be included in the components of the example of the incentive granting system 1. Note that the following description will be given on the assumption that the target management system 21 is not included in the components of the example of the incentive granting system 1, but the target management system 21 may also be included in the components of the example of the incentive granting system 1.

[0068] The incentive granting device 10 is a device that controls multiple transportation facilities 20a, 20b, ... and the target management system 21, and can be configured to include, for example, a computer. Note that the incentive granting device 10 can be said to include a transportation facility control device for controlling the multiple transportation facilities 20a, 20b, ..., and an object management system control device for controlling the target management system 21. The incentive granting device 10 can be configured as a single unit, or can be configured as a distributed system in which its functions are distributed.

[0069] The multiple traffic facilities 20a, 20b, etc. can be various types of traffic facilities such as traffic lights, elevating braille blocks, etc. Of course, the traffic facility to be controlled may be one, and the number of target management systems to be controlled is not important.

[0070] The object management system 21 can be a system for managing various objects that serve as incentives, such as an electronic money management system for managing electronic money, a points management system for managing points, a product management system for managing the delivery of products, etc. Of course, for convenience, the description will be given as one object management system 21, but a separate system can be constructed for each object that serves as an incentive.

[0071] Furthermore, the system 2 may include a group of sensors for obtaining information used for control in the incentive granting device 10, as components of an example of the incentive granting system 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the group of sensors may include, for example, a plurality of cameras 30a, 30b, ... and may also include wearable devices 40a, 40b, ... worn by each user. Of course, the cameras 30a, etc. and the wearable devices 40a, etc. may not be included in the components of the example of the incentive granting system 1.

[0072] In the following, when the transportation facilities 20a, 20b,... are not distinguished from one another, they will be referred to as transportation facility 20. Similarly, when the cameras 30a, 30b,... and the wearable devices 40a, 40b,... are not distinguished from one another, they will be referred to as camera 30 and wearable device 40, respectively.

[0073] The incentive granting device 10 may include a control unit 11 that controls the entire incentive granting device 10, a memory unit 12 that is composed of a memory device, and a communication unit 13 that is composed of a communication interface or the like that communicates with external devices.

[0074] The control unit 11 is to have a function other than the interface for communication or input / output in the acquisition unit 1a, as well as a function other than the interface for communication or input / output in the granting processing unit 1b. The control unit 11 can be realized, for example, by a processor, a working memory, and a non-volatile storage device. The control program executed by the processor is stored in this storage device, and the processor reads the program into the working memory and executes it, thereby achieving the function of the control unit 11. The control program can include a program for achieving the acquisition function in the acquisition unit 1a and a program for achieving the incentive granting function in the granting processing unit 1b. In that case, the processor reads the program into the working memory and executes it, thereby achieving these functions. Note that functions not included in the control program can be achieved by a hardware configuration.

[0075] The storage unit 12 can store a facility information DB 12a, which is a DB storing information on the traffic facilities 20, management system information 12b, which is information on the target management system 21, a learning model 12c, and a person information DB 12d, which is a DB storing person information. The information on the traffic facilities 20, the management system information 12b, the person information, and the coefficients of the learning model 12c stored in the storage unit 12 can be updated to the latest information as appropriate. In addition, although not shown, the storage unit 12 also stores position information indicating the installation positions of sensors such as the installed camera 30. Details of the facility information DB 12a, the management system information 12b, the learning model 12c, and the person information DB 12d will be described later.

[0076] In order to obtain information necessary for the control of the traffic facility 20 and the target management system 21 in the control unit 11, the communication unit 13 communicates with the camera 30 via a wired network and with the wearable device 40 via a wireless network, and passes the obtained information to the control unit 11. The communication unit 13 also communicates with the traffic facility 20 via a wired network in order to obtain the current state of the traffic facility 20 (for example, the current control state, such as the current display color of a traffic light) as necessary, and to transmit a control signal for controlling the traffic facility 20 that is the target of control. The communication unit 13 also communicates with the target management system 21 via a wired network in order to obtain the current grant target value (balance state of electronic money, virtual currency, points, etc.) for the user in the target management system 21 as necessary, and to transmit a control signal for causing the target management system 21 to execute the grant value and the grant process. However, regardless of the method of communication with other devices in the communication unit 13, as long as wireless communication is performed with at least the wearable device 40, the communication unit 13 may be configured to perform wireless communication with one or more of the traffic facility 20, the camera 30, and the target management system 21.

[0077] The camera 30 is a camera used as a sensor for acquiring imaging data to be acquired by the acquiring unit 1a for determining the stress level, and captures an image of the user including the face, acquires the imaging data, and transmits it to the incentive granting device 10. The camera 30 may have a built-in communication interface or may be connected thereto for the transmission. The imaging data is received by the communication unit 13 of the incentive granting device 10, passed to the control unit 11, and used for determining the stress level. The imaging data may also be used to identify the user. As in this example, the incentive granting device 10 may include an acquiring unit that acquires imaging data of an image of the user's face. In FIG. 3, the communication unit 13 and the control unit 11 that controls the acquisition are examples of this acquiring unit.

[0078] The wearable device 40 is an example of a measuring device (measuring apparatus) that measures vital information of a user in order to determine the stress level of the user by the incentive granting device 10. The wearable device 40 may be, but is not limited to, a smart watch, a smart ring, an IC chip embedded in the body, or the like.

[0079] Furthermore, the vital information measured by the wearable device 40 may be, for example, information indicating one or more of pulse or heart rate, respiration (rate), blood pressure, body temperature, etc. Note that the measured vital information is not limited to this and may include information indicating an electrocardiogram. Furthermore, the value of the vital information is information whose value changes even for the same user, for example, while holding the urge to go to the bathroom, while running, while walking normally, etc.

[0080] The wearable device 40 directly or indirectly transmits the acquired vital information to the incentive granting device 10. The wearable device 40 may have a built-in communication interface or may be connected to the communication interface for the transmission. Note that the wearable device 40 may also be configured to measure a stress level and transmit the same to the incentive granting device 10.

[0081] In a simple example, the wearable device 40 can be configured to spontaneously transmit vital information to the incentive granting device 10, for example, at a predetermined interval. This transmission may be direct or indirect. In this case, the incentive granting device 10 may have a function of collecting and managing vital information as a server device (not shown) or the like. In this case, it is preferable that the wearable device 40 or a mobile terminal device (not shown) connectable thereto is permitted to transmit vital information to the incentive granting device 10 in advance. In such an example of spontaneous transmission, it is not necessary for the incentive granting device 10 to send a vital information transmission request with the wearable device 40 specified. The vital information transmitted directly or indirectly from the wearable device 40 can include information indicating the user, and an identification unit (described later) can identify the user based on this information.

[0082] Regardless of whether the transmission is direct or indirect, and regardless of whether a request to transmit vital information is required, the vital information is received by the communication unit 13 of the incentive granting device 10 and passed to the control unit 11. As in this example, the incentive granting device 10 can include an acquisition unit that acquires vital information of the user measured by a measuring device worn by the user. In FIG. 3, the communication unit 13 and the control unit 11 that controls the acquisition are examples of this acquisition unit.

[0083] An example will be given in which the wearable device 40 indirectly transmits vital information. The wearable device 40 transmits the vital information to the above-mentioned mobile terminal device used by the user wearing the wearable device 40 via short-range wireless communication or the like, and the mobile terminal device transmits the vital information to the incentive granting device 10. This mobile terminal device can be, for example, a mobile phone such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a mobile PC (Personal Computer). Note that the above and later-described short-range wireless communication method is not limited, and various methods such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark), and ZigBee (registered trademark) can be adopted.

[0084] Furthermore, a communication interface capable of short-range wireless communication with the wearable device 40 or a mobile terminal device may be built into or connected to the camera 30, and the vital information may be transmitted via the communication interface.

[0085] The wearable device 40 or the mobile terminal device can be configured to automatically transmit vital information when it enters an area where wireless communication with this communication interface is possible. In such a configuration, it is not necessary for the incentive granting device 10 to send a vital information transmission request specifying the wearable device 40 or the mobile terminal device. In this case, too, it is preferable to allow the wearable device 40 or the mobile terminal device to transmit vital information to the incentive granting device 10 in advance.

[0086] Alternatively, the wearable device 40 can be configured to return vital information when a vital information transmission request is received from the incentive granting device 10 via this communication interface. In this case, however, the incentive granting device 10 includes an identification unit that identifies a user, and issues a vital information transmission request by designating the wearable device 40 or the mobile terminal device associated with the user (individual) identified by the identification unit. In this manner, the incentive granting device 10 transmits a vital information transmission request to the wearable device 40 or the mobile terminal device used by the user identified by the identification unit, and can obtain vital information in response to the request. The identification unit can, for example, identify the user from the imaging data as described above, and a detailed example of this will be described later together with the description of the person information DB 12d.

