Server device, server device control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a server device capable of contributing to improving customer satisfaction of hotel users.SOLUTION: A server device comprises pre-assignment control means and check-in control means. The pre-assignment control means pre-assigns a guest room in advance to a person who has made a reservation after the reservation is accepted. The check-in control means determines whether or not the pre-assigned guest room can be assigned to a guest wishing to check in on the basis of a status of the guest room pre-assigned to the guest wishing to check in. If the pre-assigned guest room is assignable, the check-in control means assigns the guest room pre-assigned to the guest wishing to check in to the guest wishing to check in. If the pre-assigned guest room is not assignable, the check-in control means assigns a guest room different from the guest room pre-assigned to the guest wishing to check in to the guest wishing to check in.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device, a method for controlling a server device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Technology exists for hotel room allocation.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes providing an optimized room allocation for a hotel in response to receiving multiple hard and soft constraints and receiving reservation preferences and room characteristics. The optimization disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes determining a guest satisfaction allocation cost based on the reservation preferences and room characteristics and determining an operational efficiency allocation cost. The optimization further includes generating a weighted cost matrix based on the guest satisfaction allocation cost and the operational efficiency allocation cost, and generating a preliminary room allocation based on the weighted cost matrix. If the preliminary room allocation is feasible, the preliminary room allocation is an optimized room allocation with a feasible selection of matrix elements. If the preliminary room allocation is not feasible, one or more constraints are relaxed and the optimization is repeated until the preliminary room allocation is feasible. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2022-552028 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Large hotels and other establishments sometimes use a "pre-assignment" system, where rooms are assigned when a reservation is made. Also, the time at which guests can check in is often predetermined. However, some guests may arrive before the check-in time. In this case, cleaning of the pre-assigned room may not be completed for the guest who wishes to check in.

[0006] Guests who arrive at the hotel before the check-in time will not be able to enter rooms that have not yet been cleaned (pre-assigned rooms), which will result in lower customer satisfaction.

[0007] It should be noted that Patent Document 1 does not assume that guests who have made reservations will arrive at the hotel before the check-in time. Therefore, even if the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is applied, the above problem cannot be solved.

[0008] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a server device, a method for controlling a server device, and a program that contribute to improving customer satisfaction among hotel guests. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server device comprising: a pre-assignment control means for pre-assigning a guest room in advance to a guest who has made a reservation for accommodation and whose reservation has been accepted; and a check-in control means for determining, based on the status of the guest room pre-assigned to the check-in requester, whether or not the pre-assigned guest room can be assigned to the check-in requester, and assigning the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in requester if the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in requester is assignable to the check-in requester; and for assigning a guest room different from the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in requester if the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in requester is not assignable to the check-in requester.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for a server device, comprising: a pre-assignment control step of pre-assigning a guest room to a guest who has made a reservation for accommodation and whose reservation has been accepted; and a check-in control step of determining, based on the status of the guest room pre-assigned to the check-in requester, whether or not the pre-assigned guest room can be assigned to the check-in requester, and allocating the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in requester if the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in requester is assignable to the check-in requester; and allocating a guest room different from the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in requester if the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in requester is not assignable to the check-in requester.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer mounted on a server device to execute: a pre-assignment control process for pre-assigning a guest room to a guest whose reservation has been accepted; and a check-in control process for determining, based on the status of the guest room pre-assigned to the check-in requester, whether or not the pre-assigned guest room can be assigned to the check-in requester, and allocating the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in requester if the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in requester is assignable to the check-in requester; and allocating a guest room different from the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in requester if the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in requester is not assignable to the check-in requester. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to each aspect of the present invention, a server device, a server device control method, and a program are provided that contribute to improving customer satisfaction of hotel guests. Note that the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above. The present invention may achieve other effects instead of or in addition to the effects described above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of the operation of one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on the cleaner terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on the cleaner terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reservation status management database according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a guest management database according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the check-in control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of the reception terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a server device according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a hotel terminal according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a hotel terminal according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] First, an overview of one embodiment will be described. Note that the reference numerals in the drawings are added to each element for convenience as an example to facilitate understanding, and the description of this overview is not intended to be limiting in any way. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the blocks shown in each drawing represent functional units, not hardware units. Connection lines between blocks in each drawing include both bidirectional and unidirectional lines. Unidirectional arrows are used to schematically indicate the flow of main signals (data) and do not exclude bidirectionality. Note that in this specification and drawings, elements that can be similarly described may be assigned the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation.

[0015] The server device 100 according to one embodiment includes pre-assignment control means 101 and check-in control means 102 (see FIG. 1). The pre-assignment control means 101 performs pre-assignment, which assigns a guest room in advance to a guest whose reservation has been accepted (step S1 in FIG. 2). The check-in control means 102 determines whether the pre-assigned guest room can be assigned to the check-in applicant based on the status of the guest room pre-assigned to the check-in applicant (step S2). If the pre-assigned guest room can be assigned to the check-in applicant, the check-in control means 102 assigns the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant (step S3). If the pre-assigned guest room cannot be assigned to the check-in applicant, the check-in control means 102 assigns a guest room different from the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant (step S4).

[0016] When a user (a person wishing to check in) arrives at a hotel before the hotel's predetermined check-in time, the server device 100 determines whether the pre-assigned room is available to the user based on the status of the pre-assigned room. Specifically, if the pre-assigned room has been cleaned, the server device 100 determines that the pre-assigned room is available. On the other hand, if the pre-assigned room has not been cleaned, the server device 100 determines that the pre-assigned room is unavailable. If the pre-assigned room is available, the server device 100 assigns the pre-assigned room as the room for the check-in user. If the pre-assigned room is unavailable, the server device 100 assigns a room from available rooms for the check-in user. As a result, even if a hotel user (a person making a reservation) arrives at the hotel before the check-in time, the hotel user can check in. Since check-in is permitted even for hotel users who arrive before the check-in time, customer satisfaction of the hotel user is improved.

[0017] Specific embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0018] [First embodiment] The first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0019] [System Configuration] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the information processing system includes a server device 10 and a reception terminal 20.

[0020] The server device 10 performs the main operations of a lodging facility such as a hotel. Specifically, the server device 10 controls room reservations, guest check-in and check-out procedures, and room cleaning management.

[0021] The server device 10 may be installed in a hotel or on a network (on the cloud).

[0022] The reception terminal 20 is a terminal that accepts check-in and check-out procedures from users (guests who have made reservations or guests) and is installed in the lobby of a hotel or the like.

[0023] 3, a user carries a terminal 30. The user makes hotel reservations and the like using the terminal 30. Examples of the terminal 30 include mobile terminals such as smartphones and tablets.

[0024] Furthermore, the hotel cleaners carry cleaner terminals 31. The cleaners use the cleaner terminals 31 to obtain various information from the server device 10 and input various information to the server device 10.

[0025] The devices shown in Fig. 3 are interconnected. Specifically, the server device 10 and the reception terminal 20 are connected by wired or wireless communication means and are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0026] The configuration of the information processing system shown in Fig. 3 is an example and is not intended to be limiting. For example, the system may include multiple server devices 10. Load balancing and redundancy may be achieved by using multiple server devices 10. Alternatively, it is sufficient that at least one reception terminal 20 is installed in the hotel.

[0027] [General operation] Next, the general operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0028] <Hotel reservations> A user makes a hotel reservation. The user operates the terminal 30 to access the server device 10. More specifically, the terminal 30 accesses a room reservation site provided by the server device 10.

