Guidance system and guidance method

Abstract

This guidance system is provided with: a user identification unit that identifies a user on the basis of an image captured by an imaging device capable of capturing an image of a user in the vicinity of a guidance map that provides guidance for a guidance object; and a guidance presenting unit which, on the basis of interest information corresponding to the user identified by the user identification unit and acquired from an interest information storage unit in which the interest information, which indicates an interest level of the user, is stored, and an attribute of an area within the range of the guidance object acquired from an attribute information storage unit in which area-by-area attributes are stored, causes the guidance map to output guidance information for an area within the range of the guidance object that has an attribute for which the interest level of the identified user is higher.

Description

Guidance system and guidance method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a guidance system and a guidance method.

[0002] In recent years, guidance systems that provide guidance tailored to specific individuals have become known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such conventional guidance systems, in order to identify an individual, images containing the person and location information at which the images were acquired are collected, and analysis is performed based on the collected data to output guidance that anticipates the person's movements.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-185236

[0004] In conventional guidance systems such as those described above, location information is essential. A means for acquiring this location information is, for example, a global positioning system (GPS). Generally, a GPS can acquire location information outdoors using a device equipped with a GPS function. However, in urban areas, due to the large number of buildings, it may not be possible to acquire location information using a GPS, which may result in the inability to provide guidance tailored to the user.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a guidance system and guidance method that can provide appropriate guidance to users without requiring a means of acquiring location information.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present disclosure is a guidance system comprising: a user identification unit that identifies a user based on an image captured by an imaging device capable of capturing images of users near a guidance map that provides guidance to a guidance target; and a guidance presentation unit that causes the guidance map to output guidance information for an area within the range of the guidance target that has an attribute that is of higher interest to the identified user, based on the interest information acquired from an interest information storage unit that stores interest information indicating the user's level of interest, the interest information corresponding to the user identified by the user identification unit, and the attributes of the area within the range of the guidance target acquired from an attribute information storage unit that stores attributes for each area.

[0007] Furthermore, one aspect of the present disclosure is a guidance method for a guidance system that outputs guidance information to a guidance map that provides guidance to a guidance target, wherein a user identification unit identifies the user based on an image captured by an imaging device capable of capturing an image of the user near the guidance map, and a guidance presentation unit outputs, to the guidance map, the guidance information for an area within the range of the guidance target that has an attribute that is of higher interest to the identified user, based on the interest information acquired from an interest information storage unit that stores interest information that indicates the user's level of interest, the interest information corresponding to the user identified by the user identification unit, and the attributes of the area within the range of the guidance target acquired from an attribute information storage unit that stores attributes for each area.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide appropriate guidance tailored to the user without requiring a means for acquiring location information.

[0009] 13 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a guidance system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a guidance system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing example data of an attribute information storage unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of image capture devices in an elevator in the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of image capture devices in an escalator in the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of image capture devices in stairs in the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of determination by a floor determination unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing example data of a guidance map storage unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing example data of an interest information storage unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of cameras in a guidance map in the first embodiment. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for determining an arrival floor when an elevator is used in the guidance system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for determining an arrival floor when an escalator is used in the guidance system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for acquiring behavior information and interest information in the guidance system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing of step S306 in FIG. 13. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of guidance processing in the guidance system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing details of the guidance processing in the guidance system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 27 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a guidance system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of guidance processing in the guidance system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a guidance system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a guidance system according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a guidance system according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a guidance system according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the guidance system according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a guidance system according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a guidance system according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the guidance system according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of the operation of the guidance system according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a first diagram explaining the hardware configuration of each device of the guidance system according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a second diagram explaining the hardware configuration of each device of the guidance system according to the embodiment.

[0010] A guidance system and a guidance method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a guidance system 1 according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the guidance system 1 includes a plurality of imaging devices 2 (2-B, 2-M), a management server 10, a guidance map 20, and a building management device 30.

[0012] The guidance system 1 provides guidance information tailored to the user within the range of the guidance target of the guidance map 20 (for example, building BL1) on the guidance map 20 installed at the ticket gate GT1 of station ST1, for example.

[0013] 1, the guide map 20 is installed at the exit from platform HM1 of station ST1 through ticket gate GT1. In addition, building BL1, which is the target of guidance by the guide map 20, contains multiple stores (store A21, store A22, store A31, and store A32).

[0014] The guide map 20 is also provided with an imaging device 2-M that can capture images of users in the vicinity of the guide map 20. The guidance system 1 identifies the user based on the image captured by the imaging device 2-M, and outputs, as guidance information, information on a store that is of greatest interest to the identified user from among the multiple stores (store A21, store A22, store A31, store A32) in the building BL1.

[0015] The building management device 30 is a device that manages the building BL1 and collects interest information of users who use the building BL1. The building BL1 has an elevator EV1, an escalator ESL1, and a staircase STR1 as means of transportation between floors. The building BL1 also has multiple imaging devices 2-B installed on the ceilings of each floor, the interior ceiling of the elevator EV1, etc.

[0016] The building management device 30 detects the movement of the user between floors and the objects of interest of the user, such as stores visited on each floor, based on images captured by the multiple imaging devices 2-B, and collects interest information of the user in the building BL1. That is, the building management device 30 collects interest information that indicates the user's level of interest in stores, etc., based on the user's past usage history in the building BL1.

[0017] The management server 10 is a server device that manages the guidance system 1. The management server 10 manages users and the guide map 20. The management server 10 may be, for example, a cloud server that uses cloud technology. The management server 10, the guide map 20, and the building management device 30 are connected via a network NW1 and can communicate with each other via the network NW1. In communications over the network NW1, various types of information are protected as necessary.

[0018] In addition, in this embodiment, the imaging device located within building BL1 is referred to as imaging device 2-B, and the imaging device located around the guidance map 20 is referred to as imaging device 2-M, and when referring to any imaging device provided in the guidance system 1 or when no particular distinction is made, they will be described as imaging device 2.

[0019] Also, in Figure 1, for the sake of convenience, an example is shown in which the guidance system 1 has one guidance map 20, one building BL1, and one building management device 30, but there may be multiple guidance maps 20, multiple buildings BL1, and multiple building management devices 30.

[0020] Next, the details of each component of the guidance system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the guidance system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0021] 2, the guidance system 1 includes an imaging device 2-B, a management server 10, a guide map 20, and a building management device 30. As in FIG. 1, the description will be given assuming that there are multiple guide maps 20, buildings BL1, building management devices 30, and imaging devices 2-B.

[0022] The imaging device 2-B (an example of a second imaging device) is, for example, a camera having a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor. As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of imaging devices 2-B are arranged in the building BL1. The imaging device 2-B captures, for example, an image including a user and transmits the captured image to the building management device 30 via the network NW1. The image captured by the imaging device 2-B may be a still image or a video, and the image captured by the imaging device 2-B is used to identify the user, etc.

[0023] The building management device 30 is a device that manages a building such as a building with a store, and includes a NW (Network) communication unit 31 , a building storage unit 32 , and a building control unit 33 .

[0024] The NW communication unit 31 is a functional unit realized by a communication device such as a network adapter, etc. The NW communication unit 31 is connected to the network NW1 and performs data communication between, for example, the management server 10 and the imaging device 2-B.

[0025] The building storage unit 32 stores various types of information used by the building management device 30. The building storage unit 32 includes an attribute information storage unit 321 and a behavior information storage unit 322.

[0026] The attribute information storage unit 321 stores attributes for each area of ​​each floor of the building BL1. The area of ​​each floor is a portion that occupies part or all of the floor. The area of ​​each floor is, for example, the portion occupied by the tenant of the floor, an operating store, etc. Here, an example of data in the attribute information storage unit 321 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 .

[0027] 3 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the attribute information storage unit 321 in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the attribute information storage unit 321 stores a building, a floor, an area, and an attribute in association with each other. In Fig. 3, a building is identification information of a building, such as a building name, and a floor is identification information of a floor in the building. An area is identification information of an area, such as an area name, and an attribute indicates attribute information corresponding to the area (for example, attributes of a store, tenant, etc.).

[0028] For example, in the example shown in Figure 3, the building is "Building A", the floor is "2nd floor", the attribute of "Area A" is "Women's clothing", and the attribute of "Area B" is "Miscellaneous goods".

[0029] The attribute information storage unit 321 may also store information that identifies an area, for example, as a range of coordinates on each floor. An area is not limited to a two-dimensional plane, but may also be a higher-dimensional space, such as three-dimensional. An attribute of an area represents one or more things, events, etc. For example, if the area is a store, the attribute of the area may be the type of store, or the type of goods or services offered in the store.

[0030] Furthermore, if the area is a store, the attribute of the area may be, for example, the name of the store, or the name of a product or service offered in the store. Each area may have multiple attributes. One or more attributes of each area may be assigned by a person or may be assigned using AI (Artificial Intelligence).

[0031] 2, the behavioral information storage unit 322 stores, for each user, behavioral information acquired by the behavioral information acquisition unit 333 (described later). The behavioral information storage unit 322 stores, for example, identification information unique to a user and the behavioral information of the user in association with each other.

[0032] The building control unit 33 is a functional unit realized by causing a processor including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), SoC (System on Chip), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), etc. to execute a program stored in a storage unit (not shown). The building control unit 33 comprehensively controls the building management device 30 and executes various processes in the building management device 30. The building control unit 33 includes a user identification unit 331, a floor determination unit 332, a behavior information acquisition unit 333, an interest information acquisition unit 334, and a group identification unit 335.

[0033] The user identification unit 331 (an example of a second user identification unit) identifies the user of the building BL1 based on at least the image captured by the imaging device 2-B. The user identification unit 331 identifies the user by, for example, comparing the user's facial information extracted from the image with existing information, if available, using two-dimensional facial recognition, and confirms the identification of the user. The user identification unit 331 may also identify the user based on learning results obtained by machine learning from learning data that associates pre-identified users with images of the users. In this case, the user identification unit 331 identifies the user based on the learning results and feature amounts extracted from the image.

[0034] Furthermore, when there is no existing information, such as for a first-time user, the user identification unit 331 may newly register facial information of the user extracted from an image. Here, for example, facial features such as the nose, ears, eyes, mouth, cheeks, chin, and neck, or the overall outline of each of these elements, are used as facial information. Furthermore, features such as the shape of each bone in the upper body (e.g., the shape of the skull or bone pattern) may be used as facial information. To prevent misuse of facial information, the user identification unit 331 may acquire information such as the iris or pupil of the eye. If the pupil is not circular or elliptical but has an irregular shape, the user identification unit 331 may detect the risk of acquiring false facial information created by AI or the like and issue an alert. Furthermore, the user identification unit 331 transmits user information, such as the facial information of the identified user, to the management server 10 via the NW communication unit 31 and stores it in the user information storage unit 122, which will be described later.

[0035] Furthermore, when two users are mistakenly identified as the same user, the user identification unit 331 may identify the two users as different users. For example, when identifying users as different users, the user identification unit 331 may extract differences in the feature amounts of the users from the acquired images to improve the accuracy of identifying the users and reconfirm the identification of the different users.

[0036] Furthermore, the user identification unit 331 may make adjustments such as narrowing the range of feature amounts that are determined to be the same user depending on the difference in the extracted feature amounts. The user identification unit 331 may also improve the accuracy of user identification based on the difference in feature amounts extracted by other methods.

[0037] 4 to 6, an example of the arrangement of the image capture device 2-B and the user identification process by the user identification unit 331 will be described. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the image capture device 2-B in the elevator EV1 of this embodiment.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4 , inside the elevator EV1, an imaging device 2-B is attached, for example, to the upper part of a wall or the ceiling. The imaging device 2-B is disposed, for example, in a position where it can capture an image of the face of a user U1 getting into the elevator EV1. Note that in FIG. 4 , the imaging device 2-B is capable of capturing an image of an imaging range GR1 and captures an image such as a captured image G1. The user identification unit 331 identifies the user U1 within the detection range DR1 based on the captured image G1. That is, the user identification unit 331 executes an identification process S1 for the user U1 getting on or off the elevator EV1.

