Congestion Information Display System, Congestion Information Display Method, and Program

Abstract

To provide a congestion information display system, a sensor device, a congestion information display method and a program, allowing a user to easily update congestion information of a facility by a manual operation.SOLUTION: A congestion information display system includes: a sensor device having an acceleration sensor configured to acquire an acceleration speed that changes according to a change in an orientation of a housing by a user's operation at the housing having a plurality of faces associated with congestion information showing a congestion state of a facility; a detection part configured to detect a face orienting to a prescribed direction from among the plurality of faces according to the acceleration speed acquired by the acceleration sensor; a congestion information acquisition part configured to acquire the congestion information associated with the face detected by the detection part; and a display processing part configured to make the display device display the congestion information acquired by the congestion information acquisition part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a congestion information display system , mixed a miscellaneous information display method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various technologies have been proposed for presenting real-time vacancy information of a facility to customers who are considering going to a facility such as a restaurant or customers who are considering making a reservation.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technology for detecting that a visitor to a store has taken a seat by a sensor or a camera and updating in real time the vacancy information that a person making a reservation refers to at the time of reservation based on the detection result.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, a store manager may visually check the congestion (vacancy) situation and manually update the congestion (vacancy) information. In the case of manual update, the manager needs to perform operations such as starting, logging in to, and inputting the confirmation result of a management application, which takes time for the update work. Therefore, it is desired to reduce the labor required when a manager of a facility such as a store manually performs the update work of congestion information.

[0006] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a congestion information display system , mixed a miscellaneous information display method, and a program that enable a user to easily manually update the congestion information of a facility.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a congestion information display system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a sensor device having an acceleration sensor that acquires an acceleration that changes as the orientation of a housing having a plurality of surfaces associated with congestion information indicating the congestion status of a facility changes due to a user's operation, a detection unit that detects a surface oriented in a predetermined direction among the plurality of surfaces based on the acceleration acquired by the acceleration sensor, a congestion information acquisition unit that acquires the congestion information associated with the surface detected by the detection unit, and a display processing unit that causes the display device to display the congestion information acquired by the congestion information acquisition unit. When different information is associated with the surface detected by the detection unit in addition to the congestion information, the display processing unit also causes the display device to display information based on the different information. , the different information is density information indicating density information corresponding to the congestion situation indicated by the congestion information 。

[0009] A congestion information display method according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a sensor device having an acceleration sensor that acquires an acceleration that changes as the orientation of a housing having a plurality of surfaces associated with congestion information indicating the congestion status of a facility changes due to a user's operation; a detection unit that detects a surface oriented in a predetermined direction among the plurality of surfaces based on the acceleration acquired by the acceleration sensor; a congestion information acquisition unit that acquires the congestion information associated with the surface detected by the detection unit; and a display processing unit that causes the display device to display the congestion information acquired by the congestion information acquisition unit. When different information is associated with the surface detected by the detection unit in addition to the congestion information, the display processing unit also causes the display device to display information based on the different information. , the different information is density information indicating density information corresponding to the congestion situation indicated by the congestion information 。

[0010] A program according to an aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as a sensor device having an acceleration sensor that acquires an acceleration that changes as the orientation of a housing having a plurality of surfaces associated with congestion information indicating the congestion status of a facility changes according to a user operation, a detection unit that detects a surface oriented in a predetermined direction among the plurality of surfaces based on the acceleration acquired by the acceleration sensor, a congestion information acquisition unit that acquires the congestion information associated with the surface detected by the detection unit, and a display processing unit that causes a display device to display the congestion information acquired by the congestion information acquisition unit. The display processing unit also causes the display device to display information based on the different information if different information is associated with the surface detected by the detection unit in addition to the congestion information. , the different information is density information indicating density information corresponding to the congestion situation indicated by the congestion information 。

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, a user can easily update the congestion information of a facility manually.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

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Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are orthogonal to each other are shown as necessary. In each axis, the direction in which the arrow extends is referred to as the "positive direction", and the direction opposite to the positive direction is referred to as the "negative direction".

[0014] <<1. First Embodiment>> The first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0015] <1-1. Configuration of Congestion Information Display System> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the congestion information display system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the congestion information display system 1 includes a sensor device 100, a gateway 200, a server device 300, and a display device 400. The sensor device 100 and the gateway 200 are provided in the facility 10. In the first embodiment, one sensor device 100 and one gateway 200 are provided for one facility 10.

[0016] Facility 10 is a target for displaying congestion information. The congestion information is information indicating the congestion status of the facility. As an example of Facility 10, there are facilities that display the vacancy status of seats as congestion information, facilities that display the usage status of equipment as congestion information, and the like. Specifically, facilities that display the vacancy status of seats as congestion information include restaurants, movie theaters, study rooms in cram schools, etc. Facilities that display the usage status of equipment as congestion information are specifically sports facilities such as fitness gyms. Hereinafter, in the first embodiment, an example will be described in which Facility 10 is a restaurant and the congestion information is information indicating the vacancy status in the restaurant.

