Reception management system, reception device, and program thereof

Abstract

To allow the number of manned reception devices and the number of self-service reception devices to be switched as desired within a limited number of devices.SOLUTION: A reception device acquires information on operation modes in either a manned mode in which an employee enters first data and second data pertaining to a reception function at entry, which accepts the entry of the first data required when a user enters a facility, and a reception function at exit, which accepts the entry of the second data required when the user exits the facility, or a self-mode in which the user enters the first data and the second data. When the information acquired from the server is the manned mode information, the reception device accepts the input of the first data or the second data with a screen of a display device as the screen of the manned mode. When the information acquired from the server is the self-mode information, the reception device accepts the input of the first data or the second data with the screen of the display device as the screen of the self-mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a reception management system, a reception device of the system, and a program for causing a computer to function as the reception device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a data processing device that has an entry reception function that accepts input of data required when a user enters a facility, and an exit reception function that accepts input of data required when a user leaves the facility. This type of data processing device is installed at the reception desk of leisure facilities such as karaoke booths, darts bars, and manga cafes, or sports facilities such as sports gyms, golf courses, and bowling alleys. For this reason, this type of data processing device is generally called a reception device.

[0003] There are two types of reception devices: manned reception devices operated by facility employees, and self-service reception devices operated by facility users. When a manned reception device is used, the employee operates the device, so there are fewer data input errors and operation delays rarely occur. This has the advantage of efficiently handling users. However, since an employee must always be at the reception desk, securing employees becomes an issue. On the other hand, when a self-service reception device is used, reception employees are not required. However, since the user operates the device, data input errors are likely to occur and operation is often time-consuming. This has the disadvantage of not being able to efficiently handle users.

[0004] From this perspective, there is a demand for installing many manned reception devices at the reception desk on days or times when there are many users to efficiently handle users, and conversely, installing many self-service reception devices at the reception desk on days or times when there are few users to reduce the burden on employees. In response to this demand, currently, there is no choice but to prepare the necessary number of manned reception devices and self-service reception devices at the reception desk, and determine the number of reception devices that can be used depending on the day of the week or the time of day, etc. Therefore, equipment costs are high. In addition, there are problems such as waste due to non-operating reception devices and the need to secure a large installation space for the reception devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-219819 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem that an embodiment of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a reception device and reception management system that can easily realize a reception system that can arbitrarily switch between the number of manned reception devices and the number of self-service reception devices within a limited number of devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the reception device includes a mode acquisition means, a storage means, a manned control means, and a self-control means. The mode acquisition means acquires information on an operation mode from a server, either a manned mode in which an employee inputs the first data and the second data related to an entry reception function that accepts an input of first data required when a user enters a facility and an exit reception function that accepts an input of second data required when a user exits a facility, or a self-control mode in which a user inputs the first data and the second data. The storage means stores the information on the operation mode acquired by the mode acquisition means. When the information stored by the storage means is information on the manned mode, the manned control means sets the screen of the display device to a screen of the manned mode and accepts the input of the first data or the second data. When the information stored by the storage means is information on the self-control mode, the self-control means sets the screen of the display device to a screen of the self-control mode and accepts the input of the first data or the second data. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a reception management system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the reception system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the receiving terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing main application software installed in the receiving terminal. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing main memory areas formed in the main memory of the receiving terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the receiving server. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the receiving terminal table. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of data items stored in a box-specific file. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the store-specific master table. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows an example of the reception terminal setting screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows an example of the master edit screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor of the reception terminal. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the reception terminal. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor of the reception terminal. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the reception terminal. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor of the reception terminal. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor of the receiving server. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows an example of a sign-on screen. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows an example of the top screen in the attended mode. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows an example of the entry / exit processing screen in the attended mode. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows an example of a display of the operation menu screen. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 shows an example of a display on the top screen in the entrance / exit self mode. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 shows an example of a display on the top screen in the self-entry mode. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 shows an example of a display of the top screen in the exit self mode. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is an example of a display of the number of users input screen. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is an example of a display of the slip reading screen. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation procedure related to the attended mode and transition of screens displayed on the reception terminal. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a sequence diagram showing an example of transition of an operation procedure related to the self mode and a screen displayed on the reception terminal. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a sequence diagram showing a procedure related to a transaction in the reception system. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram showing a main data structure of a store-by-store master table in the second embodiment. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the receiving server in the second embodiment. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the receiving server in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Below, we will use the drawings to explain an embodiment of a reception device and reception management system that can easily realize a reception system that can arbitrarily switch between the number of manned reception devices and the number of self-service reception devices within a limited number of devices. In this embodiment, a karaoke box store is exemplified as a store to which the reception device is applied. A karaoke box store is a store that has one or more facilities for enjoying karaoke, so-called karaoke boxes. Each karaoke box is set with a unique box number. The box number is a series of numbers set to individually identify each karaoke box. The box number can be rephrased as a room number or the like. In general, in a karaoke box store, before a user enters a karaoke box, the user inputs data required for entry, such as the box number, the number of users, the start time of use, and the planned time of use, into the reception device at the reception desk. When the user leaves the karaoke box, the user inputs data required for exit, such as the box number and the end time of use, into the reception device. By doing so, the reception device calculates the karaoke box usage fee, so-called facility usage fee, for each user according to the usage time, the number of users, etc. In addition, when a user eats or drinks in the karaoke box, the cost of the food and drink is also added to the facility usage fee. The facility usage fee is displayed on the display device of the reception device, so the user pays the facility usage fee. The data related to the payment at this time is also input into the reception device. This embodiment illustrates an example of a reception device suitable for installation at the reception desk of such a karaoke box store. It also illustrates a reception management system including reception devices of multiple karaoke box stores that are part of a chain, and a reception management server that manages the reception devices of each store.

[0010] [Description of reception management system] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a reception management system 1000 according to this embodiment. The reception management system 1000 includes a reception system 100 constructed in each of a number of karaoke box stores that are operating as a chain, a reception management server 200 controlled by a headquarters that oversees each of the karaoke box stores, and a communication network 300. The communication network 300 is a wide area network that manages data communication between the reception server 1 (see Fig. 2) of each reception system 100 and the reception management server 200. For example, the communication network 300 can be the Internet, an intranet, a mobile communication network, etc.

[0011] The reception management server 200 is a computer system for providing various services relating to the management of the reception terminals 2 (see FIG. 2) of each reception system 100. The reception management server 200 provides services in a cloud computing environment. The reception management server 200 may also provide services in an on-premise environment. The reception management server 200 may not be composed of a single server, but may be composed of multiple servers.

[0012] The reception management server 200 includes a store-specific master table 400. Details of the store-specific master table 400 will be explained later, but the store-specific master table 400 is for storing information on the operation mode set in the reception terminal 2 of each reception system 100. The information on the operation mode stored in the store-specific master table 400 is updated as appropriate by, for example, a maintenance PC (personal computer) located at the headquarters.

[0013] [Description of the reception system] 2 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a reception system 100 constructed in one karaoke booth. The reception system 100 includes a reception server 1, a plurality of reception terminals 2, a plurality of ordering terminals 3, and a kitchen terminal 4. The reception system 100 connects the reception server 1 with each of the reception terminals 2, each of the ordering terminals 3, and the kitchen terminal 4 via a communication network 5. The communication network 5 is typically a LAN (Local Area Network). The LAN may be a wired LAN or a wireless LAN.

[0014] The reception server 1 is a computer system for providing various services related to reception operations. The reception server 1 provides services in an on-premise environment. The reception server 1 may provide services in a cloud computing environment. The reception server 1 manages databases such as a box database 6, an employee database 7, a member database 8, and a product database 9 in order to provide various services related to reception operations. The reception server 1 may not be composed of a single server, but may be composed of multiple servers.

[0015] The box database 6 is a database that stores data related to the karaoke boxes installed in karaoke box stores. For example, the box database 6 stores data such as the number of available users, basic fee, extension fee, etc., for each box number, which is identification information assigned to each karaoke box.

[0016] The employee database 7 is a database that stores data on employees working at karaoke booths. For example, the employee database 7 stores data such as names and passwords for each employee code, which is identification information assigned to each employee. Passwords are confidential information used for identity authentication.

[0017] The member database 8 is a database that stores data on users who have registered as members of the karaoke booth store, that is, on members. For example, the member database 8 stores data such as name, age, membership registration date, membership validity period, and service points for each member, which is identification information assigned to each member. A member card on which the membership code is recorded is issued to a user who becomes a member. Alternatively, the membership code is displayed on a display device of the smartphone in the form of a machine-readable code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code by dedicated application software installed on the user's smartphone or the like. In addition, when a member makes a reservation in advance to use a karaoke booth, the member database 8 also stores the reservation information for each member.

[0018] The product database 9 is a database that stores data on products provided to users of karaoke booths. For example, the product database 9 stores data on products, such as product names and prices, classified by product code, which is identification information assigned to each product. Products include food, beverages, cooking supplies, cigarettes, etc. Rental items such as lighting equipment, musical instruments, and audio equipment, which are charged for, are also classified as products. Furthermore, karaoke booths offer course menus, such as two hours of use with all-you-can-drink alcoholic beverages, and two hours of use with all-you-can-drink drink bar. Such karaoke course menus are also included in the products stored in the product database 9.

[0019] The reception terminal 2 is a data processing device installed at the reception desk of a karaoke booth. The reception desk is a place where users stop by before entering a karaoke booth or after leaving a karaoke booth. The reception desk is also called the front desk. The reception desk is usually located near the entrance of a karaoke booth, and has a counter table for serving customers. In this embodiment, multiple reception terminals 2 are installed in one direction on this counter table.

[0020] The installation method of the reception terminal 2 is not particularly limited. As will be described in detail later, the reception terminal 2 may be operated by an employee or a user. Therefore, the reception terminal 2 may be installed in such a manner that both the employee and the user can be the operator. For example, even when the reception terminal 2 is installed on a counter table as in this embodiment, the reception terminal 2 may be installed on a rotating platform that rotates horizontally, and the operating surface of the reception terminal 2 may be oriented to one side or the other side of the counter table by appropriately rotating the rotating platform.

[0021] The reception terminal 2 has an entrance reception function that receives input of first data required when a user enters the facility, and an exit reception function that receives input of second data required when a user leaves the facility. The first data is, for example, the box number of the karaoke box used by the user, the number of users, the start time of use, the scheduled time of use, a course menu, an option menu, etc. The course menu is the menu of karaoke courses mentioned above. The option menu is a menu that a user who does not select a course can select when entering the store, and includes, for example, a drink bar, a one-drink system, etc. The first data includes the number of people using the drink bar, the number of people using the one-drink system, the type of drink, etc. In other words, the first data may include order data for a product menu.

[0022] The second data is, for example, the booth number of the karaoke booth used by the user, the end time of use, etc. It goes without saying that the items of the first data and the second data are not limited to the items mentioned above. In short, the first data is data that needs to be input at the time of entry. The second data is data that needs to be input at the time of exit. Such a reception terminal 2 can be called a reception device. Furthermore, the reception terminal 2 may constitute a reception device by having all or part of the functions of the reception server 1. Details of the reception terminal 2 will be explained later.

[0023] The order terminal 3 is a data processing device that is installed in each karaoke booth and is used by the user when ordering products. For example, a tablet PC is used as the order terminal 3. The user selects the product he or she wants to order from a list of product menus displayed on the touch panel of the tablet PC and inputs the quantity. By doing so, the user's order data is transmitted to the reception server 1 via the communication network 5. Incidentally, the order terminal 3 may be a handy terminal carried by an employee and equipped with a function for inputting the product order details received from the user. In addition, the user can install store-specific application software on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone that he or she owns, and use the smartphone as an order terminal by inputting the ID of the application software, for example a membership code, into the reception terminal 2 when entering the store.

[0024] The kitchen terminal 4 is a display device installed in the kitchen where the food and beverage menu items are prepared. For example, a tablet PC is used as the kitchen terminal 4. Data related to the food and beverage menu items ordered by the user is displayed on the display device of the tablet PC by the operation of the reception server 1. A chef in the kitchen prepares the food and beverage menu items according to the content displayed on the kitchen terminal 4. The cooked food and beverage menu items are provided to the user in the karaoke booth. Incidentally, the kitchen terminal 4 may be a printing device that prints the data related to the food and beverage menu items ordered by the user on recording paper.

