Utilization status determination device, system, and method

Abstract

To provide a utilization status determination device, system and method, which enable appropriate presentation of the seat utilization status.SOLUTION: A utilization status determination device disclosed herein comprises a seat occupancy detection unit 401 for detecting the occupied status or unoccupied status of seats, and a utilization status determination unit 404 for determining the seat utilization status based on elapsed time from detection of the unoccupied status by the seat occupancy detection unit 401, where the utilization status determination unit 404 determines the utilization status using elapsed time thresholds of different length depending on whether a given period of time has elapsed since detection of the occupied status by the seat occupancy detection unit 401.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an occupancy status determination device, system, and method for determining the occupancy status of a seat. [Background technology]

[0002] In restaurants and other establishments, technology is known that visualizes seat occupancy status and notifies staff and customers of it in order to increase table turnover efficiency.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent No. 6920820 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technology that counts the time from when a customer sits down and notifies the customer of the usage status classified according to the counted time. According to Patent Document 1, the status of occupied and vacant seats in a store can be accurately grasped and notified to the customer.

[0004] However, with conventional technologies such as Patent Document 1, even if a user temporarily leaves their seat, it may be determined to be vacant, and other users may mistakenly believe that the seat is available for use.

[0005] Therefore, there was a demand for technology that could accurately display information on vacant seats and expected vacant seats. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the problems in the conventional technology described above, and has an object to provide an occupancy status determination device, system, and method that appropriately presents the occupancy status of seats. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] That is, according to the present invention, A detection means for detecting whether a person is seated or not in a seat; a determination means for determining an occupancy state of the seat based on an elapsed time since the detection means detected the vacant state; Including, the determination means determines the occupancy state using a threshold value of the elapsed time, the threshold value having a different length depending on whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection means detected the seated state. An apparatus for determining a usage state is provided. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an occupancy status determination device, system, and method that appropriately presents the occupancy status of a seat. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a system for notifying a seat occupancy status in an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the overall hardware of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration included in an apparatus constituting the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of software included in the information processing system of the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a state transition diagram of seat usage states in the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart showing the process when starting to use a seat in this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a table for managing a usage state in the embodiment; [Figure 8] 6 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a usage state according to usage time in the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the process of determining a usage state depending on whether or not a transaction has been made in this embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a time threshold for determining absence in the present embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a usage state on a group basis in the present embodiment. [Figure 12]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a table for managing the state of a sensor module in the embodiment. [Figure 13] 11 is a flowchart showing a process of transitioning a state from "in preparation" to "vacant" in the first example of the present embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing a process of transitioning the state from "in preparation" to "vacant" in a second example of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The present invention will be described below with reference to an embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below. In addition, in each drawing referred to below, the same reference numerals are used for common elements, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0011] In the following, an embodiment for determining the occupancy status of a seat at a table in a store such as a restaurant is described as an example, but it should be noted that the embodiment is not particularly limited. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to any facility that determines and indicates that a seat is vacant, in other words, that the seat is available for use. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to various facilities, such as public facilities such as libraries and halls, parks, amusement parks, amusement facilities, stations, airport facilities, wharves, conference rooms in offices, and classrooms in educational institutions, as long as the facility is equipped with seats, whether indoors or outdoors, and is not limited to stores. In addition, the form of the seat is not particularly limited, and may be a chair for one person or a bench on which multiple people can sit.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a system for notifying the seat occupancy status in this embodiment. Here, as shown in Fig. 1(a), an example in which a table equipped with four seats A to D is arranged will be considered.

[0013] An occupancy status determination device 100 is installed on the table. A sensor module 102 that detects whether or not a user is seated in the seat is connected to the occupancy status determination device 100. The sensor module 102 can detect whether each seat is occupied or unoccupied.

[0014] In the example shown in Fig. 1(a), users are seated in seats A, B, and D, and no user is seated in seat C. Therefore, the sensor module 102 that detects the state of seats A, B, and D outputs "seated state", and the sensor module 102 that detects the state of seat C outputs "unseated state". The utilization state determination device 100 performs various processes based on the output of each sensor module 102, and outputs the result of determining the utilization state.

[0015] The results output by each sensor module 102 can be managed in a table such as that shown in Fig. 1(b). As shown in Fig. 1(b), the table can store an ID for identifying the sensor module 102 in association with the detected seating state. In the example of Fig. 1(b), the sensor modules 102 whose IDs are defined as A, B, C, and D detect the seating states of seats A, B, C, and D in Fig. 1(a), respectively.

[0016] Furthermore, the system of this embodiment can display a screen as shown in Fig. 1(c) on the display device 110 based on the table in Fig. 1(b). Fig. 1(c) shows an example in which an image showing the table and the occupancy status of each seat is displayed on the screen of the display device 110. As shown in Fig. 1(c), the display device 110 displays an image indicating that seats A, B, and D are unavailable, and an image indicating that seat C is vacant.

[0017] Therefore, a customer who sees the display device 110 in Fig. 1(c) can recognize that seat C is available. Also, a store clerk who sees the display device 110 in Fig. 1(c) can recognize that seat C is vacant, and can guide the customer to seat C. By displaying the display device as in Fig. 1(c), the seat usage status can be properly grasped, and the seat turnover rate can be made more efficient.

[0018] It should be noted that the terms "occupied" and "unoccupied" in the described embodiment refer to the presence or absence of a person using the seat, as detected by the sensor module 102 provided on each seat. Also, it should be noted that the "occupancy state" in the described embodiment refers to the result determined based on the seated / unoccupied state, the measured time, whether or not a payment has been made, etc., and indicates states such as in use, temporarily absent, vacant, in preparation, and paid.

