Check-in area management device

Abstract

Provided is a check-in area management device capable of setting a check-in area that allows information distribution according to the situation.　In a check-in area management server 100, a situation information acquisition unit 101 acquires situation information in a predetermined specific area. A check-in area calculation unit 102 then determines a check-in range according to the situation information in the specific area. This check-in area calculation unit 102 determines the check-in range on the basis of the situation information so that the specific area is not congested.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a check-in area management device that manages a check-in area. [Background technology]

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, one method of providing location information services is to set up a geofence (a virtual area, equivalent to the check-in area in the present disclosure) on a map and provide services when a user enters or leaves the geofence. With this geofencing, for example, if a store wants to increase the number of customers, it can provide a service such as distributing coupons to users who enter an area with a 200-meter radius around the store to encourage them to visit. The geofence in Patent Document 1 can be set to an appropriate size depending on the user's movement speed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 012707 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, it is difficult to provide appropriate services according to the situation in the service provision area using geofences. For example, in recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a new lifestyle requiring people to avoid crowds, creating a new need for information distribution according to situations such as congestion that were not previously anticipated. The invention described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it is not possible to set a geofence (the check-in area of ​​the present disclosure) that takes crowding into consideration.

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a check-in area management device that can set a check-in area that allows information distribution according to the situation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The check-in area management device of the present invention includes a situation acquisition unit that acquires situation information in a predetermined specific area, and a determination unit that determines a check-in range in the specific area according to the situation information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a check-in area can be set according to the situation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration including an information distribution server 300 that distributes information to user terminals that enter a check-in area. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of the operation of the check-in area management server 100. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a check-in area management server 100. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of check-in area information. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of congestion information. [Figure 6] 10 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the check-in area management server 100 of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 10 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a modified example of the check-in area management server 100. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a bus arrival information DB. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a check-in area management server 100b. [Figure 10]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a check-in area management server 100c. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specific example of a road congestion information DB. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a check-in area management server 100d. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of the attribute information DB 105d. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a check-in area management server 100e. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a positioning accuracy information DB. [Figure 16] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a check-in area management server 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration including an information distribution server 300 that distributes information to a user terminal that has entered a check-in area. In the present disclosure, a check-in area corresponds to a geofence. When a user terminal 200 enters a check-in area, the user terminal 200 notifies the information distribution server 300 of the entry. The information distribution server 300 transmits information that has been previously associated with the check-in area to the user terminal 200.

[0011] In the present disclosure, the check-in area management server 100 registers the size of the check-in area determined according to the situation in the geofence management server 110. When the size of the check-in area is changed, the geofence management server 110 sets the changed size in the user terminal 200.

[0012] 2 is a schematic diagram of the operation of check-in area management server 100. As shown in the figure, check-in area management server 100 acquires situation data such as traffic congestion conditions, people flow information, and weather from each database. Check-in area management server 100 calculates check-in area information (radius) for each area depending on the situation, and sets the check-in area information by sending it to user terminal 200.

[0013] 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of check-in area management server 100. This check-in area management server 100 is configured to include a situation information acquisition unit 101, a check-in area calculation unit 102, a transmission unit 103, a check-in area information DB 104, and a congestion information DB 105.

[0014] The status information acquisition unit 101 is a part that acquires check-in area and congestion information from the check-in area information DB 104 and the congestion information DB 105 .

[0015] The check-in area calculation unit 102 is a part that sets a check-in area for each area based on check-in area information and congestion information. Details of this setting process will be described later.

[0016] The transmitting unit 103 is a part that transmits check-in area information to the user terminal 200 .

[0017] The check-in area information DB104 is a database that stores check-in area information. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific example of check-in area information. As shown in the diagram, the check-in area information is information that associates a fence ID, an area ID, latitude and longitude, and a fence radius. The fence ID is an ID for identifying a check-in area. The area ID is an ID for identifying an area. An area identified by this area ID is linked to one or more check-in areas. The latitude and longitude are coordinate information that indicate the geographical location of the check-in area (e.g., a central position). The fence radius is information that indicates the size of the check-in area. A circle set by the fence radius with the latitude and longitude at its center corresponds to the check-in area. In the present disclosure, the check-in area is circular, but this is not limited to this. It may also be rectangular or another polygonal shape.

