Reservation system and portable terminal

Abstract

To provide a reservation system and a portable terminal for facilitating the use of reservations for seats in a food court.SOLUTION: A reservation system includes seat reservation means, commodity reservation means, and a privilege notification means. The seat reservation means receives a reservation about the number of persons and a time slot for seats shared with a plurality of stores. The commodity reservation means receives reservations for commodities from each of menus of the stores. The privilege notification means issues notification about offering a privilege for the seat reservation if the contents of the reservation for commodities received by the commodity reservation means satisfy an offering condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to a reservation system and a mobile terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, food courts have been known in which multiple stores share an eating and drinking area. In food courts, customers purchase food from one of the multiple stores. The customers also eat at seats provided in the eating and drinking area. In this way, customers reserve their own seats in food courts. However, customers with infants or customers carrying a lot of luggage have difficulty reserving seats in food courts. Therefore, one possible solution is to introduce a system that accepts seat reservations in food courts.

[0003] However, even with the introduction of the system, some customers are hesitant to reserve seats at food courts. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a reservation system and a mobile terminal that promote the use of seat reservations in food courts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A reservation system according to an embodiment includes a seat reservation means, a product reservation means, and a benefit notification means. The seat reservation means accepts reservations for the number of people and time slots for seats shared by multiple stores. The product reservation means accepts reservations for products from the menus of each of the multiple stores. The benefit notification means notifies the user that a benefit related to the seat reservation will be granted if the product reservation details accepted by the product reservation means satisfy the conditions for granting the benefit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reservation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a layout diagram showing an example of a food court in which the reservation system according to the first embodiment is used. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the management server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the menu table. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the seat table. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the customer table. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the product reservation table. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the seat reservation table. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the benefit table. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the check-in terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the in-store device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the order table. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of each device in the reservation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a reserved image. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a standby image. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a code input image. [Figure 18]FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a reservation content image. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of reservation processing executed by each device of the reservation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a seat reservation process executed by the mobile terminal and the management server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a product reservation process executed by the mobile terminal, the management server, and the store device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of check-in processing executed by the check-in terminal and the management server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a product receiving process executed by the store device, the management server, and the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reservation system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of each device in the reservation system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a reservation notification image. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a scanned image. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a check-in completion image. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an example of check-in processing executed by the mobile terminal and the management server according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a reservation system and a mobile terminal will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is one embodiment of the reservation system and the mobile terminal, and does not limit the configuration, specifications, etc. thereof.

[0008] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a reservation system 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a floor plan showing an example of a food court in which the reservation system 1 according to the first embodiment is used. The food court is a complex facility having multiple stores T1.

[0009] The reservation system 1 is a system that accepts reservations for seats in the eating and drinking area A1 in a food court where multiple stores T1 share the eating and drinking area A1. Furthermore, the reservation system 1 may accept reservations for not only seats but also products to be eaten and drunk in the eating and drinking area A1.

[0010] For example, as shown in Figure 2, when dining area A1 includes unreserved seating area A11 and reserved seating area A12, reservation system 1 accepts reservations for reserved seating area A12. Unreserved seating area A11 is an area where seats that can be used freely if available are set up. Reserved seating area A12 is an area where seats that can be used by customers who have made reservations are set up.

[0011] 2, the reservation system 1 includes a management server 10, a mobile terminal 20, a check-in terminal 30, and a store device 40. The management server 10, the mobile terminal 20, the check-in terminal 30, and the store device 40 are communicatively connected via a network 50.

[0012] The management server 10 is a server device that manages the reservation system 1. For example, the management server 10 is operated by a food court manager. The management server 10 manages reservations for seats installed in the reserved seating area A12. Note that the management server 10 is not limited to a single server device, and may be realized by multiple server devices.

[0013] The mobile terminal 20 is a portable device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. For example, the mobile terminal 20 is used by a customer reserving a seat in the reserved seating area A12. The mobile terminal 20 may be owned by the customer, or may be a borrowed device lent by the food court manager.

[0014] Here, restaurants have staff who accept reservations from customers and guide them. However, food courts do not have staff. Therefore, mobile terminal 20 accepts reservations and guides customers. For example, mobile terminal 20 acquires access information for accessing an image accepting reservations in reservation acceptance area A2. Then, mobile terminal 20 accepts seat reservations in the image accepting reservations displayed based on the access information. Mobile terminal 20 also displays notifications indicating that the reserved start time and end time have arrived.

[0015] Mobile terminal 20 may also accept a reservation for an item to be ordered from store T1 in the food court. Furthermore, mobile terminal 20 may display a notification on the screen of mobile terminal 20 that the ordered item has been completed and that the customer should go to store T1 to pick it up.

[0016] The check-in terminal 30 is a terminal such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or signage terminal. For example, the check-in terminal 30 accepts check-in to a reserved seat. As mentioned above, there is no staff member at the food court to guide customers. Therefore, when a reservation code indicating that the customer has made a reservation is entered, the check-in terminal 30 displays a seat code indicating the seat to be used by the customer. In response, the check-in terminal 30 guides the customer to the reserved seat.

[0017] The in-store device 40 is a device installed in each store T1 in the food court. For example, in the food court shown in FIG. 2, the in-store device 40 notifies the customer that the reserved item has been completed and that the customer should go to store T1 to pick it up. In this way, the reservation system 1 accepts reservations for seats in the food court. For example, the in-store device 40 may be an information processing device that manages ordered items, an information processing terminal used by a staff member at a store in the food court, a Point of Sale (POS) terminal having a function for registering ordered items and a function for processing an account for the registered ordered items, an accounting machine having a function for processing an account for the registered ordered items, a server device installed in the store, or the like.

[0018] Next, the hardware configuration of each device included in the reservation system 1 will be described.

[0019] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management server 10 according to the first embodiment. The management server 10 includes a processor 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a storage unit 103, a communication unit 104, a display unit 105, and an operation unit 106. These units are connected via an internal bus 107.

[0020] The processor 101 is a processing circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the operation of the management server 10. The RAM 102 is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and various data. The processor 101 executes the control program 111 and the like stored in the storage unit 103, using the RAM 102 as a work area.

[0021] The storage unit 103 is an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 103 stores a control program 111, a menu table 112, a seat table 113, a customer table 114, a product reservation table 115, a seat reservation table 116, and a benefit table 117. Note that all or part of the menu table 112, the seat table 113, the customer table 114, the product reservation table 115, and the seat reservation table 116 may be stored in other devices, not limited to the storage unit 103 of the management server 10.

[0022] Menu table 112 is an information table that contains information about the menu of products that can be reserved for each store T1 in the food court. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of menu table 112. Menu table 112 associates store codes with menu information. The store code is identification information for identifying the store T1 in the food court. The menu information is information about the menu of products that can be reserved for the store T1 identified by the associated store code. For example, the menu information includes product codes, product names, product prices, product images, etc.

[0023] The seat table 113 is a table that contains information about seats arranged in the reserved seat area A12. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the seat table 113. The seat table 113 associates seat codes with seat type information. The seat code is identification information for identifying seats arranged in the reserved seat area A12. A seat may indicate a table, such as a single seat, a two-person seat, or a four-person seat. The seat type information is information that indicates the type of seat identified by the associated seat code. For example, the seat type information is information that indicates the number of people that can be seated.

[0024] The customer table 114 is an information table that stores information about customers who reserve seats in the reserved seat area A12 using the reservation system 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the customer table 114. The customer table 114 associates a customer code, customer personal information, notification information, product payment information, and seat payment method information. The customer code is identification information for identifying a customer. The customer personal information is personal information about the customer, such as the customer's name, address, and age. The notification information is information that indicates the customer's notification destination. For example, the notification information is information such as an email address, an SNS (Social Networking Service) account, or an SMS (Short Message Service) phone number. The product payment information is information for paying for products reserved through the reservation system 1. For example, the product payment method information includes payment information such as credit card information. The seat payment method information is information that indicates the payment method for paying for seats reserved through the reservation system 1. For example, the product payment method information is credit card information.