[0019] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the overall hardware of the information processing system 10 in this embodiment. Fig. 2 illustrates, as an example, an environment in which a usage state determination device 100, a display device 110, a server device 120, and a terminal 130 are connected via a network 140. Note that the number of various devices included in the information processing system 10 is not limited to those shown in Fig. 2, and there is no limit to the number of devices included in the information processing system 10. Also, the method of connecting the various devices to the network 140 may be either wired or wireless.

[0020] The usage status determination device 100 is a device that is installed on a table in a store and determines the usage status based on the detected seating status or non-seating status of the seat. The usage status determination device 100 may include multiple sensor modules 102 and can determine the usage status of each seat.

[0021] The display device 110 is a device equipped with an image display means such as a display. The display device 110 of this embodiment can display the occupancy status of seats in a store. The form of the display device 110 is not particularly limited, and various forms such as a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, a projector, etc. can be adopted. In addition, the display device 110 does not have to be installed in a store, and may be, for example, a smartphone terminal owned by a user.

[0022] The server device 120 is an information processing device that provides the service of this embodiment. The server device 120 of this embodiment can generate information to be displayed on the display device 110, for example. The server device 120 may be installed on a cloud, and may be configured to provide services by appropriately communicating with other devices.

[0023] The terminal 130 is an information processing device such as a personal computer installed in a store, and can process various data. The terminal 130 of this embodiment can execute the POS (Point Of Sale) system of the store, and can determine the usage status linked to the POS function. In another preferred embodiment, the terminal 130 can execute the function of the display device 110, and can be configured to display the usage status of the store, for example. In another preferred embodiment, the terminal 130 can execute the function of the server device 120, and can be configured to generate display information, etc. The form of the terminal 130 is not limited to a personal computer, and may be, for example, a smartphone terminal or a tablet terminal. Therefore, the terminal 130 is not limited to one installed in the store, and may be one carried by an employee.

[0024] The information processing system 10 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 2 and may have other configurations. For example, the usage state determination device 100 may be connected to a gateway by wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), and connected to the server device 120 via the gateway. Examples of LPWA include communication methods such as LoRa (registered trademark) and ZigBee (registered trademark), but this is not intended to limit the embodiment.

[0025] Next, the hardware configuration of each device included in the information processing system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration included in the devices constituting the information processing system 10 of this embodiment. Fig. 3(a) shows the hardware configuration of the usage state determination device 100, and Fig. 3(b) shows the hardware configuration of the server device 120 and the terminal 130.

[0026] First, the hardware configuration of the usage state determination device 100 in Fig. 3(a) will be described. As shown in Fig. 3(a), the usage state determination device 100 of this embodiment includes a CPU 301, a storage device 302, a detection device 303, and a communication I / F 304, and each piece of hardware is connected via a bus.

[0027] The CPU 301 is a device that executes a program and performs predetermined processing to control the operation of the utilization state determination device 100. The storage device 302 is a device that stores the programs executed by the CPU 301, various setting data, and the like, and can be, for example, a ROM.

[0028] The detection device 303 is a device that detects the presence or absence of an occupant in a seat, and constitutes the sensor module 102. The detection device 303 in this embodiment can be, for example, an infrared sensor that receives infrared rays emitted from a heat source such as a human body and detects temperature. When an infrared sensor is used as the detection device 303, for example, when a temperature exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected, it can be detected that a person is seated in the seat.

[0029] In another example of this embodiment, the detection device 303 may be a ToF (Time of Flight) sensor composed of a plurality of elements that measure the distance to the target object by the reflection of irradiated laser light. When a ToF sensor is used as the detection device 303, it may be configured in a grid arrangement of, for example, 8×8, and may detect that a person is seated in the seat depending on whether or not the shape of the person's legs is detected.

[0030] In addition, in the case of an infrared sensor, the relative detection distance can be changed by arbitrarily setting a temperature threshold, and in the case of a ToF sensor, the relative detection distance can be changed by arbitrarily setting a measurement distance (reflection time) threshold. Note that the infrared sensor and the ToF sensor are examples of the detection device 303 and do not particularly limit the embodiment. Therefore, other sensors may be used as the detection device 303.

[0031] The communication I / F 304 is a device that connects the utilization status determination device 100 to the network 140 and enables communication with other devices via the network 140. The communication via the network 140 may be either wired communication or wireless communication, and various data can be transmitted and received using a predetermined communication protocol such as TCP / IP. The communication I / F 304 of this embodiment can transmit data on the seating status or absence status of users detected at each seat, the determined utilization status, and the like.

[0032] Next, the hardware configuration of the server device 120 and the terminal 130 in Fig. 3(b) will be described. As shown in Fig. 3(b), the server device 120 and the terminal 130 of this embodiment are configured to include a CPU 311, a RAM 312, a ROM 313, a storage device 314, a communication I / F 315, a display 316, and an input device 317, and each piece of hardware is connected via a bus.

[0033] The CPU 311 is a device that executes a program that controls the operation of the server device 120 and the terminal 130 and performs a predetermined process. The RAM 312 is a volatile storage device that provides an execution space for the program executed by the CPU 311, and is used for storing and extracting the program and data. The ROM 313 is a non-volatile storage device that stores the program executed by the CPU 311, firmware, and the like.

[0034] The storage device 314 is a readable / writable non-volatile storage device that stores an OS, various software, setting information, various data, and the like that operate the server device 120 and the terminal 130. Examples of the storage device 314 include a hard disk drive (HDD) and a solid state drive (SSD).

[0035] The communication I / F 315 connects the server device 120 and the terminal 130 to the network 140, and enables communication with other devices via the network 140. The communication via the network 140 may be either wired communication or wireless communication, and various types of data can be transmitted and received using a predetermined communication protocol such as TCP / IP.