[0087] Alternatively, the wearable device 40 can periodically transmit vital information to a server device (not shown) external to the system 2, and the server device can always manage the latest vital information. In this case, the server device can be configured to return the vital information when receiving a vital information transmission request from the incentive granting device 10. However, even in this case, the incentive granting device 10 needs to include the above-mentioned identification unit and issue a vital information transmission request to the server device by specifying the user (individual) identified by the above-mentioned identification unit.

[0088] Next, the information stored in the storage unit 12 will be described in detail. The facility information DB 12a can be a DB that stores, for each traffic facility 20, facility identification information such as an ID for identifying the traffic facility 20 and an equipment number, facility type information indicating the type of the traffic facility 20, and location information indicating the installation location of the traffic facility 20 in association with each other. The traffic facility 20 to be controlled can be one or more of various types of traffic facilities 20 described below with reference to Figs. 4 to 6, regardless of their type or number. The facility type information can be included in the facility identification information or can be implicitly included therein.

[0089] The location information may be any information that identifies a location, such as information indicating latitude and longitude, or information indicating coordinates on map data. The location information may be referenced for use in comparison with the user's location, or in comparison with the sensor's location when the location of a sensor such as a camera 30 is used as the user's location. Furthermore, the location information may include information indicating a direction that is visible to the user when the traffic facility 20 is a facility equipped with a function for displaying information that is visible to the user. Furthermore, the location information may include information indicating a direction that is suitable for the user to listen when the traffic facility 20 is a facility equipped with a function for outputting audio.

[0090] The management system information 12b may include a connection destination such as an IP (Internet Protocol) address of the target management system 21 and an incentive value when an incentive is awarded. The management system information 12b may be changeable by an administrator or the like. In other words, the control unit 11 may include a setting unit (not shown) that sets the management system information 12b to be changed.

[0091] The learning model 12c is a learning model that inputs at least one of the vital information of the user obtained from the wearable device 40 and the imaging data of the user including the face captured by the camera 30, and outputs the result of judging the stress level of the user, and the algorithm thereof is not limited. Also, the input parameters are not limited to these.

[0092] The learning model 12c can be obtained, for example, as follows. That is, a data set including at least one of vital information and imaging data of a user including a face captured by the camera 30, and correct answer data obtained by having the user answer the degree of stress at that time, is input to an unlearned learning model, and machine learning is performed to obtain the learning model 12c. Note that, as the correct answer data, information obtained from a response from a third party such as a doctor can be used instead of or in addition to the user's response. The learning model 12c can be a model that can accurately determine the user's stress level from at least one of vital information and imaging data by having the learning model learn data sets about many users without overlearning. Note that a system that performs such learning will be described later.

[0093] Using such learning model 12c, the control unit 11 can be configured to determine the stress level of the user based on at least one of the vital information of the user measured by the wearable device 40 and imaging data of the user including the face captured by the camera 30 (i.e., imaging data including facial image data). However, without using the learning model 12c, the control unit 11 can also be configured to determine the stress level of the user based on at least one of the vital information of the user measured by the wearable device 40 and imaging data of the user including the face captured by the camera 30. Note that, when the determination is made based on the imaging data, the control unit 11 can, for example, extract data of the face area (facial image data) from the imaging data, detect or determine the facial expression of the user from the facial image data, and determine the stress level of the user based on the detected or determined facial expression.

[0094] In this way, the incentive granting device 10 can be said to be able to accurately determine the stress level of the user by configuring it to determine the stress level of the user based on the measured vital information. Also, the incentive granting device 10 can be said to be able to accurately determine the stress level of the user by configuring it to determine the stress level of the user based on face image data, since the stress level of the user is likely to be reflected in the face image. Also, the stress level of the user can be determined by only one of the image data showing the user's facial expression or the vital information measured by the wearable device 40, but the stress level can be determined (estimated) more accurately by combining both.

[0095] The learning model 12c can also be constructed as a single learning model that inputs at least one of the vital information of the user and the image data of the user, and outputs the traffic facility 20 and the target management system 21 to be controlled, which will be described later, and the control contents. In these cases, the algorithm of the learning model is not important.

[0096] The personal information DB12d will be described. The incentive granting device 10 can include an identification unit as described above, and the personal information DB12d can be included as a part of the identification unit. The incentive granting device 10 can include, as the identification unit, the personal information DB12d and a function of identifying a user while referring to the personal information DB12d, and this function can be provided in the control unit 11. The identification unit can identify a user by at least one of face recognition processing and gait recognition processing, for example. Note that the personal information DB12d is a DB that is referred to in order to identify a user, and does not need to be stored in a configuration in which identification of a user is not necessary, that is, a configuration in which the identification unit is not included.

[0097] The personal information DB12d can be, for example, a DB that stores at least one of face image data and gait data, and personal identification information such as name or ID, for each user to be managed. The face image data can be employed in a configuration in which the identification unit identifies a user by face recognition processing, and the gait data can be employed in a configuration in which the identification unit identifies a user by gait recognition processing. Of course, the identification unit executes both face recognition processing and gait recognition processing, and can determine that the user has been identified when authentication is successful in both, for example.

[0098] In addition, the personal identification information may include information such as an ID that identifies the wearable device 40, or information such as an ID that identifies a mobile terminal device that can be connected to the wearable device 40, instead of or in addition to the name or ID.

[0099] The identification unit can identify the user by, for example, comparing the imaging data obtained by the camera 30 with at least one of the face image data and the gait data stored in the person information DB 12d, and output the corresponding individual identification information. When face recognition processing is used to identify the user, it is preferable that the camera 30 is installed so as to match conditions such as position, imaging direction, imaging magnification, etc., so that the user's face can be imaged, and imaging is performed. When gait recognition processing is used to identify the user, it is not necessary for the camera 30 to be installed so as to match such conditions, and it is sufficient that the camera 30 is installed so as to match conditions such as position, imaging direction, imaging magnification, etc., so that the user's walking figure can be imaged (i.e., the entire user can be imaged). However, the identification unit can also use imaging data acquired by a camera equipped in a terminal device such as a mobile terminal device used by the user as imaging data.

[0100] The identification unit may, for example, detect the presence of a person from the imaging data obtained by the camera 30, and perform the above-mentioned comparison process when the presence of a person is detected. In other words, the identification unit may perform the above-mentioned comparison process when a person enters the imaging range of the camera 30.

[0101] The identification unit can also be configured to identify a user using a learning model. That is, instead of the personal information DB 12d, a learning model that inputs at least one of face image data and imaging data capturing an entire image of the user and outputs information indicating the user, the wearable device 40, or the mobile terminal device can be stored in the storage unit 12. During operation, the control unit 11 inputs imaging data captured by the camera 30 to this learning model to obtain information indicating the user, the wearable device 40, or the mobile terminal device. Note that in the learning stage, machine learning can be performed on the mobile terminal device used by each individual, and the resulting learning model or learned coefficients, etc. can also be transmitted to the incentive granting device 10, allowing the incentive granting device 10 to identify the user using the individual learning model.

[0102] Next, a modified example of the learning model 12c will be described. The learning model 12c can be stored as a machine-learned model for each user. The control unit 11 may use the machine-learned learning model for the user identified by the identification unit to determine the stress level of the user from at least one of the vital information measured by the wearable device 40 for the user and the image data of the user.

[0103] With this configuration, the incentive granting device 10 uses a learning model dedicated to the user, and can therefore more accurately determine the stress level of the user. As a result, the incentive granting device 10 can make the user take action to reduce stress according to the stress level that is accurately determined (using a user-specific determination criterion) based on at least one of the measured vital information and the captured face image, by the function of the granting processing unit 1b.

[0104] Moreover, the learning model 12c may not be a model dedicated to each user, but may be constructed as a model dedicated to each attribute information. Here, the attribute information may include, for example, at least one of generation or age, sex, and race. The control unit 11 may use a learning model machine-learned on the attribute information to determine the stress level of a user corresponding to the attribute information from at least one of vital information measured by the wearable device 40 and image data capturing an image of the user. In this way, the incentive granting device 10 may be configured to determine the stress level of a user using a learning model machine-learned on the attribute information of the user. It is assumed that the vital information depends largely on the attribute information, and that the facial expression included in the image data also depends largely on the attribute information, so that the incentive granting device 10 configured in this way can accurately determine the stress level of the user.

[0105] Next, the function of the assignment processing unit 1b in the control unit 11 will be described. The control unit 11 determines whether the user's stress level is lower than a predetermined standard based on the user's stress level obtained by any of the above-mentioned various examples, and executes a process of granting an incentive to the user if the stress level is lower. In this way, the incentive granting device 10 can make the user take an action to reduce stress.