[0039] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the placement of the imaging device 2-B on the escalator ESL1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the imaging device 2-B is placed at the entrance PF1 of the escalator ESL1. Alternatively, the imaging device 2-B may be placed on the wall surface of the inclined portion in front of the entrance PF1 of the escalator ESL1. In this case, the imaging device 2-B can capture an imaging range GR1 near the entrance PF1 of the escalator ESL1. The user identification unit 331 executes an identification process S1 of the user U1 near the entrance PF1 of the escalator ESL1 based on the captured image of the imaging range GR1.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the placement of the imaging device 2-B on the staircase STR1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the imaging device 2-B is placed at the entrance PF1 of the staircase STR1. Alternatively, the imaging device 2-B may be placed on the wall surface of the inclined portion just before the entrance PF1 of the staircase STR1. In this case, the imaging device 2-B can capture an imaging range GR1 near the entrance PF1 of the staircase STR1. The user identification unit 331 executes an identification process S1 of the user U1 near the entrance PF1 of the staircase STR1 based on the captured image of the imaging range GR1.

[0041] Returning to the description of FIG. 2 again, the floor determination unit 332 determines the arrival floor of a user identified by the user identification unit 331. Here, the arrival floor of a user is a floor at which a user using the elevator facility has completed use of the elevator facility (e.g., elevator EV1, escalator ESL1, or staircase STR1). For example, when a user is using elevator EV1, the floor determination unit 332 determines the floor at which the user has exited elevator EV1 as the arrival floor of the user. The floor determination unit 332 determines the arrival floor based on an image captured by the imaging device 2-B. For example, when a user completes use of the elevator facility at any floor, the floor determination unit 332 determines that floor as the arrival floor of the user.

[0042] Here, an example of determining an arrival floor by the floor determining unit 332 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of determination by the floor determining unit 332 in this embodiment.

[0043] 7 shows an example of determining the arrival floor of a user using elevator EV1 operating upward from the first floor. In this example, elevator EV1 operates downward to the first floor, and then starts upward operation from the first floor. Note that the floor determination unit 332 similarly determines the arrival floor when elevator EV1 operates upward from another floor and when elevator EV1 operates downward.

[0044] 7 , for example, when user A uses elevator EV1 to travel from the first floor to the fourth floor, the user identification unit 331 identifies user A when user A gets on elevator EV1 at the first floor. In this case, the floor determination unit 332 determines that the departure floor of user A is floor 1. Furthermore, when user A gets off elevator EV1 at the fourth floor, the floor determination unit 332 determines that the arrival floor of user A is floor 4.

[0045] In this way, the floor determination unit 332 determines the floor at which the user will arrive among the multiple floors of the building BL1, based on images captured by at least one of the multiple imaging devices 2-B while the user is moving.

[0046] 2 , the behavior information acquisition unit 333 acquires behavior information representing the behavior of the user at the arrival floor determined by the floor determination unit 332, based on images captured by at least one of the multiple image capture devices 2-B. The behavior information acquisition unit 333 extracts, for example, feature amounts of the user from the image used to identify the user by the user identification unit 331. The behavior information acquisition unit 333 may use the feature amounts extracted by the user identification unit 331.

[0047] The feature quantities of the user include, for example, information about the positions of feature points such as the nose, ears, eyes, mouth, cheeks, chin, and neck of the face, or the overall contour formed by each of these, as well as both shoulders. Furthermore, the feature quantities of the user may also include features such as the shape of each bone of the upper body formed by each of these elements (for example, the shape of the skull or bone pattern). The behavioral information acquisition unit 333 acquires behavioral information of the user based on the extracted feature quantities.

[0048] In this example, the behavioral information acquisition unit 333 acquires information including interest direction information as information on the location of the user included in the behavioral information of the user. Here, the behavioral information acquisition unit 333 continuously acquires the behavioral information of the user by tracking the user identified by the user identification unit 331. The behavioral information acquisition unit 333 may track the location of the identified user by, for example, a method such as moving object tracking.

[0049] Furthermore, the behavioral information acquisition unit 333 may continue to acquire behavioral information of a user who has moved and is no longer visible in the image by tracking the user. The interest direction information is an example of information about the direction of interest of the user. The interest direction information is information expressed using at least three feature amounts of the user's shoulders and nose. The interest direction information may also be expressed using other feature amounts. Furthermore, the interest direction information may be expressed using feature amounts according to AI.

[0050] In the interest direction information, the orientation of the user's interest direction is expressed as the direction from the midpoint of the line segment connecting the positions of both shoulders to the position of the nose. Here, the nose of the user as a feature used in the interest direction information may be captured regardless of whether it is covered by a mask or the like, i.e., regardless of whether the user's bare nose is actually captured in the image.

[0051] Furthermore, the feature of the user's shoulders used in the interest direction information may be captured regardless of whether the user's shoulders are covered by clothing, i.e., regardless of whether the user's bare shoulders are shown in the image. Similarly, for other feature quantities for organs such as the ears, eyes, mouth, cheeks, chin, and neck, or the overall contour of each of these organs, the feature quantity of the organ may be captured regardless of whether the user's bare organs are shown in the image. The interest direction information may be represented using, for example, feature quantities of the shape of each bone in the upper body (e.g., skull shape or bone pattern), feature quantities of both shoulders and nose obtained using the user's skeletal information, or other feature quantities obtained using the skeletal information. The behavioral information acquisition unit 333 stores the acquired behavioral information of the user for each user in the behavioral information storage unit 322.

[0052] The interest information acquisition unit 334 acquires interest information that indicates the user's level of interest for each attribute, based on the layout and attributes of the area on the arrival floor determined by the floor determination unit 332 and the behavior information acquired by the behavior information acquisition unit 333. The interest information acquisition unit 334 acquires interest information for the user identified by the user identification unit 331.

[0053] The user's interest information is, for example, information that indicates the user's level of interest in each attribute assigned to an area. The interest information acquisition unit 334 acquires the interest information based on the user's behavior on the arrival floor. Here, the user's behavior includes, for example, information such as the user's stay time on the arrival floor and the user's interest direction on the arrival floor.

[0054] For example, the interest information acquisition unit 334 acquires interest information based on user behavior analyzed using the information stored in the attribute information storage unit 321, the behavior information acquired by the behavior information acquisition unit 333, or the behavior information stored in the behavior information storage unit 322. One type of interest information indicates whether or not the user is interested, and the other type indicates the level of interest. The level of interest is analyzed using either or both of the period during which the user showed interest in the attributes assigned to the area in the user's direction of interest and the length of stay as factors. The interest information acquisition unit 334 adds information each time information from each floor is added to each user.

[0055] Furthermore, the interest information acquisition unit 334 sorts the level of interest resulting from analysis based on updated information in order of priority each time. The interest information acquisition unit 334 stores the acquired interest information for each user in the interest information storage unit 123 (described later). The interest information acquisition unit 334 transmits the interest information to the management server 10 via the network NW1, and stores the acquired interest information for each user in the interest information storage unit 123 (described later).

[0056] The group identification unit 335 identifies a group that acts in the building BL1. The group includes a plurality of users identified by the user identification unit 331. The group identification unit 335 registers the group, for example, as follows.

[0057] The group identification unit 335 registers multiple users who stay together in any area of ​​building BL1 for a period longer than a preset time threshold as a group that spent time in that area. Here, the area where the group spends time in building BL1 is the area on the arrival floor determined by the floor determination unit 332 for the users included as members of the group. In building BL1, if building BL1 includes a restaurant or the like, the area where the group spends time is the inside of the restaurant, or each room, each table, or each seat within the restaurant. Here, the time threshold may be set commonly regardless of the area, or may be set for each area.

[0058] For example, when detecting the entry and exit of users into an area based on the behavioral information acquired by the behavioral information acquisition unit 333, the group identification unit 335 identifies users staying in the area. When there are multiple users staying in the area, the group identification unit 335 calculates the amount of time the multiple users stay in the area together. When the amount of time the users stay together exceeds the time threshold for the area, the group identification unit 335 registers the multiple users as a group.

[0059] Furthermore, when the group identification unit 335 identifies a new group, it assigns unique identification information to the group. Here, the group identification unit 335 may register the frequency of gatherings for each group. For example, when the group identification unit 335 has already registered a group whose duration of stay together exceeds a time threshold, the group identification unit 335 increases the frequency of gatherings for the group.

[0060] Furthermore, the group identification unit 335 identifies a group that will start using the elevator equipment installed in the building BL1, for example, as follows: The group identification unit 335 identifies a group when, for example, it detects multiple users that will start using the same elevator equipment based on the behavior information acquired by the behavior information acquisition unit 333. The group identification unit 335 transmits information about the identified group to the management server 10 via the network NW1 and stores it in the interest information storage unit 123.

[0061] The management server 10 is a server device that manages the entire guidance system 1 , and includes a network communication unit 11 , a server storage unit 12 , and a server control unit 13 .

[0062] The NW communication unit 11 is a functional unit realized by a communication device such as a network adapter. The NW communication unit 11 is connected to the network NW1 and performs data communication with, for example, the building management device 30 and the guide map 20.

[0063] The server storage unit 12 stores various types of information used by the management server 10. The server storage unit 12 includes a guide map information storage unit 121, a user information storage unit 122, and an interest information storage unit 123.

[0064] The guide map information storage unit 121 stores information about the guide map 20, which will be described later. The guide map information storage unit 121 stores information about the guide map 20 registered in the guidance system 1. Here, an example of data stored in the guide map information storage unit 121 will be described with reference to FIG. 8 .

[0065] 8 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the guidance map information storage unit 121 in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, the guidance map information storage unit 121 stores, for example, a guidance map ID, an installation location, device information, and a guidance range in association with each other.

[0066] 8, the guide map ID is guide map identification information that identifies the guide map 20. The installation location indicates the location where the guide map 20 is installed, and the device information indicates information indicating the type of device for the guide map 20. The guidance range indicates the guidance range of the guidance target in the guide map 20.

[0067] 8, the guide map 20 with the guide map ID "MP001" indicates that the installation location is "in front of the ticket gate at XX station" and the device information indicates that the device uses an "LCD map" (liquid crystal display board). The guide map 20 also indicates that the guidance range is the range of "Building A, Building B, ...".

[0068] 2, the user information storage unit 122 stores information about the user identified by the above-described user identification unit 331. The user information storage unit 122 stores, for example, user identification information and information for identifying the user (for example, feature amounts) in association with each other.

[0069] The interest information storage unit 123 stores interest information that indicates the degree of interest of a user. The interest information storage unit 123 stores interest information for each user, for example. Here, an example of data stored in the interest information storage unit 123 will be described with reference to FIG. 9 .

[0070] 9 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the interest information storage unit 123 in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, the interest information storage unit 123 stores, for example, a user, interest information, date and time information, location information, and group information in association with each other.

[0071] 9, the user indicates user identification information such as the user name and user ID, and the interest information indicates the interest information acquired by the interest information acquisition unit 334. The date and time information and the location information indicate the date and time information and the location information when the interest information acquisition unit 334 acquired the interest information. The group information indicates the identification information of the group to which the user belongs, which is registered by the group identified by the group identification unit 335.

[0072] 9, the interest information corresponding to user "User A" is "Women's clothing," and indicates that the interest information was acquired in "Building A, 2nd Floor" on "2023 / 3 / 3" (March 3, 2023). This interest information also indicates that "User A" belongs to "Group A."

[0073] 2 , the server control unit 13 is a functional unit realized by causing a processor including, for example, a CPU to execute a program stored in a storage unit (not shown). The server control unit 13 comprehensively controls the management server 10 and executes various processes in the management server 10. The server control unit 13 includes a user identification unit 131 and a guidance presentation unit 132.

[0074] The user identification unit 131 (an example of a first user identification unit) identifies a user based on an image captured by an imaging device 2-M capable of capturing an image of a user in the vicinity of the guidance map 20. The user identification unit 131 identifies a user by a method similar to that of the above-described user identification unit 331 based on an image acquired from the guidance map 20 via the NW communication unit 11 and captured by the imaging device 2-M.

