Human flow control device, human flow control system, and method for determining the issuance of rewards

Abstract

To provide a human flow control device that effectively alleviates congestion of users exiting an event site.SOLUTION: A human flow control device, which controls a human flow by issuing a privilege to a user, includes a controller. The controller acquires congestion information indicating a congestion state in a human flow control area, acquires privilege information on privilege to be issued, acquires desire information on desire of the user to the privilege acquisition, determines, on the basis of the congestion information, the privilege information, and the desired information, a privilege issuance pattern to be used for privilege issuance through a calculation process that optimizes the privilege issuance pattern for a human flow control effect, and issues, on the basis of the determined privilege issuance pattern, the privilege to the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a crowd control device, a crowd control system, and a privilege issuance determination method.

Background Art

[0002] For example, after an event such as a sports game or an artist concert ends, congestion often occurs around the event venue due to the departing attendees. Regarding this, for example, in order to avoid congestion in the case of a malfunction in a transportation facility, a technique is known in which a waiting place is presented to a user and a coupon that can be used at the waiting place is transmitted to the user terminal (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art, for example, utilization is concentrated on popular coupons, only some facilities around the venue become congested with users, or coupons that users do not want are received and not used, so that the effect of congestion mitigation cannot be sufficiently obtained. This has been a problem.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a crowd control device, a crowd control system, and a crowd control method capable of effectively alleviating the congestion of users leaving an event venue.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An exemplary pedestrian flow control device of the present invention is a pedestrian flow control device that controls pedestrian flow by issuing rewards to users, and includes a controller. The controller acquires congestion information indicating the congestion status in a pedestrian flow control target area, acquires reward information relating to the rewards to be issued, acquires preference information relating to the user's desire to acquire the rewards, determines the reward issuance pattern to be used for issuing rewards by performing an optimization calculation process for the reward issuance pattern relative to the pedestrian flow control effect based on the congestion information, the reward information, and the preference information, and issues the rewards to the users based on the determined reward issuance pattern. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to effectively alleviate congestion caused by users leaving an event venue. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Overall configuration diagram of the human flow control system of the embodiment [Figure 2] A schematic plan showing an example of the situation around the event venue (area subject to pedestrian flow control). [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of congestion information. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of facility information. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of user information. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of bonus information. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of bidding information. [Figure 8] A schematic plan view showing an example of a list of benefits displayed on a user's terminal device. [Figure 9] Flowchart showing the reward issuance process performed by the pedestrian flow control system. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the mediation process for issuing benefits in the benefit issuance process. [Figure 11] A schematic diagram showing the bidding benefits information for each bidder (user). [Figure 12]A schematic diagram showing bidding point information corresponding to each bidding benefit for each bidder (user). [Figure 13] A schematic diagram showing the duration of stay corresponding to each bid benefit for each bidder (user). [Figure 14] A schematic diagram showing actual sales price information corresponding to each bidder's (user's) bid bonus. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0010] Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the pedestrian flow control system 1 according to an embodiment. The pedestrian flow control system 1 comprises a pedestrian flow control device 10 and a terminal device 20. Furthermore, the pedestrian flow control system 1 includes a fixed-point camera 30.

[0011] The pedestrian flow control device 10 is a device that alleviates congestion caused by users leaving an event venue. The pedestrian flow control device 10 is connected to the terminal device 20 and the fixed-point camera 30 via a communication network N, including the Internet. In Figure 1, one terminal device 20 and one fixed-point camera 30 are shown, but the number of these will depend on the number of users and the number of pedestrian flow control devices required depending on the size of the event venue. The detailed configuration of the pedestrian flow control device 10 will be described later.

[0012] Terminal device 20 is a device that is carried and used by users at the event venue. Terminal device 20 is an information terminal device such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer, but is not limited to these.

[0013] The terminal device 20 is equipped with, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System). The location of the terminal device 20, i.e., the user's location, is detected by GPS. The user's location information is transmitted from the terminal device 20 to the pedestrian flow control device 10.

[0014] In addition, the terminal device 20 can receive privileges (described later) related to the event venue from the crowd control device 10. The user can perform operations such as selecting and using privileges using the terminal device 20. The operation information related to the privileges by the user is transmitted from the terminal device 20 to the crowd control device 10.

[0015] The fixed-point camera 30 is installed, for example, on the roads used by users leaving the event venue, around the facilities on the roads, inside the facilities, parking lots of transportation facilities, etc. A plurality of fixed-point cameras 30 may be installed at each of these locations so that, for example, the shooting directions and shooting ranges are different. The fixed-point camera 30 can capture the congestion situation around the event venue as a video or a still image. The camera image captured by the fixed-point camera 30 is transmitted from the fixed-point camera 30 to the crowd control device 10.

[0016] Note that the fixed-point camera 30 may be replaced with, for example, a human body detection sensor. As the human body detection sensor, for example, a sensor using infrared rays can be used. When acquiring the congestion situation around the event venue from the position information of the user by the terminal device 20, the fixed-point camera 30 may be excluded from the crowd control system 1.

[0017] Subsequently, the detailed configuration of the crowd control device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and appropriately referring to FIG. 2.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the situation around the event venue EV (crowd control target area). For example, in the present embodiment, the crowd control device 10 alleviates the congestion of users leaving from one event venue EV shown in FIG. 2. Note that the event venue EV is not limited to one, and there may be a plurality of them.

[0019] The event venue EV is a venue where an event can be held. The event is, for example, a sports game or an artist's concert, etc., and many people (users) gather during the event. It is assumed that the users of the event venue EV will leave the event venue EV all at once after the event ends.

[0020] In this embodiment, around the event venue EV (the area subject to pedestrian flow control), there are roads R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 used by users exiting the event venue EV. In the example in Figure 2, roads R1 and R3 extend in the direction of approaching the transportation stop ST from the event venue EV. Road R2 connects to road R1 and extends further in the direction of approaching or away from the stop ST. Road R4 connects the midpoints of roads R2 and R3 from the event venue EV to the stop ST. Road R5 branches off from road R2 and extends to the stop ST.