[0106] The above-mentioned attribute information can also be used to set the predetermined standard. That is, the predetermined standard may be a standard according to the attributes of the user. In this way, the incentive granting device 10 sets the standard for granting an incentive according to the attributes of the user, so that the user can be made to take actions to reduce stress according to the attributes of the user. For example, when the user is an elderly person, the predetermined standard may be set higher than when the user is a young person, making it easier to grant an incentive, or conversely, the predetermined standard may be set lower to make it harder to grant an incentive. The former approach means that elderly people are given preferential treatment compared to young people, and the latter approach means that young people are given preferential treatment compared to elderly people, for example, by regarding young people as having lower stress resistance than elderly people.

[0107] For example, when the stress level of a user is lower than a predetermined standard, the control unit 11 performs a process of granting at least one of electronic money, virtual currency, and points that can be used in a product purchasing service to the grant target user. In this example, the control unit 11 can instruct the target management system 21 to grant at least one of electronic money, virtual currency, and points according to the management system information 12b. This allows the target management system 21 to grant at least one of electronic money, virtual currency, and points, and the user can receive the grant.

[0108] Alternatively, when the stress level of the user is lower than a predetermined standard, the control unit 11 can instruct the product management system, which is an example of the target management system 21, to ship a product to the user who is the grant target, in accordance with the management system information 12b. This allows the target management system 21 to arrange for the product to be shipped to the user, and the user can receive the product.

[0109] Alternatively, the control unit 11 can perform control to provide an incentive related to the transportation facility 20. For example, when the stress level of the user is lower than a predetermined standard, the control unit 11 controls the transportation facility 20 installed in at least one of the vicinity of the current location of the user, a location on the route along which the user moves, and a location along the route. The current location, the route, etc. are defined as described above.

[0110] Before describing an example of incentive granting control for such transportation facilities 20 in the system 2 of FIG. 3, an example of the layout of the transportation facilities 20 to which the control can be applied will be described with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 6. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are schematic top views showing an example of the layout of the transportation facilities 20 in the system 2 of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which some of the transportation facilities have transitioned to a different state from that in FIG. 4 due to control. FIG. 6 is a schematic top view enlarging a part of the example of the layout of the transportation facilities in FIG. 4, showing a different scene. Note that FIG. 6 also illustrates transportation facilities that were omitted in FIG. 4.

[0111] 4 to 6, for the sake of convenience, only a part of the area in which the transportation facilities 20 to be controlled by the incentive granting device 10 are located is illustrated as an example. However, the area in which the transportation facilities 20 to be controlled are located is not limited to this example, and may include an area outside the illustrated area. Furthermore, the area in which the transportation facilities 20 to be controlled are located may be an area specified, for example, by city, district, or prefecture, as described above.

[0112] The area in which some or all of the traffic facilities 20 controlled by the incentive granting device 10 exist may be, for example, an area including one main road and two minor roads as shown in Figures 4 to 6. In Figures 4 to 6, the main road is a road equipped with lanes (carriageways) 51 to 53 and sidewalks 54, 55, the first minor road is a road equipped with carriageways 56, 57 and sidewalks 58, 59 that crosses the main road, and the second minor road is a road equipped with carriageways 60, 61 and sidewalks 62, 63 that forms a T-junction with the main road at the end of the main road.

[0113] In addition, in this area shown in Figures 4 to 6, two crosswalks 50 are provided that cross the first minor road's roadways 56, 57, and pedestrian bridges 64, 65 are provided along the first minor road to allow pedestrians to cross over the main road's roadways 51-53.

[0114] All of the transportation facilities 20 to be controlled shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 are connected to the incentive granting device 10 via a network, and are controlled in accordance with control signals transmitted from the control unit 11.

[0115] As shown in Figs. 4 to 6, the traffic facilities 20 to be controlled include traffic lights 20a, 20b, 20d, 20e, 20f, and 20g, a pedestrian crossing signal 20c, a liftable median strip 20j and 20k, a digital signage 20p, elevators 20q, 20r, 20s, and 20t, a liftable braille block 20v, a display variable sign 20w, and a liftable guardrail 20x. For convenience, traffic lights for the roadway 53 are not shown, but are assumed to be placed in appropriate locations. Of course, the number and arrangement of each traffic facility 20 shown in the examples are not limited to these. In addition, the traffic facilities 20 to be controlled may be only a part of the traffic facilities shown in the examples, or may include other types of traffic facilities not shown in the examples.

[0116] The liftable separation strips 20j, 20k are provided with a physical separation strip and a mechanism for lifting and lowering it, and the liftable separation strip can be switched between being formed and not being formed by lifting and lowering the separation strip. Note that instead of the liftable separation strips 20j, 20k, a configuration can be adopted in which the formation and non-formation of the separation strip can be switched by changing the display color.

[0117] The elevation median strips 20j, 20k can be controlled to opposite elevation states to make the main road a two-way road, and can be lowered to make it a one-way road. For the sake of simplicity, an example will be given below in which the main road is only controlled to be a two-way road.

[0118] As shown in Fig. 4, the liftable separator 20j can be lowered to a height substantially equal to the surface of the roadways 51 and 52, thereby eliminating the partition between the roadways 51 and 52 and making them roadways in the same direction. In this case, the upper surface of the liftable separator 20j may be colored so that it can be visually recognized as a white line, a broken white line, a yellow line, or the like on the road. In addition, the liftable separator 20k in this state can be raised higher than the surface of the roadways 52 and 53 to a height that can separate the roadways 52 and 53, which are the oncoming lanes, from each other, thereby forming a physical partition between the roadways 52 and 53 and making them roadways in opposite directions.

[0119] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 5, the liftable separator 20j is raised above the surfaces of the roadways 51 and 52 to a height that allows the oncoming lanes 51 and 52 to be separated from each other, thereby forming a physical partition between the roadways 51 and 52 and making them roadways in opposite directions. In this state, the liftable separator 20k is lowered to a height that is almost the same as the surfaces of the roadways 52 and 53, thereby eliminating the partition between the roadways 52 and 53 and making them roadways in the same direction. In this case, the upper surface of the liftable separator 20k may be colored so that it can be visually recognized as a white line, a dashed white line, a yellow line, or the like on the road.

[0120] As another example of use, the rise-up separator 20j can be raised higher than the surfaces of the roadways 51, 52 to change the roadway 51 into a sidewalk, in which case the rise-up separator 20k can also be raised higher than the surfaces of the roadways 52, 53 to form a physical separation between the roadways 52, 53 and turn them into roadways in opposite directions.

[0121] There are scenes where the traffic lights 20a and 20b are controlled to be synchronized and have the same light color, and scenes where they are controlled to be displayed separately. In the former scene, as shown in FIG. 4, the rising / lowering separator 20j is lowered to a height substantially equal to the surface of the roadways 51 and 52, and the rising / lowering separator 20k is raised to a height higher than the surface of the roadways 52 and 53. In the latter scene, as shown in FIG. 5, the rising / lowering separator 20j is raised to a height substantially equal to the surface of the roadways 51 and 52, and the rising / lowering separator 20k is lowered to a height substantially equal to the surface of the roadways 52 and 53. The traffic light 20d is controlled to have a light color opposite to that of the traffic light 20a for red and green. In addition, there are also scenes where either the traffic light 20a or 20d is controlled to be yellow, and in that case the other is controlled to be red.

[0122] The traffic lights 20e and 20f are controlled in the same way as the traffic lights 20a and 20b, respectively, but because of differences in their installation locations, it is possible to create a time difference in control between the traffic lights 20a and 20e and between the traffic lights 20b and 20f. In other words, there are situations in which the traffic lights 20e and 20f are controlled to display the same light color in synchronization with each other, and situations in which they are controlled to display different lights. In the former situation, the liftable divider 20j is lowered and the liftable divider 20k is raised, and in the latter situation, the liftable divider 20j is raised and lowered, respectively. The traffic light 20g is controlled to display the opposite light color to the traffic light 20e for red and green. There are also situations in which either the traffic light 20e or 20g is controlled to be yellow, in which case the other is controlled to be red.

[0123] Furthermore, when the rising / lowering median strip 20k shown in FIG. 5 is in the lowered state and the rising / lowering median strip 20j is in the raised state, the traffic lights 20b and 20f can display characters or a mark notifying that passage is prohibited.

[0124] All four pedestrian crossing signals 20c are visible when pedestrians cross the pedestrian crossing, and can be controlled synchronously. The pedestrian crossing signals 20c are controlled to be green when the traffic light 20a is red, and are controlled to be red when the traffic light 20a is green or yellow. Of course, the pedestrian crossing signals 20c can also be controlled to flash green a predetermined time before the traffic light 20a changes from red to green. Note that the control between the traffic lights 20a and the pedestrian crossing signals 20c is not limited to these controls, and it is sufficient that the timing for changing the light color is set in consideration of safety.

