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, a seat block setting unit 402 for setting a seat block consisting of multiple seats to be detected by the seat occupancy detection unit 401, and a utilization status determination unit 404 for determining the utilization status of the seat block based on a detection result of each seat constituting the seat block.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. 6979679 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technology in which a human body detection sensor is installed on a table and the results detected by the sensor are displayed. According to Patent Document 1, it is possible to notify customers of vacant seat information in a store accurately in real time.

[0004] However, conventional technologies such as those described in Patent Document 1 provide vacant seat information on a table-by-table basis, and do not address the utilization status of tables with various numbers of seats or tables that are arbitrarily divided.

[0005] Therefore, there was a need for technology that could display information about available seats at tables for various uses. 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 setting means for setting a seat block composed of a plurality of the seats to be detected by the detection means; a determination means for determining an occupancy state of the seat block based on a detection result of each seat constituting the seat block; There is provided an utilization state determination device including: 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] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a usage state determination device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing examples of detection ranges of the sensor module of the embodiment; [Figure 8] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing an example of a sensor module to which a spacer is attached in the embodiment; [Figure 9] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing examples of detection ranges of a sensor module to which a spacer is attached in the embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of seat block setting in the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a changeover switch for setting seat blocks in the embodiment; [Figure 12] 5 is a flowchart showing a process for setting seat blocks in the present embodiment. [Figure 13]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of setting seat blocks in the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of description of setting data for a seat block according to the embodiment; [Figure 15] 5 is a flowchart showing a process for determining the occupancy state of a seat block in the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying the usage status of seat blocks in the embodiment. [Figure 17] 5 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a detection result of a sensor module in the 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 vacant 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 utilization state determination device 100 of this embodiment includes the functional means of a seating detection unit 401, a seat block setting unit 402, a communication unit 403, and an utilization state determination unit 404. The server device 120 of this embodiment includes the functional means of a communication unit 421, a seat block management unit 422, an utilization state management unit 423, and a display information generation unit 424. Furthermore, the terminal 130 of this embodiment includes the functional means of a communication unit 431 and a display unit 432. 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 seat block setting unit 402 constitutes a setting means in this embodiment, and sets a plurality of seats that are targets detected by the sensor module 102 as one or more seat blocks. In this embodiment, the seat block setting unit 402 may set the seat blocks by, for example, a physical switch such as a slide switch, or may set the seat blocks programmatically by, for example, setting data transmitted from the server device 120. In this embodiment, the utilization state can be determined for each seat block.

[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 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 to other devices.

[0043] The usage status determination unit 404 constitutes the determination means in this embodiment, and can determine the usage status of each seat block based on the seating status / non-seat status of each seat detected by the seating detection unit 401. For example, when at least one of the seats constituting a seat block is in use, the usage status determination unit 404 in this embodiment can determine that the seat block is in use.

[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 status from the usage status determination device 100. Furthermore, the communication unit 421 in this embodiment can transmit data related to the display screen generated by the display information generation unit 424 to the display device 110, the terminal 130, etc. Furthermore, the communication unit 421 in this embodiment can transmit setting data of the seat block to the usage status determination device 100.

[0045] The seat block management unit 422 constitutes a seat block management means in this embodiment, and manages the setting information of the seat block set by the seat block setting unit 402 of the utilization state determination device 100. The seat block management unit 422 in this embodiment can, for example, control the operation of the storage device 314, and manage the seat block and the seats constituting the seat block in association with each other.

[0046] The usage status management unit 423 constitutes the usage status management means in this embodiment and manages the usage status of each seat block. The usage status management unit 423 in this embodiment can manage the usage status of each seat block by, for example, controlling the operation of the storage device 314 and updating the management table based on various information.

[0047] The display information generating unit 424 constitutes a generating means in this embodiment, and generates screen information for displaying the usage status of the seat block based on the usage status of each seat block received from the usage status determination 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 424 in this embodiment can generate the display information, for example, when triggered by the usage status management unit 423 updating the management table.

