INFORMATION PRESENTATION COLLECTION SYSTEM, INFORMATION PRESENTATION COLLECTION METHOD, AND RECORD MEDIUM RECORDING INFORMATION PRESENTATION COLLECTION PROGRAM

An information presentation collection system includes a question display device, a reply candidate display device, a sensor to detect people moving in the passage, and processing circuitry to measure a number of the people moving in a direction towards the reply candidate display device. The processing circuitry repeatedly performs display switching of switching the display positions of the plurality of reply candidates to each other according to a predetermined schedule, counts a total number of people who selected each of the plurality of reply candidates in a plurality of information collection periods based on the number of the people measured in each information collection period from one of the display switchings to the next display switching, and outputs a value based on a ratio regarding a plurality of the total numbers as an evaluation value.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to an information presentation collection system, an information presentation collection method, and an information presentation collection program.

2. Description of the Related Art

There has been proposed a system including a display device that displays a question, an input device including an input unit that receives an input of a reply to the question, a recognition device that recognizes people, and a reply collection device that determines a change in moving speed of each of a plurality of moving people and a person who made the input to the input unit based on the result of the recognition of the people and collects replies corresponding to the inputs (see Patent Reference 1, for example). Further, this system classifies no-reply people who did not reply to the question (i.e., people who did not use the input unit) into a group of people who had no interest in the question and a group of people who had an interest in the question but refused to reply based on the presence/absence of a decrease in the moving speed of each person and counts the numbers of the two groups of people.

Patent Reference 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-206692 (see claims 1 and 4, for example).

However, in the above-described conventional system, there is a problem in that accuracy of the determination of the consciousness of each person who passed through the input unit without using the input unit is low.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present disclosure is to collect replies to a question from moving people with high accuracy.

An information presentation collection system in the present disclosure includes a question display device to present a question; a reply candidate display device to display a plurality of reply candidates, as options for a reply to the question, at display positions different from each other in a width direction of a passage; at least one of sensors to detect people moving in the passage and to output a detection signal; and processing circuitry to measure a number of the people moving in a direction towards the reply candidate display device in each of a plurality of regions, which are set by dividing the passage in the width direction of the passage and corresponding respectively to the plurality of reply candidates, based on the detection signal, and to control operation of the information presentation collection system. The processing circuitry repeatedly performs display switching of switching the display positions of the plurality of reply candidates to each other according to a predetermined schedule, counts a total number of people who selected each of the plurality of reply candidates in a plurality of information collection periods based on the number of the people measured in each information collection period from one of the display switchings to the next display switching, and outputs a value based on a ratio regarding a plurality of the total numbers as an evaluation value.

An information presentation collection method in the present disclosure is a method to be executed by an information processing device in an information presentation collection system including a question display device to present a question, a reply candidate display device to display a plurality of reply candidates, as options for a reply to the question, at display positions different from each other in a width direction of a passage, a sensor to detect people moving in the passage and outputs a detection signal, and the information processing device. The method includes measuring a number of the people moving in a direction towards the reply candidate display device in each of a plurality of regions, which are set by dividing the passage in the width direction of the passage and corresponding respectively to the plurality of reply candidates, based on the detection signal; repeatedly performing display switching of switching the display positions of the plurality of reply candidates to each other according to a predetermined schedule; counting a total number of people who selected each of the plurality of reply candidates in a plurality of information collection periods based on the number of the people measured in each information collection period from one of the display switchings to the next display switching; and outputting a value based on a ratio regarding a plurality of the total numbers as an evaluation value.

According to the present disclosure, replies to a question can be collected from moving people with high accuracy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An information presentation collection system, an information presentation collection method and an information presentation collection program according to each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are just examples and it is possible to appropriately combine embodiments and appropriately modify each embodiment.

First Embodiment

FIG.1is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an information presentation collection system101according to a first embodiment.FIG.2andFIG.3are schematic diagrams showing an example of the operation of the information presentation collection system101. The information presentation collection system101is a system capable of executing an information presentation collection method according to the first embodiment.

