Server device, control method for server device, and program

Abstract

To provide a server device capable of selling a guest room having features desired by a customer.SOLUTION: A server device includes acquisition means and control means. The acquisition means acquires a customer's scheduled period of stay and the guest room type desired by the customer. The control means presents a base rate corresponding to the acquired scheduled period of stay and guest room type to the customer, and controls features in each guest room suitable for the acquired guest room type among a plurality of salable guest rooms so that the customer can select the features as an option of guest room reservation.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 determining hotel room rates.

[0003] For example, the system of Patent Document 1 includes a parameter setting table, a parameter updating unit, a hotel value calculation unit, a hotel value management table, and an optimal room rate setting processing unit. The parameter setting table stores parameters that change hotel ratings for each hotel. When the parameter updating unit detects survey results related to hotel ratings for each hotel from a customer's PC via the Internet, it updates the stored parameters related to that hotel based on the survey results. The hotel value calculation unit creates a hotel value that evaluates that hotel based on the stored parameters related to that hotel. The hotel value management table stores the hotel values ​​created by the hotel value calculation unit for each hotel. The optimal room rate setting processing unit sets the room rate for that hotel based on the hotel value of that hotel stored in the hotel value management table and the event points for the target date. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-172082 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Users (hotel customers) who wish to make hotel reservations include tourists and business people. The facilities and features that users require from a hotel (hotel guest room) often differ depending on the type of user. For example, tourists often want to stay in a room with a good view, while business people often request a room with a large desk.

[0006] Although needs for rooms vary depending on the type of user, hotel room reservations (room sales) do not take these needs into consideration.

[0007] The above problems cannot be solved by applying the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 merely discloses pricing that reflects the demands of both customers and hotels.

[0008] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a server device, a method for controlling the server device, and a program that contribute to enabling the sale of rooms with features desired by customers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring a customer's planned stay period and the customer's desired room type; and a control means for presenting the customer with a base rate corresponding to the acquired planned stay period and room type, and controlling at least one or more features of at least one or more rooms that are compatible with the acquired room type among a plurality of rooms available for sale during the acquired planned stay period, so that the customer can select them as room reservation options.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for a server device, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring a customer's planned stay period and the customer's desired room type; and a control step of presenting the customer with a base rate corresponding to the acquired planned stay period and room type, and controlling at least one or more features of at least one or more rooms that are compatible with the acquired room type among a plurality of rooms available for sale during the acquired planned stay period, so that the customer can select them as room reservation options.

[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 an acquisition process for acquiring a customer's planned stay period and the customer's desired room type, and a control process for presenting the customer with a base rate corresponding to the acquired planned stay period and room type, and controlling at least one or more features of at least one or more rooms that are compatible with the acquired room type among a plurality of rooms available for sale for the acquired planned stay period, so that the customer can select them as room reservation options. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to each aspect of the present invention, a server device, a control method for a server device, and a program are provided that contribute to enabling the sale of rooms with features desired by customers. 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 illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a base charge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of table information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an option fee according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the sales control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a terminal according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a terminal according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a terminal according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 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] A server device 100 according to one embodiment includes an acquisition unit 101 and a control unit 102 (see FIG. 1). The acquisition unit 101 acquires the customer's planned stay period and the customer's desired room type (step S1 in FIG. 2). The control unit 102 presents the customer with a base price corresponding to the acquired planned stay period and room type, and controls the customer to select features of each room that matches the acquired room type from among multiple rooms available for sale as room reservation options (step S2).

[0016] When the server device 100 acquires the customer's planned stay period and the customer's desired room type, it presents the customer with the lowest price for a room that meets the customer's needs as a base price. Furthermore, while presenting the base price to the customer, the server device 100 controls the customer to select features of the rooms available for purchase as "options." The customer selects an option (various features of the room) that corresponds to the customer's purpose of staying, etc., from the options presented by the server device 100. In other words, the server device 100 can sell a room that has the features desired by the customer.

[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 (hotel reservation 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 hotel 20.

[0020] The server device 10 is a server that handles hotel reservations (room sales) and guest management for the hotel 20. The server device 10 is managed and operated by an accommodation business operator that operates the hotel 20. The server device 10 may be installed within the building of the hotel 20, or may be installed on a network (on the cloud).

[0021] The server device 10 sells guest rooms to customers. The server device 10 realizes a hotel reservation site that handles guest rooms of a hotel 20.

