Reservation device, user terminal, reservation method, and program

Abstract

To solve a problem that a seat of a restaurant conventionally cannot be reserved, after confirming the scene from the seat of the restaurant.SOLUTION: A reservation device 1 comprises: a store management unit 111 in which two or more pieces of shop information are stored having a store identifier of a restaurant, layout information on seats in the store, and one or more pieces of seat information which are associated with the seats in the layout information, and have a seat identifier and a scene image from the seats; an output instruction reception unit 121 which receives an output instruction associated with the store identifier from a user terminal 2; an image acquisition unit 132 which acquires the scene image associated with the store identifier from the store management unit 111; an image transmission unit 142 which transmits the scene image to the user terminal 2; a reservation instruction reception unit 122 which receives a reservation instruction which is associated with the store identifier, the seat identifier and the user identifier, and has date and time information, from the user terminal 2; and a reservation unit 133 which acquires and accumulates the reservation information based on the reservation instruction. The reservation device can reserve the seat of the restaurant, after confirming the scene from the seat of the restaurant.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a reservation device or the like that supports appropriate reservation of restaurants. [Background technology]

[0002] Previously, there was a management system that allowed users to check the seat reservation status for a specified date and time at a restaurant via a network, and to reserve the desired time and seat position using the restaurant's actual seating layout diagram (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-84196 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, it is not possible to check the view from a seat in a restaurant before reserving that seat in the restaurant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The reservation device of the first invention is a reservation device comprising: a store management unit that stores two or more store information items each having a store identifier that identifies a restaurant, layout information that indicates the layout of one or more seats in the store, and one or more seat information items that are information corresponding to a seat in the layout information and have a seat identifier that identifies the seat and a landscape image that is an image that can be seen from the seat; an output instruction receiving unit that receives an output instruction corresponding to the store identifier from a user terminal; an image acquisition unit that acquires one or more landscape images corresponding to the store identifier that corresponds to the output instruction from the store management unit; an image sending unit that transmits the one or more landscape images acquired by the image acquisition unit to the user terminal; a reservation instruction receiving unit that receives from the user terminal a reservation instruction that corresponds to the store identifier, seat identifier, and user identifier and has date and time information; and a reservation unit that acquires and stores reservation information based on the reservation instruction.

[0006] With this configuration, it is possible to check the view from a seat in a restaurant before reserving that seat in the restaurant.

[0007] In addition, the reservation device of the second invention is a reservation device in which, compared to the first invention, the output instruction has date and time information, and the image acquisition unit acquires one or more landscape images corresponding to the date and time information contained in the output instruction.

[0008] With this configuration, a user can check the view from the seat corresponding to the reservation date and time, and then reserve the seat at the restaurant.

[0009] Furthermore, the reservation device of the third invention is a reservation device in which, compared to the first or second invention, the output instruction has date and time information and is weather forecast information for the area of ​​the store identified by the store identifier, and further includes a weather forecast acquisition unit that acquires weather forecast information for the time specified by the date and time information in the output instruction, and the image acquisition unit acquires one or more landscape images corresponding to the weather forecast information.

[0010] With this configuration, a user can reserve a seat at the restaurant after checking the view from the seat according to the weather forecast for the reservation date and time.

[0011] In addition, the user terminal of the fourth invention is a user terminal that includes a user acquisition unit that acquires acquired information having a landscape image that corresponds to a store identifier and a seat identifier, and a terminal transmission unit that transmits the acquired information to a reservation device, and the landscape image contained in the acquired information is stored in correspondence with the store identifier and seat identifier contained in the acquired information.

[0012] This configuration provides a mechanism for collecting scenic images from seats in a restaurant.

[0013] Furthermore, the user terminal of the fifth invention, compared to the fourth invention, further comprises a code reading unit that reads a code in which a store identifier and a seat identifier are embedded, and a photographing unit that photographs and acquires a landscape image, and the user acquisition unit is a user terminal that acquires acquired information having the store identifier and seat identifier embedded in the code and the landscape image acquired by the photographing unit.

