Content presentation system and content presentation method

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a memory unit that stores an area where an accommodation facility is present and a facility related to said area in association with each other; an output unit that outputs information pertaining to the facility stored in the memory unit; a history information storage unit that stores history information, which is the history pertaining to information that has been output by the output unit and operated, input, or browsed by guests; and an output control unit that, on the basis of aggregation result information which is the result of aggregating the history information stored in the history information storage unit, controls information output from the output unit.

Description

Content presentation system and content presentation method

[0001] The present invention relates to a content presentation system and a content presentation method.

[0002] There is a digital signage that displays information about facilities and tourist spots around the accommodation to consumers (users) staying at the accommodation. By presenting content that matches the user's preferences among facilities around the accommodation, it is possible to link it to the user's purchasing behavior.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for providing a user with information that the user is interested in. Patent Document 2 discloses a technology for informing a user staying in an unfamiliar area of ​​facilities located in the area that match the user's preferences.

[0004] JP 2004-227128 A JP 2013-250883 A

[0005] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 requires complex data processing to monitor user behavior and identify information that the user is interested in from the user's various behaviors, and even if information that the user is interested in can be identified, it is not necessarily information related to facilities in the vicinity of the accommodation facility.The technology of Patent Document 2 presents facilities in the area based on the user's location information, so if the location information cannot be obtained, it is not possible to present content.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a content presentation system and a content presentation method that can present content related to facilities that match the user's preferences among facilities located around an accommodation facility without monitoring the user's location information.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a content presentation system comprising: a memory unit that stores areas where accommodation facilities are located in association with facilities related to the areas; an output unit that outputs information related to the facilities stored in the memory unit; a history information storage unit that accumulates history information, which is a history of operations input or viewing by guests regarding the information output by the output unit; and an output control unit that controls information to be output from the output unit based on aggregation result information, which is the result of aggregating the history information accumulated in the history information storage unit.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is a content presentation method performed by a computer used in a content presentation system 1 having a memory unit that stores areas where accommodation facilities are located in association with facilities related to the areas, the content presentation method outputting information related to the facilities stored in the memory unit, accumulating historical information, which is a history of operations input or viewing by the guest on the output information, in a historical information storage unit, and determining the information to be output based on aggregation result information, which is a result of aggregating the historical information accumulated in the historical information storage unit.

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to present content relating to facilities that match the user's preferences among facilities located in the vicinity of an accommodation facility without monitoring the user's location information.

[0010] 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of a content presentation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of a content presentation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of a content presentation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a content presentation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing performed by the content presentation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing performed by the content presentation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information stored in the content presentation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation input information stored in the content presentation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation input information stored in the content presentation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of aggregation results stored in the content presentation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of aggregation results stored in the content presentation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of weighted aggregation results stored in the content presentation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of search results output from the content presentation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of aggregation results aggregated according to user attributes stored in the content presentation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of aggregation results aggregated according to user attributes stored in the content presentation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of aggregation results aggregated according to changes in preferences over time stored in the content presentation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing performed by a content presentation system according to a modified example of an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a content presentation system according to an embodiment.

[0011] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of a content presentation system according to the embodiment. In this embodiment, the content presentation system 1 is a system that presents facilities in the vicinity of an accommodation facility that are estimated to match the preferences of the user in response to the user's operation input or viewing of displayed content. The user here is a consumer who is expected to make purchases at facilities in the vicinity of the accommodation facility. The user is also a guest staying at the accommodation facility.

[0012] As shown in the example of this figure, the content presentation system 1 includes a server 10, a plurality of display devices 20, and a plurality of processing devices 21 (a display device 20-1 and a processing device 21-1, and a display device 20-2 and a processing device 21-2). The display device 20 and the processing device 21 may be configured as a single device. In the content presentation system 1, the server 10 and the processing device 21 are connected to each other via a network NT via a wired or wireless connection so as to be able to communicate with each other. Communication between the server 10 and the processing device 21 via the network NT may be via any means that at least enables communication, such as the Internet, a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or a combination thereof, and is not limited to any specific means. Furthermore, the display device 20 and the processing device 21 are connected to each other via a wired or wireless connection so as to be able to communicate with each other. Communication between the display device 20 and the processing device 21 may be via any means that at least enables communication, such as a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or serial communication, and is not limited to any specific means. Information (content information) including video signals for displaying content is transmitted and received between the processing device 21 and the display device 20. This video signal may be either analog or digital, and is not limited to any particular means as long as it is capable of transmitting video.

[0013] The server 10 is a server device that estimates user preferences. The server 10 may be, for example, a cloud, a server device, or a personal computer.

[0014] The processing device 21 is a program or device that displays content on the display device 20. The processing device 21 selects content to be displayed on the display device 20 by referring to a storage unit (for example, a content storage unit 213 described later) that stores an area where accommodation facilities are located in association with facilities related to the area. The processing device 21 transmits information (content information) including a video signal for displaying the selected content to the display device 20, thereby displaying the content on the display device 20.

[0015] The display device 20 is a device that displays content notified from the processing device 21 (content related to facilities in the vicinity of the accommodation facility). For example, the display device 20 is a digital signage installed in the accommodation facility. In the example of this figure, the display device 20-1 is installed in each room in Hotel A, and the display device 20-2 is installed in each room in Inn B. The display device 20-1 displays content related to facilities in the vicinity of Hotel A. The display device 20-2 displays content related to facilities in the vicinity of Inn B.

[0016] The display device 20 includes a display means such as a liquid crystal display and a user interface using an input means such as a touch panel. This user interface may be a remote control or a touch panel, and is not limited to a specific means as long as it allows at least information input, search, and selection.

[0017] The display device 20 acquires operation input by the user using the input means, and based on the acquired operation input, outputs information (operation input information) associating the operation input content with the operation input content to the processing device 21. Here, the operation input by the user includes an operation to select content related to a facility displayed on the display device 20, an operation to purchase a ticket to use the facility, an operation to obtain a coupon provided by the facility, and an operation to make a reservation to use the facility. The operation input by the user may also include an operation to search for a facility not displayed on the display device 20. In this case, the display device 20 displays operation buttons for performing operations to use facilities in the vicinity of the accommodation facility, such as operation buttons to be operated when obtaining a ticket to use the facility, obtaining a coupon provided by the facility, making a reservation to use the facility, or searching for other facilities.

[0018] In this way, in the content presentation system 1, when a user performs an operation input on the display device 20, the operation input information is output from the display device 20 to the processing device 21. When the processing device 21 acquires the operation input information from the display device 20, the processing device 21 associates the acquired operation input information with the content presented to the user and the user's attribute information (user information), and transmits the associated information to the server 10. The server 10 receives information (information associating the operation input information with the user information) from the processing device 21 and accumulates (stores) the received information in a database (the history information accumulation unit 104, described later) as a history of the user's operation input or browsing. Since users typically want to obtain information about facilities in which they are interested, facilities corresponding to content that the user has selected or otherwise operated can be considered to reflect the user's preferences. Utilizing this property, the server 10 generates information (aggregation result information) indicating the results of aggregating the accumulated history as information indicating the user's preferences. The information indicating user preferences is, for example, table information that associates an index (score) indicating the level of user preference with each type of facility, specifically, each type of facility, such as an amusement park or other entertainment facility, a shrine or temple or other historical site, or a restaurant or other dining establishment, such as a soba noodle shop, a sweet shop, or a family restaurant. This score is a value calculated based on the number of times a user performs an operation, such as a selection or search, through user input. The server 10, for example, uses statistical means to aggregate information indicating the user's preferences, such as the type of operation performed by the user on each type of facility and the extent to which the user performed the operation, and generates the aggregated results as information indicating the user's preferences. Alternatively, the server 10 may use an AI (artificial intelligence) technique to use a trained model that has learned the correspondence between content operation inputs and preferences to infer the user's preferences, and use the inferred results as the aggregated results of the user's operation input history. The server 10 may use any means capable of at least aggregating the user's operation input history, such as any commonly used statistical means, AI means, or a combination thereof. The server 10 is not limited to a specific means.Regarding the AI ​​means, any commonly used means may be used as long as it is a technology that is at least capable of learning, and may be machine learning or deep learning, and is not limited to any specific means.