[0048] Next, a description will be given of the functional means of the terminal 130. Note that the display device 110 of this embodiment can also have the same functional means as the terminal 130.

[0049] The communication unit 431 constitutes a 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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 a seat block setting unit 402, a usage state determination unit 404, etc. Also, for example, the usage state determination device 100 may be configured to include a usage state management unit 423, and the terminal 130 may be configured to include a display information generation unit 424. In still another preferred embodiment, the functional means shown in Fig. 4 may be realized by cooperation of a plurality of hardware devices.

[0053] 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.

[0054] "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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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".

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] Next, the configuration of the usage state determination device 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the usage state determination device 100 of this embodiment. Fig. 6(a) shows a detailed configuration of the usage state determination device 100, and Fig. 6(b) shows an example of use of the usage state determination device 100.

[0061] First, Fig. 6(a) will be described. The usage state determination device 100 illustrated in Fig. 6(a) includes four sensor modules 102a to 102d. Note that the number of sensor modules 102 included in the usage state determination device 100 is not limited to the number shown in Fig. 6, and may be any number.

[0062] Each sensor module 102 is connected to the main body 101 via a cable. A connector 104 for connecting a cable is arranged on the main body 101, and by connecting to the cable-side connector, the occupancy state determination device 100 can obtain the seating state detected and output by the sensor module 102.

[0063] Moreover, the sensor module 102 in the embodiment to be described includes a removable lens 103. The sensor module 102 can arbitrarily set the detection range by replacing the lens 103 with one having different parameters such as size, thickness, refractive index, etc.

[0064] The main body 101 of the utilization state determination device 100 of this embodiment may include a changeover switch 105 for setting a seat block. The changeover switch 105 may be configured as a slide switch, for example. The changeover switch 105 of this embodiment constitutes the seat block setting unit 402, and may set which seat block the seat to be detected by the sensor module 102 belongs to. The changeover switch 105 may be configured to identify the sensor module 102 to be set, for example, by arranging it close to the connector 104 connected to each sensor module 102. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 6(a), when four sensor modules 102 are connected to each side of the rectangular parallelepiped main body 101, the changeover switch 105 may be configured to be arranged close to each side of the upper surface of the main body 101. Note that the arrangement of the changeover switch 105 is only an example, and does not particularly limit the embodiment.

[0065] The usage state determination device 100 of this embodiment can be used in a form as shown in Fig. 6(b) Fig. 6(b) shows an example of a table on which the usage state determination device 100 is attached, viewed from below.

[0066] Fig. 6(b) shows an example in which the occupancy status determination device 100 is attached to the underside of the table top, and the sensor module 102 is arranged close to where the seats are placed. Fig. 6(b) shows an example in which the occupancy status determination device 100 equipped with four sensor modules 102 is attached to a four-seater table, and it is assumed that the table will be used in such a way that two seats are placed on each long side of the table.

[0067] 6(b), by attaching the occupancy status determination device 100 to a table, each sensor module 102 can detect whether or not a person is sitting in a seat within the detection range. In this way, the sensor module 102 can detect whether a person is in a seated state or an unoccupied state, so that the occupancy status determination device 100 can determine the occupancy status of the seat block.

[0068] Here, the detection range of the sensor module 102 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the detection range of the sensor module 102 of this embodiment. Note that in Fig. 7, a circle indicated by a dashed line indicates the sensor module 102. Note also that the main body 101 of the usage state determination device 100 is omitted in Fig. 7.

[0069] 7, areas shown in dark colors indicate the detection range of each sensor module 102. The detection range of the sensor module 102 in this embodiment can be arbitrarily selected depending on the specifications of the sensor module 102 and the selection of the lens 103.

