Information processing device, information processing system, bonus granting method, and program

Abstract

To efficiently relax congestion.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: a monitoring unit that monitors the degree of congestion of each of a plurality of parking areas included in a facility; a specifying unit that specifies, among the plurality of parking areas, a user parking area in which a user has parked; and a privilege granting unit that grants the user a privilege that can be used in the facility at a prescribed ratio in accordance with the degree of congestion of the user parking area and the degree of congestion of another parking area different from the user parking area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, a reward providing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Various efforts have been made to alleviate congestion in parking lots and facilities. For example, a related technology has been disclosed in which a priority pass is issued to compensate for the travel distance from a distant parking lot to a tourist destination in a park-and-ride system, and users of the parking lot are given priority in the queues that form at tourist facilities (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 179155 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional technology has had the problem that simply offering benefits to users who travel long distances may result in congestion in the distant areas, making it impossible to efficiently alleviate congestion.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can efficiently alleviate congestion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a monitoring unit that monitors the degree of congestion in each of a plurality of parking areas provided in a facility, an identifying unit that identifies a user parking area among the plurality of parking areas in which a user has parked, and a device that allocates a predetermined number of benefits available at the facility according to the degree of congestion in the user parking area and the degree of congestion in other parking areas different from the user parking area. Winning a reward granting unit that grants a reward to the user in proportion to the amount of the rewards. The benefit granting unit grants the benefit to the user at a higher rate when the user parking area is not congested than when the user parking area is congested, and grants the benefit to the user at a higher rate when the other parking area is congested than when the other parking area is not congested. It is an information processing device.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention provides an information processing system comprising: a user terminal device carried by a user; a gate device disposed in each of a plurality of parking areas provided in a facility; and an information processing device that monitors the degree of congestion in each of the plurality of parking areas, wherein the user terminal device outputs user identification information that identifies the user terminal device itself; the gate device, upon acquiring the user identification information output from the user terminal device, transmits the acquired user identification information and gate identification information that identifies the user terminal device itself to the information processing device; the information processing device comprises a monitoring unit that monitors the degree of congestion in each of the plurality of parking areas; an identification unit that identifies a user parking area in which the user has parked among the plurality of parking areas based on the gate identification information transmitted from the gate device; and a predetermined number of privileges that can be used in the facility according to the degree of congestion in the user parking area and the degree of congestion in other parking areas different from the user parking area. Winning a reward granting unit that grants a reward to the user in proportion to the amount of the reward, The benefit granting unit grants the benefit to the user at a higher rate when the user parking area is not congested than when the user parking area is congested, and grants the benefit to the user at a higher rate when the other parking area is congested than when the other parking area is not congested, The user terminal device is an information processing system that outputs the result regarding the awarding of the benefit.

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a method for providing a privilege, which includes the steps of: a computer used in an information processing device monitoring the degree of congestion of each of a plurality of parking areas provided in a facility; identifying a user parking area among the plurality of parking areas in which a user has parked; and providing a predetermined privilege available at the facility according to the degree of congestion of the user parking area and the degree of congestion of other parking areas different from the user parking area. Winning and awarding the user a percentage of the total amount of the bonus. and in the step of granting the privilege, when the user parking area is not congested, the privilege is granted to the user at a higher rate than when the user parking area is congested, and when the other parking area is congested, the privilege is granted to the user at a higher rate than when the other parking area is not congested. This is a method of granting benefits.

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a program that includes a computer used in an information processing device, a monitoring unit that monitors the degree of congestion in each of a plurality of parking areas provided in a facility, an identifying unit that identifies a user parking area among the plurality of parking areas where a user has parked, and a program that determines whether a privilege available at the facility is available depending on the degree of congestion in the user parking area and the degree of congestion in other parking areas different from the user parking area. Winning a bonus granting unit that grants a bonus to the user in proportion to the amount of the bonus; The benefit granting unit grants the benefit to the user at a higher rate when the user parking area is not congested than when the user parking area is congested, and grants the benefit to the user at a higher rate when the other parking area is congested than when the other parking area is not congested. It is a program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, congestion can be alleviated efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing server 100. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a user terminal device 110. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a gate device 120. FIG. [Figure 5]1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an information processing system 1. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a priority admission ticket issuance table. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery table for priority admission tickets. [Figure 8] 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing that is periodically performed in the information processing system 1. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing when a lottery for priority admission tickets is conducted in the information processing system 1. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of lottery processing for priority admission tickets performed by the information processing server 100. [Figure 11] 10 is an example of a screen of a two-dimensional code displayed on a user terminal device 110. [Figure 12] 10 is an example of a screen showing the lottery results displayed on the user terminal device 110. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a first modification in which the parking lot P is a flat parking lot. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery table for priority admission tickets in Modification 1. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery table for priority admission tickets in Modification 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below are merely examples, and the embodiments to which the present invention is applicable are not limited to the following embodiments.

[0013] (Embodiment) (Example of operation of Information Processing System 1) FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. First, an example of operation of the information processing system 1 will be described. In FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 is applied to a complex Cf. Specifically, the complex Cf is a large commercial facility such as a shopping mall with multiple store tenants. The complex Cf also has a parking lot P. The parking lot P is, for example, a multi-story parking lot, and has gate devices 120 (120a, 120b, 120c) on each floor of each parking area AR (AR1, AR2, AR3). When a user Us visits the complex Cf by vehicle, he or she parks his or her vehicle on one of the floors of the parking lot P and goes shopping or eats or drinks in the complex Cf.

[0014] (Network configuration of information processing system 1) Next, a description will be given of the network configuration of the information processing system 1. In Fig. 1, the information processing system 1 includes an information processing server 100, a user terminal device 110, a gate device 120, and various sensors 130. Each device is communicably connected via a network 140. The information processing server 100, the user terminal device 110, and the gate device 120 are computer devices equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a communication unit, etc.

[0015] The information processing server 100 is an example of an information processing device. The information processing server 100 manages various contents to be notified on predetermined application software (hereinafter referred to as "facility use app") that supports parking and shopping in the parking lot P. The various contents to be managed are various notices in the complex Cf, such as information on sale periods and stores offering sales. In particular, in this embodiment, the various contents managed by the information processing server 100 include the congestion status of the complex Cf, the congestion status of the parking lot P, coupons that can be used in stores, and priority admission tickets (fast passes) that allow users to enter stores before other users.

[0016] The user terminal device 110 is a portable terminal device carried by the user Us, such as a smartphone. However, the user terminal device 110 is not limited to a smartphone, and may also be a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, or the like. A facility use app is installed on the user terminal device 110. When the facility use app is launched, the user terminal device 110 can display the congestion status of the complex Cf, the congestion status of the parking lot P, coupons, priority admission tickets, and the like, which are managed by the information processing server 100.

[0017] When a vehicle enters or leaves the parking lot, the gate device 120 transmits information indicating this (entry information or exit information) to the information processing server 100. The information processing server 100 uses the entry information or exit information to manage the degree of congestion (number of parked vehicles) on each floor. The gate device 120 may be separate for the entrance and exit, or may be a common device for both the entrance and exit.

[0018] The following is a supplementary explanation of the ticket issuing and payment performed by the gate device 120. The gate device 120 is equipped with a ticket issuing machine and a gate bar. When the user Us takes the parking ticket issued by the ticket issuing machine when entering the parking lot P, the gate bar rises and the user is able to enter the parking lot P. When leaving the parking lot, the user Us pays using the parking ticket. Once payment at the gate device 120 is complete, the gate bar rises and the user is able to leave the parking lot. Payment can also be made at a prepayment machine other than the gate device 120. Once payment is complete, the prepayment machine issues a paid parking ticket. When the user Us inserts the paid parking ticket into the gate device 120 at the exit, the gate bar rises and the user is able to leave the parking lot.

