Patent Publication Number: US-2022222942-A1

Title: Exhibition support device, exhibition support system, exhibition support method, and program

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an exhibition supporting device, an exhibition supporting system, an exhibition supporting method, and a program. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     In recent years, due to widespread uses of smartphones and tablet personal computers (PCs), there have been more users enjoying exhibitions through their terminal devices in which a guidance application or the like is installed. 
     In this context, Patent Literature (PTL) 1 discloses an information collection system enabling a visitor of an exhibition to collect information about desired references without going through cumbersome operation. Specifically, the information can be received by receiving, from a communication electrode installed in each exhibition booth, reference request information using a collection device held by the user. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     
         
         PTL1: JP 2009-223408 A 
       
    
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     Unfortunately, many related-art systems have simply delivered information that does not go beyond what is already provided in a paper brochure or posted on a website for the exhibition to the user. As a result, a user visiting the exhibition might be unable to acquire the information he or she needs. Thus, the user is likely to feel the exhibition unsatisfactory. Further, the communication electrode, which is not a display item, needs to be installed in an exhibition booth. This is cumbersome, and may even compromise the appearance. 
     An object of the present invention made in view of the above is to provide an exhibition supporting device, an exhibition supporting system, an exhibition supporting method, and a program that can make an exhibition experience more engaging for a user without compromising the appearance of display items. 
     Means for Solving the Problem 
     In order to solve the problems described above, an exhibition supporting device according to the present invention includes a recognition result information acquisition unit configured to acquire recognition result information on a display item in accordance with image information on the display item, an exhibition information acquisition unit configured to acquire exhibition information for supporting an exhibition-related user action in accordance with the recognition result information and exhibition-related user information, and a display unit configured to display the exhibition information. 
     In order to solve the problems described above, an exhibition supporting system according to the present invention includes an image recognition engine configured to determine recognition result information on a display item in accordance with image information on the display item, an exhibition information server configured to generate exhibition information for supporting an exhibition-related user action in accordance with the recognition result information and exhibition-related user information, and a terminal device configured to display the exhibition information. 
     In order to solve the problems described above, an exhibition supporting method according to the present invention includes acquiring recognition result information on a display item in accordance with image information on the display item, acquiring exhibition information for supporting an exhibition-related user action in accordance with the recognition result information and exhibition-related user information, and displaying the exhibition information. 
     To solve the problems described above, a program according to the present invention causes a computer to function as the above-described exhibition supporting device. 
     Effects of the Invention 
     The present invention can make an exhibition experience more engaging for a user without compromising the appearance of display items. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an exhibition supporting system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an exhibition supporting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an exhibition information server according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating an example of load distribution processing according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a display unit of the exhibition supporting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display unit of the exhibition supporting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display unit of the exhibition supporting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display unit of the exhibition supporting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9A  is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display unit of the exhibition supporting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9B  is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display unit of the exhibition supporting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9C  is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display unit of the exhibition supporting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display unit of the exhibition supporting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display unit of the exhibition supporting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display unit of the exhibition supporting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display unit of the exhibition supporting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14A  is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display unit of the exhibition supporting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14B  is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display unit of the exhibition supporting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the display unit of the exhibition supporting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating an example of a footer menu displayed on the display unit of the exhibition supporting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 
     Configuration of Exhibition Supporting System  100   
     An exhibition supporting system  100  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the exhibition supporting system  100  according to the present embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the exhibition supporting system  100  includes a terminal device (exhibition supporting device)  110 , an exhibition information server  120 , a database server  130 , an image recognition server  140 , an image recognition engine  150 , and a barrier free map server  160 . The terminal device  110  communicates with the exhibition information server  120 , the image recognition server  140 , and the barrier free map server  160  over a network  50 . 
     The terminal device  110  is a mobile terminal held by a user and includes, for example, a smart device such as a smart phone or a tablet PC. The user is a person, including for example, a healthy person, an elderly person, a handicapped person using a wheelchair, and the like, all enjoying an exhibition using a predetermined application and the like installed in the terminal device  110 . 
     For example, the terminal device  110  acquires display item image information using a camera, and transmits the display item image information to the image recognition server  140  over the network  50 . The terminal device  110  receives display item recognition result information in accordance with the display item image information, from the image recognition server  140  over the network  50 . The display item recognition result information is identification information set to each display item, and includes, for example, a recognition result ID of the display item. 
     The terminal device  110  transmits the display item recognition result information to the exhibition information server  120  over the network  50 . The terminal device  110  receives, from the exhibition information server  120  over the network  50 , exhibition information in accordance with the display item recognition result information and exhibition-related user information. 
     The exhibition-related user information is information in which identification information on the terminal device  110  and exhibition-related edit information are associated with each other. The identification information on the terminal device  110  is identification information set to each terminal device  110 , and is, for example, a universally unique identifier (UUID) of the terminal device  110 . 
     The exhibition-related edit information is various types of information on the exhibition, provided in response to a predetermined operation on the terminal device  110  performed by the user. For example, exhibition-related edit information includes display item bookmark registration information, exhibition report information, speaker information, display item tag information, display item text comment information, and the like. The display item bookmark registration information is information provided in response to a bookmark registration operation performed on the terminal device  110  by the user. The exhibition report information is information provided in response to a report generation operation performed on the terminal device  110  by the user. The speaker information is information on a speaker who provides synthesized voice explaining an overview of a display item, provided in response to a selection operation performed on the terminal device  110  by the user. The display item tag information is information provided in response to a tag selection operation performed on the terminal device  110  by the user. The display item text comment information is information provided in response to a text comment input operation performed on the terminal device  110  by the user. 