[0070] Fig. 7(a) shows an example in which four seats, A to D, are arranged, two on each long side of a rectangular table. In the example of Fig. 7(a), the sensor modules 102 arranged to detect seats A and C are fitted with lenses 103 that provide a relatively narrow angle of detection range (e.g., about 30 degrees) and are arranged at a position relatively far from the edge of the table. The sensor modules 102 arranged to detect seats B and D are fitted with lenses 103 that provide a relatively wide angle of detection range (e.g., about 60 degrees) and are arranged at a position relatively close to the edge of the table.

[0071] Fig. 7(b) shows an example in which four seats A to D are arranged at approximately 90 degree intervals around a circular table. In the example of Fig. 7(b), the sensor module 102 is fitted with a lens 103 that has a wider angle of detection range (for example, approximately 90 degrees) than that shown in Fig. 7(a), and the seats are arranged at equal intervals of approximately 90 degrees.

[0072] The detection range of the sensor module 102 can also be adjusted by the angle at which it is placed. A spacer 106 can be attached to the sensor module 102 of this embodiment. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the spacer 106 attached to the sensor module 102 in this embodiment.

[0073] Fig. 6(a) shows an example of the spacer 106 of this embodiment, which may be shaped like a triangular prism, for example. The detection range can be changed by attaching the bottom surface of the spacer 106 shown in Fig. 6(a) to, for example, the underside of the top plate of a table and installing the sensor module 102. The angle indicated by θ in Fig. 6(a) is the angle formed by the mounting surface to the table and the surface to which the sensor module 102 is mounted. By mounting the sensor module 102 to a spacer 106 having an appropriate θ, a detection range suitable for the seat arrangement can be set.

[0074] Fig. 6(b) shows an example in which the sensor module 102 is attached to the spacer 106. By attaching the sensor module 102 as shown in Fig. 6(b), the orientation of the sensor module 102 can be changed, and the direction of the detection range can be changed.

[0075] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the detection range of the sensor module 102 to which the spacer 106 is attached in this embodiment. FIGS. 9(a) and (b) show examples in which various spacers 106 are attached. The left side of FIG. 9(a) shows the sensor module 102 to which the spacer 106 is not attached. The right side of FIG. 9(a) shows the sensor module 102 to which the spacer 106 is attached, the angle θ of the sensor mounting surface of which is relatively small. The left side of FIG. 9(b) shows the sensor module 102 to which the spacer 106 is attached, the angle θ of the sensor mounting surface of which is medium. The right side of FIG. 9(b) shows the sensor module 102 to which the spacer 106 is attached, the angle θ of the sensor mounting surface of which is relatively large. Therefore, the detection range of the sensor module 102 is close to vertical on the left side of FIG. 9(a), and the angles of the detection range are horizontal in the order of the right side of FIG. 9(a), the left side of FIG. 9(b), and the right side of FIG. 9(b).

[0076] As shown in Fig. 9, the detection range can be adjusted according to the seat arrangement and table configuration by using an appropriate spacer 106. Also, as shown in Fig. 9, by attaching the sensor module 102 via the spacer 106, the sensor module 102 can be placed in a more appropriate position.

[0077] As shown in Figs. 6 to 9, the sensor module 102 of this embodiment can set the detection range arbitrarily by adjusting the arrangement, lens, detection distance, installation angle, etc. For example, by adjusting the viewing angle by replacing the lens, detection according to the width of the chair can be performed, and erroneous detection can be prevented when the distance to the adjacent seat or adjacent table is short. In addition, by adjusting the relative detection distance, erroneous detection can be prevented when a passerby behind the seat or the distance to the adjacent seat or adjacent table is short. Furthermore, by adjusting the detection direction using the spacer 106, etc., the degree of freedom of the installation position can be increased, and the space behind the table top can be effectively used.

[0078] Incidentally, in a restaurant or other establishment, when multiple seats are arranged at one table, there may be cases where the table is not necessarily used by only one group. In other words, when a table is divided by a partition or the like, multiple groups may use one table. Here, a group refers to one or more users.