[0029] Users make reservations for rooms on the room reservation site by inputting the planned period of stay (planned check-in date, check-out date), desired room type (e.g., single, double, etc.), etc.

[0030] If the server device 10 can accommodate the user's request (if there are rooms available for sale), it obtains the user's name, gender, date of birth, address, telephone number, email address, biometric information, account information (e.g., credit card information), etc.

[0031] Examples of biometric information include data (features) calculated from physical characteristics unique to an individual, such as a face, fingerprint, voiceprint, veins, retina, and iris pattern. Alternatively, the biometric information may be image data such as a face image or fingerprint image. The biometric information may be any information that includes the user's physical characteristics. In this disclosure, a case where biometric information related to a person's "face" (a face image or features generated from a face image) is used will be described.

[0032] When the server device 10 receives the user's name and other information, it determines in advance which room to assign to the user (person making the reservation). The server device 10 executes what is called pre-assignment. The server device 10 does not assign a room to the person making the reservation when the person makes the reservation checks in at the hotel, but assigns the room before the check-in procedure is carried out.

[0033] When pre-assignment is performed, the server device 10 stores information about the guest who made the reservation (for example, name, etc.), the room number of the pre-assigned room, the length of stay (scheduled check-in date, scheduled check-out date), etc. in a guest management database. The details of the guest management database will be described later.

[0034] <Check-in> When a user (person making a reservation for accommodation) arrives at a hotel, he or she performs check-in procedures at the reception terminal 20. Specifically, the user moves in front of the reception terminal 20 installed in the lobby or the like. When the reception terminal 20 detects the user in front of it, it acquires biometric information (for example, a facial image) of the user.

[0035] Furthermore, the reception terminal 20 acquires information on whether the user wishes to check in or check out using a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the like.

[0036] If the user wishes to check in, the reception terminal 20 transmits a "check-in request" including the acquired biometric information to the server device 10 (see FIG. 4).

[0037] The server device 10 uses the biometric information included in the check-in request to identify a person who wishes to check in from among a plurality of people who have made a reservation and who are registered in the guest management database.

[0038] The server device 10 determines that check-in is permitted if the pre-assigned guest room is available for the specified check-in applicant (the room is available for the user to enter; for example, cleaning has been completed).

[0039] In this case, the server device 10 transmits an affirmative response including the room number of the pre-assigned room to the reception terminal 20. The reception terminal 20 notifies the check-in applicant of the notified room number, etc.

[0040] If the guest room pre-assigned to the specified check-in applicant is unavailable (for example, before cleaning or during cleaning), the server device 10 assigns another guest room to the specified check-in applicant. For example, the server device 10 determines a guest room to be assigned to the check-in applicant from among guest rooms that have already been cleaned.

[0041] The server device 10 transmits an affirmative response including the room number of the assigned room to the reception terminal 20. In this case, the reception terminal 20 also notifies the check-in applicant of the notified room number, etc.

[0042] When the check-in of the user (booker) is accepted, the server device 10 sets the status of the user in the guest management database to "checked in." The server device 10 also sets the guest room finally assigned to the user in the guest management database.

[0043] Specifically, if a pre-assigned guest room is assigned as the final guest room, the server device 10 sets the pre-assigned guest room as the final assigned guest room. On the other hand, if a guest room that was pre-assigned to another guest with a reservation is assigned, the server device 10 sets the pre-assigned guest room to the other guest with a reservation as the final assigned guest room to the check-in applicant.

[0044] In this way, if a room pre-assigned to a person wishing to check in cannot be provided to the person wishing to check in, the server device 10 assigns a room pre-assigned to another person who has made a reservation to the person wishing to check in.

[0045] <Check-out> A user (guest) performs a check-out procedure at the reception terminal 20. Specifically, the user goes to the reception terminal 20 installed in the lobby or the like. The reception terminal 20 acquires biometric information (for example, a facial image) of the user.

[0046] When the user requests check-out, the reception terminal 20 transmits a "check-out request" including the acquired biometric information to the server device 10 (see FIG. 5).

[0047] The server device 10 uses the biometric information included in the check-out request to identify a person who wishes to check out from among multiple guests stored in the guest management database. The server device 10 then settles the accommodation fee using the account information (e.g., credit card information) of the identified person who wishes to check out.

[0048] If the payment is successful, the server device 10 transmits an affirmative response indicating this to the reception terminal 20. The reception terminal 20 notifies the person wishing to check out that the check-out procedure has been completed.

[0049] The server device 10 manages the status of the guest rooms and the reservation status using a reservation status management database. For example, the status of a guest room when a guest checks in is set to "occupied," the status of a guest room when a guest checks out is set to "before cleaning," the status of a guest room when cleaning has begun is set to "cleaning in progress," and the status of a guest room when cleaning has been completed is set to "cleaned."

[0050] <Cleaning status management> The server device 10 determines a cleaning schedule for the guest rooms periodically or at a predetermined timing. For example, the server device 10 determines a cleaning schedule for the guest rooms at a predetermined check-out time of the hotel (for example, 10:00 AM).

[0051] For example, the server device 10 generates a cleaning schedule for a guest room for which checkout has been completed (a guest room whose status is "before cleaning"). The server device 10 sets the status of the guest room that is the subject of the cleaning schedule to "in progress of cleaning."

[0052] The server device 10 notifies the hotel cleaners of the generated cleaning schedule. Specifically, the server device 10 transmits a "cleaning schedule notification" to the cleaner terminal 31 carried by the cleaner (see FIG. 6).

[0053] The cleaner terminal 31 presents the cleaning schedule included in the cleaning schedule notification to the cleaner. For example, in response to receiving the cleaning schedule notification, the cleaner terminal 31 displays a screen such as that shown in Fig. 7. The cleaner cleans the guest rooms according to the schedule (order) instructed by the server device 10.

[0054] When cleaning of a guest room is completed, the cleaner inputs the information (guest room number) of the guest room for which cleaning has been completed into cleaner terminal 31. For example, cleaner terminal 31 acquires the guest room number of the guest room for which cleaning has been completed using a GUI such as that shown in FIG.

[0055] The cleaner terminal 31 notifies the server device 10 of the acquired guest room number. Specifically, the cleaner terminal 31 transmits a "cleaning completion notification" including the guest room number to the server device 10 (see FIG. 6).

[0056] The server device 10 sets the status of the room corresponding to the room number included in the cleaning completion notice to "cleaned."

[0057] Next, details of each device included in the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0058] [Server device] 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the server device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 9, the server device 10 includes a communication control unit 201, a reservation control unit 202, a pre-assignment control unit 203, a check-in control unit 204, a check-out control unit 205, a room cleaning control unit 206, and a storage unit 207.

[0059] The communication control unit 201 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 201 receives data (packets) from the receiving terminal 20. The communication control unit 201 also transmits data to the receiving terminal 20. The communication control unit 201 passes data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 201 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 201. The communication control unit 201 has a function as a receiving unit that receives data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit that transmits data to other devices.

[0060] The reservation control unit 202 is a means for controlling room reservations made by users. The reservation control unit 202 accepts room reservations on a room reservation site accessed by the terminal 30. The reservation control unit 202 also accepts room reservations made by guests with children and group reservations on the room reservation site. When accepting a room reservation for a group reservation, the reservation control unit 202 does not need to acquire the room type.

