Program, information processing device, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide a program, an information processing device, and an information processing method that improve user convenience by providing services preferentially to some users who visit a predetermined area.SOLUTION: In a system in which a terminal device 2 and an information processing device 3 can communicate with each other via a communication network, the terminal device displays information associating a ticket for preferential entry into a predetermined area with a selling price of the ticket, in comparison with users in the predetermined area, and displays information indicating that a purchase has been made based on the purchase of the ticket by a user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, an information processing device, and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known techniques for reducing congestion among customers visiting a store. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a queue management system including a control device that instructs a display device to display multiple signs indicating positions where multiple people who have been assigned serial numbers to undergo a procedure should line up to wait for the procedure, a display device that displays the multiple signs on a surface supporting the multiple people in response to the instruction, and a reception device that accepts people to undergo the procedure. In the queue management system, when the reception device completes the reception of one person, the display device displays a sign indicating that the reception of one person has been completed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7046284 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, convenience for users cannot be sufficiently improved by Patent Document 1. For example, there is room for consideration regarding providing services preferentially to some users.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to improve user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to function as a price display means that displays information relating a ticket for preferential entry into a specified area to a selling price of the ticket, in comparison with users in the area, and a purchase display means that displays information indicating that a purchase has been made, based on a user's purchase of a ticket.

[0007] A program according to another embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer to function as a first display means for displaying information associating a first ticket corresponding to a specified area with a sales price of a second ticket that will be available for purchase by a user who selects the first ticket, the sales price including a price for priority entry to the area; a second display means for displaying information indicating that the second ticket is available for purchase based on the user's selection of the first ticket; and a third display means for displaying information indicating that the second ticket has been purchased based on the user's purchase of the second ticket.

[0008] An information processing device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first output unit that outputs information for displaying information associating a first ticket corresponding to a specified area with a sales price of a second ticket that will be available for purchase by a user who selects the first ticket, the sales price including a price for preferential entry to the area; a second output unit that outputs information for displaying information indicating that the second ticket is available for purchase based on the user's selection of the first ticket; and a third output unit that outputs information for displaying information indicating that the second ticket has been purchased based on the user's purchase of the second ticket.

[0009] An information processing method according to another aspect of the present disclosure has a computer execute the steps of displaying information associating a first ticket corresponding to a specified area with a sales price of a second ticket that will be available for purchase by a user who selects the first ticket, the sales price including a price for preferential entry to the area; displaying information indicating that the second ticket is available for purchase based on the user's selection of the first ticket; and displaying information indicating that the second ticket has been purchased based on the user's purchase of the second ticket. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve user convenience. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the system 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the system 1. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a display screen of the terminal device 2. FIG. [Diagram 5] 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a display screen of the terminal device 2. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a display screen of the terminal device 2. FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart for explaining another operation of the system 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of each device in the system 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] A preferred embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter, referred to as the present embodiment) will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar configurations.

[0013] In this disclosure, the terms "part", "means", "apparatus", and "system" do not simply mean physical means, but also include cases where the functions of the "part", "means", "apparatus", and "system" are realized by software. Furthermore, the functions of one "part", "means", "apparatus", or "system" may be realized by two or more physical means, devices, or software, and the functions of two or more "parts", "means", "apparatus", or "system" may be realized by one physical means, device, or software.

[0014] <1. Overview of System 1> An overview of a system 1 according to this embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as "system 1") will be described with reference to Fig. 1. According to the system 1, it is possible to introduce a so-called Fast Pass (registered trademark) to a predetermined area.

[0015] A predetermined area is typically a facility that can only be used or entered by a certain number of users at the same time. Examples of predetermined areas include restaurants, food stalls, event venues, live music venues, sports spectator venues, karaoke shops, clubs, amusement parks or their attractions, toilets, public facilities, accommodation facilities, temples, shrines, etc. By purchasing a ticket, a user of the system 1 can enter the area with priority compared to other users waiting in a regular waiting line to enter the area.

[0016] In the following description, the area is assumed to be a store such as a restaurant, and the user is assumed to be a customer of the store.

[0017] Conventionally, for example, customers may be able to enter a store with priority by making a reservation for the store. However, for the store, accepting reservations reduces customer turnover. As a result, sales of the store decrease. For this reason, it may be preferable for the store not to accept reservations in order to maintain sales. In particular, for restaurants, since maintaining customer turnover is extremely important for profits, accepting reservations may be difficult from a management perspective. On the other hand, customers may feel inconvenienced if there is no way to enter the store with priority.

[0018] According to the system 1, it is possible to achieve both profit for the store and convenience for the user. Specifically, convenience is improved for the user, since the user can enter the store on a priority basis by paying an additional fee. In addition, the store can count at least a portion of the additional fee paid by the user as its own sales. Therefore, profits can be increased without changing the store's operations.

[0019] <2. Functional configuration of System 1> An example of the configuration of the system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The system 1 includes a terminal device 2, an information processing device 3, and a communication network 4. The terminal device 2 and the information processing device 3 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via the communication network 4. Each device will be described in detail below.