     The exhibition information is information for supporting various types of actions of the user related to the exhibition, including “find display item”, “go to displayed area”, “listen to descriptions at exhibition booth, “create notes on display item”, and “share information after leaving exhibition”. For example, the exhibition information may include whole exhibition list information as a list of all the display items displayed in the exhibition. The exhibition information may further include detail exhibition information including display item overview information, map information in which locations of display items in the exhibition site and a floor map of the exhibition site are associated with each other, panel information on display items, and the like. The exhibition information may further include site map information indicating the location of the exhibition site where the exhibition is held. The exhibition information may further include transportation information indicating means of transportation available to get to the exhibition site from the closest station to the exhibition site where the exhibition is held. 
     The terminal device  110  sends to, the barrier free map server  160  over the network  50 , current position information indicating the current position of the user in the exhibition site and destination information indicating a location where the user wants to go in the exhibition site. The terminal device  110  receives barrier free information from the barrier free map server  160  over the network  50  in accordance with the current position information and the destination information. The barrier free information is information for supporting various types of actions of users with disabilities. For example, the barrier free information includes route map information in which a 2.5 dimensional map of the exhibition site and a movement route along which a handicapped person on a wheelchair is movable in the exhibition site. 
     The terminal device  110  displays the exhibition information and the barrier free information as described above. The terminal device  110  further displays lecture information including a schedule of lectures held in the exhibition, names of the lecturers, affiliations of the lecturers, and the like. The terminal device  110  displays the exhibition report information. 
     The terminal device  110  plays synthesized voice information on a predetermined speaker (such as a speaker  1  and a speaker  2 , for example) explaining an overview of a display item. The terminal device  110  selects the synthesized voice information on the predetermined speaker from among pieces of synthesized voice information on a plurality of speakers in response to a selection operation performed by the user. 
     The exhibition information server  120  receives an exhibition information request from the terminal device  110  over the network  50 . Upon receiving the exhibition information request from the terminal device  110 , the exhibition information server  120  generates exhibition information in accordance with the display item recognition result information and the exhibition-related user information. The exhibition information server  120  is capable of acquiring and using information about a display item posted on the website for the exhibition for example, from a predetermined server over the network  50 , for generating the exhibition information. The exhibition information server  120  transmits the generated exhibition information to the terminal device  110  over the network  50 . The exhibition information server  120  also transmits and receives information such as the display item image information, the display item recognition result information, and the exhibition-related user information, to and from the database server  130 . 
     The database server  130  accumulates the exhibition-related user information. The database server  130  manages the identification information on the terminal device  110  and the exhibition-related edit information, in association with each other. For example, the database server  130  manages the identification information on the terminal device  110  and the display item bookmark registration information provided in response to a bookmark registration operation performed on the terminal device  110  by the user, in association with each other. For example, the database server  130  manages the identification information on the terminal device  110  and the exhibition report information provided in response to a report generation operation performed on the terminal device  110  by the user, in association with each other. For example, the database server  130  manages the identification information on the terminal device  110  and the information on a speaker who provides synthesized voice explaining an overview of the display item provided in response to a selection operation performed on the terminal device  110  by the user, in association with each other. For example, the database server  130  manages the identification information on the terminal device  110  and input information (such as display item tag information, display item text comment information, and exhibition statistical information) provided in response to an input operation performed on the terminal device  110  by the user, in association with each other. 
     The image recognition server  140  receives the display item image information from the terminal device  110  over the network  50 , and transmits the display item image information to the image recognition engine  150 . The image recognition server  140  receives the display item recognition result information from the image recognition engine  150 , and transmits the display item recognition result information to the terminal device  110  over the network  50 . 
     The image recognition engine  150  receives the display item image information from the image recognition server  140 . The image recognition engine  150  compares the display item image information received from the image recognition server  140  with display item image information registered in advance, to determine the display item recognition result information. The image recognition engine  150  transmits the display item recognition result information thus determined to the image recognition server  140 . Various types of display item image information, various types of display item recognition result information, and the like are registered in the image recognition engine  150  in advance. 
     The barrier free map server  160  receives the current position information and destination information from the terminal device  110  over the network  50 . The barrier free map server  160  generates the barrier free information in accordance with the current position information and the destination information. The barrier free map server  160  transmits the barrier free information to the terminal device  110  over the network  50 . 
     In the exhibition supporting system  100  according to the present embodiment, the image recognition engine  150  determines display item recognition result information in accordance with the display item image information. The exhibition information server  120  generates the exhibition information in accordance with the display item recognition result information and the exhibition-related user information. The terminal device  110  displays the exhibition information. In this way, the user can take various types of actions including, for example, “find display item”, “go to displayed area”, “listen to descriptions at exhibition booth, “create notes on display item”, “share information after leaving exhibition”, and the like, while checking the information he or she needs displayed on the screen of the terminal device  110 . Thus, the exhibition supporting system  100  can be implemented to make the exhibition experience more engaging for the user, by avoiding problems occurring in related-art systems due to information needed by the user not displayed on the screen of his or her terminal device  110 . Examples of such problems include: a display item the user is interested in in the exhibition site is difficult to find; and the user has to wait for a long period of time to listen to the explanation from a docent at an exhibition booth where the display item he or she is interested in is placed due to congestion or the like. 
     Furthermore, with the exhibition supporting system  100  according to the present embodiment, no equipment other than display items, such as a QR code or a communication electrode, needs to be installed in the exhibition booth, unlike in related-art cases. Thus, a workload and operation cost for the organizer of the exhibition to install equipment other than the display items in the exhibition booth can be reduced. Thus, the exhibition experience can be more engaging not only for the user of the exhibition but also for the organizer of the exhibition. Furthermore, appropriate information can be provided to the user without installing additional equipment to exhibition booths, so that the appearance of the display items can be maintained. 
     Configuration of Terminal Device  110   
     The terminal device  110  according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the terminal device  110  according to the present embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the terminal device  110  includes a communication unit  111 , a control unit  112 , a storage unit  113 , a display unit  114 , an operation unit  115 , and a voice playing unit  116 . 