[0025] The product reservation table 115 is an information table in which products reserved using the reservation system 1 are registered. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the product reservation table 115. The product reservation table 115 associates a product reservation code, a customer code, a completion time, and order content information. The product reservation code is identification information for identifying a product reservation by a customer. The customer code is information indicating the customer who reserved the product. The completion time is information indicating the completion time of the reserved product. The order content information is information indicating the reserved product. For example, the order content information includes a product code, a product name, a quantity, and a total price. The product code is identification information for identifying the reserved product. The product name is information indicating the name of the reserved product. The quantity is information indicating the quantity of the reserved product. The total price is information indicating the total price of the reserved products.

[0026] The seat reservation table 116 is an information table in which seats reserved using the reservation system 1 are registered. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the seat reservation table 116. The seat reservation table 116 associates a seat reservation code, a customer code, a seat code, a time period, the number of people reserved, a seat fee, and a check-in flag. The seat reservation code is identification information for identifying a seat reservation by a customer. The customer code is information indicating the customer who reserved the seat. The seat code is information indicating the reserved seat. The time period is information indicating the time period during which the reserved seat will be used. The number of people reserved is information indicating the number of people using the reserved seat. The seat fee is information indicating the total fee for the reserved seat. The check-in flag is information indicating whether or not check-in has been completed.

[0027] The benefit table 117 is an information table that contains information about benefits granted to customers who make reservations using the reservation system 1. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the benefit table 117. A benefit is an item or service granted to a customer to encourage them to reserve a seat using the reservation system 1.

[0028] The benefit table 117 associates a valid flag, a granting condition, a benefit content, a granting method, and a granting period. The valid flag is a flag indicating whether or not the record is valid. In other words, the valid flag is a flag indicating whether or not the benefit of the benefit content will be granted using the granting method when the granting condition is met during the granting period. The granting condition is information indicating the conditions for granting a benefit. The granting condition is set to the number of people making a reservation, the amount, the number of items, or the number of reservations. The number of people making a reservation is a condition regarding the number of people using the reserved seat. The amount is a condition regarding the amount of products purchased for the reserved seat or the seat usage fee. The number of items is a condition regarding the number of products purchased for the reserved seat. The number of reservations is a condition regarding the number of reservations made by the customer to date.

[0029] The benefit content is the content of the benefit granted to the customer. For example, the benefit content may be a discount of a specified amount or a discount of a specified percentage. The granting method is the method by which the benefit is granted. For example, the granting method may be a discount on the usage fee of a reserved seat or a coupon that can be used next time or later. The granting period is the period during which the benefit of the benefit content is granted using the granting method when the granting conditions are met. For example, the granting period is set with a start date that marks the beginning of the period and an end date that marks the end of the period.

[0030] The communication unit 104 is a communication device such as a network interface card, etc. For example, the communication unit 104 executes communication via the network 50.

[0031] Display unit 105 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

[0032] The operation unit 106 is an input device that accepts various operations from a keyboard, mouse, or the like.

[0033] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 20 according to the first embodiment. The mobile terminal 20 includes a processor 201, a RAM 202, a storage unit 203, a communication unit 204, a display unit 205, and an operation unit 206. These units are connected via an internal bus 207.

[0034] The processor 201 is a processing circuit such as a CPU that controls the operation of the mobile terminal 20. The RAM 202 is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and various data. The processor 201 executes the control program 211 stored in the storage unit 203, using the RAM 202 as a work area.

[0035] The storage unit 203 is an auxiliary storage device such as a flash memory. The storage unit 203 stores a control program 211. The control program 211 is a program for implementing an operating system and functions of the mobile terminal 20. The control program 211 includes a program for implementing characteristic functions according to this embodiment.

[0036] The communication unit 204 is a communication device such as an antenna, a semiconductor circuit, etc. For example, the communication unit 204 executes communication via the network 50.

[0037] The display unit 205 is a device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. For example, the display unit 205 displays images related to product reservations and seat reservations.

[0038] The operation unit 206 is an input device that accepts various operations, such as hardware buttons or a touch panel provided on the display unit 205.

[0039] 11 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of check-in terminal 30 according to the first embodiment. Check-in terminal 30 includes processor 301, RAM 302, storage unit 303, communication unit 304, display unit 305, and operation unit 306. These units are connected via internal bus 307.

[0040] Processor 301 is a processing circuit such as a CPU that controls the operation of check-in terminal 30. RAM 302 is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and data. Processor 301 uses RAM 302 as a work area to execute control program 311 and the like stored in storage unit 303.

[0041] The storage unit 303 is an auxiliary storage device such as a flash memory. The storage unit 303 stores a control program 311. The control program 311 is a program for implementing an operating system and functions of the check-in terminal 30. The control program 311 includes a program for implementing characteristic functions according to this embodiment.

[0042] The communication unit 304 is a communication device such as an antenna, a semiconductor circuit, etc. For example, the communication unit 304 executes communication via the network 50.

[0043] The display unit 305 is a device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. For example, the display unit 305 displays images related to product reservations and seat reservations.

[0044] The operation unit 306 is an input device that accepts various operations, such as hardware buttons or a touch panel provided on the display unit 305.

[0045] 12 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the in-store device 40 according to the first embodiment. The check-in terminal 30 includes a processor 401, a RAM 402, a storage unit 403, a communication unit 404, a display unit 405, an operation unit 406, and a printing unit 407. These units are connected via an internal bus 408.

[0046] Processor 401 is a processing circuit such as a CPU that controls the operation of check-in terminal 30. RAM 402 is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and data. Processor 401 uses RAM 402 as a work area to execute control program 411 and the like stored in storage unit 403.

[0047] The storage unit 403 is an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD, SSD, or flash memory. The storage unit 403 stores a control program 411 and an order table 412. The order table 412 is not limited to being stored in the storage unit 403 of the in-store device 40, and may be stored in another device.

[0048] The control program 411 is a program for implementing the operating system and functions of the check-in terminal 30. The control program 411 includes a program for implementing the characteristic functions according to this embodiment.

[0049] The order table 412 is an information table containing information about orders accepted at the store T1. The order table 412 also includes orders to reserve products accepted via the mobile terminal 20 and orders accepted at the store T1. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the order table 412. The order table 412 associates an order code, a completion time, and order content information. The order code is identification information for identifying an order. The order code may also include a product reservation code in the case of an order to reserve a product. The completion time is the completion time of the product in an order to reserve a product. The order content information is information indicating the reserved product or the order content of the product accepted at the store T1. For example, the order content information includes a product code, a product name, a quantity, and a total price. The product code is identification information for identifying the reserved product. The product name is information indicating the name of the reserved product. The quantity is information indicating the quantity of the reserved product. The total amount is information indicating the total amount of the reserved products.

[0050] The communication unit 404 is a communication device such as an antenna, a semiconductor circuit, etc. For example, the communication unit 404 executes communication via the network 50.

[0051] The display unit 405 is a device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0052] The operation unit 406 is an input device that accepts various operations.

[0053] The printing unit 407 is a printer that prints the contents of an order.

[0054] Next, we will explain the functions of each device in the reservation system 1. Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of each device in the reservation system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0055] The processor 201 included in the mobile terminal 20 loads the control program 211 stored in the storage unit 203 into the RAM 202, and operates in accordance with the control program 211 to generate each functional unit in the RAM 202. As a result, the processor 201 included in the mobile terminal 20 is provided with, as functional units, an access information acquisition unit 2001, a reservation display unit 2002, a product payment acceptance unit 2003, a product reservation acceptance unit 2004, a product reservation display unit 2005, a seat payment acceptance unit 2006, a seat reservation acceptance unit 2007, a seat reservation display unit 2008, and a benefit display unit 2009.

[0056] The access information acquisition unit 2001 acquires access information in order to display a reservation image G1 (see FIG. 15) that accepts reservations for at least one of a seat and a product. The access information is information that indicates the access destination of the information that forms the basis of the reservation image G1. For example, the access information is information such as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator).

[0057] For example, the access information acquisition unit 2001 acquires access information by reading a code symbol such as a two-dimensional code installed in the reservation reception area A2 shown in Fig. 2. Alternatively, the access information acquisition unit 2001 may acquire access information by short-range wireless communication from a signage terminal installed in the reservation reception area A2 shown in Fig. 2. Furthermore, the access information acquisition unit 2001 may acquire access information corresponding to a food court by an operation to specify the food court.