[0125] The digital signage 20p is a display device that displays various notification contents, such as notifications of preferred routes, routes without congestion, and notifications encouraging safe driving, to vehicles traveling on the roadway 51, or on the roadways 51, 52 when the rise-up median 20j is lowered, and is installed on a pole or the like provided near the sidewalk 54 or the boundary between the sidewalk 54 and the roadway 51.

[0126] The liftable braille block 20v is a movable braille block that includes a main body embedded in a location on the sidewalk 54 suitable for use by a user using a white cane, multiple rod-shaped members that form braille, and a mechanism for raising and lowering the multiple rod-shaped members relative to the main body. The liftable braille block 20v is configured to form braille by simultaneously raising the multiple rod-shaped members that form the braille, and to form a state in which no braille is present (to make braille non-formed) by lowering them to a surface that is approximately aligned with the upper surface of the sidewalk 54. In this way, the liftable braille block 20v can switch between forming and not forming braille by raising and lowering the multiple rod-shaped members.

[0127] The display variable sign 20w is a display device that allows the user to display a road sign selected from a plurality of road signs, and is installed on, for example, a pole or the like provided on the sidewalk 55 as shown in FIG.

[0128] The liftable guardrail 20x includes a physical protective fence and a mechanism for lifting and lowering it, and can switch between forming and not forming the protective fence by lifting and lowering the protective fence. As shown in Fig. 6, the liftable guardrail 20x can be installed, for example, near the center in the width direction of the sidewalk 55, in a range that does not interfere with movement to the stairs of the footbridge 64 even when it is lifted in the direction along the sidewalk 55. A plurality of liftable guard poles can also be used instead of the liftable guardrail 20x.

[0129] The elevators 20q and 20r are both devices installed on the footbridge 64, and are devices for moving users up and down between the upper walkway of the footbridge 64 and the walkways 54 and 55, respectively. The elevators 20s and 20t are both devices installed on the footbridge 65, and are devices for moving users up and down between the upper walkway of the footbridge 65 and the walkways 54 and 55, respectively.

[0130] 4 to 6, cameras 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e corresponding to camera 30 are installed on sidewalks 54 and 55, and a sensing zone 30a equipped with sensors including camera 30 is also installed at a location on sidewalk 54 corresponding to the entrance to this area. Cameras 30b and 30c and cameras 30d and 30e can be installed, for example, on poles provided on sidewalks 54 and 55, respectively. Sensing zone 30a can be one in which sensors are installed on an arch spanning both ends of sidewalk 54, but it can also be one in which sensors are installed on a pole like camera 30b.

[0131] 4 to 6 show a state in which users U1, U1a, U2, U3, U4, and U5, a white cane ST used by user U3, a wheelchair WC used by user U4, a bicycle B1 used by user U5, a car M1, and an autonomous moving vehicle M2 such as an autonomous moving bus are present within the illustrated area. However, since people and cars are constantly moving, this shows only a momentary state. Here, user U1a is an accompanying person of user U1.

[0132] In the system 2 having the above-described configuration example, an example of control of the traffic facility 20 in response to detection of a user or the like will be described with reference to FIG. 7. Here, only one example of the control of the traffic facility 20 based on the stress level will be described, but various examples are applicable. For convenience, an example of control by the control unit 11 will be described in which control is performed to achieve a certain state when a condition specified by the stress level or the like is satisfied. However, if the certain state is the same as the current state, this means that no control is actually performed, and if it is different from the current state, this means that control is performed to achieve the certain state.

[0133] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a table used to control the transportation facility 20 in the system 2 of Fig. 3. For convenience, Fig. 7 uses the symbols given to the facility IDs for identifying the transportation facility 20 in Figs. 4 to 6, but is not limited thereto.

[0134] 7 can be stored in the storage unit 12, for example, and can be referred to by the control unit 11 during control. This table 12t can also be stored as a part of the facility information DB 12a.

[0135] First, the scenes shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 will be described. 4, the control unit 11 detects the presence of a user based on the imaging data captured by the camera 30b, detects the facial expression of the user U1 based on the facial image data included in the imaging data, and determines the stress level of the user U based on the facial expression. In a configuration example in which it is necessary to identify the user, the control unit 11 may then execute a facial recognition process or the like based on the facial image data captured by the camera 30b to identify the user U1.

[0136] When the stress level of user U1 detected by camera 30b is lower than a predetermined first stress level (hereinafter, condition A), control unit 11 controls the traffic facility 20 as exemplified below to give preferential treatment to user U1. In other cases, control unit 11 may not control the traffic facility 20 according to the stress level, but may only control the traffic facility 20 based on other factors unrelated to user U1 (e.g., congestion level, etc.). Condition A refers to condition A illustrated in table 12t of FIG. 7, and hereinafter, conditions B to E also refer to conditions B to E illustrated in table 12t, respectively.

[0137] In the case of condition A, the control unit 11 can control, for example, the pedestrian crossing signal 20c to turn green after a predetermined time considering the time it takes for the user U1 to reach the pedestrian crossing 50, or to extend the time the signal remains green. Accordingly, the traffic light 20a is similarly controlled for its illumination color, and the traffic light 20d is controlled in a manner opposite to that of the traffic light 20a. The pedestrian crossing signal 20c is a pedestrian crossing signal within a predetermined distance from the camera 30b, and although a description thereof will be omitted, the traffic facility 20 to be controlled can be determined in a similar manner according to the position of the camera 30b and the position of each traffic facility 20.

[0138] In addition, when the control unit 11 detects that the user U1a is accompanied by a companion of the user U1, the control unit 11 can use a second stress level, which is lower or higher than the first stress level, as a predetermined criterion to determine the stress level of the user U1. The information indicating the presence or absence of a companion can be one of the attribute information of the user. By setting the second stress level lower than the first stress level, it is possible to treat a user without a companion more favorably than a user with a companion and to easily give an incentive to the user. On the other hand, by setting the second stress level higher than the first stress level, it is possible to treat a user with a companion more favorably than a user without a companion and to easily give an incentive to the user. Of course, the first stress level can also be used to determine the user regardless of the presence or absence of a companion.

[0139] In the case of condition A, the control unit 11 can also perform the following additional control. That is, the control unit 11 can also perform control to lower the elevation separation strip 20j and raise the elevation separation strip 20k. As a result, the roadway adjacent to the sidewalk 54 where the user U1 with a low stress level is walking is made into a two-lane roadway consisting of the roadways 51 and 52, which allows more space for vehicles to pass, thereby improving the safety of the users U1 and U1a who are pedestrians walking on the sidewalk 54 adjacent to the roadway, and allowing the users U1 and U1a to walk without worrying about vehicles.

[0140] In addition, such control can be switched between not being executed and being executed depending on whether the traffic volume of vehicles such as automobiles M1 and autonomous moving bodies M2 is greater than a predetermined volume. In this case, the traffic volume can be calculated by analyzing the image data captured by cameras 30 installed at various locations.

[0141] As an alternative example of the additional control, in the case of condition A, the control unit 11 can also perform control to raise the elevation separation strip 20j and raise the elevation separation strip 20k. In that case, the control unit 11 can also perform control to display an indication that the roadway 51 has been changed to a sidewalk at the traffic light 20a. This allows the roadway 51 adjacent to the sidewalk 54 on which the user U1 with a low stress level is walking to be changed to a sidewalk, improving the safety of the users U1 and U1a and allowing the users U1 and U1a to walk without worrying about vehicles or other pedestrians.

[0142] Also, when this alternative example is adopted, or when the elevation-type median strips 20j, 20k are not provided, it is preferable to provide an elevation-type median strip or an elevation-type guardrail between the original sidewalk 54 and the roadway 51, not shown, and lower it to add the roadway 51 as a sidewalk when condition A is met, and raise it when condition A is not met and the roadway 51 is not added. In this way, when it is desired to improve the safety of pedestrians, the elevation-type median strip or the like provided therebetween can be lowered to control the width of the sidewalk 54 to be expanded by the width of the road indicated by the roadway 51, and in other cases, the sidewalk can be controlled to be reduced to only the sidewalk 54. Also, for the expansion / reduction of the sidewalk 54, instead of the elevation-type median strip, a configuration can be adopted in which the boundary between the sidewalk and the roadway can be switched between being formed / not formed by changing the display color.