[0018] This check-in area information stores an initial value of the fence radius for each area, and the check-in area calculation unit 102 then updates the fence radius according to the degree of congestion.

[0019] The congestion information DB 105 is a database that stores congestion information. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of congestion information. As shown in the diagram, the congestion information is information indicating the degree of congestion for each area. This congestion information includes an area ID, a congestion level, a congestion occurrence time, and a congestion end time. The area ID is an ID for identifying an area that is subject to congestion. This area ID may also be a fence ID. The congestion level indicates the degree of congestion, and in this disclosure is indicated in stages such as high, medium, and low. The congestion occurrence time and congestion end time are information indicating a congestion time period. This congestion information is information acquired from an external DB. In the external DB, the congestion level in an area (or an area including a store, etc.) is acquired based on, for example, the GPS function of a mobile terminal, location information possessed by a mobile phone carrier, or sensors in the area. Note that the congestion level of an area including a check-in area may be registered by the manager of the check-in area (such as the owner of a store). In the present disclosure, an area refers to a predetermined range, and the range may coincide with the check-in area, or may be partially overlapping or adjacent to the check-in area. The area may be larger and the check-in area may be smaller, or vice versa. In the present disclosure, an area is a range for obtaining situation information used when defining the size of the check-in area.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of check-in area management server 100 of the present disclosure.

[0021] In the check-in area management server 100, check-in area information is registered in the geofence management server 110 (S101). In this process, the check-in area calculation unit 102 calculates the check-in area based on an initial value, and the transmission unit 103 transmits the calculated check-in area to the geofence management server 110.

[0022] The geofence management server 110 stores check-in area information (S102). Then, a system update process of the check-in area information is performed on the user terminal 200 (S103). System update refers to synchronizing the check-in area information stored in the geofence management server 110 by transmitting it to the user terminal 200. This process of transmitting the check-in area information may be performed immediately after the check-in area information is stored, or may be performed after a predetermined time.

[0023] The check-in area information is stored in the user terminal 200, and the geofence function is activated (S104). As described above, the geofence function is a function that performs a process of acquiring service information from the service information distribution server when the user enters a virtual geographical area specified based on the position (coordinates and its radius) specified in the check-in area information.

[0024] Thereafter, the congestion information for a certain area is updated in the external DB, and the congestion information is transmitted to the check-in area management server 100 (S105). The check-in area management server 100 may periodically check and retrieve the external DB.

[0025] In the check-in area management server 100, the congestion information DB 105 is stored and updated (S106). Then, the situation information acquisition unit 101 acquires situation information and congestion information from the check-in area information DB 104 and the congestion information DB 105. The check-in area calculation unit 102 calculates a new check-in area and stores it in the check-in area information DB 104. Then, the transmission unit 103 transmits the new check-in area information to the geofence management server 110 (S107).

[0026] In the geofence management server 110, the check-in area information is stored (S108), and a system reflection process is performed (S19).

[0027] The new check-in area information is stored in the user terminal 200, and the geofence function is activated (S110). Note that the geofence function has already been activated in process S104, and this state may be continued as is.

[0028] Next, a method for calculating a check-in area by the check-in area calculation unit 102 in the present disclosure (process S107) will be described. The present disclosure relates to a technology for guiding people to a certain area by distributing service information using a geofence function. This guidance can cause congestion in the area, which can make it difficult to provide appropriate services to the people who are guided there. Therefore, it is necessary to level out the congestion.

[0029] In the present disclosure, when situation information acquisition unit 101 detects that congestion information DB 105 has been updated, it acquires check-in area information from check-in area information DB 104 and congestion information from congestion information DB 105. The congestion information in congestion information DB 105 is updated periodically at a predetermined cycle.

[0030] The check-in area calculation unit 102 calculates the fence radius of a check-in area based on the updated congestion information (congestion level) of a certain area. That is, the check-in area calculation unit 102 acquires the congestion level of the area and the congested time period from the updated congestion information of the area. Then, if the time when the check-in area is to be calculated is during a congested time period for that area, the check-in area calculation unit 102 calculates the fence radius (radius of the check-in area) according to the congestion level. For example, when the congestion level is high, the radius is 200 m, when the congestion level is medium, the radius is 100 m, and when the congestion level is low, the radius is 50 m. When it is congested (congestion level: high), it is desirable to limit the inflow of people into the area, so by making the check-in area smaller, it is possible to limit the guidance of people.