[0021] The area surrounding the event venue elevator (the area subject to pedestrian flow control) contains, for example, at least one transportation stop ST and multiple facilities SH1, SH2, SH3, SH4, and SH5. The stop ST includes, for example, a train station, a bus stop, etc. The multiple facilities SH1, SH2, SH3, SH4, and SH5 include, for example, shops selling food and beverages, general merchandise, clothing, etc. For example, facility SH1 is located inside the event venue elevator. Facility SH2 is located on road R2, facility SH3 is located on road R3, facility SH4 is located on road R4, and SH5 is located on road R5. In the following description, unless there is a particular need to limit it, the symbols representing roads R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5, and facilities SH1, SH2, SH3, SH4, and SH5, may be omitted.

[0022] When users participate in an event at the event venue EV, the pedestrian flow control device 10 awards points to users upon fulfilling predetermined conditions. Furthermore, the pedestrian flow control device 10 presents users with rewards that can be obtained by using these points. These rewards are coupons, such as exchange vouchers or discount vouchers, that can be used at facilities SH1, SH2, SH3, SH4, and SH5. At this time, the pedestrian flow control device 10 also controls pedestrian flow to alleviate congestion around the event venue EV by mediating which rewards are issued to which users. More specifically, the pedestrian flow control device 10 mediates the issuance of rewards in an auction format.

[0023] The pedestrian flow control device 10 includes, as hardware resources, a control unit (controller) 11 including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage unit 12 including, for example, ROM (Read-only memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and a communication unit 13 that enables communication via a communication network N.

[0024] The control unit 11 comprises an acquisition unit 11a, a point awarding unit 11b, a reward presentation unit 11c, a reception unit 11d, and a pedestrian flow control unit 11e. The function of each of these components is realized by the CPU performing calculations according to a program stored in the memory unit 12. Part or all of the control unit 11 may be made up of hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0025] The acquisition unit 11a acquires various types of information via the communication unit 13. The acquisition unit 11a acquires congestion information 12a, facility information 12b, user information 12c, special offer information 12d, bidding information 12e, etc. This various types of information are stored in the congestion information data table 12A, facility information data table 12B, user information data table 12C, special offer information data table 12D, and bidding information data table 12E, which are formed in the storage unit 12.

[0026] Each data table is formed according to the amount of information stored in a data record that stores one unit of information, and the data for each item is stored in each data record in the form shown in Figures 3 to 7, which will be explained below.

[0027] Congestion information 12a is the congestion status around the event venue EV (area subject to pedestrian flow control), and shows the congestion status of roads R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 used by users exiting the event venue EV. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of congestion information 12a. As shown in Figure 3, congestion information 12a includes identification information ("point number") indicating a point on the road where congestion status is observed, location information indicating the location of the point, and information indicating the congestion status of the point, and is stored in congestion information data table 12A.

[0028] Information indicating congestion status may include, for example, congestion levels that show the number and density of people in a predetermined area, including a point on a road, or pedestrian flow information that shows the movement of people. For example, in Figure 3, "congestion status" is the degree of human congestion (for example, a multi-level value stratified by the density of people), with a higher numerical value indicating a higher density of people. The acquisition unit 11a acquires congestion information 12a by measuring the number of people at each point based on the user's location information from the terminal device 20 or camera images captured by the fixed-point camera 30, and stores it in the corresponding record of the congestion information data table 12A.

[0029] Furthermore, location information and point information are set and registered based on appropriate locations for the installation location of the fixed-point camera 30 and the congestion status measurement point, for example, by the administrator of the pedestrian flow control device 10 using the keyboard or other operating device of the pedestrian flow control device 10. The acquisition unit 11a then acquires this location information and point information, sets the location number of the congestion information 12a based on this acquired information (creates a data record for the said location number), and stores the installation location of the fixed-point camera 30 and the congestion status information.

[0030] Note that the congestion information 12a shown in Figure 3 is just an example and is not limited to it. In this embodiment, real-time information based on the user's location information from the terminal device 20 or camera images captured by the fixed-point camera 30 is used as congestion information, but data estimated in advance (estimated based on past congestion levels at events or event ticket sales status, etc.) may also be used.

[0031] Facility information 12b shows the status of facilities SH1, SH2, SH3, SH4, and SH5 located near roads R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 around the event venue EV. Figure 4 shows an example of facility information 12b. As shown in Figure 4, facility information 12b includes, for example, identification information for each facility ("facility number"), information indicating the congestion status within the facility, information regarding benefits (benefit number, which is identification information that identifies the benefit), and other facility-related information (facility name, contact information, location, business hours, etc.), and is stored in facility information data table 12B.

[0032] Information regarding the number of people inside the facility includes, for example, congestion level indicating the number and density of people inside the facility, and pedestrian flow information indicating the flow of people entering and leaving the facility. This information is generated based on location information of users and other people, and movement direction information of people, obtained from terminal devices 20 or fixed-point cameras 30. Note that data estimated in advance (estimated based on congestion levels in past events, etc.) may be used for the congestion level inside the facility. In this embodiment, information regarding the reward is a reward number, which is the identification information of the reward, and may also include other information such as the reward details.

[0033] Furthermore, information regarding special offers and other facility-related information is set and registered by staff at the respective facilities using terminal devices connected to the pedestrian flow control device 10.

[0034] Note that the facility information 12b shown in Figure 4 is just one example and is not limited to this.

[0035] User information 12c indicates the status of each user of the event venue EV. Figure 5 shows an example of user information 12c. As shown in Figure 5, user information 12c includes, for example, each user's identification information ("User ID"), the user's location information, the number of points the user possesses, information about the benefits the user has obtained, and the user's contact information (information for communication connection, for example, the email address of the terminal device 20 owned by the user), and is stored in the user information data table 12C.

[0036] The acquisition unit 11a acquires event ticket purchaser information from an event ticket sales system that is connected to the pedestrian flow control device 10, or acquires participation information for special services registered by the user using the terminal device 20 from the terminal device 20. Based on the acquired event ticket purchaser information and participation information, the acquisition unit 11a sets the user ID for user information 12c (creates a data record for the user ID) and stores the user's contact information, etc., in the corresponding data record. The acquisition unit 11a acquires the user's location information from each user's terminal device 20 and stores it in the corresponding data record.