[0058] The reservation display section 2002 displays the reservation image G1. For example, the reservation display section 2002 displays the reservation image G1 based on the reservation image information acquired from the access destination indicated by the access information.

[0059] 15 is a diagram showing an example of a reservation image G1. The reservation image G1 is an image that accepts reservations for at least one of a seat and a product. The reservation image G1 has a store selection button G11, a congestion status display area G12, a product selection button G14, a product payment method button G15, and a seat reservation button G16.

[0060] The store selection button G11 is a button provided for each store T1 in the food court. The reservation image G1 shown in Fig. 15 shows a state in which the store selection button G11 for "Store A" has been pressed.

[0061] The congestion status display area G12 is an area that displays the congestion status of the store T1 selected with the store selection button G11. In other words, the congestion status display area G12 is an area that displays the congestion status indicating the number of orders accepted by the store T1. The congestion status display area G12 displays the congestion status in three stages: "empty," "crowded," and "full." The reservation image G1 shown in FIG. 15 indicates that store A is in an "empty" state.

[0062] The congestion status display area G12 also has a congestion details button G13. The congestion details button G13 is a button that accepts an operation to display details of the congestion status. When the congestion details button G13 is pressed, the reservation display unit 2002 displays a list of orders accepted by the store T1 selected by the store selection button G11, the number of orders, etc.

[0063] The product selection button G14 is a button for selecting a product to reserve from among the products sold at the store T1 selected using the store selection button G11. The product selection button G14 may also accept an operation to order a product sold at the store T1 selected using the store selection button G11. In other words, the product selection button G14 may be a button for selecting a product to order. In the following description, "reserve" may be read as "order."

[0064] The product payment method button G15 is a button that displays a product payment method image for selecting a payment method for the product to be reserved. When the product payment method button G15 is pressed, the reservation display section 2002 displays the product payment method image.

[0065] The product reservation display section 2005 displays a product reservation image when the product selection button G14 is pressed. The product reservation image is an image for inputting the quantity of the selected product, the completion time, etc. The seat reservation button G16 is a button for displaying a seat reservation image for accepting seat reservations. The seat reservation image is an image for inputting the time period for reserving a seat, the number of people using the seat, etc.

[0066] The product payment acceptance unit 2003 accepts the specification of a payment method for paying for the reserved product. For example, the product payment acceptance unit 2003 accepts the specification of a payment method on a product payment method image for selecting a payment method for the reserved product. The product payment acceptance unit 2003 also accepts payment information for payment using the specified payment method. For example, when payment is made by credit card, the product payment acceptance unit 2003 accepts credit card information as payment information. Then, the product payment acceptance unit 2003 transmits product payment information including a customer code indicating the customer making the payment and the payment information to the management server 10.

[0067] The payment method for paying for a reserved product may be specified each time a product is reserved, or may be registered in advance. If registered in advance, the product payment acceptance unit 2003 does not need to accept the specification of the payment method each time a product is reserved. The product payment acceptance unit 2003 accepts the specification of the payment method when the payment method is changed.

[0068] The product reservation acceptance unit 2004 accepts product reservations from the menus of each of the multiple stores T1 in the food court. The product reservation acceptance unit 2004 is an example of a product reservation means. It accepts product reservations. More specifically, the product reservation acceptance unit 2004 accepts the selection of a product to be reserved using the product selection button G14 in the reservation image G1. The product reservation acceptance unit 2004 also accepts the quantity and completion time of the selected product in the product reservation image displayed by pressing the product selection button G14. The product reservation acceptance unit 2004 then transmits product reservation information to the management server 10. The product reservation information includes a customer code indicating the customer reserving the product, the completion time, and order content information indicating the order content of the reserved product. The order content information includes a product code indicating the reserved product, the product name, the quantity, and the total price.

[0069] The product reservation display unit 2005 displays that the product reservation has been accepted. More specifically, when the product reservation has been accepted, the product reservation display unit 2005 receives a reservation acceptance notice indicating that the product reservation has been accepted. Then, based on the reservation acceptance notice, the product reservation display unit 2005 displays that the product reservation has been accepted.

[0070] The product reservation display unit 2005 receives a product pickup notification notifying the user that the reserved product has been completed and that the user will come to store T1 to pick up the product. The product reservation display unit 2005 also displays the product pickup notification notifying the user that the user will come to store T1 to pick up the product on the display unit 205. The product reservation display unit 2005 is an example of a receiving means and a display control means. Note that the "notification that the user will come to pick up the product" may also be rephrased as "a notification indicating that the product is ready to be provided" or "a notification indicating that the product is completed."

[0071] Furthermore, the product reservation display unit 2005 displays a product payment completion image when it receives a product payment notification notifying that payment for the reserved product has been made. The product payment completion image is an image indicating that payment for the reserved product has been made. The product payment completion image may also include the amount of the product that has been paid for.

[0072] The seat payment acceptance unit 2006 accepts the designation of a payment method for paying for the reserved seat. For example, the seat payment acceptance unit 2006 accepts credit card information when payment is made by credit card. Then, the seat payment acceptance unit 2006 transmits seat payment method information indicating the payment method for paying for the reserved seat to the management server 10.

[0073] The seat reservation reception unit 2007 accepts reservations for the number of people and time slots for seats shared by multiple stores T1. The seat reservation reception unit 2007 is an example of a seat reservation means. That is, the seat reservation reception unit 2007 accepts reservations for seats in the reserved seat area A12. More specifically, the seat reservation reception unit 2007 accepts the time slot for reserving a seat and the number of people reserving the seat on the seat reservation image displayed by pressing the seat reservation button G16. The seat reservation reception unit 2007 then transmits seat reservation information to the management server 10. The seat reservation information includes a customer code indicating the customer reserving the seat, the time slot, the number of people reserving, and the seat fee for the reserved seat.

[0074] The seat reservation display unit 2008 displays that the seat reservation has been accepted. More specifically, when the seat reservation has been accepted, the product reservation display unit 2005 receives a seat reservation code for identifying the accepted seat reservation. Then, the product reservation display unit 2005 displays the received seat reservation code.

[0075] Furthermore, the seat reservation display unit 2008 displays a reminder if the user does not check in by the start time of the reserved time slot. More specifically, the seat reservation display unit 2008 receives a reservation time notification that notifies the user that the reserved time slot has started. When the seat reservation display unit 2008 receives the reservation time notification, it displays an image indicating that the start time of the reserved time slot has passed.

[0076] Furthermore, the seat reservation display unit 2008 receives a cancellation advance notice that warns that the seat reservation will be canceled if check-in is not performed within a specified time after the reservation time notice is sent. When the seat reservation display unit 2008 receives the cancellation advance notice, it displays an image that warns that the seat reservation will be canceled.

[0077] Furthermore, if check-in is not performed within a specified time after the advance notice of cancellation is sent, the seat reservation display unit 2008 receives a cancellation notice notifying that the seat reservation has been canceled. When the cancellation notice is received, the seat reservation display unit 2008 displays an image indicating that the seat reservation has been canceled.

[0078] Furthermore, when a payment to pay the cancellation fee for the reserved seat is made after receiving a cancellation advance notice, the seat reservation display unit 2008 receives a cancellation billing notice notifying that the payment to pay the cancellation fee for the reserved seat has been made. When receiving the cancellation billing notice, the seat reservation display unit 2008 displays an image indicating that the payment to pay the cancellation fee for the reserved seat has been made.

[0079] Furthermore, when check-in is performed, the seat reservation display unit 2008 receives seat reservation information containing details of the checked-in seat. Based on the seat reservation information, the seat reservation display unit 2008 displays a check-in completion notice indicating that check-in has been completed. For example, the check-in completion notice notifies the seat code, time slot, number of people reserved, and seat fee.

[0080] Furthermore, the seat reservation display unit 2008 receives an end advance notice notifying the end of the reserved time slot when the remaining time until the end of the reserved time slot falls below a specified time after check-in. When the end advance notice is received, the seat reservation display unit 2008 displays an image indicating the remaining time until the end of the reserved time slot.