[0022] When the server device 10 sells a room, it stores the guest's reservation information (e.g., name, gender, address, stay dates (stay period; check-in date, check-out date), room type, etc.). The server device 10 uses the reservation information to carry out check-in procedures, check-out procedures, etc. for the guest.

[0023] A user has a terminal 30. The user uses the terminal 30 to make reservations at the hotel 20. Examples of the terminal 30 include mobile terminals such as smartphones and tablets.

[0024] 3 is an example and is not intended to limit the configuration. For example, the information processing system may include multiple server devices 10. Load balancing and redundancy may be achieved by using multiple server devices 10.

[0025] [General operation] Next, the general operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0026] The server device 10 stores the room rates for each business day and room type (e.g., single, double, etc.) as "base rates." The base rates are determined based on the attributes of the hotel's business days (e.g., day of the week, time of year, season, etc.) and the room type. For example, base rates are set as 10,000 yen for a single room on weekdays, 12,000 yen for a single room on weekends, and 15,000 yen for a single room during peak seasons.

[0027] The server device 10 also stores features (attributes or selling points for customers) of each guest room in the hotel 20. For example, the server device 10 stores features suitable for teleworking, such as a "room with a large desk," a "room close to an elevator," a "corner room," a "sea-facing room (a room with a good view of the sea)," and a "mountain-facing room (a room with a good view of the mountains)."

[0028] Here, prices are set for each feature (selling point) that a room may have. For example, optional fees are set, such as a room with a large desk = 1,000 yen, a room close to the elevator = 500 yen, etc.

[0029] The user operates the terminal 30 to access a room sales page provided by the server device 10. The user makes a reservation (purchase) for a room on the room sales page.

[0030] At this time, the user (room purchaser, room reservation applicant) and the server device 10 decide, in an interactive format, which room the user wishes to reserve.

[0031] First, the server device 10 acquires the customer's planned stay period (check-in date, check-out date) and the room type (single, double, etc.) desired by the customer.

[0032] When the server device 10 acquires the planned stay period and room type, it presents the customer with a base fee according to the planned stay period (planned stay dates) and room type selected by the customer. Furthermore, the server device 10 presents the customer with features of the rooms available for purchase as "options" for room reservations. The server device 10 acquires the options desired by the customer using a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the like.

[0033] For example, the server device 10 acquires features (options) desired by the customer, such as a room with a large desk, a room close to an elevator, a room with an ocean view, etc. At that time, every time the server device 10 acquires an option from the customer, the server device 10 adds an option fee corresponding to the selected option to the base fee and presents the result to the customer.

[0034] If the customer is satisfied with the offered accommodation fee (base fee + optional fee), he or she will make a room reservation.

[0035] Next, details of each device included in the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0036] [Server device] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the server device 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 4, the server device 10 includes a communication control unit 201, a room information management unit 202, a sales control unit 203, and a storage unit 204.

[0037] 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 terminal 30. The communication control unit 201 also transmits data to the terminal 30. 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.

[0038] The guest room information management unit 202 is a means for controlling and managing information relating to the guest rooms of the hotel 20 .

[0039] The guest room information management unit 202 acquires base charges determined from the attributes of the hotel's business days (e.g., day of the week, time of year, season, etc.) and the guest room type from a person in charge of the hotel 20. The guest room information management unit 202 acquires the hotel's business days and the room charges for each room type as base charges.

[0040] For example, the guest room information management unit 202 acquires the base fee by displaying a GUI on a terminal operated by a staff member or the like at the hotel 20. Alternatively, the guest room information management unit 202 acquires the base fee via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory in which the base fee is stored.

[0041] For example, the guest room information management unit 202 acquires a base charge as shown in Fig. 5. The guest room information management unit 202 stores the acquired base charge in the storage unit 204.

[0042] In addition, the guest room information management unit 202 acquires the guest room type and features (selling points) for each guest room in the hotel 20. For example, the guest room information management unit 202 acquires the guest room type and features of each guest room from a person in charge of the hotel 20 using a GUI or USB.

[0043] For example, the guest room information management unit 202 acquires information (table information) such as that shown in Fig. 6. In the example of Fig. 6, room 201 is a single-type guest room, has a large desk, is a corner room, and has a window facing the ocean. The guest room information management unit 202 stores the acquired guest room type and characteristics of each guest room (table information such as that shown in Fig. 6) in the storage unit 204.