The information presentation collection system101includes a display device100as an information presentation means that presents information to people (e.g., passersby) by means of an image (or sound or both of image and sound), a people detection unit200for detecting people, and an information processing device300such as a server (e.g., a computer or a set of computers) on a network400.

The display device100includes, for example, a liquid crystal display placed on a floor surface of a passage P, arranged in an upper part of the passage P (at a position higher than the body height of people), or arranged to form part of the floor surface of the passage P. The display device100can also be a device of a different type, such as a projector that projects an image onto the floor surface of the passage P or the like or a floating image display device that displays an image in a space over the passage P. In the first embodiment, the display device100includes a question presentation unit (i.e., question display device)10that presents a question Q and a reply candidate display unit (i.e., reply candidate display device)20that displays a plurality of reply candidates A1, A2, as options for the reply to the question, at display positions different from each other in a width direction W of the passage P. In the first embodiment, the question Q and two reply candidates A1, A2are displayed at positions different from each other by a single display device100. However, the number of display devices100can also be two or more. Further, the number of reply candidates can also be three or more.

The people detection unit200includes a sensing unit30(i.e., a sensor) that detects people moving in the passage P and outputs a detection signal. The sensing unit30includes, for example, a camera as an image capturing device, an object sensor that detects objects, or both of the camera and the object sensor (i.e., at least one of the camera and the object sensor). The people detection unit200may include an information processing unit that processes image data or sensing data obtained by the sensing unit30(e.g., executing processing of determining a moving direction of each person, processing of counting the number of people, or the like).

The information processing device300is a computer, for example. The information processing device300is capable of executing an information presentation collection program according to the first embodiment. The information processing device300includes a measurement unit40and a control unit50that controls the operation of the entire system.

The measurement unit40measures the number of people moving in a direction towards the reply candidate display unit20in each of a plurality of regions R1, R2, which are set by dividing the passage P in the width direction W of the passage P and corresponding respectively to the plurality of reply candidates A1, A2, based on the detection signal (e.g., video signal) from the sensing unit30.

The control unit50repeatedly performs display switching of switching the display positions of the plurality of reply candidates A1, A2to each other according to a predetermined schedule. The state of the display switching of switching the display positions of two reply candidates A1and A2to each other is shown inFIG.2andFIG.3, for example.FIG.2shows a state in which the question Q is “WHICH DO YOU LIKE BETTER, DOGS OR CATS?” for guiding people selecting the reply candidate A1“CAT LOVER” to the region R1on the left side and guiding people selecting the reply candidate A2“DOG LOVER” to the region R2on the right side.FIG.3shows a state in which the question Q is “WHICH DO YOU LIKE BETTER, DOGS OR CATS?” for guiding people selecting the reply candidate Al “DOG LOVER” to the region R2on the left side and guiding people selecting the reply candidate A2“CAT LOVER” to the region R1on the right side. In the predetermined schedule, the display state of the display device100is switched each time a predetermined time (referred to also as an “information collection period”) elapses, for example. In the display switching, the switching from the state ofFIG.2to the state ofFIG.3and the switching from the state ofFIG.3to the state ofFIG.2are performed alternately and repeatedly. By the display switching, influence of people passing through the region R1or R2while ignoring the question on an evaluation value can be reduced.

The control unit50counts the total numbers N1, N2of people who selected each of the plurality of reply candidates A1, A2in a plurality of information collection periods based on the number of people measured in each information collection period from one of the display switchings to the next display switching. That is, the control unit50repeatedly performs the switching between the state ofFIG.2and the state ofFIG.3, obtains the total number N1of the number of people who selected CAT LOVER in the state shown inFIG.2and the number of people who selected CAT LOVER in the state shown inFIG.3, and obtains the total number N2of the number of people who selected DOG LOVER in the state shown inFIG.2and the number of people who selected DOG LOVER in the state shown inFIG.3. Then, the control unit50outputs a value based on the ratio between the total number N1of cat lovers and the total number N2of dog lovers as the evaluation value (i.e., evaluation result).