     The communication unit  111  includes an image information acquisition unit  1111 , a recognition result information acquisition unit  1112 , a user information acquisition unit  1113 , an exhibition information acquisition unit  1114 , a lecture information acquisition unit  1115 , a barrier free information acquisition unit  1116 , an edit information acquisition unit  1117 , and a voice information acquisition unit  1118 . 
     The communication unit  111  communicates with the exhibition information server  120 , the image recognition server  140 , and the barrier free map server  160  over the network  50 . The communication unit  111  outputs information received from these servers to the control unit  112  over the network  50 . The communication unit  111  transmits various types of information input from the control unit  112 , to these servers over the network  50 . 
     The image information acquisition unit  1111  acquires display item image information from a camera mounted on the terminal device  110 , for example. The recognition result information acquisition unit  1112  acquires the display item recognition result information in accordance with the display item image information. The user information acquisition unit  1113  acquires the exhibition-related user information in accordance with the display item-related edit information. The exhibition information acquisition unit  1114  acquires the exhibition information in accordance with the display item recognition result information and the exhibition-related user information. The lecture information acquisition unit  1115  acquires lecture information in accordance with the display item recognition result information. The barrier free information acquisition unit  1116  acquires the barrier free information in accordance with the current position information and the destination information. The edit information acquisition unit  1117  acquires the display item edit information corresponding to an operation performed on the operation unit  115  by the user. The voice information acquisition unit  1118  acquires synthesized voice information on a plurality of speakers in accordance with the display item recognition result information and the exhibition information. 
     The control unit  112  includes a report generation unit  1121 , a voice information selection unit  1122 , and a terminal device side PDF generation unit  1123 . The control unit  112  includes, for example, a CPU, a memory, and the like, and controls each part of the terminal device  110 . 
     The control unit  112  outputs various types of information to the display unit  114 , and causes the display unit  114  to display a predetermined screen. The control unit  112  causes the display unit  114  to display, for example, an initial screen  3110  (see  FIG. 5 ), a whole exhibition list screen  3120  (see  FIG. 6 ), a site map screen  3130  (see  FIG. 7 ), a barrier free route guidance screen  3140  (see  FIG. 8 ), an exhibition detail overview screen  3150 A (see  FIG. 9A ), an exhibition detail map screen  3150 B (see  FIG. 9B ), an exhibition detail panel screen  3150 C (see  FIG. 9C ), a speaker introduction voice playing screen  3160  (see  FIG. 10 ), a shooting screen  3170  (see  FIG. 11 ), a speaker selection screen  3180  (see  FIG. 12 ), a report generation screen  3190  (see  FIG. 13 ), a shooting screen  3210 A (see  FIG. 14A ), a report input screen  3210 B (see  FIG. 14B ), a report display screen  3220  (see  FIG. 15 ), and the like. The control unit  112  can also appropriately set a language (for example, Japanese, English, or the like) for a predetermined screen displayed on the display unit  114 . 
     The report generation unit  1121  generates report information in accordance with the display item image information, the exhibition-related user information, the display item edit information, report HTML information, the exhibition information, PDF file information, and the like. The report generation unit  1121  outputs the report information to the display unit  114 . The report generation unit  1121  stores the report information in the storage unit  113 . While a case where the report information is displayed on the display unit  114  of the terminal device  110  is described as an example in the present embodiment, the report information may be displayed on the display unit  114  of the terminal device  110  and then printed on a sheet of paper. 
     For example, when the terminal device  110  is a high-spec device (with the OS being a predetermined version or later, for example), the report generation unit  1121  receives the PDF file information from the terminal device side PDF generation unit  1123  of the terminal device  110 . For example, when the terminal device  110  is a low-spec device (with the OS being earlier than the predetermined version, for example), the report generation unit  1121  receives the PDF file information from an exhibition information server side PDF generation unit  1223  (see  FIG. 3 ) of the exhibition information server  120 . 
     The voice information selection unit  1122  selects synthesized voice information on a predetermined speaker corresponding to an operation performed on the operation unit  115  by the user, in accordance with the synthesized voice information on the plurality of speakers input from the voice information acquisition unit  1118 , the user information input from the user information acquisition unit  1113 , and the like. The voice information selection unit  1122  stores the synthesized voice information on the predetermined speaker in the storage unit  113 . The control unit  112  outputs the synthesized voice information on the predetermined speaker stored in the storage unit  113  to the voice playing unit  116 . 
     The terminal device side PDF generation unit  1123  converts the report HTML information into PDF file information in accordance with PDF generation determination result information, a PDF generation request, report HTML information, and the like. The terminal device side PDF generation unit  1123  outputs the PDF file information to the report generation unit  1121 . The terminal device side PDF generation unit  1123  outputs the PDF file information to the storage unit  113 . 
     When the terminal device  110  is a high-spec device, the terminal device side PDF generation unit  1123  receives determination result information indicating the PDF file information is to be generated by the terminal device  110 , from a PDF generation determination unit  1222  (see  FIG. 3 ) of the exhibition information server  120 . When the terminal device  110  is a low-spec device, the terminal device side PDF generation unit  1123  receives determination result information indicating the PDF file information is not to be generated by the terminal device  110 , from the PDF generation determination unit  1222  (see  FIG. 3 ) of the exhibition information server  120 . 
     The storage unit  113  may be any component such as hard disk drive having a function of storing information, for example. For example, the storage unit  113  stores the display item image information, the display item recognition result information, the exhibition-related user information, the exhibition information, the lecture information, the barrier free information, the exhibition-related edit information, the synthesized voice information on a plurality of speakers, and the like. For example, the storage unit  113  stores the report information, the PDF file information, the synthesized voice information on a predetermined speaker corresponding to an operation performed on the operation unit  115  by the user, synthesized voice information on a plurality of speakers recorded in advance, and the like. For example, the storage unit  113  stores various programs, data, and the like, in addition to the above. 