[0075] The user identification unit 131 identifies users based on, for example, learning results obtained by machine learning from learning data that associates pre-identified users with images of the users. The user identification unit 131 identifies users based on the learning results and feature amounts extracted from the images. Specifically, the user identification unit 131 identifies users in the vicinity of the guide map 20 based on, for example, images captured by the imaging device 2-M and information stored in the user information storage unit 122.

[0076] The guidance presentation unit 132 outputs guidance information for the area within the range of the guidance target to the guidance map 20 based on the interest information obtained from the above-mentioned interest information storage unit 123, which corresponds to the user identified by the user identification unit 131, and the attributes of the area within the range of the guidance target obtained from the attribute information storage unit 321.

[0077] The guidance presentation unit 132 acquires interest information corresponding to the user from the interest information storage unit 123. Furthermore, the guidance presentation unit 132 checks the guidance range of the guidance map 20 using the guidance map information storage unit 121, and acquires attribute information of the area within the range of the guidance target (e.g., building BL1) from the attribute information storage unit 321 of the guidance target within the guidance range via the NW communication unit 11. Based on the acquired interest information corresponding to the user and the attribute information of the area within the range of the guidance target, the guidance presentation unit 132 outputs guidance information for the identified area having an attribute that is of higher interest to the user to the guidance map 20.

[0078] The guidance presentation unit 132 transmits the guidance information to the guidance map 20 via the NW communication unit 11 and the network NW1, and causes the output unit 23 of the guidance map 20 to output the guidance information.

[0079] In addition, when the user identification unit 131 identifies multiple users, the guidance presentation unit 132 may, for example, output guidance information corresponding to the user located closest to the guidance map 20 to the guidance map 20, or may output guidance information that is the logical sum (OR) or logical product (AND) of the interest information of multiple users to the guidance map 20.

[0080] Furthermore, when the user identification unit 131 identifies multiple users and a group including the identified users is confirmed, the guidance presentation unit 132 may output guidance information for areas within the range of the guidance target having an attribute in which the group is more interested, to the guidance map 20. In this case, when a predetermined number or more users belonging to the group are identified, the guidance presentation unit 132 may output guidance information for areas within the range of the guidance target having an attribute in which the group is more interested, to the guidance map 20.

[0081] In addition, when a predetermined percentage or more of users belonging to a group are identified, the guidance presentation unit 132 may output guidance information to the guidance map 20 for areas within the range of the guidance target that have attributes that are of higher interest to the group.

[0082] The guidance map 20 is a guidance device installed, for example, at a station ST1, a bus stop, etc., and a guidance target (for example, building A, etc.) and guidance range are determined in advance. The guidance map 20 includes an imaging device 2-M, a NW communication unit 21, an operation unit 22, an output unit 23, a map storage unit 24, and a map control unit 25.

[0083] The imaging device 2-M (an example of a first imaging device) is, for example, a camera having a CCD image sensor. The imaging device 2-M is positioned so that it can capture images of users in the vicinity of the guide map 20. The imaging device 2-M captures, for example, an image including a user who has come to view the guide map 20, and transmits the captured image to the management server 10 via the NW communication unit 21. The image captured by the imaging device 2-M may be a still image or a video, and the image captured by the imaging device 2-M is used to identify the user, etc.

[0084] An example of the arrangement of the imaging devices 2-M on the guide map 20 will now be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the imaging devices 2-M on the guide map 20 of this embodiment.

[0085] 10, an imaging device 2-M is attached to the guide map 20, for example, at the top of the guide map 20. The imaging device 2-M is placed in a position where it can capture an image of the face of a user U1 who is using the guide map 20. In FIG. 10, the imaging device 2-M is capable of capturing an image of an imaging range GR1, and executes a process S1 to identify the user U1 who is using the guide map 20 based on the image captured by the imaging device 2-M.

[0086] 2, the NW communication unit 21 is a functional unit realized by a communication device such as a network adapter. The NW communication unit 21 is connected to the network NW1 and performs data communication with, for example, the management server 10.

[0087] The operation unit 22 is, for example, a switch, button, touch sensor, etc., provided on the guide map 20, and receives operation information (input information) from the user. The output unit 23 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display, or a sound output device such as a speaker. The output unit 23 outputs guide information.

[0088] The output unit 23 displays guidance information when it is a display device, and outputs sound indicating the guidance information when it is a sound emitting device. The output unit 23 may be a light emitting diode that illuminates the position of a guidance target placed on a map board within a predetermined guidance range. In this case, the output unit 23 illuminates the light emitting diode to output guidance information that notifies the user of the position on the map board.

[0089] The map storage unit 24 stores various information used by the guidance map 20. The map storage unit 24 includes a guidance information storage unit 241. The guidance information storage unit 241 stores guidance information acquired from the guidance presentation unit 132, etc.

[0090] The map control unit 25 is a functional unit realized by causing a processor including, for example, a CPU to execute a program stored in a storage unit (not shown). The map control unit 25 comprehensively controls the guidance map 20 and executes various processes in the guidance map 20. The map control unit 25 includes an information acquisition unit 251 and an output control unit 252.

[0091] The information acquisition unit 251 acquires various information related to the guidance map 20. For example, the information acquisition unit 251 acquires a captured image from the imaging device 2-M and transmits the captured image to the management server 10 via the NW communication unit 21. The information acquisition unit 251 also acquires guidance information from the management server 10 via the NW communication unit 21, stores the information in the guidance information storage unit 241, and causes the output control unit 252 to output the guidance information.

[0092] Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 251 acquires user operation information from the operation unit 22 and uses it for various processes of the guidance map 20. For example, when the information acquisition unit 251 acquires user operation information while outputting guidance information, the information acquisition unit 251 may cause the output control unit 252 to output, for example, more detailed guidance information in accordance with the user operation information.

[0093] The output control unit 252 controls the output unit 23. For example, the output control unit 252 acquires guidance information from the guidance information storage unit 241 and causes the output unit 23 to output the guidance information.

[0094] Next, the operation of the guidance system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the arrival floor determination process when the elevator EV1 of the guidance system 1 according to this embodiment is used.

[0095] 11, the user identification unit 331 of the building management device 30 first identifies a user in the elevator EV1 (step S101). The user identification unit 331 identifies the user entering the elevator EV1 based on the image captured by the imaging device 2-B when the door of the elevator EV1 is open.

[0096] Next, when the elevator EV1 departs from any floor (step S102), the floor determination unit 332 starts floor determination processing. Here, the elevator EV1 departs from any floor when, for example, the doors of the elevator EV1 are fully closed at that floor.

[0097] Next, the user identification unit 331 confirms the identification of the user inside the elevator EV1 (step S103).

[0098] Next, the user identification unit 331 determines whether or not there is a user inside the elevator EV1 (step S104). If there is a user inside the elevator EV1 (step S104: YES), the user identification unit 331 proceeds to step S105. If there is no user inside the elevator EV1 (step S104: NO), the user identification unit 331 proceeds to step S107.

[0099] In step S105, the user identification unit 331 determines that the elevator EV1 is the elevator facility used by the user identified in the elevator EV1.

[0100] Next, the user identification unit 331 performs a matching process on the identified users (step S106). The user identification unit 331 performs user exclusion processing, and identifies multiple users as mutually distinct users. For example, when identifying users as mutually distinct, the user identification unit 331 extracts differences in the feature amounts of the users from the acquired images to improve the accuracy of user identification and reconfirm the identification of the mutually distinct users.

[0101] Next, in step S107, the floor determination unit 332 stores the usage status of the elevator EV1 based on the result of identification by the user identification unit 331. The usage status of the elevator EV1 includes, for example, whether or not a user has boarded the elevator EV1, and information for identifying the user if a user has boarded the elevator EV1.

[0102] Next, the floor determination unit 332 determines the departure floor and arrival floor of the user (step S108). The floor determination unit 332 determines the departure floor and arrival floor of the user based on the usage status stored in step S107 and the usage status stored immediately before that.

[0103] Next, when the elevator EV1 arrives at the next floor (step S109), the floor determination unit 332 returns the process to step S101.

[0104] Next, the process of determining the arrival floor when the escalator ESL1 is used will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of determining the arrival floor when the escalator ESL1 is used in the guidance system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 12, when a user enters the frame of an image capture device 2-B provided at the exit of one of the escalators ESL1 (step S201), the building management device 30 starts the process of determining the arrival floor.

[0106] Next, the user identification unit 331 identifies the user riding on the escalator ESL1 and confirms the identification of the user (step S202).

[0107] Next, the user identification unit 331 determines whether or not a user is riding on the escalator ESL1 (step S203). If a user is riding on the escalator ESL1 (step S203: YES), the user identification unit 331 proceeds to step S204. If no user is riding on the escalator ESL1 (step S203: NO), the user identification unit 331 returns the process to step S201.

[0108] In step S204, the floor determination unit 332 determines whether the identified user is a user who has changed escalators ESL1. For example, if a preset time has not elapsed since the user left the frame of the image capture device 2-B located at the exit of another escalator ESL1, the floor determination unit 332 determines that the user is a user who has changed escalators ESL1. If the identified user is a user who has changed escalators ESL1 (step S204: YES), the floor determination unit 332 proceeds to step S208. If the identified user is not a user who has changed escalators ESL1 (step S204: NO), the floor determination unit 332 proceeds to step S205.

[0109] In step S205, the user identification unit 331 determines that the elevator facility used by the user identified on the escalator ESL1 is the escalator ESL1.

[0110] Next, the user identification unit 331 performs a matching process for the identified user (step S206).

[0111] Next, the floor determination unit 332 determines the floor where the entrance to the escalator ESL1 is located as the departure floor of the user (step S207).

[0112] Next, in step S208, when the user leaves the frame of the image capture device 2-B provided at the exit of the escalator ESL1, the floor determination unit 332 starts measuring the time since the user left the frame.

[0113] Next, the floor determination unit 332 determines whether a timeout has occurred, that is, whether the user has not entered the frame of the image capture device 2-B of the next escalator ESL1 since the user left the frame and whether a preset period has elapsed (step S209). If a timeout has occurred (step S209: YES), the floor determination unit 332 proceeds to step S210. If a timeout has not occurred (step S209: NO), the floor determination unit 332 returns the process to step S209.

[0114] In step S210, the floor determination unit 332 determines the floor where the exit of the escalator ESL1 is located as the arrival floor of the user. After the process of step S210, the floor determination unit 332 returns the process to step S201.

[0115] The process for determining the arrival floor when the staircase STR1 of the guidance system 1 according to this embodiment is used is the same as the process for determining the arrival floor when the escalator ESL1 shown in FIG. 12 described above is used, and therefore will not be described here.

[0116] Next, the process of acquiring behavior information and interest information in the guidance system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of acquiring behavior information and interest information in the guidance system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 13, when the floor determination unit 332 determines the arrival floor (step S301), the building management device 30 starts the process of acquiring behavior information and interest information.

[0118] Next, the user identification unit 331 determines whether or not an overhead map of the arrival floor is available (step S302). If an overhead map of the arrival floor is available (step S302: YES), the user identification unit 331 proceeds to step S305. If an overhead map of the arrival floor is not available (step S302: NO), the user identification unit 331 proceeds to step S303.

[0119] In step S303, the behavior information acquisition unit 333 starts acquiring images from the image capturing device 2-B arranged on the arrival floor. Next, the behavior information acquisition unit 333 generates an overhead map from the acquired images (step S304).

[0120] Next, in step S305, the user identification unit 331 determines whether or not the user who arrived at the arrival floor was identified on the overhead map. If the user identification unit 331 was able to identify the user who arrived at the arrival floor on the overhead map (step S305: YES), the process proceeds to step S306. If the user identification unit 331 was unable to identify the user who arrived at the arrival floor on the overhead map (step S305: NO), the process returns to step S301.

[0121] In step S306, the building management device 30 acquires behavioral information and interest information for the user identified in step S305. If multiple users are identified in step S305, the building management device 30 may acquire behavioral information and interest information for the multiple users in parallel. After processing in step S306, the building management device 30 returns the processing to step S301.

[0122] Next, the process of step S306 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the detailed process of step S306 in Fig. 13.