[0031] It should be noted that check-in area calculation unit 102 may also take into consideration the congested time period (particularly the end time of the congested time period). Even if the timing for calculating the check-in area is during a congested time period, if it is close to the end (for example, 10 minutes before the end), the check-in area may be set so as to guide the user to that area. Furthermore, check-in area calculation unit 102 may refer to congestion information DB 105 from time to time, and when it determines that a congested time period is approaching, it may calculate a fence radius according to the degree of congestion.

[0032] The fence radius should be an optimal radius that models the fence radius and the response rate to service information distribution (advertising, etc.) to level out store congestion. For example, the area of ​​the check-in area can be calculated using the following formula. The fence radius is calculated based on this area, but it is not limited to this.

[0033] Example of calculating the target area fence_α_area of ​​the fence (ID=α) taking into account the response rate of store X fence_α_area=num_x_customer / (num_hour×reaction_x)…(1) Defining variables num_hour: Average number of people per unit area in the area during each time period reaction_x: Visit rate (≒ response rate) due to recommendation distribution at store X num_x_customer: Number of additional customers desired by store X (≒ How many more customers do you want to attract to the store?) The average number of visitors is calculated from the number of visitors in an area, which is acquired in advance based on the location information of the mobile device. The visit rate is calculated by conducting a survey or the like for each user to whom service information is distributed. The number of additional visitors is calculated by subtracting the average number of visitors from the maximum number of visitors in the area. This maximum number of visitors is set by the area manager. Furthermore, since the number of additional visitors is the number desired by the manager, it may be adjusted to an appropriate number by subtracting a predetermined number from the maximum number of visitors.

[0034] The above process is intended to guide passengers to a store corresponding to the check-in area while taking into consideration congestion reduction, but it is not limited to this. It can also be used to reduce congestion on public transportation such as buses. For example, assume that the public transportation is a route bus.

[0035] Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a modified example (check-in area management server 100a) of check-in area management server 100. As shown in the figure, check-in area management server 100 further includes a bus arrival information DB 105a instead of congestion information DB 105. As shown in Fig. 8(a), this bus arrival information DB 105a stores, for each bus stop, the location information of that bus stop and the predicted bus arrival time.

[0036] The situation information acquisition unit 101 acquires the predicted arrival time at a target bus stop calculated from the bus location, bus stop location, and road traffic conditions from the bus arrival information DB 105a. The predicted arrival time for each bus stop is registered in the bus arrival information DB 105a from an external server (not shown). The predicted arrival time is calculated from road traffic information (traffic congestion information) and the like in the external server.

[0037] The check-in area calculation unit 102 calculates the fence radius around the bus stop in stages according to the predicted bus arrival time. For example, if the predicted arrival time is 20 minutes or more, the fence radius is set to 2 km, if it is 10 to 20 minutes later, it is set to 1 km, and if it is 2 to 10 minutes later, it is set to 200 m.

[0038] If you make the check-in area too small, you won't receive a notification about whether the next bus is better until you're at the bus stop, but if you make the check-in area too large, the recommended bus may have already passed by by the time you get to the bus stop.

[0039] When the check-in area management server 100 disclosed herein is applied to bus congestion status notification messages, the fence radius can be calculated in stages according to the predicted arrival time at the bus stop (how many minutes it will take to arrive), making it possible to distribute service information including bus congestion messages at appropriate times.

[0040] The fence radius may also be set according to the congestion level inside the bus. For example, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the bus arrival information DB 105a may store the congestion levels of the bus scheduled to arrive and the next bus at each bus stop in addition to the bus arrival information in FIG. 8(a). If the congestion level of the scheduled bus is higher than that of the next bus, the check-in area calculation unit 102 may set a larger fence radius centered on the scheduled bus stop. This allows the user to be guided to the next bus. If the congestion level of the next bus is high, the fence radius may be smaller. In FIG. 8(b), the predicted arrival time may be omitted.