     The display unit  114  may be any device that can display images, characters, and the like, and includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic electro-luminescence (EL) display, and the like. The display unit  114  displays a predetermined screen in accordance with various types of information input from the control unit  112 . 
     The display unit  114  displays, for example, the initial screen  3110  (see  FIG. 5 ), the whole exhibition list screen  3120  (see  FIG. 6 ), the site map screen  3130  (see  FIG. 7 ), the barrier free route guidance screen  3140  (see  FIG. 8 ), the exhibition detail overview screen  3150 A (see  FIG. 9A ), the exhibition detail map screen  3150 B (see  FIG. 9B ), the exhibition detail panel screen  3150 C (see  FIG. 9C ), the speaker introduction voice playing screen  3160  (see  FIG. 10 ), the shooting screen  3170  (see  FIG. 11 ), the speaker selection screen  3180  (see  FIG. 12 ), the report generation screen  3190  (see  FIG. 13 ), the shooting screen  3210 A (see  FIG. 14A ), the report input screen  3210 B (see  FIG. 14B ), the report display screen  3220  (see  FIG. 15 ), and the like. 
     The operation unit  115  may be any device that enables a user to perform predetermined operations, including a touch panel or a software keyboard, for example. The user can use the operation unit  115  to perform a predetermined operation to perform actions including bookmarking a display item the user is interested in, generating a report on the exhibition, selecting a favorite speaker, selecting a tag of a display item the user is interested in, inputting a text comment for a display item the user is interested in, and creating a memo on a display item the user is interested in, for example. 
     The voice playing unit  116  plays synthesized voice explaining an overview of a display item in accordance with the display item image information, the exhibition information, the synthesized voice information on a predetermined speaker input from the control unit  112 , and the like. This allows the user to listen to an overview of the display item he or she is interested in that is provided by the synthesized voice of his or her favorite speaker. 
     Configuration of Exhibition Information Server  120   
     The exhibition information server  120  according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the exhibition information server  120  according to the present embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the exhibition information server  120  includes a communication unit  121 , a control unit  122 , and a storage unit  123 . 
     The communication unit  121  communicates with the terminal device  110  over the network  50 . The communication unit  121  outputs various types of information received from the terminal device  110 , to the control unit  122 . The communication unit  121  transmits various types of information input from the control unit  122 , to the terminal device  110  over the network  50 . 
     The communication unit  121  receives, from the terminal device  110 , information such as, for example, a report HTML generation request, the PDF generation request, user agent information, the display item image information, the display item recognition result information, and the exhibition-related edit information, over the network  50 . For example, the communication unit  111  transmits, to the terminal device  110 , for example, information such as report HTML information, PDF generation determination result information, PDF generation request, PDF file information, and exhibition information, over the network  50 . 
     The control unit  122  includes a report HTML generation unit  1221 , the PDF generation determination unit  1222 , and the exhibition information server side PDF generation unit  1223 . The control unit  122  includes, for example, a CPU, a memory, and the like, and controls each part of the exhibition information server  120 . 
     The report HTML generation unit  1221  generates the report HTML information in accordance with the report HTML generation request, the display item image information, the exhibition-related user information, the display item edit information, the exhibition information, and the like. The report HTML generation unit  1221  stores the report HTML information in the storage unit  123 . 
     The report HTML generation unit  1221  outputs the report HTML information to the terminal side PDF generation unit  1123  of the terminal device  110  or the exhibition information server side PDF generation unit  1223  of the exhibition information server  120 . For example, when the PDF generation determination unit  1222  determines that the terminal device  110  is a high-spec device, the report HTML generation unit  1221  outputs the report HTML information to the terminal side PDF generation unit  1123  of the terminal device  110 , because the PDF file information is generated by the terminal device  110 . For example, when the PDF generation determination unit  1222  determines that the terminal device  110  is a low-spec device, the report HTML generation unit  1221  outputs the report HTML information to the exhibition information server side PDF generation unit  1223  of the exhibition information server  120 , because the PDF file information is generated by the exhibition information server  120 . 
     The PDF generation determination unit  1222  determines a location where the PDF file information is to be generated in accordance with the PDF generation request, the user agent information, and the like. The PDF generation determination unit  1222  determines the spec of the terminal device  110  in accordance with information such as the type and the version of the OS of the terminal device  110 . The PDF generation determination unit  1222  stores the PDF generation determination result information in the storage unit  123 . 
     When the terminal device  110  is determined to be a high-spec device, the PDF generation determination unit  1222  determines that the PDF file information is to be generated by the terminal device side PDF generation unit  1123 . The PDF generation determination unit  1222  outputs the PDF generation request and the PDF generation determination result information to the terminal device side PDF generation unit  1123  of the terminal device  110 . 
     When the terminal device  110  is determined to be a low-spec device, the PDF generation determination unit  1222  determines that the PDF file information is to be generated by the exhibition information server side PDF generation unit  1223 . The PDF generation determination unit  1222  outputs the PDF generation request and the PDF generation determination result information to the exhibition information server side PDF generation unit  1223  of the exhibition information server  120 . 
     The exhibition information server side PDF generation unit  1223  converts the report HTML information into the PDF file information in accordance with the PDF generation determination result and the PDF generation request input from the PDF generation determination unit  1222 , the report HTML information input from the report HTML generation unit  1221 , and the like. The exhibition information server side PDF generation unit  1223  outputs the PDF file information to the communication unit  121 . The exhibition information server side PDF generation unit  1223  stores the PDF file information in the storage unit  123 . 