[0081] Furthermore, when a payment for the seat charge for the reserved seat is made, the seat reservation display unit 2008 receives a seat accounting notice notifying that the payment for the seat charge for the reserved seat has been made. When the seat reservation display unit 2008 receives the seat accounting notice, it displays an image indicating that the payment for the seat charge for the reserved seat has been made.

[0082] The benefit display unit 2009 displays the benefit to be granted when a benefit is granted as a result of reserving a seat. In other words, when the reservation details of the product accepted by the product reservation accepting unit 2004 satisfy the benefit granting conditions, the benefit display unit 2009 displays on the display unit 205 that a benefit related to the seat reservation has been granted. The benefit display unit 2009 is an example of a display control means. More specifically, when the benefit display unit 2009 receives from the management server 10 a benefit granting notice notifying that the benefit content will be granted using the granting method set in the benefit table 117, it displays the granting method and benefit content included in the benefit granting notice.

[0083] The processor 101 of the management server 10 loads the control program 111 stored in the storage unit 103 into the RAM 102 and operates in accordance with the control program 111 to generate each functional unit in the RAM 102. As a result, the processor 101 of the management server 10 has, as functional units, an access management unit 1001, a product settlement management unit 1002, a product reservation management unit 1003, a product reservation notification unit 1004, a seat settlement management unit 1005, a seat reservation management unit 1006, a seat reservation notification unit 1007, and a benefit management unit 1008.

[0084] When the access management unit 1001 is accessed by a mobile terminal 20, it transmits reservation image information on which the reservation image G1 is based to the accessed mobile terminal 20. Here, when the mobile terminal 20 selects store T1 by pressing the store selection button G11, it displays the congestion status of the selected store T1 in the congestion status display area G12 and displays a product selection button G14 for selecting products at the selected store T1. Therefore, when the store T1 is selected by pressing the store selection button G11, the access management unit 1001 transmits to the mobile terminal 20 the order table 412 acquired from the store device 40 of the selected store T1 and the menu information acquired from the menu table 112.

[0085] The product settlement management unit 1002 manages the payment for the reserved product. More specifically, the product settlement management unit 1002 receives product settlement information for making the payment for the reserved product. The product settlement management unit 1002 also registers the received product settlement information in the customer table 114.

[0086] Furthermore, when a product reservation is accepted, the product settlement management unit 1002 executes settlement to receive payment for the reserved product based on the product settlement information. Specifically, the product settlement management unit 1002 executes settlement when various information is registered in the product reservation table 115. The timing of executing settlement is arbitrary. For example, the product settlement management unit 1002 may execute settlement when the product is reserved, when the completion of the product is notified, or when the product is handed over to the customer.

[0087] The product reservation management unit 1003 manages product reservations. More specifically, the product reservation management unit 1003 receives product reservation information related to product reservations. When the product reservation management unit 1003 receives the product reservation information, it issues a product reservation code. Then, the product reservation management unit 1003 registers the customer code, completion time, and order content information included in the received product reservation information in the product reservation table 115 in association with the issued product reservation code.

[0088] The product reservation notification unit 1004 executes notifications regarding product reservations. When payment is executed by the product settlement management unit 1002, the product reservation notification unit 1004 transmits a product settlement notification indicating that payment for the product has been executed. In other words, when a product reservation is accepted by the product reservation acceptance unit 2004 of the mobile terminal 20, the product reservation notification unit 1004 notifies that payment for the product has been executed. The product reservation notification unit 1004 is an example of a product settlement notification means. More specifically, when various information is registered in the product reservation table 115 by the product settlement management unit 1002 and payment is executed, the product reservation notification unit 1004 extracts notification destination information identified by the customer code registered in the product reservation table 115 from the customer table 114. Then, the product reservation notification unit 1004 transmits a product settlement notification to the notification destination indicated by the extracted notification destination information.

[0089] In addition, when the product reservation management unit 1003 registers the product reservation code, customer code, completion time, and order content information in the product reservation table 115, the product reservation notification unit 1004 transmits reservation registration information including the registered customer code, completion time, and order content information to the store device 40.

[0090] Furthermore, when the product reservation management unit 1003 receives a reservation acceptance notification from the in-store device 40 notifying that the reservation has been accepted, it transmits the reservation acceptance notification to the mobile terminal 20 that is the sender of the product reservation information.

[0091] The product reservation notification unit 1004 also notifies the mobile terminal 20 that the product has been completed. More specifically, the product reservation notification unit 1004 receives a product completion notification from the in-store device 40, notifying that the product has been completed. The product reservation notification unit 1004 identifies the customer who reserved the product based on the received product completion notification and the product reservation table 115. Specifically, the product reservation notification unit 1004 extracts from the product reservation table 115 a customer code associated with the same product reservation code as the product reservation code included in the received product completion notification. Then, based on the customer table 114, the product reservation notification unit 1004 transmits a product receipt notification to the notification destination identified by the customer's notification destination information, notifying that the reserved product has been completed and will be received. That is, the product reservation notification unit 1004 transmits a product receipt notification to the mobile terminal 20 of the customer who made the reservation.

[0092] The seat payment management unit 1005 manages the payment for the reserved seat. More specifically, the seat payment management unit 1005 receives seat payment method information indicating the payment method for paying for the reserved seat. The seat payment management unit 1005 also registers the received seat payment method information in the customer table 114.

[0093] Furthermore, when the reserved time slot registered in the seat reservation table 116 has passed, the seat settlement management unit 1005 executes a settlement to receive payment of the seat fee registered in the seat reservation table 116 using the payment method indicated in the seat settlement method information. Furthermore, when the benefit granted by the seat reservation is a discount on the seat fee, the seat settlement management unit 1005 executes a settlement to receive payment of the discounted seat fee. Note that the seat settlement management unit 1005 may execute a settlement at other times, not just when the reserved time slot has passed. For example, the product settlement management unit 1002 may execute a settlement when the seat is reserved, when the passenger checks in, or at some other time.

[0094] Furthermore, the seat settlement management unit 1005 executes settlement to receive payment of a cancellation fee when the seat reservation management unit 1006 cancels a seat reservation because the user does not check in within a specified time from the advance notice of cancellation. More specifically, the seat settlement management unit 1005 executes settlement to receive payment of a cancellation fee using a payment method associated with a seat reservation code indicating the seat reservation canceled by the seat reservation management unit 1006.

[0095] The seat reservation management unit 1006 manages seat reservations. More specifically, the seat reservation management unit 1006 receives seat reservation information related to seat reservations. When the seat reservation management unit 1006 receives the seat reservation information, it issues a seat reservation code. Furthermore, the seat reservation management unit 1006 registers the customer code, time period, number of people reserving, and seat fee included in the received seat reservation information in the seat reservation table 116 in association with the issued seat reservation code.

[0096] The seat reservation management unit 1006 cancels the seat reservation if check-in is not performed within a specified time from the advance notice of cancellation. More specifically, the seat reservation notification unit 1007 cancels the seat reservation if the check-in flag in the seat reservation table 116 does not become checked in within the specified time from the advance notice of cancellation. For example, the seat reservation notification unit 1007 may register the cancellation in the seat reservation table 116, or may delete the registration in the seat reservation table 116.

[0097] The seat reservation notification unit 1007 notifies about the seat reservation based on the check-in flag in the seat reservation table 116. The seat reservation notification unit 1007 is an example of a notification means. More specifically, when the seat reservation management unit 1006 registers the seat reservation code, customer code, time period, and number of people making a reservation in the seat reservation table 116, the seat reservation notification unit 1007 transmits the seat reservation code to the mobile terminal 20 that transmitted the seat reservation information.

[0098] Furthermore, the seat reservation notification unit 1007 registers that the user has checked in to the seat reserved by the seat reservation reception unit 2007. That is, when the seat reservation notification unit 1007 receives a seat reservation code from the check-in terminal 30, it changes the check-in flag associated with the same seat reservation code as the received seat reservation code to "checked in." The seat reservation management unit 1006 is an example of a registration means.

[0099] The seat reservation notification unit 1007 also extracts seat reservation information associated with the same seat reservation code as the received seat reservation code from the seat reservation table 116. That is, the seat reservation notification unit 1007 extracts the seat code, time period, number of people reserved, and seat fee as the seat reservation information. The seat reservation notification unit 1007 then transmits the extracted seat reservation information to the check-in terminal 30 that transmitted the seat reservation code.