[0044] Furthermore, the guest room information management unit 202 acquires optional fees allocated to features (selling points) that may be possessed by the guest rooms of the hotel 20. For example, the guest room information management unit 202 acquires optional fees for each of a plurality of features from a person in charge of the hotel 20 or the like using a GUI or USB.

[0045] For example, the guest room information management unit 202 acquires the option charges for each feature as shown in Fig. 7. The guest room information management unit 202 stores the acquired option charges in the storage unit 204.

[0046] The sales control unit 203 is a means for controlling the sale of guest rooms. When a user operates the terminal 30 to access a room sales page, the sales control unit 203 sells a room to the user (accepts a reservation for the room).

[0047] The sales control unit 203 functions as an acquisition unit and a control unit. As an acquisition unit, the sales control unit 203 acquires the planned stay period of a customer (user) and the room type desired by the customer. As a control unit, the sales control unit 203 presents the customer with a base price corresponding to the acquired planned stay period and room type. Furthermore, the sales control unit 203 controls the system so that the customer can select, as a room reservation option, at least one or more features provided in at least one or more rooms that match the acquired room type among multiple rooms available for sale during the acquired planned stay period.

[0048] 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the sales control unit 203 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation of the sales control unit 203 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0049] First, the sales control unit 203 acquires the planned length of stay of the customer and the room type (single, double, etc.) desired by the customer using a GUI or the like (step S101). For example, the sales control unit 203 displays a GUI such as that shown in Fig. 9 on the terminal 30 to acquire the planned length of stay (planned dates of stay) and the room type.

[0050] The sales control unit 203 presents the customer with a base price according to the acquired planned stay period and room type, and acquires features (options) that the customer desires for the room (step S102).

[0051] Specifically, when the planned stay period and room type are acquired, the sales control unit 203 refers to table information such as that shown in FIG. 5 and acquires the base fee corresponding to the acquired planned stay period and room type.

[0052] The sales control unit 203 then extracts a room of the type desired by the customer from among the rooms available for sale by the hotel 20 (rooms that are not booked for the customer's planned stay period). Specifically, the sales control unit 203 refers to a reservation management database (not shown) that manages the reservation status of rooms, and extracts a room that meets the customer's desire from among the rooms available for sale to the customer.

[0053] For example, the sales control unit 203 extracts rooms 201 to 205 from among the rooms available for sale to the customer as rooms that meet the customer's desire.

[0054] Once the guest rooms are extracted, the sales control unit 203 presents the customer with a base rate according to the customer's planned stay period and the room type desired by the customer. Furthermore, the sales control unit 203 presents the features (selling points) of each of the extracted guest rooms to the customer as options that the customer can select. In the above example, the features of each of the extracted rooms 201 to 205 are presented as options that the customer can select. In this case, the sales control unit 203 does not duplicate and display the same features (selling points) that are shared by multiple guest rooms.

[0055] For example, the sales control unit 203 displays a screen such as that shown in Fig. 10 on the terminal 30. Using a GUI such as that shown in Fig. 10, the sales control unit 203 presents the base fee as the accommodation fee to the customer and displays a list of options (room features) that the customer can select. The sales control unit 203 acquires the option (room feature) selected by the customer from the displayed list.

[0056] When a customer selects an option, the sales control unit 203 references table information that stores option fees as shown in Fig. 7 and acquires the option fee corresponding to the selected option. The sales control unit 203 adds the acquired option fee to the base fee to update the accommodation fee (step S103).

[0057] Furthermore, the sales control unit 203 updates the options selectable by the customer (step S104). Specifically, the sales control unit 203 extracts rooms that have the selected option from the extracted rooms (narrows down the rooms).

[0058] For example, referring to Figure 6, if a customer selects the option "corner room", rooms 201 and 204 are extracted from rooms 201 to 205. Alternatively, if a customer selects the option "ocean view", rooms 201 to 204 are extracted.

[0059] The sales control unit 203 updates the options that the customer can select according to the extracted characteristics (selling points) of each room. For example, in the example where the "corner room" is selected, the sales control unit 203 presents the characteristics of rooms 201 and 204, "large desk" and "ocean side," as options that the customer can select (see FIG. 11). In FIG. 11, the characteristic "close to elevator," which rooms 201 and 204 do not have, is deleted, and the characteristic cannot be selected by the customer.