[0014] With this configuration, it is possible to easily collect images of scenery from seats in a restaurant. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the reservation device of the present invention, a user can check the view from a seat in a restaurant before reserving the seat in question. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] Conceptual diagram of reservation system A in embodiment 1 [Figure 2] Block diagram of reservation system A [Figure 3] A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the reservation device 1. [Figure 4] Flowchart illustrating an example of information acquisition processing [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating an example of the determination process [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the user terminal 2 [Figure 7] A diagram showing the store management table [Figure 8] A diagram showing the reservation management table [Figure 9] A diagram showing the user management table [Figure 10] A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the reservation system A [Figure 11] Figure showing an example of the output [Figure 12] Figure showing an example of the output [Figure 13] Figure showing an example of the output [Figure 14] A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the reservation system A [Figure 15] Block diagram of the computer system DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of a reservation device and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that components with the same reference numerals in the embodiments perform similar operations, and therefore repeated description may be omitted.

[0018] In this specification, information X being associated with information Y means that information Y can be obtained from information X, or information X can be obtained from information Y, and the method of association is not important. Information X and information Y may be linked, may exist in the same buffer, information X may be included in information Y, or information Y may be included in information X, etc.

[0019] Furthermore, in this specification, selecting or determining information Z means obtaining information Z, obtaining a pointer to information Z, obtaining the ID of information Z, setting a flag on information Z, etc., and it is sufficient if information Z can be accessed.

[0020] (Embodiment 1) 1 is a conceptual diagram of a reservation system A according to this embodiment. The reservation system A comprises a reservation device 1 and one or more user terminals 2.

[0021] The reservation device 1 is a server that accepts reservations for restaurants from users. The reservation device 1 is, for example, a cloud server or an ASP server, but the type is not important.

[0022] The user terminal 2 is a terminal used by a user. A user is, for example, a person who makes a restaurant reservation or a person who registers a landscape image. The user terminal 2 is, for example, a smartphone, a personal computer, or a tablet terminal, but the type is not important.

[0023] 2 is a block diagram of a reservation system A according to this embodiment. The reservation device 1 includes a storage unit 11, a receiving unit 12, a processing unit 13, and a transmission unit 14. The storage unit 11 includes a store management unit 111, a reservation management unit 112, and a management unit 113. The receiving unit 12 includes an output instruction receiving unit 121, a reservation instruction receiving unit 122, and an acquired information receiving unit 123. The processing unit 13 includes a weather forecast acquisition unit 131, an image acquisition unit 132, a reservation unit 133, an image registration unit 134, and a reward unit 135. The transmission unit 14 includes a store information transmission unit 141 and an image transmission unit 142.

[0024] The user terminal 2 includes a terminal storage unit 21, a terminal reception unit 22, a terminal processing unit 23, a terminal transmission unit 24, a terminal reception unit 25, and a terminal output unit .

[0025] Various types of information are stored in the storage unit 11 that constitutes the reservation device 1. The various types of information include, for example, store information (to be described later), reservation information (to be described later), user information (to be described later), and registration conditions.

[0026] The registration conditions are conditions regarding whether or not to register a landscape image. The registration conditions may be conditions for registration or conditions for non-registration. Examples of the registration conditions are "there is no landscape image of the corresponding seat at the corresponding store," "there is no landscape image prepared by the store or the management of the reservation device 1 for the corresponding store and seat," "the image is not inappropriate," and "the same landscape image does not exist." However, the registration conditions are not restrictive. It goes without saying that the registration conditions may be embedded in the program.

[0027] The store management unit 111 stores one or more store information items. Store information is information relating to stores that are restaurants. The store information includes a store identifier, layout information, and one or more pieces of seating information. It is preferable that the store information includes one or more store attribute values.

[0028] A store identifier is information that identifies a store. The store identifier is, for example, a store ID or a store name. The store name may be considered a store attribute value.

[0029] Layout information is information that indicates the layout of one or more seats in a store. Based on the layout information, the user terminal 2 typically outputs a graphical representation of the seat layout in the store. The layout information is realized, for example, as a still image, HTML, XML, or the like, but the means of realization and data structure are not important.