[0017] The sensor device 100 acquires sensing information regarding the sensor device 100. For example, the sensor device 100 acquires acceleration as sensing information by an acceleration sensor provided in the housing, and detects a change in acceleration in the sensor device 100. The acceleration sensor may be provided either inside or outside the housing. The sensor device 100 acquires, for example, acceleration that changes as the orientation of the housing changes due to a user's operation. The user changes the orientation of the sensor device 100 (housing) by, for example, moving the sensor device 100 with a hand.

[0018] The shape of the housing of the sensor device 100 is a three-dimensional shape having a plurality of surfaces. Congestion information of Facility 10 is associated with each of the plurality of surfaces of the housing. The user turns, for example, the surface with which the congestion information to be displayed on the display device 400 described later is associated, in a predetermined direction.

[0019] On each surface of the housing with which the congestion information is associated, for example, a medium with the congestion information printed thereon is attached. Thereby, the user can easily distinguish the surface with which the target congestion information is associated by looking at the medium and turn it in a predetermined direction. Also, the user can easily grasp the congestion information on the surface currently facing in a predetermined direction by the medium. Note that the congestion information associated with each surface of the housing may be directly drawn, printed, or handwritten on each surface.

[0020] The sensor device 100 detects a surface oriented in a predetermined direction among a plurality of surfaces based on the acceleration acquired by the acceleration sensor. The predetermined direction is a direction in which the congestion information to be displayed on the display device 40 can be uniquely specified. For example, the predetermined direction is the vertically upward direction. When the predetermined direction is the vertically upward direction, for example, if the shape of the housing is a rectangular parallelepiped, a cube, a cylinder, a prism, a polyhedron, etc. having at least one pair of two parallel surfaces, the surface in the vertically upward direction can be uniquely specified. Hereinafter, the information indicating the surface facing the predetermined direction detected by the sensor device 100 is also referred to as "surface information". Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, it will be described assuming that the predetermined direction is the vertically upward direction.

[0021] The sensor device 100 is communicably connected to the gateway 200. For example, the sensor device 100 communicates with the gateway 200 by wireless connection such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc. The sensor device 100 transmits various information to the gateway 200 by such communication. For example, the sensor device 100 includes identification information of the sensor device 100, sensing information, surface information, operation information, etc. The identification information is an ID (Identification) unique to the sensor device 100. Hereinafter, the ID is also referred to as "sensor ID". The operation information is information for determining whether the sensor device 100 is operating, and for example, is information indicating the remaining battery level of the sensor device 100.

[0022] Here, with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the external configuration of the sensor device 100 will be described. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the external configuration of the sensor device 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2B is a developed view of the housing 101 of the sensor device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2A, the shape of the housing 101 of the sensor device 100 is a rectangular parallelepiped. The shape of the housing 101 is not limited to such an example, and may be a cube, a cylinder, a prism, a polyhedron.

[0024] Of each surface of the housing 101 of the sensor device 100, congestion information is associated with at least two surfaces. For example, in the housing 101 shown in FIG. 2B, among the six surfaces A1 to A6, congestion information is associated with three surfaces, namely, surface A1, surface A2, and surface A3. Specifically, congestion information such as "seats available", "few seats available", and "no seats available" is associated with surface A1, surface A2, and surface A3, respectively.

[0025] The user (for example, the administrator of the facility 10) places the sensor device 100 so that a predetermined direction associated with the congestion information to be displayed on the display device 400 described later faces among the surfaces A1 to A6 of the housing 101. For example, when there are vacant seats in the seats of the facility 10, the user places the sensor device 100 with surface A1 facing up. Also, when there are no vacant seats in the seats of the facility 10, the user places the sensor device 100 with surface A3 facing up.

[0026] In addition to the congestion information, PR (Public Relations) information may be associated with the surfaces A1 to A6. The PR information is, for example, information that the user of the facility 10 wants to appeal. As an example of the information, there is information such as "xxx set meal limited to 10 servings is still available". By registering the PR information in advance in association with any of the surfaces with which the congestion information is to be associated, it can be displayed on the display device 400 together with the congestion information. By the user checking the PR information, for example, the user's willingness to visit the store can be improved. Note that the PR information may or may not be made visible to the user by the above-described medium or the like.

[0027] The gateway 200 is a device that relays between the sensor device 100 and the server device 300. The gateway 200 is communicably connected to the server device 300 via the network NW. The gateway 200 transmits various types of information input from the sensor device 100 to the server device 300 via the network NW. Here, the various types of information are identification information, sensing information, surface information, operation information, etc. of the sensor device 100. In addition to the various types of information input from the sensor device 100, the gateway 200 also transmits its own identification information to the server device 300. The identification information is an ID unique to the gateway 200. Hereinafter, the ID is also referred to as the "gateway ID". Since one gateway 200 is provided for one facility 10, the facility 10 can be specified by associating the gateway ID with the facility name, etc. The gateway 200 and the server device 300 are connected, for example, by a Wide Area Network (WAN). The WAN is realized, for example, by an Internet connection.