[0060] The sales control unit 203 repeatedly acquires options desired by the customer and updates the accommodation fee and selectable options (step S105, No branch).

[0061] If a customer cancels an option that they have selected, the sales control unit 203 updates the accommodation fee and selectable options in the same way as if the customer had selected the option. When a selected option is canceled, the option fee corresponding to the canceled option is deducted from the accommodation fee. In addition, canceling an option restores the options that the customer can select.

[0062] When the customer has finished selecting options (pressing the "OK" button shown in each of FIGS. 9 to 11; step S105, Yes branch), the sales control unit 203 accepts the reservation for the room (reservation acceptance; step S106).

[0063] Specifically, the sales control unit 203 acquires information necessary for room reservation management (check-in procedures), such as the customer's name, gender, date of birth, etc. Furthermore, the sales control unit 203 performs payment processing for the room for which a reservation has been accepted. If payment is successful, the sales control unit 203 stores the customer's personal information (e.g., name) and information about the room sold to that customer in the reservation management database.

[0064] In this way, the sales control unit 203 presents the customer with the accommodation fee, which is the sum of the base fee and the option fee corresponding to the option selected by the customer. Furthermore, the sales control unit 203 updates the options selectable by the customer in response to the customer's selection of an option. More specifically, the sales control unit 203 extracts at least one or more rooms that have features corresponding to the option selected by the customer from among at least one or more rooms that match the room type obtained from the customer. The sales control unit 203 presents the features of each of the at least one or more extracted rooms (features other than the features corresponding to the option selected by the customer) as additional options that can be selected after the customer selects an option.

[0065] The storage unit 204 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the server device 10.

[0066] [Device] Examples of the terminal 30 include a smartphone, a mobile phone, a game console, a mobile terminal device such as a tablet, a computer (personal computer, laptop computer), etc. The terminal 30 can be any equipment or device that can accept user operations and communicate with the server device 10, etc. Furthermore, the configuration of the terminal 30 is clear to those skilled in the art, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0067] Next, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described.

[0068] <Variation 1> The server device 10 may acquire budget information from a user reserving a room and suggest a room to the user according to the acquired budget. The sales control unit 203 acquires the customer's budget (the amount allocated to purchasing a room at the hotel 20). The sales control unit 203 determines an option to suggest to the customer from among the options selectable by the customer according to the acquired budget.

[0069] For example, the sales control unit 203 acquires the budget of the customer when acquiring the planned stay period and room type. For example, the sales control unit 203 acquires the budget of the customer using a GUI such as that shown in FIG.

[0070] When the customer's budget and other information are acquired, the sales control unit 203 selects options that are close to the acquired budget. For example, the sales control unit 203 determines options to propose to the customer by solving an optimization algorithm aimed at keeping the accommodation fee within the budget.

[0071] Alternatively, the sales control unit 203 comprehensively combines at least one or more room features that match the acquired planned stay period and room type, and calculates the total amount of option fees for each combination. The sales control unit 203 can also select an option that is closest to the customer's budget from the total amount of option fees for each combination and the sum of the base fee.

[0072] The sales control unit 203 presents the customer with the total amount of the base fee corresponding to the customer's planned stay period and the room type desired by the customer, the option fees for the options proposed to the customer, and the proposed options, etc. (see Figure 13).

[0073] The customer can select a final option based on the proposed options (option selection). The customer can determine the final option by selecting a desired option or excluding an undesired option in the GUI shown in FIG. 13.

[0074] <Variation 2> The server device 10 may acquire attribute information and the purpose of the stay of a customer reserving a room, and may determine a room (option) to be proposed to the customer based on the acquired attribute information and the purpose of the stay.

[0075] For example, when acquiring the planned length of stay from a customer, the sales control unit 203 acquires the customer's attribute information (e.g., gender, age (generation), occupation, etc.) and purpose of stay (e.g., sightseeing, business trip, etc.).

[0076] The sales control unit 203 determines options to propose to the customer based on the acquired attribute information and / or purpose of accommodation. For example, the sales control unit 203 refers to table information that stores attribute information and purpose of accommodation in association with options to propose to the customer, and selects options to propose to the customer.