[0061] The reservation control unit 202 displays a GUI or the like on the terminal 30 to acquire the planned stay period of the user (person wishing to make a reservation), the desired room type (for example, single, double, etc.), the number of guests, etc. After acquiring the planned stay period, room type, etc., the reservation control unit 202 refers to a reservation status management database that manages the status and reservation status of rooms, and determines whether or not the reservation (planned stay period, room type, etc.) desired by the user can be accepted (see FIG. 10).

[0062] The reservation status management database shown in FIG. 10 is merely an example, and is not intended to limit the items stored therein.

[0063] For example, in the example of Fig. 10, if a user requests a reservation for a "single" room type on a planned stay date of "February 1, 2024," the reservation control unit 202 determines that the reservation cannot be accepted. On the other hand, if a user requests a reservation for a "single" room type on a planned stay date of "February 2, 2024," the reservation control unit 202 determines that the reservation can be accepted.

[0064] The reservation control unit 202 notifies the user whether or not the user's desired accommodation reservation can be accepted. Specifically, if the reservation desired by the user can be accepted, the reservation control unit 202 displays a message or the like on the terminal 30 indicating that the reservation has been completed. If the reservation desired by the user cannot be accepted, the reservation control unit 202 displays a message or the like on the terminal 30 indicating that there are no vacant rooms for the user's planned stay period.

[0065] If the accommodation reservation desired by the user can be accepted, the reservation control unit 202 acquires the name, sex, date of birth, address, telephone number, email address, biometric information, account information (e.g., credit card information) of the person making the reservation.

[0066] When a face image is acquired as biometric information of the user, the reservation control unit 202 generates a feature amount from the face image.

[0067] Since existing technology can be used for the process of generating feature amounts, detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, the reservation control unit 202 extracts the eyes, nose, mouth, etc. from the face image as feature points. Then, the reservation control unit 202 calculates the positions of the feature points and the distances between the feature points as feature amounts (generating a feature vector consisting of multiple feature amounts).

[0068] When the name and other information of the person making the reservation is acquired, the reservation control unit 202 passes the person's planned stay period, room type, number of guests, and acquired personal information (name, gender, biometric information (features), etc.) to the pre-assignment control unit 203.

[0069] The pre-assignment control unit 203 is a means for executing control related to the pre-assignment of guest rooms. When personal information etc. of a guest who has made a reservation for accommodation is acquired from the reservation control unit 202, the pre-assignment control unit 203 determines in advance which guest room to assign to the guest who has made the reservation for accommodation.

[0070] In this case, the pre-assignment control unit 203 may perform pre-assignment by filling reservations in rooms without reservations in order from the smallest room number, or may perform pre-assignment based on predetermined rules or policies.

[0071] For example, if there is a vacant room that can be used as a single room or a double room, the pre-assignment control unit 203 performs pre-assignment so as to minimize the occurrence of changes in the room specifications (for example, changing from a single room to a double room).

[0072] Alternatively, if the person making the reservation is accompanied by children, the pre-assignment control unit 203 performs pre-assignment so that the family is accommodated on the same floor as much as possible. Alternatively, if there are multiple people planning to stay (in the case of a group of guests), the pre-assignment control unit 203 pre-assigns the group of guests to rooms on the same floor and of the same room type as much as possible.

[0073] Alternatively, in the case of a guest who has made a reservation for multiple nights, the pre-assignment control unit 203 assigns the guest room in which the guest is staying (or the guest room in which the guest plans to stay) as the guest room of the guest who has made the reservation. For example, in the example of Fig. 10, if the guest who has made the reservation wishes to stay for two days starting from February 3, 2024, room 204 is pre-assigned as the guest room of the guest who has made the reservation for multiple nights.

[0074] Alternatively, the pre-assignment control unit 203 performs pre-assignment so as to prevent imbalances in the occupancy rates of the guest rooms. The pre-assignment control unit 203 performs pre-assignment so as to equalize the operation (allocation) of each room, thereby preventing a specific guest room (guest room facilities) from being significantly worn out.

[0075] When pre-assignment is executed, the pre-assignment control unit 203 reflects the result of the pre-assignment in the reservation status management database. The pre-assignment control unit 203 sets a value indicating that a reservation exists for the business day corresponding to the pre-assigned room. In Fig. 10, rooms and business days marked with a circle indicate that reservations exist.

[0076] Furthermore, the pre-assignment control unit 203 stores information about the guest who has made the reservation (e.g., name, biometric information), the planned length of stay, etc. in a guest management database (see FIG. 11). Note that the guest management database shown in FIG. 11 is an example and is not intended to limit the items to be stored.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 11, the pre-assignment control unit 203 stores the name and other information of the guest who has made the reservation, as well as the status of the guest (before check-in, checked-in, etc.), the room number of the pre-assigned room, and the room number of the room that is finally assigned, in the guest management database.

[0078] In this way, the pre-assignment control unit 203 performs pre-assignment to assign a guest room in advance to a guest whose reservation has been accepted.

[0079] The check-in control unit 204 is a means for executing control relating to the check-in procedure of a user (person wishing to check in). The check-in control unit 204 processes a check-in request received from the reception terminal 20.

[0080] The check-in control unit 204 determines whether or not the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant can be assigned to the check-in applicant based on the status of the pre-assigned guest room. If the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant can be assigned to the check-in applicant, the check-in control unit 204 assigns the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant. If the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant cannot be assigned to the check-in applicant, the check-in control unit 204 assigns a guest room different from the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant.

[0081] 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the check-in control unit 204 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation of the check-in control unit 204 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0082] When a check-in request is received, the check-in control unit 204 executes a matching process using the biometric information included in the request and the biometric information stored in the guest management database (step S101).

[0083] First, the check-in control unit 204 calculates the feature amount from the face image included in the check-in request.

[0084] Next, the check-in control unit 204 sets the calculated feature amount as a comparison target and performs a comparison process with the feature amounts stored in the guest management database. More specifically, the check-in control unit 204 sets the calculated feature amount (feature vector) as a comparison target and performs 1:N comparison (N is a positive integer, the same applies below) with the multiple feature amounts stored in the guest management database.

[0085] The check-in control unit 204 calculates the similarity between the feature to be compared and each of the multiple feature values ​​on the registration side. The similarity can be calculated using chi-square distance, Euclidean distance, or the like. Note that the greater the distance, the lower the similarity, and the closer the distance, the higher the similarity.

[0086] The check-in control unit 204 determines that the matching process is successful if, among the multiple feature amounts stored in the guest management database, there is a feature amount whose similarity with the feature amount to be matched is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the matching process is successful, the guest who has made a reservation for the entry with the highest similarity is identified as the user (person wishing to check in) who will perform the check-in procedure at the reception terminal 20.

[0087] If the above characteristics are not present, the check-in control unit 204 determines that the matching process has failed.

[0088] If the verification process fails (step S102, No branch), the check-in control unit 204 transmits a negative response indicating that the check-in is not possible to the reception terminal 20 (step S103).

[0089] If the verification process is successful (step S102, Yes branch), the check-in control unit 204 determines whether the planned check-in date of the check-in applicant identified by the verification process matches the processing date of the check-in request. That is, the check-in control unit 204 determines whether the hotel visit date of the check-in applicant is correct (step S104).

[0090] If the check-in applicant is visiting the hotel on a day different from the scheduled check-in date (step S104, No branch), the check-in control unit 204 transmits a negative response indicating that check-in is not possible to the reception terminal 20 (step S103).