[0020] [Terminal device 2] The terminal device 2 is a device used by a user. The terminal device 2 is, for example, an electronic device such as a smartphone, a smart watch, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. In this embodiment, the terminal device 2 is described as being a smartphone. A user can operate the terminal device 2 by touching a touch panel display provided in the terminal device 2. The terminal device 2 can perform various functions according to this embodiment by a web browser, application software, or the like.

[0021] The terminal device 2 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 14, a network interface unit 18, and a bus 16. The control unit 10, the storage unit 14, and the network interface unit 18 are electrically connected to each other via the bus 16.

[0022] -Storage section 14- The storage unit 14 stores various programs for the control unit 10 to function as various means, which will be described later. The storage unit 14 also stores various information for implementing the operations described in this embodiment.

[0023] -Control unit 10- The control unit 10 executes various programs stored in the storage unit 14 to function as a display unit 100, a reception unit 102, and a position information acquisition unit 104.

[0024] (Display means 100) The display means 100 includes a first display means 100a. The first display means 100a displays a screen for selecting a first ticket (hereinafter referred to as a "first ticket selection screen"). Specifically, the first display means 100a displays information associating a first ticket corresponding to a specific store with a sales price of a second ticket that can be purchased by a user who selected the first ticket. The sales price includes a price for preferentially entering the store. An example of the first ticket selection screen will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.

[0025] The first ticket is typically a ticket that also serves as a purchase reservation for the second ticket. The first ticket can also be called a provisional ticket.

[0026] The first display means 100a typically displays a list of first tickets corresponding to a plurality of stores. The user selects a first ticket corresponding to a store that the user would preferentially like to visit from the list of first tickets. At the time when the user selects the first ticket, typically, no payment is made. Note that, at the time when the user selects the first ticket, a process may be performed to confirm the validity of a credit card that the user has registered in advance as a payment method.

[0027] The display means 100 further includes a second display means 100b. The second display means 100b displays a screen indicating that a second ticket is available for purchase based on the user's selection of the first ticket (hereinafter referred to as a "second ticket purchase screen"). The second ticket purchase screen can also be said to be a screen indicating that the selection of the first ticket has been completed. When the user purchases the second ticket, payment is made by a credit card or the like that the user has registered in advance. An example of the second ticket purchase screen will be described later with reference to FIG. 5.

[0028] Furthermore, the second display means 100b may further display information regarding instructions on the timing of purchasing the second ticket. The timing of purchasing the second ticket is, for example, immediately before entering the store or when the store staff comes to confirm the purchase of the second ticket. As described above, when the user purchases the second ticket, payment is made. Therefore, by displaying information regarding instructions on the timing of purchasing the second ticket on the second ticket purchase screen, it is possible to prevent payment from being made at a timing unintended by the user.

[0029] Furthermore, the second display means 100b may further display information indicating that the purchase of the second ticket is incomplete. A user who is not familiar with using the system 1 may not understand that it is necessary to purchase a second ticket after selecting a first ticket. Therefore, by displaying information indicating that the purchase of the second ticket is incomplete on the second ticket purchase screen, it becomes clear to the user what to do next. As a result, the user experience is improved.

[0030] In addition, the second display means 100b may further display information regarding instructions to line up in a specific waiting line of the store. In some stores, there are cases where customers who do not use the system 1 and users who use the system 1 line up separately. For example, the store may have two waiting lines: a normal waiting line for customers who do not use the system 1 and a priority waiting line for users who have purchased the first ticket (see FIG. 1). In such a case, if a user who selected the first ticket (i.e., a user who should have lined up in the priority waiting line) mistakenly lines up in the normal waiting line, the user will not be able to enter the store with priority. Therefore, by displaying information regarding instructions to line up in a specific waiting line of the store (e.g., a priority waiting line) on the second ticket purchase screen, it becomes possible to guide the user to the correct waiting line. As a result, the user experience is improved.

[0031] Moreover, the second display means 100b may further display information on the first time point when the first ticket was selected. The first time point typically corresponds to the time point when the user started to line up in the priority waiting queue. Here, the store may want to know when the user started to line up in the priority waiting queue. For example, if about one hour has already passed since the user started to line up in the priority waiting queue until the current time, the user, who was hoping to be able to enter the store early, may not want to purchase the second ticket. In such a case, if the store can know the first time point, it can allow the user to enter the store without purchasing the second ticket, or it can allow the user to purchase the second ticket but apply a discount on the services provided. In other words, it becomes easier for the store to take measures to maintain the user's satisfaction.

[0032] Furthermore, the second display means 100b may further display information regarding the elapsed time when the elapsed time from the first time point when the first ticket was selected is equal to or greater than the first threshold. As described above, there are cases where the store wants to know when the user started to stand in the priority waiting queue. By the second display means 100b displaying information regarding the elapsed time from the first time point on the second ticket purchase screen, the store can more easily know how long the user has been standing in the priority waiting queue.