[0123] 14, the behavior information acquisition unit 333 acquires information on the location of the identified user (step S401). In this example, the behavior information acquisition unit 333 acquires information on the coordinates of at least three feature amounts of the user: both shoulders and the nose. The behavior information acquisition unit 333 may also acquire information on the coordinates of other feature amounts of the user.

[0124] Next, the behavior information acquisition unit 333 determines whether the user has entered the frame of the elevator equipment (step S402). Note that entering the frame of the elevator equipment results in the user being out of the frame when viewed from the floor where the user was located. If the behavior information acquisition unit 333 determines that the user has entered the frame of the elevator equipment (step S402: YES), the processing proceeds to step S405. If the user has not entered the frame of the elevator equipment (step S402: NO), the behavior information acquisition unit 333 proceeds to step S403.

[0125] In step S403, the behavior information acquisition unit 333 determines whether the user has framed out from the invisible area or the entrance of building BL1. If the user has framed out from the invisible area or the entrance of building BL1 (step S403: YES), the behavior information acquisition unit 333 proceeds to step S404. If the user has not framed out from the invisible area or the entrance of building BL1 (step S403: NO), the behavior information acquisition unit 333 returns to step S401.

[0126] In step S404, the behavior information acquisition unit 333 determines whether a timeout has occurred, that is, whether a preset time has elapsed since the user framed out of the invisible area or the entrance / exit of building BL1. If a timeout has occurred (step S404: YES), the behavior information acquisition unit 333 proceeds to step S405. If a timeout has not occurred (step S404: NO), the behavior information acquisition unit 333 returns the process to step S401.

[0127] In step S405, the behavior information acquisition unit 333 completes acquisition of the behavior information and stores the acquired behavior information in the behavior information storage unit 322. The behavior information acquisition unit 333 stores the acquired behavior information in the behavior information storage unit 322 as time-series data for each user.

[0128] Next, the interest information acquisition unit 334 extracts areas and attributes of the floor that are of high interest to the user based on the behavior information of the user (step S406).

[0129] Next, the interest information acquisition unit 334 acquires interest information based on the attributes of the extracted area (step S407). The interest information acquisition unit 334 references the attributes of the area in which the user has a high level of interest from the attribute information storage unit 321. The interest information acquisition unit 334 acquires interest information based on the information on the user's level of interest and the referenced attribute information, and stores the acquired interest information in the interest information storage unit 123. The interest information acquisition unit 334 transmits the interest information to the management server 10 via the NW communication unit 31 and stores it in the interest information storage unit 123. Note that the interest information acquisition unit 334 may update the interest information for each user in the interest information storage unit 123 using the acquired interest information.

[0130] Next, the building management device 30 outputs a warning sound or an alert, etc., as necessary (step S408). The building management device 30 outputs a warning sound or an alert, etc., for example, when a user's frame-in and frame-out do not match. A case in which a user's frame-in and frame-out do not match includes, for example, when a user who has entered the frame is not determined to be framed out, or when a user who has not entered the frame is determined to be framed out. Furthermore, if it is not necessary to output a warning sound or an alert, the processing of step S408 may be omitted.

[0131] Next, the guidance process of the guidance system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the guidance process of the guidance system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0132] 15 , the imaging device 2-M first transmits the captured image to the guide map 20 (step S501), and the guide map 20 transmits the captured image to the management server 10 (step S502). That is, the information acquisition unit 251 of the guide map 20 acquires the captured image of the vicinity of the guide map 20 captured by the imaging device 2-M, and transmits the captured image to the management server 10 via the NW communication unit 21.

[0133] Next, the user identification unit 131 of the management server 10 executes a user identification process (step S503). The user identification unit 131 identifies the user based on the captured image of the vicinity of the guide map 20 captured by the imaging device 2-M.

[0134] Next, the guidance presentation unit 132 of the management server 10 sends an attribute information request to the building management device 30 within the guidance range of the guidance map 20 (step S504), and the building management device 30 sends the attribute information of the area stored in the attribute information storage unit 321 to the management server 10 (step S505).

[0135] Next, the guidance presentation unit 132 of the management server 10 generates guidance information for the guidance map 20 based on the interest information stored in the interest information storage unit 123 and the attribute information of the area obtained from the building management device 30 within the range to be guided (step S506).

[0136] Next, the guidance presentation unit 132 of the management server 10 transmits the guidance information to the guidance map 20 (step S507).

[0137] Next, the guidance map 20 outputs the guidance information (step S508). The output control unit 252 of the guidance map 20 causes the output unit 23 to output the guidance information generated by the guidance presentation unit 132 and corresponding to the user identified by the user identification unit 131.

[0138] Next, details of the guidance process of the guidance system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing details of the guidance process of the guidance system 1 according to this embodiment. Here, details of the guidance process in the management server 10 will be described.

[0139] 16, the user identification unit 131 of the management server 10 acquires a captured image of the guide map 20 (step S601). The user identification unit 131 acquires, via the NW communication unit 11, a captured image of the vicinity of the guide map 20 captured by the imaging device 2-M.

[0140] Next, the user identification unit 131 identifies the user based on the captured image (step S602). The user identification unit 131 identifies the user who uses the guide map 20 based on the captured image and the user information stored in the user information storage unit 122.

[0141] Next, the user identification unit 131 determines whether or not the user has been identified (step S603). If the user identification unit 131 has been able to identify the user using the guide map 20 (step S603: YES), the process proceeds to step S604. If the user identification unit 131 has not been able to identify the user using the guide map 20 (step S603: NO), the process returns to step S601.

[0142] In step S604, the information presenting unit 132 obtains interest information corresponding to the user. The information presenting unit 132 obtains interest information corresponding to the user identified by the user identifying unit 131 from the interest information storage unit 123.

[0143] Next, the guidance presentation unit 132 acquires attribute information of the area within the guidance range of the guidance map 20 (step S605). The guidance presentation unit 132 references the guidance map information storage unit 121 and acquires the guidance range of the guidance map 20 (e.g., the name of the building to be guided, etc.). The guidance presentation unit 132 acquires the attribute information of the area from the building management device 30 of the building to be guided (e.g., Building A, Building B, etc.). Note that if the guidance range of the guidance map 20 includes multiple buildings, the guidance presentation unit 132 acquires the attribute information of the area from the building management device 30 of each of the multiple buildings.

[0144] Next, the guidance presentation unit 132 generates guidance information for the guidance map 20 based on the interest information and the attribute information of the area. For example, the guidance presentation unit 132 extracts areas with attributes that match the interest information and generates guidance information for those areas. In other words, the guidance presentation unit 132 generates guidance information for areas within the range of the guidance target that have attributes that are of higher interest to the identified user.

[0145] Next, the guidance presentation unit 132 outputs the guidance information to the guidance map 20 (step S607). The guidance presentation unit 132 transmits the generated guidance information to the guidance map 20 via the NW communication unit 11, and causes the output control unit 252 of the guidance map 20 to output the guidance information from the output unit 23. After processing of step S607, the guidance presentation unit 132 returns the processing to step S601.

[0146] As described above, the guidance system 1 according to this embodiment includes the imaging device 2-M, the user identification unit 131, and the guidance presentation unit 132. The imaging device 2-M is capable of capturing an image of a user near the guidance map 20 to which guidance of the guidance target is directed. The user identification unit 131 identifies the user based on the image captured by the imaging device 2-M. The guidance presentation unit 132 outputs, to the guidance map 20, guidance information for areas within the range of the guidance target having attributes that are of higher interest to the identified user, based on interest information corresponding to the user identified by the user identification unit 131 and attributes of areas within the range of the guidance target acquired from the attribute information storage unit 321. Here, the guidance presentation unit 132 acquires interest information corresponding to the user from the interest information storage unit 123 that stores interest information indicating the user's interest level.

[0147] As a result, the guidance system 1 according to this embodiment identifies the user of the guidance map 20 based on an image captured near the guidance map 20, and the guidance map 20 outputs guidance information having attributes that are of greater interest to the user based on the interest information corresponding to the user and the attributes of the area within the range of the guidance target. Therefore, the guidance system 1 according to this embodiment can provide appropriate guidance according to the user without requiring a means for acquiring location information such as a GPS.

[0148] In addition, in this embodiment, the user identification unit 131 identifies a user based on the learning results obtained by machine learning from learning data that associates a pre-identified user with an image of the user.

[0149] As a result, the guidance system 1 according to this embodiment can use machine learning to more accurately identify users and provide more appropriate guidance tailored to the users.

[0150] In this embodiment, the user identification unit 131 identifies a user based on the learning result and the feature amount extracted from the image, thereby enabling the guidance system 1 according to this embodiment to improve the accuracy of identifying a user.

[0151] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a group including the identified user is confirmed, the guidance presentation unit 132 outputs guidance information for areas within the range of the guidance target that have attributes that are of higher interest to the group to the guidance map 20. This allows the guidance system 1 according to this embodiment to provide appropriate guidance not only to individual users but also to groups.

[0152] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a predetermined number of users belonging to a group is identified, the guidance presentation unit 132 outputs guidance information for areas within the range of the guidance target having attributes that are of higher interest to the group to the guidance map 20. As a result, the guidance system 1 according to this embodiment can appropriately switch between guidance for the user and guidance for the group using a simple method.

[0153] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a preset percentage or more of users belonging to a group are identified, the guidance presentation unit 132 outputs guidance information for areas within the range of the guidance target having attributes that are of higher interest to the group to the guidance map 20. As a result, the guidance system 1 according to this embodiment can appropriately switch between guidance for the user and guidance for the group using a simple method.

[0154] The guidance system 1 according to this embodiment also includes a guidance map 20 having an output unit 23 (e.g., a display device, a speaker, etc.) that outputs guidance information. The guidance presentation unit 132 causes the output unit 23 to output the guidance information. This allows the guidance system 1 according to this embodiment to provide appropriate guidance tailored to the user using the output unit 23, without requiring a means for acquiring location information.

[0155] The guidance system 1 according to this embodiment also includes a management server 10 (server device) that can be connected to the guidance map 20 via the network NW1. The management server 10 includes an interest information storage unit 123 and a guidance presentation unit 132. The guidance presentation unit 132 causes the output unit 23 of the guidance map 20 to output guidance information via the network NW1.

[0156] As a result, in the guidance system 1 according to this embodiment, the management server 10 executes the processing of the guidance presentation unit 132, and the guidance map 20 outputs the guidance information received from the management server 10, thereby reducing the processing load of the guidance map 20. Therefore, the guidance system 1 according to this embodiment can provide appropriate guidance according to the user even for a guidance map 20 with a simple configuration, for example, a guidance map board with a map drawn on it, which has light-emitting diodes installed at the positions of the guidance locations that emit light.

[0157] The guidance system 1 according to this embodiment also includes an imaging device 2-M (first imaging device), multiple imaging devices 2-B (multiple second imaging devices), a floor determination unit 332, a behavioral information acquisition unit 333, and an interest information acquisition unit 334. The imaging device 2-M (first imaging device) is capable of capturing images of users near the guidance map 20. The multiple imaging devices 2-B (multiple second imaging devices) are installed in buildings within a range of the guidance target. The floor determination unit 332 determines the arrival floor of the user among multiple floors of the building based on images captured by at least one of the multiple imaging devices 2-B while the user is moving. The behavioral information acquisition unit 333 acquires behavioral information representing the user's behavior at the arrival floor determined by the floor determination unit 332 based on images captured by at least one of the multiple imaging devices 2-B. The interest information acquisition unit 334 acquires interest information representing the user's level of interest for each attribute based on the layout and attributes of the area on the arrival floor determined by the floor determination unit 332 and the behavioral information acquired by the behavioral information acquisition unit, and stores the interest information for each user in the interest information storage unit 123.

[0158] As a result, the guidance system 1 according to the present embodiment can appropriately acquire user interest information without requiring a means for acquiring location information such as a GPS, etc. Therefore, the guidance system 1 according to the present embodiment can present more accurate guidance information tailored to the user based on the appropriate user interest information.