Among the people moving in the passage P, there exist people passing through the region R1or R2while ignoring the question Q (including people who do not notice the question Q). Further, inFIG.2, the ratio of people passing through the region R1while ignoring the question Q and the ratio of people passing through the region R2while ignoring the question Q can vary depending on the situation in the passage P (e.g., a situation in which there is a shop on the left side of the passage P and there is a driveway on the right side of the passage P). Therefore, suppose that the total numbers N1and N2of the selectors are obtained only in the display state ofFIG.2without performing the display switching between the display state ofFIG.2and the display state ofFIG.3, the number of people passing through the region R1while ignoring the question Q and the number of people passing through the region R2while ignoring the question Q can differ greatly from each other depending on the situation in the passage P. Thus, the accuracy of the evaluation value based on the ratio between the total numbers N1and N2of the selectors is considered to be low. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the control unit50switches the display state of the display device100between the display states shown inFIG.2andFIG.3, according to the predetermined schedule. By this method, the influence of the number of people passing through the region R1while ignoring the question Q and the number of people passing through the region R2while ignoring the question Q on the evaluation value based on the ratio between the total number N1and the total number N2of the selectors can be reduced, and the accuracy of the evaluation value based on the ratio between the total numbers N1and N2of the selectors can be increased.

FIG.4is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device300inFIG.1. The information processing device300includes a processor301and a memory302as a volatile storage device. The information processing device300includes a nonvolatile storage device303such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD) and a communication interface304that executes communication with external devices. The memory302is, for example, a semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The information presentation collection program as a software program is stored in the memory302. The information presentation collection program is provided to the information processing device300in a state of having been stored in a record medium (or a storage medium) recording information such as a magnetic disk, an optical disc or a semiconductor memory, or via a communication line. The measurement unit40and the control unit50inFIG.1may be formed by the processor301executing the information presentation collection program.

The functions of the information processing device300may be implemented by processing circuitry. The processing circuitry can be either dedicated hardware or the processor301executing a program stored in the memory302as a record medium (i.e., storage medium). The record medium is a non-transitory computer-readable record (i.e., storage) medium storing a program such as the information presentation collection program. The processor301can be any one of a processing device, an arithmetic device, a microprocessor, a microcomputer and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). In the case where the processing circuitry is dedicated hardware, the processing circuitry is an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or the like, for example.

It is also possible to implement part of the information processing device300by dedicated hardware and other part of the information processing device300by software or firmware. As above, the processing circuitry is capable of implementing the above-described functions by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of some of these means.

FIG.5is a flowchart showing the operation of the information presentation collection system101. First, the information processing device300receives the input of the question Q and the plurality of reply candidates A1, A2as the options for the reply to the question Q (step S11) and generates content for presenting the question Q and the options (step S12). Subsequently, the information processing device300generates the schedule of the switching of the display positions of the reply candidates A1, A2(step S13) and delivers the generated content and schedule (step S14).

The display device100displays the question Q and the reply candidates A1, A2according to the received content and switches the display positions of the reply candidates A1, A2(the positions of the regions R1and R2at the same time) according to the received schedule (step S15). Further, the information processing device300counts the number of people passing through the region R1and the number of people passing through the region R2based on the detection signal from the sensing unit30(step S16). The processing in the steps S15and S16is executed repeatedly during the plurality of information collection periods specified by the schedule.

Subsequently, the information processing device300counts the total numbers N1, N2of the selectors of the reply candidates A1, A2and outputs the value based on the ratio regarding the plurality of total numbers N1, N2as the evaluation value (step S17).

As described above, according to the first embodiment, by removing the influence of the people ignoring the question Q existing in a plurality of passersby, it is possible to obtain a highly accurate evaluation result in regard to the passersby's actions of replying to the question Q.

Second Embodiment

FIG.6is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an information presentation collection system102according to a second embodiment. InFIG.6, each component identical or corresponding to a component shown inFIG.1(the first embodiment) is assigned the same reference character as inFIG.1.FIG.7andFIG.8are schematic diagrams showing an example of the operation of the information presentation collection system102. InFIG.7andFIG.8, each component identical or corresponding to a component shown inFIG.2orFIG.3(the first embodiment) is assigned the same reference character as inFIG.2orFIG.3.