[0033] The display means 100 further includes a third display means 100c. The third display means 100c displays a screen indicating that the second ticket has been purchased based on the purchase of the second ticket by the user (hereinafter, referred to as a "second ticket purchase completion screen"). An example of the second ticket purchase completion screen will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0034] The third display means 100c may further display information about a first time point when the first ticket was selected and information about a second time point when the second ticket was purchased. The second time point typically corresponds to the time point when the user enters the store. In other words, by the third display means 100c displaying both the first time point and the second time point, the store can grasp the time from when the user starts waiting in the priority waiting line to when the user enters the store.

[0035] Furthermore, the third display means 100c may further display information relating to the difference when the difference between the first time point when the first ticket is selected and the second time point when the second ticket is purchased is equal to or greater than a second threshold value. By the third display means 100c displaying information relating to the difference between the first time point and the second time point on the second ticket purchase completion screen, the store can more easily grasp the time from when the user starts waiting in the priority waiting queue to when the user enters the store.

[0036] At least a portion of the profits obtained by purchasing the second ticket is given to the store, and the other portion may be given to the business operator of the system 1, for example.

[0037] (Acceptance means 102) The accepting unit 102 accepts input of various operations from the user. The various operations include a selection operation of a first ticket on the first ticket selection screen. The various operations also include a purchase operation of a second ticket on the second ticket purchase screen.

[0038] (Location information acquisition means 104) The location information acquiring means 104 acquires location information of the terminal device 2. The location information acquiring means 104 may acquire the location information of the terminal device 2 by a GPS function that the terminal device 2 has.

[0039] Furthermore, the location information acquiring unit 104 acquires the location information of the store. The location information acquiring unit 104 may acquire the location information of the store from information posted on the store's website, store information registered in a map application, and a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) beacon or the like installed in the store.

[0040] --Network Interface Section 18-- The network interface unit 18 realizes communication with other devices via the communication network 4. The communication may be realized by, for example, the TCP / IP protocol.

[0041] [Information processing device 3] The information processing device 3 is a server device that uses the terminal device 2 as a client device. The information processing device 3 is typically a web application server device.

[0042] The information processing device 3 includes a control unit 20, a storage unit 24, a network interface unit 28, and a bus 26. The control unit 20, the storage unit 24, and the network interface unit 28 are electrically connected to each other via the bus 26.

[0043] -Storage section 24- The storage unit 24 stores various programs for the control unit 20 to function as various means, which will be described later. The storage unit 24 also stores a user information DB (Database) 240 and a store information DB 242.

[0044] (User information DB240) The user information DB 240 stores user information related to users of the system 1. The user information includes information related to the user's identification information, personal information of the user (e.g., name and address), payment information, stores registered as favorites, selection status of the first ticket, purchase status of the second ticket, etc. The system 1 stores information related to the user in the user information DB 240, for example, by accepting membership registration from the user.

[0045] When a user selects a first ticket, typically, the selection status of the first ticket of the user stored in the user information DB 240 is updated. Specifically, when a user selects one first ticket from multiple first tickets on the first ticket selection screen (for example, by pressing the icon of the first ticket), information on the store corresponding to the first ticket selected by the user and information on the first point in time when the user selected the first ticket may be added to the user information DB 240.

[0046] When a user selects a second ticket, typically, the selection status of the second ticket of the user stored in the user information DB 240 is updated. Specifically, when a user purchases a second ticket on the second ticket purchase screen (e.g., by pressing a purchase button), information on the store corresponding to the second ticket purchased by the user and information on the second point in time when the user purchased the second ticket may be added to the user information DB 240.

[0047] (Store information DB242) The store information DB 242 stores store information about stores registered in the system 1. The store information includes store identification information, store name, store location information, types and attributes of services provided by the store, the selling price of the second ticket, and other information.

[0048] -Control unit 20- The control unit 20 executes various programs stored in the storage unit 24 to function as a determination unit 200, an update unit 202, and an output unit 204.

[0049] (Decision means 200) The determination means 200 determines the selling price of the second ticket. Typically, the determination means 200 determines the selling price of the second ticket based on the demand for the store by the customer. That is, the determination means 200 performs dynamic pricing on the selling price of the second ticket.

[0050] The determination means 200 may determine the selling price of the second ticket depending on the time period. For example, the determination means 200 determines the selling price of the second ticket of a restaurant to be 500 yen during lunch time, and determines the selling price to be 200 yen during other time periods.

[0051] The determination means 200 may determine the selling price of the second ticket at the store depending on the time that the customer or other user has been waiting in the waiting line at the store.

[0052] The determination means 200 may increase the selling price of the second ticket, for example, when the time that the customer has been waiting in the normal waiting line (see the upper part of FIG. 1) is long (i.e., the time from when the customer has lined up at the end of the normal waiting line to when the customer enters the store). The determination means 200 may also decrease the selling price of the second ticket, for example, when the time that the customer has been waiting in the normal waiting line is short (including the case where the normal waiting line has not been formed and the customer can enter the store without waiting in the normal waiting line).

[0053] Furthermore, the determination means 200 may increase the selling price of the second ticket, for example, when the time the user has been waiting in the priority queue (see the lower part of FIG. 1) is long (i.e., the time from when the user has lined up at the end of the priority queue to when the user enters the store). Furthermore, the determination means 200 may decrease the selling price of the second ticket, for example, when the time the user has been waiting in the priority queue is short (including the case where the priority queue has not been formed and the user can enter the store without waiting in the priority queue).