[0143] In addition, even when this alternative example is adopted, it is possible to switch between non-execution and execution depending on whether the traffic volume of vehicles such as the automobile M1 and the autonomous moving body M2 is greater than a predetermined volume. In addition, when this alternative example is adopted, it is also possible to control so that the control is not performed during a time period when the autonomous moving body M2 passes through the roadway 51 as shown in Fig. 4, and that the roadway is in a two-lane state consisting of the roadways 51 and 52 as shown in Fig. 4 during that time period, and is in a one-lane state as shown in Fig. 5 during a time period when the autonomous moving body M2 does not pass through.

[0144] In the case of condition A, as a further additional alternative example, the control unit 11 can also control the digital signage 20p to notify the control contents of the traffic facility 20 other than the notification device such as the digital signage 20p, preferably the control contents of the traffic facility 20 within a predetermined area. This makes it possible to inform people and vehicle drivers that the control contents of the traffic facility 20 have changed.

[0145] In this way, the control unit 11 may be configured to notify the notification device provided as a part of the traffic facility 20 according to the contents of control of the traffic facility other than the notification device. In this way, the incentive granting device 10 can notify the user of the control contents of the traffic facility 20 other than the notification device by the notification device, so that the user can be made to take actions to reduce stress more proactively and safety can also be improved. In addition, this notification can be executed only under a specific condition such as condition A, but can also be executed under any condition under which the traffic facility 20 is controlled. Alternatively, since control requiring a notification such as a warning only under a specific condition such as condition A is assumed, such a notification can be executed only under other conditions without being executed under a specific condition such as condition A.

[0146] This notification device is not limited to display devices such as the digital signage 20p, but may be an audio output device or a display device with an audio output function. The notification device may be installed in a location where the control content affects the user, or between that location and the user's detection location. When notifying the control content, if there is a warning that is required in conjunction with the control content, it is advisable to notify such a warning at the same time. On the other hand, when notifying the control content, the control unit 11 may have the notification device notify normal notification content such as "Please pass safely."

[0147] Furthermore, the contents to be notified by the notification device when controlling the transportation facility 20 can also be notified to the terminal device used by the user U1 or the users U1 and I1a by instant message, e-mail, or the like. This terminal device can be a mobile terminal device or the like used by the user. Furthermore, in order to make this notification, it is necessary to identify the user or the terminal device used by the user, and therefore the incentive granting device 10 is provided with the above-mentioned identification unit.

[0148] The incentive granting device 10 may include a notification unit that provides a notification according to the content of the control of the transportation facility 20 to a terminal device used by the user identified by the identification unit (e.g., user U1 in this example). The notification content in this case may be only a general description of the control, such as "such control will be performed," or may include personal information of the user identified by the identification unit, thereby reassuring the user by informing him or her that the transportation facility 20 is being controlled. After controlling the transportation facility 20 in accordance with the user's movement, the incentive granting device 10 may delete information other than information indicating that the user is at that location or information necessary for notification, and in this case, the notification content may include a notice that the information has been deleted, thereby reassuring the user.

[0149] In this way, the incentive granting device 10 can provide the user with a sense of security by being configured to notify the user of the control details of the transportation facility 20 on the terminal device used by the user, thereby enabling the user to take more proactive actions to reduce stress.

[0150] In addition, when condition A is not satisfied, that is, when the stress level of user U1 is equal to or higher than the first stress level (hereinafter, condition B), the control unit 11 can perform control opposite to that in the case of condition A, for example, control the transportation facility 20 as exemplified below.

[0151] In the case of condition B, since the user U1 feels irritated, it is possible to adopt control based on the idea that it is better to let the user U1 wait for the traffic light to change to a red light so that the user U1 can walk safely. Therefore, the control unit 11 can control, for example, the pedestrian crossing traffic light 20c so that the light turns red after a predetermined time that takes into account the time it takes for the user U1 to reach the pedestrian crossing 50. Accordingly, the traffic light 20a is similarly controlled in terms of the illumination color, and the traffic light 20d is controlled in a manner that is contradictory to that of the traffic light 20a.

[0152] In the case of condition B, the control unit 11 can perform additional control for the lift-up separator 20j, etc., in the opposite manner to that in the case of condition A. For example, in the case of condition B, the control unit 11 can perform control to raise the lift-up separator 20j and lower the lift-up separator 20k. However, in the case of condition B, unlike the case of condition A, for example, it is not necessary to switch between non-execution and execution according to the traffic volume of vehicles. On the other hand, in the case of condition B, the example of the sidewalk expansion / contraction described as an alternative example of the additional control in the case of condition A can be applied, although the expansion and contraction are opposite to those in the case of condition A, and the example of notifying the digital signage 20p, terminal device, etc. of the control contents can also be applied.

[0153] Furthermore, when an elderly user U2 is detected instead of the users U1 and U1a, the control unit 11 can make a judgment using a predetermined third stress level as a predetermined standard. When the stress level of the user U2 is lower than the third stress level, the control unit 11 can perform control similar to condition A, and when the stress level is equal to or higher than the third stress level, the control unit 11 can perform control similar to condition B. An elderly person can be defined as, for example, a person of a predetermined age or older. As described above, the third stress level may be set higher than the first stress level to make it easier to give an incentive to an elderly person, or conversely, it may be set lower than the first stress level to make it harder to give an incentive.

[0154] Next, the scene shown in Fig. 6 will be described. In this scene, a user U3 is walking using a white cane ST, a user U4 is moving in a wheelchair WC, and a user U5 is riding a bicycle B1. The user U3 is detected by the camera 30b, and the users U4 and U5 are detected by the camera 30d.

[0155] The white cane ST and the wheelchair WC can be detected from the image data of the camera as a type of carry-on item that hinders the movement of the user U3 and the user U4 (hereinafter, "hindering carry-on items"). It is assumed that the hindering carry-on items increase the stress level of the user compared to when the user does not carry the item. In determining the stress level, for example, when a determination is made based on vital information, it can be said that the presence or absence of the hindering carry-on items is also reflected in the vital information. On the other hand, when the stress level is determined by a determination method that does not reflect the presence or absence of the hindering carry-on items, the presence or absence of the hindering carry-on items can be reflected by changing a predetermined criterion depending on the presence or absence of the hindering carry-on items. In other words, the presence or absence of the hindering carry-on items can be treated as a type of attribute information, and a predetermined criterion can be set higher for a user who has the hindering carry-on items compared to a user who does not have the hindering carry-on items. Conversely, the bicycle B1 can be detected as something that lowers the stress level of the user U5, and whether or not the user is riding the bicycle can also be treated as a type of attribute information. Therefore, when the stress level is determined by a determination method that does not reflect the presence or absence of the bicycle, the predetermined criterion can be set lower when the user is riding the bicycle compared to when the user is not riding the bicycle.

[0156] When the camera 30b detects a user U3 using a white cane ST (hereinafter, condition C), the control unit 11 controls the rod-shaped members of the liftable braille block 20v closest to the camera 30b to be raised, regardless of the stress level, thereby making the braille block appear. Furthermore, when the stress level of the user U3 using a white cane ST, which does not reflect the presence or absence of the white cane ST, is lower than a predetermined fourth stress level, the control unit 11 can simultaneously perform the control described under condition A. Alternatively, when the stress level based on the vital information of the user U3 using a white cane ST is lower than the first stress level, the control unit 11 can simultaneously perform the control described under condition A.

[0157] In this way, the lift-up type braille block 20v may be controlled to make the braille blocks appear when a user U3 using a white cane ST is detected. In addition, although this is based on a different condition from condition C, the lift-up type braille block 20v may be controlled to make the braille blocks appear in the normal state, and when a user carrying a suitcase is detected, for example, the rod-shaped members may be lowered to retract the braille blocks.

[0158] When a user U4 using a wheelchair WC is detected by the camera 30d (hereinafter, condition D), the control unit 11 controls the display variable sign 20w closest to the camera 30d to display a mark or letters indicating that it is a wheelchair zone (a zone where bicycles are not allowed), regardless of the stress level.

[0159] Furthermore, when the stress level of the user U4 using the wheelchair WC, which does not reflect the presence or absence of the wheelchair WC, is lower than a predetermined fifth stress level, the control unit 11 can simultaneously perform the control as described under condition A. Note that either the fourth or fifth stress level may be set higher, or they may be the same level. Alternatively, when the stress level based on the vital information of the user U4 using the wheelchair WC is lower than the first stress level, the control unit 11 can simultaneously perform the control as described under condition A. However, regarding the control as described under condition A in either case, the moving direction of the user U4 is the same as that of the user U1, and the user U4 moves on the sidewalk 55 instead of the sidewalk 54, so that the control of the liftable dividers 20j, 20k is generally the opposite to that in the case of condition A.

[0160] In addition, as one of the traffic facilities 20, a display device may be provided that shows, for example, a crosswalk parallel to the pedestrian bridge 64 on the road surface, and when a wheelchair and / or an elderly person is detected, the display device may display the crosswalk.