[0019] Suppose a user stays at Hotel A and then stays at another inn, Hotel B. At this time, the content presentation system 1 accumulates a history of past operation inputs made at Hotel A. Therefore, it is possible to provide content tailored to the user's preferences using the results of aggregating the history of operation inputs made by the user.

[0020] In the content presentation system 1, when a user checks in to Ryokan B, content related to information on facilities, tourist spots, restaurants, and the like that match the user's preferences is displayed on the display device 20-2 at Ryokan B. For example, if the aggregated results of the user's operation input history show that the facility with the highest index (score) indicating the user's preference is related to shrines and temples, the content presentation system 1 causes the display device 20-2 to preferentially display content containing information on shrines and temples from among the facilities in the vicinity of Ryokan B. This allows the user to view content that reflects their preferences from the start at Ryokan B, without having to take the trouble of performing an operation such as a search.

[0021] When a user performs an operation such as selecting content on the display device 20-2 at Hotel B, the processing device 21-1 transmits the operation input information to the server 10, just as when the user stays at Hotel A. The server 10 accumulates the operation input information received from the processing device 21-2 and generates a summary of the accumulated history as information indicating the user's preferences. As the history of accumulated user operation inputs increases, more operation input information can be accumulated, and the information indicating the user's preferences can be made more accurate. Therefore, it becomes possible to display content on the display device 20 that more accurately reflects the user's preferences.

[0022] 2 is a system configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of a content presentation system according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 shows the relationship between a display device 20-1 and a processing device 21-1 provided in Hotel A and a server 10. Here, it is assumed that a user is checking in for the first time at an accommodation facility (Hotel A in this case) that employs the content presentation system 1. In other words, it is assumed that the content presentation system 1 has not accumulated (stored) any operational input information of the user as a guest, and that no information indicating the user's preferences has been generated.

[0023] When a user checks in to Hotel A, the hotel staff who accepts the check-in inputs the user's attribute information, such as name, address, telephone number, and gender, provided by the user at check-in into a terminal device at the front desk as user information. The hotel staff may also input information indicating the user's accommodation status, such as the number, composition, and attributes of guests staying at the accommodation facility, into the terminal device at the front desk as user attribute information. This terminal device at the front desk may be, for example, the processing device 21-1 itself, or a device communicably connected to the processing device 21-1. The processing device 21-1 transmits information indicating that the user has checked in, along with the user information, to the server 10. The server 10 determines whether the user's operation input information has been stored based on the user information received from the processing device 21-1 at check-in, and responds with the result to the processing device 21-1.

[0024] When a user enters a room in which the display device 20-1 is installed, for example, a motion sensor or the like provided in the display device 20-1 reacts, and the display screen (monitor) is automatically powered on and turned on. Alternatively, the monitor may be configured to be turned on by manually powering it on.

[0025] When the monitor of the display device 20-1 is turned on, the processing device 21-1 causes the display device 20-1 to display an image. If the content presentation system 1 does not store operational input information of a user who has checked into Hotel A, the processing device 21-1 causes the display device 20-1 to display an image welcoming the user to stay (referred to as a welcome screen). The welcome screen displays, for example, the user's name, a message such as "Welcome," and a screen displaying information necessary for the accommodation facility. The information necessary for the accommodation facility includes user attribute information that could not be obtained at check-in, such as the user's age, the ages of each guest staying with the user, whether the guests are family, friends, same-sex or opposite-sex, or whether the guests are accompanied by children. The welcome screen displays, for example, an input field for inputting such attribute information and a message prompting the user to input the information. The attribute information input here may be general information such as age, such as "in their 20s" or "in their 30s." When attribute information is input into the welcome screen displayed by the display device 20-1, the processing device 21-1 transmits the input attribute information to the server 10. Furthermore, along with or instead of the information input into the welcome screen, user attribute information may be acquired from an image. In this case, for example, in Hotel A, an imaging device (camera) is installed in the display device 20-1 or the room in which the display device 20-1 is installed. When a user enters the room in which the display device 20-1 is installed, a motion sensor or the like reacts, turning on the display screen and starting image capture by the camera. The camera outputs the captured image to, for example, the processing device 21-1. The processing device 21-1 performs image analysis on the image acquired from the camera to estimate user attribute information, such as the user's age, the number of guests staying with the user, and the ages of each of the guests. The processing device 21-1 transmits the results of the estimation from the image to the server 10 as user attribute information.

[0026] Next, the processing device 21-1 causes the display device 20-1 to display a screen (guide screen) that provides guidance on any facility in the vicinity of Hotel A. The guide screen displays content related to any facility in the vicinity of Hotel A. The priority of the content to be displayed on the display device 20-1 may be determined arbitrarily. For example, priority may be given to content that is highly popular based on word of mouth from the general public, or priority may be given to content that is highly popular among unspecified guests who have stayed at Hotel A in the past. Furthermore, priority may be given to content that accommodation facilities, tourist associations, etc., would like to recommend to guests.

[0027] Furthermore, depending on attributes such as the user's age and the composition of the guests, the guide screen may display content that is expected to be generally highly rated by guests belonging to those attributes. Attributes such as the user's age and the composition of the guests can be acquired from information entered in input fields displayed on the welcome screen. Depending on the user's accommodation style, content may be displayed preferentially in the order of the accommodation that is expected to be used for that accommodation style. For example, if a couple in their twenties with a young child are staying, content related to facilities that are often frequented by young couples with young children, such as family restaurants, may be displayed on the guide screen. Even when the same user stays, the number, composition, and attributes of the guests staying with them are not necessarily the same each time. In fact, the number and composition of the guests often differ from one stay to the next. Even for the same user, the facilities they prefer to use may differ depending on the number and composition of the guests staying with them. Based on this concept, in this embodiment, information related to the user's accommodation style is acquired and content corresponding to the acquired accommodation style is presented. This allows appropriate content based on the accommodation style, i.e., the number, composition, and attributes of the guests, to be displayed on the display device 20.

[0028] In the example of Figure 2, nearby facilities recommended to the user are displayed in order of priority, such as temples (Buddhist temples), towers, souvenir shops, amusement parks, souvenir shops, shrines, convenience stores, department stores, stadiums, parking lots, bridges, and stations.

[0029] The user visually checks the content displayed on the display device 20-1 and performs an operation input to select, for example, a preferred content from the displayed content. The processing device 21-1 acquires the operation input information and transmits information correlating the acquired operation input information with user information to the server 10. The server 10 accumulates the operation input information linked to the user information. The server 10 uses the accumulated operation input information to compile a history of operation inputs by the user and generates the compile result as information indicating the user's preferences. Here, the server 10 notifies the processing device 21-1 of the information indicating the user's preferences.

[0030] Furthermore, when a user performs an operation on the display device 20-1 to purchase a ticket, obtain a coupon, or make a reservation, the processing device 21-1 transmits operation input information related to the operation to the server 10. The server 10 accumulates the operation input information and updates the tally using the accumulated information. Here, the server 10 may assign weights according to the type of operation, i.e., weights according to each of ticket purchase, coupon acquisition, and reservation. Generally, when a user performs an operation to purchase a ticket and an operation to obtain a coupon, the facility for which the ticket was purchased is considered to be of greater interest than the facility for which the coupon was obtained. This is because, while purchasing a ticket is highly likely to be used at that facility, simply obtaining a coupon does not necessarily mean that the user will use that facility. Thus, for example, when a user performs an operation to purchase a ticket, the server 10 assigns a weighting that is greater than when a coupon is obtained. The server 10 generates the tally results, calculated using the weighted operation input information, as information indicating the user's preferences. This makes it possible to generate information reflecting the facilities in which the user is more interested (information indicating the user's preferences).