[0036] The display 316 is a device that displays various data and the status of the server device 120 or the terminal 130 to the user, and an example of such a display is a liquid crystal display (LCD). The input device 317 is a device that allows the user to operate the server device 120 or the terminal 130, and an example of such a display is a keyboard or a mouse.

[0037] The display 316 and the input device 317 may be separate devices, or may have both functions, such as a touch panel display. The server device 120 may be configured without the display 316 and the input device 317.

[0038] So far, the hardware configuration of the information processing system 10 of this embodiment has been described. Next, functional means included in each device constituting the information processing system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a software block diagram included in the information processing system 10 of this embodiment.

[0039] 4, the usage status determination device 100 of this embodiment includes the functional means of a seating detection unit 401, a time measurement unit 402, a communication unit 403, and a usage status determination unit 404. The server device 120 of this embodiment includes the functional means of a communication unit 421, a usage status management unit 422, and a display information generation unit 423. Furthermore, the terminal 130 of this embodiment includes the functional means of a communication unit 431, a display unit 432, and an accounting processing unit 433. Each functional unit will be described in detail below.

[0040] First, a description will be given of the functional means of the utilization state determination device 100. The seating detection unit 401 constitutes the detection means in this embodiment, and detects whether or not a user is present in the seat based on the output of the sensor module 102. The seating detection unit 401 in this embodiment can detect whether the seat is occupied or unoccupied.

[0041] The time measurement unit 402 constitutes the measurement means in this embodiment, and measures the elapsed time since the start of the seated state, the duration of the seated state or the unseated state, etc., based on the output of the seating detection unit 401. The time measurement unit 402 in this embodiment may be configured to count up the time as a timer function, or may measure the time based on the difference between a reference time and a measurement time (current time).

[0042] The communication unit 403 constitutes the communication means in this embodiment, and communicates with other devices by controlling the operation of the communication I / F 304. The communication unit 403 in this embodiment can transmit various data to other devices, such as the occupied / unoccupied status of each seat, the usage status indicating whether the seat is in use or vacant, and the usage time. The communication unit 403 in this embodiment can also receive the accounting status of each seat from the terminal 130, for example.

[0043] The usage status determination unit 404 constitutes the determination means in this embodiment and can determine the usage status of a seat based on the state detected by the seating detection unit 401 and the time measured by the time measurement unit 402. The usage status determination unit 404 in this embodiment can determine the usage status, for example, whether the seat is in use, whether the seat is in use but the user has temporarily left the seat, or whether usage has ended.

[0044] Next, the functional means of the server device 120 will be described. The communication unit 421 constitutes the communication means in this embodiment, and communicates with other devices by controlling the operation of the communication I / F 315. The communication unit 421 in this embodiment can receive, for example, the usage state from the usage state determination device 100. In addition, the communication unit 421 in this embodiment can transmit data related to the display screen generated by the display information generation unit 423 to the display device 110, the terminal 130, etc.

[0045] The usage status management unit 422 constitutes the management means in this embodiment and manages the usage status of each seat. The usage status management unit 422 in this embodiment can manage the usage status of each seat by, for example, controlling the operation of the storage device 314 and updating a management table based on various information. The usage status management unit 422 in this embodiment can appropriately update a management table that associates, for example, an ID that identifies a table, a usage status, the number of seats placed at a table, the number of seats in use, the start time of use, the accounting status, and the like.

[0046] The display information generating unit 423 constitutes a generating means in this embodiment, and generates screen information for displaying the usage status of tables, seats, etc., based on the usage status of each seat received from the usage status determining device 100. The generated display information is transmitted to the display device 110, the terminal 130, etc. via the communication unit 421. The display information generating unit 423 in this embodiment can generate the display information, for example, when triggered by the usage status management unit 422 updating the management table.

[0047] Next, we will explain the functional means of the terminal 130. The communication unit 431 constitutes the communication means in this embodiment, and communicates with other devices by controlling the operation of the communication I / F 315. The communication unit 431 in this embodiment can receive display information from the server device 120, and send transaction information to the usage status determination device 100 and the server device 120.

[0048] The display unit 432 constitutes the display means in this embodiment, and displays various information by controlling the operation of the display 316. The display unit 432 in this embodiment can display a screen related to the display information received from the server device 120. The screen displayed by the display unit 432 in this embodiment can be in the form shown in FIG. 1(c), as an example. The display device 110 can also be provided with a functional means equivalent to the display unit 432.

[0049] The accounting processing unit 433 constitutes the accounting processing means in this embodiment, and performs accounting when the seat user pays the fee. The accounting processing unit 433 in this embodiment can transmit information indicating that the accounting has been completed to the usage status determination device 100 and the server device 120 via the communication unit 431.

[0050] The above-mentioned software blocks correspond to functional means realized by the CPU executing the program of the present embodiment and causing each piece of hardware to function. The functional means shown in each embodiment may be realized entirely in software, or part or all of them may be implemented as hardware that provides the same functions.

[0051] Furthermore, all of the above-mentioned functional means do not necessarily have to be included in the configuration shown in Fig. 4. Therefore, for example, the server device 120, the terminal 130, etc. may be configured to include the usage state determination unit 404. Also, for example, the usage state determination device 100 may be configured to include the usage state management unit 422, and the terminal 130 may be configured to include the display information generation unit 423. In still another preferred embodiment, the functional means shown in Fig. 4 may be realized by cooperation of a plurality of hardware devices.

[0052] 5 is a state transition diagram of the seat usage state in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the seat usage state includes, for example, vacant, in use, temporarily away, paid for, and in preparation.

[0053] "Vacant" means that no one is using the seat and it is possible to guide a new user to the seat. "In use" means that the seat is in use and cannot be used by others. "Temporarily away" means that the seat is in use, but the user has temporarily left the seat. "Payment completed" means that the seat is in use, but the user has already paid for it. "In preparation" means that the seat is not in use, but the table and seat have not been cleared, and it is not possible to guide a new user to the seat.

