Support method, information processing device, and computer program

Abstract

An information processing device 20 acquires the state of usage of a predetermined area (target area) by a plurality of users. The information processing device 20 determines whether the state of usage of the target area satisfies a predetermined criterion. When it is determined that the state of usage of the target area satisfies the criterion, the information processing device 20 issues permission information for permitting a predetermined service provider entry into a security section including the target area. The information processing device 20 invalidates the permission information when an action of the service provider toward a user using the target area is executed or when a period for which entry into the security section is permitted has elapsed.

Description

Support method, information processing apparatus, and computer program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to data processing technology, and more particularly to a support method, an information processing apparatus, and a computer program.

[0002] Patent Document 1 below describes a labor support device that selects a workplace suitable for a user based on the user's environment, schedule, and past work history, and proposes the selected workplace to the user.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-060947

[0004] In recent years, while remote work has become widespread, the importance of face-to-face communication has been reexamined, and there is a movement to increase the number of people going to the office. One object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology for supporting the gathering of people in a predetermined area such as an office.

[0005] To solve the above problems, a support method according to an aspect of the present disclosure acquires the usage status of a predetermined area by a plurality of users, determines whether the usage status of the area satisfies a predetermined criterion, and when it is determined that the usage status of the area satisfies the criterion, issues permission information for permitting entry into a security section including the area to a predetermined operator, and invalidates the permission information when an action of the operator on a user using the area is executed, or when the time for permitting entry into the security section has elapsed. This is executed by a computer.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing apparatus. This apparatus includes an acquisition unit that acquires the usage status of a predetermined area by a plurality of users, a determination unit that determines whether the usage status of the area satisfies a predetermined criterion, an issuance unit that issues permission information for permitting entry into a security section including the area to a predetermined operator when it is determined that the usage status of the area satisfies the criterion, and an update unit that invalidates the permission information when an action of the operator on a user using the area is executed, or when the time for permitting entry into the security section has elapsed.

[0007] Furthermore, any combination of the above components, or any conversion of the expressions of this disclosure between systems, computer programs, recording media containing computer programs, etc., are also valid forms of this disclosure.

[0008] The technology disclosed herein can help gather people into designated areas such as offices.

[0009] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the support system of the embodiment. This is a block diagram showing the functional blocks of the information processing device of the embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of action information of the embodiment. This is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device of the embodiment. This is a block diagram showing the functional blocks of the information processing device of the first modified example. This is a diagram showing an example of action information of the first modified example.

[0010] The subject of the apparatus or method in this disclosure comprises a computer. The functions of the subject of the apparatus or method in this disclosure are realized by the computer executing a program. The computer comprises a processor as its main hardware component, which operates according to the program. The processor is of any type as long as it can realize its functions by executing the program. The processor consists of one or more electronic circuits, including an Integrated Circuit (IC) or a Large Scale Integration (LSI). Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated on one chip or provided on multiple chips. Multiple chips may be aggregated in one device or provided on multiple devices. The program may be recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a Read Only Memory (ROM), optical disc, or hard disk drive that is readable by the computer, or on a temporary storage medium such as a Random Access Memory (RAM) that is readable by the computer. The program may be pre-stored on the recording medium, or it may be supplied to the recording medium or storage medium via a wide-area communication network, including the Internet.

[0011] In the support system of this embodiment, an area for holding events to gather people (referred to as the "target area") is set in advance. In this embodiment, the target area is a specific space or section within an office (for example, a meeting space, individual workspace, or cafe space). As a variation, the target area may be a space or section other than an office (for example, a gathering place in a public facility). It should be noted that the support system of the present invention does not necessarily require the target area to be set in advance; it may be activated by triggering the gathering state in the target area. For example, sensors may be used to measure the gathering state of people in one or more areas. If the measured number of users in a certain area exceeds a predetermined threshold for the number of people gathered, and it seems that further interaction between people can be encouraged, or if the measured number is below a predetermined threshold, and it is desirable to encourage further gathering of people, that area may be set as a target area for the provision of goods or services by a predetermined vendor.