[0079] Generally, even in such a case, if there is only one device for determining the usage status, it can only determine the usage status on a table or seat basis, and cannot provide appropriate guidance to users. Therefore, in this embodiment, seat blocks are set at a table with multiple seats, and the usage status of each seat block is determined.

[0080] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of setting seat blocks in this embodiment. In Fig. 10, the area indicated by the dashed line indicates the seat block. Therefore, seats within the same dashed line area belong to the same seat block. Also, the circle indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 10 indicates the sensor module 102. Also, please note that the main body 101 of the utilization state determination device 100 is omitted in Fig. 10.

[0081] Fig. 10(a) shows an example where four seats A to D are provided at a circular table. Here, it is assumed that the table in Fig. 10(b) is intended for use by one group. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 10(a), seats A to D are set to belong to the same block, block 1.

[0082] Fig. 10(b) shows an example where four seats A to D are provided at a rectangular table. Here, it is assumed that the table in Fig. 10(b) will be used by two groups, two seats each. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 10(b), seats A and C are set to belong to the same block, block 1, and seats B and D are set to belong to the same block, block 2.

[0083] Fig. 10(c) shows an example where four seats A to D are provided at a rectangular table. Here, it is assumed that the table in Fig. 10(c) is used by four groups (i.e., four users), one seat each. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 10(c), the seats are set to belong to different blocks, with seat A belonging to block 1, seat B belonging to block 2, seat C belonging to block 3, and seat D belonging to block 4.

[0084] In this embodiment, by setting seat blocks as shown in Fig. 10, the utilization status determination device 100 can determine the utilization status in accordance with tables of various utilization patterns. Next, the setting of seat blocks will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a changeover switch 105 that sets seat blocks in this embodiment. Note that Fig. 11 shows an enlarged view of a part of the utilization status determination device 100 in order to explain the configuration of the changeover switch 105, and other configurations are omitted as appropriate.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 11, the changeover switch 105 can be configured as, for example, a slide switch. The slide switch is an example of the changeover switch 105 and does not particularly limit the embodiment. Therefore, the changeover switch 105 can adopt various forms of physical switches, such as a rotary switch, a toggle switch, a dip switch, a button switch, etc. In FIG. 11, for example, the changeover switch 105 is arranged close to the connector 104, and can set a seat block of a seat detected by the sensor module 102 connected to the connector. In the example of FIG. 11, the changeover switch 105 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 101 of the utilization state determination device 100, but this does not particularly limit the embodiment, and may be provided on, for example, a side surface.

[0086] Fig. 11 shows an example of an occupancy state determination device 100 that can set up to four seat blocks. Therefore, the changeover switch 105 in Fig. 11 can be configured as a four-throw slide switch. The changeover switch 105 in the embodiment to be described can be set so that the seat to be detected belongs to any one of seat blocks, block 1, block 2, block 3, and block 4. As shown in Fig. 11, the block number of the seat block is displayed adjacent to the changeover switch 105, so that the seat block to be set can be identified.

[0087] The changeover switch 105 in Fig. 11(a) shows an example in which the seat block is set as block 1. The changeover switch 105 in Fig. 11(b) shows an example in which the seat block is set as block 2. The changeover switch 105 in Fig. 11(c) shows an example in which the seat block is set as block 3. The changeover switch 105 in Fig. 11(d) shows an example in which the seat block is set as block 4.

[0088] In addition, in the utilization status determination device 100 of this embodiment, if there is a connector 104 that is not connected to the sensor module 102, it can determine that there is no seat to be detected and set no seat block, regardless of the setting of the changeover switch 105 corresponding to that connector 104.

[0089] Next, the process of setting seat blocks will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the process of setting seat blocks in this embodiment.

[0090] The usage state determination device 100 starts processing from step S1000. Next, in step S1001, the processing branches depending on whether or not the sensor module 102 is connected to the connector 104 of the usage state determination device 100. If the sensor module 102 is not connected (NO), the processing proceeds to step S1003.