[0030] Seat information is information about seats in a store. Seats are, for example, table seats or counter seats. Seat information has a seat identifier and one or more landscape images. Seat information has, for example, one or more seat attribute values. A seat identifier is information that identifies a seat. A seat identifier is, for example, a seat ID or a seat name.

[0031] The seat attribute values ​​include, for example, a seat position that specifies a location within the restaurant, whether it is by a window, the number of people available (for example, 1, 2, or 4), and whether it is a private room.

[0032] A landscape image is an image of the scenery that can be seen from a seat. A landscape image is preferably a still image or a video, but may also be an illustration, etc. A landscape image preferably includes an image of the view outside the window from a seat. However, a landscape image may also be an image of the inside of the store, an image that can be seen from a seat. A landscape image is preferably an image of a wide range of angles that can be seen from a seat. For example, a landscape image is a 360-degree image that can be seen from a seat.

[0033] It is preferable that one or more landscape attribute values ​​are associated with a landscape image. The landscape attribute value is the attribute value of the landscape image. The landscape attribute value is, for example, the day of the landscape image, time information indicating the time or time zone of the landscape image (for example, "night," "dusk," or "morning"), the weather in the landscape image (for example, "sunny," "rain," or "snow"), a flag, or a user identifier. The flag is the type of landscape image. For example, the flag is "1" for a still image or "2" for a video. The flag is information indicating, for example, whether the landscape image is prepared by the store or the management of the reservation device 1, or whether the landscape image is registered by a user. The user identifier here is the identifier of the user who registered the landscape image.

[0034] The reservation management unit 112 stores one or more pieces of reservation information. Reservation information is information related to a user's reservation at a store. Reservation information includes, for example, a reservation identifier, a user identifier, a store identifier, a seat identifier, date and time information, and the number of people. A reservation identifier is information that identifies a reservation. A reservation identifier is, for example, a reservation ID. Date and time information is information that specifies the date and time of a reservation, or information that specifies only the date. The time here may be the time period of the reservation, the start time of the reservation, or the end time of the reservation.

[0035] The user management unit 113 stores one or more pieces of user information. User information is information about a user. The user information includes, for example, a user identifier and one or more user attribute values. The user attribute values ​​include, for example, name, age, address, credit card number, points, and the number of registered images.

[0036] Points are points awarded to a user. For example, points are awarded when a user reserves a store, when a user reserves and uses a store, or when a user registers a landscape image.

[0037] The number of registered images is the number of landscape images registered by the user. It is preferable that a reward be given to the user based on the number of registered images.

[0038] The receiving unit 12 receives various types of information and instructions, such as an output instruction (to be described later), a reservation instruction (to be described later), and acquisition information (to be described later).

[0039] The output instruction receiving unit 121 receives an output instruction from the user terminal 2. The output instruction is an instruction to output information about a store. The output instruction corresponds to a store identifier. The output instruction receiving unit 121 receives, for example, a first output instruction, a second output instruction, a third output instruction, a fourth output instruction, or a fifth output instruction.

[0040] The first output instruction is an instruction to acquire information about a specific store. The first output instruction has a store identifier. Such specific store information may include a landscape image. The second output instruction is an instruction to acquire layout information about a specific store. The second output instruction has a store identifier. The third output instruction is an instruction to acquire one or more landscape images of a specific seat in a specific store. The third output instruction has a store identifier and a seat identifier. The fourth output instruction is an instruction to acquire one or more landscape images of a specific seat in a specific store at a specific date and time, etc. The fourth output instruction has a store identifier, a seat identifier, and date and time information. The fifth output instruction is an instruction to acquire store information based on search conditions. The fifth output instruction has search conditions. Such store information may include a landscape image.

[0041] The reservation instruction receiving unit 122 receives a reservation instruction from the user terminal 2. A reservation instruction is an instruction to make a reservation at a store. The reservation instruction corresponds to a store identifier, a seat identifier, and a user identifier. The reservation instruction usually includes date and time information that specifies the day and time period.