     The storage unit  123  may be any component such as hard disk drive having a function of storing information, for example. The storage unit  123  stores, for example, the report HTML generation request, the PDF generation request, the user agent information, the display item image information, the display item recognition result information, the exhibition-related user information, and the exhibition-related edit information. The storage unit  123  stores, for example, the report HTML information, the PDF generation determination result information, the PDF generation request, the PDF file information, and the like. For example, the storage unit  123  stores various programs, data, and the like, in addition to the above. 
     The storage unit  123  includes a lecture information accumulation unit  1231 , an exhibition information accumulation unit  1232 , and a voice information accumulation unit  1233 . The lecture information accumulation unit  1231  accumulates the lecture information including the schedule of lectures held in the exhibition, the names of the lecturers, the affiliations of the lecturers, and the like, for example. The exhibition information accumulation unit  1232  accumulates the exhibition information including the whole exhibition list information, the detail exhibition information, the site map information, the transport information, and the like, for example. The voice information accumulation unit  1233  accumulates voice information including synthesized voice information on a plurality of speakers, for example. Note that the synthesized voice information on a plurality of speakers is recorded in advance. 
     Load Distribution Method 
     Now, an example of a load distribution processing method in the exhibition supporting system  100  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
     In step S 1001 , the user performs a report display operation using the operation unit  115  of the terminal device  110 . 
     In step S 1002 , the terminal device  110  receives the report display operation performed by the user and transmits a report HTML generation request to the exhibition information server  120  over the network  50 . 
     In step S 1003 , the exhibition information server  120  receives the report HTML generation request from the terminal device  110  over the network  50 , and generates report HTML information. 
     In step S 1004 , the exhibition information server  120  transmits the report HTML information to the terminal device  110  over the network  50 . 
     In step S 1005 , the terminal device  110  receives the report HTML information from the exhibition information server  120  over the network  50 . The terminal device  110  displays the report information on the display unit  114  in accordance with the report HTML information or the like. The user checks the report displayed on the terminal device  110 . 
     In step S 1006 , the user performs a PDF generation operation using the operation unit  115  of the terminal device  110 . 
     In step S 1007 , the terminal device  110  receives the PDF generation operation performed by the user, and transmits a PDF generation request and user agent information to the exhibition information server  120  over the network  50 . 
     In step S 1008 , the exhibition information server  120  checks the user agent information received together with the PDF generation request and determines where the PDF file information is to be generated in accordance with information on the type and version of the OS of the terminal device  110  and the like. Upon determining that the terminal device  110  is a high-spec device in accordance with the user agent information, the exhibition information server  120  determines the terminal device  110  to be the location where the PDF file information is generated. In this case, the processing in step S 1012  is executed. Upon determining that the terminal device  110  is a low-spec device in accordance with the user agent information, the exhibition information server  120  determines the exhibition information server  120  to be the location where the PDF file information is generated. In this case, the processing in step S 1009  is executed. 
     In step S 1009 , the exhibition information server  120  executes PDF generation processing and transmits the PDF file information to the terminal device  110  over the network  50 . 
     In step S 1010 , the terminal device  110  receives the PDF file information from the exhibition information server  120  over the network  50 . 
     In step S 1011 , the terminal device  110  displays the report information in a PDF format on the display unit  114  in accordance with the PDF file information and the like. The user checks the PDF file displayed on the terminal device  110 . 
     In step S 1012 , the exhibition information server  120  transmits a PDF generation request to the terminal device  110  over the network  50 . 
     In step S 1013 , the terminal device  110  executes the PDF generation processing in accordance with the PDF generation request. 
     In step S 1014 , the terminal device  110  displays the report information in a PDF format on the display unit  114  in accordance with the PDF file information and the like. The user checks the PDF file displayed on the terminal device  110 . 
     In the load distribution processing method described above, the exhibition information server  120  determines whether the terminal device  110  is a high-spec device or a low-spec device, to make appropriate one of the terminal device  110  and the exhibition information server  120  be in charge of high load processing. This configuration can suppress an occurrence of a failure due to an excessive load on the terminal device  110  with a low processing performance, such as an extremely long processing time or abnormal termination of an application due to an error. Furthermore, the high-spec terminal device  110  generates a PDF file therein, so that a large load can be prevented from being imposed on the exhibition information server  120 . 
     Display Screen of Display Unit 
     An example of the display screens of the display unit  114  in the terminal device  110  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 5 to 16 . 
       FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating an example of the initial screen  3110 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the initial screen  3110  includes a footer menu A, an operation area  3117  for camera activation, and the like. The footer menu A includes a whole exhibition list button  3111 , a lecture information button  3112 , a report generation button  3113 , an exhibition overview playing button  3114 , a site map button  3115 , a miscellaneous button  3116 , and the like. 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating an example of the whole exhibition list screen  3120 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the whole exhibition list screen  3120  includes a search keyword input field  3121 , a bookmark narrowing designation button  3122 , a display category display section  3123 , a display sub-category display section  3124 , a bookmark registration button  3125 , a display title button  3126 , a display number display section  3127 , an enter button  3128 , and the like. 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating an example of the site map screen  3130 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the site map screen  3130  includes a barrier free route guidance button  3131 , a site map display section  3132 , and the like. 
       FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating an example of the barrier free route guidance screen  3140 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the barrier free route guidance screen  3140  includes a current position selection field  3141 , a destination selection field  3142 , a barrier free route display section  3143 , and the like. 