[0091] On the other hand, in step S1001, if the sensor module 102 is connected (YES), the process proceeds to step S1002. In step S1002, the seat block setting unit 402 reads the setting information of the changeover switch 105 and stores the seat block setting. In addition, the seat block setting information may be transmitted to the server device 120, for example, and stored in the seat block management unit 422.

[0092] Thereafter, in step S1003, the process branches depending on whether there are any other connectors 104 for which seat blocking is to be set. If there are any connectors 104 for which seat blocking has not been set (YES), the process returns to step S1001 and repeats the above process. If there are no connectors 104 for which seat blocking has not been set (NO), the process proceeds to step S1004, assuming that seat blocking has been set for all connectors 104 of the utilization state determination device 100, and ends the process.

[0093] Here, the setting of seat blocks will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of setting seat blocks in this embodiment. Fig. 13 shows an example of setting seat blocks in an occupancy state determination device 100 having four connectors, Fig. 13(a) shows an example of a store configuration in which seat blocks are set, and Fig. 13(b) shows an example of a management table stored in the seat block management unit 422 in the case of the configuration as shown in Fig. 13(a). Note that the occupancy state determination device 100 having four connectors is a configuration in which a maximum of four sensor modules 102 can be connected.

[0094] In the example of Fig. 13, sensor modules 102 are connected to three of the connectors 104 (connectors A, B, and C) of the utilization state determination device 100, and each detects the seating state of seats A, B, and C. In the example of the embodiment to be described, it is assumed that, as shown in Fig. 13(a), seats A and B are used by the same group, and seat C is used by one user, among the tables in the store. In the example shown in Fig. 13(a), seats A and B are set to belong to block 1, and seat C is set to belong to block 2.

[0095] When setting seat blocks as shown in Fig. 13(a), the seat block management unit 422 manages a management table as shown in Fig. 13(b) by the process shown in Fig. 12. The management table in Fig. 13(b) stores a code for identifying the connector 104, whether the sensor module 102 is connected, and the seat block in association with each other.

[0096] In the example of Fig. 13(b), items corresponding to the configuration shown in Fig. 13(a) are stored in the management table. That is, the management table of Fig. 13(b) shows that the sensor module 102 is connected to connector A and connector B, and that block 1 is assigned as the seat block. Also, it shows that the sensor module 102 is connected to connector C, and that block 2 is assigned as the seat block. Furthermore, it shows that the sensor module 102 is not connected to connector D, and therefore, a seat block is not set.

[0097] Information as shown in Fig. 13(b) is set by the process shown in Fig. 12. The setting information shown in Fig. 13(b) is stored in the seat block management unit 422 of the server device 120, and may also be saved in each utilization state determination device 100. By determining the utilization state of the seat block based on the setting information as shown in Fig. 13(b), it is possible to appropriately determine and present the utilization state in accordance with the utilization pattern of the table.

[0098] The seat block setting may be configured programmatically, for example, by data described in JSON format, instead of by the changeover switch 105. In this embodiment, the seat block setting unit 402 can set the seat block by reading the setting data. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the description of the seat block setting data in this embodiment. The seat block setting data is transmitted, for example, from the server device 120 to the utilization state determination device 100 via the network 140, and is read by the seat block 402 to set the seat block.

[0099] The Sensor object describes that it is an item related to the settings of the sensor module 102. "Prioritize" describes whether to prioritize the seat block settings based on the setting data or the seat block settings based on the changeover switch 105. If the seat block settings based on the setting data are prioritized, the value is set to "true", and if the seat block settings based on the changeover switch 105 are prioritized, the value is set to "false".

[0100] The "Block" array describes which seat block the seats detected by each sensor module 102 belong to. The numbers in the array indicate numbers that identify the seat blocks, in the order of seats A, B, C, and D from the left. That is, the example in FIG. 15 specifies that seats A and B belong to block 1, and seats C and D belong to block 2.