[0100] Furthermore, the seat reservation notification unit 1007 transmits an end advance notification notifying the end of the reserved time slot when the remaining time until the end of the time slot for the reserved seat falls below a specified time. More specifically, when the remaining time until the end of the time slot registered in the seat reservation table 116 falls below a specified time, the seat reservation notification unit 1007 extracts notification destination information identified by the customer code registered in the seat reservation table 116 from the customer table 114. Then, the seat reservation notification unit 1007 transmits an end advance notification to the notification destination indicated by the extracted notification destination information.

[0101] Furthermore, when payment is executed by the seat payment management unit 1005, the seat reservation notification unit 1007 transmits a seat payment notification indicating that payment for the seat fee has been executed. In other words, the seat reservation notification unit 1007 notifies that payment for the reserved seat has been executed after the reserved time slot accepted by the seat reservation acceptance unit 2007 of the mobile terminal 20 has elapsed. The seat reservation notification unit 1007 is an example of a seat payment notification means. More specifically, when the time slot registered in the seat reservation table 116 has elapsed and payment has been executed, the seat reservation notification unit 1007 extracts notification destination information identified by the customer code registered in the seat reservation table 116 from the customer table 114. Then, the seat reservation notification unit 1007 transmits a seat payment notification to the notification destination indicated by the extracted notification destination information.

[0102] Here, if the benefit granted by the seat reservation is a discount on the seat fee, the seat payment management unit 1005 executes payment to receive payment for the discounted seat fee. Therefore, the seat payment management unit 1005 may notify that the benefit notified by the benefit management unit 1008 has been applied to the seat payment. For example, the seat payment management unit 1005 may notify the discount amount discounted by the benefit, the amount paid after the discount, or that the benefit was discounted.

[0103] Furthermore, the seat reservation notification unit 1007 notifies the user about the seat reservation when the check-in flag in the seat reservation table 116 does not indicate that the user has checked in. More specifically, the seat reservation notification unit 1007 transmits a reservation time notification notifying the user that the start time of the reserved seat has passed when the start time of the reserved time slot has passed without the user having checked in. Specifically, when the check-in flag in the seat reservation table 116 indicates that the check-in has not been performed and the start time of the time slot has passed, the seat reservation notification unit 1007 extracts notification destination information identified by the customer code registered in the seat reservation table 116 from the customer table 114. The seat reservation notification unit 1007 then transmits a reservation time notification to the notification destination indicated by the extracted notification destination information.

[0104] Furthermore, if the check-in flag in the seat reservation table 116 is not registered as checked in and a specified period has elapsed, the seat reservation notification unit 1007 notifies that the seat reservation has been canceled, i.e., the seat reservation notification unit 1007 cancels the seat reservation without canceling the product reservation.

[0105] More specifically, if a set time has passed since the reservation time notification without the customer being checked in, the seat reservation notification unit 1007 transmits a cancellation advance notice, notifying the customer that the seat reservation will be canceled unless the customer checks in within the specified time. Specifically, if the check-in flag in the seat reservation table 116 indicates that the check-in has not been performed and a set time has passed since the reservation time notification, the seat reservation notification unit 1007 extracts notification destination information identified by the customer code registered in the seat reservation table 116 from the customer table 114. Then, the seat reservation notification unit 1007 transmits a cancellation advance notice to the notification destination indicated by the extracted notification destination information.

[0106] Furthermore, when a seat reservation is canceled by the seat payment management unit 1005, the seat reservation notification unit 1007 transmits a cancellation notification notifying that the seat reservation has been canceled. More specifically, the seat reservation notification unit 1007 extracts, from the seat reservation table 116, the customer code included in the seat reservation canceled by the seat payment management unit 1005. Furthermore, the seat reservation notification unit 1007 extracts notification destination information identified by the extracted customer code from the customer table 114. Then, the seat reservation notification unit 1007 transmits a cancellation notification to the notification destination indicated by the extracted notification destination information.

[0107] Furthermore, the seat reservation notification unit 1007 transmits a cancellation payment notification indicating that payment for the cancellation fee has been executed when payment for the cancellation fee has been executed by the seat payment management unit 1005. More specifically, the seat reservation notification unit 1007 extracts notification destination information identified by a customer code associated with a seat reservation code indicating a seat reservation for which payment for the cancellation fee has been executed by the seat payment management unit 1005 from the customer table 114. Then, the seat reservation notification unit 1007 transmits a cancellation payment notification to the notification destination indicated by the extracted notification destination information.

[0108] The benefit management unit 1008 manages the granting of benefits for seats in the reserved seat area A12. When the product reservation details accepted by the product reservation acceptance unit 2004 of the mobile terminal 20 satisfy the granting conditions in the benefit table 117, the benefit management unit 1008 notifies the customer that a benefit related to the seat reservation will be granted. The benefit management unit 1008 is an example of a benefit notification means. For example, the benefit management unit 1008 extracts seat reservations whose reserved time slots have passed, based on the seat reservation table 116. Then, the benefit management unit 1008 grants a benefit to the customer who reserved the extracted seat. In other words, the benefit management unit 1008 notifies the customer of the content of the benefit to be granted after the reserved time slot for the seat accepted by the seat reservation acceptance unit 2007 of the mobile terminal 20 has passed.

[0109] More specifically, every time a certain period of time passes, the benefit management unit 1008 extracts from the seat reservation table 116 the customer codes whose reserved time slots have passed. The benefit management unit 1008 extracts from the product reservation table 115 the order detail information associated with the same customer code as the extracted customer code. Then, based on the benefit table 117, the benefit management unit 1008 identifies the benefit details that match the extracted order detail information.

[0110] Specifically, the benefit management unit 1008 extracts, from the benefit table 117, the benefit details for which the valid flag is enabled, the conditions for granting the benefit are met, and the benefit is available during the benefit period. The benefit management unit 1008 also extracts, from the customer table 114, notification destination information identified by the customer code associated with the extracted order detail information. The benefit management unit 1008 then transmits the extracted benefit details to the extracted notification destination information. As a result, the benefit management unit 1008 notifies the customer that a benefit related to the seat reservation will be granted.

[0111] Processor 301 included in check-in terminal 30 loads control program 311 stored in storage unit 303 into RAM 302, and operates in accordance with control program 311 to generate each functional unit in RAM 302. As a result, processor 301 included in check-in terminal 30 has, as functional units, check-in reception unit 3001 and check-in display unit 3002.

[0112] The check-in reception unit 3001 receives an operation for checking in. For example, the check-in reception unit 3001 receives an operation for inputting a seat reservation code on a code input image G3 (see FIG. 17).

[0113] The check-in display unit 3002 displays an image related to check-in on the display unit 305. For example, the check-in display unit 3002 displays a standby image G2 on the display unit 305. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the standby image G2. The standby image G2 is an image that waits for a customer to check in. For example, the standby image G2 has a message that reads, "If you have a seat reservation, please check in here." The standby image G2 also has a check-in button G21. The check-in button G21 is a button that accepts an operation to start check-in.

[0114] When the check-in button G21 is pressed, the check-in display unit 3002 displays a code input image G3 on the display unit 305. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the code input image G3. The code input image G3 is an image that accepts input of a seat reservation code. The code input image G3 has a code input field G31, a back button G32, and a next button G33. The code input field G31 is an input field that accepts input of a seat reservation code. The back button G32 is a button that accepts an operation to display a standby image G2. The next button G33 is a button that accepts an operation to display a reservation details image G4 related to the reservation of a seat identified by the seat reservation code entered in the code input field G31.

[0115] When the Next button G33 is pressed, the check-in reception unit 3001 transmits the seat reservation code entered in the code input field G31 to the management server 10. Furthermore, when the seat reservation code entered in the code input field G31 is in the seat reservation table 116, the check-in display unit 3002 receives seat reservation information corresponding to the seat reservation code.

[0116] When the check-in display unit 3002 receives seat reservation information, it displays a reservation details image G4 on the display unit 305. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the reservation details image G4. The reservation details image G4 is an image showing the details of the seat reservation specified by the seat reservation code. For example, the reservation details image G4 includes a seat code indicating the reserved seat, the reserved time period, the number of people who have made the reservation, and the seat fee related to the reservation.