       FIG. 9A  is a diagram illustrating an example of the exhibition detail overview screen  3150 A.  FIG. 9B  is a diagram illustrating an example of the exhibition detail map screen  3150 B.  FIG. 9C  is a diagram illustrating an example of the exhibition detail panel screen  3150 C. As illustrated in  FIGS. 9A to 9C , the exhibition detail screens  3150  include a map display tab  3151 , an overview display tab  3152 , a panel display tab  3153 , a bookmark registration button  3154 , a close button  3155 , a display section  3156 A, a display section  3157 A, a display section  3158 A, a display section  3156 B, a display section  3157 B, and a display section  3156 C. Note that the bookmark registration button  3125  of the whole exhibition list screen  3120  interfaces with the bookmark registration button  3154  on each of the exhibition detail overview screen  3150 A, the exhibition detail map screen  3150 B, and the exhibition detail panel screen  3150 C. 
       FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating an example of the speaker introduction voice playing screen  3160 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the speaker introduction voice playing screen  3160  includes an operation area  3161  for camera activation, a speaker  1  introduction voice playing button  3162 , a speaker  2  introduction voice playing button  3163 , and the like. 
       FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating an example of the shooting screen  3170 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the shooting screen  3170  includes a shutter button  3171 , a camera preview screen  3172 , and the like. 
       FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating an example of the speaker selection screen  3180 . As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the speaker selection screen  3180  includes a speaker  1  selection button  3181 , a speaker  2  selection button  3182 , a back button  3183 , and the like. 
       FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating an example of the report generation screen  3190 . As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the report generation screen  3190  includes a generated report thumbnail button  3191 , an operation area  3192  for camera activation, and the like. 
       FIG. 14A  is a diagram illustrating an example of the shooting screen  3210 A.  FIG. 14B  is a diagram illustrating an example of the report input screen  3210 B. As illustrated in  FIGS. 14A and 14B , the shooting screen  3210 A includes a shutter button  3217 , a camera preview screen  3218 , and the like. The report input screen  3210 B includes a display section  3211 , a display section  3212 , an additional shooting button  3213 , a text comment input field  3214 , a tag selection button  3215 , a complete button  3216 , and the like. 
       FIG. 15  is a diagram illustrating an example of the report display screen  3220 . As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the report display screen  3220  includes a PDF share button  3221 , a design change button  3222 , a cover photo change button  3223 , and the like. 
       FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating an example of the footer menu A. The user taps a button in the footer menu A, so that the screen displayed on the display unit  114  transitions from the initial screen  3110  illustrated in  FIG. 5  to the corresponding display screen of the display screens illustrated in  FIGS. 5 to 15 . When the user taps a button in the footer menu A, the color of the corresponding button changes. In this way, the user can recognize the button he or she has tapped even after the screen displayed on the display unit  114  transitions from the initial screen  3110  illustrated in  FIG. 5  to any of the display screens illustrated in  FIGS. 5 to 15 . 
     Hereinafter, by associating the display screens illustrated in  FIGS. 5 to 15  and the corresponding footer menu A illustrated in  FIG. 16  with each other, details of each of the display screens will be described. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 16 , when the user taps the whole exhibition list button  3111  on the initial screen  3110 , the screen displayed on the display unit  114  transitions from the initial screen  3110  to the whole exhibition list screen  3120 . On the whole exhibition list screen  3120 , the display category display section  3123  displays the categories of display items, such as, for example, “media &amp; UI”. On the whole exhibition list screen  3120 , the display sub-category display section  3124  displays a sub-category of display items, such as, for example, “UI technology characterizing  202 X”. On the whole exhibition list screen  3120 , the display number display section  3127  displays display numbers of display items such as “A 01 ”, “A 02 ”, “A 03 ”, for example. 
     When the user enters a search keyword on, for example, a display item name, a display item overview, and the like in the search keyword input field  3121  on the whole exhibition list screen  3120  and then taps the enter button  3128 , the text information related to the search keyword is retrieved and the display item that matches the search keyword is extracted. The display unit  114  displays detail exhibition information such as, for example, “Display No. A 01 , Display title: Technology on . . . ”, “Display No. A 02 , Display title: Study on . . . ”, Display No. A 03 , Display title: Development of . . . ”, and the like. 
     When the user taps the bookmark narrowing designation button  3122  on the whole exhibition list screen  3120 , a bookmarked display item is narrowed down and designated, and the display item bookmarked by the user through the bookmark registration operation is extracted. The display unit  114  displays the display item bookmark registration information such as, for example, “Display No. A 02 , Display title: Study on . . . ”, “Display No. A 03 , Display title: Development of . . . ”, and the like. 
     The user can tap the bookmark registration button  3125  on the whole exhibition list screen  3120  to enable the bookmark registration operation of a display item or a bookmark deregistration operation of a display item. If the user does not intend to register the display item of “Display No. A 01 ”, for example, the user taps the bookmark registration button  3125  so that the bookmark registration button  3125  becomes a white star. If the user intends to register the display item of “Display No. A 02 ”, for example, the user taps the bookmark registration button  3125  so that the bookmark registration button  3125  becomes a black star. If the user intends to register the display item of “Display No. A 03 ”, for example, the user taps the bookmark registration button  3125  so that the bookmark registration button  3125  becomes a black star. Note that the terminal device  110  may be configured in such a manner that black and white stars indicate opposite to what are described above. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 16 , when the user taps the display title button  3126  of the display item he or she is interested in on the whole exhibition list screen  3120 , the screen displayed on the display unit  114  transitions from the initial screen  3110  to the exhibition detail overview screen  3150 A. On the exhibition detail overview screen  3150 A, the display section  3156 A displays, for example, a display item category, a display item display number, a display item sub-category, a display title, and the like. On the exhibition detail overview screen  3150 A, the display section  3157 A displays, for example, a display item image, a display item movie, and the like. On the exhibition detail overview screen  3150 A, the display section  3158 A displays, for example, an exhibition overview, exhibition features, exhibition use scenes, and the like. Once the user taps the close button  3155 , the screen displayed on the display unit  114  returns again to the whole exhibition list screen  3120 . 