[0054] When a customer arrives at a store such as a restaurant, the customer is guided to an empty seat. Therefore, the state of the seat changes from "empty" to "in use." The change from empty to in use may occur when an occupied state is detected. In this case, the seat may change to "in use" when a predetermined time has elapsed since the seated state. This makes it possible to prevent a seated state detected for a short period of time from being determined as "in use," for example, when the customer is unsure which seat to use, and to determine the seat as "in use" only when it is certain that the seat is being used.

[0055] A user may temporarily leave a seat while in use. For example, the user may go to the order counter to purchase an item, or to the restroom. In such a case, the state of the seat changes from "in use" to "temporarily absent." In this case, the seat may change to "temporarily absent" after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. Furthermore, when the user returns to a seat that is in the "temporarily absent" state, the seat becomes "in use" again.

[0056] When the seat usage ends, that is, when the seat is left unattended for a certain period of time, the usage status changes from "in use" to "not ready". In another preferred embodiment, when the user has completed payment, the usage status may change from "in use" to "paid" and then to "not ready". Also, the usage status may change from "in use" to "vacant" without passing through "not ready" or "paid".

[0057] When a staff member finishes tidying up or cleaning a seat whose usage status is "in preparation", the usage status of the seat transitions to "vacant". The transition from "in preparation" to "vacant" can be performed, for example, by operating the usage status determination device 100 or the terminal 130.

[0058] The communication unit 403 of the usage status determination device 100 of this embodiment can notify the server device 120 that the seat is in preparation, triggered by the transition of the usage status from "in use" to "in preparation". The server device 120 that receives the notification can notify the terminal 130 installed in the store or carried by the clerk, or the display device 110, to instruct cleaning of the seat in preparation. By checking the notification, the clerk can recognize that the seat is in preparation, and can perform work (e.g., tidying up or cleaning) to transition the usage status from "in preparation" to "vacant". In this way, by notifying that the seat is in preparation, the clerk can quickly perform cleaning work, and the turnover rate of the table can be improved. In addition, by the operation of the clerk who has finished cleaning work, the usage status can be transitioned from "in preparation" to "vacant", and a message to that effect is displayed on the terminal 130 or the display device 110, so that the user can be appropriately guided to the seat.

[0059] Next, the seat usage start process will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing the process at the start of seat usage in this embodiment. The usage state determination device 100 starts the process from step S1000.

[0060] In step S1001, the process branches depending on whether or not the seating detection unit 401 detects a seated state. If not (NO), the process returns to step S1001 and waits for detection of a seated state. If detected (YES), the process proceeds to step S1002.

[0061] In step S1002, the process branches depending on whether the detected seated state has continued for a certain period of time. If the detected seated state has not continued for the certain period of time (NO), that is, if the seating detection unit 401 has detected an unseated state, the process returns to step S1001 and waits for detection of the seated state again. If the detected seated state has continued for the certain period of time (YES), the process proceeds to step S1003. The process of step S1002 is performed by the utilization state determination unit 404.

[0062] In step S1003, the time measurement unit 402 starts a timer. The timer in this embodiment indicates the elapsed time from the start of the seat use. In addition, in step S1004, in synchronization with the start of the timer, the use state of the seat where the seating state is detected to be occupied is set to in use. Note that the processes of steps S1003 and S1004 may be performed in parallel.

[0063] In the next step S1005, the communication unit 403 notifies the server device 120 that the usage status of the seat has been changed to "in use." After that, in step S1006, the process ends.

[0064] Upon receiving the notification in step S1006, server device 120 updates the usage status. Here, the usage status can be managed by a table as shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a table for managing the usage status in this embodiment.

[0065] The management table shown in Fig. 7 is stored in the storage device 314 of the server device 120 and managed by the usage status management unit 422. As shown in Fig. 7, the management table stores items such as an ID for identifying a table or seat, usage status, the number of seats at a table, the number of seats in use, usage start time, and billing status in association with each other.

[0066] When the usage status is "in use", the number of seats in use, the start time of use, and a flag indicating whether or not the transaction has been completed can be recorded. In the example of Fig. 7, a table with ID A and four seats is "in use". Here, table A has four seats, two of which have been in use since 11:00, and it is recorded in the management table that the transaction has not yet been completed.

[0067] When server device 120 receives the notification in step S1006, usage status management unit 422 updates the usage status item in the management table to "in use" based on the notification. For example, when a user sits down at table D, whose usage status is "vacant," and a notification to that effect is received, usage status management unit 422 updates the usage status from "vacant" to "in use." In addition, along with updating the usage status, usage status management unit 422 can also record the number of seats in use and the start time of use.

[0068] Furthermore, when the usage status management unit 422 receives a notification from the accounting processing unit 433 that a transaction has been completed for a table in use, it can update the accounting status item in the management table from "not yet" to "completed."

[0069] Incidentally, while using a seat, a seat-abandoned state may be detected when the user temporarily leaves the seat to go to the restroom, order a product, etc. However, if the detection of the seat-abandoned state is used as a trigger to uniformly determine that use has ended, the seat may be notified as vacant even though the user intends to return to the seat, and another person may use the seat, which may result in failure to provide appropriate seating guidance.

[0070] Therefore, in this embodiment, multiple thresholds are set to determine whether or not the user is absent temporarily (whether or not the user has finished using the service and left the seat). The threshold used for this determination is then switched depending on whether or not a specified amount of time has elapsed since the user began using the service, or whether or not the transaction has been completed. By switching the threshold in this way, if there is a high probability that a user who has temporarily left the seat will return to their seat, the status can be maintained as "in use" and appropriate seating guidance can be provided.