The information presentation collection system102includes a plurality of display devices100a,100b.The display device100aincludes a question presentation unit10athat presents (e.g., displays) a question Q and a reply candidate display unit20athat displays a reply candidate. The display device100bincludes a question presentation unit10bthat presents (e.g., displays) a question Q and a reply candidate display unit20bthat displays a reply candidate. The number of display devices is not limited to two.

As shown inFIG.7andFIG.8, the information presentation collection system102includes the display devices100a,100b,and the display devices100a,100bdisplay the question Q. The display devices100a,100brespectively display the reply candidates A1, A2in the state ofFIG.7, and the display devices100a,100brespectively display the reply candidates A2, A1in the state ofFIG.8.

According to the second embodiment, the accuracy of the evaluation result in regard to the passersby's replies to the question Q can be increased similarly to the first embodiment. Except for the above-described features, the information presentation collection system102is the same as the information presentation collection system101.

Third Embodiment

FIG.9is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an information presentation collection system103according to a third embodiment. InFIG.9, each component identical or corresponding to a component shown inFIG.6(the second embodiment) is assigned the same reference character as inFIG.6. The operation of the information presentation collection system103is similar to the operation inFIG.7andFIG.8(the second embodiment) shown as an example of the operation of the information presentation collection system102.

The information presentation collection system103differs from the information presentation collection system102in that a display control device120athat controls the display operation of the display device100a,a display control device120bthat controls the display operation of the display device100b,and a measurement device210that executes a people count measurement process based on the output signal from the sensing unit30of the people detection unit200are provided separately from the information processing device300. For example, the display control device120a,the display control device120band the measurement device210are provided in the passage P similarly to the display device100a,the display device100band the people detection unit200. The display control device120a,the display control device120band the measurement device210may also be provided respectively inside the display device100a,the display device100band the people detection unit200.

FIG.10is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the display control device120ainFIG.9. The display control device120aincludes a processor121, a memory122as a volatile storage device, and a communication interface124that executes communication with external devices. The processor121may include a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) in addition to a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The display control device120amay include a nonvolatile storage device123such as an HDD or an SSD. The display control device120bhas the same configuration as the display control device120a.

The display control devices120aand120bexecute, for example, the process of generating the content for presenting the question Q and the options and the process of generating the schedule of the switching of the display positions of the reply candidates A1, A2.

FIG.11is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the measurement device210inFIG.9. The measurement device210includes a processor211, a memory212as a volatile storage device, and a communication interface214that executes communication with external devices. The measurement device210may include a nonvolatile storage device213such as an HDD or an SSD.

The measurement device210executes the process of counting the number of people passing through the region R1and the number of people passing through the region R2based on the detection signal from the sensing unit30. This configuration eliminates the need to transmit video data or sensor data to the information processing device300.

According to the third embodiment, the accuracy of the evaluation result in regard to the passersby's replies to the question Q can be increased similarly to the second embodiment. Except for the above-described features, the information presentation collection system103is the same as the information presentation collection system102.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG.12is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an information presentation collection system104according to a fourth embodiment. InFIG.12, each component identical or corresponding to a component shown inFIG.6(the second embodiment) is assigned the same reference character as inFIG.6.FIG.13andFIG.14are schematic diagrams showing an example of the operation of the information presentation collection system104. InFIG.13andFIG.14, each component identical or corresponding to a component shown inFIG.7orFIG.8(the second embodiment) is assigned the same reference character as inFIG.7orFIG.8.

The information presentation collection system104includes a plurality of display devices100a,100b.The display device100aincludes the question presentation unit10athat presents (e.g., displays) a question, the reply candidate display unit20athat displays a reply candidate, and a sensing unit30a.The display device100bincludes the question presentation unit10bthat presents (e.g., displays) a question, the reply candidate display unit20bthat displays a reply candidate, and a sensing unit30b. Similarly to the sensing unit30in the second embodiment, each of the sensing units30a,30bas sensors includes a camera, an object sensor, or both of the camera and the object sensor.