[0042] The acquired information receiving unit 123 receives acquired information from the user terminal 2. The acquired information is information acquired by the user terminal 2. The acquired information includes one or more landscape images. The acquired information includes, for example, a store identifier and a seat identifier. The acquired information includes, for example, a reservation identifier. Note that the reservation identifier here is an identifier for a user's reservation, and corresponds to a store identifier and a seat identifier. Therefore, having a reservation identifier can be considered to be having a store identifier and a seat identifier. The acquired information may include date and time information. The date and time information here is information that identifies the date and time when the landscape image was captured. The acquired information may include weather information. The weather information here is information that identifies the weather when the landscape image was captured.

[0043] The weather forecast acquisition unit 131 constituting the processing unit 13 acquires weather forecast information for the area of ​​the store identified by the store identifier, that is, weather forecast information for the time specified by the date and time information included in the output instruction. The weather forecast acquisition unit 131 acquires weather forecast information, for example, from a weather forecast server (not shown). Weather forecast information is information that specifies the expected weather. Weather forecast information is, for example, "sunny," "rain," or "snow." Note that the processing of the weather forecast acquisition unit 131 is a well-known technique, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0044] The image acquisition unit 132 acquires, from the store management unit 111, one or more landscape images associated with the store identifier associated with the received output instruction.

[0045] The image acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, from the store management unit 111, one or more landscape images that correspond to the store identifier and the seat identifier that correspond to the received output instruction.

[0046] The image acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, one or more landscape images corresponding to the store identifier and date and time information contained in the received output instruction.

[0047] The image acquisition unit 132 acquires, for example, one or more landscape images corresponding to the weather forecast information acquired by the weather forecast acquisition unit 131.

[0048] The reservation unit 133 acquires reservation information based on the reservation instruction and stores the reservation information in the reservation management unit 112 .

[0049] The image registration unit 134 stores the landscape image contained in the acquired information received by the acquired information receiving unit 123 in the store management unit 111 in association with the store identifier contained in the acquired information and the seat identifier contained in the acquired information.

[0050] It is preferable that the image registration unit 134 obtains current date and time information from a clock (not shown) and stores the date and time information in the store management unit 111 in association with the landscape image.

[0051] It is preferable that the image registration unit 134 obtains current weather information for the area of ​​the store identified by the store identifier from a server not shown, and stores the weather information in the store management unit 111 in association with the landscape image.

[0052] The image registration unit 134 preferably determines whether or not to register the received landscape image based on one or more registration conditions, and stores the received landscape image in the store management unit 111 only if it is determined that the image should be registered.

[0053] The reward unit 135 performs reward processing in response to the transmission of acquired information by a user. Responding to the transmission of acquired information by a user usually corresponds to responding to the registration of a landscape image transmitted by the user. In other words, if a landscape image is transmitted but not registered, it is preferable not to perform reward processing for the user.

[0054] The reward process is a process of giving a reward to a user, and examples of the reward process include a process of increasing the user's points, a process of discounting the usage fee for the user's current use of the store, and a process of giving a coupon to the user. However, the content of the reward process is not limited.

[0055] The transmission unit 14 transmits various types of information to the user terminal 2. The various types of information include, for example, store information and landscape images.

[0056] The store information transmitting unit 141 transmits part or all of the store information to the user terminal 2.

[0057] The image sending unit 142 sends one or more landscape images acquired by the image acquiring unit 132 to the user terminal 2 .

[0058] Various types of information are stored in the terminal storage unit 21 that constitutes the user terminal 2. The various types of information include, for example, a user identifier and a landscape image.

[0059] The terminal reception unit 22 receives various types of information, instructions, etc. Examples of the various types of information, instructions, etc. include an output instruction, a reservation instruction, a reading instruction, a photographing instruction, a transmission instruction, and a reservation identifier.

[0060] A reading instruction is an instruction to read a code present on a seat in the store. The code may be, for example, a QR code (registered trademark) or a barcode, but it does not matter. It is preferable that the code is displayed above the seat. A photographing instruction is an instruction to photograph a landscape image. A transmission instruction is an instruction to transmit acquired information. The means for inputting various information etc. may be any means, such as a touch panel, keyboard, mouse, or menu screen.