[0019] The various sensors 130 include various cameras and various sensors (mat sensors, entrance / exit sensors, people flow sensors) arranged within the complex Cf. The detection results of the various sensors 130 are transmitted to the information processing server 100. The information processing server 100 analyzes the detection results of the various sensors 130 to obtain the congestion status within the complex Cf and the congestion status of each store. Note that the analysis of the detection results of the various sensors 130 is not limited to being performed by the information processing server 100, and may also be performed by, for example, a monitoring device arranged in the complex Cf. In this case, the information processing server 100 may obtain the analysis results (various congestion statuses) from the monitoring device.

[0020] (Hardware configuration of information processing server 100) Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing server 100. In Fig. 2, the information processing server 100 includes a CPU 201, a memory 202, a communication I / F (interface) 203, and a storage medium I / F 204. The components 201 to 204 are connected to each other via a bus 220.

[0021] The CPU 201 controls the entire information processing server 100. The memory 202 includes, for example, a ROM, a RAM, and a flash ROM. For example, the flash ROM and the ROM store various programs. The various programs include the bonus granting program according to this embodiment. The RAM is used as a work area for the CPU 201. The programs stored in the memory 202 are loaded into the CPU 201, causing the CPU 201 to execute the coded processes.

[0022] The communication I / F 203 is connected to a network 140 such as the Internet via a communication line, and is connected to other devices (e.g., the user terminal device 110 and the gate device 120) via the network 140. The communication I / F 203 also manages the interface between the network 140 and the inside of its own device, and controls the input and output of data from other devices. The storage medium I / F 204, under the control of the CPU 201, controls reading and writing of data from and to a storage medium (not shown), such as a magnetic disk or optical disk.

[0023] (Hardware configuration of user terminal device 110) Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of user terminal device 110. In Fig. 3, user terminal device 110 includes a CPU 301, a memory 302, a communication I / F 303, a storage medium I / F 304, an input device 305, a display 306, and a speaker 307. Each of components 301 to 306 is connected to each other via a bus 320.

[0024] The CPU 301 is responsible for overall control of the user terminal device 110. The memory 302 includes, for example, a ROM, a RAM, and a flash ROM. For example, the flash ROM and the ROM store various programs and various application software such as facility usage apps. The RAM is used as a work area for the CPU 301. When a program stored in the memory 302 is loaded into the CPU 301, the CPU 301 executes the coded processing.

[0025] The communication I / F 303 is connected to a network 140 such as the Internet via a communication line, and is connected to other devices (for example, the information processing server 100) via the network 140. The communication I / F 303 also manages the interface between the network 140 and the inside of its own device, and controls the input and output of data from other devices. The storage medium I / F 304, under the control of the CPU 301, controls reading and writing of data from and to a storage medium (not shown), such as a magnetic disk or optical disk.

[0026] The input device 305 includes a touch panel, operation buttons, a microphone, a camera, a scanner, and the like. The display 306 is, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display, and displays images. The speaker 307 outputs sound.

[0027] (Hardware configuration of gate device 120) Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of gate device 120. In Fig. 4, gate device 120 includes a CPU 401, memory 402, a communication I / F 403, a ticket dispenser 404, an input device 405, a display 406, a speaker 407, an automatic change dispenser 408, and a gate bar. Each of the components 401 to 409 is connected to each other via a bus 420.

[0028] The CPU 401 is responsible for overall control of the gate device 120. The memory 402 includes, for example, a ROM, a RAM, and a flash ROM. For example, the flash ROM and the ROM store various programs such as the transmission program according to this embodiment. The RAM is used as a work area for the CPU 401. The programs stored in the memory 402 are loaded into the CPU 401, causing the CPU 401 to execute the coded processes.

[0029] The communication I / F 403 is connected to a network 140 such as the Internet via a communication line, and is connected to other devices (for example, the information processing server 100) via the network 140. The communication I / F 403 also manages the interface between the network 140 and the inside of its own device, and controls the input and output of data from other devices.

[0030] The ticket issuing machine 404 has a printing unit that prints on a printing medium, and issues a parking ticket on which the entry time and the like are printed. The input device 405 includes a touch panel, operation buttons, a microphone, a camera, a scanner, a reading unit for electronic payment, and the like. The display 406 includes, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display operated by the user Us. The display 406 is also installed at the entrance of the parking area AR and includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode) indicator that displays characters such as "FULL" indicating that the parking space is full and "Vacant" indicating that the parking space is empty. The speaker 407 outputs sounds related to entering and leaving the warehouse. The automatic change dispenser 408 has an input port for banknotes and coins and an output port for banknotes and coins. The automatic change dispenser 408 calculates the amount of money inserted into the input port, calculates the change amount, which is the difference between the inserted amount and the paid amount, and outputs the change from the output port. The gate bar 409 is provided with a predetermined moving mechanism and can be moved between a raised position where entry and exit are possible and a lowered position where entry and exit are not possible.

[0031] (Regarding parking lot congestion) Next, congestion in the parking lot P will be described. In the parking lot P, which is a multi-story parking lot, the lower floors tend to fill up first, while the upper floors tend to be vacant. This is because parking on a lower floor makes it easier to enter and exit the parking lot, for example, because it is a short walking distance to the entrance of the complex Cf and because it is close to an entrance / exit that connects to a road. For this reason, even if the upper floors are vacant, the lower floors may become congested, causing congestion near the entrance / exit of the parking lot P and on nearby roads. Therefore, this embodiment is designed to alleviate such congestion. Below, with reference to FIG. 5, the functional configuration of the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0032] (Functional configuration of information processing system 1) Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing system 1. In Fig. 5, the information processing server 100 includes a monitoring unit 501, a determination unit 502, a bonus awarding unit 503, a lottery unit 504, a communication unit 505, and a storage unit 506. The monitoring unit 501, the determination unit 502, the bonus awarding unit 503, and the lottery unit 504 are realized by the CPU 201. That is, the CPU 201 executes a bonus awarding program to realize the functions of each unit. The communication unit 505 is realized by the communication I / F 203. The storage unit 506 is realized by the memory 202.

[0033] The user terminal device 110 includes an output unit 511 and a communication unit 512. The output unit 511 is realized by the display 306 and the speaker 307. The communication unit 512 is realized by the communication I / F 303. The gate device 120 includes a reading unit 521 and a communication unit 522. The reading unit 521 is realized by the scanner of the input device 405. The communication unit 522 is realized by the communication I / F 403.

[0034] (About the display in parking area AR) First, the display in the parking area AR will be described. Vacancy information is displayed on a display 406, such as an LED indicator, located at the entrance of the parking area AR. The vacancy information is text information such as "full" indicating full or "empty" indicating an empty parking space. In addition, the display 406 displays conditions for granting a special benefit. The conditions for granting a special benefit are displayed, for example, by displaying information indicating the number of remaining priority admission tickets. For example, more priority admission tickets are allocated to parking areas AR that are vacant. In other words, the number of remaining priority admission tickets tends to be greater the higher the floor.

[0035] The parking vacancy information and information about benefits can also be displayed on the display 306 of the user terminal device 110. Specifically, the user terminal device 110 can use a facility usage app to display information about available parking lots P, the number of remaining priority admission tickets, and information about the high probability of obtaining a priority admission ticket by parking in an available parking lot P.