[0037] The point awarding unit 11b, described later, awards points to the user. When awarding points, the point awarding unit 11b updates the number of points owned in the user information 12c (adds and registers newly acquired points). Points used by the user to obtain rewards, etc., are deducted from the number of points owned in the user information 12c.

[0038] The pedestrian flow control unit 11e, described later, grants benefits to users. When granting benefits, the pedestrian flow control unit 11e updates the acquired benefit number in the user information 12c (adding the newly assigned benefit number). For benefits used by the user, the corresponding acquired benefit number is deleted from the user information 12c.

[0039] Note that the user information 12c shown in Figure 5 is just an example and is not limited to this. For example, information about the user's place of residence, preferences, etc., may be obtained in advance.

[0040] The reward information 12d indicates the status of the rewards to be issued to users of the event venue EV. Figure 6 shows an example of reward information 12d. As shown in Figure 6, the reward information 12d includes, for example, identification information for each reward ("reward number"), the facility that issues the reward, the content of the reward, the actual selling price of the reward, the effective stay time at the facility, the maximum number of rewards that can be issued, and the reward itself data that operates on the terminal device 20 and functions as a reward (for example, display of a discount coupon), and is stored in the reward information data table 12D.

[0041] The data for each of these items in the benefits information 12d is set and registered, for example, by staff at each facility using a terminal device that is connected to the pedestrian flow control device 10.

[0042] The reward number is automatically assigned to each item in the reward information 12d, with no duplicates. The reward number uses the same code as the reward number in the facility information 12b; that is, the same reward will have the same reward number, allowing facility information 12b and reward information 12d to be linked.

[0043] The issuing facility is identification information used to identify the facility that issued the benefit, and uses the same code as the facility number in facility information 12b, allowing facility information 12b and benefit information 12d to be associated. Note that the association between facility information 12b and benefit information 12d can also be done using the benefit number, so either the benefit number data in facility information 12b or the issuing facility data in benefit information 12d can be omitted.

[0044] The bonus details are information used to understand the type of bonus and other details of the bonus, and are used for displaying the bonus details on terminal devices 20, etc. The actual selling price is the price at which the bonus is purchased.

[0045] The effective stay time is the estimated time a user spends at a facility by using the benefits they have received. For example, in the case of food and beverages provided while seated at the facility, the effective stay time tends to be longer. On the other hand, in the case of items taken away from the facility, for example, the effective stay time tends to be shorter. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pedestrian flow control takes into account the effective stay time for using public transportation (stopping point ST). As a result, for example, in the case of benefits used at facility SH5 shown in Figure 2, the travel route from the event venue EV directly to the public transportation stopping point ST (for example, a route using roads R1 and R2) is deviated from, and the effective stay time, including the travel time for using public transportation, tends to be longer.

[0046] The maximum number of items issued is the upper limit on the number of rewards issued. In this embodiment, the reward data is data that operates on the terminal device 20 and functions as a reward, and is transmitted to the terminal device 20 of the user to whom the reward is issued. The reward data is data that can identify the reward and prove the legitimacy of the data, and image data such as a two-dimensional code image is used.

[0047] Note that the special offer information 12d shown in Figure 6 is just one example and is not limited to this.

[0048] The bidding information 12e shows the status of bids in an auction for the arbitration of benefits issued to users of the event venue EV. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of bidding information 12e. As shown in Figure 7, the bidding information 12e includes, for example, information about the user who made the bid ("User ID"), identification information for each benefit that the user bid on ("Bid Benefit Number"), and the bid value (number of bid points) for the benefit, and is stored in the bidding information data table 12E.

[0049] The User ID is identification information used to identify the user who made the bid, and the same code as the User ID in User Information 12c is used, allowing User Information 12c and Bid Information 12e to be associated. The User ID is registered, for example, when a user makes a bid using the terminal device 20, based on the information of the terminal device 20 (personal information stored in the terminal device 20), or based on the user's input operations on the terminal device 20.

[0050] The bid reward number is an identification number for the reward that the user bid on. The bid reward number uses the same code as the reward number in facility information 12b, the reward number obtained in user information 12c, and the reward number in facility information 12b, allowing for association between facility information 12b, user information 12c, reward information 12d, and bid information e. The bid reward number is registered based on the user's input operation on the terminal device 20 related to the bid.

[0051] The number of bid points is the bid value (points in this embodiment) in the bid made by the user. The number of bid points is registered based on the input operation of the terminal device 20 related to the user's bid.

[0052] Note that the bidding information 12e shown in Figure 7 is just one example and is not limited to this.

[0053] The point awarding unit 11b awards points to users when they meet predetermined conditions when participating in an event at the event venue EV. Points are awarded, for example, when a user completes the entry procedure to the event venue EV. Points are awarded, for example, when a user purchases goods at the event venue EV. Points are awarded, for example, when a user arrives at the event venue EV using public transportation. Points are awarded, for example, after the event has ended, according to the contribution of the user who waits at their seat in the event venue EV instead of leaving immediately. For example, the longer a user waits, the more points they will be awarded.

[0054] The point awarding unit 11b transmits point information to each user's terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. Users can receive the point information transmitted from the pedestrian flow control device 10 using a dedicated application on their terminal device 20.

[0055] The point awarding information 12f is stored in the storage unit 12 in advance, with, for example, the awarding conditions and the number of points to be awarded associated with each other. The point awarding unit 11b grasps information such as the user's actions based on information from the user's terminal device 20 acquired by the acquisition unit 11a, or information such as the user's purchase of goods from other goods sales systems. By comparing this grasped information such as the user's actions with the point awarding conditions in the point awarding information 12f, the point awarding unit 11b awards the corresponding points to the user. The points awarded to the user are added to the number of points owned by that user in the user information 12c.

[0056] The reward presentation unit 11c presents the user with multiple rewards available at each facility that provides the rewards, for example, facilities SH1, SH2, SH3, SH4, and SH5. The reward presentation unit 11c refers to the reward information 12d and transmits information such as the identification information of each reward, the facility that issued the reward, and the content of the reward to the terminal device 20 held by each user via the communication unit 13. Alternatively, the reward presentation unit 11c may generate an image of the reward (e.g., an icon, a button) to be displayed on the terminal device 20 based on the reward information 12d and transmit the image to the terminal device 20.