[0054] The time that a customer or other user has been waiting in a queue at a store may be, for example, measured manually by a staff member of the store and input to the system 1. The time that a customer or other user has been waiting in a queue at a store may also be measured by tracking the movement of the customer or other user with a camera installed in front of the store and configured to be able to communicate with the information processing device 3. The time that other users have been waiting in a queue at a store may also be calculated by referring to the user information DB 240 and based on the difference between a first time point when the other user selected the first ticket and a second time point when the other user purchased the second ticket.

[0055] The determination means 200 may determine the selling price of the second ticket periodically or non-periodically. The period may be, for example, one second, one minute, one hour, one day, one week, etc. In other words, the selling price is typically different at the third time point and at a fourth time point that is after the third time point. The determination means 200 may also determine the selling price of the second ticket according to the average customer price, the length of time that the customer stays in the store, the type of business of the store, etc.

[0056] (Update means 202) The update means 202 updates the information stored in the user information DB 240 based on various information received from the terminal device 2. Specifically, the update means 202 receives information related to the selection operation of the first ticket from the terminal device 2, and updates the information related to the selection status of the first ticket stored in the user information DB 240. The update means 202 also receives information related to the purchase operation of the second ticket from the terminal device 2, and updates the information related to the purchase status of the second ticket stored in the user information DB 240. Note that updating of information includes adding and deleting information.

[0057] (output means 204) The output unit 204 outputs various information displayed on the terminal device 2. Outputting information includes transmitting the information to another terminal. In this embodiment, the output unit 204 will be described as transmitting various information to the terminal device 2.

[0058] The output means 204 includes a first output means 204a. The first output means 204a typically transmits information for causing the first display means 100a to function to the terminal device 2. Specifically, the first output means 204a transmits information for displaying information associating the first ticket with the selling price of the second ticket to the terminal device 2. The information transmitted by the first output means 204a includes, for example, a list of stores registered in the store information DB 242 and the selling price of the second ticket at each store.

[0059] Moreover, the output means 204 includes a second output means 204b. The second output means 204b typically transmits information for causing the second display means 100b to function to the terminal device 2. Specifically, the second output means 204b transmits information for displaying information indicating that the second ticket is available for purchase to the terminal device 2 based on the selection of the first ticket by the user. The information transmitted by the second output means 204b includes, for example, information indicating that the update of the user information DB 240 associated with the selection of the first ticket by the user has been completed. This is because the second ticket can typically only be purchased after the selection of the first ticket has been properly stored in the information processing device 3.

[0060] Moreover, the output means 204 includes a third output means 204c. The third output means 204c typically transmits information for making the third display means 100c function to the terminal device 2. Specifically, the third output means 204c transmits information for displaying information indicating that the second ticket has been purchased, based on the purchase of the second ticket by the user, to the terminal device 2. The information transmitted by the third output means 204c includes, for example, information indicating that the update of the user information DB 240 associated with the purchase of the second ticket by the user has been completed. This is because the second ticket purchase completion screen is typically not displayed on the terminal device 2 until the purchase of the second ticket has been properly stored in the information processing device 3. --Network Interface Section 28-- The network interface unit 28 realizes communication with other devices via the communication network 4. The communication may be realized by, for example, the TCP / IP protocol.

[0061] <3. Operation of System 1> The operation of the system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 6. Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the terminal device 2 and the information processing device 3. Figs. 4 to 6 are diagrams for explaining an example of the display screen of the terminal device 2.

[0062] --Display of the first ticket selection screen-- First, the information processing device 3 determines the selling price of the second ticket (S100). In this example, the information processing device 3 determines the selling prices of the second tickets for six stores, an ice cream shop, a pasta shop, a pizza shop, a coffee shop, a confectionery shop, and a grocery store, to be 500 yen, 550 yen, 350 yen, 200 yen, 400 yen, and 100 yen, respectively.

[0063] Next, the information processing device 3 transmits information about the determined selling price of the second ticket (hereinafter referred to as "price information") to the terminal device 2 (S102).

[0064] Next, the terminal device 2 displays a first ticket selection screen based on the received price information (S104). Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the first ticket selection screen. A title d100 and a first ticket selection area d102 are displayed on the first ticket selection screen.

[0065] The title d100 is the title of the display screen. In this example, the title d100 is displayed as "First ticket selection screen."

[0066] The first ticket selection area d102 is an area that displays a plurality of buttons that the user can press to select a first ticket. In this example, six buttons, a first ticket button d104 to a first ticket button d114, are displayed in the first ticket selection area d102.

[0067] The first ticket button d104 is a button for selecting a first ticket corresponding to an ice cream shop. The first ticket button d104 displays the ice cream shop's icon and the sales price of the second ticket for the ice cream shop, "500 yen," in association with the ice cream shop.

[0068] The first ticket button d106 is a button for selecting a first ticket corresponding to a pasta restaurant. The first ticket button d106 displays an icon of the pasta restaurant and the sales price of the second ticket for the pasta restaurant, "550 yen," in association with the icon.