[0012] The events designed to attract people in this implementation are designed to improve attendance rates, with an emphasis on increasing the rate at which people gather in the target area. They are also actions taken by designated vendors towards users of the target area, and provide benefits to users who utilize (work in) the target area. Specifically, the event is the provision of goods or services by a designated vendor. For example, the event could be a local pastry shop offering cakes to users who utilize the target area.

[0013] In the implementation of this support system, when the number of people using the target area exceeds a predetermined standard (such as a target number), an entry permit to the target area is issued to a designated vendor. Then, once the vendor has finished their actions with the users of the target area, the entry permit to the target area is revoked. According to the implementation of this support system, it is possible to maintain office security, increase the attendance rate of employees in the office, enable efficient use of air conditioning and lighting, and promote communication among employees using the target area.

[0014] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the support system 10 of the embodiment. The support system 10 is an information processing system in which multiple user terminals 12, sensors 14, multiple vendor terminals 16, an access control system 18, and an information processing device 20 work together. Each device constituting the support system 10 is connected to each other via a communication network 22 including LAN, WAN, and the Internet.

[0015] The areas where measures to improve employee attendance rates are implemented are included in the company's security zones. Security zones can also be described as information management zones, where entry is restricted to authorized personnel only. For example, a security zone is the area inside the entrance / exit gates (security gates) of an office building.

[0016] Multiple user terminals 12 are information terminals owned and operated by multiple different users. Multiple user terminals 12 include user terminal 12a, user terminal 12b, user terminal 12c, user terminal 12d, and user terminal 12e. Each of the multiple user terminals 12 may be a PC, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone.

[0017] Multiple users are employees of the same company and represent the population of users who can use the target area. In Figure 1, two users, corresponding to user terminals 12a and 12b, are currently using the target area. Three other users, corresponding to user terminals 12c, 12d, and 12e, are not currently using the target area. These three users who are not using the target area may be working in an area outside the target area within the office, or they may be working remotely from home. Users who can use the target area are not limited to employees of the same company. For example, multiple users may belong to different organizations (different companies, etc.). The target area may be an area jointly used by multiple users belonging to different organizations, such as a shared office. In this way, designating a shared space as the target area can be expected to further promote interaction and communication among multiple users belonging to different companies, etc.

[0018] Sensor 14 is a sensing device that detects the usage status of the target area by the user. Sensor 14 may be included in the user terminal 12.

[0019] The multiple vendor terminals 16 are information terminals of multiple different vendors, and include vendor terminal 16a, vendor terminal 16b, and vendor terminal 16c. Each of the multiple vendor terminals 16 may be a PC, tablet terminal, or smartphone. Each of the multiple vendors is a company that provides or proposes a predetermined product or service to users of the target space. For example, the multiple vendors (examples of actions) may include an insurance company (insurance solicitation), a confectionery shop (serving cakes), a coffee shop (serving coffee), and a fitness club (on-site exercise). Note that the user terminal 12 and the vendor terminals 16 include a display unit such as an LCD display.

[0020] The access control system 18 is a system that manages entry into and exit from a security area. For example, the access control system 18 manages information on persons authorized to enter the security area (e.g., users, contractors, etc.), authenticates entrants and exiters, and controls the opening and closing of security gates.

[0021] The information processing device 20 performs information processing to support the improvement of the utilization rate of the target area (which can also be described as the attendance rate of employees in the target area). The information processing device 20 may be a server installed in the office or a server installed in the cloud.

[0022] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional blocks of an information processing device 20 according to an embodiment. Various functions shown in Figure 2 are realized by the computer mounted on the information processing device 20 executing a program. The computer includes hardware such as memory for loading programs, one or more processors (CPUs, etc.) for executing the loaded programs, auxiliary storage devices, and other LSIs. The processor is composed of multiple electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits and LSIs, and these multiple electronic circuits may be mounted on a single chip or on multiple chips. The functional blocks shown in Figure 2 are realized through the cooperation of hardware and software, and therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways using hardware alone, software alone, or a combination thereof.