[0025] [Configuration of reception terminal] 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the reception terminal 2. The reception terminal 2 mainly comprises a tablet PC 20. Devices such as a printer 21, a card reader 22, a change dispenser 23, and a cashless payment terminal 24 are connected to the tablet PC 20 to constitute the reception terminal 2. It should be noted that the devices connected to the tablet PC 20 are not limited to these. For example, the reception terminal 2 may be constituted by connecting a scanner that optically reads machine-readable codes such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes, or a drawer for storing cash, gift certificates, etc. to the tablet PC 20.

[0026] The tablet PC 20 includes a processor 201, a main memory 202, an auxiliary storage device 203, a clock 204, a communication unit 205, an imaging unit 206, a touch panel 207, a plurality of device interfaces 208, 209, 210, 211, and a system transmission path 212. The system transmission path 212 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The system transmission path 212 connects the processor 201 to each of the other units, and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0027] The tablet PC 20 constitutes a computer by connecting a processor 201, a main memory 202, an auxiliary storage device 203, a clock 204, a communication unit 205, an imaging unit 206, a touch panel 207, and multiple device interfaces 208, 209, 210, and 211 via a system transmission path 212.

[0028] The processor 201 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 201 controls each part to realize various functions of the reception terminal 2 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 201 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 201 is preferably a multi-core processor that includes multiple processor cores and is capable of executing multiple processes in parallel.

[0029] The main memory 202 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 202 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 202 stores an operating system or an application program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 202 may store data required for the processor 201 to execute processes for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 202 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 201. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0030] The auxiliary storage device 203 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 203. The auxiliary storage device 203 stores data used by the processor 201 in performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 201, etc. The auxiliary storage device 203 may also store the above application programs.

[0031] The clock 204 keeps track of the date and time. The processor 201 processes the date and time kept by the clock 204 as the current date and time.

[0032] The communication unit 205 is an interface for performing data communication with the receiving server 1 via the communication network 5. The communication unit 205 transmits data to the receiving server 1 in response to a command from the processor 201. The communication unit 205 also outputs data received from the receiving server 1 via the communication network 5 to the processor 201 via the system transmission path 212. The communication unit 205 is a wireless communication unit that performs data communication in accordance with wireless communication regulations. The communication unit 205 may be a wired communication unit that performs data communication via a wired communication cable.

[0033] The imaging unit 206 includes a camera and captures an image captured through the lens of the camera. The imaging unit 206 outputs data of the captured image to the processor 201 via the system transmission path 212. The processor 201 has a function of analyzing the image captured by the imaging unit 206, reading machine-readable codes such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes, and acquiring information indicated by the codes. For example, the imaging unit 206 has a function of reading a slip code, a membership code for identifying a member, and the like, which will be described later.

[0034] The touch panel 207 functions as an input device and a display device for the reception terminal 2. The touch panel 207 displays various screens related to the entrance reception function and the exit reception function under the control of the processor 201. The touch panel 207 detects a touch operation on the screen by an operator, and outputs a signal indicating the touch position to the processor 201.

[0035] The device interface 208 connects the printer 21. The device interface 208 outputs print data to the printer 21. The printer 21 prints print data for a reception slip created based on the first data input in the entrance reception function. The printer 21 prints print data for a receipt created based on the second data input in the exit reception function. The reception slip is a sheet of paper on which, for example, the box number of the karaoke booth used by the user, the number of users, the start time of use, etc. are printed. The box number is also printed on the reception slip in the form of a machine-readable code such as a barcode. The receipt is a sheet of paper on which transaction data such as the karaoke booth usage fee, the item and price of the ordered product, and the facility usage fee which is the total of the above are printed.

[0036] The device interface 209 connects the card reader 22. The device interface 209 takes in the card data read by the card reader 22 and outputs it to the processor 201. The card reader 22 acquires card data from a magnetic card or an IC card including a contact or contactless IC chip. For example, the card reader 22 reads data recorded on a card medium such as a membership card or a credit card. The processor 201 processes the card data input via the device interface 209. Specifically, when the card reader 22 reads data on a membership card, the processor 201 performs processing related to a member identified by a membership code recorded on the membership card. For example, the processor 201 grants service points to the member. In addition, when the membership card is realized by application software on a mobile terminal owned by a user, the above-mentioned imaging unit 206 may acquire member information by reading a membership code displayed on the mobile terminal. When the card reader 22 reads credit card data, the processor 201 authenticates the credit card. If the credit card is authenticated, the processor 201 processes the payment of the facility usage fee by credit card.

[0037] The device interface 210 connects to the change machine 23. The device interface 210 takes in the denomination and number of banknotes or coins inserted into the change machine 23, and outputs this to the processor 201. The processor 201 calculates the amount inserted based on the data taken in via the device interface 210. The processor 201 then calculates the amount of change from the amount inserted and the facility usage fee, and processes the settlement of the facility usage fee in cash. At this time, the processor 201 outputs the change data to the change machine 23 via the device interface 210. The change machine 23 dispenses the required number of banknotes or coins according to the change data.

[0038] The device interface 211 connects to the cashless payment terminal 24. The cashless payment terminal 24 is compatible with cashless payments such as electronic money and code payments. The device interface 211 imports data related to the cashless payment input to the cashless payment terminal 24 and outputs it to the processor 201. The processor 201 processes the cashless payment of the facility usage fee based on the data imported via the device interface 211.

[0039] The reception terminal 2 having such a configuration can selectively switch between a manned mode and a self-service mode as an operation mode. The manned mode is a mode in which an employee inputs the first data and the second data related to the entrance reception function that accepts the input of the first data required when the user enters the facility, i.e., the karaoke booth, and the exit reception function that accepts the input of the second data required when the user exits the karaoke booth. That is, the manned mode is an operation mode in which an employee becomes the operator of the reception terminal 2. The self-service mode is a mode in which a user inputs the first data related to the entrance reception function and the second data related to the exit reception function. That is, the self-service mode is an operation mode in which a user becomes the operator of the reception terminal 2. In addition, the self-service mode includes, as options, an entrance self-service mode that accepts only the input of the first data related to the entrance reception function, an exit self-service mode that accepts only the input of the second data related to the exit reception function, and an entry / exit self-service mode that accepts both the input of the first data related to the entrance reception function and the input of the second data related to the exit reception function.

[0040] To realize such a configuration, the reception terminal 2 has four types of application software implemented in the auxiliary storage device 203, as shown in Fig. 4. The four types of application software are first application software 41 called "attended mode APL", second application software 42 called "entrance / exit self-service mode APL", third application software 43 called "entrance self-service mode APL", and fourth application software 44 called "exit self-service mode APL".

[0041] The first application software 41 is application software for controlling the operation of the attended mode. The second application software 42 is application software for controlling the operation of the entry / exit self-service mode. The third application software 43 is application software for controlling the operation of the entry self-service mode. The fourth application software 44 is application software for controlling the operation of the exit self-service mode. Details of the control by each application software 41 to 44 will be made clear in the operation explanation described later.

[0042] The method of installing each of the application software 41-44 in the auxiliary storage device 203 is not particularly limited. Each of the application software 41-44 can be installed in the auxiliary storage device 63 by recording it on a removable recording medium, or by distributing it by communication via the communication network 5. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device. Furthermore, each of the application software 41-44 may be installed in the main memory 202.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, the reception terminal 2 has a part of the volatile memory area in the main memory 202 as an area for a person in charge memory 51 and an area for a mode memory 52. The manager memory 51 is an area for storing a manager code. The manager code is the employee code of an employee who is permitted to operate the reception terminal 2. An employee who operates the reception terminal 2 signs on before starting operation. Sign-on is a function that authenticates the operator of the reception terminal 2 and makes it available for use. When sign-on is approved, the employee code of that employee is stored in the manager memory 51.

[0044] The mode memory 52 is an area for storing information specifying the operation mode of the reception terminal 2. As described above, the reception terminal 2 has four operation modes: attended mode, entry / exit self-service mode, entry self-service mode, and exit self-service mode. For example, when the operation mode is attended mode, the mode memory 52 stores "100" as information specifying the operation mode. Similarly, when the operation mode is the entry / exit self-service mode, the mode memory 52 stores "200" as information specifying the operation mode, when the operation mode is the entry self-service mode, the mode memory 52 stores "300" as information specifying the operation mode, and when the operation mode is the exit self-service mode, the mode memory 52 stores "400" as information specifying the operation mode.

[0045] 3, the reception terminal 2 is equipped with a main program such that the processor 201 realizes the functions of mode acquisition means 31, storage means 32, notification means 33, attended control means 34, and self-control means 35. The main program is also a type of application software installed in the auxiliary storage device 203 or main memory 202, similar to the application software 41 to 44.

[0046] The mode acquisition means 31 is a function that acquires information on the operation mode of either the attended mode or the self-service mode, which is the operation mode of the reception terminal 2, from the server. The mode acquisition means 31 acquires information on the operation mode from the reception server 1 connected via the communication unit 205. Specifically, information on the operation mode set in the reception terminal 2 is stored in the store-specific master table 400 of the reception management server 200. The reception management server 200 and the reception server 1 are connected via a communication network 300. In other words, the mode acquisition means 31 acquires information on the operation mode from the reception management server 200 via the reception server 1. The information on the self-service mode acquired by the mode acquisition means 31 includes information on the entry / exit self-service mode, information on the entry self-service mode, and information on the exit self-service mode. The information on the self-service mode acquired by the mode acquisition means 31 may be only information on the entry / exit self-service mode. Or, it may be only two types of information, that is, information on the entry self-service mode and information on the exit self-service mode.

[0047] The storage means 32 has a function of storing information on the operation mode acquired by the mode acquisition means 31. The storage means 32 stores the information on the operation mode acquired by the mode acquisition means 31 in the mode memory 52. ​​For example, when the storage means 32 acquires information on the attended mode by the mode acquisition means 31, it stores "100" as the information on the operation mode. Similarly, when the storage means 32 acquires information on the entry / exit self-service mode by the mode acquisition means 31, it stores "200" as the information on the operation mode in the mode memory 52, when the storage means 32 acquires information on the entry self-service mode, it stores "300" as the information on the operation mode in the mode memory 52, and when the storage means 32 acquires information on the exit self-service mode, it stores "400" as the information on the operation mode in the mode memory 52.

[0048] The notifying means 33 is a function that notifies the reception server 1 that the operation mode acquired by the mode acquisition means 31 has been set in the reception terminal 2. The notifying means 33 notifies the reception server 1 by transmitting the information of the operation mode acquired by the mode acquisition means 31 to the reception server 1 via the communication unit 205. For example, when the notifying means 33 acquires information of the attended mode by the mode acquisition means 31 and stores it in the mode memory 52, it transmits "100" as information identifying the operation mode to the reception server 1 to notify. Similarly, when the notifying means 33 acquires information of the entry / exit self-service mode by the mode acquisition means 31 and stores it in the mode memory 52, it transmits "200" as information identifying the operation mode to the reception server 1, when the notifying means 33 acquires information of the entry self-service mode and stores it in the mode memory 52, it transmits "300" as information identifying the operation mode to the reception server 1 to notify, when the notifying means 33 acquires information of the exit self-service mode and stores it in the mode memory 52, it transmits "400" as information identifying the operation mode to the reception server 1 to notify.

[0049] The attended control means 34 has a function of accepting input of the first data or the second data with the screen of the display device as the attended mode screen when the information stored in the storage means 32 is attended mode information. That is, when the mode specifying information stored in the mode memory 52 is "100", that is, attended mode information, the attended control means 34 accepts input of the first data required for a user to enter the karaoke booth or input of the second data required for a user to leave the karaoke booth with the screen of the touch panel 207 as the attended mode screen. The attended mode screen will be made clear in the operation explanation described later.

[0050] The self-control means 35 is a function that accepts the input of the first data or the second data with the screen of the display device as the self-mode screen when the information stored by the storage means 32 is the information of the self-mode. That is, when the mode specifying information stored in the mode memory 52 is "200", that is, the information of the entry / exit self-mode, the self-control means 35 accepts the input of the first data required when the user enters the karaoke booth with the screen of the touch panel 207 as the self-mode screen, or the input of the second data required when the user exits the karaoke booth. Similarly, when the mode specifying information stored in the mode memory 52 is "300", that is, the information of the entry self-mode, the self-control means 35 accepts the input of the first data required when the user enters the karaoke booth with the screen of the touch panel 207 as the self-mode screen. Furthermore, when the mode specifying information stored in the mode memory 52 is "400", that is, information on the exit self-service mode, the self-service control means 35 sets the screen of the touch panel 207 to the self-service mode screen and accepts the input of the second data required when the user exits the karaoke booth. The self-service mode screen will be made clear in the operation explanation given later.