[0117] The processor 401 included in the in-store device 40 loads the control program 411 stored in the storage unit 403 into the RAM 402, and operates in accordance with the control program 411 to generate each functional unit in the RAM 402. As a result, the processor 401 included in the in-store device 40 has, as functional units, an order receiving unit 4001, an order output unit 4002, a completion receiving unit 4003, and a completion notifying unit 4004.

[0118] The order receiving unit 4001 receives product orders. For example, the order receiving unit 4001 receives product reservations from the mobile terminal 20 via the management server 10. That is, the order receiving unit 4001 receives reservation registration information related to product reservations registered in the management server 10 from the management server 10.

[0119] When the order receiving unit 4001 receives reservation registration information from the management server 10, it registers the order code including the product reservation code contained in the reservation registration information, the completion time, and the order content information in the order table 412. Furthermore, when the sale of a product is accepted at store T1 via a POS terminal or the like, the order receiving unit 4001 registers the order code and the order content information acquired from the POS terminal in the order table 412.

[0120] When the order receiving unit 4001 registers a product reservation in the order table 412, it transmits a reservation acceptance notice to the management server 10 to notify that the product reservation has been accepted. The reservation acceptance notice includes the product reservation code registered in the order table 412.

[0121] The order output unit 4002 outputs the order information received by the order receiving unit 4001. That is, the order output unit 4002 outputs the ordered product code, product name, quantity, total price, etc. The waiter then prepares the product indicated by the order information, in other words, the dish. For example, the order output unit 4002 outputs the order information by displaying it on the display unit 405. Alternatively, the order output unit 4002 may output the order information by printing it using the printing unit 407.

[0122] The completion receiving unit 4003 receives an operation indicating that the production of the product indicated by the order content information has been completed. In other words, the completion receiving unit 4003 receives an operation to call the customer who placed the order because the production of the product indicated by the order content information has been completed. More specifically, the completion receiving unit 4003 receives an operation indicating the production completion by specifying an order code indicating the product whose production has been completed.

[0123] The completion notification unit 4004 transmits a product completion notification indicating that the reserved product is completed. More specifically, when the completion reception unit 4003 receives an operation indicating that the product is completed, if the specified order code includes a product reservation code, the completion notification unit 4004 transmits a product completion notification including the product reservation code to the management server 10. Then, when the management server 10 receives the product completion notification, it transmits a product receipt notification to the mobile terminal 20 of the customer who reserved the product.

[0124] Next, the processes executed by each device in the reservation system 1 will be described.

[0125] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a reservation process executed by each device in the reservation system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0126] The access management unit 1001 of the management server 10 displays the reserved image G1 on the mobile terminal 20 (step S1).

[0127] Each device in the reservation system 1 executes the seat reservation process shown in FIG. 20 to reserve a seat in the reserved seat area A12 (step S2).

[0128] Each device of the reservation system 1 executes a product reservation process (product order process) shown in FIG. 21 to reserve (order) a product sold by the store T1 (step S3). The product reservation process may also be rephrased as a product order process to order a product sold by the store T1. In the reservation process shown in FIG. 19, the reservation system 1 executes the product reservation process after the seat reservation process. However, the reservation system 1 may execute the seat reservation process after the product reservation process.

[0129] The seat reservation management unit 1006 of the management server 10 determines whether or not a user has checked in to the reserved seat area A12 based on the check-in flag in the seat reservation table 116 (step S4). If a user has checked in (step S4; Yes), the seat reservation notification unit 1007 determines whether or not the predicted end time, which notifies the user of the end of the reserved time slot, has passed (step S5). If the predicted end time has not passed (step S5; No), the seat reservation notification unit 1007 waits.

[0130] If the predicted end time has passed (step S5; Yes), the seat reservation notification unit 1007 transmits a predicted end notification to the mobile terminal 20, which notifies the mobile terminal 20 of the end of the reserved time slot (step S6).

[0131] The seat reservation notification unit 1007 determines whether the reserved time period has passed (step S7). If the reserved time period has not passed (step S7; No), the seat reservation notification unit 1007 waits.

[0132] If the reserved time period has passed (step S7; Yes), the benefit management unit 1008 sends a benefit grant notification to the mobile terminal 20 notifying that a benefit determined based on the benefit table 117 will be granted (step S8).

[0133] The seat reservation notification unit 1007 transmits a seat settlement notification to the mobile terminal 20 indicating that the settlement for receiving payment for the reservation of the seat in the reserved seat area A12 has been executed (step S9).

[0134] If check-in is not performed in step S4 (step S4; No), the seat reservation notification unit 1007 determines whether the start time of the reserved time slot has passed (step S10). If the start time has not passed (step S10; No), the seat reservation notification unit 1007 proceeds to step S4.

[0135] If the start time has passed (step S10; Yes), the seat reservation notification unit 1007 transmits a reservation time notification to the mobile terminal 20 notifying that the start time of the reserved seat has passed (step S11).

[0136] The seat reservation notification unit 1007 determines whether or not check-in has occurred within the set time based on the check-in flag in the seat reservation table 116 (step S12). If check-in has occurred within the set time (step S12; Yes), the seat reservation notification unit 1007 proceeds to step S5.

[0137] If the check-in is not performed within the set time (step S12; No), the seat reservation notification unit 1007 transmits a cancellation advance notice to the mobile terminal 20, which advances the cancellation of the seat reservation (step S13).

[0138] The seat reservation notification unit 1007 determines whether or not the check-in has occurred within a specified time from the cancellation advance notice based on the check-in flag in the seat reservation table 116 (step S14). If the check-in has occurred within the specified time (step S14; Yes), the seat reservation notification unit 1007 proceeds to step S5.

[0139] If the check-in is not completed within the specified time (step S14; No), the seat reservation notification unit 1007 transmits a cancellation advance notice to the mobile terminal 20 notifying that the seat reservation has been cancelled (step S15).

[0140] The seat reservation notification unit 1007 transmits a cancellation settlement notification to the mobile terminal 20 indicating that a settlement for receiving the cancellation fee due to the cancellation of the seat reservation has been executed (step S16).

[0141] With the above, each device in the reservation system 1 completes the reservation process. The management server 10 may directly transmit the information to be notified to the mobile terminal 20. Alternatively, the management server 10 may indirectly transmit the information to be notified to the mobile terminal 20 via another server device (not shown) different from the management server 10, a POS terminal, a client PC, or the like.

[0142] 20 is a flowchart showing an example of a seat reservation process executed by the mobile terminal 20 and the management server 10 according to the first embodiment. The seat reservation process is a process executed in step S2 of the reservation process shown in FIG.

[0143] The seat reservation accepting unit 2007 of the mobile terminal 20 accepts an operation to reserve a seat on the seat reservation image displayed by pressing the seat reservation button G16 (step S21). For example, the seat reservation accepting unit 2007 accepts an operation to input the time period to be reserved and the number of people to be reserved.

[0144] The seat reservation acceptance unit 2007 transmits seat reservation information including the reservation details designated by the operation to the management server 10 (step S22).

[0145] The seat reservation management unit 1006 of the management server 10 receives the seat reservation information from the mobile terminal 20 (step S23).

[0146] The seat reservation management unit 1006 registers a seat reservation in the seat reservation table 116 based on the received seat reservation information (step S24). More specifically, the seat reservation management unit 1006 issues a seat reservation code and registers it in the seat reservation table 116. The seat reservation management unit 1006 also registers the customer code, time period, and number of people reserved contained in the received seat reservation information in the seat reservation table 116. The seat reservation management unit 1006 also registers a seat code indicating a seat that matches the time period and number of people reserved. The seat reservation management unit 1006 also registers a seat fee according to the time period and number of people reserved in the seat reservation table 116. The seat reservation management unit 1006 also registers a check-in flag indicating an incomplete check-in in the seat reservation table 116.

[0147] The seat reservation notification unit 1007 transmits the seat reservation code registered in the seat reservation table 116 to the mobile terminal 20 (step S25).

[0148] The seat reservation display unit 2008 of the mobile terminal 20 receives the seat reservation code from the management server 10 (step S26).

[0149] The seat reservation display unit 2008 displays the received seat reservation code on the display unit 205 (step S27).