[0031] In addition, when it is determined that the user has decided on a facility to use by performing an operation such as purchasing a ticket, or when it is determined that the user has become interested in a facility by obtaining a coupon, the processing device 21 may provide the user with information about the facility. For example, the processing device 21 displays on the display device 20-1 a two-dimensional code embedded with information such as a map showing the route to the facility, events held at the facility, and recommended products. The user performs an operation to read the two-dimensional code displayed on the display device 20-1 using a reading function provided on the smartphone. This allows the user to display information about the facility in which the user is interested on their smartphone.

[0032] Furthermore, a user may search for another facility without selecting a facility from the facilities displayed on the display device 20-1. In this case, the content presentation system 1 displays content corresponding to information related to the facility searched for by the user. Specifically, the display device 20-1 transmits the search keyword entered in the user's search operation to the processing device 21-1. The processing device 21-1 selects content corresponding to the search keyword received from the display device 20-1 from the content stored in the content storage unit 213, and transmits a video signal or the like for displaying the selected content to the display device 20-1. As a result, content related to the facility searched for by the user is displayed on the display device 20-1. Furthermore, when the user performs a search operation, the processing device 21-1 transmits information indicating that the user performed a search operation and the search keyword entered in the search operation as operation input information to the server 10 in association with user information. Upon receiving the operation input information from the processing device 21-1, the server 10 stores the received operation input information in association with the user information. The search keywords included in the operation input information can be considered as information indicating the user's interests. The server 10 generates the aggregation results obtained by aggregating the accumulated operation input information as information indicating the user's preferences. This allows the generation of information reflecting the facilities searched for by the user (information indicating the user's preferences).

[0033] When the user moves away from the monitor of the display device 20-1, for example, after completing a search or other operation on the display device 20-1, the display device 20-1 may turn off the monitor screen and erase the display of the content. For example, a motion sensor or the like provided on the display device 20-1 can be used to detect that the user has moved away from the monitor. Alternatively, the user may manually turn off the power to the monitor of the display device 20-1 to turn off the monitor.

[0034] In this way, information on operation inputs made to the display device 20-1 installed in Hotel A is linked to user information and stored in the server 10. The server 10 can infer the user's preferences by aggregating the stored information. In this way, the content presentation system 1 is operated to wait until the user visits the accommodation facility (e.g., Hotel B) where the display device 20 is installed, while maintaining a situation in which the user's preferences can be inferred.

[0035] 3 is a system configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of a content presentation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 shows the relationship between a display device 20-2 and a processing device 21-2 provided at Hotel B and the server 10. Here, it is assumed that a user has previously stayed at an accommodation facility (e.g., Hotel A) that employs the content presentation system 1, and is now checking in again at an accommodation facility (here, Hotel B) that employs the content presentation system 1. That is, it is assumed that the content presentation system 1 stores operation input information associated with attribute information (user information) of the user as a guest, and that it is possible to aggregate the operation input history.

[0036] When a user checks in to Ryokan B, the hotel staff who accepts the check-in inputs the user's attribute information provided by the user at check-in as user information into a terminal device installed at the front desk. This terminal device installed at the front desk may be, for example, the processing device 21-2 itself, or a device connected to the processing device 21-2 so that it can communicate with the processing device 21-2. The processing device 21-2 transmits information indicating that the user has checked in, along with the user information, to the server 10. The server 10 determines whether or not user operation input information has been accumulated based on the user information received from the processing device 21-2 at check-in, and responds with the result to the processing device 21-2. If user operation input information has been accumulated, the server 10 transmits to the processing device 21-2 the results of tallying up the user's operation input history (information indicating the user's preferences).

[0037] When a user enters a room in which the display device 20-2 is installed, a motion sensor or the like provided on the display device 20-2 reacts, and the display screen (monitor) is automatically powered on and turned on, just like the display device 20-1. Alternatively, the monitor may be configured to be turned on by manually powering it on.

[0038] When the monitor of the display device 20-2 is turned on, the processing device 21-2 causes the display device 20-2 to display an image. When operation input information of a user who has checked into the B Hotel is stored in the content presentation system 1, the processing device 21-2 causes the display device 20-2 to display a screen (guide screen) that provides information about any facility in the vicinity of the B Hotel, and also displays content related to facilities that match the user's preferences.

[0039] For example, if a user previously stayed at Hotel A and performed a search for information about shrines and temples and related facilities and tourist attractions, and the tabulation results indicated that the user's preference for shrines and temples and related facilities and tourist attractions was the highest, as shown in the example of Figure 3, the processing device 21-2 would preferentially display content related to shrines and temples and related facilities and tourist attractions among the facilities in the vicinity of the inn on the display device 20-2. In this case, if a facility-specific event, such as a seasonal event or seasonal sale, is scheduled to be held at the facility corresponding to the content displayed on the display device 20-2, a mark (e.g., a star in Figure 3) may be added to the icon corresponding to the content to indicate that the facility-specific event is scheduled. This can attract the user's interest.

[0040] Furthermore, if the user has searched for locations with parking lots, souvenir shops, etc. when staying at Hotel A in the past, and the tabulation results show that the index (score) indicating the user's preference for parking lots and souvenir shops is the second highest after shrines and temples, the processing device 21-2 will cause the display device 20-2 to display content related to parking lots, souvenir shops, etc., from among the facilities located around Hotel B, on the guide screen of the display device 20-2, in the order of priority next to shrines and temples.

[0041] When a user performs an operation input on the display device 20-2, the processing device 21-2, like the processing device 21-1, transmits information in which the operation input information and user information are associated with each other to the server 10. As a result, the user's operation input information is stored in the server 10.

[0042] 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a content presentation system according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the content presentation system 1 includes a server 10, a display device 20, and a processing device 21. The server 10 is connected to the processing device 21 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The processing device 21 is connected to the display device 20 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0043] The server 10 includes, for example, a control unit 100, a communication unit 101, a counting unit 102, a data management unit 103, and a history information accumulation unit 104. The control unit 100 controls the operation of each functional unit included in the server 10. The communication unit 101 communicates with the processing device 21 and receives user operation input information from the processing device 21. The communication unit 101 also transmits information indicating the user's preferences to the processing device 21. The history information accumulation unit 104 is a database in which information associated with operation input information and user information is accumulated (stored). The history information accumulation unit 104 is configured by a storage medium, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), flash memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), random access read / write memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), or any combination of these storage media. This history information accumulation unit 104 may be, for example, a non-volatile memory. The data management unit 103 manages data used in processing performed by the server 10 and accumulates, for example, the history of information notified from the processing device 21 (information associated with operation input information and user information) in the history information accumulation unit 104. The data management unit 103 accumulates user information corresponding to the accommodation in the history information accumulation unit 104 each time a user stays at a hotel. Thus, for each stay by a user, the history information accumulation unit 104 stores information such as the user's age, the ages of each guest staying with the user, whether the guests are family, friends, same-sex or opposite-sex guests, and whether the guests are accompanied by children. The aggregation unit 102 generates aggregation result information, which is an aggregation result of aggregating the history accumulated in the history information accumulation unit 104, as information indicating the user's preferences. The aggregation unit 102 may generate, as information indicating the user's preferences, an inference result obtained by inferring the user's preferences using a trained model that has learned the correspondence between operation inputs and preferences. The aggregation unit 102 may also generate, as information indicating the user's preferences, an aggregation result obtained by aggregating the history of operation inputs from the user by facility type.The tallying unit 102 may generate a tally result weighted according to the content of the user's operation input as information indicating the user's preferences. The user's operation input here includes an operation to purchase a product or service related to the facility, an operation to obtain a coupon related to the facility, and an operation to search for a facility. The tallying unit 102 stores the generated information (information indicating the user's preferences) in the history information accumulation unit 104. In response to a request from the processing device 21, the control unit 100 causes the tallying unit 102 to generate information indicating the user's preferences, and transmits the generated information (information indicating the user's preferences) to the processing device 21 via the communication unit 101.