[0069] The first ticket button d108 is a button for selecting a first ticket corresponding to a pizza shop. The first ticket button d108 displays the icon of the pizza shop and the sales price of the second ticket for the pizza shop, "350 yen," in association with the icon.

[0070] The first ticket button d110 is a button for selecting a first ticket corresponding to a coffee shop. The first ticket button d110 displays the icon of the coffee shop and the sales price of the second ticket for the coffee shop, "200 yen," in association with the icon.

[0071] The first ticket button d112 is a button for selecting a first ticket corresponding to a confectionery store. The first ticket button d112 is associated with and displays the selling price of the second ticket for the confectionery store, "400 yen."

[0072] The first ticket button d114 is a button for selecting a first ticket corresponding to a grocery store. The first ticket button d114 is associated with and displays the selling price of the second ticket for the grocery store, "100 yen."

[0073] Next, the terminal device 2 accepts the selection of the first ticket from the user (S106). In this example, it is assumed that the user selects the first ticket for the ice cream shop. That is, the user presses the first ticket button d104.

[0074] -Display of the second ticket purchase screen- Returning to FIG. 3, next, the terminal device 2 transmits information relating to the selection of the first ticket (hereinafter referred to as "selection information") to the information processing device 3 (S108).

[0075] Next, the information processing device 3 updates the selection status of the first ticket of the user based on the received selection information (S110). Specifically, the information processing device 3 stores in the user information DB 240 information relating to the user's selection of the first ticket for the ice cream shop and the first time point when the user selected the first ticket.

[0076] Next, the information processing device 3 transmits information indicating that the updating of the user information DB 240 has been completed in relation to the selection of the first ticket by the user (hereinafter referred to as a "first process completion notification") to the terminal device 2 (S112).

[0077] In response to receiving the first process completion notification, the terminal device 2 displays a second ticket purchase screen (S114). Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the second ticket purchase screen. The second ticket purchase screen displays a title d200, a message d202, a dialogue d204, an icon d206, a first time point d208, an elapsed time d210, and a purchase button d212.

[0078] The title d200 is the title of the display screen. In this example, the title d200 is displayed as "Second Ticket Purchase Screen."

[0079] The message d202 is a message that provides an overview of the display screen. In this example, the message d202 displays "First ticket acquisition completed."

[0080] The dialogue d204 contains instructions to the user, etc. In this example, the dialogue d204 displays "Please line up in the priority waiting line, show this screen to the store staff, and make your purchase when you enter the store. *Purchase is not completed."

[0081] The dialogue d204 includes information regarding instructions on when to purchase the second ticket, information indicating that the purchase of the second ticket is incomplete, and information regarding instructions to line up in a specific waiting line at the store. In this example, "Please show this screen to the store staff and purchase when you enter the store" corresponds to information regarding instructions on when to purchase the second ticket. Furthermore, "Line up in the priority waiting line" corresponds to information regarding instructions to line up in a specific waiting line at the store. Furthermore, "*Purchase is not completed" corresponds to information indicating that the purchase of the second ticket is incomplete.

[0082] The icon d206 is an icon that represents the second ticket that is now available for purchase. In this example, the icon d206 displays an illustration, the name of the store, and the selling price of the second ticket.

[0083] The first time point d208 is the time point when the user selected the first ticket. In this example, the first time point d208 displays "Acquisition date and time: June 1, 2023, 12:00".

[0084] The elapsed time d210 is displayed when the elapsed time from the first time point is equal to or greater than the first threshold. In this example, the first threshold is 30 minutes. On the second ticket purchase screen, a warning mark is displayed along with the message "30 minutes have passed since acquisition" as the elapsed time d210. A display like this example will be displayed after 12:30 on June 1, 2023, which is 30 minutes after the first time point.

[0085] The purchase button d212 is a button that the user can press to purchase a second ticket.

[0086] -Display of the second ticket purchase completion screen- Returning to Fig. 3, next, the terminal device 2 accepts the purchase of a second ticket from the user (S116). That is, the user presses the purchase button d212.

[0087] Next, the terminal device 2 transmits information related to the purchase of the second ticket (hereinafter, referred to as "purchase information") to the information processing device 3 (S118).

[0088] Next, the information processing device 3 updates the purchase status of the second ticket of the user based on the received purchase information (S120). Specifically, the information processing device 3 stores in the user information DB 240 information relating to the user's purchase of the second ticket for the ice cream shop and the second time point when the user purchased the second ticket.

[0089] Next, the information processing device 3 transmits information indicating that the update of the user information DB 240 has been completed with respect to the purchase of the second ticket by the user (hereinafter, referred to as a "second process completion notification") to the terminal device 2 (S122).

[0090] In response to receiving the second process completion notification, the terminal device 2 displays a second ticket purchase completion screen (S124). Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the second ticket purchase completion screen. The second ticket purchase screen displays a title d300, a message d302, an icon d304, a first time point d306, a second time point d308, and a waiting time d310.

[0091] The title d300 is the title of the display screen. In this example, the title d300 is displayed as "Second Ticket Purchase Completion Screen."