As shown inFIG.13andFIG.14, the information presentation collection system104includes the display devices100a,100b,and the display devices100a,100bdisplay the question Q. The display devices100a,100brespectively display the reply candidates A1, A2in the state ofFIG.13, and the display devices100a,100brespectively display the reply candidates A2, A1in the state ofFIG.14. Further, in the display state ofFIG.13, image capturing ranges of the sensing units30a,30bcorrespond respectively to the regions R1, R2. In the display state ofFIG.14, the image capturing ranges of the sensing units30a,30bcorrespond respectively to the regions R2, R1.

According to the fourth embodiment, the accuracy of the evaluation result in regard to the passersby's replies to the question Q can be increased similarly to the second embodiment. Except for the above-described features, the information presentation collection system104is the same as the information presentation collection system102.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG.15is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an information presentation collection system105according to a fifth embodiment. InFIG.15, each component identical or corresponding to a component shown inFIG.6(the second embodiment) is assigned the same reference character as inFIG.6.FIG.16andFIG.17are schematic diagrams showing an example of the operation of the information presentation collection system105. InFIG.16andFIG.17, each component identical or corresponding to a component shown inFIG.7orFIG.8is assigned the same reference character as inFIG.7orFIG.8(the second embodiment).

The information presentation collection system105includes the display device100a,the display device100band a display device100c.Each of the display device100a,the display device100band the display device100cis a liquid crystal display, a projector or the like, for example. The display device100aincludes the reply candidate display unit20athat displays a reply candidate. The display device100bincludes the reply candidate display unit20bthat displays a reply candidate. The display device100cincludes the question presentation unit10that presents (e.g., displays) the question Q. The display device100cmay also present the question Q by means of audio. The sensing unit30as a sensor in the fifth embodiment includes a camera, an object sensor, or both of the camera and the object sensor similarly to that in the second embodiment.

As shown inFIG.16andFIG.17, in the information presentation collection system105, the display device100cthat displays the question Q is arranged on an upstream side in the people's moving direction relative to the display devices100a,100b.A person who passed through the position of the display device100cmoves towards the display device100aor100b.In the state ofFIG.16, the display devices100a,100brespectively display the reply candidates A1, A2, and regions directly under the reply candidates A1, A2are respectively the regions R1, R2. In the state ofFIG.17, the display devices100a,100brespectively display the reply candidates A2, A1, and regions directly under the reply candidates A2, A1are respectively the regions R2, R1.

According to the fifth embodiment, the accuracy of the evaluation result in regard to the passersby's replies to the question Q can be increased similarly to the second embodiment. Further, according to the fifth embodiment, a person who saw the question Q on the display device100cis capable of determining the reply and gradually changing the moving direction in a period before reaching the display device100aor100b,and thus an abrupt change in the person's moving direction is unlikely to be caused. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that a person advancing to a reply candidate is unlikely to cause obstruction to traffic of other people. Except for the above-described features, the information presentation collection system105is the same as the information presentation collection system102.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG.18is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an information presentation collection system106according to a sixth embodiment. InFIG.18, each component identical or corresponding to a component shown inFIG.15(the fifth embodiment) is assigned the same reference character as inFIG.15.FIG.19andFIG.20are schematic diagrams showing an example of the operation of the information presentation collection system106. InFIG.19andFIG.20, each component identical or corresponding to a component shown inFIG.16orFIG.17(the fifth embodiment) is assigned the same reference character as inFIG.16orFIG.17.

The information presentation collection system106differs from the information presentation collection system105in including a display device100das an evaluation display device that displays the evaluation value as the result of the evaluation made by the information processing device300.FIG.19shows an example in which the display device100dis displaying “CAT LOVERS 510:490 DOG LOVERS”.FIG.20shows an example in which the display device100dis displaying “DOG LOVERS 490:510 CAT LOVERS”. Here, “510:490” represents the ratio between the number of passersby who replied “CAT LOVER” per unit time and the number of passersby who replied “DOG LOVER” per unit time.