[0061] The terminal processing unit 23 performs various types of processing. For example, the various types of processing are processing to convert received information, instructions, etc. into information, instructions, etc. with a structure to be transmitted. For example, the various types of processing are processing to convert received information into information with a structure to be output.

[0062] The device processing unit 23 has, for example, a camera. The camera captures a landscape image. The camera may capture a landscape image that is a still image, or may capture a landscape image that is a moving image.

[0063] The terminal transmitting unit 24 transmits various types of information, instructions, etc. to the reservation device 1. The various types of information, instructions, etc. are output instructions, reservation instructions, or acquired information.

[0064] The terminal receiving unit 25 receives various types of information from the reservation device 1. The various types of information include, for example, part or all of the store information, layout information, or landscape images.

[0065] The terminal output unit 26 receives various types of information, such as part or all of the store information, layout information, or a landscape image.

[0066] Here, output usually means display on a display, but it may also be a concept that includes projection using a projector, printing on a printer, sound output, transmission to an external device, storage on a recording medium, and handing over of processing results to other processing devices or other programs.

[0067] The storage unit 11, store management unit 111, reservation management unit 112, user management unit 113, and terminal storage unit 21 are preferably non-volatile recording media, but can also be realized as volatile recording media.

[0068] There is no restriction on the process by which information is stored in the storage unit 11 etc. For example, information may be stored in the storage unit 11 etc. via a recording medium, information transmitted via a communication line etc. may be stored in the storage unit 11 etc., or information input via an input device may be stored in the storage unit 11 etc.

[0069] The receiving unit 12, the output instruction receiving unit 121, the reservation instruction receiving unit 122, the acquired information receiving unit 123, and the terminal receiving unit 25 are usually realized by wireless or wired communication means, but may also be realized by means for receiving broadcasts.

[0070] The processing unit 13, weather forecast acquisition unit 131, image acquisition unit 132, reservation unit 133, image registration unit 134, reward unit 135, and device processing unit 23 can usually be realized by a processor, memory, etc. The processing procedures of the processing unit 13, etc. are usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM. However, they may also be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit). The processor may be a CPU, MPU, GPU, etc., and the type does not matter.

[0071] The transmitting unit 14, the store information transmitting unit 141, the image transmitting unit 142, and the terminal transmitting unit 24 are usually realized by wireless or wired communication means, but may also be realized by broadcasting means.

[0072] The terminal reception unit 22 can be realized by a device driver for an input means such as a touch panel or a keyboard, or control software for a menu screen.

[0073] The terminal output unit 26 may or may not be considered to include an output device such as a display, a speaker, etc. The terminal output unit 26 may be realized by driver software for an output device, or a combination of driver software for an output device and the output device, etc.

[0074] Next, an example of the operation of the reservation device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0075] (S301) The output instruction receiving unit 121 determines whether or not an output instruction has been received from the user terminal 2. If an output instruction has been received, the process proceeds to S302, and if not, the process proceeds to S304.

[0076] (S302) The processing unit 13 acquires information corresponding to the output instruction. An example of such information acquisition processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0077] (S303) The transmission unit 14 transmits the information acquired in S302 to the user terminal 2 that has transmitted the output instruction. Return to S301.

[0078] (S304) The reservation instruction receiving unit 122 determines whether or not a reservation instruction has been received from the user terminal 2. If a reservation instruction has been received, the process proceeds to S305, and if not, the process proceeds to S308.

[0079] (S305) The reservation unit 133 acquires a unique reservation identifier. The reservation unit 133 acquires the user identifier, store identifier, seat identifier, and date and time information included in the reservation instruction. The reservation unit 133 creates reservation information including the reservation identifier, user identifier, and date and time information.

[0080] (S306) The reservation unit 133 stores the reservation information configured in S305 in the reservation management unit 112, in association with the store identifier and seat identifier included in the reservation instruction. The reservation unit 133 stores the reservation identifier in the user management unit 113 in association with the user identifier.