[0044] The display device 20 includes, for example, a control unit 200, a communication unit 201, a display unit 202, a touch sensor 203, a human presence sensor 204, and an image processing unit 206. The control unit 200 controls the operation of each functional unit included in the display device 20. The communication unit 201 communicates with the processing device 21 and receives a video signal output from the processing device 21. The touch sensor 203 detects a user's operation input on the display surface of the display device 20. The human presence sensor 204 detects a person within a detection range. In this case, the detection range is set near the display device 20. The human presence sensor 204 determines whether a person is present within the detection range and outputs the determination result to the control unit 200. The image processing unit 206 performs image processing on the video signal output from the processing device 21 to display it on the display unit 202, and outputs the image to the display device 20. The display unit 202 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel, and displays the video signal supplied from the image processing unit 206. When the human presence sensor 204 determines that a person is near the display device 20, the control unit 200 turns on the monitor and causes the display unit 202 to display a video signal. On the other hand, when no person remains near the display device 20 for a predetermined time after the human presence sensor 204 determines that no person is near the display device 20, the control unit 200 turns off the monitor. When an operation input by a user is detected by the touch sensor 203, the control unit 200 outputs the operation input information to the processing device 21 via the communication unit 201.

[0045] The processing device 21 includes, for example, a control unit 210, a communication unit 211, a content extraction unit 212, a content storage unit 213, a data management unit 214, and a video signal output unit 215. The control unit 210 controls the operation of each functional unit included in the processing device 21. The communication unit 211 communicates with the server 10 via a communication network and transmits user input operation information to the server 10. The communication unit 211 also receives information indicating the user's preferences from the server 10. The communication unit 211 also receives operation input information from the display device 20.

[0046] The content extraction unit 212 extracts content to be displayed on the display device 20 from the content storage unit 213. When information indicating the user's preferences is received from the server 10 via the communication unit 211, the content extraction unit 212 extracts content searched for based on the information indicating the user's preferences as a search result. On the other hand, when information indicating the user's preferences is not received from the server 10, the content extraction unit 212 extracts any content stored in the content storage unit 213, for example, content selected in order of predetermined priority.

[0047] The content extraction unit 212 may prioritize output of search results from the content storage unit 213 based on information indicating the user's preferences (aggregation results), and may also output search results characteristic of the area stored in the content storage unit 213. Depending on the area where accommodation facilities are located, there may be local tourist spots that are difficult to experience anywhere else. For example, in a tropical area, one can enjoy marine sports such as swimming and diving. On the other hand, in an area with many historical buildings such as shrines and temples, one can enjoy touring historical sites. Since opportunities to experience such tourist spots characteristic of a limited area are limited, it is difficult for the user's preferences to be reflected. Even if there is no operation related to a characteristic tourist spot in the operation input history, the user may still be interested. Based on this idea, the content extraction unit 212 is configured to output not only search results based on information indicating the user's preferences (aggregation results), but also search results characteristic of the area. For example, the content extraction unit 212 prioritizes output of search results based on information indicating the user's preferences (aggregation results), and also outputs search results characteristic of the area stored in the content storage unit 213.

[0048] Furthermore, the content extraction unit 212 may narrow down search results obtained by searching the content storage unit 213 based on information indicating the user's preferences (aggregation results) and output the narrowed results according to the user's behavioral pattern. The user's behavioral pattern here refers to the user's planned behavioral pattern according to the accommodation plan selected when staying at an accommodation facility. For example, if the accommodation plan includes meals, the user is unlikely to use a nearby restaurant, and therefore is unlikely to use content related to restaurants even if the content related to restaurants is displayed on the display device 20. In this case, even if the aggregation results indicate that a restaurant is the facility with the highest index (score) indicating the magnitude of the user's preferences, the content extraction unit 212 does not extract content related to restaurants or extracts it as content with a low priority.

[0049] On the other hand, if the accommodation plan specifies a late check-in time, for example, a check-in time after dinner is served at the accommodation facility, there is a high possibility that the user will first consider having dinner at a restaurant rather than sightseeing after checking in. In this case, even if the tabulation results show that the facility with the highest index (score) indicating the magnitude of the user's preference is a facility related to shrines and temples, the content extraction unit 212 will extract content related to restaurants as high-priority content and will not extract content related to shrines and temples or will extract it as low-priority content.

[0050] As described above, the content extraction unit 212 may prioritize the extracted content. For example, if a first search result based on information indicating the user's preferences (aggregation results), a second search result obtained by narrowing down the first search result according to the user's behavioral patterns, and a third search result characteristic of the area are extracted, the content extraction unit 212 prioritizes the first search result, the second search result, and the third search result in this order. This allows the display device 20 to display the content in descending order of priority.

[0051] The content storage unit 213 stores content related to facilities in the vicinity of the accommodation facility where the display device 20 connected to the processing device 21 is installed. The content storage unit 213 is configured with a storage medium, such as a HDD, flash memory, EEPROM, RAM, ROM, or any combination of these storage media. The content storage unit 213 may be, for example, a non-volatile memory. The data management unit 214 manages data used in processing performed by the processing device 21 and stores, for example, content related to facilities in the vicinity of the accommodation facility in the content storage unit 213. The video signal output unit 215 outputs a video signal related to the content extracted by the content extraction unit 212 to the display device 20. When the control unit 210 receives operation input information via the communication unit 211, it generates information that associates user information with the received operation input information and transmits the generated information to the server 10 via the communication unit 211.

[0052] 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the flow of processing performed by the content presentation system in the embodiment. Fig. 5 shows the flow of processing for displaying a guide screen on the display device 20. Fig. 6 shows the flow of processing performed when an operation input is made on the guide screen displayed on the display device 20.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 5 , when a user checks in at a lodging facility, attribute information of the user (consumer, guest) is acquired and input to the content presentation system 1 (step S10). For example, when a user checks in at a lodging facility, the hotel staff member in charge of the check-in inputs the user attribute information provided by the user at the time of check-in into the processing device 21. The processing device 21 transmits the user attribute information to the server 10 as user information. When the user approaches the display device 20, for example, by entering a room in which the display device 20 is installed, the human presence sensor 204 provided on the display device 20 reacts, automatically turning on the monitor of the display device 20 (step S11). The processing device 21 displays a welcome screen on the display device 20. The welcome screen displays a message prompting the user to input information such as the user's age and family composition (step S12). When the user's age, family composition, and other information is input, the processing device 21 transmits information indicating the user's age, family composition, and other information to the server 10. The processing device 21 determines whether the user is a first-time consumer (step S13). Here, "a first-time consumer" refers to a user whose operation input information is not stored (stored) in the history information storage unit 104 of the content presentation system 1. On the other hand, "not a first-time consumer" refers to a user whose operation input information is stored (stored) in the history information storage unit 104 of the content presentation system 1. The processing device 21, for example, sends a notification to the server 10 inquiring whether the user information is "a first-time consumer." The server 10 references the history information storage unit 104 based on the user information received from the processing device 21 in step S10 and determines whether the operation input information of the user identified by the user information is stored in the history information storage unit 104. If the user's operation input information is not stored in the history information storage unit 104, the server 10 determines that the user is "a first-time consumer." On the other hand, if the user's operation input information is stored in the history information storage unit 104, the server 10 determines that the user is "not a first-time consumer." The server 10 transmits the determination result of whether the user is "a first-time consumer" to the processing device 21 as a response to the inquiry.The processing device 21 receives the determination result from the server 10 and determines whether the user is a first-time consumer based on the received determination result. Here, if the server 10 determines that the user is not a "first-time consumer," it may be configured to transmit information indicating the user's preferences to the processing device 21. Alternatively, if the server 10 receives a notification from the processing device 21 requesting transmission of information indicating the user's preferences, it may be configured to transmit the information indicating the user's preferences to the processing device 21 in response to the request.

[0054] If the user is a "first-time consumer," the processing device 21 refers to the content storage unit 213 and causes the display device 20 to display a list of nearby facilities in an arbitrary order of priority (step S14). For example, the processing device 21 extracts content related to a list of nearby facilities as a search result, based on, for example, popularity among an unspecified number of people or a recommendation order based on consumer characteristics, such as the user's age and family structure, input in step S12. The processing device 21 transmits a video signal of the extracted content related to the facility list to the display device 20. The display device 20 receives the video signal of the content related to the facility list from the processing device 21 and displays the content related to the facility list using the received video signal.