[0057] Figure 8 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a rewards list display on the user's terminal device 20. On the user's terminal device 20, multiple rewards images 20b are displayed on screen 20a. Note that the rewards list display shown in Figure 8 is just an example and is not limited to this. For example, in this embodiment, three rewards images 20b are displayed on screen 20a, but two or fewer, or four or more, rewards images 20b may also be displayed on screen 20a.

[0058] The user can view the bonus images 20b displayed on screen 20a using a dedicated application on the terminal device 20. The dedicated application can display more bonus images 20b by controlling the scrolling or switching of screen 20a. This allows the user to view many of these bonus images 20b. The bonus images 20b contain at least a portion of the bonus information 12d, such as the content of the bonus, so that the user can understand the content of the bonus.

[0059] The bonus image 20b has a push-button function embedded within it. When the user presses the display area of ​​the bonus image 20b, other content from the bonus information 12d (for example, an image related to the bonus (such as an image of the food item being offered as a bonus)) is newly displayed on the screen 20a. In this case, the dedicated application detects the display area of ​​the bonus image 20b based on display position data for display processing, and determines that the user has pressed the display area of ​​the bonus image 20b based on the positional relationship between the detected display area of ​​the bonus image 20b and the operation position on the touch panel of the terminal device 20.

[0060] The user can select a reward displayed as a reward image 20b on screen 20a using a dedicated application on the terminal device 20. The terminal device 20 transmits identification information of the reward selected by the user to the pedestrian flow control device 10 through the above process. The dedicated application on the terminal device 20 enables various functions such as sending and receiving various data with the pedestrian flow control device 10, processing and displaying the received data, and generating various processing and transmission data based on user operations, through processing based on the program of the dedicated application on the controller consisting of the CPU of the terminal device 20.

[0061] The reception unit 11d receives information about the reward selected by the user from the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. In other words, the reception unit 11d accepts the user's selection of the reward they wish to obtain from among several rewards. Information about the reward selected by the user is stored in the storage unit 12 as user information 12c, reward information 12d, or bidding information 12e, etc.

[0062] The reception unit 11d may accept multiple reward selections from each user. That is, for example, a user can input information (request information) regarding their desired rewards, such as first choice, second choice, and third choice, along with their priority information, into the terminal device 20. The terminal device 20 transmits this reward information to the pedestrian flow control device 10. The reception unit 11d receives this reward information and stores it in the storage unit 12. That is, the control unit 11 acquires the request information regarding the user's desired rewards.

[0063] Furthermore, the reception unit 11d accepts input of the number of points to be used to obtain the reward. Specifically, the user inputs the number of points to be used to obtain the desired reward into the terminal device 20. The terminal device 20 transmits information regarding these point amounts to the pedestrian flow control device 10. The reception unit 11d receives (receives) this information regarding the point amounts and stores it in the storage unit 12 as user information 12c, reward information 12d, or bidding information 12e, etc.

[0064] The pedestrian flow control unit 11e mediates which benefits to issue to which users based on the congestion situation around the event venue elevator and the benefits requested by the users. More specifically, the pedestrian flow control unit 11e mediates the issuance of benefits to users based on the congestion information 12a and facility information 12b acquired by the acquisition unit 11a and the benefits requested by the users received by the reception unit 11d, and then issues the mediated benefits to the users, thereby controlling pedestrian flow to alleviate congestion.

[0065] More specifically, the pedestrian flow control unit 11e grasps the congestion status around event venue elevators at each point on roads R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5, as well as each facility SH1, SH2, SH3, SH4, SH5, etc., from congestion information 12a and facility information 12b. The pedestrian flow control unit 11e also grasps the status of benefits desired by users from user information 12c, benefit information 12d, and bidding information 12e, etc. Furthermore, the pedestrian flow control unit 11e determines the issuance conditions for each benefit, such as the number of benefits issued and the issuance time, taking into consideration the congestion status around event venue elevators, the issuance status such as the facilities issuing benefits and the number of benefits issued, and the effective stay time at the facilities issuing benefits.

[0066] The control unit 11 (people flow control unit 11e) then determines the reward issuance pattern to be used for issuing rewards by performing an optimization calculation process for the reward issuance pattern relative to the effect of people flow control, based on congestion information 12a, reward information 12d, and user preference information, and issues rewards to users based on the determined reward issuance pattern. With this configuration, rewards can be issued while also considering the user's preferences, and the likelihood of those rewards being used at the facility increases. In other words, it is expected that users will be efficiently moved towards areas (facilities) where congestion will be alleviated. Therefore, it becomes possible to effectively alleviate congestion of users exiting from elevators at event venues.

[0067] The passenger flow control unit 11e then mediates between the status of the benefits desired by the users and the issuance conditions for each benefit, and determines the detailed method of benefit issuance, which determines which benefit will be issued to which user. Specifically, in this embodiment, a so-called auction method is used.

[0068] For example, if the number of people wishing to receive a reward is less than or equal to the maximum number of rewards that can be issued, the user flow control unit 11e will issue the reward to all wishing to receive it. In this case, the points used (bid value) set by the wishing to receive the reward will be consumed, and the user flow control unit 11e will subtract the number of points owned by that wishing to receive the reward in the user information 12c by the amount of the points used. If the number of people wishing to receive a reward exceeds the maximum number of rewards that can be issued, the user flow control unit 11e will issue the reward to the wishing to receive it whose set points used (bid value) are the highest (up to the maximum number of rewards that can be issued). In this case, the points used by the wishing to receive the reward that was issued will be consumed, and the user flow control unit 11e will subtract the number of points owned by that wishing to receive the reward in the user information 12c by the amount of the points used. Note that the points used (bid value) set by wishing to receive the reward that was not issued will not be subtracted, and the number of points owned by that wishing to receive the reward in the user information 12c will be maintained.

[0069] While the above auction method is simple, more sophisticated auction methods will be discussed in detail later.

[0070] Furthermore, the method of mediation regarding the issuance of benefits is not limited to auctions; other methods such as lotteries may also be applied.