     When the user selects the display item of, for example, “Display No. A 01 ” on the whole exhibition list screen  3120 , the screen displayed on the display unit  114  transitions from the whole exhibition list screen  3120  to the exhibition detail overview screen  3150 A indicating details of the display item of “Display No. A 01 , Display title: Technology on . . . ”. When the user selects the display item of, for example, “Display No. A 02 ” on the whole exhibition list screen  3120 , the screen displayed on the display unit  114  transitions from the whole exhibition list screen  3120  to the exhibition detail overview screen  3150 A indicating details of the display item of “Display No. A 02 , Display Title: Study on . . . ”. When the user selects the display item of, for example, “Display No. A 03 ” on the whole exhibition list screen  3120 , the screen displayed on the display unit  114  transitions from the whole exhibition list screen  3120  to the exhibition detail overview screen  3150 A indicating details of the display item of “Display No. A 03 , Display Title: Development of . . . ”. Note that by the user flicking or swiping the display title, the display list is scrolled on the whole exhibition list screen  3120 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 9B and 16 , when the user taps the map display tab  3151  on the exhibition detail overview screen  3150 A, the screen displayed on the display unit  114  transitions from the exhibition detail overview screen  3150 A to the exhibition detail map screen  3150 B, and when the user taps the overview display tab  3152 , the screen displayed on the display unit  114  returns from the exhibition detail map screen  3150 B to the exhibition detail overview screen  3150 A. On the exhibition detail map screen  3150 B, the display section  3156 B displays the location of the checked display item superimposed on the floor map, so that the location of the checked display item is clearly known to the user. On the exhibition detail map screen  3150 B, the display section  3157 B displays a floor number indicating a floor of the exhibition site, a camera mark icon indicating a display item on which a report has been generated, a star icon indicating a display item that has been bookmarked, and the like. For example, in a case where the floor map displayed on a display section  346  is a floor map of the first basement, B 1 F is displayed in black, and  1 F indicating the first floor and  2 F indicating the second floor are displayed in white. Once the user taps the close button  3155 , the screen displayed on the display unit  114  returns again to the whole exhibition list screen  3120 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 9C and 16 , when the user taps the panel display tab  3153  on the exhibition detail overview screen  3150 A, the screen displayed on the display unit  114  transitions from the exhibition detail overview screen  3150 A to the exhibition detail panel screen  3150 C, and when the user taps the overview display tab  3152 , the screen displayed on the display unit  114  returns from the exhibition detail panel screen  3150 C to the exhibition detail overview screen  3150 A. On the exhibition detail panel screen  3150 C, the display section  3156 C displays, for example, a display item panel and the like. Once the user taps the close button  3155 , the screen displayed on the display unit  114  returns again to the whole exhibition list screen  3120 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , when the user taps the lecture information button  3112  on the initial screen  3110 , the screen displayed on the display unit  114  transitions to the lecture information screen. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 16 , when the user taps the report generation button  3113  on the initial screen  3110 , the screen displayed on the display unit  114  transitions from the initial screen  3110  to the report generation screen  3190 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , when the user taps the generated report thumbnail button  3191  on the report generation screen  3190 , the screen displayed on the display unit  114  transitions from the report generation screen  3190  to the report display screen  3220 . The user can check the report generated by the user on the report display screen  3220 . 
     When the user taps the PDF share button  3221  on the report display screen  3220 , the report HTML information is converted to PDF file information to allow information sharing with others using mail or other applications. When the user taps the design change button  3222  on the report display screen  3220 , the design on each page of the generated report can be changed. The user can select a favorite design among the designs displayed on the display unit  114 . When the user taps the cover photo change button  3223  on the report display screen  3220 , the cover photograph on the cover of the generated report can be changed. The user can select a favorite cover photo among the cover photos displayed on the display unit  114 . Once the user has finished the cover photo change operation, the screen displayed on the display unit  114  returns again to the report display screen  3220 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 14A and 16 , when the user performs a predetermined operation in the operation area  3192  for camera activation on the report generation screen  3190 , the screen displayed on the display unit  114  transitions from the report generation screen  3190  to the shooting screen  3210 A. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 14B and 16 , when the user taps the shutter button  3217  while viewing the camera preview screen  3218  on the shooting screen  3210 A, an image of the display item is captured and then the screen displayed on the display unit  114  transitions from the shooting screen  3210 A to the report input screen  3210 B. On the report input screen  3210 B, the display section  3211  displays, for example, a display item category, a display item display number, a display item sub-category, a display title, and the like. On the report input screen  3210 B, the display section  3212  displays, for example, a display item image, a display item movie, and the like. Note that the terminal device  110  may recognize, as the display item image information, an image automatically captured by directing the camera toward the display item without requiring the user to press the shutter button  3217 . 
     When the user taps the additional shooting button  3213  on the report input screen  3210 B, the screen displayed on the display unit  114  transitions from the report input screen  3210 B to the shooting screen  3210 A. When the user taps the shutter button  3217  while viewing the camera preview screen  3218  on the shooting screen  3210 A, an image of the display item is captured again. 
     When the user enters a text comment in the text comment input field  3214  and taps the complete button  3216  on the report input screen  3210 B, the text comment is added to the report. 