[0091] If the check-in applicant is visiting the hotel on the scheduled check-in date (step S104, Yes branch), the check-in control unit 204 determines whether or not a pre-assigned guest room can be provided to the specified check-in applicant. That is, the check-in control unit 204 determines whether or not the check-in applicant can enter the pre-assigned guest room.

[0092] Specifically, the check-in control unit 204 determines that the pre-assigned room can be provided to the check-in applicant if the status of the pre-assigned room is "cleaned." Conversely, the check-in control unit 204 determines that the pre-assigned room cannot be provided to the check-in applicant if the status of the pre-assigned room is "occupied," "not yet cleaned," or "being cleaned."

[0093] If the pre-assigned guest room is available (step S105, Yes branch), the check-in control unit 204 transmits an affirmative response indicating that the check-in was successful to the reception terminal 20 (step S106). At this time, the check-in control unit 204 transmits an affirmative response including the room number of the pre-assigned guest room to the reception terminal 20.

[0094] If the pre-assigned guest room is unavailable (step S105, No branch), the check-in control unit 204 determines whether there is another guest room that can be assigned to the check-in applicant (step S107).

[0095] For example, the check-in control unit 204 determines whether there is a room with the same reservation status (same planned stay period, same room type) as the room pre-assigned to the check-in applicant and whose status is set to "cleaned." Alternatively, the check-in control unit 204 determines whether there is a room that has no reservations for stay during the planned stay period of the check-in applicant and whose status is set to "cleaned."

[0096] If a guest room that meets the above conditions exists, the check-in control unit 204 determines that there is a guest room that can be allocated to the person wishing to check in. If there is no guest room that meets the above conditions, the check-in control unit 204 determines that there is no guest room that can be allocated to the person wishing to check in.

[0097] If there is no guest room available to be assigned to the check-in applicant (step S107, No branch), check-in control unit 204 transmits a negative response indicating that check-in is not possible to reception terminal 20 (step S103). In this case, check-in control unit 204 may transmit a negative response to reception terminal 20 including the reason why check-in is not possible (for example, the user's visit time is before the check-in time).

[0098] If there is a room that can be allocated to the check-in applicant (step S107, branch Yes), the check-in control unit 204 transmits an affirmative response including the room number of the room that can be allocated to the reception terminal 20 (step S106).

[0099] In this way, when the state of a guest room pre-assigned to a person requesting check-in is "cleaned," the check-in control unit 204 assigns the pre-assigned guest room to the person requesting check-in. When the state of a guest room pre-assigned to a person requesting check-in is other than "cleaned," the check-in control unit 204 assigns a guest room different from the pre-assigned guest room to the person requesting check-in. Furthermore, when the state of a guest room pre-assigned to a person who has made a reservation other than the person requesting check-in is other than "cleaned," the check-in control unit 204 may assign to the person requesting check-in a guest room that has been pre-assigned to a different person who has made a reservation and that is in "cleaned" state.

[0100] Furthermore, if an affirmative response indicating that check-in is permitted is transmitted, the check-in control unit 204 updates the guest management database and the reservation status management database (step S108).

[0101] Specifically, the check-in control unit 204 sets the status of the check-in applicant (person with reservation) identified by the matching process to "checked in." The check-in control unit 204 also sets the room number of the room finally assigned to the check-in applicant (pre-assigned room or another room) in the assigned room field of the guest management database.

[0102] Furthermore, if pre-assigned rooms are swapped between guests with similar reservation status, the check-in control unit 204 reflects the room swap in the guest management database.

[0103] For example, in the example of FIG. 10, consider the case where a guest who has booked a room and has been pre-assigned room 201 wishes to check in before the check-in time on February 1, 2024. In this case, cleaning of room 201 has not yet been completed, so a guest who arrives at the hotel before the check-in time will be assigned room 203, for example. In this case, the check-in control unit 204 accesses the guest management database and identifies an entry in which room 201 is set in the pre-assign field and an entry in which room 203 is set. The check-in control unit 204 swaps the setting values ​​in the pre-assign field of each of the identified entries.

[0104] Furthermore, the check-in control unit 204 sets the status of the room finally allocated to the check-in applicant (the status stored in the reservation status management database) to "occupied."

[0105] If a room without a reservation is assigned to a person wishing to check in, the check-in control unit 204 cancels the reservation of the originally pre-assigned room. The check-in control unit 204 also sets a reservation for the room assigned to the person wishing to check out, and sets the room status to "occupied."

[0106] For example, in the example of FIG. 10, consider the case where a guest who has pre-assigned room 201 wishes to check in before the check-in time on February 3, 2024. In this case, cleaning of room 201 has not been completed, so a guest who arrives at the hotel before the check-in time will be assigned room 204, which had no reservation from the beginning. The check-in control unit 204 accesses the reservation status management database and cancels the reservation for room 201 on February 3, 2024. The check-in control unit 204 also sets a reservation for room 204 on February 3, 2024, and sets the room status to "occupied."

[0107] In this manner, the check-in control unit 204 receives a check-in request including biometric information of the check-in applicant from the reception terminal 20 installed in the hotel. The check-in control unit 204 performs a matching process using the biometric information included in the received check-in request and the biometric information stored in the guest management database. By performing the matching process, the check-in control unit 204 identifies the check-in applicant and the room pre-assigned to the check-in applicant from among the multiple guests who have made hotel reservations. The check-in control unit 204 determines a room to allocate to the check-in applicant based on the status of the room pre-assigned to the identified check-in applicant. If the pre-assigned room has been cleaned, the check-in control unit 204 assigns the pre-assigned room as is. On the other hand, if the pre-assigned room has not been cleaned, the check-in control unit 204 assigns a room different from the pre-assigned room to the check-in applicant. If the check-in control unit 204 has successfully assigned a room to the check-in applicant, it notifies the reception terminal 20 of the room number of the room assigned to the check-in applicant.

[0108] The checkout control unit 205 is a means for executing control relating to the checkout procedure of the user (person wishing to check out). The checkout control unit 205 processes the checkout request received from the reception terminal 20.

[0109] The checkout control unit 205 executes a matching process using the biometric information included in the checkout request and the biometric information stored in the guest management database, and identifies guests who wish to check out from among the guests.

[0110] The check-out control unit 205 calculates the accommodation fee for the identified person wishing to check out. For example, the check-out control unit 205 calculates the accommodation fee based on the length of stay and room type of the person wishing to check out.

[0111] The check-out control unit 205 settles the calculated accommodation fee using the account information (for example, credit card information) of the specified person wishing to check out.

[0112] If the payment process is successful, the checkout control unit 205 sends an affirmative response to the reception terminal 20 indicating that checkout is permitted.

[0113] If the payment process fails or the verification process fails, the checkout control unit 205 sends a negative response to the reception terminal 20 indicating that checkout is not possible.

[0114] If the check-out requesting person is permitted to check out, the check-out control unit 205 sets the status of the person requesting check-out (the status stored in the guest management database) to "checked out." Also, the check-out control unit 205 sets the status of the checked-out guest room (the status stored in the reservation status management database) to "before cleaning."

[0115] The room cleaning control unit 206 is a means for controlling the cleaning of rooms where guests have checked out. For example, the room cleaning control unit 206 generates a cleaning schedule for rooms periodically or at a predetermined timing. For example, when a predetermined check-out time arrives, the room cleaning control unit 206 generates a cleaning schedule.