[0036] (Operation procedure for reading the 2D code) The user Us, near the parking lot P, checks the parking lot vacancy information and information about benefits displayed on the display 406 and decides on a parking area AR. The user Us issues and receives a parking ticket at the gate device 120 of the parking area AR where he / she will park. At this time, the user Us starts the facility use app of the user terminal device 110 along with issuing the parking ticket, and causes the output unit 511 (display 306) to output (display) a code (e.g., a two-dimensional code) indicating user identification information. The user Us then causes the reading unit 512 of the gate device 120 to read the two-dimensional code output by the output unit 511.

[0037] When the reading unit 521 reads the two-dimensional code, it outputs the user identification information indicated by the two-dimensional code to the communication unit 522. The communication unit 522 transmits the user identification information and gate identification information assigned to the gate device 120 to the information processing server 100. Note that the manner of acquiring the user identification information is not limited to reading the two-dimensional code, and may be, for example, reception from the user terminal device 110 using short-range wireless communication.

[0038] (Information stored in the storage unit 506 of the information processing server 100) Next, a description will be given of the information processing server 100. First, an example of information stored in the storage unit 506 will be listed below. - Degree of congestion for each parking area AR. - Overall congestion level within the complex Cf. - Degree of congestion at each store within the complex Cf. -Information on the benefits allocated to each parking area AR (remaining number of priority admission tickets). Membership information, including user identification information and user purchase history. - Information associating gate identification information with parking area AR. - Priority entry ticket issuing table (see Figure 6). Lottery table for priority admission tickets (see Figure 7). In the following, for the sake of convenience, the congestion level of the parking area AR will be expressed in two stages: crowded and empty. However, the congestion level of the parking area AR can also be expressed in three or more stages.

[0039] (Regarding monitoring performed by the monitoring unit 501 of the information processing server 100) The monitoring unit 501 monitors the degree of congestion in each of the multiple parking areas AR in the parking lot P. The communication unit 505 receives entry information or exit information from the gate device 120 each time a vehicle enters or leaves each parking area AR. Using the entry information or exit information received by the communication unit 505, the monitoring unit 501 determines that each parking area is congested if the number of parked vehicles in that area is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and determines that the area is vacant if the number is less than the predetermined threshold. The monitoring unit 501 updates the real-time congestion degree of each parking area AR stored in the memory unit 506 as needed.

[0040] The monitoring unit 501 also monitors the degree of congestion in the facility Cf and each store. The communication unit 505 receives detection results from the various sensors 130 in the complex Cf. The monitoring unit 501 uses the detection results received by the communication unit 505 to determine the overall degree of congestion in the complex Cf and the degree of congestion in each store. The degree of congestion in the entire complex Cf is determined using, for example, counts of people entering and exiting using entrance and exit sensors installed at the entrances and exits of the complex Cf, counts of people getting on and off using sensors installed near escalators, and the results of image analysis by cameras. The degree of congestion in the entire complex Cf can be expressed using multiple ranks.

[0041] The degree of congestion of a store is determined based on, for example, whether there is a queue at the store and the number of people in the queue. The presence or absence of a queue can be obtained from the detection results of a mat sensor or cameras inside and outside the store. The degree of congestion of a store can be expressed by multiple ranks. The monitoring unit 501 updates the real-time congestion degree of the facility Cf and each store stored in the memory unit 506 as needed.

[0042] (Regarding the identification of the parking area where the user parked) The identification unit 502 identifies the user parking area where the user parked among the multiple parking areas AR. Specifically, the identification unit 502 identifies the user parking area based on gate identification information transmitted from the gate device 120. Specifically, the identification unit 502 identifies the parking area AR associated with the gate identification information as the user parking area.

[0043] (Regarding the granting of benefits) The reward granting unit 503 grants a reward that can be used in the complex facility Cf to the user Us at a predetermined rate depending on the degree of congestion in the user parking area and the degree of congestion in other parking areas AR different from the user parking area. The reward granting unit 503 includes a lottery unit 504. The lottery unit conducts a lottery with a predetermined winning rate. The lottery result by the lottery unit 503 is notified to the user terminal device 110 by the facility use app. The reward granting unit 503 grants a reward to the user Us in accordance with the lottery result by the lottery unit 504.

[0044] The predetermined percentage may be 100% or 0%. When the predetermined percentage is 100% or 0%, the benefit granting unit 503 may grant or not grant a benefit to the user Us regardless of the result of the lottery by the lottery unit 504. In other words, when the predetermined percentage is 100% or 0%, the lottery by the lottery unit 504 does not have to be conducted.

[0045] The benefit granting unit 503 grants a benefit to the user Us at a predetermined rate depending on the degree of congestion in the user parking area, the degree of congestion in other parking areas, and the degree of congestion in the complex Cf. This benefit is a priority admission ticket (fast pass) that can be used at crowded stores in the complex Cf that are at or above a predetermined level of congestion. In this embodiment, a first admission ticket that can be used at less crowded stores is issued to guide customers to less crowded stores. Since less crowded stores are less likely to be crowded, priority admission tickets may not be issued.

[0046] In addition to the priority admission ticket, the benefits include coupons that can be used at stores within the complex Cf. In this embodiment, if the priority admission ticket is not granted to the user Us, specifically if the user loses the lottery, the benefit granting unit 503 grants a coupon. The coupon is for a store that is currently open or a store that is not expected to be crowded based on past history.

[0047] When the user parking area is not congested, the reward granting unit 503 grants a reward to the user Us at a higher rate than when the user parking area is congested. On the other hand, when the user parking area is congested, the reward granting unit 503 grants a reward to the user Us at a lower rate than when the user parking area is not congested.

[0048] Furthermore, when the other parking area AR is congested, the benefit granting unit 503 grants a benefit to the user Us at a higher rate than when the other parking area AR is not congested. On the other hand, when the other parking area AR is not congested, the benefit granting unit 503 grants a benefit to the user Us at a lower rate than when the other parking area AR is congested.

[0049] In this embodiment, the multiple parking areas AR are parking areas AR with different distances to the complex facility Cf. The distance from the complex facility Cf includes any of the walking distance, the straight-line distance, and the time required to walk. In the case of a park-and-ride system, the distance from the complex facility Cf includes any of the walking distance, the straight-line distance, and the time required to board another moving object after parking the vehicle.

[0050] Furthermore, the distance to the complex Cf may be the distance to the center of the complex Cf, or may be the closest entrance to the parking lot P (for example, the central entrance on the first floor). In this embodiment, the complex Cf is assumed to have connecting passageways between each floor of the complex Cf and each floor of the parking lot P. However, even if connecting passageways are present, the actual parking lot P tends to fill up starting from the lower floors, as the lower floors are closer to the entrances to the surrounding roads. Specifically, the parking lot P tends to fill up starting from the locations closest to the store entrances and the entrances to the surrounding roads. Note that at airports and outlet malls, there may not be connecting passageways from each floor of the parking lot P to the facility. In this case, the first floor of the parking area AR is closest to the facility, and the rooftop floor is the furthest from the facility.

[0051] The privilege granting unit 503 grants a privilege to the user Us at a rate according to the distance from the user parking area to the complex Cf. Specifically, the longer the distance from the user parking area to the complex Cf, the higher the rate at which the privilege granting unit 503 grants the privilege to the user Us, and the shorter the distance, the lower the rate at which the privilege granting unit 503 grants the privilege to the user Us. Therefore, the higher the user parking area is on a floor, the more likely the privilege is to be granted.

[0052] Furthermore, since the parking lot P is a multi-story parking lot, the distances between the entrances and exits that connect to the roads are different for each of the multiple parking areas AR. The entrances and exits are the parts that connect to surrounding roads. In the case of a parking lot P that has separate entrances and exits, the entrances and exits referred to here are, for example, the exits. In the parking lot P according to this embodiment, the first floor of the parking area AR is closest to the entrance and the rooftop floor is furthest from the entrance.