[0077] For example, if the customer is a business person (whose occupation is an office worker or the like, or the purpose of the stay is a business trip), the sales control unit 203 selects a "large desk" as an option to be proposed to the business person. Alternatively, if the customer is a tourist (whose purpose of the stay is sightseeing), the sales control unit 203 selects a "sea side" or "mountain side" room with a nice view as an option to be proposed to the customer.

[0078] If there is a room with the selected option among the rooms available for sale to the customer that is suitable for the planned stay period and room type, the sales control unit 203 will present the selected option and accommodation fee (base fee + option fee) to the customer.

[0079] <Variation 3> When a user purchases a new room, the server device 10 may present options that the user selected when purchasing a room in the past. That is, the server device 10 may determine options to be proposed to the user using the user's accommodation history (reservation history).

[0080] In this case, when the sales control unit 203 accepts a reservation from a hotel user (customer), it generates a customer ID to identify the customer. For example, the sales control unit 203 uses a combination of the customer's name and date of birth as the customer ID.

[0081] The sales control unit 203 stores the customer ID, the room type desired by the customer, the options selected by the customer, etc. in association with each other in a customer management database (not shown).

[0082] When selling a room to a customer, the sales control unit 203 acquires the name and date of birth along with the planned stay period and room type. The sales control unit 203 searches the customer management database using the combination of the name and date of birth as the customer ID, and acquires the option that the customer previously selected (the option selected immediately before) from the corresponding entry.

[0083] The sales control unit 203 displays the acquired options on a screen that allows the customer to select an option. For example, the sales control unit 203 displays a GUI such as that shown in FIG.

[0084] As described above, the server device 10 according to the first embodiment acquires the customer's planned stay period and the customer's desired room type, and then presents the customer with the lowest price for a room that meets the customer's needs as a base price. Furthermore, while presenting the base price to the customer, the server device 10 allows the customer to select features of the rooms available for purchase as "options." The customer selects an option from the presented options that corresponds to the customer's purpose for staying. For example, a tourist might select an option such as an "ocean-facing" or "mountain-facing" room with a beautiful view. Or, a businessperson might select an option such as a "large desk" that is easy to work at. Or, a customer who only needs to stay at the hotel 20 might reserve a room at the lowest price (base price) without selecting any options. In this way, the server device 10 enables the sale of rooms with features desired by the customer. In other words, the server device 10 can meet a wide variety of customer needs.

[0085] Next, the hardware of each device constituting the information processing system will be described. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 10.

[0086] The server device 10 can be configured by an information processing device (so-called computer), and has the configuration exemplified in Fig. 15. 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.

[0087] However, the configuration shown in Fig. 15 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. 15, and for example, the server device 10 may include multiple processors 311.

[0088] 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).

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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 keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like that accepts user operations.

[0091] 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).

[0092] 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.

[0093] The server device 10 is equipped with a computer, and the computer executes a program to realize the functions of the server device 10. The server device 10 also executes a control method for the server device 10 by the program.

[0094] [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.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the case where the same price is set for the option fee regardless of the day of the week, time of year, season, etc. has been described. However, like the base fee, the option fee may be set according to the day of the week, time of year, season, etc. For example, the option fee for the "mountain side" in autumn may be set higher than the option fee for the "mountain side" in other seasons.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the operation of the information processing system was described using an example in which a customer wishes to stay for one day. If a customer wishes to stay for multiple days, the sales control unit 203 may calculate the accommodation fee by adding up the base fees for the customer's planned stay period. Furthermore, with regard to optional fees, the sales control unit 203 may calculate the accommodation fee based on the amount obtained by multiplying the optional fee for the selected option by the number of days in the planned stay period.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the server device 10 extracts rooms that meet the customer's preferences from among the rooms available for sale to the customer (hotel user) and presents the features (selling points) of each extracted room to the user as options. However, the server device 10 (sales control unit 203) may also present all options available from the hotel to the user without considering the room reservation status. Furthermore, if a reservation exists for a room equipped with an option (feature) selected by the customer from the presented options, the server device 10 may refer to the reservation management database and present to the customer a stay period during which the room equipped with the option selected by the customer can be reserved. For example, if a room equipped with the option (feature) selected by the customer is available around the customer's planned stay period (e.g., within one week), the server device 10 may suggest a reservation-available date, etc. For example, for a customer whose purpose of staying at a hotel is to relax while enjoying an ocean view, reserving a room with an ocean view is more important than the planned stay period. The above operation by the server device 10 improves the satisfaction (or convenience) of such customers.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the case where the server device 10 sells rooms has been described. However, room sales may be performed by a travel agency (a travel agency server) or an OTA (Online Travel Agent) company (an OTA company server).