[0023] The information processing device 20 comprises a processing unit 30, a storage unit 32, and a communication unit 34. The processing unit 30 performs various information processing. The storage unit 32 stores various data that are referenced or updated by the processing unit 30. The communication unit 34 communicates with external devices according to a predetermined communication protocol. The processing unit 30 sends and receives data to and from the user terminal 12, sensor 14, vendor terminal 16, and access control system 18 via the communication unit 34.

[0024] The memory unit 32 includes a reference memory unit 40 and an action information memory unit 42. The reference memory unit 40 stores information indicating criteria regarding the usage status of the target area (hereinafter also referred to as "reward provision criteria") as predetermined conditions for providing benefits to users of the target area. The reward provision criteria may be a threshold for the number of users (e.g., 10 people) or a threshold for user density (e.g., 0.2 people / m²). ２ ) may also be the number of users. The number of users may be the number of users using the target area. The user density may be the value obtained by dividing the number of users by the area of ​​the target area. The criteria for providing benefits may be determined to be an appropriate value based on the knowledge of the developers of the information processing device 20 or through experiments using the support system 10.

[0025] The action information storage unit 42 stores information about actions to be requested from the service provider when the usage status of the target area meets the criteria for providing benefits (hereinafter also referred to as "action information"). Figure 3 shows an example of action information in an embodiment. The action information includes multiple items, and in the example in Figure 3, it includes items for decision-maker, service provider, action details, and permitted time.

[0026] The "Decision-Maker" field includes information about the person who decided on or authorized the vendor's action, in other words, the person who allowed the vendor to enter the security area to provide the action. The "Vendor" field includes information about the vendor providing the action. The "Action Details" field includes detailed information about the action provided by the vendor. The "Authorized Time" field is the time the vendor (e.g., a delivery person for goods or services) is permitted to stay within the security area from the time they enter it.

[0027] Furthermore, it is desirable that the businesses providing actions to users in the target area are located within a specified distance from the target area (office buildings, etc., that include the target area). Alternatively, it is desirable that the businesses are located in the same region (e.g., city or town) or district (e.g., town or village) as the target area. The business's location is the place where the business's base (e.g., head office, branch office, sales office, etc.) is established. This configuration can contribute to the revitalization of the areas surrounding the target area.

[0028] The processing unit 30 includes a usage status acquisition unit 50, a first determination unit 52, an issuance unit 54, a notification unit 56, a second determination unit 58, and an update unit 60. The functions of these multiple functional blocks may be implemented in a computer program, and this computer program may be installed in the storage of the information processing device 20. The processor mounted on the information processing device 20 may perform the functions of these multiple functional blocks by reading this computer program into main memory and executing it.

[0029] The usage status acquisition unit 50 acquires the usage status of the target area by multiple users. The first determination unit 52 determines whether the usage status of the target area meets the reward provision criteria stored in the reference storage unit 40. In this embodiment, the usage status acquisition unit 50 acquires the current usage status of the target area, and the first determination unit 52 determines whether the current usage status of the target area meets the reward provision criteria. The usage status of the target area may be calculated, for example, by measuring the number of users using the target area with a sensor, and using the measured number of users or the user density calculated from the number of users in a predetermined area unit.

[0030] If the first determination unit 52 determines that the usage status of the target area meets the criteria for providing benefits, the issuing unit 54 issues permission information to a designated business operator, allowing them to enter the security area including the target area. In this embodiment, the issuing unit 54 identifies the business operator specified by the action information stored in the action information storage unit 42 as a designated business operator and generates permission information for the designated business operator. The notification unit 56 notifies the designated business operator of the permission information issued (generated) by the issuing unit 54.

[0031] The second determination unit 58 determines whether the predetermined conditions for the expiration of the permission information have been met. The expiration conditions are met when an action is taken by the designated vendor against a user using the target area, or when the time for which entry into the security area is permitted (permission time for the action information) has elapsed. If the second determination unit 58 determines that the conditions for the expiration of the permission information have been met, the update unit 60 expires the permission information. The notification unit 56 notifies the designated vendor that the permission information has expired.