[0051] [Configuration of reception server] 6 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the receiving server 1. The receiving server 1 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a clock 14, a first communication interface 15, a second communication interface 16, and a system transmission path 17. The system transmission path 17 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The system transmission path 17 connects the processor 11 to each of the other components, and transmits data signals exchanged between them. The receiving server 1 constitutes a computer by connecting the processor 11 to the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, the clock 14, the first communication interface 15, and the second communication interface 16 via the system transmission path 17.

[0052] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 controls each part to realize various functions of the reception server 1 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 11 is preferably a multi-core processor that includes multiple processor cores and is capable of executing multiple processes in parallel.

[0053] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system or an application program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 12 may store data required for the processor 11 to execute processes for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0054] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, the auxiliary storage device 13 can be an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 11, etc. The auxiliary storage device 13 may also store the above-mentioned application programs. The reception server 1 uses part of the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage device 13 as an area for the box database 6, employee database 7, member database 8, and product database 9.

[0055] The clock 14 keeps track of the date and time. The processor 11 processes the date and time kept by the clock 14 as the current date and time.

[0056] The first communication interface 15 is an interface for performing data communication between each reception terminal 2, each order terminal 3, and the kitchen terminal 4 via the communication network 5. The second communication interface 16 is an interface for performing data communication with the reception management server 200 via the communication network 300 .

[0057] The receiving server 1 having such a configuration uses a part of the volatile memory area in the main memory 12 as an area for a receiving terminal table 61. The receiving server 1 also uses a part of the volatile memory area as an area for a box-specific file 62.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the receiving terminal table 61. As shown in the figure, the receiving terminal table 61 includes a column Ca of receiving terminal IDs, a column Cb of operation modes, and a column Cc of operating flags. In the column Ca, a unique receiving terminal ID set individually for each receiving terminal 2 is described. In the column Cb, information M specifying the operation mode of the receiving terminal 2 identified by the receiving terminal ID described in the column Ca of the same row is described. In the column Cc, an operating flag F is described. The operating flag F is 1-bit data for identifying whether the receiving terminal 2 identified by the receiving terminal ID described in the column Ca of the same row is operating or not. In this embodiment, the operating flag F indicating that the receiving terminal 2 is operating is set to "1", and the operating flag F indicating that the receiving terminal 2 is not operating is set to "0".

[0059] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of data items stored in the box-specific file 62. The box-specific file 62 is a data file prepared for each karaoke booth. The box-specific file 62 stores information about users who have used the karaoke booth. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the box-specific file 62 stores items such as the box number, entry date and time, exit date and time, number of users, and order data. The box number is a room number for identifying the karaoke booth as described above. The entry date and time and the exit date and time are the date and time when the user entered the karaoke booth and the date and time when the user exited the karaoke booth. The usage time is calculated from the entry date and time and the exit date and time. The number of users is the number of users. The order data is data related to the products ordered by the user. The data stored in the box-specific file 62 is used to calculate the facility usage fee, etc.

[0060] In this way, the box-specific file 62 is an area for storing information about facility usage from when a user enters a karaoke booth as a facility until when the user leaves the facility, and information about the menu items ordered by the user in the facility, in association with the box number, which is the identification information of the karaoke booth. Note that in the box-specific file 62, the identification information of the karaoke booth does not have to be the box number itself. For example, a combination of the box number and a serial number may be used as the identification information of the karaoke booth. Also, for example, an arbitrarily generated unique code may be used as the identification information of the karaoke booth.

[0061] [Store-specific master table explanation] 9 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the store-specific master table 400. There are as many store-specific master tables 400 as there are karaoke booth stores whose reception systems 100 are managed by the reception management server 200. As shown in FIG. 9, the store-specific master table 400 has a store ID and the number of terminals N as header data. The store ID is a unique code set for each karaoke booth store to identify each karaoke booth store. The number of terminals N is the number of reception terminals 2 installed in the karaoke booth store identified by the store ID.

[0062] The store-specific master table 400 includes a column Cd of reception terminal IDs, a column Ce of installation location data, and a column Cf of set operation modes M. In column Cd, a unique reception terminal ID set for each reception terminal 2 is described.

[0063] In column Ce, data indicating the installation location of the reception terminal 2 identified by the reception terminal ID described in column Cd of the same row is described. For example, if the reception terminal 2 is installed at the left end of the counter table installed at the reception, text data "left end of counter" is described. For example, if the reception terminal 2 is installed at the center left of the counter table, text data "left center of counter" is described. The above-mentioned installation location data is an example. In short, it is sufficient if the person in charge of maintaining the store-specific master table 400 can understand the installation location of the reception terminal 2. The installation location data may be a symbol, a figure, or the like. Note that if a drawing or image showing the layout of the reception is prepared and the person in charge can understand the installation location of the reception terminal 2 by looking at the drawing or image, the installation location data column Ce can be omitted from the store-specific master table 400.

[0064] In column Cf, information for specifying the operation mode of the reception terminal 2 identified by the reception terminal ID described in column Cd of the same row is described. The information for specifying the operation mode is set in column Cf by the person in charge operating the maintenance PC. Next, the procedure for inputting the information for specifying the operation mode will be described.

[0065] When the person in charge starts up the maintenance PC 500 and selects the task of updating the store-specific master table 400, a list of karaoke booth stores managed by the reception management server 200 is displayed on the display of the maintenance PC 500. The person in charge then selects the karaoke booth store for which he or she wishes to perform maintenance. The display screen then becomes the reception terminal setting screen SCx (see FIG. 10).

[0066] Fig. 10 is an example of the reception terminal setting screen SCx. As shown in the figure, the reception terminal setting screen SC displays the name of the selected karaoke box store, i.e., the target store, and the number N of reception terminals installed in the target store. In addition, the reception terminal ID, installation location, and set operation mode M currently set in the store-specific master table 400 are displayed for each of the N reception terminals 2. Furthermore, an edit button TA is arranged in association with the reception terminal ID of each reception terminal 2. Incidentally, in the reception terminal setting screen SCx of Fig. 10, an edit button TAa is arranged for the reception terminal 2 with the reception terminal ID "001" that is installed at the left end of the counter table and is set to the manned mode. Similarly, an edit button TAb is placed for the reception terminal 2 with reception terminal ID "002" located at the center left of the counter table and set to the attended mode, an edit button TAc is placed for the reception terminal 2 with reception terminal ID "003" located at the center right of the counter table and set to the entry / exit self mode, and an edit button TAd is placed for the reception terminal 2 with reception terminal ID "004" located at the right end of the counter table and set to the exit self mode.

[0067] The person in charge operates the input device of the maintenance PC to input the edit button TA associated with the reception terminal 2 to be edited. For example, when changing the operation mode of the reception terminal 2 installed at the center left of the counter table from the attended mode to the entry / exit self mode, the person in charge inputs the edit button TAb. In response to this input, the screen of the maintenance PC transitions to the master edit screen SCy (see FIG. 11).

[0068] FIG. 11 is a display example of the master edit screen SCy. As shown in the figure, the master edit screen SCy displays the reception terminal ID, installation location, and setting operation mode information of the reception terminal 2 associated with the input edit button TA. In addition, check boxes CBa, CBb, and CBc for operation modes other than the setting operation mode are arranged as the edit operation modes. Note that a setting operation mode check box may be included as the edit operation mode check box. In addition, the master edit screen SCy has a delete button BTp, a back button BTq, and a save button BTr arranged. The delete button BTp is an operator that commands the deletion of the master data to be edited, that is, the reception number, the installation location data, and the setting operation mode data, from the store-specific master table 400. The back button BTq is an operator that commands the return to the reception terminal setting screen SCx without saving the master data to be edited in the store-specific master table 400. The save button BTr is an operator that commands the saving of the master data to be edited in the store-specific master table 400.

[0069] 11, when changing the operation mode of the reception terminal 2 from the attended mode to the self-entry mode, the person in charge checks the checkbox CBa for the self-entry mode and presses the save button BTr. Then, the information specifying the operation mode of the reception terminal 2 set in the store-specific master table 400 is updated from the information "100" specifying the attended mode to the information "200" specifying the self-entry mode. In this way, the store-specific master table 400 functions as a storage unit that stores information on the operation mode for each of the reception terminals 2. The reception management server 200 also functions as an update unit that updates the information on the operation mode stored in the store-specific master table 400 in cooperation with the maintenance PC.

[0070] [Operation explanation of reception terminal] Next, the main operations of the reception terminal 2 will be explained using the flowcharts of Figures 12 to 17 and the screen examples of Figures 18 to 26. Note that the contents and procedures of the operations explained using the flowcharts are merely examples. The contents and procedures can be changed as appropriate as long as similar operational effects can be achieved. The screen examples are also merely examples. The contents of the output text, the arrangement of images, the type and layout of software keys, etc. can be changed as appropriate.

[0071] 12 to 16 are flow charts showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor 201 of the reception terminal 2 in accordance with a main program. An employee operating the reception terminal 2 first performs a start-up operation OPa (see Figs. 27 and 28). For example, the employee turns on the main power of the reception terminal 2. In response to such a start-up operation OPa, the processor 201 starts the information processing of the steps shown in the flow chart of Fig. 12. The processor 201 sets the screen of the touch panel 207 to the sign-on screen SCa (see Fig. 18) as ACT1.

[0072] FIG. 18 is a display example of the sign-on screen SCa. As shown in the figure, the sign-on screen SCa has an input field INa for a user code and an input field INb for a password. In addition, the sign-on button BTa is arranged on the sign-on screen SCa. The sign-on button BTa is an operator for notifying the processor 201 that a sign-on has been performed. The sign-on button BTa is a software key. After checking the sign-on screen SCa, the employee performs a sign-on operation OPb (see FIGS. 27 and 28). That is, the employee inputs his / her employee code into the input field INa, inputs his / her password into the input field INb, and presses the sign-on button BTa.

[0073] The processor 201 of the reception terminal 2 that has displayed the sign-on screen SCa proceeds to ACT2. The processor 201 waits for a sign-on operation OPb to be performed as ACT2. When an employee code is input in the input field INa of the sign-on screen SCa, a password is input in the input field INb, and the sign-on button BTa is pressed, the processor 201 recognizes that the sign-on operation OPb has been performed. The processor 201 proceeds to ACT3. The processor 201 issues a sign-on notification to the reception server 1 as ACT3. That is, the processor 201 controls the communication unit 205 to transmit a data signal of the sign-on notification to the reception server 1. This control causes the communication unit 205 to transmit a data signal of the sign-on notification to the reception server 1 via the communication network 5. This data signal includes the employee code and password input in the sign-on screen SCa. The terminal ID of the reception terminal 2 is also included.

[0074] The reception server 1, which has received the sign-on notification, refers to the reception terminal table 61 and checks whether the operating flag F associated with the terminal ID is "0" indicating that the terminal is not in operation. If the operating flag F is "0", the reception server 1 searches the employee database 7 to determine the validity of the employee code and password. If the password stored in the employee database 7 in association with the employee code entered on the sign-on screen SCa matches the password entered on the sign-on screen SCa, the reception server 1 approves the employee identified by the employee code as an operator. The reception server 1 sets the operating flag F associated with the terminal ID to "1". On the other hand, if the operating flag F associated with the terminal ID is "1" or the passwords do not match, the reception server 1 does not approve the employee identified by the employee code as an operator. The operating flag F remains "0". The reception server 1 transmits the approval result to the reception terminal 2 that sent the sign-on notification.

[0075] The processor 201 of the reception terminal 2 that issued the sign-on notification proceeds to ACT4. The processor 201 waits in ACT4 to see whether the employee has been approved as an operator. If the employee has not been approved as an operator, the processor 201 determines that the sign-on operation OPb is an error. The employee retries the sign-on operation OPb.

[0076] If the employee is approved as an operator, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT5. The processor 201 writes the employee code of the approved employee in the manager memory 51 as ACT5. The processor 201 also requests the reception server 1 to set the operation mode in ACT6. That is, the processor 201 controls the communication unit 205 to transmit a request command CMa for setting the operation mode to the reception server 1. By this control, the request command CMa for setting the operation mode is transmitted from the communication unit 205 to the reception server 1 via the communication network 5. This request command CMa includes the terminal ID of the reception terminal 2.