[0099] In the above embodiment, the case where the table information shown in Fig. 5 etc. is stored inside the server device 10 has been described, but the table information may also be stored in an external server etc. In other words, some of the functions of the server device 10 may be implemented in another device. More specifically, it is sufficient that the above-described "sales control unit (sales control means)" etc. are implemented in any of the devices included in the system.

[0100] The form of data transmission between the devices (server device 10, terminal 30) is not particularly limited, but the data transmitted between these devices may be encrypted. User names and other information are transmitted between these devices, and in order to properly protect this information, it is desirable to transmit and receive encrypted data.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] From the above explanation, it is clear that the present invention has industrial applicability, and the present invention can be suitably applied to an information processing system for booking a hotel 20, etc.

[0104] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. [Appendix 1] An acquisition means for acquiring the customer's planned stay period and the room type desired by the customer; a control means for presenting the customer with a base rate corresponding to the acquired planned stay period and room type, and controlling at least one or more features of at least one or more rooms that match the acquired room type among a plurality of rooms available for sale during the acquired planned stay period to be selectable by the customer as a room reservation option; A server device comprising: [Appendix 2] The server device according to claim 1, wherein the control means presents the customer with the accommodation fee, which is the sum of the base fee and an option fee corresponding to the option selected by the customer. [Appendix 3] The server device according to claim 2, wherein the control means updates the options selectable by the customer in response to the customer selecting an option. [Appendix 4] The control means A server device as described in Appendix 3, which extracts at least one or more rooms that have features corresponding to the option selected by the customer from among at least one or more rooms that match the acquired room type, and presents the features of each of the at least one or more extracted rooms as additional options that can be selected after the customer selects an option. [Appendix 5] The acquisition means acquires a budget of the customer, A server device described in any one of appendices 1 to 4, wherein the control means determines an option to suggest to the customer from among options selectable by the customer, based on the acquired budget. [Appendix 6] The acquisition means acquires attribute information of the customer, A server device described in any one of appendices 1 to 4, wherein the control means determines an option to suggest to the customer from among options selectable by the customer, depending on the acquired attribute information. [Appendix 7] The acquisition means acquires the purpose of accommodation of the customer, A server device described in any one of Appendixes 1 to 4, wherein the control means determines an option to suggest to the customer from among the options selectable by the customer, depending on the acquired accommodation purpose. [Appendix 8] The server device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, wherein the base fee is determined based on the attributes of the hotel's business days and the room type. [Appendix 9] an acquisition step of acquiring a customer's planned stay period and a room type desired by the customer; a control step of presenting the customer with a base rate corresponding to the acquired planned stay period and room type, and controlling at least one or more features of at least one or more rooms that match the acquired room type among a plurality of rooms available for sale during the acquired planned stay period to be selectable by the customer as a room reservation option; A method for controlling a server device, comprising: [Appendix 10] A control method for a server device according to claim 9, wherein the control step presents to the customer the total of the base fee and an option fee corresponding to the option selected by the customer as the accommodation fee. [Appendix 11] 11. The server device control method according to claim 10, wherein the control step updates options selectable by the customer in response to the customer selecting an option. [Appendix 12] The control step includes: A control method for a server device described in Appendix 11, which extracts at least one or more rooms that have features corresponding to the option selected by the customer from at least one or more rooms that match the acquired room type, and presents the features of each of the extracted at least one or more rooms as additional options that can be selected after the customer selects an option. [Appendix 13] The obtaining step obtains a budget of the customer, A control method for a server device described in any one of Appendices 9 to 12, wherein the control step determines an option to be suggested to the customer from among options selectable by the customer, based on the acquired budget. [Appendix 14] The acquiring step acquires attribute information of the customer, A control method for a server device described in any one of Appendices 9 to 12, wherein the control process determines an option to be suggested to the customer from among options selectable by the customer, depending on the acquired attribute information. [Appendix 15] The acquiring step acquires a purpose of accommodation of the customer, A control method for a server device described in any one of Appendices 9 to 12, wherein the control process determines an option to be suggested to the customer from among options selectable by the customer, depending on the acquired accommodation purpose. [Appendix 16] 13. The server device control method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the base fee is determined based on the attributes of the hotel's business days and the room type. [Appendix 17] The computer installed in the server device an acquisition process for acquiring a customer's planned stay period and a room type desired by the customer; a control process for presenting the customer with a base rate corresponding to the acquired planned stay period and room type, and controlling at least one or more features of at least one or more rooms that match the acquired room type among a plurality of rooms available for sale during the acquired planned stay period to be selectable by the customer as a room reservation option; A program to execute. [Appendix 18] The program described in Appendix 17, wherein the control processing presents the customer with the accommodation fee, which is the sum of the base fee and the option fee corresponding to the option selected by the customer. [Appendix 19] 19. The program of claim 18, wherein the control process updates options selectable by the customer in response to the customer selecting an option. [Appendix 20] The control process includes: The program described in Appendix 19, which extracts at least one or more rooms that have features corresponding to the option selected by the customer from among at least one or more rooms that match the acquired room type, and presents the features of each of the extracted at least one or more rooms as additional options that can be selected after the customer selects an option. [Appendix 21] The acquisition process acquires a budget for the customer; The program of any one of appendices 17 to 20, wherein the control process determines an option to be suggested to the customer from among options selectable by the customer, based on the acquired budget. [Appendix 22] The acquisition process acquires attribute information of the customer, A program described in any one of Appendices 17 to 20, wherein the control process determines an option to be suggested to the customer from among options selectable by the customer, depending on the acquired attribute information. [Appendix 23] The acquisition process acquires the purpose of accommodation of the customer, A program described in any one of Appendices 17 to 20, wherein the control process determines an option to suggest to the customer from among the options selectable by the customer, depending on the acquired accommodation purpose. [Appendix 24] The program described in any one of appendices 17 to 20, wherein the base rate is a rate determined based on the attributes of the hotel's business days and room type.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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]