[0028] The server device 300 is a device that acquires congestion information of the facility 10 based on the surface information of the sensor device 100. The server device 300 receives various types of information including surface information from the gateway 200 via the network NW. The server device 300 acquires congestion information based on the surface information received from the gateway 200. Also, the server device 300 is connected to the display device 400 via the network NW. It is communicably connected to the gateway 200. The server device 300 transmits congestion information to the display device 400 via the network NW. The server device 300 and the display device 400 are connected, for example, by a WAN.

[0029] The display device 400 is a device that displays congestion information. The display device 400 receives and displays congestion information from the server device 300 via the network NW. The display device 400 is realized by devices such as, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), and digital signage.

[0030] <1-2. Functional Configuration of Sensor Device> Referring to FIG. 1, the functional configuration of the sensor device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor device 100 includes a sensor unit 110, a detection unit 120, a storage unit 130, and a communication unit 140.

[0031] (1) Sensor Unit 110 The sensor unit 110 has a function of acquiring sensing information regarding the sensor device 100. In this embodiment, as an example, the function of the sensor unit 110 is realized by an acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor acquires the acceleration of the sensor device 100 as sensing information. After acquisition, the sensor unit 110 inputs the acceleration of the sensor device 100 acquired by the acceleration sensor to the detection unit 120.

[0032] (2) Detection Unit 120 The detection unit 120 detects a surface oriented in a predetermined direction among a plurality of surfaces based on the acceleration acquired by the acceleration sensor. For example, the detection unit 120 detects, as a surface oriented in a predetermined direction, a surface associated with the acceleration acquired by the acceleration sensor among the plurality of surfaces. After detection, the detection unit 120 inputs surface information indicating the surface of the housing 101 facing the vertically upward direction to the communication unit 140.

[0033] Specifically, the detection unit 120 detects the surface of the housing 101 facing the vertically upward direction based on the acceleration acquired by the acceleration sensor after the change in the orientation of the housing 101. The acceleration is the gravitational acceleration g acquired after the change in the orientation of the housing 101. When the user operates the sensor device 100 to change the orientation, it is preferable to place the sensor device 100 and not move it. Thereby, the value of the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor can be made closer to the value of the gravitational acceleration g. The acceleration sensor of the first embodiment is an acceleration sensor capable of detecting accelerations in three axial directions, and the gravitational acceleration detected in each axial direction is associated with each surface of the housing 101 in advance.

[0034] For example, assume that the three axial directions are set as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis shown in FIG. 2A. In this case, when the sensor device 100 is placed with the surface A1 facing upward, the acceleration detected in the stationary state is (0, g, 0). Therefore, by associating the surface A1 with the acceleration (0, g, 0) in advance, the detection unit 120 can detect that the surface A1 is facing upward when the acceleration (0, g, 0) is detected. Similarly, the surface A2 is associated with the acceleration (-g, 0, 0), the surface A3 is associated with (0, -g, 0), the surface A4 is associated with the acceleration (g, 0, 0), the surface A5 is associated with (0, 0, g), and the surface A6 is associated with the acceleration (0, 0, -g). The information associating the acceleration of the sensor device 100 with the surface facing upward (surface information) is stored in the surface information DB of the storage unit 130. Thereby, the detection unit 120 can detect the surface of the housing 101 facing the vertically upward direction based on the acceleration acquired in the stationary state after the orientation of the sensor device 100 is changed by the user's operation.

[0035] (3) Storage unit 130 The storage unit 130 is composed of a storage medium, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access read / write Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), or any combination of these storage media. The storage unit 130 can use, for example, a non-volatile memory.

[0036] The storage unit 130 has a function of storing various information. For example, the storage unit 130 stores information in which the acceleration of the sensor device 100 and the surface information (information indicating the surface facing the vertically upward direction) are associated in the surface information DB.

[0037] (4) Communication unit 140 The communication unit 140 has a function of transmitting and receiving various information. For example, the communication unit 140 transmits various information input from the detection unit 120 to the server device 300. Note that the various information is transmitted to the server device 300 via the gateway 200 and the network NW.

[0038] <1-3. Functional configuration of the server device> With reference to FIG. 1, the functional configuration of the server device 300 according to the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the server device 300 includes a communication unit 310, a control unit 320, and a storage unit 330.

[0039] (1) Communication unit 310 The communication unit 310 has a function of transmitting and receiving various information. For example, the communication unit 310 receives various information from the sensor device 100 via the gateway 200 and the network NW. Specifically, the communication unit 310 receives the identification information of the sensor device 100, the sensing information, the surface information, the operation information, the identification information of the gateway 200, and the like. The communication unit 310 inputs the received various information to the control unit 320. In addition, the communication unit 310 transmits the congestion information input from the control unit 320, which will be described later, to the display device 400 via the network NW.