[0055] If the user is a "first-time consumer," the processing device 21 causes the display device 20 to display a list of facilities tailored to the user's preferences (step S15). For example, the processing device 21 searches the content storage unit 213 based on the information indicating the user's preferences received from the server 10, and extracts, as search results, content related to a facility list corresponding to facilities for which an index (score) indicating the magnitude of the user's preferences is equal to or greater than a threshold. The information indicating the user's preferences received from the server 10 is, for example, information indicating the user's preferences estimated using a trained model. The processing device 21 transmits a video signal of the content related to the extracted facility list to the display device 20. The display device 20 receives the video signal of the content related to the facility list from the processing device 21 and displays the content related to the facility list using the received video signal.

[0056] 6, the display device 20 determines, using the human presence sensor 204, whether the user has left the monitor of the display device 20 on which the facility list is displayed in step S14 or S15 (step S16). If the user has left the monitor, the display device 20 turns off the monitor, erases the screen, and ends the process (step S17). On the other hand, if the user has not left the monitor, the display device 20 determines, using the touch sensor 203, whether the user has performed an operation input to select a facility that the user prefers from the facility list displayed on the display device 20 (step S18).

[0057] If no operation input is made to select a facility and a facility preferred by the user is not selected, the processing device 21 searches for a facility likely to be preferred by the user (step S19). For example, if the processing device 21 does not receive operation input information from the display device 20 until a certain time has elapsed after displaying a facility list on the display device 20 in step S14 or S15, it determines that a facility preferred by the user has not been selected, i.e., that the facility preferred by the user does not exist in the facility list displayed in step S14 or S15. In this case, the processing device 21 extracts, as a search result, content related to a list of nearby facilities from the content storage unit 213 in a recommended order based on attribute information other than that used in step S14, for example, the user's gender acquired at check-in. The processing device 21 transmits a video signal of the content related to the extracted facility list to the display device 20. The display device 20 receives the video signal of the content related to the facility list from the processing device 21 and displays the content related to the facility list using the received video signal (step S20).

[0058] When an operation input for selecting a facility is performed, the display device 20 displays information related to the selected facility (step S21). The display device 20 transmits operation input information corresponding to the operation for selecting the facility to the processing device 21. The processing device 21 receives the operation input information from the display device 20, searches the content storage unit 213 based on the received operation input information, extracts content related to the facility selected by the user, and transmits a video signal, etc. for displaying the extracted content, to the display device 20. The display device 20 receives the video signal, etc. from the processing device 21, and displays the content corresponding to the received video signal. As a result, the display device 20 displays information related to the selected facility.

[0059] Furthermore, when an operation input to select a facility is performed, the processing device 21 transmits (uploads) information associating the operation input information with user information to the server 10 (step S22). The server 10 receives information (information associating the operation input information with user information) from the processing device 21 and stores the received information in the history information storage unit 104. The server 10 uses the stored information (information associating the operation input information with user information) to aggregate the history of operation inputs made by the user and generate information indicating the user's preferences. For example, the server 10 generates information indicating the user's preferences estimated using the trained model (step S23). If the server 10 has previously generated information indicating the user's preferences, it updates the information to the information generated in step S23 (information indicating the user's preferences) (step S24).

[0060] On the other hand, if the display device 20 displays information related to the facility selected by the user in step S21, the display device 20 monitors the user's operation input and determines whether a specific operation, such as purchasing a ticket, obtaining a coupon, or making a reservation, has been performed (step S25). If a specific operation has been performed, the display device 20 transmits operation input information corresponding to the specific operation to the processing device 21. The processing device 21 receives the operation input information corresponding to the specific operation from the display device 20 and executes the process shown in step S22 using the received operation input information. If a specific operation has not been performed, the processing device 21 determines whether an operation input for returning to the display of the facility list has been performed (step S26). An example of an operation input for returning to the display of the facility list is pressing an operation button (not shown) with the word "Back" displayed along with the information related to the facility selected by the user. For example, if the operation input information received from the display device 20 is an operation input for returning to the display of the facility list, the processing device 21 determines whether an operation input for returning to the display of the facility list has been performed. If an operation input is made to return to the display of the facility list, the processing device 21 causes the display device 20 to display the facility list displayed in step S14 or S15, and returns to step S16.

[0061] FIG. 7 (FIGS. 7A to 7C) shows examples of user information and operation inputs made by a user. FIG. 7A shows an example of user information. The user information is attribute information presented by the user at check-in. The user information may also include user attribute information entered on the welcome screen. FIG. 7B and FIG. 7C show examples of operation input information. FIG. 7B shows, as operation input information, facilities selected or searched for in operation inputs made by a user identified as consumer No. 1 in the user information shown in FIG. 7A. FIG. 7C shows, as operation input information, facilities selected or searched for in operation inputs made by a user identified as consumer No. 3 in the user information shown in FIG. 7A. In the content presentation system 1, the processing device 21 associates the operation input information shown in FIG. 7B or 7C with the user information and notifies the server 10.

[0062] 8 and 9 are diagrams showing examples of tallying results stored in the content presentation system according to the embodiment. Fig. 8 shows the tallying results of tallying operation input information of a user identified by consumer No. 1 (hereinafter referred to as user 1). Fig. 9 shows the tallying results of tallying operation input information of a user identified by consumer No. 3 (hereinafter referred to as user 3).

[0063] As shown in the example of FIG. 8 , the tallying unit 102 may tally the operation input history of user 1 by facility type. In this example, the tallying result shows that user 1 has made many operation inputs related to amusement parks and family restaurants. From these tallying results, it can be seen that user 1 has a high tendency to visit amusement parks and family restaurants. As shown in the example of FIG. 9 , the tallying unit 102 may tally the operation input history of user 3 by facility type, similar to FIG. 8 . In this example, the tallying result shows that user 3 has made many operation inputs related to shrines, soba restaurants, and sweet shops. From these tallying results, it can be seen that user 3 has a high tendency to visit shrines, soba restaurants, and sweet shops.

[0064] The server 10 generates the aggregation results shown in Figures 8 and 9 as information indicating the user's preferences. For example, the aggregation unit 102 generates the information indicating the user's preferences so that an index (score) indicating the magnitude of the user's preferences is a value corresponding to the number of times an operation input has been made to a facility (number of searches). Alternatively, the aggregation unit 102 may aggregate the information by facility type and generate the information indicating the user's preferences so that an index (score) indicating the magnitude of the user's preferences is a value corresponding to the total number of times an operation input has been made to facilities belonging to the same type (number of searches).

[0065] 8 and 9 as information indicating the preferences of individual users, or may be generated based on the attributes of individual users as information indicating the preferences of unspecified users having the attributes. For example, based on the user information, the aggregation unit 102 may focus on the fact that User 1's accommodation type is a married couple with children and generate the aggregation result shown in FIG. 8 as information indicating the preferences of unspecified users having the attribute of a married couple with children. Furthermore, based on the user information, the aggregation unit 102 may focus on the fact that User 3's accommodation type is a woman traveling alone and generate the aggregation result shown in FIG. 9 as information indicating the preferences of unspecified users having the attribute of a woman traveling alone.

[0066] The content presentation system 1 uses these tabulation results to display search results tailored to the user's preferences on the display device 20. For example, if user 1 is staying at a hotel next, information about amusement parks and Western-style family restaurants in the vicinity of the accommodation will be displayed preferentially. If user 3 is staying at a hotel next, information about shrines, soba restaurants, and sweet shops in the vicinity of the accommodation will be displayed preferentially.

[0067] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a tally result stored in the content presentation system according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 shows an example of a tally result obtained by weighting the tally result. FIG. 10 also shows a tally result obtained by weighting the operation input information of user 3. As shown in the upper part of FIG. 10 , the tallying unit 102 tally the number of searches for the operation inputs performed by user 3 by facility type, for example, by tourist destination and by restaurant. In this case, it can be seen that, among the tourist destination types, the number of searches for shrines is the highest at 13, while the number of searches for other types (towers) is low at 1. Furthermore, among the restaurant types, the number of searches for Japanese restaurants is the highest at 10. Furthermore, it can be seen that, within the Japanese restaurant category, the number of searches for soba restaurants is 5, and the number of searches for sweet shops is 3.