[0053] The reward granting unit 503 grants a reward to the user at a rate according to the distance from the entrance / exit to the user parking area (the parking floor where the user parked). Specifically, the longer the distance from the entrance / exit to the user parking area, the higher the reward granting unit 503 grants the user a reward at a higher rate, and conversely, the shorter the distance, the lower the reward granting unit 503 grants the user a reward at a lower rate. For this reason, in a multi-story parking garage, the higher the user parking area is on a higher floor, the more likely it is that a reward will be granted.

[0054] (Regarding output of the result of awarding a special benefit on the user terminal device 110) The bonus awarding unit 503 outputs, for example, the lottery result of the lottery drawing unit 504 to the communication unit 505 as a result related to the awarding of the bonus. The communication unit 505 transmits the lottery result to the user terminal device 110. The communication unit 512 of the user terminal device 110 receives the lottery result from the information processing server 100. Upon receiving the lottery result, the communication unit 512 outputs it to the output unit 511. The output unit 511 (display 306) outputs the lottery result.

[0055] The information processing server 100 can display the lottery result on the user terminal device 110 in various modes. As an example, the lottery result is displayed as a "win" or "lose" lottery result of a so-called "gacha" on a facility use app. Specifically, "gacha" is a game in which, for example, three objects are displayed, one of which is to be accepted from the user Us, and "win" or "lose" is displayed corresponding to the accepted object.

[0056] 5 has been described as being realized by the CPU 101 executing a program, but this is not limiting. For example, the functions of the units 501 to 504 can be realized by using hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the functions of the units 501 to 504 can be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0057] (Regarding priority admission ticket issuance) Next, the issuance of priority admission tickets will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 6 shows an example of a priority admission ticket issuance table 600. In Fig. 6, the issuance table 600 includes the following items: "Store," "Popularity Rank," "Day of the Week," "Level of Congestion," "Weight," and "Reservation Required."

[0058] "Stores" are tenants within the complex Cf, and refer to restaurants, apparel shops, etc. The "popularity rank" indicates the degree of popularity, and is expressed, for example, on a three-point scale, with rank A being the most popular store and rank C being the least popular store. "Day of the week" indicates the day of the week on which the priority admission ticket is issued. "Congestion level" indicates the degree of congestion for each time period, expressed on a five-point scale, with "a" indicating the highest congestion level and "e" indicating the lowest congestion level.

[0059] "Weight" is a coefficient used to adjust the number of priority admission tickets issued. For example, if one priority admission ticket is issued every 30 minutes, a coefficient of "2" means that two priority admission tickets will be issued every 30 minutes. Also, if the coefficient is "0.5," 0.5 priority admission tickets will be issued every 30 minutes (one every 60 minutes).

[0060] "Reservation required" indicates whether or not a reservation is required. No reservation required means that priority entry is possible immediately upon arrival at the store. Reservation required means that priority entry is possible if a reservation is made. For example, if there is a large concentration of people who have obtained priority admission tickets, such as during lunchtime at a restaurant, this can upset the general users waiting in line. For this reason, whether or not a reservation is required is set according to the time period to prevent people who have obtained priority admission tickets from concentrating. In addition, the number of slots available for reservations can be set in advance by the store, and a limit can be set. Time periods during which reservations are not required can also be set in advance by the store. In addition, in stores that require reservations, if the user Us does not specify a reservation time, reservations can be accepted during time periods during which reservations are not required.

[0061] In the issuance table 600, priority admission tickets are issued in fewer numbers in crowded stores and in more numbers in less crowded stores, so as to guide users Us to less crowded stores. Priority admission tickets are effective in crowded stores, and if they are issued in excess, it will negatively impact the general users waiting in line. For this reason, the weight is not set to an extremely large value in crowded stores. Note that each store can set the number of priority admission tickets to be issued (weight) and whether or not reservations are required.

[0062] To explain each store in the issuance table 600 in more detail, store Sa is a busy store with a popularity rank of "A," indicating that it is a store that is crowded every day. If store Sa is a restaurant, for example, the busiest time period is from 12:00 to 13:00, with a congestion level of a. The weight for a time period with a congestion level of a is "0.5," which indicates that priority admission tickets are unlikely to be issued. Furthermore, for a time period with a congestion level of a, the reservation requirement is "required," which means that a reservation is required if a priority admission ticket that has already been issued is to be used. Furthermore, since store Sa is a busy store, its congestion level almost never falls below normal (c, d, e), but if its congestion level falls below normal, the weight becomes "0," which means that priority admission tickets will not be issued.

[0063] Store Sb is a standard store with a popularity rank of "B" that issues priority admission tickets only on weekends and holidays. Store Sb has a weight of "1" even when its congestion level is "a," making it more likely to issue priority admission tickets than store Sa.

[0064] Store Sc is a quiet store with a popularity rank of "C." Although quiet stores are unlikely to be crowded, by issuing priority admission tickets to users Us, it is possible to guide users Us to quiet stores. Note that quiet stores may choose not to issue priority admission tickets at all times.

[0065] (Regarding the lottery for priority admission tickets) Next, the lottery for the priority admission ticket will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery table for priority admission tickets. In Fig. 7, lottery table 700 shows the winning ratio of priority admission tickets in relation to "user parking area," "degree of congestion in user parking area," and "degree of congestion in other parking areas." Note that user Us cannot select a priority admission ticket for a specific store, meaning that user Us does not know which store's priority admission ticket he or she will be able to obtain.

[0066] In this embodiment, the number of priority admission tickets is allocated to each parking area AR, but for ease of explanation, the figures show the winning rate of priority admission tickets. Note that the winning rate is merely an example to show a trend, and is a value that is changed as appropriate depending on the degree of congestion at the store, the number of priority admission tickets issued, whether other users Us win, etc.

[0067] In addition, in the drawings, for the sake of simplicity, the "user parking area" will be described as two areas: outdoor (rooftop parking area AR3) and indoor (parking areas AR1 and AR2). Using the symbols shown in FIG. 7, the user parking area will be divided into outdoor parking 710, which is an outdoor user parking area, and indoor parking 720, which is an indoor user parking area.

[0068] (Outdoor parking 710) The winning percentage shown in outdoor parking 710 indicates the case where the user parking area is outdoors (rooftop parking area AR3). Each of cases 711 to 714 will be explained below. Case 711: A common scenario: When the user parking area (rooftop) is vacant and other parking areas (indoors) are crowded, the winning percentage of the priority admission ticket is high (e.g., 20%), which encourages people to park on the vacant rooftop. Case 712: Rare Case: When the user parking area (rooftop) is crowded and other parking areas (indoors) are empty, the winning percentage of the priority admission ticket is low (for example, 5%), which has the effect of deterring parking on the crowded rooftop. Case 713: When both the user parking area (rooftop) and other parking areas (indoors) are vacant, a lottery for priority admission tickets is not held. However, a lottery for priority admission tickets may be held in case 713. In this case, the winning rate may be set to a low rate (for example, 5%) rather than a high rate. Case 714: When both the user parking area (rooftop) and other parking areas (indoors) are crowded, a lottery for priority admission tickets is not held. However, a lottery for priority admission tickets may be held in case 714. In this case, the winning rate may be set to a low rate (for example, 5%) rather than a high rate.