[0161] When the camera 30d detects a user U5 riding a bicycle B1, and the stress level of the user U5, which does not reflect the presence or absence of the bicycle B1, is lower than a predetermined sixth stress level (hereinafter, condition E), the control unit 11 controls the liftable guardrail 20x close to the camera 30d to be raised. This allows a bicycle zone to be formed on the sidewalk 55, allowing the user U5 to ride without worrying about other pedestrians, and improving the safety of other pedestrians. In addition, when a bicycle zone is formed, a display device similar to the display variable sign 20w may be used to display that the bicycle zone is a bicycle zone.

[0162] Conversely, the control unit 11 can also perform control to make the liftable guardrail 20x appear when a user using a white cane or a user with a staggered gait is detected. In other words, the condition E can also include a condition corresponding to a case where a user using a white cane or a user with a staggered gait is detected.

[0163] Furthermore, even when condition D is satisfied, the control unit 11 can also perform control to raise the liftable guardrail 20x to the raised state for the purpose of protecting wheelchair users and the elderly, or for the purpose of using it as a handrail for the elderly.

[0164] Condition E may be set only on the condition that the user U5 riding on the bicycle B1 is detected by the camera 30d, that is, the condition may be set to be unrelated to the stress level of the user U5. In this case, the control unit 11 may also simultaneously perform control as described in condition A when the stress level of the user U5 riding on the bicycle B1, which does not reflect the presence or absence of the bicycle B1, is lower than a predetermined sixth stress level. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may simultaneously perform control as described in condition A when the stress level based on the vital information of the user U5 riding on the bicycle B1 is lower than the first stress level.

[0165] Although the control examples have been described above by exemplifying simple conditions as conditions A to E, the present invention is not limited to these, and various application examples can be applied, such as controlling the traffic facility 20 by prioritizing detection by a camera 30 according to the user detection status of each camera 30. In addition, the user's stress level may basically change while moving along a road. Therefore, for example, the control unit 11 can control the traffic facility 20 by changing the timing of changing the pedestrian crossing traffic light 20c to green and / or the length of the green period based on a change in the user's stress level, such as a change in the stress level before and at the time of reaching a pedestrian crossing.

[0166] In addition, in the above explanation, the transportation facility 20 is basically controlled based on the user's stress level, and in some examples, control based on attribute information and traffic volume is also given, but control based on other information can also be performed.

[0167] For example, the control of the traffic facility 20 can be changed based on the user's attention to the surroundings. This attention changes depending on, for example, the viewing state of the mobile terminal device. Therefore, the incentive granting device 10 can include a viewing determination unit (not shown) that determines whether the user is viewing the mobile terminal device. Here, the mobile terminal device to be determined may be any device, and it can be determined whether the user is holding the mobile terminal device by determining whether the mobile terminal device corresponds to one or more objects of a predetermined shape in the image data. Furthermore, if there is a possibility that the user is directing his / her gaze, such as turning his / her face toward the mobile terminal device, it can be determined that the user is viewing the mobile terminal device. As can be seen from this example, the viewing determination unit can be composed of, for example, the control unit 11 and information for determination stored in the storage unit 12.

[0168] The control unit 11 may control the traffic facilities based on the stress level of the user and the judgment result of the visual recognition judgment unit. For example, the control unit 11 may not control the traffic facilities according to the stress level of a user who is visually acknowledging the mobile terminal device, since it is assumed that the user cannot confirm the change in the traffic facilities and it may be dangerous, but may control the traffic facilities according to the stress level only for a non-visual user. With such a configuration, the incentive granting device 10 can control the traffic facilities 20 taking into consideration whether the user is visually acknowledging the mobile terminal device or not, and can grant an incentive while taking into consideration safety.

[0169] The incentive granting device 10 may further include a prediction unit (not shown) that predicts the direction in which the user will move. The user to be predicted may be the user whose stress level has been determined, or may be the user identified by the identification unit.

[0170] The prediction unit can be composed of, for example, the control unit 11 and information required for prediction stored in the storage unit 12. In this case, the control unit 11 can determine, for example, the direction of the user's face (direction of gaze) and predict that the user will head in a direction that matches the direction of the face on the map data stored in the storage unit 12. This is because the user may then direct his or her gaze in the direction in which he or she will head.

[0171] Alternatively, the prediction unit can be composed of the control unit 11 and the communication unit 13. In the latter case, the control unit 11 can perform control so as to receive the prediction result from the user's mobile terminal device via the communication unit 13. In this case, when the user uses a navigation system incorporated in the mobile terminal device, the control unit 11 can obtain the route information or destination information via the communication unit 13 and use the information as the prediction result.

[0172] Then, the control unit 11 controls the transportation facility 20 based on the predicted direction in which the user will move and the stress level of the user. In particular, the control unit 11 can determine the transportation facility 20 to be controlled when the stress level is lower than a predetermined standard based on the predicted direction in which the user will move. For example, the control unit 11 controls the transportation facility 20 near the current location of the user and in the direction in which the user will move, based on the stress level of the user. This allows the incentive granting device 10 to control the transportation facility 20 taking into consideration the result of predicting the direction in which the user will move. Note that the control unit 11 can eliminate the impact on others caused by controlling even distant transportation facilities 20 by controlling the transportation facility 20 near the user, for example, for the user whose stress level is the lowest among the users whose stress level is lower than a predetermined standard.

[0173] An example of control considering the prediction result will be given. When the control unit 11 refers to such a prediction result and finds that, for example, the user U1, U1a is planning to move from the sidewalk 54 to the sidewalk 55, and also satisfies, for example, condition A, the control unit 11 can perform the following control. That is, the control unit 11 may control the elevator 20q of the footbridge 64 to wait in a state in which it is lowered after a predetermined time considering the time it takes to reach the elevator 20r by walking on the footbridge 64, etc. In addition to such control, the control unit 11 may also control the elevator 20r to wait in a state in which it is raised after a predetermined time considering the time it takes to reach the elevator 20r by walking on the footbridge 64, etc. In addition, during these controls, the doors of the elevators 20q, 20r may be opened for a longer period of time.

[0174] The control of the elevators 20q, 20r can also be applied to a case where the prediction unit is not provided. That is, when the control conditions are met, the control unit 11 can control the elevator on the side closer to the pedestrian on the footbridge 64, 65 to be lowered, and can also control the elevator on the side farther from the pedestrian to be raised at the same time or with a slight delay. When the control conditions are met, the control unit 11 can also control the elevator doors to be opened longer. Such control can prevent a situation where such a user is caught in the elevator doors, particularly if the control conditions include a condition that the user is a user who uses a cane (white cane, normal cane) or a wheelchair and has an obstructing item.

[0175] Also, as in the example of bicycle B1, the stress level of a user of a moving object as a user to be determined can be determined. In other words, the stress level of the user determined in this case refers to the stress level when the user is moving using the moving object. Here, various types of moving objects such as a bicycle, an autonomous moving object M2, an automobile M1, a motorcycle, etc. can be applied as the moving object, and it does not matter whether the moving object can move autonomously or not.

[0176] In this example, when the stress level of the user is lower than a predetermined standard, the control unit 11 can control the transportation facility 20 installed near the current location of the mobile object, on the route along the route, and at least one of the locations. This makes it easier for the incentive granting device 10 to make the user take an action to reduce stress even when the user is traveling using a mobile object. In this example, the identification unit can identify the mobile object used by the user instead of or in addition to identifying the user, and can also transmit a necessary notification to the mobile object. For example, the control unit 11 can control the mobile object in which a user with a low stress level is riding to display a preferred route or a route without traffic jams on the road or on a signboard.

[0177] Furthermore, the control unit 11 can be configured to control the transportation facility 20 as well as the autonomous mobile object that autonomously travels along the route on which the transportation facility 20 is installed when the user's stress level is lower than a predetermined standard regardless of whether the mobile object is used. In other words, when the user's stress level is lower than a predetermined standard, the control unit 11 can not only control the transportation facility 20, but also optimally control the autonomous mobile object that autonomously travels along the route on which the traffic facility 20 to be controlled is installed as a set.

[0178] Here, when a user who is the subject of stress level judgment is using a moving body, the autonomous moving body to be controlled may be another autonomous moving body traveling in the same area, but may also be the moving body used by the user. More specifically, when a user whose stress level is judged to be low is present, the control unit 11 controls the autonomous moving body in which the user is riding to increase the upper speed limit, so that the user can arrive at the destination sooner. Here, for example, the upper speed limit can be increased by tuning the way the autonomous moving body runs in automatic driving. In addition, the control unit 11 can control an autonomous moving body in which a user with a low stress level is riding to change the running route to a route with fewer curves in addition to increasing the upper speed limit, or instead of this, to allow the user to ride comfortably. For example, the control unit 11 can control an autonomous moving body in which a user with a low stress level is riding to set a preferred route, such as one with fewer curves. In addition, when the control target is another autonomous moving body traveling in the same area as the autonomous moving body in which the user is riding, the route of the latter autonomous moving body can be controlled so as to give priority to the running of the former autonomous moving body.