[0092] The message d302 is a message for the purchase of the second ticket. In this example, the message d302 displays "Thank you for your purchase."

[0093] The icon d304 is an icon that represents the second ticket after the purchase is completed. In this example, the icon d304 displays an illustration, the name of the store, and the selling price of the second ticket. In addition, a single color is added to the entire icon d304 so that the user can visually understand that the purchase of the second ticket is completed.

[0094] The first point in time d306 is the point in time when the user selects the first ticket, similar to the first point in time d208 shown in FIG.

[0095] The second time point d308 is the time point when the user purchased the second ticket. In this example, the second time point d308 displays "Purchase date and time: June 1, 2023 13:00".

[0096] The waiting time d310 is displayed when the difference between the first time point and the second time point is equal to or greater than the second threshold. The second threshold is typically equal to or greater than the first threshold. In this example, the second threshold is assumed to be one hour. On the second ticket purchase completion screen, a warning mark is displayed along with the message "You have been waiting in line for more than one hour" as the waiting time d310. A display like this example is displayed when the second ticket is purchased after 13:00 on June 1, 2023, which is one hour after the first time point.

[0097] After the terminal device 2 displays the second ticket purchase completion screen, the system 1 ends the process.

[0098] <4. Other operations of System 1> Another operation of the system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a method in which the terminal device 2 controls the display screen using position information.

[0099] First, the terminal device 2 acquires its own location information (hereinafter referred to as "first location information") (S200).

[0100] Next, the terminal device 2 acquires the location information of the store (hereinafter, referred to as "second location information") (S202).

[0101] Next, the terminal device 2 determines whether or not the first location information and the second location information are included within a predetermined range (S204). That is, the terminal device 2 determines whether or not the user is located sufficiently close to the store.

[0102] If it is determined that the first location information and the second location information are not within a predetermined range (S204 NO), the terminal device 2 displays a warning on the second ticket purchase screen. The warning displayed in this case may include information regarding the validity of the first ticket. The information regarding the validity of the first ticket is, for example, information indicating that the first ticket will become invalid (i.e., the second ticket will not be able to be purchased) if a predetermined instruction is not followed. The predetermined instruction in this case is, for example, an instruction regarding moving to the vicinity of the store.

[0103] If the user does not follow the predetermined instruction, the information processing device 3 may invalidate the first ticket. At this time, the information processing device 3 controls the terminal device 2 so that a message such as "The first ticket has expired. Please select the first ticket again" is displayed on the second ticket purchase screen.

[0104] If it is determined that the first location information and the second location information are included within the predetermined range (S204 NO), the terminal device 2 ends the process.

[0105] As described above, when a certain amount of time has elapsed since the first time point when the user selected the first ticket (typically, the time point when the user started to queue in the priority queue), the store may take measures such as exempting the user from purchasing a second ticket and allowing the user to enter the store, or allowing the user to purchase a second ticket but applying a discount on the services provided. However, the store may not intend to take a similar measure when the user spends a long time in a completely different place without queuing in the priority queue after selecting the first ticket. Here, by utilizing the first location information and the second location information as described with reference to FIG. 7, the first ticket of the user who was not in the priority queue can be invalidated. As a result, the store can distinguish between the users who were in the priority queue as intended and the other users.

[0106] <5. Hardware configuration> 8, an example of a hardware configuration in which the above-mentioned information processing device 3 and terminal device 2 are realized by a computer 70 will be described. Note that the functions of each device can also be realized by dividing them into multiple devices.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 8, a computer 70 includes a processor 700, a storage device 702, an input I / F 704, a data I / F 706, a communication I / F 708, and a display device 710.

[0108] The processor 700 controls various processes in the computer 70 by executing programs stored in the storage device 702. For example, each functional unit of the control unit 10 of the information processing device 3 and the terminal device 2 can be realized by the processor 700 executing the programs stored in the storage device 702.

[0109] The storage device 702 is a storage medium such as a random access memory (RAM), etc. The RAM temporarily stores the program code of the program executed by the processor 700 and data required when the program is executed.

[0110] The storage device 702 may also be a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory. The storage device 702 stores an operating system and various programs for implementing the above-mentioned configurations. The storage medium storing the various programs may be a non-transitory computer readable medium. In addition, the storage device 702 may store a table for registering various information and a DB for managing the table. Such programs and data are loaded into the storage device 702 as necessary and referred to by the processor 700.

[0111] The input I / F 704 is a device for receiving input from a user. Specific examples of the input I / F 704 include a camera, a button, a microphone, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, various sensors, and a wearable device. The input I / F 704 may be connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB).

[0112] The data I / F 706 is a device for inputting data from outside the computer 70. A specific example of the data I / F 706 is a drive device for reading data stored in various storage media. The data I / F 706 may be provided outside the computer 70. In that case, the data I / F 706 is connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as a USB.

[0113] The communication I / F 708 is a device for performing data communication via the communication network 4, either wired or wirelessly, with an external device of the computer 70. The communication I / F 708 may be provided outside the computer 70. In that case, the communication I / F 708 is connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as a USB.