[0032] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device 20 of the embodiment. The operation of the support system 10 of the embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 4.

[0033] The usage status acquisition unit 50 of the information processing device 20 acquires the current usage status of a predetermined target area within the office (S10). In this embodiment, each of the multiple user terminals 12 detects its own location using a known positioning technology such as GPS (Global Positioning System). Each of the multiple user terminals 12 transmits information indicating its own location to the information processing device 20. Based on the locations of the multiple user terminals 12 notified by the multiple user terminals 12, the usage status acquisition unit 50 detects the number of users currently using the target area as the current usage status of the target area. Users currently using the target area can also be said to be users who are in the target area to perform work or other tasks within the vicinity of the office.

[0034] The first determination unit 52 of the information processing device 20 determines whether the number of users using the target area detected in S10 is equal to or greater than the benefit provision criteria (in this case, a predetermined threshold for the number of users) stored in the reference storage unit 40.

[0035] If the number of users using the target area is equal to or greater than the user threshold for providing benefits (Y in S11), the issuing unit 54 of the information processing device 20 identifies a designated vendor to provide an action to the users using the target area, based on the action information stored in the action information storage unit 42. The issuing unit 54 generates information for a temporary entry permit (in other words, a time-limited entry permit) for the identified designated vendor (S12).

[0036] The entry permit includes (a) entry permit information that authorizes entry into the security area, (b) information on the action to be requested from the designated contractor (details of the action in Figure 3), and (c) the time for which entry into the security area is permitted (permission time in Figure 3). The issuing unit 54 generates the entry permit and registers with the entry / exit management system 18 that it authorizes the designated contractor to enter the security area.

[0037] The information processing device 20 may provide greater benefits to users of the target area when multiple users belonging to different departments use the target area than when only users belonging to the same department use the target area. Two configuration examples are shown below.

[0038] Configuration Example 1: The location information of each user terminal 12 acquired by the usage status acquisition unit 50 in S10 may include identification information of the user operating each user terminal 12 (e.g., employee ID, biometric identification information such as fingerprints or iris scans). In S12, the issuing unit 54 may refer to an employee information database or the like using the user's identification information as a key to identify the department to which each user using the target area belongs. If the number of users using the target area meets the criteria for providing benefits, and multiple users belonging to different departments use the target area, the issuing unit 54 may increase the number of vendors to issue admission permits compared to when only users belonging to the same department use the target area. In other words, the number of vendors to perform actions for users using the target area may be increased.

[0039] For example, if only users belonging to the same department use the target area, the issuing unit 54 may issue an entry permit to only one vendor (for example, company A in Figure 3), while if multiple users belonging to different departments use the target area, it may issue entry permits to two vendors (for example, company A and company B in Figure 3). Users from different departments may not interact with each other much on a daily basis, but according to the configuration in Example 1, it is possible to encourage multiple users from different departments to use (work in) the same area, and to promote interaction and communication among these multiple users.

[0040] Configuration Example 2: In S12, the issuing unit 54 may have the vendor perform a more expensive action than when only users belonging to the same department use the target area, if the number of users using the target area meets the criteria for providing benefits, and multiple users belonging to different departments use the target area.

[0041] For example, if only users belonging to the same department use the target area, the issuing unit 54 may issue an admission permit requesting a confectionery shop, as a vendor, to provide cookies as a relatively inexpensive action specified in the action information. On the other hand, if multiple users belonging to different departments use the target area, the issuing unit 54 may issue an admission permit requesting the provision of cookies and cakes as relatively expensive actions specified in the action information. In the embodiment of Example 2, it is possible to promote the use of the same area by multiple users from different departments and to promote interaction and communication among these multiple users.