[0159] Furthermore, the guidance method according to this embodiment is a guidance method for the guidance system 1 that outputs guidance information to the guidance map 20 that provides guidance to the guidance target, and includes a user identification step and a guidance presentation step. In the user identification step, the user identification unit 131 identifies the user based on an image captured by an imaging device 2-M that is capable of capturing an image of the user near the guidance map 20. In the guidance presentation step, the guidance presentation unit 132 outputs, to the guidance map 20, guidance information for areas within the range of the guidance target that have attributes that are of higher interest to the identified user, based on interest information acquired from the interest information storage unit 123 that stores interest information indicating the user's interest level and corresponding to the user identified by the user identification unit 131, and attributes of areas within the range of the guidance target acquired from the attribute information storage unit 321 that stores attributes for each area.

[0160] As a result, the guidance method according to this embodiment has the same effect as the above-described guidance system 1, and can provide appropriate guidance to the user without requiring a means of acquiring location information such as GPS.

[0161] Second Embodiment Next, a guidance system 1a according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 17 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the guidance system 1a according to the second embodiment.

[0162] 17, the guidance system 1a includes an imaging device 2-B, a management server 10a, a guide map 20a, and a building management device 30. In this embodiment, a modified example will be described in which the guide map 20a generates guidance information instead of the management server 10a.

[0163] In FIG. 17, the same components as those shown in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0164] The management server 10a is a server device that manages the entire guidance system 1a and includes a network communication unit 11, a server storage unit 12, and a server control unit 13a. The server control unit 13a is a functional unit that is realized by causing a processor, such as a CPU, to execute a program stored in a storage unit (not shown). The server control unit 13a comprehensively controls the management server 10a and executes various processes in the management server 10a.

[0165] The server control unit 13a includes a user identification unit 131. The server control unit 13a has the same functions as the server control unit 13 of the first embodiment, except that it does not include the guidance presentation unit 132.

[0166] The guidance map 20a includes an imaging device 2-M, a network communication unit 21, an operation unit 22, an output unit 23, a map storage unit 24, and a map control unit 25a. The map control unit 25a is a functional unit realized by, for example, causing a processor including a CPU or the like to execute a program stored in a storage unit (not shown). The map control unit 25a comprehensively controls the guidance map 20a and executes various processes in the guidance map 20a. The map control unit 25a includes an information acquisition unit 251, an output control unit 252, and a guidance presentation unit 253.

[0167] The guidance presentation unit 253 has the same function as the guidance presentation unit 132 of the first embodiment described above. The guidance presentation unit 253 outputs, to the guidance map 20a, guidance information for areas within the range of the guidance target having attributes that are of higher interest to the identified user, based on interest information corresponding to the user and attributes of areas within the range of the guidance target. The guidance presentation unit 253 outputs the guidance information from the output unit 23 via the output control unit 252.

[0168] Next, the operation of the guidance system 1a according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of guidance processing of the guidance system 1a according to this embodiment.

[0169] In FIG. 18, the processes from step S701 to step S703 are the same as the processes from step S501 to step S503 shown in FIG. 15 described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0170] Next, the server control unit 13a of the management server 10a transmits user information (for example, user identification information, etc.) indicating the user identified by the user identification unit 131 to the guide map 20a (step S704).

[0171] Next, the guidance presentation unit 253 of the guidance map 20a transmits a request for information of interest to the management server 10a (step S705). The request for information of interest includes user information (e.g., user identification information) indicating the user identified by the user identification unit 131.

[0172] Next, in response to the interest information request, the server control unit 13a of the management server 10a acquires the interest information corresponding to the identified user from the interest information storage unit 123 and transmits the interest information to the guide map 20a (step S706).

[0173] The server control unit 13a of the management server 10a may omit the processes of steps S704 and S705 and execute the process of step S706.

[0174] Next, the guidance presentation unit 253 of the guidance map 20a sends an attribute information request to the building management device 30 within the guidance range of the guidance map 20a (step S707), and the building management device 30 sends the attribute information of the area stored in the attribute information storage unit 321 to the guidance map 20a (step S708).

[0175] Next, the guidance presentation unit 253 of the guidance map 20a generates guidance information for the guidance map 20a based on the interest information obtained from the management server 10a and the attribute information of the area obtained from the building management device 30 within the range to be guided (step S709).

[0176] Next, the guidance presentation unit 253 of the guidance map 20a outputs the guidance information to the guidance map 20a (step S710). The output control unit 252 of the guidance map 20a outputs the guidance information generated by the guidance presentation unit 253 and corresponding to the user identified by the user identification unit 131 from the output unit 23.

[0177] As described above, in the guidance system 1a according to this embodiment, the guidance map 20a includes the guidance presentation unit 253. As a result, in the guidance system 1a according to this embodiment, the process of generating guidance information is executed by each guidance map 20a, so that the process can be distributed and the processing load of the management server 10a can be reduced.

[0178] Furthermore, the guidance system 1a according to this embodiment, like the first embodiment, can provide appropriate guidance to the user without requiring a means for acquiring location information such as a GPS.

[0179] Third Embodiment Next, a guidance system 1b according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 19 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the guidance system 1b according to the third embodiment.

[0180] 19, the guidance system 1b includes an imaging device 2-B, a management server 10b, a guidance map 20b, a building management device 30, and a smartphone 40. In this embodiment, a modified example will be described in which the unique identification information stored in the smartphone 40 is used as an auxiliary to identify the user.

[0181] In FIG. 19, the same components as those shown in FIG. 17 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0182] The management server 10b is a server device that manages the entire guidance system 1b and includes a network communication unit 11, a server storage unit 12, and a server control unit 13b. The server control unit 13b is a functional unit that is realized by causing a processor, such as a CPU, to execute a program stored in a storage unit (not shown). The server control unit 13b comprehensively controls the management server 10b and executes various processes in the management server 10b.

[0183] The server control unit 13b includes a user identification unit 131a. The user identification unit 131a identifies the user based on the image and unique identification information received by the wireless communication unit 26 from the smartphone 40 (described later).

[0184] The guide map 20b includes an imaging device 2-M, a network communication unit 21, an operation unit 22, an output unit 23, a map storage unit 24, a map control unit 25b, and a wireless communication unit 26.

[0185] The wireless communication unit 26 is a functional unit realized by, for example, a wireless communication device such as a wireless LAN. The wireless communication unit 26 communicates with the smartphone 40. The wireless communication unit 26 receives, from the smartphone 40, for example, unique identification information stored in the smartphone 40.

[0186] The unique identification information is identification information that can identify a user, such as a wireless LAN device ID, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) device ID, the IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) or MEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) of the smartphone 40, etc.

[0187] The map control unit 25b is a functional unit realized by, for example, causing a processor including a CPU or the like to execute a program stored in a storage unit (not shown). The map control unit 25b comprehensively controls the guidance map 20b and executes various processes in the guidance map 20b. The map control unit 25b includes an information acquisition unit 251a, an output control unit 252a, and a guidance presentation unit 253.

[0188] The information acquisition unit 251a acquires various information related to the guide map 20b. For example, the information acquisition unit 251a acquires captured images from the imaging device 2-M and acquires unique identification information from the smartphone 40 via the wireless communication unit 26. The information acquisition unit 251a transmits the acquired captured images and unique identification information to the management server 10b via the NW communication unit 21. Other functions of the information acquisition unit 251a are similar to those of the information acquisition unit 251 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted here.

[0189] The output control unit 252a causes the output unit 23 to output the guidance information, and also transmits the guidance information to the smartphone 40 via the wireless communication unit 26, causing the smartphone 40 to output the guidance information.

[0190] The smartphone 40 is an example of a portable medium carried by a user. The smartphone 40 is capable of communicating with the guide map 20b via the wireless communication unit 26. The smartphone 40 stores unique identification information and transmits the unique identification information to the guide map 20b via the wireless communication unit 26. The smartphone 40 also outputs guidance information received from the guide map 20b via the wireless communication unit 26. The smartphone 40 displays the guidance information on, for example, a display unit (not shown). The smartphone 40 may be used in place of the operation unit 22 of the guide map 20b.

[0191] In addition, in the guidance system 1b, when a user operates the operation unit 22 of the guidance map 20b or the smartphone 40 to specify a destination, the guidance presentation unit 253 may transmit an arrangement to call a taxi to a location near the guidance map 20b via the network communication unit 21.

[0192] Furthermore, the guidance presentation unit 253 may also transmit the destination specified by the operation unit 22 of the guidance map 20b or the smartphone 40 to the arriving taxi, thereby automatically registering the taxi's destination.

[0193] Furthermore, when arranging a taxi, if the group to which the user belongs is confirmed, the guidance presentation unit 253 may arrange the taxi taking into account the number of users in the group.

[0194] As described above, in the guidance system 1b according to this embodiment, the guidance map 20b includes the wireless communication unit 26 (communication unit) capable of receiving unique identification information stored in the smartphone 40 (portable medium) carried by the user. The user identification unit 131a identifies the user based on the unique identification information received by the wireless communication unit 26 and the image captured by the imaging device 2-M.

[0195] As a result, the guidance system 1b according to this embodiment can identify a user more accurately by combining the image captured by the imaging device 2-M with the unique identification information stored in the smartphone 40 (portable medium). Therefore, the guidance system 1b according to this embodiment can provide more appropriate guidance tailored to the user.

[0196] Fourth Embodiment Next, a guidance system 1c according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0197] In this embodiment, a modified example will be described in which a plurality of single-story stores (one store per building) are included instead of the stores in the building BL1 such as a building. Fig. 20 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a guidance system 1c according to the fourth embodiment.

[0198] 20, the guidance system 1c includes a plurality of imaging devices 2 (2-B, 2-M), a management server 10, a guidance map 20, and a building management device 30. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the guidance map 20 is installed at the exit of parking lot PK1.

[0199] In this embodiment, at least one of the multiple image capture devices 2-B is installed in, for example, one-story buildings (SSH1, SSH2, ...) that are each independent stores. At least one image capture device 2-B is installed near the entrance of each building (SSH1, SSH2, ...) and can detect users entering or leaving each store.

[0200] Furthermore, the building management device 30 in this embodiment is similar to the building management device 30 in the first to third embodiments described above, except that it manages the above-mentioned multiple buildings (SSH1, SSH2, ...) instead of the multiple-story building BL1. The building management device 30 in this embodiment manages the multiple buildings (SSH1, SSH2, ...), determines users who use the multiple buildings (SSH1, SSH2, ...), and acquires behavioral information and interest information of the users.

[0201] Instead of determining the floor, the floor determination unit 332 in this embodiment uses an imaging device 2-B installed near the entrance / exit of the store to determine whether a user has entered or left each store.

[0202] Other functions of the building management device 30 in this embodiment are the same as those of the building management device 30 in the first to third embodiments described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here. Note that a building (SSH1, SSH2, ...) may be equipped with multiple image capture devices 2-B inside, and as in the first to third embodiments described above, the building management device 30 uses the multiple image capture devices 2-B to track users inside the store and acquire user interest information.

[0203] The guide map 20 in this embodiment outputs guide information about stores in multiple buildings (SSH1, SSH2, ...) depending on the user. Also, the management server 10 and the guide map 20 in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, and therefore their description will be omitted here.

[0204] As described above, the guidance system 1c in this embodiment can provide appropriate guidance to a user in an area with many single-story buildings (SSH1, SSH2, . . . ), for example.

[0205] In this embodiment, the building management device 30 has been described as managing multiple buildings (SSH1, SSH2, ...), but this is not limited to this, and the building management device 30 may also manage multiple buildings together with building BL1, such as a multi-story building.

[0206] Furthermore, although the guidance system 1c in this embodiment has been described as an example of being applied to the first embodiment described above, this is not limited to this, and this embodiment may also be applied to the second or third embodiment.

[0207] Fifth Embodiment Next, a guidance system 1d according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0208] In this embodiment, a modified example will be described in which a shared vehicle is used to move between stores indicated by guidance information instead of the taxi described above. Fig. 21 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a guidance system 1d according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 22 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the guidance system 1d according to the fifth embodiment.