[0077] The processor 11 of the reception server 1 that has received the request command CMa for the set operation mode executes information processing according to the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. 17. The processor 11 waits for the request command CMa as ACT101. When the processor 11 receives the request command CMa for the set operation mode, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT102. The processor 11 inquires of the reception management server 200 about the operation mode as ACT102. That is, the processor 11 controls the second communication interface 16 to transmit an inquiry command CMb for the operation mode to the reception management server 200. This control causes the inquiry command CMb for the operation mode to be transmitted from the second communication interface 16 to the reception management server 200 via the communication network 300. This inquiry command CMb includes the terminal ID of the reception terminal 2 that was included in the request command CMa for the set operation mode. In addition, the shop ID of the karaoke box shop in which the reception server 1 is installed is also included.

[0078] The reception management server 200, which has received the operation mode query command CMb, searches the store-specific master table 400 identified by the store ID included in the query command CMb. Then, it obtains information on the set operation mode stored in association with the terminal ID included in the query command CMb. The reception management server 200 responds with the information on the set operation mode to the reception server 1.

[0079] After inquiring of the operation mode from the reception management server 200, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT103. In ACT103, the processor 11 waits for a response from the reception management server 200. If the processor 11 is unable to receive a response from the reception management server 200 due to, for example, a communication failure in the communication network 300 or a malfunction of the reception management server 200, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT104. In ACT104, the processor 11 controls the first communication interface 15 to send a negative response command to the reception terminal 2 that sent the request command CMa. With this control, the negative response command is sent from the first communication interface 15 to the reception terminal 2 via the communication network 5.

[0080] On the other hand, when the processor 11 receives information on the set operation mode from the reception management server 200, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT105. The processor 11 controls the first communication interface 15 to transmit an acceptance response command to the reception terminal 2 that has transmitted the request command CMa as ACT105. By this control, the acceptance response command is transmitted from the first communication interface 15 to the reception terminal 2 via the communication network 5. The acceptance response command includes information on the operation mode received from the reception management server 200.

[0081] In this way, the receiving server 1 that has received the inquiry command CMb from the receiving terminal 2 inquires about information on the operation mode from the reception management server 200. Then, the receiving server 1 transmits an approval response command or a negative response command to the receiving terminal 2 depending on the result of the inquiry.

[0082] Returning to the explanation of Figure 12. The processor 201 of the reception terminal 2 that transmitted the request command CMa for setting the operation mode proceeds to ACT7. The processor 201 waits for an acceptance response command as ACT7. In this waiting state, if the processor 201 receives a negative response command from the reception server 1, the processor 201 ends the information processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12 as an error. For example, the processor 11 displays an error message on the touch panel 207 indicating that the operation mode cannot be set, and ends the information processing. The reception terminal 2 in which the error occurred cannot be used because the operation mode cannot be set.

[0083] When the processor 201 receives the permission response command from the reception server 1 in ACT7, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT8. The processor 201 acquires information on the set operation mode included in the permission response command in ACT8. The processor 201 then proceeds to ACT9. The processor 201 checks whether the set operation mode is the attended mode in ACT9. If the set operation mode is not the attended mode, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT10. The processor 201 checks whether the set operation mode is the entry / exit self-service mode in ACT10. If the set operation mode is not the entry / exit self-service mode, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT11. The processor 201 checks whether the set operation mode is the entry self-service mode in ACT11. If the set operation mode is not the entry self-service mode, the processor 201 recognizes that the set operation mode is the exit self-service mode. In other words, from when the reception terminal 2 signs on until acquiring information on the set operation mode, the reception terminal 2 is in a default state in which it is not operating in either the attended mode or the self-service mode.

[0084] Here, the processor 201 realizes the function of the mode acquisition means 31 by the processing of ACT6 to ACT11.

[0085] <Manned mode explanation> 13 is a flow chart showing the control procedure of the processor 201 when the set operation mode is the attended mode. The processor 201 writes information "100" that specifies the attended mode in the mode memory 52 as ACT21. The processor 201 also starts up the "attended mode APL" that is the first application software 41 as ACT22. Thereafter, the processor 201 controls the operations of ACT23 to ACT32 according to the "attended mode APL".

[0086] The processor 201 notifies the reception server 1 as ACT23 that the attended mode has been set. That is, the processor 201 controls the communication unit 205 to transmit a data signal including information "100" for identifying the attended mode to the reception server 1. By this control, the communication unit 205 transmits a data signal including the mode identifying information "100" to the reception server 1 via the communication network 5. This data signal also includes the terminal ID of the reception terminal 2.

[0087] Here, the operation of the receiving server 1 that has received a notification of the operation mode from the receiving terminal 2 will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 17. As described above, the processor 11 of the receiving server 1 that has sent the acceptance response command in ACT105 proceeds to ACT106. The processor 11 waits for a notification from the receiving terminal 2 in ACT106. Then, when the processor 11 receives a notification of the operation mode from the receiving terminal 2, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT107. The processor 11 updates the receiving terminal table 61 in ACT107. That is, the processor 11 updates the information M that specifies the operation mode stored in column Cb in association with the terminal ID of the receiving terminal 2 that is the notification source, to the notified information. That is, in this case, the information M that specifies the operation mode is set to "100".

[0088] Returning to the explanation of Figure 13. After notifying the reception server 1 that the attended mode has been set, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT 24. In ACT 24, the processor 201 displays the attended mode top screen SCb (see FIG. 19) on the screen of the touch panel 207. The top screen SCb is an example of a attended mode screen.

[0089] FIG. 19 is an example of a display on the top screen SCb. As shown in the figure, the top screen SCb in the attended mode displays a box list table Ta. The box list table Ta is a matrix of a plurality of rectangular areas, each of which is assigned a box number for each karaoke box. Each rectangular area displays information about the karaoke box with the box number displayed in that area. For example, "vacant" is displayed for a karaoke box in which no user has entered. For a karaoke box in which a user has entered, the start time of use, the number of users, etc. are displayed. In addition, a business button BTb is arranged on the top screen SCb.

[0090] The processor 201 of the reception terminal 2 displaying the top screen SCb of the attended mode proceeds to ACT25. The processor 201 checks whether an entry operation has been performed in ACT25. If an entry operation has not been performed, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT26. The processor 201 checks whether an exit operation has been performed in ACT26. If an exit operation has not been performed, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT27. The processor 201 checks whether the business button BTb has been input in ACT27. If the business button BTb has not been input, the processor 201 returns to ACT25. In this way, the processor 201 of the reception terminal 2 displaying the top screen SCb waits for an entry operation to be performed, an exit operation to be performed, or the business button BTb to be input in ACT25 to ACT27.

[0091] The operator of the reception terminal 2 on which the top screen SCb is displayed is an employee. The employee in charge of reception performs an entry operation or an exit operation OPc (see FIG. 27). That is, when a customer who uses the karaoke box, that is, a user, arrives at the store, the employee performs an entry operation on the reception terminal 2. When the user who has been using the karaoke box leaves the store, the employee performs an exit operation on the reception terminal 2.

[0092] On the top screen SCb, when a partition area in which any of the box numbers in the box list table Ta is displayed is pressed and held, for example, a pop-up PU (see Figure 20) with an enter button and an exit button is displayed superimposed on the top screen SCb.

[0093] FIG. 20 is a display example of the entry / exit processing screen SCc that displays a popup PU superimposed on the top screen SCb. The popup PU is an image that is displayed when the area of ​​the box number "01" is pressed and held down. The entry button is an operator for commanding the processor 201 to start an entry operation. The exit button is an operator for commanding the processor 201 to start an exit operation. In this way, the entry operation is performed when the employee presses and holds down the partitioned area, for example, to display the popup PU, and touches the entry button. Similarly, the exit operation is performed when the employee displays the popup PU and touches the exit button. Note that the operation for displaying the popup PU is not limited to the long press operation. For example, the popup PU may be displayed by tapping the partitioned area two or more times in succession.

[0094] When an entry operation is performed in the standby state of ACT25 to ACT27, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT28. The processor 201 executes entry processing as ACT28. That is, when the processor 201 detects that the entry button of the pop-up PU has been pressed, the screen of the touch panel 207 is set to a screen for accepting the input of first data required for a user to enter the karaoke booth. The screen is, for example, an entry information input screen. The entry information input screen is a screen for accepting the input of first data such as the number of users, the planned time of use, a course menu, and an option menu. An employee who is an operator inputs the number of users who will use the karaoke booth, the planned time of use, and the like, into the entry information input screen. The screen for accepting the input of the first data may include a member input screen, a member registration screen, and the like. The member input screen is a screen for accepting the input of a member code when the user is a member. The member registration screen is a screen for accepting the input of data required for member registration when the user is a non-member. An entry information input screen, a member input screen, a member registration screen, etc. are also examples of attendant mode screens.

[0095] The processor 201 creates print data for a reception slip based on the first data input via, for example, the entry information input screen, and outputs it to the printer 21. The reception slip is then issued by the printer 21, and the staff member hands it to the user. The user who receives the reception slip can use the karaoke booth with the booth number printed on the slip.

[0096] The processor 201 also transmits first data including the input box number, number of users, scheduled usage time, course menu, option menu, etc. to the reception server 1. The reception server 1 stores the entry date and time, number of users, course menu, option menu, etc. in the box-specific file 62 for the box number assigned to the partitioned area where the long press operation was performed. If the user is a member, the membership code is also written. The entry date and time is, for example, the date and time measured by the clock 204 of the reception terminal 2 at the time the entry button is touched.

[0097] In this way, the admission process includes a process of displaying a screen for accepting input of the first data, a process of issuing a reception slip based on the first data entered via the screen, and a process of transmitting the first data to the reception server 1. Note that the reception slip may be issued by transmitting it as electronic data to the user's smartphone, rather than issuing it on paper.

[0098] When an exit operation is performed in the standby state of ACT25 to ACT27, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT29. The processor 201 executes an exit process as ACT29. That is, when the processor 201 detects that the exit button of the pop-up PU is input, the screen of the touch panel 207 is changed to a screen for accepting input of second data required when the user exits the karaoke booth. The screen is, for example, a slip reading screen. The employee who has confirmed the slip reading screen has the imaging unit 206 read the barcode on the reception slip submitted by the user. The barcode indicates the box number of the karaoke booth used by the user. The reception slip may be issued from the reception terminal 2 in the manned mode or may be issued from the reception terminal 2 in the self-service mode. The screen for accepting input of the second data may include a payment method selection screen, etc. The payment method selection screen is a screen for selecting a payment method for the facility usage fee. The payment methods include cash, credit card, electronic money, code payment, etc. The screen for reading a receipt, the screen for selecting a payment method, etc. are also examples of the screen for the attended mode. The screen for the attended mode may include other screens.

[0099] The processor 201 transmits the box number and the exit date and time entered, for example, via a slip reading screen, to the reception server 1. The exit date and time is, for example, the date and time measured by the clock 204 of the reception terminal 2 at the time the exit button is touched. The reception server 1 writes the exit date and time in the box-specific file 62 for the box number. The reception server 1 then calculates the usage time from the entry date and time and the exit date and time written in the box-specific file 62, and calculates the karaoke box usage fee. The reception server 1 also calculates the facility usage fee by adding the price of the product based on the order data written in the box-specific file 62.

[0100] When the facility usage fee is calculated by the reception server 1, the screen on the touch panel 207 of the reception terminal 2 transitions to a payment method selection screen, and the employee receives the fee using the payment method desired by the user and enters the payment data into the reception terminal 2. The processor 201 of the reception terminal 2 performs settlement processing to account for the fee based on the facility usage fee and the payment data, and issues a receipt.

[0101] In this way, the exit process includes a process of displaying a screen for accepting input of the second data, a process of transmitting the second data entered via the screen to the reception server 1, and a process of settling the facility usage fee. Note that the receipt issued in the settlement process may be an electronic receipt.

[0102] Note that operations on the top screen SCb are not limited to entry and exit operations. For example, a reception staff member may receive an order for a menu item from a patron using a karaoke booth over an internal phone line. In such a case, the staff member selects a partitioned area that displays the box number of the karaoke booth for which the order was placed. For example, the staff member double-tap the partitioned area. This places the reception terminal 2 in a menu item ordering mode, and a list of menu items is displayed on the touch panel 207. The staff member then selects the menu item ordered by the patron from the list. Thus, the order data for the selected menu item is written to the box-specific file 62 for that box number.

[0103] Furthermore, if no operation is performed for a predetermined time in the standby state of ACT25 to ACT27, the screen of the touch panel 207 may be returned to the sign-on screen SCa.