[0042] Returning to the explanation of Figure 4, the notification unit 56 of the information processing device 20 transmits the information of the entry permit generated in S12 to one or more vendor terminals (vendor terminals 16) specified by the action information in Figure 3 (S13). The vendor terminal 16 of the designated vendor displays the information of the entry permit on its display unit. The designated vendor performs the action indicated by the entry permit. For example, the designated vendor presents the entry permit (entry permit information) to the entry / exit management system 18 to enter the security area and provides the goods or services indicated by the entry permit to users in the target area.

[0043] Subsequent processing regarding the expiration of entry permits is carried out in parallel for each designated vendor that issued the entry permit. The second determination unit 58 of the information processing device 20 detects when an action is taken by a designated vendor toward a user using the target area. For example, the second determination unit 58 may detect that an action has been taken by a designated vendor toward a user using the target area when it receives a completion notification from the vendor terminal 16, etc., indicating that an action has been taken toward a user using the target area, or when it receives acceptance information from the user terminal 12, etc., indicating that an action has been taken toward a user using the target area.

[0044] Further, when the time (permission time in FIG. 3) for permitting the designated contractor to enter the security section, which is defined by the action information in the action information storage unit 42, has elapsed, the second determination unit 58 detects this. For example, the second determination unit 58 may receive the time when the designated contractor entered the security section from the entry / exit management system 18, and when the elapsed time from the entry time reaches the permission time, detect that the permission time has elapsed.

[0045] When the second determination unit 58 detects that an action of the designated contractor has been executed on a user using the target area, or when it detects that the time for permitting the designated contractor to enter the security section has elapsed, it determines that the invalidation condition of the entry permit has been satisfied. The information processing apparatus 20 waits until the invalidation condition of the entry permit is satisfied for each designated contractor to whom the entry permit has been issued (N in S14).

[0046] When it is determined that the invalidation condition of the entry permit for a certain designated contractor has been satisfied (Y in S14), the update unit 60 and the notification unit 56 of the information processing apparatus 20 execute a process of invalidating the entry permit for the designated contractor (S15). For example, the update unit 60 may register with the entry / exit management system 18 to cancel (or invalidate) the permission for the designated contractor to enter the security section. Further, the notification unit 56 may transmit information indicating that the entry permit has been invalidated to the terminal (contractor terminal 16) of the designated contractor.

[0047] When the number of users using the target area is less than the user number threshold as the privilege provision standard (N in S11), the processes after S12 are skipped. The information processing apparatus 20 may repeatedly execute the process shown in FIG. 4. For example, the information processing apparatus 20 may periodically acquire the usage status of the target area and periodically determine whether the usage status of the target area satisfies the privilege provision standard. Note that a plurality of target areas may be provided, and in that case, the information processing apparatus 20 may execute the processes from S10 to S15 in parallel for each target area.

[0048] According to the information processing device 20 of this embodiment, it is possible to improve the utilization rate of a target area (for example, a specific workspace within an office building) while maintaining the security of that area. Furthermore, by gathering people in a limited target area, efficient use of air conditioning and lighting can be achieved, resulting in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, by providing benefits such as goods and services to users who use the target area, it is possible not only to provide users with an incentive to use the target area, but also to promote communication among users who use the target area.

[0049] The present disclosure has been described above based on embodiments. The embodiments are illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible for each component or combination of processing processes of the embodiments, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0050] <First Modification> In the first modification, the green points awarded to users are used to provide actions. Green points are an index value that shows the degree to which a user has contributed to decarbonization (amount of contribution). For example, user A who sets the air conditioner temperature to 26 degrees in the summer may be awarded 1 new green point (1 point added), and user B who sets it to 27 degrees may be awarded 2 new green points (2 points added). On the other hand, user C who sets it to 25 degrees may be awarded -1 new green point (1 point subtracted).

[0051] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the functional blocks of the information processing device 20 in the first modified example. The information processing device 20 may further include a user information storage unit 44 and a point awarding unit 62. The user information storage unit 44 stores the amount of green points awarded to each of the multiple users.

[0052] The point awarding unit 62 may acquire information about each user's actions (for example, the set temperature of the air conditioner) from a predetermined external device (for example, an electrical appliance, a sensor, a camera, a user terminal 12, etc.). The point awarding unit 62 awards green points to each user based on each user's actions. The point awarding unit 62 stores the amount of green points awarded to each user in the user information storage unit 44.