[0209] 21 and 22, the guidance system 1d includes a plurality of imaging devices 2 (2-B, 2-M), a management server 10b, a guidance map 20c, a building management device 30, and a smartphone 40. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described FIGS. 19 and 20 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0210] In this embodiment, the guidance map 20c is installed near the boarding and disembarking location of a shared vehicle V1. The shared vehicle V1 is, for example, a shared bus, a shared taxi, a ride-sharing vehicle, a shared AV (Arial Vehicle) including a drone, or a shared vehicle including a train or ship that travels within the target area AR, and is a shared vehicle (mobility) that can be boarded by a user U1. The target area AR is an area within the range of the guidance target, such as a commercial facility or a tourist spot.

[0211] The guide map 20c includes an imaging device 2-M, a network communication unit 21, an operation unit 22, an output unit 23, a map storage unit 24, a map control unit 25c, and a wireless communication unit 26.

[0212] The map control unit 25c is a functional unit realized by, for example, causing a processor including a CPU or the like to execute a program stored in a storage unit (not shown). The map control unit 25c comprehensively controls the guidance map 20c and executes various processes in the guidance map 20c. The map control unit 25c includes an information acquisition unit 251a, an output control unit 252a, and a guidance presentation unit 253a.

[0213] The guidance presentation unit 253a has the same functions as the guidance presentation unit 253 of the third embodiment described above, and executes processing related to the shared vehicle V1. The guidance presentation unit 253a automatically registers a destination optimally specified in response to a request of the user U1 (a destination specified on-demand) as a destination of the shared vehicle V1, for example, via the operation unit 22 or the smartphone 40 carried by the user U1.

[0214] Here, the specified destination includes the destination indicated by the guidance information output by the guidance map 20c. The guidance map 20c automatically registers the destination specified from the guidance information output by the guidance map 20c as the destination of the shared vehicle V1 by the operation unit 22 or the smartphone 40 carried by each of the multiple users U1. Note that multiple destinations may be specified by one user U1.

[0215] In addition, the guidance presentation unit 253a automatically registers the specified destination as the destination of the shared vehicle V1, generates an optimal travel route according to the destination of the shared vehicle V1, and sets the generated travel route to the shared vehicle V1. In other words, the guidance presentation unit 253a generates an optimal travel route (a circular route within the target area AR) according to the destination specified by the user U1, sets the circular route to the shared vehicle V1, and arranges for the shared vehicle V1.

[0216] The guidance presentation unit 253a may set the optimal travel route, for example, so that the travel distance of the shared vehicle V1 is minimized, or so that the travel time of the shared vehicle V1 is minimized.

[0217] Furthermore, the guidance presentation unit 253a outputs (displays) the current position of the arranged shared vehicle V1 and the planned waypoints and tour route (travel route) to the output unit 23 and also displays them on the smartphone 40. The guidance presentation unit 253a acquires the current position of the arranged shared vehicle V1 via the NW communication unit 21, for example, and outputs tour information including the current position of the arranged shared vehicle V1 and the waypoints and tour route from the output unit 23 via the output control unit 252a.

[0218] The guidance presentation unit 253a also transmits the current location of the shared vehicle V1 and route information including the route destinations and route to the smartphone 40 of each user U1 on board the shared vehicle V1 via the NW communication unit 21 or the wireless communication unit 26. The smartphone 40 of each user U1 displays the current location of the shared vehicle V1 and the route destinations and route based on the route information of the shared vehicle V1.

[0219] A user U1 who boards (rides) the shared vehicle V1 can use the smartphone 40 to check the current location of the shared vehicle V1, as well as the route and stopovers.

[0220] Next, the operation of the guidance system 1d according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 23. Fig. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the guidance system 1d according to this embodiment.

[0221] 23, the imaging device 2-M first transmits the captured image to the guide map 20c (step S801), and the smartphone 40 transmits the unique identification information to the guide map 20c (step S802).

[0222] Next, the guide map 20c transmits the captured image and the unique identification information to the management server 10b (step S803). That is, the information acquisition unit 251 of the guide map 20c acquires the captured image of the vicinity of the guide map 20c captured by the imaging device 2-M and the unique identification information received from the smartphone 40, and transmits the captured image and the unique identification information to the management server 10b via the NW communication unit 21.

[0223] Next, the user identification unit 131a of the management server 10b executes a user identification process (step S803). The user identification unit 131a identifies the user based on the captured image of the vicinity of the guide map 20c captured by the imaging device 2-M and the unique identification information.

[0224] The subsequent processes from step S805 to step S811 are similar to the processes from step S704 to step S710 shown in FIG. 18 described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted here.

[0225] Next, the guidance presentation unit 253a of the guidance map 20c automatically registers the specified destination and sets arrangements and a tour route (circulating route) for the shared vehicle V1 (step S812). The guidance presentation unit 253a automatically registers the destination specified from the guidance information output by the guidance map 20c using the operation unit 22 or the smartphone 40 carried by the user U1 as the destination of the shared vehicle V1. In addition, the guidance presentation unit 253a sets the optimal tour route for the shared vehicle V1 so as to minimize the travel distance or travel time of the shared vehicle V1.

[0226] Next, the guidance presentation unit 253a acquires the position of the shared vehicle V1 and outputs the route and the position of the shared vehicle V1 (step S813). The guidance presentation unit 253a acquires the current position of the arranged shared vehicle V1 via the NW communication unit 21, and causes the output unit 23 to output the current position of the shared vehicle V1, the route, and the route via the output control unit 252a.

[0227] Next, the guidance presentation unit 253a transmits the route information of the shared vehicle V1 to the smartphone 40 (step S814). The guidance presentation unit 253a transmits the route information, including the current position of the shared vehicle V1, the route destinations, and the route, to the smartphone 40 via the NW communication unit 21 or the wireless communication unit 26.

[0228] The smartphone 40 outputs the travel route and the position of the shared vehicle V1 (step S815). Based on the received travel information, the smartphone 40 displays the travel route and the position of the shared vehicle V1 on, for example, a display unit (not shown).

[0229] In the example shown in Figure 23 above, an example is described in which the management server 10b identifies user U1 based on the captured image and unique identification information, but it is also possible to identify user U1 based on the captured image without using the unique identification information.

[0230] As described above, in the guidance system 1d according to this embodiment, the guidance map 20c is provided with an operation unit 22, and the destination optimally specified in response to the request of user U1 is automatically registered as the destination of the shared vehicle V1 using the operation unit 22 or the smartphone 40 (portable medium) carried by user U1.

[0231] As a result, the guidance system 1d of this embodiment can provide appropriate guidance to user U1, and can use the shared vehicle V1 to transport user U1 to a destination that is optimally specified in accordance with the user U1's request.

[0232] In addition, in this embodiment, the guidance map 20c automatically registers the specified destination as the destination of the shared vehicle V1, generates an optimal travel route (e.g., a circular route) according to the destination of the shared vehicle V1, and sets the generated travel route to the shared vehicle V1.

[0233] As a result, the guidance system 1d according to this embodiment can efficiently move the user U1 along the optimal travel route to the destination optimally specified in response to the request of the user U1.

[0234] In this embodiment, the specified destination includes the destination indicated by the guidance information output by the guidance map 20c. The guidance map 20c automatically registers the destination specified from the guidance information as the destination of the shared vehicle V1 via the operation unit 22 or the smartphone 40 carried by each of the multiple users U1.

[0235] As a result, the guidance system 1d according to this embodiment can more appropriately move the user U1 to the destination indicated by the guidance information, thereby improving convenience.

[0236] In addition, in this embodiment, the guide map 20c displays the current position of the shared vehicle V1, the planned intermediate destinations and travel route, and is displayed on the smartphone 40.

[0237] As a result, the guidance system 1d of this embodiment can check the current location of the arranged shared vehicle V1 until the shared vehicle V1 arrives near the guidance map 20c, and can also check the current location and planned intermediate stops and travel route using the smartphone 40 while the user U1 is traveling in the shared vehicle V1.

[0238] In addition, in the guidance method according to this embodiment, the guidance map 20c is equipped with an operation unit 22, and the destination optimally specified in accordance with the request of user U1 is automatically registered as the destination of the shared vehicle V1 using the operation unit 22 or a smartphone 40 (portable medium) carried by user U1.

[0239] As a result, the guidance method of this embodiment has the same effect as the above-mentioned guidance system 1d, and can provide appropriate guidance according to user U1, and can use the shared vehicle V1 to transport user U1 to a destination that is optimally specified in accordance with the user U1's request.

[0240] Sixth Embodiment Next, a guidance system 1e according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0241] In this embodiment, a modification of the fifth embodiment described above will be described in which the user U1 directly sets destinations such as going home or making a detour, and the shared vehicle V1 travels around the destinations.

[0242] Fig. 24 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a guidance system 1e according to the sixth embodiment, and Fig. 25 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the guidance system 1e according to the sixth embodiment.

[0243] 24 and 25, the guidance system 1e includes a plurality of imaging devices 2 (2-B, 2-M), a management server 10b, a guidance map 20d, a building management device 30, and smartphones 40 (40A, 40B). Note that in this embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described FIGS. 21 and 22 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0244] In this embodiment, the guide map 20d is installed near the boarding and disembarking location of the shared vehicle V1, for example. Also, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, the user U1 includes a user U1A and a user U1B. The smartphone 40 carried by the user U1A is referred to as the smartphone 40A, and the smartphone 40 carried by the user U1B is referred to as the smartphone 40B.

[0245] The guide map 20d includes an imaging device 2-M, a NW communication unit 21, an operation unit 22, an output unit 23, a map storage unit 24, a map control unit 25d, and a wireless communication unit 26.

[0246] The map control unit 25d is a functional unit realized by, for example, causing a processor including a CPU or the like to execute a program stored in a storage unit (not shown). The map control unit 25d comprehensively controls the guidance map 20d and executes various processes in the guidance map 20d. The map control unit 25d includes an information acquisition unit 251a, an output control unit 252a, and a guidance presentation unit 253b.

[0247] The guidance presentation unit 253b has the same function as the guidance presentation unit 253a of the fifth embodiment described above, and executes a process in which the user U1 directly sets the destination of the shared vehicle V1. The guidance presentation unit 253b automatically registers the destination optimally specified in response to the request of the user U1 (a destination specified on-demand) as the destination of the shared vehicle V1, for example, via the operation unit 22 or the smartphone 40 carried by the user U1.

[0248] The specified destination also includes a specified location (e.g., destination P1) whose location information is directly specified by the operation unit 22 or the smartphone 40. Here, the destination P1 is the user U1's home, a destination such as a lodging, or a detour destination. When the specified destination is a specified location (e.g., a directly specified destination P1), the guidance presentation unit 253b automatically registers the specified location as a destination for the shared vehicle V1 and stops outputting guidance information corresponding to the user U1 who specified the specified location.

[0249] For example, when user U1A operates the smartphone 40A to specify a destination P1 as a specified location, the guidance presentation unit 253b stops outputting guidance information corresponding to user U1A and outputs information about destination P1. Note that the guidance presentation unit 253b may stop outputting information about destination P1 in response to an operation of the smartphone 40A or the operation unit 22 by user U1A.

[0250] In addition, the guidance presentation unit 253b automatically registers the specified destination (destination P1 or a destination specified from the guidance information) as the destination of the shared vehicle V1, generates an optimal travel route according to the destination of the shared vehicle V1, and sets the generated travel route to the shared vehicle V1.

[0251] The guidance presentation unit 253b may set the optimal travel route, for example, so that the travel distance of the shared vehicle V1 is minimized, or so that the travel time of the shared vehicle V1 is minimized.

[0252] Furthermore, the guidance presentation unit 253b outputs (displays) the current location of the arranged shared vehicle V1 and the planned waypoints and circular route (travel route) to the output unit 23 and also displays them on the smartphone 40. Note that the guidance presentation unit 253b may stop displaying the location corresponding to the destination P1 among the planned waypoints in response to an operation of the smartphone 40A of the user U1A or an operation of the operation unit 22.

[0253] In this way, the guidance presentation unit 253b may stop displaying part or all of the waypoints and travel route in response to an operation of the operation unit 22 or the smartphone 40.