[0041] The present invention can also be applied to the distribution of other service information. For example, the check-in area management server 100b may include a weather DB 105b instead of the congestion information DB 105. Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the check-in area management server 100b.

[0042] The check-in area calculation unit 102 may refer to the weather DB 105b and set a fence radius centered on the area depending on the weather conditions in that area. The check-in area calculation unit 102 sets a smaller fence radius when it is raining and a larger fence radius when it is sunny. This allows the store to attract only people in front of (nearby) the store when it is raining, and people from a wider area when it is sunny.

[0043] Furthermore, the fence radius may be set according to the road congestion status of the target area. As shown in FIG. 10, the check-in area management server 100c further includes a road congestion information DB 105c that stores information on road congestion status, instead of the congestion information DB 105. As shown in FIG. 11, the road congestion information DB 105c stores information that associates areas with congestion status. The congestion status indicates the congestion on major roads in that area. The areas in this road congestion information DB 105c may differ from the areas in the congestion information DB in terms of size, target, etc.

[0044] The check-in area calculation unit 102 may acquire road congestion information in the area and its surrounding area from the road congestion information DB 105c, and set the fence radius according to the congestion status.

[0045] For example, if the target area and the roads in the vicinity thereof are congested, the check-in area calculation unit 102 sets a larger fence radius centered on the area. This allows the user to know the congestion status of the area in advance and to take a detour, if the service information distribution server provides a congestion status notification service. The service information distribution server may also send a detour route to the area as service information distribution. If the fence radius remains small, the user will not know the congestion status until the last moment, making it difficult to take a detour.

[0046] The fence radius may also be set according to the device attributes of the user's surrounding area. As shown in FIG. 12, the check-in area management server 100d further includes an attribute information DB 105d that stores attribute information including the device type for each area. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of the attribute information DB 105d. As shown in the diagram, each area is associated with a device type. For example, area X shows that iOS-equipped devices are prevalent. The attribute information DB 105d stores the area in which each device is located and its device type in an external DB, and by tallying the number of such areas, it is possible to determine which device type is prevalent. The check-in area calculation unit 102 then sets the fence radius according to the device type of the user terminal in the target area.

[0047] Devices running iOS (registered trademark) have high positioning accuracy, but other devices (such as devices running Android (registered trademark) OS) do not have as high accuracy as iOS devices (their location information is updated less frequently). Therefore, by setting the fence radius according to the type of device that is most prevalent around the area, an appropriate fence radius can be set.

[0048] If there are many iOS devices, the fence radius is set smaller. On the other hand, if there are many Android devices, the fence radius is set larger. This enables accurate service information distribution. For example, if there are many Android devices in a certain area that do not have high positioning accuracy (low update frequency), setting the fence radius for that area smaller may result in devices to which service information should be distributed being missed.

[0049] Conversely, if there are many iOS devices, setting a larger fence radius will result in higher positioning accuracy (higher update frequency), allowing service information to be distributed to most of the devices to which it is intended, but this may also result in excessive distribution.

[0050] Therefore, the check-in area calculation unit 102 sets the fence radius according to the type of user terminals with the most users in the area, thereby enabling appropriate service information distribution.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 13, the number of terminals of each type in each area is determined based on the subscriber information (including OS type) and location information of the terminals registered in the external DB. This attribute information DB 105d stores the terminal type with the largest number of terminals as the terminal type for that area. This counting operation is performed by a DB management unit (not shown).

[0052] Furthermore, the fence radius may be set according to the positioning accuracy in the area. As shown in Fig. 14, the check-in area management server 100e includes a positioning accuracy information DB 105e. Fig. 15 shows a specific example of the positioning accuracy information DB 105e. As shown in the figure, the positioning accuracy information DB 105e defines the positioning accuracy for each area and time. This positioning accuracy information DB 105e is obtained from statistics of the positioning results of the user terminal (or the positioning results on the server side) or the positional relationship of GPS satellites, and is set, for example, by an administrator of this positioning accuracy information DB 105e.

[0053] The check-in area calculation unit 102 may set the fence radius based on this positioning accuracy information.