[0053] Figure 6 shows an example of action information in the first modified example. The action information stored in the action information storage unit 42 may include owned green points as conditions for providing the action. The location information notified from each user terminal 12 may include user identification information (e.g., employee ID). The issuing unit 54 may identify individual users using the target area based on the location information including user identification information notified from each user terminal 12. The issuing unit 54 may then refer to the user information storage unit 44 to calculate the total value of green points awarded to multiple users using the target area.

[0054] The issuing unit 54 may decide to provide an action to multiple users using the target area (providing a sample cake in Figure 3) if the usage status of the target area (e.g., the number of users) meets the criteria for providing benefits, and the total value of green points awarded to multiple users using the target area is equal to or greater than the total number of green points owned (10 points in Figure 3). According to the information processing device 20 of the first modified example, an incentive to acquire green points can be given to each user, and decarbonization behavior can be effectively encouraged to each user.

[0055] In another embodiment, if the usage status of the target area meets the criteria for providing benefits, and the total value of green points awarded to multiple users using the target area is equal to or greater than the total number of green points owned, the issuing unit 54 may set the permission time on the entry permit to be longer than the permission time specified in the action information (e.g., 15 minutes) (e.g., 25 minutes). Since a longer permission time will ultimately benefit users using the target area, this embodiment also provides an incentive for each user to earn green points and effectively encourages decarbonization behavior from each user.

[0056] <Second Modification> The notification unit 56 of the information processing device 20 may notify multiple users who may use the target area of ​​information regarding actions taken by a designated vendor for users who use the target area, before the action is performed. For example, if the action information shown in Figure 3 is defined, the notification unit 56 may send information to multiple user terminals 12 indicating that by using the target area, users can receive services such as insurance solicitation and sample cake provision, and have them display this information on their display units. According to the information processing device 20 of the second modification, it is possible to further improve the utilization rate of the target area. The timing of the notification unit 56 notifying users of action-related information may be while the user is using the target area, or it may be before the user uses the target area. For example, if action-related information is notified to a user who is considering whether or not to come to work before their proposed work date, it is expected that this will attract the user's attention and further encourage an increase in the rate of coming to work in the target area.

[0057] <Third Modification> If the notification unit 56 of the information processing device 20 determines that the usage status of the target area does not meet the criteria for providing benefits, it may notify multiple users (user terminals 12) of information that the usage status of the target area does not meet the criteria for providing benefits. The information that the usage status of the target area does not meet the criteria for providing benefits may include at least one of the following: (a) the number of users currently using the target area, (b) the number of users in the target area as defined by the criteria for providing benefits, or (c) the number of users who are short of the criteria for providing benefits (i.e., the value of b-a). The information that the usage status of the target area does not meet the criteria for providing benefits may also include information about actions that would be provided to users of the target area if the usage status of the target area met the criteria for providing benefits (for example, insurance solicitation or provision of sample cakes). According to the information processing device 20 of the third modification, the usage rate of the target area can be further improved, similar to the second modification.

[0058] <Fourth Modification> A modification concerning the acquisition of usage status of the target area will be explained. (a) The entry / exit management system 18 may manage entry and exit information for the target area. The entry / exit information for the target area may include information on users who have entered the target area and information on users who have left the target area. The usage status acquisition unit 50 of the information processing device 20 may identify users present in the target area as users of the target area based on the entry / exit information for the target area acquired from the entry / exit management system 18, and detect the number of users using the target area.

[0059] (b) The sensor 14 may include a camera that images the space within the target area. The usage status acquisition unit 50 may analyze the images captured by the camera of the sensor 14 to detect the number of users present in the target space.

[0060] (c) The usage status acquisition unit 50 may acquire information about terminals (which may be user terminals 12) connected to the network in the target area from communication equipment or information equipment that manages the network in the target area. The usage status acquisition unit 50 may also detect the number of terminals connected to the network in the target area as the number of users using the target area.