[0081] (S307) The transmission unit 14 transmits the reservation result including the reservation identifier to the user terminal 2. Return to S301. The reservation result is information indicating that the reservation has been completed.

[0082] (S308) The acquisition information receiving unit 123 determines whether or not acquisition information has been received from the user terminal 2. If acquisition information has been received, the process proceeds to S309, and if acquisition information has not been received, the process returns to S301.

[0083] (S309) The image registration unit 134 determines whether or not to register the landscape image contained in the received acquisition information. An example of this determination process will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0084] (S310) If the determination result acquired by the image registration unit 134 in S309 is "register", the process proceeds to S311; if the determination result is "do not register", the process proceeds to S314.

[0085] (S311) The image registration unit 134 stores the landscape image included in the received acquired information in the store management unit 111 in association with the store identifier and seat identifier included in the received acquired information.

[0086] (S312) The reward unit 135 acquires the user identifier included in the received acquisition information.

[0087] (S313) The reward unit 135 performs reward processing for the user identified by the user identifier acquired in S312. The reward processing is, for example, processing to increase the points paired with the user identifier in the user management unit 113. The reward processing is, for example, processing to accumulate information that identifies a coupon in pair with the user identifier in the user management unit 113. Other details of the reward processing are not important. Here, the reward unit 135 acquires a transmission result indicating that the landscape image has been registered and a reward has been given to the user. Proceed to S315.

[0088] (S314) The reward unit 135 receives a transmission result that is an error message indicating that the landscape image will not be registered.

[0089] (S315) The transmission unit 14 transmits the acquired transmission result to the user terminal 2 that transmitted the acquired information. Return to S301.

[0090] In the flowchart of FIG. 3, the process ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt occurs to end the process.

[0091] Next, an example of the information acquisition process in S302 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0092] (S401) The processing unit 13 determines whether the output instruction received in S301 is the first output instruction. If it is the first output instruction, the process proceeds to S402, and if it is not the first output instruction, the process proceeds to S404.

[0093] (S402) The processing unit 13 acquires the store identifier included in the first output instruction. The processing unit 13 acquires all or part of the store information corresponding to the store identifier from the store management unit 111. The processing unit 13 returns to the upper processing. Note that the information here includes the store name.

[0094] (S403) The processing unit 13 determines whether the output instruction received in S301 is a second output instruction. If it is a second output instruction, the process proceeds to S404, and if it is not a second output instruction, the process proceeds to S405.

[0095] (S404) The processing unit 13 acquires the store identifier included in the second output instruction. The processing unit 13 acquires layout information corresponding to the store identifier from the store management unit 111. The process returns to the upper-level process.

[0096] (S405) The processing unit 13 determines whether the output instruction received in S301 is the third output instruction. If it is the third output instruction, the process proceeds to S406, and if it is not the third output instruction, the process proceeds to S407.

[0097] (S406) The image acquisition unit 132 acquires the store identifier and the seat identifier included in the third output instruction. The image acquisition unit 132 acquires one or more landscape images corresponding to the store identifier and the seat identifier from the store management unit 111. The process returns to the upper level process.

[0098] (S407) The processing unit 13 determines whether the output instruction received in S301 is the fourth output instruction. If it is the fourth output instruction, the process proceeds to S408, and if it is not the fourth output instruction, the process proceeds to S413.

[0099] (S408) The weather forecast acquisition unit 131 acquires the date and time information included in the fourth output instruction.

[0100] (S409) The weather forecast acquisition unit 131 acquires address information paired with the store identifier included in the fourth output instruction from the store management unit 111. The weather forecast acquisition unit 131 also acquires weather forecast information for the area indicated by the address information, for the date and time specified by the acquired date and time information, from a weather forecast server (not shown).

[0101] (S410) The image acquisition unit 132 determines whether a landscape image corresponding to the store identifier included in the fourth output instruction, the seat identifier included in the fourth output instruction, the date and time information included in the fourth output instruction, and the acquired weather forecast information exists in the store management unit 111. If the landscape image does not exist in the store management unit 111, proceed to S411; if it does exist, proceed to S413.