[0107] 10 Server device 20 hotels 30 devices 100 Server device 101 Acquisition method 102 Control means 201 Communication control unit 202 Guest Room Information Management Department 203 Sales Control Department 204 Storage section 311 processor 312 memory 313 Input / Output Interface 314 Communication Interface

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring the customer's planned stay period and the room type desired by the customer; a control means for presenting the customer with a base rate corresponding to the acquired planned stay period and room type, and controlling at least one or more features of at least one or more rooms that match the acquired room type among a plurality of rooms available for sale during the acquired planned stay period, so that the customer can select them as room reservation options; A server device comprising:

2. 2. The server device according to claim 1, wherein said control means presents to said customer the accommodation fee, which is the sum of said base fee and an option fee corresponding to an option selected by said customer.

3. 3. The server device according to claim 2, wherein said control means updates the options selectable by said customer in response to said customer selecting an option.

4. The control means A server device as described in claim 3, which extracts at least one or more rooms that have features corresponding to the option selected by the customer from among at least one or more rooms that match the acquired room type, and presents the features of each of the at least one or more extracted rooms as additional options that can be selected after the customer selects an option.

5. The acquisition means acquires a budget of the customer, The server device according to claim 1 , wherein the control means determines an option to be suggested to the customer from among options selectable by the customer, in accordance with the acquired budget.

6. The acquisition means acquires attribute information of the customer, 5. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the control means determines an option to be suggested to the customer from among options selectable by the customer, in accordance with the acquired attribute information.

7. The acquisition means acquires the purpose of accommodation of the customer, The server device according to claim 1 , wherein the control means determines an option to be suggested to the customer from among options selectable by the customer, in accordance with the acquired purpose of accommodation.

8. 5. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the base fee is determined based on the attributes of the hotel's business days and the room type.

9. an acquisition step of acquiring a customer's planned stay period and a room type desired by the customer; a control step of presenting the customer with a base rate corresponding to the acquired planned stay period and room type, and controlling at least one or more features of at least one or more rooms that match the acquired room type among a plurality of rooms available for sale during the acquired planned stay period to be selectable by the customer as a room reservation option; A method for controlling a server device, comprising:

10. The computer installed in the server device an acquisition process for acquiring a customer's planned stay period and a room type desired by the customer; a control process for presenting the customer with a base rate corresponding to the acquired planned stay period and room type, and controlling at least one or more features of at least one or more rooms that match the acquired room type among a plurality of rooms available for sale during the acquired planned stay period to be selectable by the customer as a room reservation option; A program to execute.

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