[0040] (2) Control unit 320 The control unit 320 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the server device 300. The control unit 320 is realized, for example, by causing the CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided as hardware in the server device 300 to execute a program.

[0041] (2-1) Congestion information acquisition unit 3202 The congestion information acquisition unit 3202 has a function of acquiring congestion information. For example, the congestion information acquisition unit 3202 acquires the congestion information based on the surface information input from the communication unit 310. The congestion information acquisition unit 3202 inputs the acquired congestion information to the display processing unit 3204.

[0042] Specifically, the congestion information acquisition unit 3202 acquires the congestion information associated with the surface of the housing 101 facing the vertically upward direction indicated by the surface information. The congestion information acquisition unit 3202 acquires the congestion information from the congestion information DB that stores the information in which the surface information of the sensor device 100 and the congestion information are associated.

[0043] (2-2) Display processing unit 3204 The display processing unit 3204 has a function of controlling the display processing of the congestion information. For example, the display processing unit 3204 causes the display device 400 to display the congestion information input from the congestion information acquisition unit 3202. Specifically, the display processing unit 3204 generates a display image indicating the congestion information based on the congestion information. After generation, the display processing unit 3204 transmits the display image to the display device 400 via the communication unit 310 for display.

[0044] The display processing unit 3204 can visualize the congestion information of the facility 10 by causing the display device 400 to display a display image. As in the present embodiment, when the facility 10 is a restaurant, the display processing unit 3204 can display congestion information such as the vacancy status. By checking the congestion information displayed on the display device 400, users of the restaurant can adjust the usage time zone, usage form, etc. of the restaurant. For example, by checking the congestion status in advance, the user can adjust the usage time zone to avoid congested time zones such as lunchtime, etc., and shorten the waiting time. Also, by checking the congestion status in advance, the user can come to the store on the premise of using takeout instead of using the store to avoid congestion. Further, by taking actions to avoid congestion based on the congestion status, the user can also avoid crowding with other users in the store. Therefore, the congestion information display system 1 can relieve stress on users due to congestion and level out congestion in the store by visualizing the congestion information.

[0045] (3) Storage unit 330 The storage unit 330 is composed of a storage medium, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access read / write Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), or an arbitrary combination of these storage media. The storage unit 330 can use, for example, a non-volatile memory.

[0046] The storage unit 330 has a function of storing various information. For example, the storage unit 330 stores information in which the surface information of the sensor device 100 and the congestion information are associated in the congestion information DB.

[0047] <1-4. Data configuration> With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, an example of the data stored in various DBs will be described.

[0048] (1) Surface information DB FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a surface information table in the surface information DB according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the records of the surface information table include a sensor ID, an acceleration, and surface information. Note that the information included in the records of the surface information table is not limited to such an example.

[0049] In the first record of the surface information table shown in FIG. 3, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100", the acceleration (g, 0, 0), and the surface information "Surface A4" are associated. This indicates that when the acceleration of the sensor device 100 is (g, 0, 0), the surface facing the vertically upward direction is "Surface A4".

[0050] In the second record, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100", the acceleration (-g, 0, 0), and the surface information "Surface A2" are associated. This indicates that when the acceleration of the sensor device 100 is (-g, 0, 0), the surface facing the vertically upward direction is "Surface A2".

[0051] In the third record, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100", the acceleration (0, g, 0), and the surface information "Surface A1" are associated. This indicates that when the acceleration of the sensor device 100 is (0, g, 0), the surface facing the vertically upward direction is "Surface A1".

[0052] In the fourth record, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100", the acceleration (0, -g, 0), and the surface information "Surface A3" are associated. This indicates that when the acceleration of the sensor device 100 is (0, -g, 0), the surface facing the vertically upward direction is "Surface A3".

[0053] In the fifth record, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100", the acceleration (0, 0, g), and the surface information "Surface A5" are associated. This indicates that when the acceleration of the sensor device 100 is (0, 0, g), the surface facing the vertically upward direction is "Surface A5".

[0054] In the 6th record, the sensor ID "ID of the sensor device 100", the acceleration (0, 0, -g), and the plane information "Plane A6" are associated. This indicates that when the acceleration of the sensor device 100 is (0, 0, -g), the plane facing the vertically upward direction is "Plane A6".

[0055] (2) Congestion information DB FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a congestion information table in the congestion information DB according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the records of the congestion information table include a sensor ID, plane information, and congestion information. Note that the information included in the records of the congestion information table is not limited to such an example.

[0056] In the first record of the congestion information table shown in FIG. 4, the sensor ID "ID of the sensor device 100", the plane information "Plane A1", and the congestion information "There are vacant seats" are associated. This indicates that when the plane facing the vertically upward direction of the sensor device 100 is "Plane A1", the congestion information is "There are vacant seats".