[0116] The room cleaning control unit 206 references the reservation status management database and extracts rooms whose status is set to "before cleaning." The room cleaning control unit 206 sets the extracted rooms as targets for generating a cleaning schedule.

[0117] The room cleaning control unit 206 generates a cleaning schedule based on various rules and policies.

[0118] For example, the room cleaning control unit 206 generates a cleaning schedule that prioritizes rooms that are fully booked for the day. For example, if rooms 201, 301, and 401 are to be cleaned and there are reservations for rooms 201 and 401 for the day, the room cleaning control unit 206 generates a cleaning schedule that cleans rooms 201, 401, and 301 in that order.

[0119] Alternatively, the room cleaning control unit 206 may generate a cleaning schedule based on the attributes of the guest who has reserved the room to be cleaned and who has been pre-assigned. For example, the room cleaning control unit 206 may estimate the check-in time of the guest who has reserved the room to be cleaned and who has been pre-assigned, based on the address of the guest who has reserved the room to be cleaned.

[0120] For example, the room cleaning control unit 206 references table information that stores the addresses (eg, prefectures) of guests who have made reservations and associates them with estimated check-in times, and estimates the check-in time for each guest who has made a reservation.

[0121] The room cleaning control unit 206 generates a cleaning schedule in which rooms are cleaned in order, starting with rooms pre-assigned to guests with reservations who are estimated to check in earlier.

[0122] Alternatively, the room cleaning control unit 206 may generate a cleaning schedule that allows cleaners to efficiently visit guest rooms to be cleaned. Specifically, the room cleaning control unit 206 uses information about the internal structure of the hotel (the location of each guest room, the number and location of elevators) to calculate a route that will allow cleaners to reach each guest room in the shortest time.

[0123] For example, the room cleaning control unit 206 determines a route to travel so as to minimize the total travel distance of the cleaner. For example, the room cleaning control unit 206 extracts the guest room on the highest floor among the guest rooms to be cleaned. Then, the room cleaning control unit 206 determines the guest room farthest from the elevator among the extracted guest rooms as the first destination.

[0124] The room cleaning control unit 206 also extracts the room on the lowest floor from among the multiple cleaning targets. Then, the room cleaning control unit 206 determines the room farthest from the elevator among the extracted rooms as the final destination.

[0125] For example, the room cleaning control unit 206 sets the first destination as the starting point and the last destination as the end point, and generates a travel route (cleaning schedule) using the Dijkstra algorithm.

[0126] The room cleaning control unit 206 transmits the generated cleaning schedule to the cleaner terminal 31 carried by the cleaner. The room cleaning control unit 206 transmits a “cleaning schedule notification” including the cleaning schedule to the cleaner terminal 31.

[0127] The room cleaning control unit 206 sets the status of a room extracted as a cleaning target from among the multiple rooms stored in the reservation status management database to "cleaning in progress."

[0128] The room cleaning control unit 206 receives a "cleaning completion notification" from the cleaner terminal 31. The room cleaning control unit 206 searches the reservation status management database using the room number included in the cleaning completion notification as a key, and sets the status of the corresponding entry (room) to "cleaned."

[0129] In this way, the room cleaning control unit 206 generates a cleaning schedule for at least one or more rooms from which guests have checked out, and transmits the generated cleaning schedule to the cleaner terminal 31 carried by the cleaner.

[0130] The storage unit 207 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the server device 10. The storage unit 207 stores the biometric information of each of a plurality of guests who have made reservations and the pre-assigned guest rooms in association with each other.

[0131] [Reception terminal] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the receiving terminal 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 13, the receiving terminal 20 includes a communication control unit 301, a procedure control unit 302, and a storage unit 303.

[0132] The communication control unit 301 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 301 receives data (packets) from the server device 10. The communication control unit 301 also transmits data to the server device 10. The communication control unit 301 passes data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 301 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 301. The communication control unit 301 has a function as a receiving unit that receives data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit that transmits data to other devices.

[0133] The procedure control unit 302 is a means for executing control relating to the check-in and check-out procedures by the user.

[0134] The procedure control unit 302 periodically or at a predetermined timing captures an image of the area in front of the device. The procedure control unit 302 determines whether the captured image contains a human face image, and if a face image is included, extracts the face image from the captured image data.

[0135] Note that since existing technologies can be used for the facial image detection process and facial image extraction process by the procedure control unit 302, detailed explanations will be omitted. For example, the procedure control unit 302 may extract a facial image (face region) from image data using a learning model trained by a CNN (Convolutional Neural Network). Alternatively, the procedure control unit 302 may extract a facial image using a method such as template matching.

[0136] When the face image is extracted, the procedure control unit 302 uses a GUI or the like to obtain whether the user wishes to go through the check-in procedure or the check-out procedure.

[0137] If the check-in procedure is desired, the procedure control unit 302 transmits a check-in request including the acquired face image (biometric information) to the server device 10.

[0138] The procedure control unit 302 receives a response (positive response, negative response) corresponding to the check-in request from the server device 10.

[0139] When an affirmative response (check-in permitted) is received, the procedure control unit 302 notifies the user (person wishing to check-in) of the room number contained in the affirmative response.

[0140] If a negative response (check-in not possible) is received, the procedure control unit 302 notifies the user that check-in (entry into the room) is not possible. Alternatively, if the negative response includes a reason why check-in is not possible, the procedure control unit 302 may notify the user of that reason.

[0141] If the check-out procedure is desired, the procedure control unit 302 transmits a check-out request including the acquired face image (biometric information) to the server device 10.

[0142] The procedure control unit 302 receives a response (positive response, negative response) corresponding to the check-out request from the server device 10.

[0143] If an affirmative response (check-out permitted) is received, the procedure control unit 302 notifies the user (person desiring check-out) that check-out has been permitted.

[0144] If a negative response (check-out not possible) is received, the procedure control unit 302 notifies the user that check-out has failed. In this case, the procedure control unit 302 may instruct the user to go to the front desk where hotel staff are waiting.

[0145] The storage unit 303 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the receiving terminal 20 .

[0146] <Terminals and cleaning staff terminals> Examples of the terminal 30 and the cleaner terminal 31 include mobile terminal devices such as smartphones, mobile phones, game consoles, tablets, and computers (personal computers, laptop computers), etc. The terminal 30 and the cleaner terminal 31 can be any equipment or device that can accept operations from reservation seekers and cleaners and communicate with the server device 10, etc.

[0147] [System Operation] Next, the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0148] 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation related to check-in of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0149] The reception terminal 20 transmits a check-in request including biometric information of a person who wishes to check in to the server device 10 (step S01).

[0150] The server device 10 executes a matching process using the biometric information included in the check-in request and the biometric information stored in the guest management database (step S02).

[0151] The server device 10 determines the guest room into which the check-in applicant identified by the matching process will enter (step S03). For example, if cleaning of the guest room pre-assigned to the check-in applicant has been completed, the server device 10 will select the pre-assigned guest room as the guest room into which the check-in applicant will enter. Alternatively, if cleaning of the pre-assigned guest room has not been completed, the server device 10 will select another guest room that has been cleaned (a guest room without a reservation or a guest room pre-assigned to another guest) as the guest room into which the check-in applicant will enter.

[0152] The server device 10 transmits a response to the check-in request to the reception terminal 20 (step S04). If the check-in is permitted, the server device 10 transmits an affirmative response to the reception terminal 20, including the room number of the room assigned to the person wishing to check in.