[0054] Generally, the GPS function (positioning accuracy) of a user terminal depends on the surrounding environment of the user terminal 200 and the positional relationship of GPS satellites. The surrounding environment is based on the height and number of buildings (particularly buildings, etc.). If there are many tall buildings, the user terminal cannot capture signals from the GPS satellites, making it difficult to accurately determine its position. Furthermore, the positions of the GPS satellites change from moment to moment. Therefore, the accuracy of the positioning of the user terminal 200 changes depending on the time of day and location.

[0055] Positioning accuracy information DB 105e stores positioning accuracy information that associates positions with time and positioning accuracy, and check-in area calculation unit 102 changes the fence radius in accordance with the positioning accuracy information. Check-in area calculation unit 102 sets a large fence radius for user terminal 200 in a time period when positioning accuracy is poor. Conversely, it sets a small fence radius for time periods when positioning accuracy is good.

[0056] This allows the fence radius to be adjusted according to the positioning accuracy, which changes depending on the position of GPS satellites, which changes with time, enabling the appropriate delivery of service information.

[0057] Next, a description will be given of the operational effects of the check-in area management server 100 of the present disclosure. In the check-in area management server 100 of the present disclosure, the situation information acquisition unit 101 acquires situation information in a predetermined specific area. Then, the check-in area calculation unit 102 determines a check-in range according to the situation information in the specific area.

[0058] The check-in area calculation unit 102 determines the check-in range based on the situation information so that the specific area does not become congested.

[0059] For example, if the specific area is a store, the status information indicates the congestion status of the store. If the specific area is a bus or bus stop, the status information indicates the congestion status of public transportation vehicles or the estimated arrival time. For example, if it takes a certain amount of time until the estimated arrival time, setting a large fence radius enables appropriate service information distribution.

[0060] In addition, the check-in area calculation unit 102 determines the check-in range according to the congestion status of the first vehicle (nearest bus) arriving immediately after the specific area (bus stop) and the second vehicle (next bus) arriving next.

[0061] For example, if the nearest bus, which is the first vehicle, is crowded and the next bus, which is the second vehicle, is empty, the check-in area calculation unit 102 sets the fence radius to be large in order to widen the check-in range and guide the user to the next bus, which is the second vehicle.

[0062] The situation information may also indicate the degree of road congestion in a particular area. If the road is congested, the fence radius can be increased to give the user an opportunity to avoid the congestion.

[0063] Furthermore, the check-in area calculation unit 102 may determine the check-in range based on the response rate at the distribution destination for the service information distributed in response to the check-in, based on the situation information.

[0064] The higher the response rate, the narrower the check-in range can be, enabling efficient distribution of service information. It also helps to avoid unnecessary congestion.

[0065] On the other hand, weather can also be taken into consideration as situational information. On rainy days, the response rate (visit rate) of people who are far away is not high, so coupons can be distributed efficiently by narrowing the check-in range and sending coupons only to people who are close to the store.

[0066] Furthermore, check-in area calculation section 102 may determine the check-in range so as to compensate for the positioning error in user terminal 200 based on the situation information.

[0067] Depending on the attributes of user terminal 200 or the environment (location) in which it is located, the positioning accuracy of user terminal 200 may be poor. To compensate for this, check-in area calculation unit 102 sets a large fence radius to ensure a wide check-in range. Therefore, the user terminal can check in and receive service information distribution without being affected by the positioning accuracy.

[0068] For example, the status information is determined based on the ratio of attributes of multiple devices in a specific area. Because the frequency and accuracy of positioning vary depending on the OS type or type of device, it is advisable to set a wide check-in range taking this into consideration.

[0069] The situation information may also indicate the accuracy of positioning in a specific area. The accuracy of positioning of the user terminal 200 varies depending on the location and time. It is advisable to set the check-in range taking this into consideration.

[0070] The check-in area management device, which is the check-in area management server 100 according to the present disclosure, has the following configuration.

[0071] [1] a situation acquisition unit that acquires situation information in a predetermined specific area; a determination unit that determines a check-in range in the specific area according to the situation information; A check-in area management device comprising:

[0072] [2] The determination unit determining the check-in range based on the situation information so as to prevent the specific area from becoming congested; The check-in area management device according to [1].