[0057] In the second record, the sensor ID "ID of the sensor device 100", the plane information "Plane A2", and the congestion information "There are few vacant seats" are associated. This indicates that when the plane facing the vertically upward direction of the sensor device 100 is "Plane A2", the congestion information is "There are few vacant seats".

[0058] In the third record, the sensor ID "ID of the sensor device 100", the plane information "Plane A3", and the congestion information "There are no vacant seats" are associated. This indicates that when the plane facing the vertically upward direction of the sensor device 100 is "Plane A3", the congestion information is "There are no vacant seats".

[0059] In the 4th record, the sensor ID "ID of Sensor Device 100", the surface information "Surface A4", and the congestion information "-" are associated. This indicates that when the surface facing the vertically upward direction of the sensor device 100 is "Surface A4", the congestion information is "-". That is, no congestion information is associated with "Surface A4".

[0060] In the 5th record, the sensor ID "ID of Sensor Device 100", the surface information "Surface A5", and the congestion information "-" are associated. This indicates that when the surface facing the vertically upward direction of the sensor device 100 is "Surface A5", the congestion information is "-". That is, no congestion information is associated with "Surface A5".

[0061] In the 6th record, the sensor ID "ID of Sensor Device 100", the surface information "Surface A6", and the congestion information "-" are associated. This indicates that when the surface facing the vertically upward direction of the sensor device 100 is "Surface A6", the congestion information is "-". That is, no congestion information is associated with "Surface A6".

[0062] <1-5. Display Image> With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, an example of a display image showing congestion information will be described.

[0063] (1) Display Image of One Facility FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a display image showing the congestion information of one facility 10 according to the first embodiment. The display image 410 shown in FIG. 5 is an example of a layout for displaying the congestion information of one restaurant. As shown in FIG. 5, the layout of the display image 410 is composed of display areas 411 to 414. The display area 411 is an area for displaying the name of the restaurant, and it is displayed as "AAA Store". The display area 412 is an area for displaying the store information of the restaurant. The store information may be displayed in any format such as a photo or text. The display area 413 is an area for displaying the congestion information of a restaurant. As information indicating the presence of vacant seats, it is displayed as "〇" in symbols and "Vacant seats available" in characters. When indicating that there are only a few vacant seats, it may be displayed as "△" in symbols and "A few vacant seats" in characters. When indicating that there are no vacant seats, it may be displayed as "×" in symbols and "No vacant seats" in characters. The display area 414 is an area for displaying the PR information of a restaurant, and it is displayed as "Limited to 10 servings xxx set meal still available". Note that the layout of the display image 410, the information to be displayed, etc. are not limited to such examples.

[0064] (2) Display images of multiple facilities FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display image indicating the congestion information of a plurality of facilities 10 according to the first embodiment. The display image 420 shown in FIG. 6 is an example of a layout for displaying the congestion information of a plurality of restaurants. As shown in FIG. 6, the display image 420 displays the display images of a plurality of restaurants. The layout of the display image of each restaurant is the same as the layout shown in FIG. 5. When there are a plurality of restaurants in one facility 10, such as a food tenant building or the restaurant floor of a commercial facility, the congestion information of each restaurant may be collectively displayed in one display image as shown in the display image 420.

[0065] <1-6. Flow of processing> With reference to FIG. 7, the flow of processing in the congestion information display system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing in the congestion information display system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 7, first, the congestion information display system 1 determines whether or not a change in the orientation of the sensor device 100 has been detected (S102). A change in the orientation of the sensor device 100 is detected, for example, when the orientation of the sensor device 100 is changed by a user's operation. Specifically, when the detection unit 120 of the sensor device 100 detects a change in the acceleration acquired by the sensor unit 110, it detects that the orientation of the sensor device 100 has changed.

[0067] When the change in the orientation of the sensor device 100 is not detected (S102 / NO), the congestion information display system 1 repeats the process from S102.

[0068] When the change in the orientation of the sensor device 100 is detected (S102 / YES), the congestion information display system 1 acquires the acceleration after the change in the orientation of the sensor device 100 (S104). The acceleration after the change in the orientation of the sensor device 100 is acquired by the sensor unit 110 of the sensor device 100.

[0069] Next, the congestion information display system 1 detects the surface of the housing of the sensor device 100 that faces a predetermined direction (S106). For example, the detection unit 120 of the sensor device 100 refers to the surface information DB and detects the surface indicated by the surface information associated with the acceleration acquired by the sensor unit 110 after the change in the orientation of the sensor device 100 as the surface facing the predetermined direction.

[0070] Next, the congestion information display system 1 acquires the congestion information associated with the surface information of the sensor device 100 (S108). For example, the congestion information acquisition unit 3202 of the server device 300 refers to the congestion information DB and acquires the congestion information associated with the surface information of the sensor device 100.

[0071] Finally, the congestion information display system 1 displays the congestion information (S110). For example, the display processing unit 3204 of the server device 300 generates a display image indicating the congestion information and causes the display device 400 to display the display image. After the display of the congestion information, the congestion information display system 1 repeats the process from S102.