[0254] Next, the operation of the guidance system 1e according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 26 and 27. Figure 26 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the guidance system 1e according to this embodiment. Here, an example of the operation will be described in which a user U1A directly specifies a destination P1, and a user U1B specifies a destination from guidance information.

[0255] As shown in Fig. 26, the guidance map 20d outputs guidance information (step S901). Note that the process by which the guidance map 20d outputs the guidance information is the same as the process from step S801 to step S811 shown in Fig. 23 described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here. The guidance map 20d outputs guidance information for, for example, user U1A and user U1B to the output unit 23.

[0256] Next, the smartphone 40A transmits the destination information to the guide map 20d (step S902). In response to an operation by the user U1A, the smartphone 40A transmits the destination information of the destination P1 directly designated by the user U1A to the guide map 20d.

[0257] Next, the guidance presentation unit 253b of the guidance map 20d stops outputting guidance information to the user U1A (step S903). Note that the guidance presentation unit 253b may output destination information of the destination P1 instead of the guidance information to the user U1A.

[0258] Next, the guidance presentation unit 253b automatically registers the specified destination and arranges for the shared vehicle V1 and sets the route (circulating path) (step S904). Here, the explanation is given assuming that user U1B has specified the destination in the guidance information. The guidance presentation unit 253b automatically registers the destination specified from the guidance information output by the guidance map 20d and the above-mentioned destination P1 directly specified by user U1A as the destination of the shared vehicle V1 using the operation unit 22 or the smartphone 40B carried by user U1B. Furthermore, the guidance presentation unit 253b sets the optimal circular route for the shared vehicle V1 so as to minimize the travel distance or travel time of the shared vehicle V1.

[0259] Next, the guidance presentation unit 253b acquires the position of the shared vehicle V1 and outputs the route and the position of the shared vehicle V1 (step S905). The guidance presentation unit 253b acquires the current position of the arranged shared vehicle V1 via the NW communication unit 21, and causes the output unit 23 to output the current position of the shared vehicle V1, the route, and the route via the output control unit 252a.

[0260] Next, the guidance presentation unit 253b transmits the route information of the shared vehicle V1 to the smartphone 40A (step S906), and the smartphone 40A outputs the route and location of the shared vehicle V1 (step S907). Based on the received route information, the smartphone 40A displays the route and location of the shared vehicle V1 on, for example, a display unit (not shown).

[0261] The guidance display unit 253b transmits the route information of the shared vehicle V1 to the smartphone 40B (step S908), and the smartphone 40B outputs the route and location of the shared vehicle V1 (step S909). Based on the received route information, the smartphone 40B displays the route and location of the shared vehicle V1 on a display unit (not shown), for example.

[0262] The guidance presentation unit 253b may stop displaying the location corresponding to the destination P1 among the planned intermediate points in response to an operation of the smartphone 40A or the operation unit 22 by the user U1A.

[0263] 27 is a diagram showing another example of the operation of the guidance system 1e according to this embodiment. Here, an example of the operation will be described in which both the user U1A and the user U1B directly specify a designated location such as a destination P1.

[0264] As shown in Fig. 27, the guidance map 20d outputs guidance information (step S911). Note that the process by which the guidance map 20d outputs the guidance information is the same as the process from step S801 to step S811 shown in Fig. 23 described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here. The guidance map 20d outputs guidance information for, for example, user U1A and user U1B to the output unit 23.

[0265] Next, the smartphone 40A transmits the destination information to the guide map 20d (step S912), and the smartphone 40B transmits the destination information to the guide map 20d (step S913).

[0266] Next, the guidance presentation unit 253b of the guidance map 20d stops outputting guidance information to the users U1A and U1B (step S914). Note that the guidance presentation unit 253b may output destination information for the users U1A and U1B instead of the guidance information for the users U1A and U1B.

[0267] Next, the guidance presentation unit 253b automatically registers the specified destination and sets the arrangements and the tour route (circulating route) for the shared vehicle V1 (step S915). The guidance presentation unit 253b automatically registers the destinations directly specified by each of the users U1A and U1B as the destination of the shared vehicle V1. In addition, the guidance presentation unit 253b sets the optimal tour route for the shared vehicle V1 so as to minimize the travel distance or travel time of the shared vehicle V1.

[0268] Next, the guidance presentation unit 253b acquires the location of the shared vehicle V1 and outputs the route and the location of the shared vehicle V1 (step S916). The subsequent processes from step S917 to step S920 are similar to the processes from step S906 to step S909 shown in Figure 26 above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0269] The guidance presentation unit 253b may stop displaying a place among the planned stopover points that corresponds to a destination directly specified by user U1A, by operation of the smartphone 40A of user U1A or the operation unit 22. The guidance presentation unit 253b may stop displaying a place among the planned stopover points that corresponds to a destination directly specified by user U1B, by operation of the smartphone 40B of user U1B or the operation unit 22.

[0270] As described above, in the guidance system 1e according to this embodiment, the specified destinations described above include specified places whose location information is directly specified by the operation unit 22 or the smartphone 40. When the specified destination is a specified place, the guidance map 20d automatically registers the specified place as a destination of the shared vehicle V1 and stops outputting guidance information corresponding to the user U1 who specified the specified place.

[0271] As a result, the guidance system 1e according to this embodiment can use the shared vehicle V1 to travel to destinations such as returning home or making a detour, thereby further improving convenience.

[0272] In addition, in this embodiment, the guide map 20d may stop displaying part or all of the waypoints and travel route in response to an operation of the operation unit 22 or the smartphone 40.

[0273] As a result, the guidance system 1e according to this embodiment can, for example, stop displaying the destination when returning home or making a detour, and conceal the destination, thereby ensuring the privacy of the user U1.

[0274] 28 and 29 are diagrams illustrating the hardware configuration of each device in the guidance system 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e) according to the embodiment. Fig. 28 shows the hardware configuration of each device of the management server 10 (10a, 10b) and the building management device 30.

[0275] As shown in FIG. 28, each of the management servers 10 (10a, 10b) and the building management device 30 includes a communication device H11, a memory H12, and a processor H13.

[0276] The communication device H11 is a communication device such as a LAN card that can be connected to the network NW1. The memory H12 is a storage device such as a RAM, flash memory, a high bandwidth memory (HBM), or an HDD, and stores various information and programs used by the management servers 10 (10a, 10b) and each device in the building management device 30.

[0277] The processor H13 is a processing circuit including, for example, a CPU, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a general-purpose computing on graphics processing unit (GPGPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), etc. The processor H13 executes programs stored in the memory H12 to perform various processes for the management servers 10 (10a, 10b) and each device of the building management device 30.

[0278] FIG. 29 shows the hardware configuration of each device of the guide map 20 (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d).

[0279] As shown in FIG. 29, each device of the guide map 20 (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) includes a camera H21, a communication device H22, an input device H23, a display H24, a memory H25, and a processor H26.

[0280] The camera H21 has, for example, a CCD image sensor and realizes the above-mentioned imaging device 2-M. The communication device H22 is, for example, a communication device connectable to the network NW1, such as a LAN card, a wireless LAN card, or a mobile communication device.

[0281] The input device H23 is, for example, a switch, a button, a touch sensor, a non-contact sensor, etc. The display H24 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, etc. The input device H23 and the display H24 constitute, for example, a guide map board IM of the guide map 20 (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d).

[0282] The memory H25 is a storage device such as a RAM, a flash memory, or an HDD, and stores various information and programs used by each device of the guide map 20 (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d).

[0283] The processor H26 is a processing circuit including, for example, a CPU, etc. The processor H26 executes various processes of each device of the guide map 20 (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) by executing the programs stored in the memory H25.

[0284] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and may be modified within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the guidance system 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e) includes a management server 10 (10a, 10b) and a building management device 30, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The management server 10 (10a, 10b) and the building management device 30 may be integrated into a single device, or part of the building management device 30 may be included in the management server 10 (10a, 10b).

[0285] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the management server 10 (10a, 10b) is equipped with the user identification unit 131 (131a), but the function of the user identification unit 131 (131a) may be equipped in the guide map 20 (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d). Also, the management server 10 (10a, 10b) may be a cloud server using cloud technology.

[0286] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the guide map 20 (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) is equipped with the imaging device 2-M, but this is not limiting, and the imaging device 2-M may be provided independently. In this case, the imaging device 2-M may be directly connected to the network NW1, similar to the imaging device 2-B.

[0287] In addition, in the above fifth and sixth embodiments, an example was described in which user U1 is identified using a captured image and unique identification information, but this is not limited to this, and user U1 may also be identified from a captured image without using unique identification information.

[0288] Each component of the above-described guidance system 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e) has an internal computer system. A program for implementing the functions of each component of the above-described guidance system 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e) may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform processing in each component of the above-described guidance system 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e). Here, "reading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into a computer system. The term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

[0289] Furthermore, a "computer system" may include multiple computer devices connected via a network, including communication lines such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated lines. Furthermore, a "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Thus, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0290] The recording medium also includes internal or external recording media accessible from a distribution server for distributing the program. The program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined by each component of the guidance system 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e), or each divided program may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a medium that stores 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 a program is transmitted over a network. The program may also be a medium for implementing part of the above-described functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the above-described functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