[0101] "Interval" specifies the period for executing the process for determining the usage state, which will be described later in Fig. 15. The unit of the period can be, for example, milliseconds (msec). In the example of Fig. 14, it is defined that the process for determining the usage state is executed at a period of 1 second (1000 msec).

[0102] "Mask" specifies a mask period for preventing a seat from being determined as vacant when an absence is temporarily detected. For example, when a user of a seat temporarily leaves the seat to go to a restroom, the user intends to sit again in a relatively short time. In such a case, if the usage status is immediately set to vacant when an absence is detected, it may cause inconvenience to the user. Therefore, it is preferable to keep the usage status as in use until a certain time has elapsed since the absence is detected. Therefore, in this embodiment, a mask period until a seat is determined as vacant can be set. The unit of the mask period can be, for example, milliseconds (msec). In the example of FIG. 14, it is defined that a seat is determined as vacant when an absence is detected for 30 seconds (30000 msec) or more.

[0103] Next, the process of determining the occupancy state in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a flow chart showing the process of determining the occupancy state of a seat block in this embodiment.

[0104] The occupancy state determination device 100 starts processing from step S2000. Next, in step S2001, the process branches depending on whether or not the seat block for which the occupancy state is to be determined includes a sensor module 102. For example, in the example of FIG. 13(b), sensor modules are connected to blocks 1 and 2. Therefore, in step S2001, it is determined that the seat block includes the sensor module 102 (YES). On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 13(b), blocks 3 and the like do not include a sensor module and are not set as seat blocks. Therefore, in step S2001, it is determined that the seat block does not include the sensor module 102 (NO).

[0105] If there is no sensor module 102 in the seat block in step S2001 (NO), the process proceeds to step S2007. In step S2007, the occupancy state determining unit 404 determines that the seat block has no seats.

[0106] On the other hand, if the seat block has a sensor module 102 in step S2001 (YES), the process proceeds to step S2002. In step S2002, the occupancy status determination unit 404 acquires information detected by the seating detection unit 401. The information acquired in step S2002 is information indicating a seating status or an unseated status detected by the sensor module 102.

[0107] In step S2003, the process branches depending on whether the detection information acquired in step S2002 indicates an occupied state. If it indicates an occupied state (YES), the process proceeds to step S2004. In step S2004, the seat block for which the usage status is being determined is determined to be "in use." If at least one seat among the seats that make up the seat block is in a seated state, the seat block is in use regardless of the status of the other seats. Therefore, in step S2004, the usage status determination unit 404 determines that the seat block is in use.

[0108] On the other hand, if the seat is not occupied (NO), that is, if an absent seat state is acquired in step S2002, the process proceeds to step S2005. In step S2005, the process branches depending on whether or not there is a sensor module 102 for which detection information has not been acquired in the seat block for which the occupancy state is being determined. If there is another sensor module 102 (YES), the process returns to step S2002, and the above process is repeated for the other sensor modules 102. If there is no other sensor module 102 (NO), the process proceeds to step S2006.

[0109] Step S2006 is a process that is performed when it is determined that all the seats that make up the seat block are unoccupied. Therefore, in step S2006, the occupancy status determination unit 404 determines that the seat block is vacant. This makes it possible to notify the user that the seat block is vacant, and to guide the user.

[0110] After the processes of steps S2004, S2006, and S2007, the process proceeds to step S2008. In step S2008, the process branches depending on whether there are other seat blocks for which the occupancy status is to be determined. If there are other seat blocks (YES), the process returns to step S2001 and repeats the above process. If there are no other seat blocks (NO), the process proceeds to step S2009, assuming that the occupancy status has been determined for all seat blocks.

[0111] In step S2009, the communication unit 403 transmits the result of determining the usage status of each seat block to the server device 120, and then ends the process in step S2010. The server device 120 can store the received data in the usage status management unit 423. In addition, the display information generation unit 424 of the server device 120 can generate screen information for displaying the usage status of each seat block, and can display the usage status on the display device 110 or the terminal 130.