[0072] <<2. Second Embodiment>> With reference to FIGS. 8 to 12, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, an example in which a plurality of sensor devices 100 are provided for one facility 10 will be described. Note that hereinafter, descriptions overlapping with those of the above-described first embodiment will be omitted.

[0073] <2-1. Configuration of the congestion information display system> FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a congestion information display system according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the congestion information display system 2 includes sensor devices 100a to 100n (n is a natural number), a gateway 200, a server device 300, and a display device 400. The sensor devices 100a to 100n and the gateway 200 are provided in the facility 10. Hereinafter, an example in which the facility 10 is a study room of a cram school will be described.

[0074] In the second embodiment, the sensor devices 100a to 100n are respectively provided on the seats 12a to 12n. This enables the acquisition of congestion information for each of the seats 12a to 12n.

[0075] Here, with reference to FIG. 9, the external configuration of the sensor device 100 will be described. FIG. 9 is a developed view of the housing of the sensor device 100 according to the second embodiment. Since the external configuration of the sensor device 100 according to the second embodiment is the same as the external configuration of the sensor device 100 according to the first embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0076] Congestion information of the seat 12 on which the sensor device 100 is provided is associated with each surface of the housing 101 of the sensor device 100 according to the second embodiment. For example, in the housing 101 shown in FIG. 9, congestion information is associated with all surfaces A1 to A6. Specifically, the congestion information "vacant seat" is associated with surface A1. The congestion information "in use" is associated with each of surfaces A2 to A6. When congestion information indicating "in use" is associated with a surface of the housing 101, information indicating how the seat is being used (hereinafter also referred to as "usage information") may also be further associated. As the usage information, "mathematics" is associated with surface A2, "homework etc." is associated with surface A3, "science / society" is associated with surface A4, "English" is associated with surface A5, and "Japanese" is associated with surface A6, respectively. This indicates that the user of the study room of the cram school is studying the subject or doing homework indicated by the usage information. The usage information is mainly used for marketing, but may also be included in the congestion information to be displayed on the display device 400.

[0077] Since the gateway 200 according to the second embodiment is the same as the gateway 200 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0078] Since the server device 300 according to the second embodiment is the same as the server device 300 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0079] Since the display device 400 according to the second embodiment is the same as the display device 400 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] <2-2. Functional Configuration of Sensor Device> Since the functional configuration of the sensor device 100 according to the second embodiment is the same as the functional configuration of the sensor device 100 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] <2-3. Functional Configuration of Server Device> Since the functional configuration of the server device 300 according to the second embodiment is the same as the functional configuration of the server device 300 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] <2-4. Data Configuration> With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, an example of data stored in various databases will be described.

[0083] (1) Plane Information DB FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a plane information table in the plane information DB according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the records of the plane information table include a sensor ID, acceleration, and plane information. Note that the information included in the records of the plane information table is not limited to such an example.

[0084] The surface information table shown in FIG. 10 registers the surface information of sensor devices 100a to 100n. In the first to sixth records, the same data as the data described with reference to FIG. 3 is shown as the surface information of sensor device 100a. The same data as that of sensor device 100a is also registered in the surface information of sensor devices 100b to 100n.

[0085] (2) Congestion information DB FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a congestion information table in the congestion information DB according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the records of the congestion information table include sensor ID, surface information, congestion information, and usage information. Note that the information included in the records of the congestion information table is not limited to such an example.

[0086] In the first record of the congestion information table shown in FIG. 11, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100a", the surface information "Surface A1", the congestion information "Vacant seat", and the usage content "-" are associated. This indicates that when the surface facing the vertically upward direction of sensor device 100a is "Surface A1", the congestion information is "Vacant seat", indicating that it is not in use.

[0087] In the second record, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100a", the surface information "Surface A2", the congestion information "In use", and the usage content "Mathematics" are associated. This indicates that when the surface facing the vertically upward direction of sensor device 100a is "Surface A2", the congestion information is "In use", indicating that it is being used for studying "Mathematics".

[0088] In the third record, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100a", the surface information "Surface A3", the congestion information "In use", and the usage content "Homework etc." are associated. This indicates that when the surface facing the vertically upward direction of sensor device 100a is "Surface A3", the congestion information is "In use", indicating that it is being used for studying "Homework etc.".

[0089] In the 4th record, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100a", the surface information "Surface A4", the congestion information "In use", and the usage content "Science / Social studies" are associated. This indicates that when the surface facing the vertically upward direction of the sensor device 100a is "Surface A4", the congestion information is "In use", and it is being used for studying "Science / Social studies".

[0090] In the 5th record, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100a", the surface information "Surface A5", the congestion information "In use", and the usage content "English" are associated. This indicates that when the surface facing the vertically upward direction of the sensor device 100a is "Surface A5", the congestion information is "In use", and it is being used for studying "English".