[0153] If an affirmative response is received, the reception terminal 20 notifies the person wishing to check in of the room number contained in the response (step S05).

[0154] Next, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described.

[0155] <Variation 1> Instead of generating a cleaning schedule with a predetermined cleaning order, the server device 10 may instruct a cleaner who has finished cleaning a guest room which guest room to clean next. For example, the room cleaning control unit 206 may notify the cleaner terminal 31 of the guest room number of the guest room to be cleaned next based on the cleaner's current location.

[0156] In this case, the cleaner terminal 31 generates location information of its own device periodically or at a predetermined timing. The cleaner terminal 31 receives GPS signals from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites to perform positioning and generates location information including the latitude, longitude, and altitude of its own device. Alternatively, the cleaner terminal 31 may communicate with a wireless access point and treat the location of the wireless access point as the location of its own device. Alternatively, the cleaner terminal 31 may generate location information based on the strength of radio waves received from the wireless access point.

[0157] The cleaner terminal 31 transmits the generated location information to the server device 10. The room cleaning control unit 206 identifies a guest room (a guest room before cleaning) that is closest to the cleaner's current location. The room cleaning control unit 206 transmits the room number of the identified guest room to the cleaner terminal 31.

[0158] The cleaner terminal 31 presents the notified room number to the cleaner. The cleaner goes to the notified room and begins cleaning. When the cleaner has completed cleaning the instructed room, the cleaner operates the cleaner terminal 31 to notify the server device 10. The cleaner terminal 31 then transmits the room number of the room for which cleaning has been completed to the server device 10. The server device 10 sets the status of the room corresponding to the notified room number to "cleaned."

[0159] The room cleaning control unit 206 may determine the next room to be cleaned based on the location of the room where the cleaner has completed cleaning, instead of the location information received from the cleaner terminal 31. The room cleaning control unit 206 may select a room (a room before cleaning) that is close to the room for which the cleaner has been notified that cleaning has been completed as the next room to be cleaned.

[0160] In this way, the room cleaning control unit 206 may determine the room that the cleaner will clean based on the current location of the cleaner, and send the room number of the determined room to the cleaner terminal 31 carried by the cleaner.

[0161] <Variation 2> When notifying the cleaner terminal 31 of the cleaning schedule and instructions on the next guest room to be cleaned, the server device 10 may also notify the cleaner (cleaner terminal 31) of information related to the cleaning of the guest room.

[0162] For example, the room cleaning control unit 206 may notify the cleaner terminal 31 of the settings (specifications) of each guest room. For example, the room cleaning control unit 206 may send information such as single specifications or double specifications to the cleaner terminal 31 for each guest room.

[0163] <Variation 3> The server device 10 may have a function of providing information to hotel employees (hotel staff). In this case, the server device 10 includes an information provision control unit 208 (see FIG. 15).

[0164] For example, the information provision control unit 208 displays a list of the status of each guest room to a hotel employee waiting at the front desk. For example, the information provision control unit 208 may display a screen such as that shown in Fig. 16 on a hotel terminal (not shown) installed at the front desk.

[0165] Alternatively, the information provision control unit 208 may estimate the cleaning completion time for each guest room to be cleaned and provide the estimated cleaning completion time to the hotel employee. For example, the information provision control unit 208 may estimate the cleaning completion time for each guest room using the cleaning schedule and the cleaning time required for one room (average cleaning time). Alternatively, the information provision control unit 208 may provide the hotel employee with the remaining time until cleaning is completed for each guest room to be cleaned.

[0166] <Variation 4> In the above embodiment, the server device 10 selects an alternative room when the pre-assigned room to the check-in applicant is currently being cleaned. However, the selection of the alternative room may be performed by a hotel employee.

[0167] In this case, if the guest room pre-assigned to the person wishing to check in is currently being cleaned, the check-in control unit 204 may present the hotel employee with candidate guest rooms that can be assigned to the person wishing to check in. For example, the check-in control unit 204 may display the screen shown in Fig. 17 on the hotel terminal. The check-in control unit 204 treats the guest room selected by the hotel employee as the guest room to be assigned to the person wishing to check in.

[0168] <Variation 5> When accepting a reservation from a reservation requester, the reservation control unit 202 may notify the reservation requester that check-in before the check-in time is possible. The server device 10 may notify the reservation requester that early check-in is possible. When a user knows that early check-in is possible, the user can plan their travel plans in advance, assuming that early check-in is possible.

[0169] <Variation 6> Checking in before the predetermined check-in time may be an optional paid service. For example, the server device 10 may reject a check-in request from a person who arrives at the hotel before the check-in time. In this case, the server device 10 sends a negative response to the check-in request to the reception terminal 20.

[0170] The reception terminal 20, which has received a negative response indicating that check-in is not possible before the check-in time, notifies the user (person wishing to check in) that they can check into a room that has been prepared by paying an additional fee for early check-in.

[0171] If the person wishing to check in requests this option, the reception terminal 20 notifies the server device 10 of this. The check-in control unit 204 of the server device 10 determines the guest room (a pre-assigned guest room or another guest room) into which the person wishing to check in will enter, and notifies the person wishing to check in of the determined guest room via the reception terminal 20.

[0172] As described above, when a user arrives at a hotel before the check-in time, the server device 10 according to the first embodiment determines whether the pre-assigned room can be provided to the user based on the status of the pre-assigned room. For example, the server device 10 determines whether the pre-assigned room can be provided based on whether the pre-assigned room has been cleaned. If the pre-assigned room is available, the server device 10 sets the pre-assigned room as the room where the check-in requester will stay. If the pre-assigned room is not available, the server device 10 selects a room where the check-in requester will stay from among available rooms and sets the selected room as the room where the check-in requester will stay. As a result, even if the hotel user (person making a reservation) arrives at the hotel before the check-in time, the hotel user can check in.

[0173] Next, the hardware of each device constituting the information processing system will be described. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 10.

[0174] The server device 10 can be configured by an information processing device (so-called computer), and has the configuration exemplified in Fig. 18. For example, the server device 10 includes a processor 311, a memory 312, an input / output interface 313, and a communication interface 314. The components such as the processor 311 are connected by an internal bus or the like, and are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0175] 18 is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of the server device 10. The server device 10 may include hardware not shown, and may not include the input / output interface 313 as necessary. Furthermore, the number of processors 311 and the like included in the server device 10 is not intended to be limited to the example shown in FIG. 18, and for example, the server device 10 may include multiple processors 311.

[0176] The processor 311 is a programmable device such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or a digital signal processor (DSP). Alternatively, the processor 311 may be a device such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor 311 executes various programs including an operating system (OS).

[0177] The memory 312 is a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The memory 312 stores an OS program, application programs, and various data.

[0178] The input / output interface 313 is an interface for a display device and an input device (not shown). The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The input device is, for example, a device that accepts user operations such as a keyboard or a mouse.

[0179] The communication interface 314 is a circuit, module, etc. that communicates with other devices. For example, the communication interface 314 includes a network interface card (NIC).

[0180] The functions of the server device 10 are realized by various processing modules. The processing modules are realized, for example, by the processor 311 executing a program stored in the memory 312. The program can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be a non-transitory medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, or an optical recording medium. That is, the present invention can also be embodied as a computer program product. The program can be downloaded via a network or updated using a storage medium storing the program. The processing modules can also be realized by semiconductor chips.