[0068] Here, the tallying unit 102 assigns weights according to the operation input. For example, if the operation input is "search," it assigns a weight of "1 point," if it is "reservation," it assigns a weight of "5 points," and if it is "obtain a coupon," it assigns a weight of "2 points." The tallying unit 102 then multiplies the weighted score by the number of searches and tallys the result as the weighted number of searches (score). The bottom of Figure 10 shows the tallying results of the weighted operation input information. Since all operation inputs made to shrines consisted of searches only, the tallying score for shrines is 13 points, which is unchanged from the value before and after weighting. On the other hand, for the operation inputs made to restaurants, out of 10 searches, three were reservations and three were coupon acquisitions. Therefore, the numerical value changes depending on whether weighting is applied, and the tallying score for restaurants is 31 (= 10 + 3 × 5 + 3 × 2) points. Furthermore, it can be seen that the breakdown of Japanese restaurants is as follows: soba restaurants received 12 points and sweet shops received 10 points. By performing this weighting and tabulation, it is possible to prioritize displaying content related to shrines for user 3 among tourist spots, and prioritize displaying soba restaurants and sweet shops among restaurants, in that order. Furthermore, since user 3 performed an operation to obtain a coupon for a Japanese family restaurant, the score for Japanese restaurants is high. From these tabulation results, it can be inferred that the user is interested in Japanese restaurants in general, not just the soba restaurants and sweet shops that they actually searched for. It can also be inferred that the user is interested in Japanese (Japanese-style) things. By performing this weighting and tabulation, it is possible to more accurately grasp the user's preferences. It is also possible to expand the range of the user's likely interests in line with the direction of the user's preferences.

[0069] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a search result output from a content presentation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 shows an example of content that is displayed with priority to user 3. As shown in the example of FIG. 11, for user 3, among the facilities in the vicinity of the accommodation where user 3 is staying, content related to shrines is displayed in the top row (reference numeral 20A) as the highest priority among tourist destinations. Furthermore, in the second row (reference numeral 20B), content related to recommended soba restaurants in the vicinity of the accommodation is displayed as the content with the second highest priority after the content displayed in the top row. In the third row (reference numeral 20C), content related to recommended sweet shops in the vicinity of the accommodation is displayed as the content with the second highest priority after the content displayed in the second row.

[0070] Furthermore, the fourth row (reference numeral 20D) displays distinctive content that is difficult to experience unless it is located in the area surrounding the accommodation, as content with the second highest priority after the content displayed in the third row. In this example, restaurants serving eel restaurants, kappo cuisine, tonkatsu, and the like are displayed as recommended restaurants that can only be enjoyed in the area surrounding the accommodation. In this way, when outputting search results that are distinctive to the area surrounding the accommodation, the processing device 21 may perform a search according to the user's preferences. For example, if it is known from the tabulation results that user 3 has a preference for Japanese food, the processing device 21 extracts restaurants that particularly serve Japanese food from the distinctive facilities in the area surrounding the accommodation and displays them on the display device 20.

[0071] As shown in the example of Figure 11, as the amount of operational input information by the user increases, it becomes possible to display content related to recommended Japanese restaurants in the vicinity of the accommodation facility, such as restaurants with high reviews, restaurants where coupons can be obtained, restaurants that have just introduced new menu items, or Japanese souvenir shops, while preferentially displaying soba restaurants and sweet shops to User 3.

[0072] Furthermore, if there are nearby facilities or tourist attractions that are affiliated with the accommodation facility, the content presentation system 1 may select and display those that suit the user's preferences (for example, those with a Japanese taste for User 3). It is also possible to display content of nearby facilities and tourist attractions that are affiliated with the accommodation facility, and to provide preferential treatment to users who view this content, such as by offering discounts or other benefits. By using the content presentation system 1, users, accommodation facilities, and nearby facilities can build win-win relationships.

[0073] 12 and 13 are diagrams showing examples of tallying results stored in the content presentation system according to the embodiment, tallying according to user attributes. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, tallying may be configured according to user attributes. For example, FIGS. 12 and 13 show an example of tallying operation input information of users whose family structure has the attribute "couple in their 30s and children." In this case, the tallying unit 102, for example, uses user information to extract users who have the attribute "couple in their 30s and children" and tally the operation input information of the extracted users. FIG. 12 shows an example of operation input information of Family A and Family B, who are users who have the attribute "couple in their 30s and children." For example, the tallying unit 102 performs tallying in the same manner as in FIG. 10 for each piece of operation input information and calculates points for each type of facility. Then, the points for Family A and Family B are summed up for each type of facility. FIG. 13 shows a tallying result obtained by summing the points for Family A and Family B in FIG. 12 for each type of facility. By aggregating the operational input information of users with the same attributes, it may be possible to ascertain trends that would be difficult to infer from the operational input information of individual users. In the example of FIG. 13 , it can be seen that the tourist destination that "couples in their 30s and children" tend to favor is the zoo. It can also be seen that the restaurant that "couples in their 30s and children" tend to favor is a Western-style family restaurant. Based on these aggregation results, it is possible to prioritize content related to Western-style family restaurants and zoos for users with a family structure of "couples in their 30s and children." For example, if a user's age and attribute information are entered on the welcome screen, it is possible to generate information indicating the user's preferences based on the entered attribute information, even if the user's operational input information has not been accumulated. This makes it possible to present facilities and tourist destinations that match the user's preferences, even if the user is a "first-time consumer."

[0074] In information indicating an individual user's preferences, it may be difficult to accurately indicate recommended candidates with a relatively low priority due to the absence or insufficient presence of user input information. In such cases, the aggregation unit 102 can indicate facilities that the user is more likely to prefer by using aggregation results according to the user's attributes. By performing aggregation according to the user's attributes, the aggregation unit 102 can obtain aggregation results that indicate, for example, that a woman in her twenties staying alone tends to prefer shrines in tourist areas that are said to bring about love, or that a senior couple in their fifties or sixties staying alone tends to prefer quiet Japanese restaurants with few seats. The aggregation unit 102 may use the aggregation results based on the individual user's input information and the aggregation results according to the user's attributes to apply the individual user's aggregation results to high-priority items and the aggregation results according to the user's attributes to low-priority items, thereby generating information indicating the user's preferences. In this case, the display device 20 viewed by the user displays content that reflects the user's preferences as high-priority content, and content that users with the same attributes as the user tend to like as low-priority content. The user views these contents and performs operation input for content that catches their interest. If operation input is performed for low-priority content, it is determined that the content matches the preferences of the individual user, and the operation input information is accumulated and the content will be tallied as having a higher priority in future tallying. On the other hand, if operation input is not performed for low-priority content, it is determined that the content does not match the preferences of the individual user, and the operation input information is accumulated and the content will be tallied as having a lower priority in future tallying.

[0075] Furthermore, the counting unit 102 may perform tallying based on operational input information indicating that no operational input was made for content displayed with a higher priority. For example, if content related to soba restaurants, udon restaurants, seafood restaurants, yakiniku restaurants, sushi restaurants, tempura restaurants, and yakitori restaurants is displayed to a user interested in Japanese cuisine, and the user never selects a seafood restaurant or a sushi restaurant even when staying at various accommodations, it can be determined that the consumer does not like seafood. For example, when an operational input is made for content displayed on the display device 20, the processing device 21 transmits to the server 10 information correlating information indicating the user's preferences notified by the server 10, search results searched based on the information (information indicating the user's preferences), and operational input information for the search results. The data management unit 103 stores the information notified by the processing device 21 (information indicating the user's preferences, search results searched based on the information (information indicating the user's preferences), and operational input information for the search results) in the history information storage unit 104. The tallying unit 102 extracts facilities that satisfy an exclusion condition from the user's operation input history stored in the history information storage unit 104. The exclusion condition may be, for example, a facility that was indicated as having a high priority in the information indicating the user's preferences transmitted to the processing device 21, but for which no operation was performed in the operation input information. The tallying unit 102 assigns a negative weight, for example, "-1 point," to the facilities that satisfy the exclusion condition. The tallying unit 102 then tallies the weighted score as the number of searches (scores) after weighting. By performing such tallying with a negative weight, it is possible to prevent facilities that the user dislikes from receiving a high score, even if they are in line with the user's preferences.