[0073] [3] The management device described in [2], wherein the status information indicates the congestion status or predicted arrival time of public transportation vehicles in the specific area.

[0074] [4] The determination unit The vehicles include a first vehicle and a second vehicle, and the check-in range is determined according to the congestion status or the predicted arrival time of each of the first vehicle that will arrive closest to the specific area and the second vehicle that will arrive next. [3] The check-in area management device according to [3].

[0075] [5] The management device described in [2], wherein the situation information indicates the road congestion status in the specific area.

[0076] [6] The determination unit determining a check-in range according to a response rate at the distribution destination for service information to be distributed in response to check-in based on the situation information; The check-in area management device according to [1].

[0077] [7] The management device according to claim [1] or [6], wherein the situation information indicates the weather in the specific area.

[0078] [8] The determination unit determining a check-in range based on the situation information so as to compensate for the positioning error of the user terminal; The check-in area management device according to [1].

[0079] [9] the situation information is determined based on a ratio of attributes of a plurality of user terminals located in the specific area; [8] The management device according to [8].

[0080]

[10] The management device according to [8], wherein the status information indicates the positioning accuracy in the specific area.

[0081]

[11] a transmission unit that transmits the check-in range to a user terminal; A user terminal that enters the check-in range can acquire information about the specific area. The check-in area management device according to any one of [1] to

[10] .

[0082] The block diagrams used to explain the above embodiments show functional blocks. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of hardware and / or software. Furthermore, the method for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using a single device that is physically or logically coupled, or may be realized using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are connected directly or indirectly (for example, by wire, wirelessly, etc.) and these multiple devices. The functional block may also be realized by combining the single device or multiple devices with software.

[0083] Functions include, but are not limited to, judgment, determination, judgment, calculation, computation, processing, derivation, investigation, search, confirmation, reception, transmission, output, access, resolution, selection, election, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, consideration, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocation, mapping, and assignment. For example, a functional block (component) that performs transmission is called a transmitting unit or transmitter. As mentioned above, there are no particular limitations on how these functions are implemented.

[0084] For example, the check-in area management server 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs processing of the check-in area management method of the present disclosure. Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the check-in area management server 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The check-in area management server 100 described above may be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, etc.

[0085] In the following explanation, the term "device" can be interpreted as a circuit, device, unit, etc. The hardware configuration of the check-in area management server 100 may be configured to include one or more of the devices shown in the figure, or may be configured to exclude some of the devices.

[0086] Each function of the check-in area management server 100 is realized by loading specified software (programs) onto hardware such as the processor 1001 and memory 1002, causing the processor 1001 to perform calculations, control communication via the communication device 1004, and control at least one of reading and writing data in the memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0087] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer by running, for example, an operating system. The processor 1001 may be configured by a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc. For example, the check-in area calculation unit 102 described above may be realized by the processor 1001.

[0088] Furthermore, the processor 1001 reads programs (program codes), software modules, data, etc. from at least one of the storage 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the memory 1002 and executes various processes in accordance with these. The programs used are those that cause a computer to execute at least some of the operations described in the above-described embodiments. For example, the check-in area calculation unit 102 may be implemented by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and running on the processor 1001, and similar implementations may be made for other functional blocks. While the above-described various processes have been described as being executed by one processor 1001, they may also be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips. The programs may also be transmitted from a network via a telecommunications line.

[0089] The memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may be configured, for example, by at least one of a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a random access memory (RAM), etc. The memory 1002 may also be called a register, a cache, a main memory (primary storage device), etc. The memory 1002 can store executable programs (program codes), software modules, etc. for implementing a check-in area management method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] Storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be, for example, at least one of an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a Blu-ray disc), a smart card, a flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy disk, a magnetic strip, etc. Storage 1003 may also be referred to as an auxiliary storage device. The above-mentioned storage medium may be, for example, a database, a server, or other appropriate medium including at least one of memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0091] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmission / reception device) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also referred to as, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, or a communication module. The communication device 1004 may be configured to include a high-frequency switch, a duplexer, a filter, a frequency synthesizer, etc. to realize at least one of frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD). For example, the above-mentioned transmitting unit 103 may be realized by the communication device 1004. The transmitting unit 103 may be implemented as being physically or logically separated from the receiving unit.