[0114] The display device 710 is a device for displaying various types of information. Specific examples of the display device 710 include a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and a display of a wearable device. The display device 710 may be provided outside the computer 70. In that case, the display device 710 is connected to the computer 70 via, for example, a display cable. In addition, when a touch panel is adopted as the input I / F 704, the display device 710 can be configured integrally with the input I / F 704.

[0115] The components of the information processing device 3 and the terminal device 2 described in the above embodiment are assumed to realize a predetermined process in cooperation with other hardware by the processor 700 executing a program stored in the storage device 702. In other words, these components are assumed to be software or firmware, and also corresponding hardware, and in both concepts, they are also described as "functions," "means," "parts," "processing circuits," "units," or "modules," and can be interpreted as each of these.

[0116] <6. Variations> The system 1 described in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate without causing any inconsistency.

[0117] The information processing device 3 may be configured from a plurality of devices. Furthermore, the information processing device 3 may be a part of another device.

[0118] In the above embodiment, it has been described that the payment is not made at the time when the user selects the first ticket, but this is not limited to the above. For example, a deposit may be paid at the time when the user selects the first ticket, and the difference between the selling price of the second ticket and the deposit may be refunded to the user at the time when the second ticket is purchased. Specifically, a deposit of 800 yen may be paid at the time when the first ticket is selected, and 300 yen, which is the difference between the selling price of the second ticket (500 yen) and the deposit, may be refunded to the user at the time when the second ticket is purchased.

[0119] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the user purchases a second ticket after selecting a first ticket, but this is not limiting. For example, the user may be able to purchase a ticket equivalent to the second ticket from the beginning. Specifically, the control unit 10 of the terminal device 2 may function as a price display means for displaying information associating a ticket (corresponding to the second ticket in the above embodiment) for preferentially entering a store compared to users in a specified area with the selling price of the ticket, and a purchase display means for displaying information indicating that a purchase has been made based on the purchase of the ticket by the user.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the predetermined area is described as a store such as a restaurant, but is not limited to this. In the following, examples of applications of the system 1 described in the above embodiment and expected effects thereof will be described.

[0121] Live House: Users can secure good locations and seats by paying an additional fee. Particularly at music events where the order of entry into the venue is determined by lottery, users may purchase more tickets than necessary to ensure a high probability of securing a good location. In such cases, other users will be unable to purchase tickets. With System 1, users will no longer need to purchase more tickets than necessary, improving convenience for the user and other users.

[0122] Limited-time events: For example, on the release date of a new product that is in high demand, many users may form a waiting line hours before the store opens. In some cases, numbered tickets are distributed to eliminate this, but in any case, those who arrive at the store first generally have an advantage. However, the so-called first-come-first-served system may not necessarily be fair, for example, in that users who come to the store from afar may be at a disadvantage. According to system 1, users can receive services preferentially (for example, regardless of the time of arrival at the store) by paying an additional fee, which can eliminate the sense of unfairness. The same applies to events such as watching sports games.

[0123] Toilets: Waiting lines are likely to form at toilets in urban facilities and event venues. However, even among users in the waiting line, the level of urgency may differ. For example, patients with ulcerative colitis may feel a sudden and intense urge to defecate compared to those who do not suffer from ulcerative colitis. According to the system 1, users with a high level of urgency can be given priority in using the toilets, improving user convenience.

[0124] Food stalls: In some cases, multiple food stalls are set up in parallel at a given location. In such cases, the food stalls are generally set up for a limited period of time. In some cases, users may wish to visit as many food stalls as possible within that period. According to the system 1, a user can visit more food stalls than usual within that period by paying an additional fee. In addition, the profits gained by the system 1 from selling tickets can be distributed to the food stalls and the organizers of the event in which the food stalls are set up.

[0125] Club: In a club, different users may have different preferred locations on the floor (e.g., near the bar counter, near the DJ, a large open space, near the entrance, etc.). System 1 allows users to prioritize spending time in their preferred locations.

[0126] Short-term accommodation: Short-term accommodation is an accommodation that can typically be used without prior reservation (i.e., a waiting line may form). The average stay time of users of short-term accommodation is relatively long. In addition, when there are other users using the same room, there tends to be a large incentive to shorten the waiting time. According to the system 1, users with a large incentive can be given priority in using the short-term accommodation.

[0127] <7. Other embodiments> The following aspects are also included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0128] [Appendix 1] A program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer 70 to function as a price display means that displays information relating a ticket for preferential entry into a specified area to the selling price of the ticket, in comparison with users in the specified area, and a purchase display means that displays information indicating that a purchase has been made, based on the purchase of a ticket by a user.

[0129] [Appendix 2] A program according to another embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer 70 to function as a first display means 100a that displays information associating a first ticket corresponding to a specified area with the selling price of a second ticket that will be available for purchase by a user who selects the first ticket, the selling price including a price for preferential entry to the area; a second display means 100b that displays information indicating that a second ticket is available for purchase based on the user's selection of the first ticket; and a third display means 100c that displays information indicating that the second ticket has been purchased based on the user's purchase of the second ticket.