[0061] (d) Each user using the target space may possess a predetermined short-range wireless communication device (e.g., a Bluetooth® transmitter). A short-range wireless communication base station (e.g., a Bluetooth base station) may be installed in the target space. The usage status acquisition unit 50 may acquire information on communication devices connected via short-range wireless communication from the base station installed in the target space. The usage status acquisition unit 50 may detect the number of communication devices connected to the base station installed in the target space as the number of users using the target area.

[0062] <Fifth Modification> The notification unit 56 of the information processing device 20 may transmit, in addition to the information on the entry permit, information on users using the target area (hereinafter also referred to as "user information") to the vendor terminal 16 of the designated vendor specified in the action information. The user information may include the age group and gender ratio of users using the target area. The designated vendor who has confirmed the user information may send a request to the information processing device 20 to revise the action.

[0063] When the issuing unit 54 of the information processing device 20 receives a review request transmitted from the vendor terminal 16 of the designated vendor, it may change the action details based on the user information provided to the designated vendor. For example, the issuing unit 54 may change the default action details to action details that are more suitable for the age group and gender ratio of the user indicated in the user information. The issuing unit 54 may generate new admission permit information including the changed action details, and the notification unit 56 may transmit the new admission permit information to the vendor terminal 16 of the designated vendor.

[0064] <Sixth Modification> In the above embodiment, the usage status acquisition unit 50 of the information processing device 20 acquires the current usage status of the target area, and the first determination unit 52 of the information processing device 20 determines whether the current usage status of the target area meets the criteria for providing benefits. As a modification, the user terminal 12 may pre-register the use of the target area at a future point in time (for example, tomorrow) with the information processing device 20 in response to the user's operation. The usage status acquisition unit 50 may acquire the usage status of the target area at a future point in time (for example, tomorrow) based on the pre-registered information transmitted from a plurality of user terminals 12. The first determination unit 52 may determine whether the usage status of the target area at a future point in time (for example, tomorrow) meets the criteria for providing benefits. If the usage status of the target area at a future point in time (for example, tomorrow) meets the criteria for providing benefits, the issuing unit 54 may issue an admission permit instructing the business to take action at a future point in time (for example, tomorrow).

[0065] Any combination of the embodiments and modifications described above is also useful as an embodiment of the present disclosure. The new embodiments resulting from such combinations will possess the combined effects of the respective embodiments and modifications. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the functions to be performed by each constituent element described in the claims can be achieved by each component shown in the embodiments and modifications individually or in combination thereof. In addition, where terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used in this specification or in the claims, unless otherwise specified, they do not indicate any order or importance, but are used to distinguish one configuration from another.