[0076] 14 is a diagram showing an example of a tally result stored in the content presentation system according to an embodiment, tallying up changes in preferences over time. In FIG. 14, operation input information by user 1 is shown along with the date on which the operation was performed. When performing tallying, the tallying unit 102 targets operations performed within a predetermined period (e.g., within three months) from the current time. This allows changes in user preferences over time and seasonal changes in preferences to be reflected in the tally result.

[0077] Furthermore, the tallying unit 102 may perform tallying by reflecting, in the operation input information, performance information, such as whether the user actually used the facility, received goods or services, or used a coupon. For example, in cooperation with a facility, the performance information indicating whether the user actually used the facility can be acquired by having a cash register terminal or the like at the facility notify the server 10 of the performance information via a network. Knowing whether the user actually used the facility makes it possible to measure the advertising effectiveness of the content displayed on the display device 20. For example, if the advertising effectiveness is high, it is possible to develop a service in which advertising expenses are received from nearby facilities and content is displayed on the display device 20. It is also possible to recommend the adoption of the content presentation system 1 to other accommodation facilities.

[0078] Furthermore, a service may be provided that makes it easier for users to select accommodations that have installed the content presentation system 1 when considering accommodations, by publishing a list of accommodations that have installed the content presentation system 1 or a map showing accommodations that have installed the content presentation system 1. Furthermore, a survey on user impressions of the display device 20 may be conducted at the time of checkout, etc., and the survey results may be reflected in information indicating the user's preferences and used for tabulation. Furthermore, the survey results may be reflected in user information and used for tabulation.

[0079] As described above, the content presentation system 1 of the embodiment includes a content storage unit 213, a display unit 202, a history information accumulation unit 104, and a content extraction unit 212. The content storage unit 213 stores areas where accommodation facilities are located in association with facilities related to the areas. The display unit 202 outputs (displays) information related to the facilities stored in the content storage unit 213 to a user terminal used by a user. The history information accumulation unit 104 accumulates history information, which is a history of operation inputs or viewings by the user (guest) with respect to the information displayed by the display unit 202. The content extraction unit 212 controls information to be output (displayed) from the display unit 202 based on aggregation result information, which is a result of aggregating the history information accumulated in the history information accumulation unit 104. The display unit 202 is an example of an "output unit." The content extraction unit 212 is an example of an "output control unit." The aggregation result information is information generated by the aggregation unit 102. The content storage unit 213 is an example of a "storage unit." As a result, the content presentation system 1 of the embodiment can present content that matches the user's preferences based on the tendency of operation inputs to displayed content. When a user searches for information related to the area where the user is staying using their smartphone or other device, various information is extracted, which can make it take a long time to find information on facilities that interest the user, or the user may not be able to find information on the facility of interest at all. In contrast, in the present embodiment, information stored in the content storage unit 213 (information correlating the area where the accommodation is located with facilities related to the area) is output, making it possible to extract facilities that are likely to match the user's preferences from among facilities that the guest is likely to use. Furthermore, because information limited to the area where the accommodation is located is used, there is no need to specify the area to be searched using user location information, etc. Therefore, content related to facilities that match the user's preferences among facilities near the accommodation can be presented without monitoring the user's location information.

[0080] Furthermore, in the content presentation system 1 according to the embodiment, the history information storage unit 104 stores the attributes of the lodger (user), including the lodger's (user's) accommodation style, in association with the history information. The content extraction unit 212 aggregates the history information according to the lodger's attributes as aggregation result information, and outputs (displays) the search results of searching the content storage unit 213 based on the aggregation result information on the display unit 202. Generally, the combination of the number, composition, and attributes of lodgers varies with each stay. That is, even the same user's accommodation style varies. Therefore, the facility that the user preferred the previous time they stayed alone may not necessarily be used the next time they stay with their family. To address this issue, the content presentation system 1 stores the history information in association with attributes including the lodger's (user's) accommodation style. As a result, the content presentation system 1 according to the embodiment can present content that the lodger is likely to use depending on the lodger's accommodation style.

[0081] In the content presentation system 1 of the embodiment, the attributes of the guest are identified based on information input by the guest or an image captured of the guest. As a result, the content presentation system 1 of the embodiment can present content that matches the user's preferences, depending on the accommodation style declared by the user or the accommodation style inferred based on an image captured of the user's visit to the accommodation facility.

[0082] Furthermore, in the content presentation system 1 of the embodiment, the aggregation result information generated by the aggregation unit 102 is information indicating the user's preferences estimated using a trained model that has learned the correspondence between operation inputs and preferences. As a result, the content presentation system 1 of the embodiment can generate information indicating the user's preferences using the trained model, and can easily aggregate the history of operation inputs by the user.

[0083] Furthermore, in the content presentation system 1 of the embodiment, the content extraction unit 212 outputs search results based on the aggregation results of the history of operation inputs by the user in the history information, aggregated by facility type. As a result, the content presentation system 1 of the embodiment can use the aggregation results in which an index (score) indicating the magnitude of the user's preference is associated with each facility type, and can extract facilities that match the user's preference for each facility type from facilities located around the accommodation facility.

[0084] Furthermore, in the content presentation system 1 of the embodiment, the content extraction unit 212 outputs search results based on the aggregation results that are weighted according to the content of the operation input from the user. As a result, the content presentation system 1 of the embodiment can use the aggregation results associated with an index (score) that indicates the magnitude of the user's preference weighted according to the content of the operation input, and can more accurately extract facilities that match the user's preference.

[0085] Furthermore, in the content presentation system 1 of the embodiment, the targets of weighting (operational inputs from the user) include an operation to purchase a product or service related to a facility, an operation to obtain a coupon related to the facility, and an operation to search for a facility. As a result, the content presentation system 1 of the embodiment can weight operations that are highly likely to result in the user actually using the facility, and can more accurately extract facilities that match the user's preferences.

[0086] Furthermore, in the content presentation system 1 of the embodiment, the content extraction unit 212 outputs search results based on the tabulation results with priority, and also outputs search results that are characteristic of the area and stored in the content storage unit 213. As a result, the content presentation system 1 of the embodiment can present not only facilities that match the user's preferences, but also facilities that offer experiences unique to the area.

[0087] Furthermore, in the content presentation system 1 of the embodiment, the content extraction unit 212 narrows down and outputs search results based on the tabulation results according to the behavioral patterns of the guests. As a result, the content presentation system 1 of the embodiment can avoid presenting facilities that match the user's preferences but are estimated to be unlikely to be used based on the user's behavioral patterns. Also, even if the user is not particularly interested in a facility, it can present facilities that are estimated to be likely to be used based on the user's behavioral patterns.

[0088] Furthermore, in the content presentation system 1 of the embodiment, the content extraction unit 212 outputs search results related to restaurants that are narrowed down according to a behavioral pattern depending on whether the user's accommodation plan includes meals. As a result, the content presentation system 1 of the embodiment can avoid presenting restaurants that are estimated to be unlikely to be used by a user staying with a meal plan, even if the user is interested in restaurants. Furthermore, even if the user is not particularly interested in restaurants, restaurants that are estimated to be likely to be used by a user staying with a meal plan can be presented.

[0089] Furthermore, in the content presentation system 1 of the embodiment, the content extraction unit 212 outputs, in order of priority, the first search result based on the tabulation results, the second search result obtained by narrowing down the first search result according to the user's behavioral pattern, and the third search result that is characteristic of the area and stored in the content storage unit 213. As a result, the content presentation system 1 of the embodiment can sequentially present to the user facilities that interest the user, facilities that the user is likely to use, and facilities that offer experiences unique to the local area.