[0091] In the 6th record, the sensor ID "ID of sensor device 100a", the surface information "Surface A6", the congestion information "In use", and the usage content "Japanese" are associated. This indicates that when the surface facing the vertically upward direction of the sensor device 100a is "Surface A6", the congestion information is "In use", and it is being used for studying "Japanese".

[0092] In the congestion information DB, the congestion information of sensor devices 100b to 100n is registered in the same way as the congestion information of sensor device 100a.

[0093] <2-5. Display image> With reference to FIG. 12, an example of a display image showing congestion information will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the display of congestion information for each seat according to the second embodiment. The display image 430 shown in FIG. 12 is an image showing the congestion information for each seat in the study room of a cram school. As shown in FIG. 12, in the display image 430, the congestion information acquired based on the sensing information of the sensor devices 100a to 100n provided for each of the seats 12a to 12n shown in FIG. 8 is shown for each seat. For example, for a seat that is vacant, "〇" is shown inside a speech bubble. On the other hand, for a seat that is not vacant, "×" is shown inside a speech bubble. Note that the layout of the display image 430, the information to be displayed, etc. are not limited to such examples.

[0094] <2-6. Flow of processing> The flow of processing in the congestion information display system 2 according to the second embodiment is the same as the flow of processing in the congestion information display system 1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 7, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. However, in the second embodiment, it is necessary to perform processing for the number of sensor devices 100 provided in the facility 10.

[0095] The above describes each embodiment of the present invention. As described above, the sensor device 100 of the congestion information display system according to each embodiment of the present invention has an acceleration sensor that acquires an acceleration that changes as the orientation of the housing 101 changes due to a user's operation, in a housing 101 having a plurality of surfaces associated with congestion information indicating the congestion status of the facility 10. The detection unit 120 of the congestion information display system detects a surface oriented in a predetermined direction among the plurality of surfaces based on the acceleration acquired by the acceleration sensor. The congestion information acquisition unit 3202 of the congestion information display system acquires the congestion information associated with the surface detected by the detection unit 120. The display processing unit 3204 of the congestion information display system causes the display device 400 to display the congestion information acquired by the congestion information acquisition unit 3202.

[0096] With such a configuration, the congestion information display system acquires the congestion information associated with the surface oriented in a predetermined direction by the user, and causes the display device 400 to display the acquired congestion information. As a result, the congestion information displayed on the display device 400 is updated simply by the user orienting the surface associated with the congestion information to be displayed in a predetermined direction.

[0097] Therefore, the congestion information display system according to each embodiment of the present invention enables the user to easily update the congestion information of the facility 10 manually.

[0098] <<3. Modifications>> A modification of the embodiment of the present invention will be described. Each of the modifications described below may be applied to the embodiment of the present invention alone or in combination. Further, each modification may be applied in place of the configuration described in the embodiment of the present invention, or may be additionally applied to the configuration described in each embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] (1) First modification In each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which the congestion information display system 1 is applied to visualize the vacancy situation in a restaurant or a study room of a cram school has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the congestion information display system 1 may be applied to visualize the congestion situation at the cash register of a store (for example, the cash register in a food sales area). By visualizing the congestion situation at the cash register, the user can adjust the timing of lining up at the cash register. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the concentration of users and staff near the cash register. In addition, the store staff can grasp the current situation of each cash register. Therefore, the congestion information display system 1 can relieve the stress on users and staff caused by congestion near the cash register and smooth out the congestion at the cash register by visualizing the congestion information.

[0100] Note that the congestion information display system 1 may display the congestion information indicating the congestion situation at the cash register on an in-store bulletin board (digital signage) or on the store's website. In addition, waiting times such as "5 minutes wait", "10 minutes wait", and "20 minutes wait" are associated with the congestion information on the surfaces A1 to A6 of the housing 101 of the sensor device 100, for example. As a result, the waiting time at the cash register is displayed on the in-store bulletin board or the website. By checking the displayed waiting time, the user can easily grasp the time zone in which congestion can be avoided.

[0101] In addition, the congestion information display system 1 can effectively appeal to users for the products it wants to offer by displaying real-time product information as PR information. The real-time product information is, for example, special sale information, beneficial information, etc. Such information may be displayed for each corner such as a food sales area according to the information corresponding to each corner. Thereby, the store can provide a real-time advertising service for each spot to the users. As a result, an increase in the average customer price per user is also expected.

[0102] (2) Second modification example The congestion information display system 1 may be applied, for example, to visualize the congestion situation in a playroom for children provided in a store. Thereby, leveling of congestion in the playroom, alleviation of stress on users and staff, and improvement of customer service are expected.

[0103] (3) Third modification example The congestion information display system 1 may be applied, for example, to visualize the congestion situation in a rest room for babies provided in a store. Thereby, alleviation of congestion in the playroom and elimination of user congestion are expected. Furthermore, an image improvement effect as a facility friendly to families with children is also expected.