[0071] Next, an example of the operation of the pedestrian flow control device 10 will be explained using Figures 9 and 10, and referring to Figures 11, 12, 13, and 14 as appropriate. Figure 9 is a flowchart of the reward issuance process performed by the pedestrian flow control device 10. Figure 10 is a flowchart of the reward issuance mediation process in the reward issuance process of Figure 9. Figures 11, 12, 13, and 14 are schematic diagrams that illustrate an example of bidding information 12e by stratification, aggregation, etc., in order to make the processing content in the reward issuance mediation process easier to understand. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the bidding reward information for each bidder (user). Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the bidding point information corresponding to each bidding reward for each bidder (user). Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the dwell time information corresponding to each bidding reward for each bidder (user). Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the actual sales price information corresponding to each bidding reward for each bidder (user).

[0072] The process shown in Figure 9 is executed by the control unit 11 of the pedestrian flow control device 10 when the provision of benefits is implemented (bidding begins) (operator operation or when specific conditions are met (a predetermined time after the completion of the event, for example, the time when congestion is expected to subside)).

[0073] In step S101, the control unit 11 (acquisition unit 11a) acquires location data from the terminal device 20, shooting data from the fixed-point camera 30, etc., and generates congestion information for each point around the event venue EV through statistical processing of the location data and image analysis processing of the shooting data, stores it as congestion information 12a in the congestion information data table 12A in the storage unit 12, and proceeds to step S102.

[0074] In step S102, the control unit 11 (acquisition unit 11a) acquires various information about facilities around the event venue EV, performs necessary processing, stores it as facility information 12b in the facility information data table 12B in the storage unit 12, and proceeds to step S103. The control unit 11 generates various information about the facility based on the number of terminal devices 20 that transmitted location data within the facility area, the analysis results of images captured by fixed-point cameras 30 that photograph the facility, and store status (congestion) data based on input operations of facility staff transmitted from terminal devices of the facility.

[0075] Furthermore, the congestion information and facility information generated in steps S101 and S102 may be based on data that has been estimated in advance (estimated based on past event results, prior reservation inputs, etc.).

[0076] In step S103, the control unit 11 (reward presentation unit 11c) presents the rewards available for bidding to the user, and then proceeds to step S104. Specifically, the control unit 11 transmits information about the rewards available for bidding to each user's terminal device 20. The information about the rewards available for bidding is then displayed on the user's terminal device 20 (see Figure 8).

[0077] In step S104, the control unit 11 (reception unit 11d) begins receiving reward selection (bid) data from the user's terminal device 20, and then stores the bid data obtained from the user's terminal device 20 as bid information 12e in the bid information data table 12E in the storage unit 12, before proceeding to step S105. Specifically, the control unit 11 (reception unit 11d) receives information on the user's selection of the reward they wish to receive from among multiple rewards, and information on the number of points to be used to obtain the reward.

[0078] In step S105, the control unit 11 (people flow control unit 11e) determines whether the bidding for the privilege being offered has been completed (the bidding period has ended). If the bidding has been completed, it proceeds to step S106. If the bidding has not been completed, it repeats the process in step S105 until the bidding is completed. In other words, the acceptance of bidding data continues until the bidding is completed. During this waiting period until the bidding is completed, the control unit 11 executes other processes as needed using interrupt request signals, etc.

[0079] In step S106, the control unit 11 (people flow control unit 11e) mediates the issuance of the reward (determines the successful bidder) based on each user's bidding status for the reward (number of points used, desired ranking, etc.) and the characteristics of the reward (stay duration, actual sales price, etc.), and then proceeds to step S107. The mediation process for reward issuance will be described later. Also, at this point (when the completion of bidding is determined in step S105), the acceptance of bidding data ends, and users can no longer bid.

[0080] In step S107, the control unit 11 (people flow control unit 11e) transmits information regarding the winning bid (such as information about the bid itself) to the terminal device 20 of the user who became the successful bidder, based on the mediation result for the issuance of the bid, and completes the process.

[0081] Next, we will explain the details of the reward issuance mediation process in step S105 of the reward issuance process shown in Figure 9. We will use specific data examples to explain the process, but first we will explain an example of setting data for each bidder (user)'s bidding status and the characteristics of the reward being bid on.

[0082] The bidder-specific reward information shown in Figure 11 indicates which rewards each bidder bid for. For example, Figure 11 shows that User A bid on rewards 1 and 3. Also, Figure 11 shows that User B bid on rewards 1, 4, and 5. The same applies to Users C, D, and E.

[0083] The bidding point information for each bidder shown in Figure 12 indicates how many points each bidder has allocated to each reward. For example, Figure 12 shows that User A has allocated 300 points to reward 1 and 200 points to reward 3. Also, Figure 12 shows that User B has allocated 100 points to reward 1, 100 points to reward 4, and 500 points to reward 5. The same applies to Users C, D, and E.

[0084] The bidding points may be set so that the user selects from a predetermined number of points for each reward (for example, three types: 100, 300, and 500 points) set by the pedestrian flow control device 10, or the user may input any number of points. This method of setting points can be implemented by embedding it in the program as a function of the dedicated application of the terminal device 20, and by making the reward-related data provided by the control unit 11 (reward presentation unit 11c) compatible with the dedicated application.

[0085] Note that while Figures 11 and 12 show five types of benefits, from Benefit 1 to Benefit 5, the actual number of benefit types will be the number of benefits offered for crowd flow control at the event in question. The same applies to Figures 13 and 14, which will be discussed later.

[0086] The information on effective dwell time corresponding to each bidder's bid perk, shown in Figure 13, indicates how effective each bidder's bid perk is in controlling foot traffic (waiting time) in relation to the time spent at the facility. For example, Figure 13 shows that the effective dwell time for perk 1 bid by User A is 30 minutes, and for perk 3 it is 40 minutes. Also, Figure 13 shows that the effective dwell time for perk 1 bid by User B is 30 minutes, for perk 4 it is 50 minutes, and for perk 5 it is 30 minutes. Note that the effective dwell time may also include the travel time required to use the facility (the extra travel time compared to normal travel time (for example, travel to a public transport stop ST without detours)). The same applies to Users C, D, and E below.