[0071] Next, the process for determining the usage state in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the process for determining the usage state according to the usage time in this embodiment. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the process for determining the usage state according to the presence or absence of a transaction in this embodiment.

[0072] First, the process of Fig. 8 will be described. The occupancy state determination device 100 starts the process from step S2000. Note that the process of Fig. 8 assumes that the seat is already in use, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0073] Then, in step S2001, the process branches depending on whether or not the seating detection unit 401 detects an unattended state. If not (NO), the process returns to step S2001 and waits for detection of an unattended state. If detected (YES), the process proceeds to step S2002.

[0074] In the next step S2002, the process branches depending on whether or not other seats are vacant. If other seats at the same table are not vacant (NO), that is, if there is a seat that is occupied, the table is in use, so the usage status remains "in use." Therefore, the process returns to step S2001 and waits for detection of an vacant state again. Details of the process in step S2002 will be described later with reference to FIG. 11.

[0075] On the other hand, in step S2002, if the other seats at the same table are vacant (YES), that is, if there are no occupied seats at the same table, it is possible that the user has finished using the table, so the process proceeds to step S2003.

[0076] In step S2003, the usage status determination unit 404 branches the process depending on whether an absence state is detected after a predetermined time has elapsed from the usage start time. Here, a case where the predetermined time in step S2003 is 15 minutes will be described as an example. Note that the predetermined time in step S2003 is not limited to 15 minutes, and can be set to any time, and is not a particular limitation on the embodiment.

[0077] In step S2003, if an absence state is detected before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of use (NO), the process proceeds to step S2004. In step S2004, the usage state determination unit 404 compares the time during which the user has been away from the computer with a first threshold, and branches the process depending on whether the absence time exceeds the first threshold.

[0078] In step S2004, if the absence time does not exceed the first threshold (NO), the process proceeds to step S2005. In step S2005, the process branches depending on whether the user is detected as being seated. If the user is not detected as being seated (NO), the process returns to step S2004, and the processes of steps S2004 to S2005 are repeated. If the user is detected as being seated (YES), the process returns to step S2001, and the process waits for the absence to be detected.

[0079] In step S2004, if the absence time exceeds the first threshold (YES), the process proceeds to step S2008. In step S2008, the use state determination unit 404 determines that the user has finished using the seat because the absence state has continued for a certain period of time, and changes the use state of the seat from "in use" to "in preparation" or "vacant," etc., and notifies the server device 120 of this. Then, the process ends in step S2009.

[0080] On the other hand, in step S2003, if an absence state is detected after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of use (YES), the process proceeds to step S2006. In step S2006, the usage state determination unit 404 compares the absence time with a second threshold, and branches the process depending on whether the absence time exceeds the second threshold.

[0081] The second threshold is a value smaller than the first threshold. Here, the absence determination time thresholds referred to as the first threshold and the second threshold will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the absence determination time threshold in this embodiment.

[0082] FIG. 10(a) shows an example of changing the absence judgment time threshold according to the usage time. As shown in FIG. 10(a), before 15 minutes have elapsed from the start of usage, the absence judgment time threshold is set to a first threshold of 5 minutes, and after 15 minutes have elapsed from the start of usage, the absence judgment time threshold is set to a second threshold of 5 minutes. For example, in restaurants and the like, it is generally considered that people do not finish using their seats before finishing eating and drinking, and the absence state before finishing eating and drinking is likely to be a temporary absence. Therefore, the absence within a predetermined time (within 15 minutes in the example of the embodiment to be described) is likely to be an absence without finishing eating and drinking, and since the user may sit down again, it is preferable to keep the usage state of the seat as "in use". For this reason, the absence judgment time threshold is set to a relatively long value.

[0083] On the other hand, if a user leaves the seat after a certain time (15 minutes in the example embodiment) has elapsed, it is highly likely that the user has finished eating and drinking, and is unlikely to return to the seat. Therefore, it is not necessary to leave the seat usage status as "in use," and it is preferable to change it to "vacant" or "in preparation." For this reason, the time threshold for determining whether a user is absent is set to a relatively short value.

[0084] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10(a), the absence determination time threshold is set to a first threshold before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of use, and a second threshold smaller than the first threshold is set after the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of use. In this way, by switching between multiple thresholds depending on the elapsed time from the start of use, more appropriate notification of the usage status can be performed.

[0085] Returning to Fig. 8 for explanation, in step S2006, if the absence time does not exceed the second threshold (NO), the process proceeds to step S2007. In step S2007, the process branches depending on whether the user is detected as being seated. If the user is not detected as being seated (NO), the process returns to step S2006, and the processes of steps S2006 to S2007 are repeated. If the user is detected as being seated (YES), the process returns to step S2001, and the process waits for the absence to be detected.

[0086] In step S2006, if the absence time exceeds the second threshold (YES), the process proceeds to step S2008. In step S2008, the use state determination unit 404 determines that the user has finished using the seat because the absence state has continued for a certain period of time, and changes the use state of the seat from "in use" to "in preparation" or "vacant," etc., and notifies the server device 120 of this. Then, the process ends in step S2009.

[0087] Next, the process of Fig. 9 will be described. The occupancy state determination device 100 starts the process from step S3000. Note that the process of Fig. 9 is performed under the assumption that the seat is already in use, as shown in Fig. 6. Also, among the processes shown in Fig. 9, the description of those common to the processes shown in Fig. 8 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0088] Thereafter, in step S3001, the process branches depending on whether or not the seating detection unit 401 detects an unoccupied state. In addition, in step S3002, the process branches depending on whether or not the other seats are unoccupied. Note that the processes in steps S3001 and S3002 are the same as the processes in steps S2001 and S2002 in Fig. 8. Also, details of the process in step S3002 will be described later with reference to Fig. 11.