[0181] The reception terminal 20 and the like can also be configured by an information processing device in the same way as the server device 10, and the basic hardware configuration is no different from that of the server device 10, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0182] The server device 10, which is an information processing device, is equipped with a computer, and functions of the server device 10 can be realized by causing the computer to execute a program. The server device 10 also executes a control method for the server device 10 by the program.

[0183] [Variations] The configuration, operation, etc. of the information processing system described in the above embodiment are merely examples and are not intended to limit the configuration, etc. of the system.

[0184] In the above embodiment, the check-in procedure and check-out procedure are performed using biometric authentication. However, the check-in procedure and the like may be performed using other authentication means. For example, when the server device 10 accepts a user's reservation, it issues a user ID to the user. The user's terminal 30 stores the user ID internally. When performing the check-in procedure and the like, the user operates the terminal 30 to display a two-dimensional barcode generated based on the user ID. The reception terminal 20 acquires the user ID via the two-dimensional barcode and transmits a check-in request and the like including the acquired user ID to the server device 10. The server device 10 can identify the person wishing to check in and the person wishing to check out based on the user ID.

[0185] The above embodiment does not mention unlocking the guest rooms. The guest rooms may be unlocked by biometric authentication. A camera device installed on the door of each guest room transmits the guest's biometric information and guest room number to the server device 10. The server device 10 identifies the person to be authenticated by a matching process using the biometric information and determines whether the identified person to be authenticated is a guest staying in the guest room with the room number. If the person to be authenticated is a guest staying in the guest room, the server device 10 transmits a successful authentication to the guest room. Upon receiving the successful authentication, the guest room unlocks the door.

[0186] In the above embodiment, the operation of the server device 10 has been described on the assumption that one cleaner is responsible for cleaning each guest room. If there are multiple cleaners, the server device 10 may assign areas of responsibility to each of the multiple cleaners and generate cleaning schedules for each cleaner. For example, the guest room cleaning control unit 206 may assign cleaner A to be responsible for guest rooms on the second to fourth floors, and cleaner B to be responsible for guest rooms on the fifth to seventh floors, and generate cleaning schedules based on this assignment.

[0187] The server device 10 may notify the person making a reservation that check-in is possible when the guest room pre-assigned to the person making the reservation changes to a state where it can be provided to the person making the reservation (cleaned state). For example, the check-in control unit 204 may send a message to the person making the reservation (to an email address that can be received by the terminal 30 of the person making the reservation) of the room whose state changed to cleaned on the day of the stay, informing them that check-in is possible.

[0188] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which a facial image is transmitted as biometric information from the reception terminal 20 to the server device 10. However, feature amounts generated from a facial image may be transmitted as biometric information from the reception terminal 20 to the server device 10. In this case, the server device 10 can omit the process of generating feature amounts from a facial image.

[0189] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which a room reservation is made by the server device 10. The room reservation may also be made via an OTA (Online Travel Agent).

[0190] In the above embodiment, the case where the guest management database and the reservation status management database are configured inside the server device 10 has been described, but these databases may also be configured on an external database server or the like. That is, some of the functions of the server device 10 may be implemented on another server. More specifically, the above-described "check-in control unit (check-in control means)," "check-out control unit (check-out control means)," etc. may be implemented in any of the devices included in the system.

[0191] The form of data transmission and reception between each device (server device 10, reception terminal 20, etc.) is not particularly limited, but the data transmitted and received between these devices may be encrypted. Biometric information and the like is transmitted and received between these devices, and in order to appropriately protect this information, it is desirable to transmit and receive encrypted data.

[0192] In the flow charts (flowcharts, sequence diagrams) used in the above explanation, multiple steps (processes) are described in order, but the execution order of the steps executed in the embodiments is not limited to the order described. In the embodiments, the order of the illustrated steps can be changed to the extent that the content is not affected, such as by executing each process in parallel.

[0193] The above-described embodiments have been described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, and it is not intended that all of the above-described configurations are required. Furthermore, when multiple embodiments are described, each embodiment may be used alone or in combination. For example, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with another configuration.

[0194] From the above explanation, it is clear that the present invention has industrial applicability, and the present invention can be suitably applied to information processing systems that provide accommodation services such as hotels.