[0179] The control unit 11 can control any type of autonomous moving body. However, the control unit 11 can control differently depending on whether a certain user is riding on a certain type of autonomous moving body or another type of autonomous moving body.

[0180] In this way, the incentive granting device 10 can expand the facilities to be controlled to include the autonomous moving body used by the user and other autonomous moving bodies traveling in the same area, making it easier for the user to take actions to reduce stress.

[0181] As described above in various examples, according to the present embodiment, when the user's stress level is lower than a predetermined standard, an incentive is given to the user, which makes it easier for the user to take actions to reduce stress. As incentives, at least one of electronic money, virtual currency, and points that can be used in a product purchase service, products, and control over the transportation facility 20 have been given as examples, but two or more of these may be given at the same time, and a configuration that gives other types of incentives not given as examples may also be adopted.

[0182] The incentive granting device 10 may also include an inquiry unit (not shown) that inquires of the terminal device used by the user identified by the identification unit as to whether or not to perform the incentive granting process based on the user's stress level. The terminal device can respond to this inquiry by incorporating an application program for responding to this inquiry. This allows the incentive granting device 10 to determine whether or not to perform the incentive granting process, reflecting the user's intention of whether or not to enjoy the incentive granting service, that is, by respecting the user's intention.

[0183] The timing of this inquiry may be before the user whose stress level is to be determined is detected by the camera 30 or the like, but may also be, for example, the following timing. That is, when the user passes the position of a sensor such as the camera 30, the stress level of the user may be acquired or the user may be identified, and the user's terminal device may be inquired as to whether or not the user wishes to execute an incentive granting process according to the user's stress level at that timing. Regardless of the timing, the control unit 11 receives the answer and determines whether or not to execute an incentive granting process according to the answer. This makes it possible to respect the user's wishes, and also to provide a sense of security by recognizing that the user is a target.

[0184] In addition, when making an inquiry, the system may be configured to allow the user to select the type of incentive to be given. This allows the system to execute an incentive giving process that reflects the user's wishes and is in line with the user's stress level.

[0185] Next, an example of an arrangement of the transportation facility 20 different from those in Figures 4 to 6 will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a schematic top view showing another example of an arrangement of the transportation facility 20 in the system 2 of Figure 3.

[0186] As illustrated in FIG. 8, a part of the transportation network can be developed as a group of roads for specific users, such as a road 71 for cars and motorcycles, a road 72 for bicycles, and a road 73 for pedestrians. Here, the bicycle road 72 can be defined as a road for low-speed personal mobility, or a road for bicycles and the personal mobility. Although the roads 71 ​​to 73 are illustrated as straight lines for convenience, they can also include curves. In addition, the road 71 is illustrated as a two-lane road including an oncoming lane, but it can also be a one-way road with one or more lanes, and in that case, a road heading in the opposite direction similar to the road 71 can be provided.

[0187] In the traffic network shown in FIG. 8, the dedicated road 71 is provided with a sensing zone 30a and a camera 30e, and as an example of the traffic facility 20, a digital signage 20p and a liftable median strip 74 equivalent to the liftable median strip 20j are provided. The bicycle road 72 is provided with a sensing zone 30a and a camera 30e, and as an example of the traffic facility 20, a digital signage 20p is provided. The pedestrian road 73 is provided with a sensing zone 30a and a camera 30e, and as an example of the traffic facility 20, a digital signage 20p, a liftable braille block 20v, and a display variable sign 20w are provided. Of course, the installation interval of the camera 30e and the position of the sensing zone 30a do not matter in each road 71 to 73, and other types of traffic facilities 20 can also be installed. In FIG. 8, trees 75 are planted beside each road 71 to 73.

[0188] In such a configuration, when the stress level of the user is lower than a predetermined standard, the control unit 11 controls the traffic facility 20. Compared to the areas exemplified in Figures 4 to 6, the frequency of control is lower because there are no intersections, but when the stress level of the user is lower than a predetermined standard, the control unit 11 controls the appropriate traffic facility 20 so that the user or a mobile object used by the user can move with priority.

[0189] For example, on a dedicated road 71, when the control unit 11 detects that an autonomous moving body M2 is traveling and is carrying a user whose stress level is lower than a predetermined standard, the control unit 11 controls the autonomous moving body M2 to increase its upper limit speed and also controls the digital signage 20p to display this information, thereby notifying other automobiles M1 and M3.

[0190] Also, for example, on a bicycle-only road 72, when the control unit 11 detects a bicycle B1 ridden by a user U5 whose stress level is lower than a predetermined standard, it can control the digital signage 20p to display tourist information, etc.

[0191] Also, for example, in the pedestrian-only road 73, when the control unit 11 detects a user with an obstructing carry-on, such as a user U4 using a wheelchair WC or a user U3 using a white cane ST, it controls the display variable sign 20w and the digital signage 20p to display a notice informing other users that a user using a wheelchair or a white cane is present. Also, when the control unit 11 detects a user U3 using a white cane ST, it controls the liftable braille block 20v to lift a rod-shaped member to make the braille block appear.

[0192] In addition, other moving objects may also intrude into roads for automobiles only, roads for motorcycles only, roads for automobiles and motorcycles only, roads for bicycles only, roads for pedestrians only, etc. For example, pedestrians may intrude into roads for automobiles only, and vehicles may intrude into roads for pedestrians only. Therefore, even if a person or vehicle that is not suitable for use of such a road intrudes, the control unit 11 may display a warning on the notification device or control the other types of traffic facilities 20 so as to prevent pedestrians from being injured.

[0193] Finally, a configuration example of a learning system that generates the above-mentioned various learning models will be described with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a learning system that generates a learning model used in the system 2 of Fig. 3. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of teacher data used in the learning system of Fig. 9.

[0194] 9 may include a control unit 81, an input unit 82, and a storage unit 83. The learning system 80 may be constructed using a computer such as a PC for AI (Artificial Intelligence) learning. However, the learning system 80 may be configured as a single device or may have functions distributed across multiple devices.

[0195] The control unit 81 controls the entire learning system 80. The control unit 81 can be realized, for example, by an integrated circuit, and can be realized, for example, by a processor, a working memory, and a non-volatile storage device. A control program executed by the processor is stored in this storage device, and the processor reads the program into the working memory and executes it, thereby fulfilling the function of the control unit 81. The control program can include a learning program that executes learning. Note that the storage device can also utilize the memory unit 83.

[0196] The input unit 82 can be configured with at least one of an interface for performing data input operations and a communication interface for inputting data from an external device via communication. The input unit 82 inputs a data set of teacher data 84 required for learning, and stores it in the memory unit 83 so that it can be referenced during learning. The memory unit 83 can store this teacher data 84, and can store a learning model 85 as an unlearned model.

[0197] In the processing by the learning system 80, the control unit 81 performs machine learning on a learning model 85 as an unlearned model based on teacher data 84, and sets the learning model 85 as a trained model. Furthermore, when re-learning is required, the learning model 85 as a trained model can be re-trained based on a newly prepared data set.

[0198] The teacher data 84 when generating the learning model 12c can be a data set consisting of at least one of vital information and imaging data and correct answer data, as described above, and more specifically, a data set as illustrated in FIG. 10. The data set illustrated in FIG. 10 includes pulse information and body temperature information, which are part of vital information, as explanatory variables, and includes stress level as a target variable. This stress level includes a value obtained by having the person answer a question. Here, an example is shown in which the stress level is expressed at three levels, high, normal, and low, but this is not limited to this. In this case, the predetermined standard can be set as "normal", for example, and incentives can be given when the level is lower than that, that is, when it is "low". Also, as described above, the teacher data 84 when generating the learning model 12c can also include imaging data.

[0199] Also, as described above, the learning model 12c may be a learning model for each user, and in that case, the teacher data 84 when generating the learning model 12c for each user can be a data set for the target user. In addition, in a configuration including the above-mentioned inquiry unit, an inquiry is made as to whether or not to permit the generation of the individual learning model 12c, and the learning model 12c is generated for all users who have been permitted, and the obtained learning model 12c for each user can be stored. During operation, the acquired vital information, etc. can be input to the learning model 12c for the user identified by the identification unit, and a stress level can be output.