[0090] The content presentation system 1 of the embodiment further includes a display device 20. The display device 20 is provided in an accommodation facility. The display device 20 includes a display unit 202 and a touch sensor 203. The display unit 202 displays content (search results) searched for by the content extraction unit 212. The touch sensor 203 accepts operation input from a user. This makes it possible for the content presentation system 1 of the embodiment to present content to a user and obtain operation input from a user via the display device 20 provided in the accommodation facility.

[0091] A modification of the embodiment will now be described. In this modification, content is displayed on a terminal device (user terminal) used by a user. Examples of the user terminal include a smartphone, a tablet, and a personal computer. In this modification, the content presentation system 1 provides an application for displaying content, such as an application providing a website for booking travel (hereinafter, a travel booking app). This travel booking app may be provided via a web browser or may be provided by being installed on a terminal such as a user terminal. The user terminal accesses a URL for providing services related to the travel booking app, or installs the travel booking app. This enables content to be displayed on the user terminal. For example, when a user uses the user terminal to make a hotel reservation from a website providing services related to the travel booking app, content related to facilities near the reserved accommodation is displayed on the user terminal.

[0092] 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by a content presentation system according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, which shows the flow of processing for displaying content on a user terminal.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 15 , an application server providing a service related to a content display application acquires user attribute information entered when registering an account on a site, and transmits the information to the content presentation system 1 (step S30). For example, when a user operates a user terminal to access a travel reservation site and registers an account on the travel reservation site, the application server transmits the user attribute information notified by the user terminal when registering the account as user information to the server 10. The server 10 receives the user information from the application server and stores the received user information in the history information accumulation unit 104. Next, when the user operates the user terminal to make a hotel reservation on the travel reservation site, the application server transmits information associating the accommodation facility with the guest (user) to the server 10 (step S31). The server 10 receives information (information associating the accommodation facility with the guest (user)) from the application server and stores the received information in the history information accumulation unit 104. The server 10 notifies the processing device 21 corresponding to the accommodation facility included in the received information of the user information and notifies the processing device 21 that the accommodation reservation has been made. When the processing device 21 receives from the server 10 a notice that a reservation has been made, it displays content corresponding to the welcome screen on the user terminal via the application server. The processes shown thereafter (steps S32 to S35) are the same as those shown in FIG. 5 (steps S12 to S15). The processes shown in FIG. 6 (steps S16 to S26) can also be similarly applied to this modified example. However, this modified example differs from the above-described embodiment (the processes shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) in that, when the processing device 21 displays content on the user terminal, it transmits content information to the user terminal via the application server.

[0094] As described above, in the content presentation system 1 according to the modified example of the embodiment, the content extraction unit 212 outputs information related to facilities stored in the content storage unit 213 to a user terminal used by the user. The content extraction unit 212 also outputs search results obtained by searching the content storage unit 213 based on the aggregation results of the history accumulated in the user operation DB 104 to the user terminal used by the user. This allows a user to display content related to facilities near an accommodation facility on their smartphone or the like before checking in to the accommodation facility, for example, when making a reservation for accommodation.

[0095] Here, the basic configuration of the content presentation system will be described with reference to FIG. 16 . FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of a content presentation system 3 according to an embodiment. The content presentation system 3 includes a storage unit 300, an output unit 301, a history information accumulation unit 302, and an output control unit 303. The storage unit 300 stores areas where accommodation facilities are located in association with facilities related to the areas. The storage unit 300 corresponds to the content storage unit 213. The output unit 301 outputs information (content) related to the facilities stored in the storage unit 300. The output unit 301 corresponds to the display unit 202. The history information accumulation unit 302 accumulates history information, which is a history of operation inputs or viewings made by guests (users) with respect to the information (content) output by the output unit 301. The history information accumulation unit 302 corresponds to the history information accumulation unit 104. The output control unit 303 controls the information (content) to be output from the output unit 301 based on the aggregation result information, which is the aggregation result of the history information accumulated in the history information accumulation unit 302. This output control unit 303 corresponds to the content extraction unit 212, which searches for and outputs content based on the aggregation result information generated by the aggregation unit 102.

[0096] 1 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be read into a computer system and executed to detect the location. Note that the term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

[0097] Furthermore, if a WWW system is used, the term "computer system" also includes the homepage provision environment (or display environment). Furthermore, "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 computer systems. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" also includes devices that retain programs for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory within a computer system that serves as a server or client. The program may be one that realizes part of the aforementioned functions, or it may be one that realizes the aforementioned functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system. The program may also be stored on a designated server, and distributed (e.g., downloaded) via a communication line in response to requests from other devices.

[0098] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0099] 1, 3 Content presentation system 10 Server 101 Communication unit 102 Counting unit 103 Data management unit 104 History information storage unit 20 Display device 200 Control unit 201 Communication unit 202 Display unit (output unit) 203 Touch sensor 204 Human presence sensor 206 Image processing unit 21 Processing device 210 Control unit 211 Communication unit 212 Content extraction unit (output control unit) 213 Content storage unit (storage unit) 214 Data management unit 215 Video signal output unit 300 Storage unit 301 Output unit 302 History information storage unit 303 Output control unit

Claims

1. A content presentation system comprising: a memory unit that stores an area in which accommodation facilities are located in association with facilities related to the area; an output unit that outputs information related to the facilities stored in the memory unit; a history information accumulation unit that accumulates history information which is a history of operations input or viewing by guests on the information output by the output unit; and an output control unit that controls information to be output from the output unit based on aggregation result information which is a result of aggregating the history information accumulated in the history information accumulation unit.

2. The content presentation system of claim 1, wherein the history information storage unit stores the history information in association with attributes of the lodger including the lodging style of the lodger, and the output control unit outputs from the output unit a search result obtained by searching the memory unit based on the aggregation result information, the result of aggregating the history information according to the attributes of the lodger as the aggregation result information.

3. The content presentation system according to claim 2, wherein the attributes of the guest are identified based on information input by the guest or an image taken of the guest.

4. A content presentation system as described in claim 1, wherein the aggregated result information is information indicating the preferences of the guest predicted using a trained model that has learned the correspondence between the history information and preferences.

5. A content presentation system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the output control unit outputs from the output unit a search result obtained by searching the memory unit based on the aggregation result information, the search result being calculated by aggregating the history input by the guest in the history information by type of facility as the aggregation result information.

6. A content presentation system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the output control unit outputs from the output unit a search result obtained by searching the memory unit based on the aggregation result information, the search result being weighted according to the content of the operational input made by the guest in the history information and compiled as the aggregation result information.

7. The content presentation system according to claim 6, wherein the operational input from the guest includes an operation to purchase a product or service related to the facility, an operation to obtain a coupon related to the facility, and an operation to search for the facility.

8. A content presentation system as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the output control unit causes the output unit to give priority to search results obtained by searching the memory unit based on the aggregation result information, and outputs from the output unit search results that are characteristic of the area stored in the memory unit.

9. A content presentation system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the output control unit outputs from the output unit information that is a search result obtained by searching the memory unit based on the aggregation result information and that is narrowed down according to the behavioral patterns of the guests.

10. The content presentation system according to claim 9, wherein the output control unit outputs search results relating to restaurants from the output unit, narrowed down according to the behavioral pattern depending on whether the guest's accommodation plan includes meals or not.

11. The content presentation system of claim 1, wherein the output control unit outputs from the output unit a first search result obtained by searching the memory unit based on the aggregation result information, a second search result obtained by narrowing down the first search result in accordance with the behavioral patterns of the guests, and a third search result characteristic of the area stored in the memory unit, in the order of the first search result, the second search result, and the third search result.

12. A content presentation system as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a display device provided in the accommodation facility and having an output unit that displays information based on control by the output control unit, and an input unit that accepts operational input from the guest.

13. A content presentation method performed by a computer used in a content presentation system 1 having a memory unit that stores an association between an area in which accommodation facilities are located and facilities related to that area, the content presentation method comprising the steps of: outputting information related to the facilities stored in the memory unit; storing historical information in a historical information storage unit, which is a history of operations input or viewing by the guest on the output information; and determining the information to be output based on aggregation result information, which is a result of aggregating the historical information accumulated in the historical information storage unit.

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