[0089] In step S3002, if the other seats at the same table are unoccupied (YES), that is, if there are no occupied seats at the same table, it is possible that the user has finished using the table, so the process proceeds to step S3003.

[0090] In step S3003, the process branches depending on whether or not the payment for the seat has been completed. If the payment has not been completed (NO), the process proceeds to step S3004, and if the payment has been completed (YES), the process proceeds to step S3008. Whether or not the payment has been completed can be determined by whether or not a notification that the payment has been completed has been received from the payment processing unit 433 of the terminal 130.

[0091] In step S3004, the utilization status determination unit 404 compares the time during which the user has been away from the desk with a first threshold, and branches the process depending on whether the time exceeds the first threshold.

[0092] In step S3004, if the time away from the desk does not exceed the first threshold (NO), the process proceeds to step S3005. In step S3005, the process branches depending on whether the user is detected as being seated. If the user is not detected as being seated (NO), the process returns to step S3004, and if the user is detected as being seated (YES), the process returns to step S3001. Note that the process in steps S3004 to S3005 is the same as the process in steps S2004 to S2005 in FIG. 8.

[0093] In step S3004, if the absence time exceeds the first threshold (YES), the process proceeds to step S3006. In step S3006, the communication unit 403 notifies the store clerk that the user who has not yet completed the transaction has been absent from the store for a long time. If a user who has not yet completed the transaction has been absent from the store for a long time, this may lead to eating and drinking without paying and other troubles, so by notifying the store clerk of this, the store clerk can be prompted to take action. The notification in step S3006 can be sent to, for example, the terminal 130 installed in the store.

[0094] If the absence time does not exceed the first threshold in step S3004 (NO) and if a seated state is not detected in step S3005 (NO), that is, if the absent user completes a transaction while steps S3004 to S3005 are being repeated, it is highly likely that the user has left the seat to, for example, complete the transaction and leave the store. Therefore, since the user is highly likely to stop using the seat, the usage state may be changed from "in use" to "in preparation" or "vacant," and the server device 120 may be notified of this.

[0095] On the other hand, if the payment has been completed in step S3003 (YES), the process proceeds to step S3008, where the usage status determination unit 404 compares the time during which the user has been away from the desk with the second threshold, and branches the process depending on whether the time exceeds the second threshold. If the time does not exceed the second threshold in step S3008 (NO), the process proceeds to step S3009, and if the time exceeds the second threshold (YES), the process proceeds to step S3010. The processes in steps S3008 to S3009 are the same as those in steps S2006 to S2007 in FIG. 8.

[0096] The second threshold is smaller than the first threshold. Here, the absence determination time thresholds referred to as the first threshold and the second threshold will be described with reference to FIG.

[0097] FIG. 10(b) shows an example in which the absence determination time threshold is changed depending on whether or not a payment has been made. As shown in FIG. 10(b), before making a payment, the absence determination time threshold is set to a first threshold of 7 minutes, and after making a payment, the absence determination time threshold is set to a second threshold of 4 minutes. For example, in restaurants where payment is made at the table (so-called table check), it is generally considered that the seating is not terminated before making the payment, and the absence state before making the payment is likely to be a temporary absence. Therefore, since the user may sit down again when the user is away from the seat before making the payment, it is preferable to leave the seat usage state as "in use". For this reason, the absence determination time threshold is set to a relatively long value.

[0098] On the other hand, if a user leaves a seat after paying, the user is unlikely to sit down again. Therefore, it is not necessary to leave the seat status as "in use" and it is preferable to change it to "vacant" or "in preparation." Therefore, the absence judgment time threshold is set to a relatively short value.

[0099] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10(b), before a transaction is completed, the absence determination time threshold is set to a first threshold, and after the transaction is completed, it is set to a second threshold smaller than the first threshold. In this way, by switching between multiple thresholds depending on whether or not a transaction has been completed, more appropriate usage status notifications can be provided.

[0100] Returning to Fig. 9 for the explanation, in step S3008, if the absence time exceeds the second threshold (YES), the process proceeds to step S3010. In step S3010, the usage status determination unit 404 determines that the user has finished using the seat because the absence state has continued for a certain period of time, and transitions the usage status of the seat from "in use" to "in preparation" or "vacant", etc., and notifies the server device 120 of this fact. Thereafter, the process ends in step S3011.

[0101] According to the process of Fig. 8 or Fig. 9, the seat usage status can be determined by selecting a threshold according to the seat usage time or whether or not a transaction has been made, and appropriate usage status information can be presented to staff and customers. Note that, although two thresholds are used in the embodiment described in Fig. 8, this is not a particular limitation of the embodiment, and three or more thresholds may be used according to the elapsed time from the start of usage.

[0102] In addition, the specified time to be compared with the elapsed time from the start of use and the absence determination time threshold, etc., as shown in the embodiment of Figures 8 to 10, are not limited to particular embodiments and can be set to any value.

[0103] 8-9 may determine the usage state on a table-by-table basis, or may determine the usage state on a seat-by-seat basis. For example, if a table has multiple seats, the usage state of each seat may be determined first, and then the usage state of each table may be determined, and the determination results may be notified to the server device 120.

[0104] Here, a table unit refers to a set of seats that are linked to one another and managed as one set. Therefore, for example, when it is determined that at least one of the seats linked to a table is in use, the usage status determination unit 404 can determine that the table is in use and notify the server device 120 of the same. When it is determined that all of the seats linked to a table are in preparation, the usage status determination unit 404 can determine that the table is in preparation and notify the server device 120 of the same. In this way, by notifying the usage status on a table-by-table basis, the communication load can be reduced.

[0105] 8 and S3002 in Fig. 9 are processes for determining the occupancy state on a table-by-table basis. Therefore, in an embodiment in which the occupancy state is determined on a seat-by-seat basis, the processes of S2002 and S3002 are not necessary.