[0130] [Appendix 3] In the program described in Appendix 2, the second display means 100b may further display at least one of information instructing the timing of purchasing the second ticket, information indicating that the purchase of the second ticket is incomplete, and information instructing the user to line up in a specific waiting queue to enter the area.

[0131] [Appendix 4] In the program according to Supplementary Note 2 or Supplementary Note 3, the second display means 100b may further display information relating to a first time point when the selection of the first ticket was made.

[0132] [Appendix 5] In the program described in any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 4, the third display means 100c may further display information relating to a first point in time when the selection of the first ticket was made and information relating to a second point in time when the purchase of the second ticket was made.

[0133] [Appendix 6] In the program described in any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 5, the second display means 100b may further display information regarding the elapsed time when the elapsed time from the first point in time when the selection of the first ticket was made is equal to or greater than a first threshold value.

[0134] [Appendix 7] In the program described in any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 6, the third display means 100c may further display information relating to the difference between a first time point when the first ticket is selected and a second time point when the second ticket is purchased when the difference is greater than or equal to a second threshold value.

[0135] [Appendix 8] In the program according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 7, the selling price may be different at the third time point and at a fourth time point after the third time point.

[0136] [Appendix 9] In the program according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 8, the selling price may be determined according to the time that the area user or other users have been waiting in the waiting queue to enter the area.

[0137] [Appendix 10] An information processing device 3 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first output unit that outputs information for displaying information associating a first ticket corresponding to a specified area with a sales price of a second ticket that can be purchased by a user who selects the first ticket, the sales price including a price for preferential entry to the area; a second output unit that outputs information for displaying information indicating that the second ticket is available for purchase based on the user's selection of the first ticket; and a third output unit that outputs information for displaying information indicating that the second ticket has been purchased based on the user's purchase of the second ticket.

[0138] [Appendix 11] An information processing method according to another aspect of the present disclosure has a computer 70 execute a step of displaying information associating a first ticket corresponding to a specified area with a sales price of a second ticket that will be available for purchase by a user who selects the first ticket, the sales price including a price for preferential entry to the area; a step of displaying information indicating that the second ticket is available for purchase based on the user's selection of the first ticket; and a step of displaying information indicating that the second ticket has been purchased based on the user's purchase of the second ticket. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1...system, 2...terminal device, 3...information processing device, 10...control unit, 14...storage unit, 20...control unit, 24...storage unit, 70...computer, 100...display means, 100a...first display means, 100b...second display means, 100c...third display means, 102...reception means, 104...location information acquisition means, 200...determination means, 202...update means, 204...output means

Claims

1. Computer, a price display means for displaying information relating a ticket for preferentially entering a predetermined area in comparison with users in the area and a sales price of the ticket; a purchase display means for displaying information indicating that a purchase has been made based on the purchase of the ticket by a user; A program that functions as a

2. Computer, a first display means for displaying information associating a first ticket corresponding to a predetermined area with a sales price of a second ticket that can be purchased by a user who has selected the first ticket, the sales price including a price for preferentially entering the area; a second display means for displaying information indicating that the second ticket is available for purchase based on the selection of the first ticket by the user; a third display means for displaying information indicating that the second ticket has been purchased based on the purchase of the second ticket by the user; A program that functions as a

3. 3. The program of claim 2, wherein the second display means further displays at least one of information regarding instructions on timing to purchase the second ticket, information indicating that the purchase of the second ticket is incomplete, and information regarding instructions to line up in a specific waiting line to enter the area.

4. 3. The program according to claim 2, wherein said second display means further displays information relating to a first time point when said first ticket was selected.

5. 3. The program according to claim 2, wherein the third display means further displays information regarding a first time point when the selection of the first ticket was made and information regarding a second time point when the purchase of the second ticket was made.

6. 3 . The program according to claim 2 , wherein the second display means further displays information about the elapsed time when the elapsed time from the first point in time when the selection of the first ticket was made is equal to or greater than a first threshold value.

7. The program according to claim 2, wherein the third display means further displays information regarding a difference between a first time point when the first ticket is selected and a second time point when the second ticket is purchased when the difference is equal to or greater than a second threshold value.

8. 3. The program according to claim 1, wherein the selling price is different between a third time point and a fourth time point that is later than the third time point.

9. 3. The program according to claim 1, wherein the selling price is determined according to the time that the user of the area or other users have been waiting in a waiting queue to enter the area.

10. a first output unit that outputs information for displaying information associating a first ticket corresponding to a predetermined area with a sales price of a second ticket that can be purchased by a user who has selected the first ticket, the sales price including a price for preferentially entering the area; and a second output unit that outputs information for displaying information indicating that the second ticket is available for purchase based on the selection of the first ticket by the user; a third output unit that outputs information for displaying information indicating that the second ticket has been purchased based on the purchase of the second ticket by the user; An information processing device comprising:

11. On the computer, a step of displaying information associating a first ticket corresponding to a predetermined area with a sales price of a second ticket that can be purchased by a user who has selected the first ticket, the sales price including a price for preferentially entering the area; displaying information indicating that the second ticket is available for purchase based on the user's selection of the first ticket; displaying information indicating that the second ticket has been purchased based on the purchase of the second ticket by the user; An information processing method.

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