[0087] The actual sales price information corresponding to each bidder's bid perk, as shown in Figure 14, represents the equivalent actual sales price of the perk bidder, i.e., the value of the perk. For example, the discount amount on the goods sold may be used. From the perspective of the perk provider, the actual sales price information can also be considered a cost for issuing the perk. For example, Figure 14 shows that the actual sales price of perk 1, bid by user A, is 300 yen, and the actual sales price of perk 3 is 600 yen. Also, Figure 14 shows that the actual sales price of perk 1, bid by user B, is 300 yen, the actual sales price of perk 4 is 400 yen, and the actual sales price of perk 5 is 700 yen. The same applies to users C, D, and E.

[0088] The passenger flow control unit 11e mediates the issuance of benefits through an auction format. Next, Figure 10 will be used to explain this benefit issuance mediation process (detailed processing of step S105 in the benefit issuance process in Figure 9).

[0089] In step S201, the control unit 11 (people flow control unit 11e) of the people flow control device 10 extracts information on each user's bid and information on each benefit from the bid information 12e and benefit information 12d, and proceeds to step S202. At this time, the control unit 11 (people flow control unit 11e) organizes the data in the following formats through stratification, aggregation, etc.: (a) bid point information for benefits (see Figure 12), (b) stay effect time information for bid benefits (see Figure 13), and (c) actual sales price information for bid benefits (see Figure 14), in preparation for subsequent processing.

[0090] In step S202, the control unit 11 (people flow control unit 11e) scales the (a) bidding point information for the prize, (b) stay effect time information for the bid prize, and (c) actual sales price information for the bid prize, which were extracted and organized in step S201, and then proceeds to step S203. This scaling determines which of the above information (a), (b), and (c) will be given more weight in the optimization calculation performed in the next step S203. For example, if (b) stay effect time information for the bid prize is given more weight, the data from (b) is given a larger weight (for example, by multiplying by a large coefficient α), and the data from (a) and (c) are given a smaller weight (for example, by multiplying by small coefficients β and γ (smaller than α)), and the optimization calculation is performed. Depending on the information given more weight through this scaling, the successful bidder in the auction will change.

[0091] In step S203, the control unit 11 (people flow control unit 11e) mediates the issuance of the reward by performing an optimization calculation of an objective function that includes each data of scaled (a) bidding point information for the reward, each data of stay effect time information for the bidding reward, and each data of actual sales price information for the bidding reward, and then proceeds to step S204. More specifically, the control unit 11 (people flow control unit 11e) mediates the issuance of the reward by performing an optimization calculation of the objective function represented by the following equation (1).

[0092] In other words, the control unit 11 determines the optimal reward issuance pattern for each of the multiple reward issuance patterns (simply put, all reward issuance patterns), that is, each pattern representing the issuance status of which reward is issued to which user, and the reward issuance pattern that maximizes the desired effect (in this case, the effect of controlling the flow of people, and specifically the time spent at the facility is used as the effect indicator). Then, the control unit 11 issues the reward using the reward issuance pattern of that optimal solution.

[0093] The constraints for the optimization calculation are the maximum number of rewards that can be issued and the number of rewards that each user can obtain. For example, each user can obtain one reward.

[0094]

number

[0095] In other words, the control unit 11 (people flow control unit 11e) mediates the issuance of benefits by combinatorial auction theory by performing optimization calculations of the objective function represented by equation (1) above.

[0096] More specifically, the control unit 11 (people flow control unit 11e) performs the calculation of the objective function F1 represented by equation (1) above for all reward issuance patterns that represent the issuance status of which reward is issued to which user, under the above constraints of the optimization calculation. In calculating the objective function F1, the control unit 11 (people flow control unit 11e) calculates the user-specific people flow control effect for each reward issuance pattern based on a relationship value which is a value that shows the relationship between the actual selling price (value) of the reward for each user and the bid value, and the effective length of stay of the user in the facility due to the reward (reward effect value), and aggregates the user-specific people flow control effect for each reward issuance pattern.

[0097] The control unit 11 (people flow control unit 11e) then determines the reward issuance pattern that maximizes the objective function F1 (aggregate value of the effect of people flow control per user) as the optimal solution (reward issuance pattern to be used for reward issuance). In other words, the control unit 11 (people flow control unit 11e) calculates the reward issuance pattern that maximizes the desired effect (people flow control effect using facility dwell time as an indicator) by performing the calculation of the objective function F1. Note that the reward issuance patterns for which the calculation of the objective function F1 is performed may be narrowed down by appropriate conditions.

[0098] In step S204, the human flow control unit 11e determines the successful bidder (user) for each of the multiple rewards based on the reward issuance pattern (optimal solution) determined as a result of the optimization calculation in step S203, and terminates the mediation (end in Figure 6). In other words, the reward issuance mediation process in step S105 of the reward issuance process in Figure 9 is completed.

[0099] The process then moves to step S106 in the reward issuance process shown in Figure 9, where the winning reward is issued to each successful bidder based on the settlement result. The relevant information about the winning reward (such as the reward itself) is then transmitted to the terminal device 20 owned by each user who won the bid, and displayed on the terminal device 20's screen. Users can then use the terminal device 20 to confirm and use the winning reward.

[0100] As described above, the control unit 11 (people flow control unit 11e) bids on the selection of desired benefits from multiple users received by the reception unit 11d, and mediates the issuance of benefits through an auction format. With this configuration, users can arbitrarily select their preferred benefit from among the multiple benefits presented by the people flow control device 10. This prevents users from receiving unwanted benefits, thereby improving user satisfaction. Furthermore, it is possible to increase the utilization rate of benefits and effectively alleviate congestion among users exiting the event venue elevator.

[0101] Furthermore, as described above, the control unit 11 (people flow control unit 11e) mediates the issuance of rewards in an auction format, using the number of points related to the bids for rewards received by the reception unit 11d as the bid value. In other words, the control unit 11 (people flow control unit 11e) determines the reward issuance pattern to be used for issuing rewards according to the relative bid values ​​for the rewards that each user wishes to acquire. With this configuration, users can bid on their favorite rewards from among the multiple rewards presented by the people flow control device 10 with any number of points (bid value) they specify. This allows users to bid on rewards according to their own values, thereby improving satisfaction. In addition, by requiring points for bidding, it is possible to prevent situations where users acquire more rewards than they need and do not use them.