[0069] (Indoor parking 720) The winning percentage shown in indoor parking 720 indicates the case where the user parking area is indoors (parking areas AR1 and AR2). Each of cases 721 to 724 will be explained below. Case 721: Rare Case: When the indoor user parking area is available and the outdoor parking areas are crowded, the winning percentage of the priority admission ticket is high (e.g., 10%), which encourages people to park in the available indoor parking areas. Case 722: A common scenario: When the indoor user parking area is crowded and other outdoor parking areas are empty, the winning percentage of the priority admission ticket is low (e.g., 2.5%), which serves to deter parking in crowded indoor areas. Case 723: When both the user parking area (indoor) and the other parking area (outdoor) are vacant, a lottery for priority admission tickets is not held. However, a lottery for priority admission tickets may be held in case 723. In this case, the winning rate may be set to a low rate (for example, 2.5%) rather than a high rate. Case 724: When both the user parking area (indoor) and other parking areas (outdoor) are crowded, a lottery for priority admission tickets is not held. However, a lottery for priority admission tickets may be held in case 724. In this case, the winning rate may be set to a low rate (for example, 2.5%) rather than a high rate.

[0070] Case 711 and case 722 are cases that are likely to occur. By setting the winning ratio as shown in case 711, rooftop parking can be encouraged. By setting the winning ratio as shown in case 722, indoor parking can be discouraged. Therefore, congestion in indoor parking lots can be efficiently alleviated.

[0071] (Comparison between Outdoor Parking 710 and Indoor Parking 720) Comparing outdoor parking 710 and indoor parking 720, the winning rate for outdoor parking 710 is set to be higher. This is because indoor parking areas AR1 and AR2 tend to be more crowded, while outdoor parking area AR3 tends to be less crowded. In this way, by setting the winning rate for outdoor parking 710 higher than the winning rate for indoor parking 720, it is possible to encourage users Us to park in outdoor parking area AR3.

[0072] (Regarding the flow of processing periodically performed in the information processing system 1) Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing that is periodically performed in the information processing system 1. In Fig. 8, when a vehicle enters or leaves the premises, the gate device 120 transmits entry information or exit information to the information processing server 100 (step S801). Then, the gate device 120 updates the vacancy / fullness information displayed on the display 406 (step S802). If there is no change in the vacancy / fullness information, the gate device 120 maintains the vacancy / fullness information that is being displayed.

[0073] When the information processing server 100 receives the entry information or exit information from the gate device 120, it updates the congestion degree of the parking lot P based on the received information (step S803). Furthermore, the various sensors 130 transmit their detection results to the information processing server 100 as appropriate (step S804). When the information processing server 100 receives the detection results of the various sensors 130, it updates the congestion degree of the entire complex Cf and the congestion degree of each store (step S805).

[0074] The information processing server 100 refers to the issuance table 600 (see FIG. 6) and issues priority admission tickets for each store (step S806). Priority admission tickets are issued every predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes) based on a weight corresponding to the current degree of congestion at each store. The information processing server 100 then updates the remaining number of priority admission tickets (step S807) and transmits the remaining number to the gate device 120 (step S808). Upon receiving the remaining number of priority admission tickets from the information processing server 100, the gate device 120 updates the remaining number of priority admission tickets displayed on the display 406 (step S809). If there is no change in the remaining number, the gate device 120 maintains the remaining number currently displayed.

[0075] (Processing flow when lottery for priority admission tickets is conducted in information processing system 1) 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing when a lottery for priority admission tickets is conducted in the information processing system 1. In Fig. 9, the user terminal device 110 starts a facility use app (step S901) and displays a two-dimensional code indicating user identification information on the display 306 (step S902). The user Us causes the scanner of the gate device 120 to read the two-dimensional code.

[0076] When the gate device 120 reads the two-dimensional code (step S903), it transmits the user identification information indicated by the two-dimensional code and the gate identification information assigned to the gate device 120 to the information processing server 100 (step S904). The information processing server 100 identifies the parking area AR corresponding to the gate identification information transmitted from the gate device 120 as the user parking area (step S905).

[0077] Then, the information processing server 100 performs lottery processing (see FIG. 10) for the priority admission ticket using the lottery table 700 (see FIG. 7) (step S906). Next, the information processing server 100 transmits the lottery result to the user terminal device 110 (step S907). Upon receiving the lottery result, the user terminal device 110 displays a lottery screen (see FIG. 12) (step S908) and displays the lottery result (step S909).

[0078] Furthermore, after transmitting the lottery results to the user terminal device 110, the information processing server 100 updates the remaining number of priority admission tickets (step S910). Then, the information processing server 100 transmits the updated remaining number of priority admission tickets to the gate device 120 (step S911). When the gate device 120 receives the remaining number of priority admission tickets from the information processing server 100, it updates the display of the remaining number of priority admission tickets displayed on the display 406 (step S912). Note that if there is no change in the remaining number, the gate device 120 maintains the remaining number currently displayed.

[0079] (An example of lottery processing for priority admission tickets performed by the information processing server 100) Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a lottery process for priority admission tickets performed by the information processing server 100. In Fig. 10, the information processing server 100 determines whether or not there are any crowded parking lots (step S1001). If there are no crowded parking lots (step S1001: NO), the information processing server 100 proceeds to step S1008. If there are crowded parking lots (step S1001: YES), the information processing server 100 determines whether or not there are any crowded stores (stores that issue priority admission tickets) (step S1002).

[0080] If there are no crowded stores (step S1002: NO), the information processing server 100 proceeds to step S1008. If there are crowded stores (step S1002: YES), the information processing server 100 identifies the degree of congestion in the user parking area (step S1003). Then, the information processing server 100 uses the lottery table 700 (see FIG. 7) to hold a lottery for priority admission tickets (step S1004).

[0081] In addition, the winning rate may be changed based on the past lottery history. For example, the information processing server 100 may increase the winning rate for a user Us who has lost two consecutive lottery draws in the past. Increasing the winning rate includes setting the winning rate to 100%.

[0082] Next, the information processing server 100 determines whether or not the user has won the lottery (step S1005). If the user has won the lottery (step S1005: YES), the information processing server 100 identifies a priority admission ticket for one store from among the priority admission tickets for multiple stores (step S1006). This identification may be performed by a lottery in which a priority admission ticket for one store is randomly selected. Thereafter, the information processing server 100 transmits the identified priority admission ticket to the user terminal device 110 (step S1007), and the series of processes ends.

[0083] If the user loses the lottery for the priority admission ticket (step S1005: NO), the information processing server 100 identifies an available store (step S1008). Then, the information processing server 100 transmits a coupon for the available store to the user terminal device 110 (step S1008), and the series of processes ends.

[0084] (Example of a screen displayed on the user terminal device 110) Next, examples of screens displayed on the user terminal device 110 will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 11 is an example of a two-dimensional code screen displayed on the user terminal device 110. In Fig. 11, a screen 1100 displayed on the display 306 includes a two-dimensional code 1101 and a guide notice 1102. The two-dimensional code 1101 is a coded version of user identification information. The guide notice 1102 provides guidance to have the gate device 120 read the two-dimensional code 1101. When the user Us has the gate device 120 read the two-dimensional code 1101, the screen transitions to a lottery result screen, for example, as shown in Fig. 12.

[0085] FIG. 12 is an example of a screen showing the lottery results displayed on the user terminal device 110. In FIG. 12, a screen 1200 displayed on the display 306 indicates that the user has won the lottery for a priority admission ticket and has obtained a priority admission ticket for store Sa. If the user loses the lottery, the display 306 displays a message indicating that the user has lost the lottery and a coupon for an available store. By participating in such a lottery, the user Us can have fun when parking. Furthermore, by obtaining a coupon for an available store, it is possible to encourage users to enter less crowded stores in the complex Cf and more vacant stores. This can alleviate congestion at the crowded stores.