[0112] The process shown in Fig. 15 makes it possible to determine the usage status of each seat block, and therefore it is possible to provide staff and users with guidance information according to various seat usage patterns. Here, the display of the usage status of seat blocks will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying the usage status of seat blocks in this embodiment.

[0113] The display device 110 or the terminal 130 of this embodiment can display a screen showing the usage status of a seat block as shown in Fig. 16. Therefore, even if a single table is separated by a partition or there are counter seats, a guidance display can be displayed according to the usage of the seats.

[0114] Also, the numbers displayed on the tables with vacant seats in Fig. 16 indicate the number of seats. The display information generating unit 424 can obtain the number of seats that constitute a seat block by referring to the management table shown in Fig. 13(b). Therefore, in the case of a seat block that is composed of multiple seats, the display information generating unit 424 may generate display screen information including the number of seats as shown in Fig. 16.

[0115] However, when a user temporarily uses the toilet or the like, the user will return to his / her seat in a relatively short time. Therefore, it may be preferable to consider the seated state to be maintained until the absence state is detected for a certain period of time. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the time that the user remains absent from the seat is equal to or shorter than the certain period of time, the seated state is considered to be continuing. Next, the process of determining the sensor output will be described with reference to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the process of determining the detection result of the sensor module 102 in this embodiment.

[0116] The usage state determining device 100 starts the process from step S3000. The process shown in Fig. 17 may be configured as a part of the process of step S2002 in Fig. 15.

[0117] Next, in step S3001, the process branches depending on whether the output of the sensor module 102 in the previous usage status determination process (see FIG. 15) (hereinafter simply referred to as the "previous sensor output" and may be written as "s_old") matches the current output of the sensor module 102 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "current sensor output").

[0118] If the previous sensor output and the current sensor output match (YES), proceed to step S3002. In step S3002, the process branches depending on whether the previous sensor output indicates an absent state. If the previous sensor output does not indicate an absent state (NO), proceed to step S3005. In step S3005, since the user is seated, the detection result of the sensor module 102 is output as "absent state."

[0119] In step S3002, if the previous sensor output indicates an absent state (YES), the process proceeds to step S3003. In step S3003, the process branches depending on whether the absent state has continued for the mask period or longer. The period of the absent state can be measured by the process of step S3007 described later. If the period has continued for the mask period or longer (YES), the process proceeds to step S3004. In step S3004, since the user has been absent for a relatively long time, the detection result of the sensor module 102 is output as an "absent state". Thereafter, the process ends in step S3009.

[0120] In step S3003, if the time of absence is equal to or shorter than the mask period (NO), the process proceeds to step S3005. In step S3005, since the time of absence is relatively short, the state can be considered as a seated state, and the detection result of the sensor module 102 is output as an "absent state." Then, the process ends in step S3009.

[0121] On the other hand, in step S3001, if the previous sensor output and the current sensor output do not match, the process proceeds to step S3006. In step S3006, the process branches depending on whether the current sensor output indicates a seated state. If it does not indicate a seated state (NO), the process proceeds to step S3007.

[0122] In step S3007, since the previous sensor output and the current sensor output do not match (step S3001, NO) and the current sensor output does not indicate a seated state (step S3006, NO), the user was in a seated state at the time of the previous usage state determination, but is currently in an unseated state. Therefore, in order to measure the time for which the unseated state continues, time measurement is started in step S3007. Note that the time measurement may be configured to measure the time by counting up like a timer function, or may be configured to measure the time by the difference between a reference time (the time of step S3007) and a measurement time (the current time).

[0123] In step S3006, if the current sensor output indicates a seated state (YES), the process proceeds to step S3008. Also, after the process of step S3007, the process proceeds to step S3008.

[0124] In step S3008, the previous sensor output is updated as the current sensor output. In this way, by performing the process of step S3008, the updated current sensor output can be used as the comparison target (s_old) in step S3001 when the process shown in Fig. 17 is performed next time, that is, in the determination process of the next sensor output.