[0104] As described above, the top screen SCb has a business button BTb arranged thereon. The business button BTb is an operator for instructing the processor 201 to switch business menus. The business menu includes registration business, report business, settlement business, deposit / withdrawal business, and terminal authentication business. The registration business is a business for registering product sales data in memory. The report business is a business for outputting an inspection report of the sales data registered in memory. The settlement business is a business for outputting a settlement report of the sales data registered in memory and clearing the memory. The deposit / withdrawal business is a business for outputting a deposit / withdrawal report showing the amount deposited in the change machine and the amount withdrawn from the change machine. The terminal authentication business is a business for authenticating the reception terminal 2.

[0105] The business button BTb is also used when an employee signs off. Signing off is an operation that cancels the authentication of the employee who has signed on and returns the reception terminal 2 to its default state. Therefore, an employee who signs off first performs an input operation OPd (see FIG. 27) on the business button BTb.

[0106] The default state generally refers to a state in which an employee has not been authenticated. In other words, the default state refers to a state in which a manager code is not stored in the manager memory 51. The default state can also be said to be a state in which the manager code stored in the manager memory 51 has been cleared. In this embodiment, the default state includes a state in which the reception terminal 2 is not operating in either the attended mode or the self-operated mode. In other words, the default state refers to a state in which no operation mode information is stored in the mode memory 52. ​​The default state can also be said to be a state in which the operation mode information stored in the mode memory 52 has been cleared.

[0107] In this way, when the reception terminal 2 is started from a power-off state, when the reception terminal 2 is signed off, or when the reception terminal 2 is signed on until the reception terminal 2 acquires information on the set operation mode, the reception terminal 2 is in a default state in which the reception terminal 2 is not operating in either the attended mode or the self-operated mode. When the reception terminal 2 is signed off, the reception terminal 2 may keep the operation mode information in the mode memory 52 as it is.

[0108] When the service button BTb is input in the standby state of ACT25 to ACT27, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT30. In ACT30, the processor 201 displays the service menu screen SCd (see FIG. 21) on the screen of the touch panel 207.

[0109] FIG. 21 is an example of a display of the business menu screen SCd. As shown in the figure, the business menu screen SCd has a "Register" button, a "Report" button, a "Settlement" button, a "Deposit / Withdrawal" button, a "Terminal Authentication" button, and a "Sign Off" button arranged thereon. Each button is a software key. The "Register" button is an operator for instructing the processor 201 to select a registration business. The "Report" button is an operator for instructing the processor 201 to select a report business. The "Settlement" button is an operator for instructing the processor 201 to select a settlement business. The "Deposit / Withdrawal" button is an operator for instructing the processor 201 to select a deposit / withdrawal business. The "Terminal Authentication" button is an operator for instructing the processor 201 to select a terminal authentication business. The "Sign Off" button is an operator for instructing the processor 201 to sign off.

[0110] The employee who wishes to sign off checks the job menu screen SCd and then performs the sign-off operation OPe (see FIG. 27). That is, the employee touches the "Sign off" button.

[0111] The processor 201 of the reception terminal 2 that has displayed the service menu screen SCd proceeds to ACT 31. The processor 201 checks whether or not the "sign off" button has been pressed in ACT 31. If a button other than the "sign off" button has been pressed, the processor 201 processes the service assigned to that button.

[0112] If the "sign off" button is pressed, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT32. The processor 201 issues a sign-off notification to the reception server 1 in ACT32. That is, the processor 201 controls the communication unit 205 to transmit a data signal of the sign-off notification to the reception server 1. By this control, the communication unit 205 transmits a data signal of the sign-off notification to the reception server 1 via the communication network 5. This data signal includes the employee code stored in the manager memory 51. The terminal ID of the reception terminal 2 is also included.

[0113] Upon receiving the sign-off notification, the accepting server 1 refers to the accepting terminal table 61 and sets the operating flag F associated with the terminal ID to "0."

[0114] The processor 201 of the reception terminal 2 that has issued the sign-off notice proceeds to ACT33. The processor 201 stops the attended mode APL, which is the first application software 41, in ACT33. The processor 201 also clears the data stored in the manager memory 51 and the mode memory 52 in ACT34. In this way, the processor 201 that has accepted the sign-off input executes the sign-off process. The sign-off process includes the processes from ACT32 to ACT34 described above. In other words, the sign-off is a process for canceling the authentication of the employee who has signed on and returning the reception terminal 2 to the default state. After completing the sign-off process, the processor 201 returns to ACT1 in FIG. 8. In other words, the processor 201 sets the screen of the touch panel 207 to the sign-on screen SCa.

[0115] Here, the processor 201 realizes the function of the storage means 32 by the processing of ACT21. The processor 201 realizes the function of the notification means 33 by the processing of ACT23. The processor 201 realizes the function of the manned control means 34 by the processing of ACT22 to ACT29.

[0116] <Explanation of self-entry / exit mode> 14 is a flow chart showing the control procedure of the processor 201 when the set operation mode is the entry / exit self mode. The processor 201 writes information "200" specifying the entry / exit self mode in the mode memory 52 as ACT41. The processor 201 also starts up the "entrance / exit self mode APL" which is the second application software 42 as ACT42. Thereafter, the processor 201 controls the operations of ACT43 to ACT50 in accordance with the "entrance / exit self mode APL".

[0117] The processor 201 notifies the reception server 1 as ACT43 that the entry / exit self mode has been set. That is, the processor 201 controls the communication unit 205 to transmit a data signal including information "200" specifying the entry / exit self mode to the reception server 1. By this control, the communication unit 205 transmits a data signal including the mode specifying information "200" to the reception server 1 via the communication network 5. This data signal also includes the terminal ID of the reception terminal 2.

[0118] The processor 11 of the accepting server 1, which has received the data signal including the terminal ID and the mode specifying information "200", executes the update process of ACT107 described with reference to Fig. 17. That is, the processor 11 refers to the accepting terminal table 61 and sets the information M specifying the operation mode associated with the terminal ID to "200".

[0119] After notifying the reception server 1 that the entry / exit self-service mode has been set, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT 44. In ACT 44, the processor 201 sets the screen of the touch panel 207 to the top screen SCe-a (see FIG. 22) of the entry / exit self-service mode. The top screen SCe-a is an example of a screen in the self-service mode.

[0120] FIG. 22 is a display example of the top screen SCe-a. As shown in the figure, the top screen SCe-a in the self-entry / exit mode is divided into two areas, an entrance area ARa and an exit area ARb. The entrance area ARa has a "Reservation" button BTc and a "No Reservation" button BTd. The exit area ARb has a "Payment" button BTe. The "Reservation" button BTc is an operator operated by a user who has made a reservation for a karaoke box in advance when entering. The "Reservation" button BTc can also be said to be an operator that instructs the processor 201 to allow a user who has made a reservation for a karaoke box to enter. The "No Reservation" button BTd is an operator operated by a user who has not made a reservation for a karaoke box when entering. The "No Reservation" button BTd can also be said to be an operator that instructs the processor 201 to allow a user who has not made a reservation for a karaoke box to enter. The "No Reservation" button BTd can also be said to be an operator that instructs the processor 201 to allow a user who has not made a reservation for a karaoke box to enter. The "Payment" button BTe is an operator operated by a user who has used a karaoke box when leaving the store. The "Pay" button BTe can also be said to be an operator that instructs the processor 201 to exit the karaoke booth.

[0121] The processor 201 of the reception terminal 2 that has displayed the top screen SCe-a of the entry / exit self mode proceeds to ACT45. The processor 201 checks whether an entry operation has been performed in ACT45. If an entry operation has not been performed, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT46. The processor 201 checks whether an exit operation has been performed in ACT46. If an exit operation has not been performed, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT47. The processor 201 checks whether a specific operation has been performed in ACT47. The specific operation will be described later. If a specific operation has not been performed, the processor 201 returns to ACT45. In this way, the processor 201 of the reception terminal 2 that has displayed the top screen SCe-a waits for an entry operation, an exit operation, or a specific operation to be performed in ACT45 to ACT47.

[0122] The operator of the reception terminal 2 on which the top screen SCe-a is displayed is a user. The user performs an entry operation or an exit operation OPf (see FIG. 28). That is, a customer using a karaoke booth, that is, a user, operates the reception terminal 2 at the reception desk to perform an entry operation when arriving at the store. After that, when finishing using the karaoke booth and leaving the store, the user operates the reception terminal 2 at the reception desk to perform an exit operation.

[0123] Specifically, a user who arrives at the store having made a reservation in advance touches the "Reservation Made" button BTc on the top screen SCe-a. A user who arrives at the store without making a reservation touches the "No Reservation" button BTd on the top screen SCe-a. In this way, the operation of touching the "Reservation Made" button BTc or the "No Reservation" button BTd is an entry operation. On the other hand, a user who is leaving the store presses the "Checkout" button BTe on the top screen SCe-a. In this way, the operation of pressing the "Checkout" button BTe is an exit operation.

[0124] When an entry operation is performed in the standby state of ACT45 to ACT47, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT48. The processor 201 executes the entry process as ACT48. That is, when the "Reservation" button BTc is input, the processor 201 sets the screen of the touch panel 207 to a membership input screen. The membership input screen is a screen that accepts the input of a membership code. For example, the user causes the card reader 22 to read data on a membership card. The processor 201 acquires a membership code from the membership card data read by the card reader 22. The processor 201 then transmits the membership code to the reception server 1. The reception server 1 searches the member database 8 to acquire reservation information of the user identified by the membership code, and transmits the reservation information to the reception terminal 2. The processor 201 of the reception terminal 2 that has received the reservation information sets the screen of the touch panel 207 to a number-of-users input screen SCf-a (see FIG. 25). On the other hand, when the "no reservation" button BTd is pressed, the processor 201 causes the screen of the touch panel 207 to display the number-of-users input screen SCf-a.

[0125] FIG. 25 is a display example of the number-of-users input screen SCf-a. As shown in the figure, the number-of-users input screen SCf-a is a screen for receiving information on the number of users and whether or not there are users under the age of 20. In order to receive information on whether or not there are users under the age of 20, the reception terminal 2 may receive input of a membership code associated with membership information such as age. When a user inputs the number of users and the like and touches the OK button, the screen of the touch panel 207 becomes a karaoke box selection screen. The karaoke box selection screen is a screen for receiving the selection of the box number of the karaoke box to be used. The karaoke box selection screen is also a screen for receiving the selection of the course menu of the karaoke course, the option menu, and the like. Such number-of-users input screen SCf-a and karaoke box selection screen are screens for receiving the input of the first data required when a user enters a karaoke box. In other words, the number-of-users input screen SCf-a, the karaoke box selection screen, and the like are also examples of the screens in the self mode.

[0126] The processor 201 creates print data for a receipt based on the first data input via the number-of-users input screen SCf-a, the karaoke box selection screen, etc., and outputs the print data to the printer 21. The receipt is then issued from the printer 21, and the user then proceeds to the karaoke box with the receipt.

[0127] The processor 201 also transmits first data such as the input box number, number of users, information on whether there are any users under the age of 20, expected usage time, course menu, option menu, etc. to the reception server 1. The reception server 1 stores the entry date and time, number of users, course menu, option menu, etc. in the box-specific file 62 for the box number input on the karaoke box selection screen. If the user is a member, the membership code is also recorded. The entry date and time is the date and time measured by the clock 204 of the reception terminal 2 at the time when, for example, the "With reservation" button BTc or the "No reservation" button BTd is touched.

[0128] In this way, the admission process includes a process of displaying a screen for accepting input of the first data, a process of issuing a reception slip based on the first data entered via the screen, and a process of transmitting the first data to the reception server 1. Note that the reception slip may be issued by transmitting it as electronic data to the user's smartphone, rather than issuing it on paper.

[0129] When an exit operation is performed in the standby state of ACT45 to ACT47, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT49. The processor 201 executes the exit process in ACT49. That is, when the processor 201 detects that the "checkout" button BTe has been pressed, the screen of the touch panel 207 is changed to a screen that accepts input of second data required when the user leaves the karaoke booth. The screen is, for example, the receipt reading screen SCf-b (see FIG. 26).

[0130] 26 is a display example of the receipt reading screen SCf-b. As shown in the figure, the receipt reading screen SCf-b is a screen for instructing the user to hold the barcode on the reception slip over the camera. After checking the receipt reading screen SCf-b, the user holds the barcode on the reception slip over the lens of the imaging unit 206. Note that the reception slip may be issued from the reception terminal 2 in self-service mode or from the reception terminal 2 in manned mode.