[0086] As described above, the information processing server 100 according to this embodiment provides a reward to the user Us at a predetermined rate depending on the degree of congestion in the user parking area where the user Us parked and the degree of congestion in other parking areas AR different from the user parking area. This encourages the user Us to park in less crowded parking areas AR. Therefore, congestion in the parking lot P can be alleviated efficiently.

[0087] Furthermore, the information processing server 100 according to this embodiment grants benefits to users Us at a higher rate when the user parking area is not congested than when the user parking area is congested. This encourages users Us to park in vacant parking areas AR. This makes it possible to efficiently alleviate congestion in the parking lot P and on surrounding roads, and also to prevent congestion from occurring in advance.

[0088] Furthermore, the information processing server 100 according to this embodiment grants a privilege to the user Us at a higher rate when other parking areas AR are congested than when other parking areas AR are not congested. This can have the effect of deterring parking in congested parking areas AR. Therefore, congestion in the parking lot P and congestion on surrounding roads can be reduced.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distances between each of the multiple parking areas AR and the complex facility Cf are different, and the information processing server 100 grants a benefit to the user Us at a rate according to the distance from the user parking area to the complex facility Cf. This encourages the user Us to park in a farther parking area AR. This makes it possible to efficiently alleviate congestion in the parking lot P and on surrounding roads, and also to prevent congestion from occurring in the first place.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distances from the entrances and exits connecting to the roads of the multiple parking areas AR are different, and the information processing server 100 grants the user Us a benefit at a rate according to the distance from the entrances and exits to the parking floor where the user Us parked. This encourages the user Us to park on a higher floor. This makes it possible to efficiently alleviate congestion in the parking lot and on surrounding roads, and also to prevent congestion from occurring in the first place.

[0091] In this embodiment, the information processing server 100 grants a special benefit (for example, a coupon for a store with vacant parking spaces) to the user Us at a predetermined rate depending on the degree of congestion in the user parking area, the degree of congestion in other parking areas, and the degree of congestion in the complex Cf. This can alleviate congestion in the parking lot P and encourage users to move to a store with vacant parking spaces within the complex Cf, thereby alleviating congestion in the store.

[0092] In this embodiment, the benefit is a priority admission ticket that can be used when the complex Cf is at or above a certain level of congestion. This allows users Us to enter the store without waiting in line, which can stimulate users Us' desire to win. In particular, users Us who dislike waiting in line can enter popular stores that are usually difficult to enter, and the store can acquire new customers.

[0093] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment, the gate devices 120 are arranged in the parking areas AR, and upon acquiring user identification information, transmit the acquired user identification information and gate identification information to the information processing device 100. This allows the information processing server 100 to easily identify which parking area a user will park in, without acquiring the user's location information, etc. Therefore, the information processing server 100 can identify the user's parking area using existing equipment, without installing new equipment.

[0094] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment, the user terminal device 110 outputs user identification information on a facility use app. Specifically, the user terminal device 110 displays the user identification information as a two-dimensional code. This allows the user to have the gate device 120 acquire (read) the user identification information with a simple operation.

[0095] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment, the user terminal device 110 outputs the result (lottery result) regarding the awarding of the benefit. As a result, the user terminal device 110 can display the lottery result on the display 306 after outputting the user identification information. Furthermore, the user terminal device 110 can display the lottery result in a game format. Therefore, the user can obtain the benefit in a game-like manner, which can stimulate the user Us's desire to win. This can more efficiently encourage the user Us to park in a less crowded parking area AR.

[0096] (Modification of the embodiment) Modifications of the embodiment will be described below. Note that in the following modifications, the contents described in the above-described embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. The modifications described below and the above-described embodiment can also be combined as appropriate.

[0097] (Variation 1) First, a description will be given of Modification 1. In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the parking lot P is a multi-story parking lot will be described. In Modification 1, an example in which the parking lot P is a flat parking lot will be described.

[0098] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a first modification in which the parking lot P is a flat parking lot. As shown in FIG. 13, the parking lot P includes parking areas AR (AR11 to AR14). The distance between each of the parking areas AR11 to AR14 and the complex Cf is such that parking area AR11 is the closest, followed by parking area AR12, then parking area AR13, and finally parking area AR14 is the farthest. A user Us who parks in one of the parking areas AR11 to AR13 travels to the complex Cf on foot. A user Us who parks in the parking area AR14 travels to the complex Cf by boarding another vehicle such as a bus (park-and-ride). A gate device 120 (120a to 120d) is installed in each parking area AR.

[0099] (Regarding congestion in parking lot P according to Modification 1) In the surface parking lot, parking area AR11, which is closest to complex Cf, tends to become congested first, while parking area AR14, which is further away, tends to be less congested. This is because the closer parking area AR11 is, the shorter the walking distance to the entrance to complex Cf. For this reason, even if parking areas AR13 and AR14 are empty, parking areas AR11 and AR12 may become congested, which could cause traffic congestion near the entrances and exits of parking areas AR11 and AR12 and on nearby roads.

[0100] Therefore, the reward granting unit 503 grants a reward to the user Us at a rate according to the distance from the user parking area to the complex facility Cf. Specifically, the reward granting unit 503 grants the highest rate of reward to the user Us who parked in the parking area AR14 that is farthest from the user parking area to the complex facility Cf.

[0101] (Regarding the lottery for priority admission tickets in Variation 1) FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery table for priority admission tickets in Modification 1. In FIG. 14, the lottery table 1400 differs from the lottery table 700 shown in FIG. 7 in the item "User Parking Area," but the other items and winning rates are the same. In the lottery table 1400, for the sake of simplicity, the "User Parking Area" is defined as either a distant area (AR13, AR14) or a nearby area (AR11, AR12). Therefore, the rate at which benefits are awarded for each parking area AR is set as "AR14 = AR13 > AR12 = AR11."

[0102] However, the ratio of the rewards given to each parking area AR may be different depending on the distance between the complex facility Cf and the user parking area. Specifically, the ratio may be "AR14>AR13>AR12>AR11".

[0103] According to the first modification, users Us can be encouraged to park in the distant parking areas AR13 and AR14. This can efficiently alleviate congestion in the parking areas AR11 and AR12 close to the complex Cf and on surrounding roads, and can also prevent congestion from occurring.

[0104] (Variation 2) Next, Modification 2 will be described. In Modification 2, an example will be described in which the parking lot P is a multi-story parking lot and a flat parking lot, and benefits are granted according to the weather. In Modification 2, the granting of benefits according to the distance from the user parking area to the complex facility Cf will not be described.

[0105] (Regarding congestion in parking lot P according to variant 2) In Variation 2, parking lot P includes a multi-story parking lot and a surface parking lot. In parking lot P that has both a multi-story parking lot and a surface parking lot, the multi-story parking lot tends to be crowded on rainy days. This is because multi-story parking lots have roofs that provide shelter from the rain, while surface parking lots do not have roofs and do not provide shelter from the rain. Furthermore, surface parking lots tend to be crowded on fine days. This is because, for example, surface parking lots require shorter travel distances within parking lot P than multi-story parking lots, making it easier to enter and exit. For this reason, depending on the weather, one of the multi-story parking lot and the surface parking lot may be crowded even though the other is empty, which could cause traffic congestion near the entrances and exits of the other parking lot and on nearby roads.

[0106] (Regarding the lottery for priority admission tickets in Variation 2) FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery table for priority admission tickets in Modification 2. In FIG. 15, lottery table 1500 differs from lottery table 700 shown in FIG. 7 in the items "Weather" and "User Parking Area." "Weather" indicates either bad weather or good weather. Bad weather is weather with rain or snow, or weather with strong winds. Good weather is weather other than bad weather, including, for example, cloudy weather. "User Parking Area" indicates either a two-dimensional or a three-dimensional object.