[0104] (4) Fourth modification example Density information indicating the density situation according to the congestion situation may be associated with the surfaces A1 to A6 of the housing 101 of the sensor device 100. For example, when the congestion situation is "there are vacant seats", information indicating that the facility 10 can be used without crowding with other users is associated. Specifically, it is a message such as "There is no need to worry about crowding." On the other hand, when the congestion situation is "crowded", information indicating that there is a risk of crowding with other users is associated. Specifically, it is a message such as "There is a possibility of crowding." As a result, the congestion information display system 1 can display the density information corresponding to the congestion status of the facility 10 on the display device 400. By checking the density information displayed on the display device 400 in advance, the user can avoid congestion with other users.

[0105] (5) The fifth modification In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the detection unit 120 of the sensor device 100 detects the change in the orientation of the sensor device 100 and the surface facing a predetermined direction has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. The function of the detection unit 120 of the sensor device 100 may be realized by the server device 300. In this case, the sensing information acquired by the sensor unit 110 of the sensor device 100 is transmitted to the server device 300 via the communication unit 140.

[0106] The modifications of the embodiment of the present invention have been described above. The congestion information display system 1 in the above-described embodiment may be implemented by a computer. In that case, a program for realizing this function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to realize it. Here, the "computer system" shall include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Also, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, etc., and a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. Further, the "computer-readable recording medium" also includes those that dynamically hold a program for a short time, such as a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and those that hold a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client in that case. Also, the above program may be for realizing a part of the above-described functions, and may further be realizable in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, or may be realized using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0107] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes and the like can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0108] 1 Congestion information display system 10 Facility 12 Seat 100 Sensor device 101 Housing 110 Sensor section 120 Detection section 130 Storage section 140 Communication section 200 Gateways 300 Server Devices 310 Communication Unit 320 Control Unit 330 Memory Unit 400 Display Device 3202 Congestion Information Acquisition Unit 3204 Display Processing Unit NW Network

Claims

1. A sensor device having an acceleration sensor that acquires an acceleration that changes as the orientation of a housing having a plurality of surfaces associated with congestion information indicating the congestion status of a facility changes due to a user's operation, and a detection unit that detects a surface oriented in a predetermined direction among the plurality of surfaces based on the acceleration acquired by the acceleration sensor, a congestion information acquisition unit that acquires the congestion information associated with the surface detected by the detection unit, a display processing unit that causes the display device to display the congestion information acquired by the congestion information acquisition unit, and having the display processing unit, for the surface detected by the detection unit, in addition to the congestion information, if information different from the congestion information is associated, also causes the display device to display information based on the different information, the different information is density information indicating density information corresponding to the congestion status indicated by the congestion information, a congestion information display system.

2. The detection unit detects, as the surface oriented in the predetermined direction, a surface among the plurality of surfaces that is associated with the acceleration acquired by the acceleration sensor. The congestion information display system according to Claim 1.

3. The acceleration is the gravitational acceleration acquired after the orientation of the housing changes. The congestion information display system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

4. The predetermined direction is the vertically upward direction. The congestion information display system according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. On the surface associated with the congestion information, a medium printed with the congestion information is attached. The congestion information display system according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. The different information is PR information indicating information that wants to appeal to the users of the facility. The congestion information display system according to Claim 1.

7. The different information is usage information indicating how the display target of the congestion information is being used. The congestion information display system according to Claim 1.

8. The sensor device has an acceleration sensor that acquires an acceleration that changes as the orientation of a housing having a plurality of surfaces associated with congestion information indicating the congestion status of a facility changes due to a user's operation, and the detection unit detects, based on the acceleration acquired by the acceleration sensor, a surface among the plurality of surfaces that is oriented in a predetermined direction. A congestion information acquisition unit acquires the congestion information associated with the surface detected by the detection unit; A display processing unit causes the display device to display the congestion information acquired by the congestion information acquisition unit; comprising; When different information is associated with the surface detected by the detection unit in addition to the congestion information, the display processing unit also causes the display device to display information based on the different information with respect to the surface detected by the detection unit; The different information is density information indicating density information corresponding to the congestion situation indicated by the congestion information; A congestion information display method.

9. A computer, a sensor device having an acceleration sensor that acquires an acceleration that changes as the orientation of a housing having a plurality of surfaces associated with congestion information indicating the congestion situation of a facility changes due to a user operation, a detection unit that detects a surface oriented in a predetermined direction among the plurality of surfaces based on the acceleration acquired by the acceleration sensor; a congestion information acquisition unit that acquires the congestion information associated with the surface detected by the detection unit; a display processing unit that causes the display device to display the congestion information acquired by the congestion information acquisition unit; function as; When different information is associated with the surface detected by the detection unit in addition to the congestion information, the display processing unit also causes the display device to display information based on the different information with respect to the surface detected by the detection unit; The different information is density information indicating density information corresponding to the congestion situation indicated by the congestion information; A program.

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