[0131] When the barcode on the reception slip is read by the imaging unit 206 through such an operation, the processor 201 transmits the box number and the exit date and time obtained by analyzing the barcode to the reception server 1. The exit date and time is, for example, the date and time measured by the clock 204 of the reception terminal 2 at the time when the "Checkout" button BTe is touched. The reception server 1 writes the exit date and time in the box-specific file 62 for the box number. The reception server 1 then calculates the usage time from the entry date and time and the exit date and time written in the box-specific file 62, and calculates the usage fee for the karaoke box. The reception server 1 also calculates the facility usage fee by adding the price of the product based on the order data written in the box-specific file 62.

[0132] When the facility usage fee is calculated by the reception server 1, the screen of the touch panel 207 of the reception terminal 2 transitions to a payment method selection screen, and the user selects the desired payment method and pays the fee using that payment method. In response to this operation, the processor 201 of the reception terminal 2 performs settlement processing based on the facility usage fee and payment data, and issues a receipt. The slip reading screen SCf-b and the payment method selection screen are also examples of self-mode screens. The self-mode screen may include other screens.

[0133] In this way, the exit process includes a process of displaying a screen for accepting input of second data, a process of transmitting the second data input via that screen to the reception server 1, and a process of settling the facility usage fee. Note that the receipt issued in the settlement process may be an electronic receipt. Note that in the standby state of ACT45 to ACT47, even if no operation is performed for a predetermined time, the screen of the touch panel 207 does not return to the sign-on screen SCa.

[0134] As described above, the processor 201 of the reception terminal 2 displaying the top screen SCe-a waits for a specific operation OPg (see FIG. 28) to be performed in ACT45 to ACT47. The specific operation OPg is a special operation that cannot be performed by a user as an entry operation or an exit operation. For example, an operation of touching any four points on the touch panel 207 with a finger is defined as a specific operation POh. Such a specific operation OPg is an operation that only some employees, such as the store manager, can know.

[0135] When the processor 201 detects that a specific operation OPg has been performed in ACT45 to ACT47, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT50. The processor 201 issues a sign-off notification to the reception server 1 in ACT50. That is, the processor 201 controls the communication unit 205 to transmit a data signal of the sign-off notification to the reception server 1. By this control, the communication unit 205 transmits a data signal of the sign-off notification to the reception server 1 via the communication network 5. This data signal includes the employee code stored in the manager memory 51. The terminal ID of the reception terminal 2 is also included.

[0136] If it is detected in ACT45 to ACT47 that a specific operation OPh has been performed, the processor 201 may accept an authentication operation of the employee before proceeding to ACT50. The authentication operation is, for example, an operation of accepting input of an employee code and an input of a password. The authentication operation may be only input of the employee code.

[0137] Upon receiving the sign-off notification, the accepting server 1 refers to the accepting terminal table 61 and sets the operating flag F associated with the terminal ID to "0."

[0138] The processor 201 of the reception terminal 2 that has issued the sign-off notice proceeds to ACT51. The processor 201 stops the entry / exit self mode APL, which is the second application software 42, in ACT51. The processor 201 also clears the data stored in the manager memory 51 and the mode memory 52 in ACT52. In this way, the processor 201 that has accepted the sign-off input executes the sign-off process. The sign-off process includes the processes of ACT50 to ACT52 described above. In other words, the sign-off is a process for canceling the authentication of the employee who has signed on and returning the reception terminal 2 to the default state. After completing the sign-off process, the processor 201 returns to ACT1 in FIG. 8. In other words, the processor 201 sets the screen of the touch panel 207 to the sign-on screen SCa.

[0139] Here, the processor 201 realizes the function of the storage means 32 by processing ACT41. The processor 201 realizes the function of the notification means 33 by processing ACT43. The processor 201 realizes the function of the self control means 35 by processing ACT42 to ACT49.

[0140] <Self-Entry Mode Explanation> 15 is a flow chart showing the control procedure of the processor 201 when the set operation mode is the entry self mode. The processor 201 writes information "300" specifying the entry self mode in the mode memory 52 as ACT61. The processor 201 also starts up the "entry self mode APL" which is the third application software 43 as ACT62. Thereafter, the processor 201 controls the operations of ACT63 to ACT68 in accordance with the "entry self mode APL".

[0141] The processor 201 notifies the reception server 1 as ACT63 that the entry self mode has been set. That is, the processor 201 controls the communication unit 205 to transmit a data signal including information "300" for identifying the entry self mode to the reception server 1. By this control, the communication unit 205 transmits a data signal including the mode identifying information "300" to the reception server 1 via the communication network 5. This data signal also includes the terminal ID of the reception terminal 2.

[0142] The processor 11 of the accepting server 1, which has received the data signal including the terminal ID and the mode specifying information "200", executes the update process of ACT107 described with reference to Fig. 17. That is, the processor 11 refers to the accepting terminal table 61 and sets the information M specifying the operation mode associated with the terminal ID to "300".

[0143] After notifying the reception server 1 that the entry self-service mode has been set, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT 64. In ACT 64, the processor 201 sets the screen of the touch panel 207 to the entry self-service mode top screen SCe-b (see FIG. 23). The top screen SCe-b is an example of a screen in the self-service mode.

[0144] 23 is a display example of the top screen SCe-b. As shown in the figure, the top screen SCe-b of the entry self mode is the same as the entry area ARa in the top screen SCe-a of the entry / exit self mode. That is, the top screen SCe-b has a "Reservation" button BTc and a "No Reservation" button BTd.

[0145] The processor 201 of the reception terminal 2 that has displayed the top screen SCe-b of the entry self-service mode proceeds to ACT65. The processor 201 checks whether an entry operation has been performed in ACT65. If an entry operation has not been performed, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT66. The processor 201 checks whether a specific operation has been performed in ACT66. The specific operation is the same as the specific operation described in the "Description of Entry / Exit Self-Service Mode". If a specific operation has not been performed, the processor 201 returns to ACT65. In this way, the processor 201 of the reception terminal 2 that has displayed the top screen SCe-b waits for an entry operation to be performed or a specific operation to be performed in ACT65 and ACT66.

[0146] The operator of the reception terminal 2 on which the top screen SCe-b is displayed is the user. The user performs the entry operation. That is, a customer who uses a karaoke booth, that is, a user, operates the reception terminal 2 at the reception desk when arriving at the store to perform the entry operation. This entry operation is the same as the entry operation described in the "Explanation of the Entry / Exit Self Mode".

[0147] When an entry operation is performed in the standby state of ACT65 and ACT66, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT67. The processor 201 executes the entry process as ACT67. This entry process is also the same as the entry process described as ACT48 in the "Explanation of the Entry / Exit Self Mode". Therefore, for the entry operation and entry process, the description in the "Explanation of the Entry / Exit Self Mode" is substituted as is, and the description here is omitted.

[0148] When the processor 201 detects that a specific operation OPg has been performed in the standby state of ACT65 and ACT66, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT68. The processor 201 sends a sign-off notification to the reception server 1 in ACT68. The processing of the sign-off notification is the same as the processing of the sign-off notification described as ACT50 in the "Description of the Entry / Exit Self Mode". The operation of the reception server 1 upon receiving the sign-off notification is also the same. Therefore, for the sign-off notification, the description in the "Description of the Entry / Exit Self Mode" is used as is, and a description here is omitted.

[0149] The processor 201 of the reception terminal 2 that has issued the sign-off notice proceeds to ACT69. The processor 201 stops the entry self mode APL, which is the third application software 43, in ACT69. The processor 201 also clears the data stored in the manager memory 51 and the mode memory 52 in ACT70. In this way, the processor 201 that has accepted the sign-off input executes the sign-off process. The sign-off process includes the processes of ACT68 to ACT70 described above. In other words, the sign-off is a process for canceling the authentication of the employee who has signed on and returning the reception terminal 2 to the default state. After completing the sign-off process, the processor 201 returns to ACT1 in FIG. 8. In other words, the processor 201 sets the screen of the touch panel 207 to the sign-on screen SCa.

[0150] Here, the processor 201 realizes the function of the storage means 32 by processing ACT61. The processor 201 realizes the function of the notification means 33 by processing ACT63. The processor 201 realizes the function of the self control means 35 by processing ACT62 to ACT67.

[0151] <Explanation of self-exit mode> 16 is a flow chart showing the control procedure of the processor 201 when the set operation mode is the exit self mode. The processor 201 writes information "400" specifying the exit self mode in the mode memory 52 as ACT81. The processor 201 also starts up the "exit self mode APL" which is the fourth application software 44 as ACT82. Thereafter, the processor 201 controls the operations of ACT83 to ACT88 in accordance with the "exit self mode APL".

[0152] The processor 201 notifies the receiving server 1 as ACT83 that the exit self mode has been set. That is, the processor 201 controls the communication unit 205 to transmit a data signal including information "400" for identifying the exit self mode to the receiving server 1. By this control, the communication unit 205 transmits a data signal including the mode identifying information "400" to the receiving server 1 via the communication network 5. This data signal also includes the terminal ID of the receiving terminal 2.

[0153] The processor 11 of the accepting server 1, which has received the data signal including the terminal ID and the mode specifying information "200", executes the update process of ACT107 described with reference to Fig. 17. That is, the processor 11 refers to the accepting terminal table 61 and sets the information M specifying the operation mode associated with the terminal ID to "400".

[0154] After notifying the reception server 1 that the exit self-service mode has been set, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT 84. In ACT 84, the processor 201 sets the screen of the touch panel 207 to a top screen SCe-c (see FIG. 24) of the exit self-service mode. The top screen SCe-c is an example of a screen in the self-service mode.

[0155] 24 is a display example of the top screen SCe-c. As shown in the figure, the top screen SCe-c in the self-exit mode is the same as the exit area ARb in the top screen SCe-a in the self-entry mode. That is, the top screen SCe-c has a "checkout" button BTe arranged thereon.

[0156] The processor 201 of the reception terminal 2 that has displayed the top screen SCe-c of the exit self mode proceeds to ACT85. The processor 201 checks whether an exit operation has been performed in ACT85. If an exit operation has not been performed, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT86. The processor 201 checks whether a specific operation has been performed in ACT86. The specific operation is the same as the specific operation described in the "Explanation of Entry / Exit Self Mode". If a specific operation has not been performed, the processor 201 returns to ACT85. In this way, the processor 201 of the reception terminal 2 that has displayed the top screen SCe-c waits for an exit operation to be performed or for a specific operation to be performed in ACT85 and ACT86.

[0157] The operator of the reception terminal 2 on which the top screen SCe-c is displayed is the user. The user performs an exit operation. That is, a customer using a karaoke booth, that is, a user, operates the reception terminal 2 at the reception desk when arriving at the store to perform an exit operation. This exit operation is the same as the exit operation described in the "Explanation of the Entry / Exit Self Mode."

[0158] When an exit operation is performed in the standby state of ACT85 and ACT86, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT87. The processor 201 executes the exit process as ACT87. This exit process is also the same as the exit process described as ACT49 in the "Explanation of the Entry / Exit Self Mode". Therefore, for the exit operation and the exit process, the description in the "Explanation of the Entry / Exit Self Mode" is substituted as is, and the description here is omitted.

[0159] When the processor 201 detects that a specific operation OPg has been performed while in the standby state of ACT85 and ACT86, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT88. The processor 201 sends a sign-off notification to the reception server 1 in ACT88. The processing of the sign-off notification is the same as the processing of the sign-off notification described as ACT50 in the "Description of the Entry / Exit Self Mode". The operation of the reception server 1 upon receiving the sign-off notification is also the same. Therefore, for the sign-off notification, the description in the "Description of the Entry / Exit Self Mode" is used as is, and a description here is omitted.

[0160] The processor 201 of the reception terminal 2 that has issued the sign-off notice proceeds to ACT89. The processor 201 stops the exit self mode APL, which is the fourth application software 44, in ACT89. The processor 201 also clears the data stored in the manager memory 51 and the mode memory 52 in ACT90. In this way, the processor 201 that has accepted the sign-off input executes the sign-off process. The sign-off process includes the processes of ACT88 to ACT90 described above. In other words, the sign-off is a process for canceling the authentication of the employee who has signed on and returning the reception terminal 2 to the default state. After completing the sign-off process, the processor 201 returns to ACT1 in FIG. 8. In other words, the processor 201 sets the screen of the touch panel 207 to the sign-on screen SCa.