[0107] Using the symbols shown in Figure 15, we will explain the parking areas for surface parking 1510 and 1530, which are surface parking areas, and multi-story parking 1520 and 1540, which are multi-story parking areas, depending on the weather, whether it is bad weather or good weather.

[0108] (Surface parking during bad weather 1510) The winning percentage shown in the "Surface parking in bad weather" 1510 indicates the case where the user parking area in bad weather is a surface parking lot. Condition 1511: A common scenario: When the user parking area (flat) is empty during bad weather and other parking areas (multi-story) are crowded, the winning rate for the priority admission ticket is high (for example, 20%). This can encourage parking in the empty flat parking lot. Condition 1512: Rare case: When the user parking area (flat) is crowded during bad weather and other parking areas (multi-story) are empty, the winning rate for the priority admission ticket is low (for example, 5%). This has the effect of deterring parking in the crowded flat parking lot.

[0109] (Multi-storey parking during bad weather 1520) The winning percentage shown in the multi-story parking lot in bad weather 1520 indicates the case where the user parking area in bad weather is a multi-story parking lot. Condition 1521: Rare Case: When the user parking area (multi-story) is empty during bad weather and other parking areas (flat) are crowded, the winning percentage of the priority admission ticket will be high (for example, 10%). This can encourage parking in an empty multi-story parking lot. Condition 1522: A common scenario: When the user parking area (multi-story) is crowded during bad weather and other parking areas (flat) are empty, the winning rate for the priority admission ticket is low (for example, 2.5%). This has the effect of deterring parking in the crowded multi-story parking lot.

[0110] Cases 1511 and 1522 are cases that are likely to occur. By using the winning ratio shown in case 1511, parking in a multi-story parking lot can be encouraged in bad weather. By using the winning ratio shown in case 1522, parking in a multi-story parking lot can be deterred in bad weather. Therefore, congestion in a multi-story parking lot that occurs in rainy weather can be efficiently alleviated.

[0111] (Comparison of surface parking 1510 and multi-story parking 1520 in bad weather) When comparing surface parking 1510 and multi-story parking 1520 during bad weather, the winning rate for surface parking 1510 is higher. This is because multi-story parking lots tend to be more crowded during bad weather, while surface parking lots tend to be less crowded. In this way, by increasing the winning rate for surface parking 1510 during bad weather, users Us can be encouraged to park in surface parking lots.

[0112] (Surface parking 1530 on good days) The winning percentage shown in the "Flat surface parking in good weather" 1530 indicates the case where the user parking area in good weather is a flat surface parking lot. Condition 1531: Rare Case: When the user parking area (flat) is empty on a fine day and other parking areas (multi-story) are crowded, the winning rate for the priority admission ticket will be high (for example, 10%). This will encourage parking in the empty flat parking lot. Condition 1532: A common scenario: When the user parking area (flat) is crowded on a fine day and other parking areas (multi-story) are empty, the winning rate for the priority admission ticket is low (for example, 2.5%). This has the effect of deterring parking in the crowded flat parking lot.

[0113] (Multi-storey parking 1540 on a good day) The winning percentage shown in the multi-story parking lot in good weather 1540 indicates the case where the user parking area in good weather is a multi-story parking lot. Condition 1541: A common scenario: When the user parking area (multi-story) is empty on a fine day and other parking areas (flat) are crowded, the winning rate for the priority admission ticket is high (for example, 20%). This can encourage parking in an empty multi-story parking lot. Condition 1542: Rare Case: When the user parking area (multi-story) is crowded on a fine day and other parking areas (flat) are empty, the winning rate for the priority admission ticket will be low (for example, 5%). This has the effect of deterring parking in the crowded multi-story parking lot.

[0114] Case 1532 and case 1541 are cases that are likely to occur. By setting the winning ratio as shown in case 1542, parking in a multi-story parking lot can be encouraged on fine days. By setting the winning ratio as shown in case 1532, parking in a surface parking lot can be deterred on fine days. Therefore, congestion in surface parking lots that occurs on fine days can be efficiently alleviated.

[0115] (Comparison of surface parking 1530 and multi-story parking 1540 in good weather) When comparing surface parking 1530 and multi-story parking 1540 in good weather, the winning rate for multi-story parking 1540 is higher. This is because surface parking lots tend to be more crowded in good weather, while multi-story parking lots tend to be less crowded. In this way, by increasing the winning rate for multi-story parking 1540 in good weather, users Us can be encouraged to park in multi-story parking lots.

[0116] According to Modification 2, in a complex Cf equipped with a multi-story parking lot and a surface parking lot, even if one of the parking lots becomes congested due to weather, users Us can be encouraged to park in an available parking area AR. This makes it possible to efficiently alleviate congestion in the parking area AR and on surrounding roads, and also to prevent congestion from occurring in the first place.

[0117] (Variation 3) Next, Modification 3 will be described. In Modification 3, the issuance of priority admission tickets according to customer loyalty will be described. In Modification 3, the information processing server 100 stores the usage history of the customer. The usage history includes purchase history, usage frequency, etc. The information processing server 100 calculates customer loyalty by ranking the user Us based on the usage history. The customer loyalty is, for example, a value (e.g., a rank from 1 to 10) obtained by adding together a rank according to the purchase amount (e.g., a rank from 1 to 5) and a rank according to the usage frequency (e.g., a rank from 1 to 5).

[0118] The information processing server 100 grants priority admission tickets based on customer loyalty. For example, the information processing server 100 may hold a lottery for priority admission tickets, with the winning rate for priority admission tickets increasing as the customer loyalty value increases. In addition, the winning rate for priority admission tickets at a store that the user frequents may be increased. Specifically, the information processing server 100 may hold a lottery for priority admission tickets, with the winning rate for priority admission tickets at a store that the user frequents increasing for a user Us whose customer loyalty value is equal to or greater than a certain value.

[0119] According to the third modification, priority admission tickets can be granted according to customer loyalty, so that users Us can be given preferential treatment according to their frequency of use of the complex Cf and their purchase history. Furthermore, such users Us can be more likely to park in vacant parking areas AR. Therefore, congestion in the parking area AR and on surrounding roads can be efficiently alleviated, and congestion can be prevented from occurring.

[0120] (Variation 4) Next, a description will be given of Modification 4. In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the information processing system 1 is applied to a complex facility Cf has been described. In Modification 4, an example in which the information processing system 1 is applied to a theme park will be described.

[0121] In Variation 4, the theme park is, for example, an amusement park, a zoo, an aquarium, a museum, etc. The theme park has a plurality of customer attraction facilities. For example, the plurality of customer attraction facilities are the attractions in an amusement park, and the cages housing animals in a zoo. Furthermore, the customer attraction facilities are the tanks housing fish in an aquarium, and the exhibition rooms in a museum. The theme park has a parking lot P with a plurality of parking areas. The parking lot P may be, for example, a multi-story parking lot or a flat parking lot.

[0122] When a user Us visits a parking lot P, the user Us displays a two-dimensional code on the user terminal device 110, and the two-dimensional code is read by the gate device 120. As a result, the information processing server 100 holds a lottery for benefits (for example, priority admission tickets) that can be used at each customer attraction facility, and transmits the lottery results to the user terminal device 110. The user terminal device 110 displays the lottery results.

[0123] According to the fourth modification, users Us can be given benefits at customer attraction facilities depending on the degree of congestion in the user parking area in the theme park parking lot P and in other parking areas AR. This makes it possible to encourage users Us who use the theme park to park in less crowded parking areas AR. This makes it possible to efficiently alleviate congestion in the parking lot P.