[0102] Furthermore, as described above, the control unit 11 (point awarding unit 11b) awards points to the user that can be used as bids when the user meets predetermined conditions. In addition, the control unit 11 (people flow control unit 11e) deducts points equal to the bid value in each bid made by the user for the reward they wish to acquire from the user's accumulated points. With this configuration, users can use points to bid on multiple rewards presented by the people flow control device 10 and acquire the rewards they like. This allows users to bid on rewards according to their own values, thereby improving their satisfaction.

[0103] Furthermore, as described above, the control unit 11 (people flow control unit 11e) mediates the issuance of rewards by performing optimization calculations of an objective function that includes the number of bid points used by the user when bidding to obtain the reward, the estimated effective stay time of the user at the facility by using the reward obtained at the facility, and the actual selling price of the reward obtained by the user. In other words, for each reward issuance pattern, the control unit 11 (people flow control unit 11e) calculates the user-specific people flow control effect based on a relationship value, which is a value that shows the relationship between the actual selling price (value) of the reward for each user and the bid value, and the effective stay time of the user at the facility due to the reward (reward effect value). Then, for each reward issuance pattern, the control unit 11 (people flow control unit 11e) aggregates the user-specific people flow control effect and determines the reward issuance pattern with the highest aggregated value of the user-specific people flow control effect as the reward issuance pattern to be used for reward issuance.

[0104] According to the above configuration, the issuance of rewards can be mediated by combinatorial auction theory, making it possible to comprehensively achieve congestion reduction, improved satisfaction for event organizers and facilities, and improved user satisfaction. Improved satisfaction for event organizers and facilities could include, for example, attracting more users to the facility and increasing sales. Improved user satisfaction could include, for example, providing users with rewards tailored to their individual goals and preferences.

[0105] Furthermore, as described above, the control unit 11 (people flow control unit 11e) applies weighting to the actual sales price (value) of the reward, the bid price, and the effective time of the user's stay at the facility (reward effect value) based on weighted values ​​derived from the user's input operations, and calculates the user-specific people flow control effect. With this configuration, the priority order for the actual sales price (value) of the reward, the bid price, and the effective time of the user's stay at the facility (reward effect value) can be arbitrarily determined. This makes it possible to easily adjust congestion reduction, improvement of satisfaction for event organizers and facilities, and improvement of user satisfaction.

[0106] The control unit 11 (people flow control unit 11e) then mediates the issuance of rewards by performing an optimization calculation of the objective function represented by equation (1) above. With this configuration, the calculation makes it easy to obtain an optimal solution that comprehensively achieves congestion reduction, improved satisfaction for event organizers and facilities, and improved user satisfaction.

[0107] Furthermore, the control unit 11 (people flow control unit 11e) may mediate the issuance of rewards by performing an optimization calculation of the objective function represented by the following equation (2). Equation (2) aims to mediate the issuance of rewards according to the degree of congestion in each direction from the event venue EV, or the degree of congestion in each area around the event venue EV. In other words, equation (2) aims to reduce congestion in directions or areas with high congestion as a priority, and also aims to equalize congestion. The constraints for the optimization calculation are the upper limit of the number of rewards to be issued and the number of rewards that a single user can obtain.

[0108]

number

[0109] For example, to assess congestion in each direction near the event venue elevator (for each direction of movement of users exiting the event venue elevator), an index value indicating congestion in the east, west, north, and south directions relative to the event venue elevator (for example, a numerical value from 1 to 5, representing a 5-level congestion level, where a higher number indicates more congestion) is input (the same applies to areas). With this configuration, a combination auction is conducted that associates congestion levels for each direction from the event venue elevator (for each area near the event venue elevator), and the issuance of benefits can be mediated. Therefore, it becomes possible to control congestion of users exiting the event venue elevator in detail, making it possible to alleviate congestion more effectively.

[0110] Furthermore, as described above, the control unit 11 (reception unit 11d) accepts the selection of multiple benefits for each user. For example, in this embodiment, the reception unit 11d accepts the selection of three benefits for each user. Users can select (bid on) up to three benefits, or they may select two or even just one. With this configuration, users can arbitrarily select multiple benefits they like. Therefore, it is possible to improve user satisfaction. In addition, it is possible to prevent situations where users acquire more benefits than they need and do not use them.

[0111] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 11a may acquire group information 12g relating to a group composed of multiple users. The group information 12g includes, for example, the number of members in the group, the identification information of each member, and the age of each member. When the control unit 11 (people flow control unit 11e) acquires preference information (information relating to the desire to acquire benefits) that includes data on the number of people in the group to which the user belongs, it processes it as preference information for that number of people.

[0112] According to the above configuration, a combination auction can be conducted by associating user group information 12g, and the issuance of rewards can be mediated. In other words, rewards are issued according to the group composition (number of members). Therefore, it is possible to improve user satisfaction.

[0113] Furthermore, the control unit 11 (people flow control unit 11e) may issue rewards equal to the number of people in the group to which the user belongs. With this configuration, all members of the group to which the user belongs can use the rewards together. Therefore, it is possible to improve user satisfaction. In addition, it is possible to suppress situations in which a reward is not used due to a shortage of the same reward within the group. Therefore, it is possible to increase the utilization rate of rewards and effectively alleviate congestion of users exiting the event venue elevator.

[0114] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the pedestrian flow control system 1 comprises a pedestrian flow control device 10 with the above configuration and a terminal device 20 that transmits and receives information to and from the pedestrian flow control device 10. With this configuration, users can easily view multiple benefits using the terminal device 20 and easily select the benefit they wish to receive. In addition, users can easily use the benefits they have obtained at the facility using the terminal device 20. In other words, it becomes easier for users to obtain the benefits they wish to receive, and the likelihood of those benefits being used at the facility increases. Therefore, it becomes possible to effectively alleviate congestion of users exiting the event venue elevator.

[0115] Furthermore, the various technical features disclosed as embodiments in this specification can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the technical creation. In other words, the above embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the above description of embodiments, and includes all modifications that fall within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. In addition, the multiple embodiments shown in this specification may be combined as appropriate to the extent possible.