[0092] The input device 1005 is an input device (for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a switch, a button, a sensor, etc.) that receives input from the outside. The output device 1006 is an output device (for example, a display, a speaker, an LED lamp, etc.) that outputs to the outside. The input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be integrated into one device (for example, a touch panel).

[0093] Furthermore, each device, such as the processor 1001 and the memory 1002, is connected by a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured using a single bus, or may be configured using different buses between each device.

[0094] Furthermore, the check-in area management server 100 may be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and some or all of the functional blocks may be realized by the hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these pieces of hardware.

[0095] The notification of information is not limited to the aspects / embodiments described in the present disclosure and may be performed using other methods. For example, the notification of information may be performed by physical layer signaling (e.g., Downlink Control Information (DCI), Uplink Control Information (UCI)), higher layer signaling (e.g., Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, Medium Access Control (MAC) signaling, broadcast information (Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIB))), other signals, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the RRC signaling may be referred to as an RRC message, and may be, for example, an RRC Connection Setup message, an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message, or the like.

[0096] The order of the procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. of each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be changed unless it is consistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0097] Input and output information may be stored in a specific location (for example, memory) or may be managed using a management table. Input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or added to. Output information may be deleted. Input information may be sent to another device.

[0098] The determination may be made based on a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), a Boolean value (true or false), or a numerical comparison (e.g., comparison with a predetermined value).

[0099] Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched depending on the implementation. Furthermore, notification of predetermined information (e.g., notification that "X is true") is not limited to being done explicitly, but may be done implicitly (e.g., by not notifying the predetermined information).

[0100] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present disclosure.

[0101] Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0102] Software, instructions, information, etc. may also be transmitted or received over a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and / or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave), these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission media.

[0103] The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0104] Note that terms explained in this disclosure and terms necessary for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings. For example, at least one of a channel and a symbol may be a signal (signaling). Furthermore, a signal may be a message. Furthermore, a component carrier (CC) may be called a carrier frequency, a cell, a frequency carrier, etc.

[0105] Furthermore, the information, parameters, etc. described in the present disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or other corresponding information. For example, a radio resource may be indicated by an index.

[0106] The names used for the above-described parameters are not intended to be limiting in any way. Furthermore, the mathematical expressions using these parameters may differ from those explicitly disclosed in this disclosure. The various channels (e.g., PUCCH, PDCCH, etc.) and information elements may be identified by any suitable names, and therefore the various names assigned to these various channels and information elements are not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0107] In this disclosure, the terms "Mobile Station (MS)," "user terminal," "User Equipment (UE)," "terminal," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0108] A mobile station may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other suitable terminology.

[0109] As used in this disclosure, the terms "determining" and "determining" may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Determining" and "determining" may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiring (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, and the like. "Determining" and "determining" may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), and the like. Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. as having been "judged" or "decided." In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding some action as having been "judged" or "decided." Furthermore, "judgment (decision)" can be interpreted as "assuming," "expecting," "considering," etc.

[0110] The terms "connected," "coupled," or any variation thereof, refer to any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" may be read as "access." As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using one or more wires, cables, and / or printed electrical connections, as well as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency range, microwave range, and optical (both visible and invisible) range, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0111] As used in this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0112] Any reference to an element using a designation such as "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient way to distinguish between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be employed or that the first element must in some way precede the second element.

[0113] When used in this disclosure, the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, when used in this disclosure, the term "or" is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0114] In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are in the plural form.

[0115] In the present disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "coupled" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different." [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 100...check-in area management server, 100a...check-in area management server, 100b...check-in area management server, 100c...check-in area management server, 100d...check-in area management server, 100e...check-in area management server, 101...situation information acquisition unit, 102...check-in area calculation unit, 103...transmission unit, 110...geofence management server, 200...user terminal, 300...information distribution server.

Claims

[Claim 1] a situation acquisition unit that acquires situation information in a predetermined specific area; a determination unit that determines a check-in range in the specific area according to the situation information; Equipped with The determination unit determining a check-in range based on the situation information so as to compensate for a positioning error in the user terminal; the situation information is determined based on a ratio of attributes of a plurality of user terminals located in the specific area; Check-in area management device.

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