[0291] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0292] (Supplementary Note 1) A guidance system comprising: a user identification unit that identifies a user based on an image captured by an imaging device capable of capturing an image of a user near a guidance map to which guidance of a guidance target is to be provided; and a guidance presentation unit that causes the guidance map to output guidance information for an area within the range of the guidance target having an attribute that is of higher interest to the identified user, based on the interest information acquired from an interest information storage unit that stores interest information indicating the user's level of interest, the interest information corresponding to the user identified by the user identification unit, and the attributes of the area within the range of the guidance target acquired from an attribute information storage unit that stores attributes for each area. (Supplementary Note 2) The guidance system described in Supplementary Note 1, wherein the user identification unit identifies the user based on a feature extracted from the image. (Supplementary Note 3) The guidance system described in Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, wherein the user identification unit identifies the user based on a learning result obtained by machine learning from learning data that associates the pre-identified user with an image of the user. (Supplementary Note 4) The guidance system of any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the guidance map includes a communication unit capable of receiving unique identification information stored in a portable medium carried by the user, and the user identification unit identifies the user based on the unique identification information received by the communication unit and the image. (Supplementary Note 5) The guidance system of any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, wherein the guidance presentation unit, when a group including the identified user is confirmed, causes the guidance information for the areas within the range of the guidance target having an attribute in which the group has a higher level of interest to be output to the guidance map. (Supplementary Note 6) The guidance system of Supplementary Note 5, wherein the guidance presentation unit, when a predetermined number or more of the users belonging to the group are identified, causes the guidance presentation unit to output the guidance information for the areas within the range of the guidance target having an attribute in which the group has a higher level of interest to be output to the guidance map. (Supplementary Note 7) The guidance system described in Supplementary Note 5, wherein the guidance presentation unit outputs, to the guidance map, the guidance information for the area within the range of the guidance target having an attribute that is of higher interest to the group when a predetermined percentage or more of the users belonging to the group are identified.(Supplementary Note 8) The guidance system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, comprising the guidance map having an output unit that outputs the guidance information, wherein the guidance presentation unit causes the output unit to output the guidance information. (Supplementary Note 9) The guidance system according to Supplementary Note 8, wherein the guidance map comprises the guidance presentation unit. (Supplementary Note 10) The guidance system according to Supplementary Note 8, comprising a server device connectable to the guidance map via a network, wherein the server device comprises the interest information storage unit and the guidance presentation unit, and the guidance presentation unit causes the output unit of the guidance map to output the guidance information via the network. (Supplementary Note 11) The guidance system described in any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 10, comprising: a first imaging device that is the imaging device capable of imaging the user near the guidance map; a plurality of second imaging devices installed in buildings within the range of the guidance target; a floor determination unit that determines the arrival floor of the user among a plurality of floors of the building based on images captured by at least one of the plurality of second imaging devices while the user is moving; a behavior information acquisition unit that acquires behavior information that represents the behavior of the user at the arrival floor determined by the floor determination unit based on the images captured by at least one of the plurality of second imaging devices; and an interest information acquisition unit that acquires the interest information that represents the user's level of interest for each attribute based on the layout and attributes of the area at the arrival floor determined by the floor determination unit and the behavior information acquired by the behavior information acquisition unit, and stores the interest information in the interest information storage unit for each user. (Supplementary Note 12) The guidance system according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the guidance map has an operation unit for the guidance map, and automatically registers a destination specified by the operation unit or a portable medium carried by the user as a taxi destination. (Supplementary Note 13) The guidance system according to Supplementary Note 12, wherein the guidance map dispatches a taxi taking into account the number of passengers in a group to which the user belongs. (Supplementary Note 14) The guidance system according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the guidance map has an operation unit for the guidance map, and automatically registers a destination specified by the user's request as a shared vehicle destination by the operation unit or a portable medium carried by the user.(Supplementary Note 15) The guidance system of Supplementary Note 14, wherein the guidance map automatically registers the specified destination as a destination of the shared vehicle, generates an optimal travel route according to the destination of the shared vehicle, and sets the generated travel route for the shared vehicle. (Supplementary Note 16) The guidance system of Supplementary Note 15, wherein the specified destination includes a destination indicated by the guidance information output by the guidance map, and the guidance map automatically registers the destination specified from the guidance information as a destination of the shared vehicle by the operation unit or the portable medium carried by each of the multiple users. (Supplementary Note 17) The guidance system of Supplementary Note 16, wherein the specified destination includes a designated place whose position information is specified directly by the operation unit or the portable medium, and when the specified destination is the designated place, the guidance map automatically registers the designated place as a destination of the shared vehicle and stops output of the guidance information corresponding to the user who specified the designated place. (Supplementary Note 18) The guidance system according to Supplementary Note 17, wherein the guidance map displays the current position of the shared vehicle, planned intermediate points, and the travel route, and displays them on the portable medium. (Supplementary Note 19) The guidance system according to Supplementary Note 18, wherein the guidance map stops displaying the intermediate points and part or all of the travel route in response to an operation of the operation unit or the portable medium. (Supplementary Note 20) A guidance method for a guidance system that outputs guidance information to a guidance map that provides guidance to a guidance target, wherein a user identification unit identifies the user based on an image captured by an imaging device that can capture an image of the user near the guidance map, and a guidance presentation unit outputs, to the guidance map, the guidance information for the area within the range of the guidance target that has an attribute that is of higher interest to the identified user, based on the interest information obtained from an interest information storage unit that stores interest information that indicates the user's level of interest, the interest information corresponding to the user identified by the user identification unit, and the attributes of the area within the range of the guidance target obtained from an attribute information storage unit that stores attributes for each area.(Supplementary Note 21) The guidance method according to Supplementary Note 20, wherein the guidance map has an operation unit for the guidance map, and automatically registers a specified destination as a taxi destination via the operation unit or a portable medium carried by the user. (Supplementary Note 22) The guidance method according to Supplementary Note 21, wherein the guidance map dispatches a taxi taking into account the number of passengers in a group to which the user belongs. (Supplementary Note 23) The guidance method according to Supplementary Note 20, wherein the guidance map has an operation unit for the guidance map, and automatically registers a destination specified in response to a request of the user as a destination of a shared vehicle via the operation unit or a portable medium carried by the user. (Supplementary Note 24) The guidance method according to Supplementary Note 23, wherein the guidance map automatically registers the specified destination as a destination of the shared vehicle, generates an optimal travel route according to the destination of the shared vehicle, and sets the generated travel route for the shared vehicle. (Supplementary Note 25) The guidance method according to Supplementary Note 24, wherein the specified destination includes a destination included in the guidance information, and the guidance map automatically registers the specified destination as a destination of the shared vehicle by the operation unit or the portable medium carried by each of the multiple users. (Supplementary Note 26) The specified destination includes a designated place whose location information is directly specified by the operation unit or the portable medium, and when the specified destination is the designated place, the guidance map automatically registers the designated place as a destination of the shared vehicle and stops output of the guidance information corresponding to the user who specified the designated place. (Supplementary Note 27) The guidance method according to Supplementary Note 26, wherein the guidance map displays the current position of the shared vehicle, planned waypoints and the travel route, and causes them to be displayed on the portable medium. (Supplementary Note 28) The guidance method according to Supplementary Note 27, wherein the guidance map stops displaying the waypoints and part or all of the travel route in response to an operation of the operation unit or the portable medium.

[0293] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e... Guidance system, 2, 2-B, 2-M... Imaging device, 10, 10a, 10b... Management server, 11, 21, 31... Network communication unit, 12... Server storage unit, 13, 13a, 13b... Server control unit, 20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d... Guidance map, 22... Operation unit, 23... Output unit, 24... Map storage unit, 25, 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d... Map control unit, 26... Wireless communication unit, 30... Building management device, 32... Building storage unit, 33... Building control unit, 40, 40A, 40B... Smartphone, 121... Guidance map information storage unit, 122... User information storage unit, 123... Interest information storage unit, 131, 131 a...user identification unit, 132, 253, 253a, 253b...guidance presentation unit, 241...guidance information storage unit, 251, 251a...information acquisition unit, 252, 252a...output control unit, 321...attribute information storage unit, 322...behavior information storage unit, 331...user identification unit, 332...floor determination unit, 333...behavior information acquisition unit, 334...interest information acquisition unit, 335...group identification unit, NW1...network, BL1...building, EV1...elevator, ESL1...escalator, GT1...ticket gate, HM1...platform, P1...destination, STR1...stairs, ST1...station, ST-1, ST-2...store, PK1...parking lot, U1, U1A, U1B...user, V1...shared vehicle

Claims

1. A user identification unit that identifies a user based on an image captured by an imaging device that can capture an image of a user in the vicinity of a guide map that provides guidance to a guidance target; a guidance presentation unit that outputs, on the guidance map, guidance information for the area within the range of the guidance target having an attribute with a higher degree of interest to the specified user, based on the interest information corresponding to the user specified by the user specification unit, which is obtained from an interest information storage unit that stores interest information indicating a degree of interest of the user, and the attributes of the area within the range of the guidance target obtained from an attribute information storage unit that stores attributes for each area; A guidance system comprising:

2. The user identification unit identifies the user based on a feature amount extracted from the image. The guidance system according to claim 1 .

3. The user identification unit identifies the user based on a learning result obtained by machine learning from learning data that associates the user, who has been previously identified, with an image of the user. The guidance system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The guide map includes a communication unit capable of receiving unique identification information stored in a portable medium carried by the user, The user identification unit identifies the user based on the unique identification information and the image received by the communication unit. The guidance system according to claim 1 .

5. When a group including the specified user is confirmed, the guidance presentation unit outputs, to the guidance map, the guidance information for the area within the range of the guidance target having an attribute with a higher interest level of the group. The guidance system according to claim 1 .

6. When a predetermined number or more of the users belonging to the group are identified, the guidance presentation unit outputs, to the guidance map, the guidance information for the area within the range of the guidance target having an attribute with a higher interest level of the group. The guidance system according to claim 5.

7. When a preset ratio or more of the users belonging to the group are identified, the guidance presentation unit outputs, to the guidance map, the guidance information for the area within the range of the guidance target having an attribute with a higher interest level of the group. The guidance system according to claim 5.

8. The guide map includes an output unit that outputs the guide information, The guidance presentation unit causes the output unit to output the guidance information. The guidance system according to claim 1 .

9. The guide map includes the guide display unit. The guidance system according to claim 8.

10. A server device is provided which is connectable to the guide map via a network, the server device includes the interest information storage unit and the guidance presentation unit, The guidance presentation unit causes the output unit of the guidance map to output the guidance information via the network. The guidance system according to claim 8.

11. A first imaging device that is the imaging device capable of imaging the user in the vicinity of the guide map; A plurality of second imaging devices installed in buildings within the range of the guidance object; a floor determination unit that determines an arrival floor of the user among a plurality of floors of the building based on an image captured by at least one of the plurality of second imaging devices while the user is moving; a behavior information acquisition unit that acquires behavior information representing the behavior of the user at the arrival floor determined by the floor determination unit based on the images captured by at least one of the plurality of second imaging devices; an interest information acquisition unit that acquires the interest information representing the degree of interest of the user for each attribute based on the layout and attributes of the area on the arrival floor determined by the floor determination unit and the behavior information acquired by the behavior information acquisition unit, and stores the interest information in the interest information storage unit for each user; The guidance system of claim 1 .

12. The guide map includes an operation unit of the guide map, and automatically registers a destination designated by the operation unit or a portable medium carried by the user as a taxi destination. The guidance system according to claim 1 .

13. The guide map is used to dispatch a taxi, including the number of users in the group to which the user belongs. The guidance system of claim 12.

14. The guide map includes an operation unit for the guide map, and automatically registers a destination designated by the user at the request of the user as a destination of the shared vehicle via the operation unit or a portable medium carried by the user. The guidance system according to claim 1 .

15. The guide map automatically registers the specified destination as a destination of the shared vehicle, generates an optimal travel route according to the destination of the shared vehicle, and sets the generated travel route in the shared vehicle. The guidance system of claim 14.

16. The specified destination includes a destination indicated by the guidance information output by the guidance map, The guide map automatically registers a destination designated from the guide information as a destination of the shared vehicle by the operation unit or the portable medium carried by each of the plurality of users. The guidance system according to claim 15.

17. The specified destination includes a specified location whose location information is directly specified by the operation unit or the portable medium, When the specified destination is the specified location, the guide map automatically registers the specified location as a destination of the shared vehicle, and stops outputting the guide information corresponding to the user who specified the specified location.

17. The guidance system of claim 16.

18. The guide map displays the current position of the shared vehicle, the planned stopovers, and the travel route, and is displayed on the portable medium.

18. The guidance system of claim 17.

19. The guide map stops displaying the waypoints and a part or all of the travel route in response to an operation of the operation unit or the portable medium.

20. The guidance system of claim 18.

20. A guidance method for a guidance system that outputs guidance information to a guidance map that provides guidance to a guidance target, A user identification unit identifies the user based on an image captured by an imaging device capable of capturing an image of the user in the vicinity of the guide map, A guidance presentation unit outputs, to the guidance map, the guidance information for the area within the range of the guidance target having an attribute with a higher degree of interest of the specified user, based on the interest information corresponding to the user specified by the user specification unit, which is obtained from an interest information storage unit that stores interest information indicating the degree of interest of the user, and the attribute of the area within the range of the guidance target obtained from an attribute information storage unit that stores attributes for each area. How to guide.

21. The guide map includes an operation unit of the guide map, and automatically registers a destination designated by the operation unit or a portable medium carried by the user as a taxi destination. The guidance method according to claim 20.

22. The guide map is used to dispatch a taxi, including the number of users in the group to which the user belongs. The guidance method according to claim 21.

23. The guide map includes an operation unit for the guide map, and automatically registers a destination designated by the user at the request of the user as a destination of the shared vehicle via the operation unit or a portable medium carried by the user. The guidance method according to claim 20.

24. The guide map automatically registers the specified destination as a destination of the shared vehicle, generates an optimal travel route according to the destination of the shared vehicle, and sets the generated travel route for the shared vehicle. The guidance method according to claim 23.

25. The specified destination includes a destination included in the guidance information, The guide map automatically registers a designated destination as a destination of the shared vehicle by the operation unit or the portable medium carried by each of the plurality of users. The guidance method according to claim 24.

26. The specified destination includes a specified location whose location information is directly specified by the operation unit or the portable medium, When the specified destination is the specified place, the guide map automatically registers the specified place as a destination of the shared vehicle, and stops outputting the guide information corresponding to the user who specified the specified place. The guidance method according to claim 25.

27. The guide map displays the current position of the shared vehicle, the planned waypoints, and the travel route, and is displayed on the portable medium. The guidance method according to claim 26.

28. The guide map stops displaying the waypoints and a part or all of the travel route in response to an operation of the operation unit or the portable medium. The guidance method according to claim 27.