[0195] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0196] [Appendix 1] a pre-assignment control means for pre-assigning a room to a guest whose reservation has been accepted; a check-in control means for determining whether or not the pre-assigned guest room can be assigned to the check-in applicant based on the status of the pre-assigned guest room, and assigning the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant if the pre-assigned guest room can be assigned to the check-in applicant, and assigning a guest room different from the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant if the pre-assigned guest room cannot be assigned to the check-in applicant; and A server device comprising: [Appendix 2] The check-in control means If the state of the guest room pre-assigned to the check-in applicant has been cleaned, assign the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant; 2. The server device according to claim 1, wherein, if the state of the guest room pre-assigned to the check-in applicant is other than "cleaned," the server device assigns a guest room different from the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant. [Appendix 3] The check-in control means The server device described in Appendix 2, which, if the status of the guest room pre-assigned to the person wishing to check in is other than "cleaned," assigns to the person wishing to check in a guest room pre-assigned to a different person who has made a reservation and that is in "cleaned" status. [Appendix 4] The hotel further comprises a storage means for storing biometric information of each of the plurality of guests making reservations and pre-assigned guest rooms in association with each other; The check-in control means receiving a check-in request including biometric information of the person wishing to check in from a reception terminal installed in the hotel; The server device according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, which identifies the person wishing to check in and a guest room pre-assigned to the person wishing to check in from among the multiple hotel reservation holders by performing a matching process using the biometric information included in the received check-in request and the stored biometric information. [Appendix 5] The server device according to claim 4, wherein, if the check-in control means is successful in allocating a guest room to the person wishing to check in, it notifies the reception terminal of the room number of the guest room allocated to the person wishing to check in. [Appendix 6] The server device according to any one of appendixes 1 to 3, further comprising a room cleaning control means for controlling cleaning of rooms from which guests have checked out. [Appendix 7] The server device described in Appendix 6, wherein the room cleaning control means generates a cleaning schedule for at least one room from which the guest has checked out and transmits the generated cleaning schedule to a terminal carried by a cleaner. [Appendix 8] The server device described in Appendix 6, wherein the room cleaning control means determines the room that the cleaner will clean based on the current location of the cleaner, and sends the room number of the determined room to a terminal carried by the cleaner. [Appendix 9] a pre-assignment control step of pre-assigning a room to a guest whose reservation has been accepted; a check-in control process for determining whether or not the pre-assigned guest room can be assigned to the check-in applicant based on the status of the pre-assigned guest room, and assigning the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant if the pre-assigned guest room can be assigned to the check-in applicant, and assigning a guest room different from the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant if the pre-assigned guest room cannot be assigned to the check-in applicant; A method for controlling a server device, comprising: [Appendix 10] The check-in control step includes: If the state of the guest room pre-assigned to the check-in applicant has been cleaned, assign the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant; 10. The control method for a server device according to claim 9, wherein, if the state of the guest room pre-assigned to the check-in applicant is other than "cleaned," the control method assigns a guest room different from the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant. [Appendix 11] The check-in control step includes: A control method for a server device as described in Appendix 10, wherein, if the status of the guest room pre-assigned to the person wishing to check in is other than "cleaned," the control method assigns to the person wishing to check in a guest room pre-assigned to a different person who has made a reservation and whose status is "cleaned." [Appendix 12] a storage step of storing the biometric information of each of the plurality of guests making reservations and the pre-assigned guest rooms in association with each other; The check-in control step includes: receiving a check-in request including biometric information of the person wishing to check in from a reception terminal installed in the hotel; A control method for a server device described in any one of appendixes 9 to 11, wherein a matching process is performed using the biometric information included in the received check-in request and the stored biometric information to identify the check-in requester and a guest room pre-assigned to the check-in requester from among the multiple hotel reservation holders. [Appendix 13] The control method for a server device according to claim 12, wherein the check-in control step, if successful in allocating a guest room to the person wishing to check in, notifies the reception terminal of the room number of the guest room allocated to the person wishing to check in. [Appendix 14] 12. The method for controlling a server device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising a room cleaning control step for controlling cleaning of a room from which a guest has checked out. [Appendix 15] The control method for a server device described in Appendix 14, wherein the room cleaning control process generates a cleaning schedule for at least one room from which the guest has checked out and transmits the generated cleaning schedule to a terminal carried by a cleaner. [Appendix 16] The control method for a server device described in Appendix 14, wherein the room cleaning control process determines the room that the cleaner will clean based on the current location of the cleaner, and sends the room number of the determined room to a terminal carried by the cleaner. [Appendix 17] The computer installed in the server device a pre-assignment control process for pre-assigning a room to a guest whose reservation has been accepted; a check-in control process that determines whether or not the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant can be assigned to the check-in applicant based on the status of the pre-assigned guest room, and if the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant is assignable to the check-in applicant, assigns the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant, and if the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant is not assignable to the check-in applicant, assigns a guest room different from the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant; A program to execute. [Appendix 18] The check-in control process includes: If the state of the guest room pre-assigned to the check-in applicant has been cleaned, assign the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant; 18. The program according to claim 17, wherein if the status of the guest room pre-assigned to the check-in applicant is other than cleaned, the program assigns a guest room different from the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant. [Appendix 19] The check-in control process includes: The program described in Appendix 18, which, if the status of the guest room pre-assigned to the person wishing to check in is other than cleaned, assigns to the person wishing to check in a guest room pre-assigned to a different person who has made a reservation and that is in a cleaned status. [Appendix 20] further executing a storage process for storing the biometric information of each of the plurality of guests making reservations and the pre-assigned guest rooms in association with each other; The check-in control process includes: receiving a check-in request including biometric information of the person wishing to check in from a reception terminal installed in the hotel; The program described in any one of Appendices 17 to 19, which identifies the person wishing to check in and a guest room pre-assigned to the person wishing to check in from among the multiple hotel reservation holders by performing a matching process using the biometric information included in the received check-in request and the stored biometric information. [Appendix 21] The program according to claim 20, wherein the check-in control process notifies the reception terminal of the room number of the room assigned to the person wishing to check in if the room is successfully assigned to the person wishing to check in. [Appendix 22] 20. The program according to any one of appendices 17 to 19, further executing a room cleaning control process that controls cleaning of a room from which a guest has checked out. [Appendix 23] The program described in Appendix 22, wherein the room cleaning control process generates a cleaning schedule for at least one room from which the guest has checked out and sends the generated cleaning schedule to a terminal carried by a cleaner. [Appendix 24] The program described in Appendix 22, wherein the room cleaning control process determines the room that the cleaner will clean based on the cleaner's current location, and sends the room number of the determined room to a terminal carried by the cleaner.

[0197] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 8, which are dependent on Supplementary Note 1, may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 9 and 17 in the same dependent relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 8. Furthermore, not limited to Supplementary Notes 1, 9, and 17, but within the scope of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, some or all of the configurations described as Supplements may also be dependent on various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems.

[0198] The disclosures of the above-cited prior art documents are incorporated herein by reference. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative and that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In other words, the present invention naturally includes various modifications and alterations that may be made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the entire disclosure, including the claims, and the technical concepts thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0199] 10 Server device 20 Reception terminal 30 devices 31 Cleaning staff terminal 100 Server device 101 Pre-assignment control means 102 Check-in control means 201 Communication control unit 202 Reservation control section 203 Pre-assign control section 204 Check-in control section 205 Checkout control section 206 Room Cleaning Control Unit 207 Memory section 208 Information provision control section 301 Communication Control Unit 302 Procedure Control Unit 303 Storage section 311 processor 312 memory 313 Input / Output Interface 314 Communication Interface

Claims

1. a pre-assignment control means for pre-assigning a room to a guest whose reservation has been accepted; a check-in control means for determining whether or not the pre-assigned guest room can be assigned to the check-in applicant based on the status of the pre-assigned guest room, and assigning the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant if the pre-assigned guest room can be assigned to the check-in applicant, and assigning a guest room different from the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant if the pre-assigned guest room cannot be assigned to the check-in applicant; and A server device comprising:

2. The check-in control means If the state of the guest room pre-assigned to the check-in applicant has been cleaned, assign the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant; 2. The server device according to claim 1, wherein, when a state of the guest room pre-assigned to the check-in applicant is other than "cleaned," the server device assigns a guest room different from the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant.

3. The check-in control means 3. The server device according to claim 2, wherein, when a state of a guest room pre-assigned to the person wishing to check in is other than "cleaned," the server device assigns to the person wishing to check in a guest room pre-assigned to a guest who has made a reservation for accommodation other than the person wishing to check in and which is in "cleaned" state.

4. The hotel further comprises a storage means for storing biometric information of each of the plurality of guests making reservations and pre-assigned guest rooms in association with each other; The check-in control means receiving a check-in request including biometric information of the person wishing to check in from a reception terminal installed in the hotel; 4. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the server device identifies the check-in requester and a guest room pre-assigned to the check-in requester from among the plurality of hotel reservation holders by performing a matching process using the biometric information included in the received check-in request and the stored biometric information.

5. 5. The server device according to claim 4, wherein, when the check-in control means has succeeded in allocating a guest room to the person wishing to check in, the check-in control means notifies the reception terminal of the room number of the guest room allocated to the person wishing to check in.

6. The server device according to claim 1 , further comprising a room cleaning control means for controlling cleaning of a room from which a guest has checked out.

7. 7. The server device according to claim 6, wherein the room cleaning control means generates a cleaning schedule for at least one room from which the guest has checked out, and transmits the generated cleaning schedule to a terminal carried by a cleaner.

8. 7. The server device according to claim 6, wherein the room cleaning control means determines the room that the cleaner will clean based on the current location of the cleaner, and transmits the room number of the determined room to a terminal carried by the cleaner.

9. a pre-assignment control step of pre-assigning a room to a guest whose reservation has been accepted; a check-in control process for determining whether or not the pre-assigned guest room can be assigned to the check-in applicant based on the status of the pre-assigned guest room, and assigning the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant if the pre-assigned guest room can be assigned to the check-in applicant, and assigning a guest room different from the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant if the pre-assigned guest room cannot be assigned to the check-in applicant; A method for controlling a server device, comprising:

10. The computer installed in the server device a pre-assignment control process for pre-assigning a room to a guest whose reservation has been accepted; a check-in control process that determines whether or not the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant can be assigned to the check-in applicant based on the status of the pre-assigned guest room, and if the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant is assignable to the check-in applicant, assigns the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant, and if the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant is not assignable to the check-in applicant, assigns a guest room different from the pre-assigned guest room to the check-in applicant; A program to execute.

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