[0116] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described various functions as being implemented in software through CPU arithmetic processing according to the program, some of these functions may be implemented using electrical hardware resources. Conversely, some of the functions that were previously implemented using hardware resources may be implemented in software. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1. Human Flow Control System 10 People flow control device 11. Control Unit (Controller) 11a Acquisition part 11b Point Award Section 11c Special Offer Section 11d Reception Department 11e People flow control section 12 Storage section 12a Congestion Information 12b Facility Information 12c User Information 12d Bonus Information 12e Bidding Information 12f Points Award Information 12g Group Information 13 Communications Department 20 Terminal devices EV event venue R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 Road SH1, SH2, SH3, SH4, SH5 facilities ST Stop

Claims

1. A pedestrian flow control device that controls pedestrian flow by issuing benefits to users, Including the controller, The aforementioned controller, We acquire congestion information that shows the congestion status in the area targeted for pedestrian flow control. Obtain benefit information regarding the aforementioned benefits to be issued, We obtain information regarding the user's desire to acquire the aforementioned benefits. Based on the aforementioned congestion information, the aforementioned reward information, and the aforementioned preference information, the reward issuance pattern to be used for issuing rewards is determined by an optimization calculation process for the reward issuance pattern relative to the effect of controlling pedestrian flow. The reward is issued to the user based on the determined reward issuance pattern. People flow control device.

2. The aforementioned preference information includes the bid value for the aforementioned benefit desired by each user, The aforementioned controller, The reward issuance pattern to be used for issuing the reward is determined according to the relative relationship of the bid values ​​for each of the aforementioned users. The pedestrian flow control device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned controller, Points that can be used as the bid value are awarded to the user when the user meets predetermined conditions. Upon receiving a bid from the aforementioned user, the points corresponding to the bid value in that bid shall be deducted from the user's accumulated points. The pedestrian flow control device according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned controller, For each of the aforementioned reward issuance patterns, the user-specific user flow control effect is calculated based on the relationship value, which is a value indicating the relationship between the value of the reward for each user and the bid price, and the reward effect value provided by the reward. For each of the aforementioned reward issuance patterns, the user-specific human flow control effect is aggregated, The reward issuance pattern that yields the highest aggregate value of the user-specific human flow control effect is determined to be the reward issuance pattern to be used for issuing rewards. The pedestrian flow control device according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned controller, The value of the benefit, the bid price, and the benefit effect value are weighted based on the weighted values ​​derived from the user's input operations, and the user-specific traffic control effect is calculated. The pedestrian flow control device according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned controller, Based on the optimization calculation results of the objective function represented by the following formula (1), the reward issuance pattern to be used for issuing rewards is determined. The pedestrian flow control device according to claim 1. [Math 1] However, in formula (1) above, f(ti) represents the effective duration of stay at the facility. f(po) represents the bid value used during the bidding process. f(pr) represents the value of the aforementioned benefit.

7. The aforementioned controller, Based on the optimization calculation results of the objective function represented by the following formula (2), the reward issuance pattern to be used for issuing rewards is determined. The pedestrian flow control device according to claim 1. [Math 2] However, in formula (2) above, f(tir) represents the effective stay time in the facility, and expresses the effective stay time for each direction from the starting point of the area subject to human flow control. f(po) represents the bid value used during the bidding process. f(pr) represents the value of the aforementioned benefit, f(cr) represents the degree of congestion in each direction near the starting point of the area to be controlled for human flow, f(ca) represents the degree of congestion in all directions near the starting point of the area to be controlled for human flow.

8. The aforementioned controller, When the aforementioned preference information, which includes data on the number of people in the group to which the user belongs, is obtained, it is processed as the preference information for that number of people. The pedestrian flow control device according to claim 1.

9. The aforementioned controller, The aforementioned benefits shall be issued for the number of people mentioned above. The pedestrian flow control device according to claim 8.

10. A human flow control system that controls human flow by issuing benefits to users, It includes a pedestrian flow control device and terminal devices used by each of the multiple users, The aforementioned pedestrian flow control device is We acquire congestion information that shows the congestion status in the area targeted for pedestrian flow control. Obtain benefit information regarding the aforementioned benefits to be issued, We obtain information regarding each user's preference for acquiring the aforementioned benefits. Based on the aforementioned congestion information, the aforementioned reward information, and the aforementioned preference information, the reward issuance pattern to be used for issuing rewards is determined by an optimization calculation process for the reward issuance pattern relative to the effect of controlling pedestrian flow. Based on the determined reward issuance pattern, the reward is issued to the user. The aforementioned terminal device is The desired information regarding the user's input operation and their desire to acquire the benefits is transmitted to the pedestrian flow control device. Receipt of the aforementioned benefit issued from the aforementioned pedestrian flow control device, When using the aforementioned benefits received, output: Human flow control system.

11. A method for determining the issuance of rewards used when controlling pedestrian flow by issuing rewards to users, The steps include: obtaining congestion information that shows the congestion status in the area to be controlled for pedestrian flow; Steps include obtaining benefit information regarding the aforementioned benefits to be issued, A step of obtaining information regarding the user's desire to acquire the aforementioned benefits, The computer is instructed to perform the following steps: determine the reward issuance pattern to be used for issuing rewards by performing an optimization calculation process for the reward issuance pattern relative to the effect of controlling pedestrian flow, based on the aforementioned congestion information, the aforementioned reward information, and the aforementioned preference information. How the issuance of rewards is determined.

12. A reward issuance decision program used when controlling pedestrian flow by issuing rewards to users, The steps include: obtaining congestion information that shows the congestion status in the area to be controlled for pedestrian flow; Steps include obtaining benefit information regarding the aforementioned benefits to be issued, A step of obtaining information regarding the user's desire to acquire the aforementioned benefits, The computer is instructed to perform the following steps: determine the reward issuance pattern to be used for issuing rewards by performing an optimization calculation process for the reward issuance pattern relative to the effect of controlling pedestrian flow, based on the aforementioned congestion information, the aforementioned reward information, and the aforementioned preference information. Program to determine the issuance of special benefits.

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