According to the sixth embodiment, the accuracy of the evaluation result in regard to the passersby's replies to the question Q can be increased similarly to the fifth embodiment. Further, according to the sixth embodiment, the evaluation value regarding the question Q can be seen on the display device100d,by which the passersby can be made to have an interest in the question Q and the ratio of people cooperating with the replying can be increased. Except for the above-described features, the information presentation collection system106is the same as the information presentation collection system105.

Seventh Embodiment

FIG.21is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an information presentation collection system107according to a seventh embodiment. InFIG.21, each component identical or corresponding to a component shown inFIG.15(the fifth embodiment) is assigned the same reference character as inFIG.15.FIG.22andFIG.23are schematic diagrams showing an example of the operation of the information presentation collection system107. InFIG.22andFIG.23, each component identical or corresponding to a component shown inFIG.16orFIG.17(the fifth embodiment) is assigned the same reference character as inFIG.16orFIG.17.

The information presentation collection system107further includes a passage monitoring device100ethat monitors congestion in the passage. The passage monitoring device100eincludes a sensing unit30c.Further, in the information presentation collection system107, the display device100aincludes the sensing unit30a,and the display device100bincludes the sensing unit30b.The sensing unit30cas a sensor in the passage monitoring device100eincludes a camera, an object sensor, or both of the camera and the object sensor. The control unit50detects the congestion in the passage by analyzing the detection signal from the sensing unit30c,and when a congestion level exceeds a predetermined set value, changes the display switching schedule of the reply candidates so as to mitigate the congestion.

According to the seventh embodiment, the accuracy of the evaluation result in regard to the passersby's replies to the question Q can be increased similarly to the fifth embodiment. Further, according to the seventh embodiment, when one of two passages after a branch point is congested with people, it is possible to set a schedule for mitigating the congestion, that is, it is possible to display the reply candidates so as not to guide people to the congested area. In such cases, it is also possible to temporarily interrupt the collecting of the reply information. Except for the above-described features, the information presentation collection system107is the same as the information presentation collection system105.

Eighth Embodiment

FIG.24is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an information presentation collection system108according to an eighth embodiment. InFIG.24, each component identical or corresponding to a component shown inFIG.21(the seventh embodiment) is assigned the same reference character as inFIG.21.FIG.25is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation of the information presentation collection system108. InFIG.25, each component identical or corresponding to a component shown inFIG.22(the seventh embodiment) is assigned the same reference character as inFIG.22.

The information presentation collection system108has a function of previously acquiring schedule information regarding an event to be held in the passage (i.e., in the passage or an area facing the passage) such as a limited time offer (i.e., discount sale for a limited time slot) held by a shop facing the passage P and changing the schedule so as to increase the number of people guided to the place where the event is currently held.

According to the eighth embodiment, the accuracy of the evaluation result in regard to the passersby's replies to the question Q can be increased similarly to the seventh embodiment. Further, according to the eighth embodiment, it is possible to set a schedule for guiding a lot of people to the passage where an event is currently held and display the reply candidates accordingly. In such cases, it is also possible to temporarily interrupt the collecting of the reply information. Except for the above-described features, the information presentation collection system108is the same as the information presentation collection system107.

Ninth Embodiment

FIG.26is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an information presentation collection system109according to a ninth embodiment. InFIG.26, each component identical or corresponding to a component shown inFIG.21(the seventh embodiment) is assigned the same reference character as inFIG.21.FIG.27is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation of the information presentation collection system109. InFIG.27, each component identical or corresponding to a component shown inFIG.22(the seventh embodiment) is assigned the same reference character as inFIG.22.