[0106] Here, the process of S2002 in Fig. 8 and the process of S3002 in Fig. 9 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the process of determining the usage state on a group basis in this embodiment.

[0107] When the utilization state determination device 100 executes the process of determining whether or not the other seats are in an unoccupied state in step S2002 or S3002, the process starts from step S400. In step S4001, the management table is updated to indicate that the sensor module 102 detected in step S2001 or S3001 is in an unoccupied state. Here, the management table in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a table for managing the state of the sensor module 102 in this embodiment.

[0108] The management table shown in Fig. 12 may be in a format that is an extension of the table shown in Fig. 1(b), for example, and is stored in the storage device 302 of the utilization state determination device 100. As shown in Fig. 12, the management table stores an ID for identifying the sensor module 102, a detected seating state, and a code for identifying a group assigned to each sensor module 102 in association with each other. The group assignment may be defined by a code written in JSON format, for example. Alternatively, the group assignment may be performed by a physical switch provided in the utilization state determination device 100.

[0109] In step S4001, the usage state determining unit 404 updates the field of "detected seating state" for the sensor module 102 that detected the seat-vacant state in the management table shown in FIG. 12 to "unoccupied state."

[0110] The management table shown in FIG. 12 can be configured to be updated when a seat starts to be used.

[0111] Returning to Fig. 11 for explanation, after the management table is updated in step S4001, the seating states detected by the other sensor modules 102 are obtained in step S4002.

[0112] Next, in step S4003, the process branches depending on whether the sensor module 102 that acquired the seating state in step S4002 and the sensor module 102 that detected the absence state in step S2001 or S3001 belong to the same group. If they do not belong to the same group (NO), the process proceeds to step S4006. If they belong to the same group (YES), the process proceeds to step S4004.

[0113] In step S4004, the process branches depending on whether the seating state acquired in step S4002 is an unattended state. If it is an unattended state (YES), the process proceeds to step S4006. If it is not an unattended state (NO), the process proceeds to step S4005. Note that the processes in steps S4004 and S4005 may be performed in the reverse order to that in FIG. 11, or may be performed in parallel.

[0114] In step S4005, the utilization status determination unit 404 increments the number of people in the group by 1. The number of people in the group can be counted by, for example, updating the management table in Fig. 12 and counting the number of "people in a seat" in the management table.

[0115] In step S4006, the process branches depending on whether there is another sensor module 102 that has not acquired the seating state. If there is another sensor module 102 (YES), the process returns to step S4002 and repeats the above process. If there is no other sensor module 102 (NO), the process proceeds to step S4007.

[0116] In step S4007, the process branches depending on whether the number of occupants in the same group is 1 or more. If the number of occupants in the group is not 1 or more (NO), the process proceeds to step S4008. In step S4008, the usage status determination unit 404 determines that the other seats are in an unoccupied state. The process of step S4008 corresponds to the branch "YES" in the processes of steps S2002 and S3002.

[0117] On the other hand, if the number of people in the group is 1 or more (YES) in step S4007, the process proceeds to step S4009. In step S4008, the usage state determination unit 404 determines that the other seats are occupied. The process of step S4009 corresponds to the branch "NO" in the processes of steps S2002 and S3002.

[0118] After step S4008 or S4009, the process ends in step S4010. When the process ends in step S4010, the process returns to the process shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0119] By performing the process shown in FIG. 11, it is possible to determine whether "other seats are vacant" when a table is used by a group.

[0120] Next, the process of changing the usage status of a seat that has finished being used from "Unprepared" to "Vacant" will be described with reference to Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the process of changing the status from "Unprepared" to "Vacant" in a first example of this embodiment. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the process of changing the status from "Unprepared" to "Vacant" in a second example of this embodiment.

[0121] First, a first example will be described. In the first example of this embodiment, the usage status is changed to "vacant" by operating the terminal 130 installed in the store.

[0122] The information processing system 10 starts the process from step S5000 in Fig. 13. It is assumed that the seat usage status at the time of step S5000 is "in preparation".

[0123] In step S5001, the process branches depending on whether an operation to change the usage status has been performed. An operation to change the usage status may be, for example, pressing a button on terminal 130 to indicate that a seat that was being prepared has been cleared away. If an operation to change the status has not been performed (NO), the process returns to step S5001 and waits for an operation. If an operation to change the usage status to "vacant" has been performed by the store clerk using terminal 130 (YES), the process proceeds to step S5002.

[0124] In step S5002, the communication unit 431 of the terminal 130 transmits a notification that an operation has been performed to the server device 120, and the usage status management unit 422 updates the usage status of the target seat in the management table to "vacant". In step S5003, the communication unit 431 of the terminal 130 notifies the usage status determination device 100 that an operation has been performed, and updates the usage status of the seat related to its own device to "vacant". This enables the usage status determination device 100 to wait for the start of use of the seat. Note that the processes of steps S5002 and S5003 may be performed in parallel.

[0125] In step S5004, the display information generating unit 423 generates display information indicating the seat usage status based on the updated management table. The generated display information data is transmitted to the display device 110, the terminal 130, etc. via the communication unit 421.

[0126] In the next step S5005, the display unit 432 displays a screen based on the generated information. This shows that the seat that was "in preparation" has been changed to "vacant," allowing the user and the store staff to properly recognize the seat usage status. Then, the process ends in step S5006.

[0127] Next, a second example will be described. In the second example of this embodiment, the usage status determination device 100 is provided with a button for changing the usage status to "vacant" (hereinafter referred to as a "status change button"), and the store clerk who has completed tidying up the seat presses the status change button to change the usage status to "vacant."