[0150] With the above, the mobile terminal 20 and the management server 10 complete the seat reservation process. Note that the mobile terminal 20 and the management server 10 may transmit information such as notifications directly or indirectly via other devices.

[0151] 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a product reservation process executed by the mobile terminal 20, the management server 10, and the store device 40 according to the first embodiment. The product reservation process is a process executed in step S3 of the reservation process shown in FIG.

[0152] The product reservation receiving unit 2004 of the mobile terminal 20 receives an operation to select a product to be reserved using the product selection button G14 of the reservation image G1 (step S31).

[0153] The product reservation receiving unit 2004 transmits product reservation information for reserving the product selected by the operation to the management server 10 (step S32).

[0154] The product reservation management unit 1003 of the management server 10 receives the product reservation information from the mobile terminal 20 (step S33).

[0155] The product reservation management unit 1003 registers the product reservation in the product reservation table 115 based on the received product reservation information (step S34). More specifically, the product reservation management unit 1003 issues a product reservation code and registers it in the product reservation table 115. The product reservation management unit 1003 also registers the customer code, completion time, and order content information contained in the received product reservation information in the product reservation table 115.

[0156] The product reservation management unit 1003 transmits reservation registration information relating to the reservation of the registered product to the in-store device 40 (step S35).

[0157] The order receiving unit 4001 of the in-store device 40 receives the reservation registration information from the management server 10 (step S36).

[0158] The order receiving unit 4001 registers the product reservation in the order table 412 based on the received reservation registration information (step S37). More specifically, the order receiving unit 4001 registers the order code including the product reservation code contained in the reservation registration information, the completion time, and the order content information in the order table 412.

[0159] The order receiving unit 4001 transmits a reservation acceptance notice to the management server 10 to notify that a reservation for the product has been accepted (step S38). The reservation acceptance notice includes the product reservation code registered in the order table 412.

[0160] The product reservation management unit 1003 of the management server 10 receives the reservation acceptance notification from the in-store device 40 (step S39). The product reservation notification unit 1004 transmits the received reservation acceptance notification to the mobile terminal 20 (step S40).

[0161] The product reservation display unit 2005 of the mobile terminal 20 receives the reservation acceptance notification from the management server 10 (step S41). Based on the reservation acceptance notification, the product reservation display unit 2005 displays on the display unit 205 that the product reservation has been accepted (step S42).

[0162] Thus, the mobile terminal 20, the management server 10, and the store device 40 complete the product reservation process. Note that the mobile terminal 20, the management server 10, and the store device 40 may transmit information such as notifications directly or indirectly via other devices.

[0163] 22 is a flowchart showing an example of check-in processing executed by the check-in terminal 30 and the management server 10 according to the first embodiment. The check-in processing is processing for checking in a reserved seat.

[0164] The check-in display unit 3002 of the check-in terminal 30 displays a standby image G2 for waiting for check-in on the display unit 305 (step S51).

[0165] When the check-in button G21 on the standby image G2 is pressed, the check-in display unit 3002 displays a code input image G3 on the display unit 305 (step S52).

[0166] The check-in reception unit 3001 receives the seat reservation code in the code input field G31 of the code input image G3 (step S53).

[0167] The check-in reception unit 3001 transmits the seat reservation code entered in the code entry field G31 to the management server 10 (step S54).

[0168] The seat reservation management unit 1006 of the management server 10 receives the seat reservation code from the check-in terminal 30 (step S55).

[0169] The seat reservation management unit 1006 checks in based on the received seat reservation code (step S56). More specifically, the seat reservation management unit 1006 changes the check-in flag specified by the received seat reservation code to "checked in" in the seat reservation table 116. The seat reservation management unit 1006 also acquires seat reservation information specified by the received seat reservation code from the seat reservation table 116. The seat reservation information includes a seat code, a time slot, the number of people reserving, and a seat fee.

[0170] The seat reservation notification unit 1007 transmits the acquired seat reservation information to the check-in terminal 30 and the mobile terminal 20 (step S57).

[0171] Check-in display unit 3002 of check-in terminal 30 receives the seat reservation information from management server 10 (step S58).

[0172] The check-in display unit 3002 displays a reservation details image G4 on the display unit 305 based on the received seat reservation information (step S59).

[0173] The seat reservation display unit 2008 of the mobile terminal 20 receives the seat reservation information from the management server 10 (step S60).

[0174] The seat reservation display unit 2008 displays a check-in completion notice indicating that check-in has been completed (step S61).

[0175] With the above, the check-in process is completed by the mobile terminal 20, the check-in terminal 30, and the management server 10. Note that the mobile terminal 20, the check-in terminal 30, and the management server 10 may transmit information such as notifications directly, or may transmit the information indirectly via another device.

[0176] 23 is a flowchart showing an example of a product receiving process executed by the store device 40, the management server 10, and the mobile terminal 20 according to the first embodiment. The product receiving process is a process for notifying the customer that the reserved product has been completed and that the product should be received.

[0177] The completion receiving unit 4003 of the in-store device 40 receives an operation indicating that the product specified by the order code has been completed (step S71).

[0178] When the completion notification unit 4004 receives an operation indicating that the product has been completed, it sends a product completion notification to the management server 10 (step S72). The product completion notification includes the order code received in the operation indicating that the product has been completed. In addition, the order code for ordering the reserved product includes the product reservation code.

[0179] The product reservation notification unit 1004 of the management server 10 receives the product completion notification from the in-store device 40 (step S73).

[0180] The product reservation notification unit 1004 transmits a product receipt notification to the mobile terminal 20 based on the product completion notification (step S74). The product reservation notification unit 1004 identifies the customer code by the product reservation code included in the order code of the received product completion notification, based on the product reservation table 115. The product reservation notification unit 1004 also acquires notification destination information for the identified customer code, based on the customer table 114. The product reservation notification unit 1004 then transmits the product receipt notification to the notification destination indicated in the acquired notification destination information. As a result, the product reservation notification unit 1004 transmits a product receipt notification to the mobile terminal 20 notifying the customer to come to store T1 to pick up the product.

[0181] The product reservation display unit 2005 of the mobile terminal 20 receives the product receipt notification from the management server 10 (step S75). The product reservation display unit 2005 also displays the product receipt notification on the display unit 205 (step S76).

[0182] Thus, the in-store device 40, the management server 10, and the mobile terminal 20 complete the product receiving process. Note that the in-store device 40, the management server 10, and the mobile terminal 20 may transmit information such as notifications directly or indirectly via other devices.

[0183] As described above, the reservation system 1 according to the first embodiment accepts reservations for the number of people and time slots for seats shared by multiple stores T1. The reservation system 1 also accepts reservations for products from the menus of each of the multiple stores T1. If the accepted product reservation details satisfy the conditions for granting the benefit, the reservation system 1 notifies the user that a benefit related to the seat reservation will be granted. In this way, when a seat is reserved, the reservation system 1 grants a benefit related to the seat reservation according to the product reservation details, thereby promoting the use of seat reservations at food courts.

[0184] (Second embodiment) FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reservation system 1a according to the second embodiment.

[0185] 24, the reservation system 1a according to the second embodiment does not have a check-in terminal 30. The mobile terminal 20a has a function for executing check-in processing. For example, when a customer arrives at the reserved seat area A12, the customer performs check-in processing using his / her own mobile terminal 20a.

[0186] FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of each device in the reservation system 1a according to the second embodiment.

[0187] The processor 201 included in the mobile terminal 20a loads the control program 211 stored in the storage unit 203 into the RAM 202, and operates in accordance with the control program 211 to generate each functional unit in the RAM 202. As a result, the processor 201 included in the mobile terminal 20a has, as functional units, an access information acquisition unit 2001, a reservation display unit 2002, a product payment acceptance unit 2003, a product reservation acceptance unit 2004, a product reservation display unit 2005, a seat payment acceptance unit 2006, a check-in acceptance unit 2011, a seat reservation acceptance unit 2007, a seat reservation display unit 2008a, a check-in display unit 2012, and a benefit display unit 2009.

[0188] The access information acquisition unit 2001, reservation display unit 2002, product payment acceptance unit 2003, product reservation acceptance unit 2004, product reservation display unit 2005, seat payment acceptance unit 2006, and benefit display unit 2009 have the same functions as those in the first embodiment.