The information presentation collection system109includes an attribute detection device (i.e., an attribute detector)200afor detecting an attribute of the people moving in the passage P. The attribute detection device200aincludes a sensing unit30d. The sensing unit30dis a sensor (i.e., sensor device) which includes a camera, an object sensor, or both of the camera and the object sensor. The attribute detection device200adetects an attribute of the moving people based on an image captured by the sensing unit30d,for example, and the control unit50has a function of changing the schedule so as to guide a lot of people to one of the passages based on the attribute. The attribute is, for example, one or more out of a person's sex, age (e.g., age group), body form (e.g., body height), cloths, etc.

For example, when there is a clothing shop for females beside one of two passages after a branch point and the attribute detection device200afrequently detects “female” as the attribute of the people (detects females at a ratio higher than or equal to a predetermined threshold value), the control unit50can set the schedule of the switching of the reply candidates so as to guide people to the passage beside which the clothing shop for females is situated.

According to the ninth embodiment, the accuracy of the evaluation result in regard to the passersby's replies to the question Q can be increased similarly to the seventh embodiment. Further, according to the ninth embodiment, it is possible to provide the system with the function of making the arrangement of the reply candidates suitable for the attribute of the people and thereby guiding the people. In such cases, it is also possible to temporarily interrupt the collecting of the reply information. Except for the above-described features, the information presentation collection system109is the same as the information presentation collection system107.

Tenth Embodiment

FIG.28is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an information presentation collection system110according to a tenth embodiment. InFIG.28, each component identical or corresponding to a component shown inFIG.21(the seventh embodiment) is assigned the same reference character as inFIG.21.FIG.29is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation of the information presentation collection system110. InFIG.29, each component identical or corresponding to a component shown inFIG.22(the seventh embodiment) is assigned the same reference character as inFIG.22.

The information presentation collection system110includes an environment sensor70, and the control unit50sets the schedule based on a detection value from the environment sensor70. The environment sensor70detects at least one of temperature, humidity, wind volume, a wind direction and weather. It is also possible for the environment sensor70to acquire (e.g., receive) information regarding at least one of the temperature, the humidity, the wind volume, the wind direction and the weather from another device.

For example, when one of two passages after a branch point is an outdoor passage, the other passage is an indoor passage, and the environment sensor70has detected bad weather (raining, strong wind, or the like), the control unit50can set the schedule of the switching of the reply candidates so as to guide people to the indoor passage.

For example, when there is a shop selling beverages in one of two passages after a branch point and the environment sensor70has detected high temperature, the control unit50can set the schedule of the switching of the reply candidates so as to guide people to the passage where the shop selling beverages is situated. According to the tenth embodiment, the accuracy of the evaluation result in regard to the passersby's replies to the question Q can be increased similarly to the seventh embodiment. Further, according to the tenth embodiment, it is possible to set a schedule for guiding people based on the detection value from the environment sensor70. In such cases, it is also possible to temporarily interrupt the collecting of the reply information. Except for the above-described features, the information presentation collection system110is the same as the information presentation collection system107.

Modifications

FIG.30is a flowchart showing the operation of an information presentation collection system in a modification of the first to tenth embodiments. InFIG.30, each step being the same as a step shown inFIG.5is assigned the same reference character as inFIG.5. In the process inFIG.30, when a crowd flow rate based on the detection signal from the sensing unit (e.g., the sensing unit30inFIG.1, the sensing unit30dinFIG.27, or the like) is less than a predetermined threshold value (YES in step S21), the control unit50executes the display switching of the reply candidate display units20a,20b(step S22). By this process, it is possible to prevent the display switching from adversely affecting the passersby (e.g., causing an abrupt change in the moving direction). Except for these features, the information presentation collection system in the modification is the same as the information presentation collection system in any one of the above-described first to tenth embodiments.

Further, in the above-described systems, in the calculation of the total numbers N1, N2, records of replies with each reply candidate may be added up together with past results.

Furthermore, in the above-described systems, it is also possible to calculate the number of people who replied and the number of people who did not reply in addition to the total numbers N1, N2.

Moreover, in the above-described systems, it is also possible to discard data in a predetermined period immediately after, or before and after, the display switching of the reply candidates. This is because there is a high probability that a replier is passing through an unintended region in this period.

Description of Reference Characters