[0128] The information processing system 10 starts the process from step S6000 in Fig. 14. It is assumed that the seat usage status at the time of step S6000 is "preparing". Also, among the processes shown in Fig. 14, the description of the processes common to the processes shown in Fig. 13 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0129] In step S6001, the process branches depending on whether the state change button of the usage state determination device 100 has been pressed. If the state change button has not been pressed (NO), the process returns to step S6001 and waits for the state change button to be pressed. If the state change button has been pressed (YES), the process proceeds to step S6002.

[0130] In step S6002, the utilization state determination device 100 updates the utilization state of the seat related to its own device to “vacant.” This enables the utilization state determination device 100 to wait for the start of utilization of the seat.

[0131] In step S6003, the communication unit 431 of the utilization state determination device 100 transmits a notification to the server device 120 that an operation has been performed, and the utilization state management unit 422 updates the utilization state of the target seat in the management table to "vacant." Note that the process of step S6003 is the same as the process of step S5002 in Fig. 13. Also, the processes of steps S6002 and S6003 may be performed in parallel.

[0132] Then, in step S6004, the display information generating unit 423 generates display information indicating the seat usage status based on the updated management table. In the following step S6005, the display unit 432 displays a screen based on the generated information. Note that the processing of steps S6004 and S6005 is the same as the processing of steps S5004 and S5005 in Fig. 13. Then, the processing ends in step S6006.

[0133] 13 or 14, the status of a seat that has been prepared after a user has left can be changed to "vacant" at the appropriate time. This makes it possible to present appropriate information on the status of use to store clerks and users.

[0134] According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, it is possible to provide an occupancy status determination device, system, and method that appropriately presents the occupancy status of seats.

[0135] Each function of the above-described embodiments of the present invention can be realized by a device-executable program written in C, C++, C#, Java (registered trademark), etc., and the program of this embodiment can be stored on a device-readable recording medium such as a hard disk drive, CD-ROM, MO, DVD, flexible disk, EEPROM (registered trademark), EPROM, etc. and distributed, and can also be transmitted over a network in a format that can be used by other devices.

[0136] Each function of the above-described embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, and a device such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (digital signal processor), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), or a conventional circuit module designed to execute each function described above.

[0137] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to an embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and as long as the functions and effects of the present invention are achieved within the scope of embodiments that a person skilled in the art can imagine, they are included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 10...information processing system, 100...usage status determination device, 102...sensor module, 110...display device, 120...server device, 130...terminal, 140...network, 301...CPU, 302...storage device, 303...detection device, 304...communication I / F, 311...CPU, 312...RAM, 313...ROM, 314...storage device, 315...communication I / F, 316...display, 317...input device, 401...seating detection unit, 402...time measurement unit, 403...communication unit, 404...usage status determination unit, 421...communication unit, 422...usage status management unit, 423...display information generation unit, 431...communication unit, 432...display unit, 433...accounting processing unit [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0139] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6920820

Claims

1. A detection means for detecting whether a person is seated or not in a seat; a determination means for determining an occupancy state of the seat based on an elapsed time since the detection means detected the vacant state; Including, the determination means determines the occupancy state using a threshold value of the elapsed time, the threshold value having a different length depending on whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection means detected the seated state. Usage status determination device.

2. the determination means compares the elapsed time with a first threshold before the predetermined time has elapsed, and compares the elapsed time with a second threshold after the predetermined time has elapsed to determine the usage state; The first threshold value is greater than the second threshold value. The utilization state determination device according to claim 1 .

3. A detection means for detecting whether a person is seated or not in a seat; a determination means for determining an occupancy state of the seat based on an elapsed time since the detection means detected the vacant state; Including, the determination means determines the occupancy state using a threshold value of the elapsed time, the threshold value having a different length depending on whether or not the user of the seat has made a payment. Usage status determination device.

4. the determination means determines the usage state by comparing the elapsed time with a first threshold if the user has not made a transaction, and by comparing the elapsed time with a second threshold if the user has made a transaction; The first threshold value is greater than the second threshold value. The utilization state determination device according to claim 3.

5. The determination means is if the elapsed time is less than the first threshold and a notification has been received that a payment has been made, it is determined that the use of the seat has ended. The utilization state determination device according to claim 4.

6. Further comprising a communication means for notifying other information processing devices of the usage state, The determination means determines the occupancy state for each table at which a plurality of seats are installed. The utilization state determination device according to claim 1 or 3.

7. A detection means for detecting whether a person is seated or not in a seat; a determination means for determining an occupancy state of the seat based on an elapsed time since the detection means detected the vacant state; Including, the determination means determines the occupancy state using a threshold value of the elapsed time, the threshold value having a different length depending on whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection means detected the seated state. system.

8. A detection means for detecting whether a person is seated or not in a seat; a determination means for determining an occupancy state of the seat based on an elapsed time since the detection means detected the vacant state; Including, the determination means determines the occupancy state using a threshold value of the elapsed time, the threshold value having a different length depending on whether or not the user of the seat has made a payment. system.

9. A communication unit for transmitting a notification to an information processing device constituting the system is further included; The determination means determines the occupancy state for each table at which a plurality of seats are installed, the communication means transmits a notification to the effect that an operation for changing the usage status is to be performed based on the usage status of the table.

9. A system according to claim 7 or 8.

10. 1. A method for determining seat occupancy, comprising: detecting whether the seat is occupied or unoccupied; determining an occupancy state of the seat based on an elapsed time since the absence state was detected in the detecting step; Including, the determining step determines the occupancy state using a threshold value of the elapsed time that varies depending on whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the seating state was detected in the detecting step, method.

11. 1. A method for determining seat occupancy, comprising: detecting whether the seat is occupied or unoccupied; determining an occupancy state of the seat based on an elapsed time since the absence state was detected in the detecting step; Including, the determining step determines the occupancy state using a threshold value of the elapsed time, the threshold value having a different length depending on whether or not the user of the seat has made a payment. method.

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