[0161] Here, the processor 201 realizes the function of the storage means 32 by processing ACT81. The processor 201 realizes the function of the notification means 33 by processing ACT83. The processor 201 realizes the function of the self control means 35 by processing ACT82 to ACT87.

[0162] [Explanation of reception terminal operation] 27 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the transition of the operation procedure related to the attended mode and the screen displayed on the reception terminal. For example, when an employee performs a start-up operation OPa on the reception terminal 2 before opening, a sign-on screen SCa is displayed on the touch panel 207, which is a display device of the reception terminal 2. The employee then performs a sign-on operation OPb.

[0163] When a sign-on operation OPb is performed, the reception terminal 2 transmits a request command CMa for a set operation mode to the reception server 1. The reception server 1, which has received this request command CMa, transmits an operation mode inquiry command CMb to the reception management server 200. The reception management server 200, which has received the inquiry command CMb, searches the store-specific master table 400, obtains information on the set operation mode stored in association with the terminal ID of the reception terminal 2, and transmits this information to the reception server 1. The reception server 1 transmits the information on the set operation mode received from the reception management server 200 to the reception terminal 2.

[0164] The reception terminal 2 stores the information on the set operation mode obtained from the reception management server 200 via the reception server 1 in the mode memory 52. ​​Thus, the screen of the touch panel 207 of the reception terminal 2 becomes the manned mode top screen SCb. Thereafter, the reception terminal 2 operates as a model in the manned mode in which the entrance operation and the exit operation OPc are performed by an employee.

[0165] The reception terminal 2 that has acquired the information on the set operation mode from the reception management server 200 notifies the reception server 1 of the information on the set operation mode. Upon receiving this notification, the reception server 1 updates the information on the operation mode of the reception terminal 2 that is managed in the reception terminal table 61 to the notified information on the operation mode.

[0166] When an employee performs an entry operation or an exit operation OPc on reception terminal 2 in which the attended mode is set, the screen on touch panel 207 transitions to an entry / exit processing screen SCc in attended mode. Through the entry / exit processing screen SCc, the employee can input first data required when a user enters the karaoke booth or second data required when a user leaves the karaoke booth. Then, when the employee completes the entry operation or exit operation, the screen on touch panel 207 returns to the attended mode top screen SCb.

[0167] On the other hand, when an employee operates the business button OPd, that is, touches the business button BTb, the screen of the touch panel 207 becomes the business menu screen SCd. Here, when the employee performs the sign-off operation OPe, the reception terminal 2 operating in the manned mode enters the sign-off state. That is, the employee code stored in the manager memory 51 is cleared. Also, the data in the mode memory 52 is cleared. Then, the screen of the touch panel 207 becomes the sign-on screen SCa.

[0168] Therefore, for example, when an employee performs a sign-on operation OPb, the reception terminal 2 continues to operate as a model in the manned mode unless the information on the set operation mode stored in the store-specific master table 400 has been changed. In contrast, if the information on the set operation mode has been changed to information on the entry / exit self-service mode, the entrance self-service mode, or the exit self-service mode, the reception terminal 2 operates as a model in the self-service mode.

[0169] 28 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation procedure related to the self-service mode and the transition of the screen displayed on the reception terminal. When the operation mode information acquired from the reception management server 200 in response to the employee's sign-on operation is the self-service mode information, the screen of the touch panel 207 becomes the top screen SCe of the self-service mode. Specifically, when the entry / exit self-service mode information "200" is acquired, the screen of the touch panel 207 becomes the top screen SCe-a of the entry / exit self-service mode, when the entry self-service mode information "300" is acquired, the screen of the touch panel 207 becomes the top screen SCe-b of the entry self-service mode, and when the exit self-service mode information "400" is acquired, the screen of the touch panel 207 becomes the top screen SCe-c of the exit self-service mode.

[0170] Thereafter, the reception terminal 2 on which the top screen SCe-a is displayed operates as a model in the self-entry / exit mode in which the user performs the entry operation and the exit operation OPf. The reception terminal 2 on which the top screen SCe-b is displayed operates as a model in the self-entry mode in which the user performs the entry operation OPf. The reception terminal 2 on which the top screen SCe-c is displayed operates as a model in the self-exit mode in which the user performs the exit operation OPf.

[0171] The reception terminal 2 that has acquired the information on the set operation mode from the reception management server 200 notifies the reception server 1 of the information on the set operation mode. Upon receiving this notification, the reception server 1 updates the information on the operation mode of the reception terminal 2 that is managed in the reception terminal table 61 to the notified information on the operation mode.

[0172] When a user performs an entry operation or an exit operation OPf on the reception terminal 2 in which the self mode is set, the screen of the touch panel 207 transitions to an entry / exit processing screen SCf in the self mode. For example, when a user inputs the "No reservation" button BTc on the top screen SCe-a or top screen SCe-b, the screen of the touch panel 207 becomes the number of users input screen SCf-a. When a user inputs the "Payment" button BTe on the top screen SCe-a or top screen SCe-c, the screen of the touch panel 207 becomes the slip reading screen SCf-b. In this way, the user can input the first data or the second data via the entry / exit processing screen SCf. Then, when the entry operation or the exit operation is completed, the screen of the touch panel 207 returns to the top screen SCe of the self mode.

[0173] On the other hand, when an employee touches any four positions on the touch panel 207 with his / her finger as a specific operation OPg, the reception terminal 2 operating in the self mode enters a sign-off state. That is, the employee code stored in the person in charge memory 51 is cleared. Also, the data in the mode memory 52 is cleared. Then, the screen of the touch panel 207 becomes the sign-on screen SCa.

[0174] Therefore, for example, when an employee performs a sign-on operation OPb, the reception terminal 2 continues to operate as a self-service mode model unless the information on the set operation mode stored in the store-specific master table 400 has been changed. In contrast, if the information on the set operation mode has been changed to information on the attended mode, the reception terminal 2 operates as a attended mode model.

[0175] [Explanation regarding transactions in the reception system] 29 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure for a transaction in the reception system 100. In the reception system 100, the reception terminal 2, the reception server 1, and the order terminal 3 are devices that process data related to a transaction with a user. The reception terminal 2 may be in an attended mode or a self-service mode.

[0176] As described with reference to Fig. 27 or 28, the reception terminal 2 that acquires information on the set operation mode in response to the sign-on operation OPb functions as a reception terminal in the attended mode if the information is information on the attended mode, and functions as a reception terminal in the self-mode if the information is information on the self-mode. Also, the reception terminal 2 in the self-mode functions as a reception terminal in the entry / exit self-mode, an entrance mode, or an exit mode.

[0177] The reception terminal 2 in the attended mode and the reception terminal 2 in the self-service mode other than the exit self-service mode accept input of first data. The first data includes the booth number of the karaoke booth used by the user, member information, the number of users, the start time of use, a course menu, an option menu, etc.

[0178] When a customer arrives at the store, the first data is input by an entrance operation OPc by an employee at the reception terminal 2 in the manned mode. The first data is input by an entrance operation OPf by the customer at the reception terminal 2 in a self-service mode other than the exit self-service mode. When the first data is input, the reception terminal 2 issues a reception slip SL based on the first data.

[0179] Furthermore, the first data entered into the reception terminal 2 is transmitted to the reception server 1. The reception server 1 stores the first data in a box-specific file 62. Specifically, the reception server 1 stores the first data received from the reception terminal 2 in a box-specific file 62 identified by the box number included in the first data. The first data in the box-specific file 62 becomes transaction data required to settle a transaction with a user.

[0180] Incidentally, the course menu and option menu included in the first data input at the time of reception are data of the product menu ordered by the user. On the other hand, the user can also order the product menu while using the karaoke booth. The product menu can be ordered by the user operating the ordering terminal 3. Alternatively, if there is a reception terminal 2 operating in manned mode, an employee can operate the reception terminal 2 to order the product menu. The order data input via the ordering terminal 3 or the reception terminal 2 is transmitted to the reception server 1. The reception server 1 stores the order data in the corresponding box-specific file 62. In this way, the order data is added to the transaction data necessary to settle the transaction with the user.

[0181] Furthermore, the reception terminal 2 in the attended mode and the reception terminal 2 in a self-service mode other than the entry self-service mode accept the input of second data. The second data is the box number of the karaoke box used by the user, the end time of use, the payment method, etc. The box number can be input by reading it from the machine-readable code printed on the reception slip SL. In the reception terminal 2 in the attended mode, the second data is input by an entrance operation OPc by an employee. In the reception terminal 2 in a self-service mode other than the entry self-service mode, the second data is input by an entrance operation OPf by the user.

[0182] The second data entered into the reception terminal 2 is transmitted to the reception server 1. The reception server 1 stores the second data in the corresponding box-specific file 62. In this way, the second data is added to the transaction data required to settle the transaction with the user.

[0183] The reception server 1 transmits the data in the box-specific file 62, that is, the transaction data including the first data, order data, and second data, to the reception terminal 2 to which the second data was input. Having received the transaction data, the reception terminal 2 executes a settlement process according to the selected payment method. The reception terminal 2 then issues a receipt RE on which details of the transaction data are printed. The receipt may be an electronic receipt. This completes the transaction with the user related to the reception system 100.

[0184] [Explanation of Effects of the Embodiment] As described above in detail, the reception terminal 2 of this embodiment operates in an operation mode according to the set operation mode information stored in the store-specific master table 400 every time a sign-on operation is performed. That is, when the set operation mode information is information on the attended mode, the reception terminal 2 operates in the attended mode. When the set operation mode information is information on the self-service mode, the reception terminal 2 operates in the self-service mode.

[0185] Therefore, for example, in a facility such as a karaoke booth store where five reception terminals 2 are installed at the reception, on days or times when there are many users, three of the reception terminals 2 are operated as manned reception terminals 2 and two as self-service reception terminals 2. On days or times when there are few users, two of the reception terminals 2 are operated as manned reception terminals and three as self-service reception terminals 2. In this way, a reception system 100 that can efficiently handle users by using some of the reception terminals 2 installed at the reception as manned reception terminals and the rest as self-service reception terminals can be easily realized. It is also easy to realize that all of the reception terminals 2 installed at the reception can be used as manned reception terminals 2 or as self-service reception terminals 2. Moreover, since the store employee only needs to sign on to the reception terminals 2, there is no burden on the employee.

[0186] Furthermore, the self-service reception terminal 2 may be a model of an entrance self-service mode that accepts only the input of the first data related to the entrance reception function, or a model of an exit self-service mode that accepts only the input of the second data related to the exit reception function. Furthermore, it is also possible to use a model of an entrance / exit self-service mode that accepts both the input of the first data related to the entrance reception function and the input of the second data related to the exit reception function. Therefore, for the self-service mode reception terminals 2, the number of reception terminals 2 having the entrance reception function and the number of reception terminals 2 having the exit reception function can be appropriately changed within a limited number. Even in this case, the store employee only needs to sign on to the reception terminal 2, so there is no burden on the employee.

[0187] Incidentally, when changing the operation mode of a reception terminal 2 in operation, it is sufficient to perform a sign-off operation and then a sign-on operation again after changing the information of the set operation mode stored in the store-specific master table 400. Therefore, for example, when switching a reception terminal 2 operating in manned mode to self-service mode, the employee operating the reception terminal 2 can quickly change the operation mode by performing a sign-off operation and a sign-on operation.

[0188] On the other hand, the reception terminal 2 operating in self mode is signed off by the employee performing the specific operation OPh, and the employee can then perform the sign-on operation. Therefore, the operation mode can also be changed quickly. Moreover, the reception terminal 2 operating in self mode will not sign off unless the specific operation OPh is performed. The specific operation is a special operation that is not possible as an entry or exit operation by a user. Therefore, there is almost no possibility that the reception terminal 2 operating in self mode will be signed off by a user's operation, and the system can be operated stably.

[0189] Furthermore, the reception terminal 2 has a notification means 33, and notifies the reception server 1 of the operation mode acquired by the mode acquisition means 31. Meanwhile, the reception server 1 has a reception terminal table 61, and stores information on the operation mode notified from each reception terminal 2 for each reception terminal. Therefore, there is an advantage that by referring to the information in the reception terminal table 61, the number of reception terminals 2 operating in the attended mode and the number of reception terminals 2 operating in the self-service mode can be easily confirmed.