     When the user taps the tag selection button  3215  on the report input screen  3210 B, a predetermined tag is added to the report. The tag may be preset in the terminal device  110 , or the user may newly set the tag using the terminal device  110 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , when the user completes the input operation and taps the complete button  3216  on the report input screen  3210 B, the screen displayed on the display unit  114  transitions from the report input screen  3210 B to a report check screen, and then returns again to the report generation screen  3190 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 16 , when the user taps the exhibition overview playing button  3114  on the initial screen  3110 , the screen displayed on display unit  114  transitions from the initial screen  3110  to the speaker introduction voice playing screen  3160 . When the user taps the speaker  1  introduction voice playing button  3162  on the speaker introduction voice playing screen  3160 , voice introducing the speaker  1  is played. When the user taps the speaker  2  introduction voice playing button  3163  on the speaker introduction voice playing screen  3160 , voice introducing the speaker  2  is played. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 16 , when the user performs a predetermined operation in the operation area  3161  for camera activation on the speaker introduction voice playing screen  3160 , the screen displayed on the display unit  114  transitions from the speaker introduction voice playing screen  3160  to the shooting screen  3170 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 16 , when the user taps the shutter button  3171  while viewing the camera preview screen  3172  on the shooting screen  3170 , an image of the display item is captured and the screen displayed on the display unit  114  transitions from the shooting screen  3170  to the speaker selection screen  3180 . Note that the terminal device  110  may recognize, as the display item image information, an image automatically captured by directing the camera toward the display item without requiring the user to press the shutter button  3171 . 
     When the user taps the speaker  1  selection button  3181  on the speaker selection screen  3180 , an exhibition overview of a display item in accordance with the recognition result information is played in the synthesized voice of the speaker  1 . When the user taps the speaker  2  selection button  3182  on the speaker selection screen  3180 , an exhibition overview of a display item in accordance with the recognition result information is played in the synthesized voice of the speaker  2 . The user can optionally select the speaker with the speaker selection buttons. When the user taps the back button  3183  on the speaker selection screen  3180 , the screen displayed on the display unit  114  returns again to the shooting screen  3170 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 16 , when the user taps the site map button  3115  on the initial screen  3110 , the screen displayed on the display unit  114  transitions from the initial screen  3110  to the site map screen  3130 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 16 , when the user taps the barrier free route guidance button  3131  on the site map screen  3130 , the screen displayed on the display unit  114  transitions from the site map screen  3130  to the barrier free route guidance screen  3140 . When the user enters the name of a display item currently visited (AI/IoT, for example) in the current position selection field  3141  on the barrier free route guidance screen  3140  and the name of a display item to be visited next (media &amp; UI, for example) in the destination selection field  3142 , the screen displayed on the display unit  114  transitions from the barrier free route guidance screen  3140  to the barrier free route display screen. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , when the user taps the miscellaneous button  3116  on the initial screen  3110 , the screen displayed on display unit  114  transitions to a miscellaneous screen. 
     When the user taps a traffic access button, for example, on the miscellaneous screen, the screen displayed on the display unit  114  transitions from the miscellaneous screen to a traffic access screen. The traffic access screen includes, for example, means of transportation available to get to the exhibition site from the closest station to the exhibition site where the exhibition is held. 
     When the user taps a user setting button, for example, on the miscellaneous screen, the screen displayed on the display unit  114  transitions from the miscellaneous screen to a user setting screen. The user setting screen includes a user job setting field, for example, software-related, hardware-related, system integrator, telecommunications services, and the like, a user profession setting field, for example, planning, engineering, sales, clerical work, and the like, a user position setting field, for example, management, director, division manager, department manager, and the like. 
     When the user taps a terms-of-service button, for example, on the miscellaneous screen, the screen displayed on the display unit  114  transitions from the miscellaneous screen to a terms-of-service screen. The terms-of-service screen includes, for example, the content of the terms of service, select buttons for the user to select whether to agree on the terms of service, and the like. 
     As described above, with the exhibition supporting system  100  according to the present embodiment, the user can take various types of actions including, for example, “find display item”, “go to displayed area”, “listen to descriptions at exhibition booth, “create notes on display item”, “share information after leaving exhibition”, and the like, while checking the information he or she needs displayed on the screen of the terminal device  110 . This can make the exhibition experience more engaging for the user. 
     In addition, with the exhibition supporting system  100  according to the present embodiment, appropriate information can be provided to the user without installing additional equipment to exhibition booths, so that the appearance of the display items can be maintained. 
     In addition, with the exhibition supporting system  100  according to the present embodiment, by making appropriate one of the terminal device  110  and the exhibition information server  120  be in charge of high load processing, abnormal termination of the terminal device  110  and the exhibition information server  120  can be prevented. 
     Note that a computer can be suitably used to function as the exhibition supporting device (terminal device)  110  described above. Such a computer can be implemented by storing a program describing the processing contents for achieving the functions of the exhibition supporting device  110  in a database of the computer and causing the CPU of this computer to read and execute the program. 
     The program may be recorded in a computer-readable medium. The program can be installed on a computer by using a computer-readable medium. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transitory recording medium. The non-transitory recording medium is not limited to particular media, but may be, for example, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM. 
     The above embodiments have been described as representative examples, but it is apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and substitutions are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, a plurality of constituent blocks illustrated in a configuration diagram according to an embodiment may be combined into one block, or one constituent block may be divided. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
     
         
           50  Network 
           100  Exhibition supporting system 
           110  Terminal device (Exhibition supporting device) 
           111  Communication unit 
           112  Control unit 
           113  Storage unit 
           114  Display unit 
           115  Operation unit 
           116  Voice playing unit 
           120  Exhibition information server 
           130  Database server 
           140  Image recognition server 
           150  Image recognition engine 
           160  Barrier free map server 
           1111  Image information acquisition unit 
           1112  Recognition result information acquisition unit 
           1113  User information acquisition unit 
           1114  Exhibition information acquisition unit 
           1115  Lecture information acquisition unit 
           1116  Barrier free information acquisition unit 
           1117  Edit information acquisition unit 
           1118  Voice information acquisition unit 
           1121  Report generation unit 
           1122  Voice information selection unit 
           1123  Terminal device side PDF generation unit 
           1221  Report HTML generation unit 
           1222  PDF generation determination unit 
           1223  Exhibition information server side PDF generation unit 
           1231  Lecture information accumulation unit 
           1232  Exhibition information accumulation unit 
           1233  Voice information accumulation unit