[0066] <Note> Based on the above description of embodiments and modifications, the following technologies are disclosed. [Technology 1] A computer-assisted method that acquires the usage status of a predetermined area by multiple users, determines whether the usage status of the area meets predetermined criteria, issues permission information to a predetermined vendor to allow entry into a security area including the area if it is determined that the usage status of the area meets the criteria, and revokes the permission information when the vendor's action is performed on a user using the area, or when the time for granting entry to the security area has elapsed. This assistance method makes it possible to improve the utilization rate of a specific area (for example, the attendance rate to a specific area in an office) while maintaining the security of the specific area. Furthermore, by gathering people in a specific area, efficient use of air conditioning and lighting can be achieved, resulting in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, it can promote communication among users using the specific area. [Technology 2] The assistance method according to Technology 1, wherein information regarding the vendor's action on a user using the area is notified to the multiple users before the action is performed. This assistance method makes it possible to further improve the utilization rate of a specific area. [Technology 3] The support method described in Technology 1, wherein the business operator is a business operator located within a predetermined distance from the area. This support method can contribute to the revitalization of the area surrounding a specific area. [Technology 4] The support method described in Technology 1, wherein if it is determined that the usage status of the area does not meet the criteria, the support method notifies the multiple users of information that the usage status of the area does not meet the criteria. This support method can further improve the usage rate of a specific area. [Technology 5] The support method described in Technology 1, wherein when multiple users belonging to different departments use the area, the number of businesses that issue permission information is increased compared to when only users belonging to the same department use the area. This promotes the use of the same area by multiple users belonging to different departments and promotes interaction and communication among these multiple users.[Technology 6] The support method described in Technology 1, wherein when multiple users belonging to different departments use the area, the service provider is required to perform a more expensive action than when only users belonging to the same department use the area. This promotes the use of the same area by multiple users belonging to different departments and facilitates interaction and communication among these multiple users. [Technology 7] An information processing device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires the usage status of a predetermined area by multiple users; a determination unit that determines whether the usage status of the area meets predetermined criteria; an issuing unit that, if it is determined that the usage status of the area meets the criteria, issues permission information to a predetermined service provider granting entry to a security area including the area; and an update unit that invalidates the permission information when the service provider performs an action for a user using the area, or when the time for granting entry to the security area has elapsed. According to this information processing device, the utilization rate of a specific area can be improved while maintaining the security of that area. Furthermore, by gathering people in a specific area, efficient use of air conditioning and lighting can be achieved, resulting in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, communication among users using a specific area can be promoted. [Technology 8] A computer program that causes a computer to perform the following actions: acquire the usage status of a predetermined area by multiple users; determine whether the usage status of the area meets predetermined criteria; if it is determined that the usage status of the area meets the criteria, issue permission information to a predetermined company that allows entry into a security area including the area; and revoke the permission information when the company takes action for users using the area, or when the time for which entry into the security area is permitted has elapsed. According to this computer program, it is possible to improve the utilization rate of a specific area while maintaining the security of that area. In addition, by gathering people in a specific area, the efficient use of air conditioning and lighting can be realized, and as a result, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced. Furthermore, it can promote communication among users using the specific area.

[0067] The technology disclosed herein can be applied to information processing systems and information processing devices.

[0068] 10 Support system, 12 User terminal, 16 Vendor terminal, 18 Access control system, 20 Information processing device, 50 Usage status acquisition unit, 52 First determination unit, 54 Issuance unit, 56 Notification unit, 58 Second determination unit, 60 Update unit.

Claims

1. A computer assistance method for performing the following actions: acquiring the usage status of a predetermined area by multiple users; determining whether the usage status of the area meets predetermined criteria; issuing permission information to a designated vendor to allow entry into a security area including the area if the usage status of the area meets the criteria; and expiring the permission information when the vendor takes action against a user using the area, or when the time for which entry into the security area is permitted has elapsed.

2. The support method according to claim 1, wherein information regarding the actions of the service provider to users using the area is notified to the plurality of users before the actions are performed.

3. The support method according to claim 1, wherein the business operator is a business operator whose residence is within a predetermined distance from the area.

4. The support method according to claim 1, wherein if it is determined that the usage status of the area does not meet the criteria, the method notifies the multiple users of information that the usage status of the area does not meet the criteria.

5. The support method according to claim 1, wherein when multiple users belonging to different departments use the area, the number of vendors issuing the permission information is increased compared to when only users belonging to the same department use the area.

6. The support method according to claim 1, wherein when multiple users belonging to different departments use the area, the service provider is required to perform a more expensive action than when only users belonging to the same department use the area.

7. An information processing device comprising: an acquisition unit for acquiring the usage status of a predetermined area by multiple users; a determination unit for determining whether the usage status of the area meets predetermined criteria; an issuing unit for issuing permission information to a predetermined vendor if it is determined that the usage status of the area meets the criteria; and an update unit for expiring the permission information when the vendor takes action against a user using the area, or when the time for granting permission to enter the security area has elapsed.

8. A computer program that causes a computer to perform the following actions: acquire the usage status of a designated area by multiple users; determine whether the usage status of the area meets predetermined criteria; if it is determined that the usage status of the area meets the criteria, issue permission information to a designated vendor allowing entry into a security area including the area; and revoke the permission information when the vendor takes action against a user using the area, or when the time for which entry into the security area is permitted has elapsed.

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