[0125] Next, in step S3005, the detection result of the sensor module 102 is output as a "seated state." That is, in step S3001, if the previous sensor output does not match the current sensor output (NO), the processes of steps S3006 to S3008 are performed, and then the "seated state" is output. For example, if the previous state was an unoccupied state and the current state is an occupied state, the user has taken a seat, so the "seated state" may be output. Also, for example, if the previous state was an occupied state and the current state was an unoccupied state, since only a relatively short period of unoccupied state was detected, the seated state is considered to continue, and the "seated state" is output in order to maintain the seated state. Thereafter, the process ends in step S3009.

[0126] By performing the process shown in Fig. 17, even if a user leaves their seat temporarily, it is possible to determine the usage status by assuming that the user has been seated for a certain period of time. Therefore, it is possible to present a more appropriate usage status.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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]

[0131] 10...information processing system, 100...usage status determination device, 101...main body, 102...sensor module, 103...lens, 104...connector, 105...switching switch, 106...spacer, 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...seat block setting unit, 403...communication unit, 404...usage status determination unit, 421...communication unit, 422...seat block management unit, 423...usage status management unit, 424...display information generation unit, 431...communication unit, 432...display unit [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0132] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6979679

Claims

1. A detection means for detecting whether a person is seated or not in a seat; A setting means for setting a seat block composed of a plurality of the seats to be detected by the detection means; a determination means for determining an occupancy state of the seat block based on a detection result of each seat constituting the seat block; A usage status determination device comprising:

2. The setting means sets the seat block by reading setting data. The utilization state determination device according to claim 1 .

3. The setting means sets the seat block by a physical switch. The utilization state determination device according to claim 1 .

4. The detection means includes a detachable sensor module, the determination means determines that the seats detected by the sensor module connected to the occupancy state determination device are to be set as seats for which the seat block is to be set; The utilization state determination device according to claim 1 .

5. The detection means is capable of adjusting the detection range. The utilization state determination device according to claim 1 .

6. The detection means is capable of adjusting the angle of the detection range. The utilization state determination device according to claim 5 .

7. The detection means is capable of adjusting the detection distance of the detection range. The utilization state determination device according to claim 5 .

8. The detection means is capable of adjusting the direction of the detection range. The utilization state determination device according to claim 5 .

9. 2. The utilization state determination device according to claim 1, wherein the detection means is an infrared sensor.

10. 2. The utilization state determination device according to claim 1, wherein the detection means irradiates a laser beam onto an object and detects the laser beam reflected by the object.

11. The device includes a main body, a plurality of connectors provided on the main body, and a plurality of sensor modules connected to the main body via the connectors. The utilization state determination device according to claim 1 .

12. the setting means is a plurality of physical switches, Each of the physical switches is disposed proximate to each of the connectors. The utilization state determination device according to claim 11.

13. A detection means for detecting whether a person is seated or not in a seat; A setting means for setting a seat block composed of a plurality of the seats to be detected by the detection means; a determination means for determining an occupancy state of the seat block based on a detection result of each seat constituting the seat block; Including, the system.

14. A management means for managing the utilization status of the seat block; a generating means for generating display information of the usage state based on the usage state managed by the managing means; A communication means for transmitting the display information to a device having a display means; The system of claim 13 further comprising:

15. The seat block setting device further includes a communication means for transmitting data to the seat block setting device, The setting means sets the seat block based on the data. The system of claim 13.

16. a communication means for transmitting a notification that an operation for changing the utilization state of the seat block will be performed based on the utilization state of the seat block determined by the determination means; The system of claim 13 further comprising:

17. detecting whether a person is seated or not in a seat installed within a range that is a target of detection by the detection means; determining an occupancy state of a seat block consisting of a plurality of the seats based on a detection result of each seat in the detecting step; A method comprising:

Images