[0200] As described above, the learning model 12c can be constructed as one learning model that inputs at least one of the vital information of the user and the image data of the user, and outputs the traffic facility 20 to be controlled, the target management system 21, and the control content. In this case, it can also be constructed as a learning model for each user. In addition, a learning model can be generated for use in the face recognition process or gait recognition process in the above-mentioned identification unit. As in these examples, when generating other learning models, a similar learning system can be used with only different algorithms, teacher data, etc.

[0201] <Other embodiments> The incentive granting system according to the above-described embodiment is not limited to the above-described configuration example, and is not limited to the configuration for executing the above-described processing example, as long as it can perform its functions.

[0202] Each of the devices constituting the incentive granting system described in the above embodiment may have the following hardware configuration: Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration included in the device.

[0203] 11 is a device in the incentive granting system according to the above embodiment, and includes a processor 101, a memory 102, and a communication interface (I / F) 103. The processor 101 may be, for example, a CPU, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an MPU (Micro Processor Unit) also called a microprocessor. The processor 101 may include multiple processors.

[0204] The functions of each part in each device can be realized by processor 101 reading a program stored in memory 102 and executing it in cooperation with communication I / F 103. Note that communication I / F 103 is provided with at least one of a wireless communication I / F and a wired communication I / F depending on the device. In addition, each device can include an I / F with, for example, a sensor, an input / output device, etc., that is necessary depending on the device.

[0205] The above-mentioned program includes a set of instructions (or software code) for making the computer perform one or more functions described in the embodiment when the program is loaded into the computer. The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, the computer-readable medium or the tangible storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray® disk or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The program may be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or a communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, the transitory computer-readable medium or the communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals.

[0206] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the present disclosure includes implementation in which the examples in the above-described embodiment are appropriately combined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0207] 1. Incentive system 2. System 1a Acquisition part 1b Assignment processing section 10. Incentive granting device 11 Control section 12 Storage section 12a Equipment information DB 12b Management System Information 12c Learning Model 12d Person information DB 13. Communications Department 20a, 20b Traffic equipment (traffic lights) 20c Pedestrian crossing signal 20d, 20e, 20f, 20g traffic lights 20j, 20k, 74 Elevating median strip 20p Digital Signage 20q, 20r, 20s, 20t elevator 20v Elevating Braille Blocks 20w variable display sign 20x Elevating Guardrails 21 Target Management System 30a Camera (sensing zone) 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e Camera 40, 40a, 40b Wearable devices 50 Crosswalk 51, 52, 53, 56, 57, 60, 61 Lanes (Roadways) 54, 55, 58, 59, 62, 63 Sidewalk 64, 65 Pedestrian Bridge 71, 72, 73 Dedicated roads 75 Trees 80 Learning System 81 Control Unit 82 Input section 83 Memory section 84 Teacher Data 85 Learning Model 100 devices 101 Processor 102 Memory 103 Communication Interface B1 Bicycle M1 Automobile M2 Autonomous Mobile Vehicle (Autonomous Mobile Bus) ST White Cane U1, U1a, U2, U3, U4, U5 Users WC Wheelchair

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires a stress level indicating a degree of stress of a user; a granting processing unit that executes a process of granting an incentive to the user when the stress level of the user is lower than a predetermined standard; Equipped with The granting processing unit, as the process, issues an instruction to the transportation facility or a management system that manages the transportation facility to control the transportation facility installed in at least one of the vicinity of the current location of the user to be granted, the location on the route along which the user moves, and the location along the route so that the user to be granted can move preferentially. Incentive system.

2. the traffic facility changes at least one of a timing of a change and a duration of a changed state with respect to at least one of a change in a display and a change in a shape of the traffic facility based on the instruction; The incentive granting system according to claim 1 .

3. An acquisition unit that acquires a stress level indicating a degree of stress of a user; a granting processing unit that executes a process of granting an incentive to the user when the stress level of the user is lower than a predetermined standard; Equipped with The acquisition unit acquires a stress level of a user who uses a moving object as the user, The granting processing unit, as the process, issues an instruction to the transportation facility or a management system that manages the transportation facility to control transportation facilities installed in at least one of the vicinity of the current location of the mobile object used by the user to be granted, on the route along which the mobile object moves, and at a location along the route so that the mobile object can move with priority. Incentive system.

4. the traffic facility changes at least one of a timing of a change and a duration of a changed state with respect to at least one of a change in a display and a change in a shape of the traffic facility based on the instruction; The incentive granting system according to claim 3.

5. An acquisition unit that acquires a stress level indicating a degree of stress of a user; a granting processing unit that executes a process of granting an incentive to the user when the stress level of the user is lower than a predetermined standard; Equipped with The acquisition unit acquires a stress level of a user who uses an autonomous moving body that travels autonomously as the user, The granting processing unit, as the processing, issues an instruction to the autonomous moving body or a mobility management system that manages the movement of the autonomous moving body to control the autonomous moving body used by the user to be granted so that the autonomous moving body can move preferentially, Incentive system.

6. An acquisition unit that acquires a stress level indicating a degree of stress of a user; a granting processing unit that executes a process of granting an incentive to the user when the stress level of the user is lower than a predetermined standard; Equipped with The acquisition unit acquires a stress level of the user measured by a measuring device worn by the user. Incentive system.

7. An acquisition unit that acquires a stress level indicating a degree of stress of a user; a granting processing unit that executes a process of granting an incentive to the user when the stress level of the user is lower than a predetermined standard; Equipped with The acquisition unit acquires vital information measured by a measuring device worn by the user, and determines a stress level of the user based on the vital information. Incentive system.

8. An acquisition unit that acquires a stress level indicating a degree of stress of a user; a granting processing unit that executes a process of granting an incentive to the user when the stress level of the user is lower than a predetermined standard; Equipped with An identification unit for identifying the user, The acquisition unit acquires vital information measured by a measuring device worn by the user, and determines a stress level of the user from the vital information using a learning model machine-learned on the user identified by the identification unit. Incentive system.

9. An acquisition unit that acquires a stress level indicating a degree of stress of a user; a granting processing unit that executes a process of granting an incentive to the user when the stress level of the user is lower than a predetermined standard; Equipped with The acquisition unit acquires imaging data of a facial image of the user, and determines a stress level of the user based on the imaging data. Incentive system.

10. An acquisition unit that acquires a stress level indicating a degree of stress of a user; a granting processing unit that executes a process of granting an incentive to the user when the stress level of the user is lower than a predetermined standard; Equipped with An identification unit for identifying the user, The acquisition unit acquires imaging data capturing a facial image of the user, and determines a stress level of the user from the imaging data using a learning model machine-learned on the user identified by the identification unit. Incentive system.

11. The predetermined criteria are criteria according to attributes of the user. The incentive granting system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The granting processing unit further performs, as the processing, a process of granting at least one of electronic money, virtual currency, and points that can be used in a product purchasing service to the user who is the grant target. The incentive granting system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. The granting processing unit further performs the process of instructing a product management system that manages the delivery of the product to ship a product to the user to whom the reward is to be granted. The incentive granting system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

14. A computer obtains a stress level indicating a degree of stress of a user, the computer executes a granting process for granting an incentive to the user when the stress level of the user is lower than a predetermined standard; The granting process includes a process of issuing an instruction to a transportation facility or a management system that manages the transportation facility to control a transportation facility installed in at least one of the vicinity of the current location of the user to be granted, a location on the route along which the user moves, and a location along the route so that the user to be granted can move preferentially. Incentive award method.

15. The computer acquires a stress level indicating a degree of stress of a user who uses the mobile device, the computer executes a granting process for granting an incentive to the user when the stress level of the user is lower than a predetermined standard; The granting process includes a process of issuing an instruction to a traffic facility or a management system that manages the traffic facility to control a traffic facility installed in at least one of the vicinity of a current location of the mobile object used by the user to be granted, on a route along which the mobile object moves, and a location along the route so that the mobile object can move with priority. Incentive award method.

16. A computer comprising: Obtaining a stress level indicating the degree of stress of the user; If the stress level of the user is lower than a predetermined standard, a granting process is executed to grant an incentive to the user. A process comprising: The granting process includes a process of issuing an instruction to a transportation facility or a management system that manages the transportation facility to control a transportation facility installed in at least one of the vicinity of the current location of the user to be granted, a location on the route along which the user moves, and a location along the route so that the user to be granted can move preferentially. A program for executing a process.

17. On the computer, Acquire a stress level indicating a degree of stress of a user who uses a mobile device; If the stress level of the user is lower than a predetermined standard, a granting process is executed to grant an incentive to the user. A process comprising: The granting process includes a process of issuing an instruction to a traffic facility or a management system that manages the traffic facility to control a traffic facility installed in at least one of the vicinity of a current location of the mobile object used by the user to be granted, on a route along which the mobile object moves, and a location along the route so that the mobile object can move with priority. A program for executing a process.

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