[0124] (Variation 5) Next, Modification 5 will be described. In the above-described embodiment, an example of alleviating congestion in a parking lot P has been described. In Modification 5, an example of alleviating congestion in a complex facility Cf will be described. The complex facility Cf according to Modification 5 is, for example, a commercial facility such as a department store adjacent to a station.

[0125] (Regarding congestion within the complex Cf related to variant 5) In a complex facility Cf adjacent to a station, stores close to the station tend to be crowded, while stores far from the station tend not to be crowded. To be more specific, for example, depending on the tenant, the name of the tenant's store may be more well-known than the name of the complex facility Cf adjacent to the station. In this case, since the tenant has the ability to attract customers, the complex facility Cf may locate a well-known store near the station. As a result, stores close to the station tend to be crowded, while stores far from the station tend not to be crowded, which may result in poor mobility for users Us.

[0126] Therefore, in order to improve the mobility of the user Us, in the fifth modification, priority admission tickets are issued for stores close to the station, and coupons are issued for stores far from the station. Specifically, when the facility use app of the user terminal device 110 is launched, a request for priority admission tickets and coupons is made to the information processing server 100. The request may be made when the user Us arrives at the station. Whether the user Us has arrived at the station can be determined based on the detection results of a position detection unit such as a GPS unit provided in the user terminal device 110.

[0127] In response to the acquisition request, the information processing server 100 transmits the priority admission ticket and the coupon to the user terminal device 110. Upon receiving the acquisition request, the information processing server 100 may hold a lottery and transmit the priority admission ticket and the coupon according to the lottery results. In addition, the lottery may use the usage history of the complex facility Cf to give preferential treatment to specific users Us. The user terminal device 110 displays the priority admission ticket and the coupon based on the information transmitted from the information processing server 100.

[0128] According to the fifth modification, by issuing coupons for vacant stores, users Us can be encouraged to enter vacant stores. Also, by issuing priority admission tickets for crowded stores, users Us can enter crowded stores without waiting. Therefore, the mobility of users Us within the complex Cf can be improved, thereby alleviating congestion.

[0129] (Variation 6) Next, a sixth modification will be described. In the above-described embodiment, an example of alleviating congestion in a parking lot P has been described. In the sixth modification, an application example of alleviating congestion on an evacuation route will be described. In the sixth modification, the facility use app can also perform safety confirmation.

[0130] In the sixth modification, the information processing server 100 manages the number of people in the complex Cf and the degree of congestion of each evacuation route based on the detection results of the various sensors 130. If there is a congested evacuation route (for example, an emergency exit), the information processing server 100 can send a push notification to the user terminal device 110 to encourage users to move to an unoccupied evacuation route. Specifically, the information processing server 100 issues a priority evacuation ticket for an unoccupied evacuation route, which is equivalent to a priority entrance ticket, and transmits it to the user terminal device 110. In other words, the information processing server 100 limits the number of priority evacuation tickets that can be issued under normal circumstances, but lifts the limit on the number of priority evacuation tickets that can be issued in an emergency.

[0131] According to the sixth modification, people in the complex Cf can be efficiently guided to an unoccupied evacuation route, thereby alleviating congestion on congested evacuation routes.

[0132] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0133] The programs for implementing the information processing system 1 and information processing server 100 described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and loaded into a computer system for execution. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also refers to portable media such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash memory, SSD (Solid State Drive), flexible disk, magneto-optical disk, ROM, and CD-ROM, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes devices that retain a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that serves as a server or client when the program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The program may also be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. The term "transmission medium" used to transmit the program refers to a medium capable of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may also be a program for implementing some of the functions described above, or may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the functions described above in combination with a program already stored in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1...information processing system, 100...information processing server, 110...user terminal device, 120...gate device, 501...monitoring unit, 502...identification unit, 503...benefit granting unit, 504...lottery unit, 505...communication unit, 506...storage unit, 511...output unit, 512...communication unit, 521...reading unit, 522...communication unit

Claims

1. a monitoring unit that monitors the degree of congestion in each of a plurality of parking areas provided in the facility; an identification unit that identifies a user parking area in which the user parked among the plurality of parking areas; a reward granting unit that grants a reward that can be used at the facility to the user at a predetermined winning rate according to the degree of congestion of the user parking area and the degree of congestion of other parking areas different from the user parking area; Equipped with The benefit granting unit When the user parking area is not congested, the privilege is granted to the user at a higher rate than when the user parking area is congested; When the other parking area is congested, the privilege is granted to the user at a higher rate than when the other parking area is not congested. Information processing device.

2. the plurality of parking areas are parking areas with different distances to the facility, The reward granting unit grants the reward to the user at a winning rate according to a distance from the user parking area to the facility. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The plurality of parking areas are parking floors each having a different distance from an entrance / exit connected to a road, the reward granting unit grants the reward to the user at a winning rate according to the distance from the entrance to the parking floor where the user parked.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1.

4. The monitoring unit monitors the degree of congestion at the facility, the benefit granting unit grants the benefit to the user at the predetermined winning rate according to the congestion level of the user parking area, the congestion level of the other parking area, and the congestion level of the facility; The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The benefit is a priority admission ticket that can be used when the facility is at or above a predetermined level of congestion. The information processing device according to claim 4 .

6. a user terminal device carried by a user; a gate device disposed in each of a plurality of parking areas provided in the facility; an information processing device that monitors the degree of congestion for each of the plurality of parking areas; An information processing system comprising: The user terminal device outputs user identification information that identifies the device itself, When the gate device acquires the user identification information output from the user terminal device, the gate device transmits the acquired user identification information and gate identification information that identifies the gate device itself to the information processing device; The information processing device includes: a monitoring unit that monitors the degree of congestion in each of the plurality of parking areas; an identification unit that identifies a user parking area in which the user parked among the plurality of parking areas based on the gate identification information transmitted from the gate device; a reward granting unit that grants a reward that can be used at the facility to the user at a predetermined winning rate according to the degree of congestion of the user parking area and the degree of congestion of other parking areas different from the user parking area; Equipped with The benefit granting unit When the user parking area is not congested, the privilege is granted to the user at a higher rate than when the user parking area is congested; When the other parking area is congested, the privilege is granted to the user at a higher rate than when the other parking area is not congested; The user terminal device outputs a result regarding the awarding of the benefit. Information processing system.

7. A computer used in an information processing device, monitoring the congestion level of each of a plurality of parking areas provided at the facility; Identifying a user parking area where the user parked among the plurality of parking areas; A step of granting a privilege that can be used at the facility to the user at a predetermined winning rate according to the degree of congestion of the user parking area and the degree of congestion of other parking areas different from the user parking area; Perform a process including In the step of granting the benefit, When the user parking area is not congested, the privilege is granted to the user at a higher rate than when the user parking area is congested; When the other parking area is congested, the privilege is granted to the user at a higher rate than when the other parking area is not congested. How rewards are awarded.

8. A computer used in an information processing device, a monitoring unit that monitors the degree of congestion in each of the multiple parking areas provided in the facility; an identification unit that identifies a user parking area in which the user parked among the plurality of parking areas; a reward granting unit that grants a reward that can be used at the facility to the user at a predetermined winning rate according to the degree of congestion of the user parking area and the degree of congestion of other parking areas different from the user parking area; It functions as The benefit granting unit When the user parking area is not congested, the privilege is granted to the user at a higher rate than when the user parking area is congested; When the other parking area is congested, the privilege is granted to the user at a higher rate than when the other parking area is not congested. program.

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