[0189] When the product reservation receiving unit 2004 receives an operation to reserve a seat, it transmits seat reservation information to the management server 10a.

[0190] The seat reservation display unit 2008a receives a seat code indicating the reserved seat as a response to the seat reservation information, and then displays a reservation notification image G5 based on the seat reservation information and the received seat code.

[0191] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a reservation notification image G5. The reservation notification image G5 is an image that notifies the user of the details of the accepted seat reservation. For example, the reservation notification image G5 includes the time period, the number of people making the reservation, and the seat code. That is, the seat reservation display unit 2008a displays the seat reserved by the customer on behalf of the check-in terminal 30. Furthermore, the reservation notification image G5 includes a check-in button G51. The check-in button G51 is a button that accepts an operation to start check-in.

[0192] The check-in reception unit 2011 receives an operation to check in to a reserved seat. More specifically, the check-in reception unit 2011 receives a seat code for identifying a seat. For example, the check-in reception unit 2011 obtains the seat code by reading a code symbol, such as a two-dimensional code, indicating the seat code using an imaging unit such as a camera.

[0193] For example, the customer causes the mobile terminal 20a to read the code symbols attached to each seat in the reserved seating area A12. As a result, the check-in reception unit 2011 acquires the seat code indicating the seat to which the code symbol is attached. Note that the check-in reception unit 2011 is not limited to reading the seat code using the imaging unit, and may acquire the seat code by operation, by short-range wireless communication, or by other methods.

[0194] When the check-in reception unit 2011 acquires the seat code, it transmits the acquired seat code and a customer code indicating the customer to the management server 10a.

[0195] The check-in display unit 2012 displays an image related to check-in on the display unit 205. When the check-in button G51 is pressed, the check-in display unit 2012 displays a scanned image G6. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of the scanned image G6. The scanned image G6 has a frame G61. The check-in reception unit 2011 acquires a seat code by reading the code symbol inside the frame G61. Then, when the check-in reception unit 2011 acquires the seat code, it transmits the acquired seat code and a customer code indicating the customer to the management server 10a.

[0196] When check-in is complete, the management server 10a transmits seat reservation information to the mobile terminal 20a. When the check-in display unit 2012 receives the seat reservation information from the management server 10a, it displays a check-in completion image G7 on the display unit 205 based on the seat reservation information. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of the check-in completion image G7. The check-in completion image G7 is an image notifying the completion of check-in for the reserved seat. For example, the check-in completion image G7 includes the time zone, the number of people reserved, and the seat code.

[0197] 29 is a flowchart showing an example of check-in processing executed by the mobile terminal 20a and the management server 10a according to the second embodiment. The check-in processing is processing for checking in a reserved seat.

[0198] After receiving the seat code indicating the reserved seat, the seat reservation display unit 2008a of the mobile terminal 20a displays the reservation notification image G5 when a display operation is accepted (step S81).

[0199] When the check-in button G51 of the reservation notification image G5 is pressed, the check-in display unit 2012 displays the scanned image G6 on the display unit 205 (step S82).

[0200] The check-in reception unit 2011 acquires the seat code by scanning the code symbol inside the frame G61 of the scanned image G6 (step S83).

[0201] The check-in reception unit 2011 transmits the seat code and the customer code to the management server 10a (step S84).

[0202] The seat reservation management unit 1006a of the management server 10a receives the seat code and the customer code from the mobile terminal 20a (step S85).

[0203] The seat reservation management unit 1006a checks in based on the received seat code and customer code (step S86). More specifically, the seat reservation management unit 1006a changes the check-in flag specified by the received seat code and customer code to "checked in" in the seat reservation table 116. The seat reservation management unit 1006a also obtains seat reservation information specified by the received seat code and customer code from the seat reservation table 116. The seat reservation information includes the seat code, time period, number of people reserved, and seat fee.

[0204] The seat reservation notification unit 1007a transmits the acquired seat reservation information to the mobile terminal 20a (step S87).

[0205] The check-in display unit 2012 of the mobile terminal 20a receives the seat reservation information from the management server 10a (step S88).

[0206] The check-in display unit 2012 displays a check-in completion image G7 on the display unit 205 based on the received seat reservation information (step S89).

[0207] With the above, the mobile terminal 20a and the management server 10a finish the check-in process. Note that the mobile terminal 20a and the management server 10a may transmit information such as notifications directly or indirectly via other devices.

[0208] As described above, the reservation system 1a according to the second embodiment does not have a check-in terminal 30. Even in this case, the reservation system 1a grants a seat reservation benefit and notifies the user that a seat reservation benefit has been granted if the accepted product reservation details satisfy the benefit conditions. Therefore, the reservation system 1a can promote the use of seat reservations at food courts.

[0209] (Variation 1) The reservation system 1 according to the first embodiment and the reservation system 1a according to the second embodiment have been described as accepting reservations for products. "Reserving a product" may be rephrased as "ordering a product." Furthermore, when ordering a product, the reservation systems 1 and 1a may specify a completion time for receiving the product, or may not specify a completion time. In other words, the reservation systems 1 and 1a may accept an immediate start of production of the product, similar to when ordering at a store.

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

[0211] The programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments and modifications are provided by being pre-installed in a storage medium (ROM or storage unit) included in each device, but this is not limited to this. For example, the programs may be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable format on a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Furthermore, the storage medium is not limited to a medium independent of the computer or embedded system, but also includes a storage medium that stores or temporarily stores a program downloaded via a LAN, the Internet, or the like.

[0212] In addition, the programs executed by each device in the above embodiments and variants may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network, or may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. [Explanation of symbols]

[0213] 1, 1a Reservation System 10, 10a Management Server 20, 20a Mobile devices 30 Check-in terminals 40 Store equipment 112 Menu Table 113 Seat Table 114 Customer Table 115 Product Reservation Table 116 Seat reservation table 117 Bonus Table 412 Order Table 1001 Access Control Department 1002 Product Payment Management Department 1003 Product Reservation Management Department 1004 Product reservation notification section 1005 Seat Payment Management Department 1006, 1006a Seat Reservation Management Department 1007, 1007a Seat reservation notification section 1008 Benefits Management Department 2001 Access Information Acquisition Department 2002 Reservation display section 2003 Payment Reception Department 2004 Product Reservations Department 2005 Product Reservation Display 2006 Seat Payment Reception 2007 Seat Reservations 2008, 2008a seat reservation display 2009 Bonus Display 2011, 3001 Check-in Reception 2012, 3002 Check-in display 4001 Order Reception Department 4002 Order Output Unit 4003 Completion Reception 4004 Completion Notification Department A12 Reserved seating area G1 Reserved Image G3 code input image G2 standby image G4 Reservation Contents Image G5 Reservation Notification Image G6 scanned image G7 Check-in completed image [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0214] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-124694

Claims

1. a seat reservation means for accepting reservations for the number of people and time slots for seats shared by multiple stores; a product reservation means for accepting reservations for products from the menus of each of the plurality of stores; a benefit notification means for notifying the user that a benefit related to the seat reservation will be granted when the reservation details of the product accepted by the product reservation means satisfy a granting condition; A reservation system that includes:

2. the benefit notification means notifies the user of the content of the benefit to be granted after the time period accepted by the seat reservation means has elapsed. The reservation system according to claim 1.

3. The system further comprises a product payment notification means for notifying the user that payment for the product has been made when the product reservation means has accepted the product reservation. The reservation system according to claim 1.

4. The seat reservation system further includes a seat payment notification means for notifying the user that payment for the seat has been made after the time period accepted by the seat reservation means has elapsed. The reservation system according to claim 1.

5. the seat payment notification means notifies that the benefit notified by the benefit notification means has been applied to the payment for the seat; The reservation system according to claim 4.

6. a seat reservation means for accepting reservations for the number of people and time slots for seats shared by multiple stores; a product reservation means for accepting reservations for products from the menus of each of the plurality of stores; a display control means for displaying on a display unit, when the reservation details of the product accepted by the product reservation means satisfy the conditions for granting the benefit, that the benefit related to the seat reservation has been granted; A mobile terminal comprising:

Images