[0190] [Second embodiment] 30 is a schematic diagram showing a main data structure of the store-specific master table 401 in the second embodiment. The store-specific master table 401 is different from the store-specific master table 400 in the first embodiment in the column Cf of the set operation mode M. Specifically, in the store-specific master table 401, the column Cf of the set operation mode M is set by day of the week. That is, in the column Cf, information specifying the operation mode of the reception terminal 2 identified by the reception terminal ID described in the column Cd of the same row is described by day of the week. In the column Cf, the information specifying the operation mode is set by day of the week by the person in charge operating the maintenance PC.

[0191] FIG. 31 is a flow diagram showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor 11 of the reception server 1 in the second embodiment. The same reference numerals are used for the parts common to the processing of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 17, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. That is, the processor 11 waits for a request command CMa transmitted from the reception terminal 2 as ACT101. When the request command CMa for the set operation mode is received, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT110. The processor 11 acquires the day of the week of the current date measured by the clock 14 as ACT110. Thereafter, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT102. The processor 11 inquires of the reception management server 200 about the operation mode as ACT102. That is, the processor 11 controls the second communication interface 16 to transmit an inquiry command CMb for the operation mode to the reception management server 200. By this control, the inquiry command CMb for the operation mode is transmitted from the second communication interface 16 to the reception management server 200 via the communication network 300. This inquiry command CMb includes the terminal ID of the reception terminal 2 included in the request command CMa for the set operation mode, and the day of the week acquired in the process of ACT 110. It also includes the store ID of the karaoke booth store where the reception server 1 is installed.

[0192] The reception management server 200, which has received the operation mode query command CMb, searches the store-specific master table 400 identified by the store ID included in the query command CMb. Then, from the information on the set operation mode stored in association with the terminal ID included in the query command CMb, it obtains information associated with the day of the week included in the query command CMb. The reception management server 200 responds with the information on the set operation mode to the reception server 1.

[0193] After inquiring about the operation mode from the reception management server 200, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 103. In ACT 103, the processor 11 waits for a response from the reception management server 200. Thereafter, the processor 11 executes the processes from ACT 103 onwards in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0194] According to the second embodiment having such a configuration, the number of reception terminals 2 in the attended mode and the number of reception terminals 2 in the self-service mode can be changed for each day of the week depending on the settings of the store-specific master table 400. As a result, practical operations such as increasing the number of reception terminals 2 in the self-service mode on weekdays and increasing the number of reception terminals 2 in the attended mode on holidays can be easily realized without the store employees even being aware of it.

[0195] In the second embodiment, the column Cf of the set operation mode M in the store master table 401 is arranged by day of the week, but it may be arranged by time period, date, week, month, or the like.

[0196] [Third embodiment] FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor 11 of the reception server 1 in the third embodiment. The same reference numerals are used for the parts common to the processing of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 17, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted. That is, when the processor 11 receives a request command CMa for the set operation mode from the reception terminal 2 as ACT101, the processor 11 inquires of the reception management server 200 about the operation mode as ACT102. Then, the processor 11 waits for a response from the reception management server 200 as ACT103. Here, when the processor 11 receives information on the set operation mode from the reception management server 200, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT105. The processor 11 controls the first communication interface 15 to transmit an acceptance response command to the reception terminal 2 that has transmitted the request command CMa as ACT105. The acceptance response command includes information on the operation mode received from the reception management server 200.

[0197] On the other hand, if the processor 11 is unable to receive a response from the reception management server 200 due to, for example, a communication failure in the communication network 300 or a malfunction of the reception management server 200, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 121. The processor 11 searches the reception terminal table 61 in ACT 121. Then, the processor 11 acquires information on the operation mode stored in the reception terminal table 61 in association with the terminal ID of the reception terminal 2 that is the transmission source of the request command CMa in ACT 122.

[0198] Then, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 105. The processor 11 controls the first communication interface 15 to transmit an acceptance response command to the receiving terminal 2 that transmitted the request command CMa in ACT 105. The acceptance response command includes information on the operation mode acquired from the receiving terminal table 61 in the processing of ACT 122.

[0199] As described above, in the first embodiment, if the processor 11 of the reception server 1 cannot receive a response from the reception management server 200 due to, for example, a communication failure in the communication network 300 or a malfunction of the reception management server 200, the processor 11 transmits a negative response command to the reception terminal 2. As a result, the operation mode of the reception terminal 2 is not set, and the reception terminal 2 becomes unusable.

[0200] In contrast to this, in the third embodiment, if the processor 11 cannot receive a response from the reception management server 200, it transmits the information of the operation mode acquired from the reception terminal table 61 to the reception terminal 2. Thus, the information of the operation mode acquired from the reception terminal table 61 is set in the reception terminal 2, and the reception terminal 2 operates in a mode corresponding to that information.

[0201] As described above, according to the third embodiment, even if a communication failure occurs in the communication network 300 or the reception management server 200 breaks down, the reception terminal 2 can be prevented from becoming inoperable.

[0202] [Variations] In the above embodiment, when switching the operation mode of the reception terminal 2, the reception terminal 2 is signed off once before switching the operation mode. In this regard, the operation mode may be switched without signing off. For example, in the reception terminal 2 operating in the attended mode, a "mode switch" button is added to the business menu screen SCd. Then, when this "mode switch" button is input, the processor 201 requests the reception server 1 to set the operation mode. On the other hand, in the reception terminal 2 operating in the self mode, when a specific operation OPh is performed, the processor 201 requests the reception server 1 to set the operation mode. By configuring in this way, the operation mode can be switched without signing off.

[0203] In the above embodiment, since the user always signs off before switching the operation mode, the first data or the second data input to the reception terminal 2 before the switching is cleared. However, if the operation mode is switched without signing off, the first data or the second data may remain. Such first data or the second data may be or may not be carried over even after the operation mode is switched.

[0204] In the above embodiment, the specific operation is awaited when the entrance operation or the exit operation is awaited in the self mode. The specific operation may be received during the entrance process after the entrance operation is received, or during the exit process after the exit operation is received. For example, when the specific operation is received during the entrance process or the exit process, the processor 201 discards the data related to the entrance process or the exit process that has been input up to that point and signs off. Alternatively, when an abnormality such as an error occurs during the entrance process or the exit process and the specific operation is received, the processor 201 maintains the data related to the entrance process or the exit process that has been input up to that point and signs off. In this case, a display for the store clerk according to the error that has occurred may be displayed.

[0205] In the above embodiment, the reception terminal 2 has been described as executing four types of application software 41 to 44, namely, "attended mode APL", "entrance / exit self-service mode APL", "entrance self-service mode APL" and "exit self-service mode APL". These four types of application software 41 to 44 may be configured as one application software. Alternatively, the three types relating to the self-service mode, namely, "entrance / exit self-service mode APL", "entrance self-service mode APL" and "exit self-service mode APL", may be configured as one application software.

[0206] In the above embodiment, the reception management server 200 is provided with a store-specific master table 400, and the reception server 1 of each reception system 100 inquires of the reception management server 200 about the set operation mode every time a request for the set operation mode is received from the reception terminal 2. In another embodiment, the reception management server 200 downloads the master table 400 of the store to the reception server 1 of each reception system 100 in advance. Then, when a request for the set operation mode is received from the reception terminal 2, the reception server 1 searches the store-specific master table 400 to obtain information on the set operation mode set as information for the reception terminal 2, and responds. By adopting such a configuration, the reception server 1 does not inquire of the reception management server 200 about the set operation mode, which has the advantage of reducing the amount of communication traffic on the communication network 300.

[0207] In the above embodiment, the edit button TA is arranged in association with the reception terminal ID of each reception terminal 2 on the reception terminal setting screen SCx shown in Fig. 10. In this regard, instead of the edit button TA, check boxes CBa, CBb, and CBc for operation modes other than the set operation mode may be arranged as in the master edit screen SCy shown in Fig. 11. This saves the trouble of inputting the edit button TA, improving operability.

[0208] In the above embodiment, the reception terminal 2 is mainly composed of the tablet PC 20. The reception terminal 2 may be mainly composed of a personal computer equipped with a keyboard and a display. Also, the reception terminal 2 may be a product registration device such as a general-purpose POS (Point Of Sales) terminal.

[0209] In the above embodiment, the facility used by the user is a karaoke box, and the reception terminal 2 is installed at the reception of the karaoke box store that operates the karaoke box. The facility is not limited to a karaoke box. For example, it may be a leisure facility such as a darts bar or a manga cafe, or an athletic facility such as a sports gym, a golf course, or a bowling alley. That is, the reception terminal 2 installed at the reception of these facilities may be able to switch between a manned mode and a self-operated mode as in the present embodiment. Therefore, the first data required when the user enters the facility and the second data required when the user leaves the facility are also changed appropriately depending on the type of the facility. For example, in a facility where the facility usage fee is a fixed amount, data related to the accounting of the facility usage fee may be input as the first data.

[0210] Although several other embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0211] 1...reception server, 2...reception terminal, 3...order terminal, 4...kitchen terminal, 5...communication network, 6...box database, 7...employee database, 8...membership database, 9...product database, 20...tablet PC, 21...printer, 22...card reader, 23...change machine, 24...cashless payment terminal, 31...mode acquisition means, 32...storage means, 33...notification means, 34...manned control means, 35...self-control means, 51...manager memory, 52...mode memory, 61...reception terminal table, 62...file by box, 100...reception system, 200...reception management server, 300...communication network, 400, 401...store master table, 500...maintenance PC, 1000...reception management system.

Claims

1. a mode acquisition means for acquiring from a server information on an operation mode, which is either a manned mode in which an employee inputs the first data and the second data related to an entry reception function for accepting input of first data required when a user enters a facility and an exit reception function for accepting input of second data required when the user exits the facility, or a self-service mode in which a user inputs the first data and the second data; a storage means for storing information on the operation mode acquired by the mode acquisition means; an attendant control means for, when the information stored by the storage means is information of the attendant mode, changing a screen of a display device to a screen of the attendant mode and accepting an input of the first data or the second data; a self control means for, when the information stored in the storage means is information of the self mode, changing a screen of the display device to a self mode screen and accepting an input of the first data or an input of the second data; A reception device comprising:

2. The reception device according to claim 1, wherein the mode acquisition means acquires, as the self-mode information, information on an entry self-mode that accepts only input of the first data related to the entry reception function, or information on an exit self-mode that accepts only input of the second data related to the exit reception function.

3. The reception device according to claim 2, wherein the mode acquisition means further acquires, as information about the self-timer mode, information about an entry / exit self-timer mode that accepts input of both the first data related to the entry reception function and the second data related to the exit reception function.

4. 2. The reception device according to claim 1, wherein the mode acquisition means acquires the information on the operation mode from the server when a sign-on is performed to authenticate an operator of the reception device and make the device available for use in a standby state in which the information on the operation mode is not stored in the storage means.

5. 2. The reception device according to claim 1, wherein the mode acquisition means acquires information about the operating mode from the server when a specific operation that is not used when operating in a self-mode in which information about the self-mode is stored in the storage means is performed.

6. A reception management system including a plurality of reception devices and a server for managing the plurality of reception devices, The server, a storage unit that stores, for each of the plurality of reception devices, information on an operation mode of the reception device, which is either a manned mode in which an employee inputs the first data and the second data related to an entry reception function that accepts an input of first data required when a user enters a facility and an exit reception function that accepts an input of second data required when the user exits the facility, or a self-service mode in which a user inputs the first data and the second data; Equipped with The plurality of reception devices a mode acquisition means for acquiring, from the server, information on the operation mode stored in the storage unit as information on the reception device; a storage means for storing information on the operation mode acquired by the mode acquisition means; an attendant control means for, when the information stored by the storage means is information of the attendant mode, changing a screen of a display device to a screen of the attendant mode and accepting an input of the first data or the second data; a self control means for, when the information stored in the storage means is information of the self mode, changing a screen of the display device to a self mode screen and accepting an input of the first data or an input of the second data; A reception management system comprising:

7. A reception device computer having a communication function with the server, a mode acquisition means for acquiring from the server information on one of an operational mode, which is a manned mode in which an employee inputs the first data and the second data related to an entry reception function for accepting input of first data required when a user enters a facility and an exit reception function for accepting input of second data required when the user exits the facility, or a self-operated mode in which a user inputs the first data and the second data; a storage means for storing information on the operation mode acquired by the mode acquisition means; an attendant control means for, when the information stored by the storage means is the attendant mode information, changing a screen of a display device to a attendant mode screen and accepting an input of the first data or the second data; and a self-control means for, when the information stored by the storage means is information on the self-mode, changing a screen of the display device to a self-mode screen and accepting an input of the first data or an input of the second data; A program to function as a

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