[0102] (S411) The image acquisition unit 132 acquires a reference landscape image from the store management unit 111, which is a landscape image corresponding to the store identifier and the seat identifier contained in the fourth output instruction. If there are two or more landscape images corresponding to the store identifier and the seat identifier, the reference landscape image may be, for example, the landscape image accumulated first or the landscape image accumulated last. The reference landscape image may also be selected randomly.

[0103] (S412) The image acquisition unit 132 generates a landscape image corresponding to the date and time information included in the fourth output instruction and the acquired weather forecast information from the landscape image acquired in S411, and then returns to the upper-level processing.

[0104] The process of generating a landscape image corresponding to date and time information and weather forecast information from one landscape image can be performed by a generation AI using a known image processing technique, for example, and therefore detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0105] (S413) The image acquisition unit 132 acquires a scenic image corresponding to the store identifier included in the fourth output instruction, the seat identifier included in the fourth output instruction, the date and time information included in the fourth output instruction, and the acquired weather forecast information from the store management unit 111. The process returns to the upper level process.

[0106] (S414) The processing unit 13 determines whether the output instruction received in S301 is the fifth output instruction. If it is the fifth output instruction, the process proceeds to S415, and if it is not the fifth output instruction, the process proceeds to S417.

[0107] (S415) The processing unit 13 acquires the search condition included in the fifth output instruction.

[0108] (S416) The processing unit 13 uses the search conditions to search the store management unit 111 and acquires one or more store names, etc. The process returns to the upper processing.

[0109] (S417) The processing unit 13 acquires information corresponding to the output instruction. The processing unit 13 returns to the upper processing. The information corresponding to the output instruction is, for example, reservation information and user information.

[0110] Next, an example of the determination process in S309 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0111] (S501) The image registration unit 134 assigns 1 to a counter i.

[0112] (S502) The image registration unit 134 determines whether the i-th registration condition (hereinafter simply referred to as "condition") exists. If the i-th condition exists, the process proceeds to S503; if not, the process proceeds to S508.

[0113] (S503) The image registration unit 134 acquires the i-th condition.

[0114] (S504) The image registration unit 134 determines whether the landscape image matches the i-th condition. If the landscape image matches the i-th condition, the process proceeds to S505, and if the landscape image does not match the i-th condition, the process proceeds to S508.

[0115] (S505) The image registration unit 134 determines whether the i-th condition is a non-registration condition or a registration condition. If it is a non-registration condition, the process proceeds to S506, and if it is a registration condition, the process proceeds to S507. Note that a non-registration condition is a condition for determining not to register a landscape image. A registration condition is a condition for determining to register a landscape image. Whether the i-th condition is a non-registration condition or a registration condition is determined in advance.

[0116] (S506) The image registration unit 134 assigns "Do not register" to the determination result, and returns to the upper process.

[0117] (S507) The image registration unit 134 assigns "register" to the determination result, and returns to the upper-level processing.

[0118] (S508) The image registration unit 134 increments the counter i by 1. The process returns to S502.

[0119] (S509) The image registration unit 134 assigns "register" to the determination result, and returns to the upper-level processing.

[0120] Next, an example of the operation of the user terminal 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0121] (S601) The terminal reception unit 22 determines whether or not an output instruction has been received. If an output instruction has been received, the process proceeds to S602; if not, the process proceeds to S605. The output instruction may be, for example, a first output instruction, a second output instruction, a third output instruction, a fourth output instruction, or a fifth output instruction.

[0122] (S602) The terminal processing unit 23 composes an output instruction to be transmitted based on the output instruction received in S601. The terminal transmitting unit 24 transmits the output instruction to the reservation device 1. The output instruction usually includes a user identifier.

[0123] (S603) In response to the transmission of the output instruction, the terminal receiving unit 25 determines whether or not information has been received. If information has been received, the process proceeds to S604; if information has not been received, the process returns to S603. The information may be, for example, part of store information, layout information, or a landscape image.

[0124] (S604) The device processing unit 23 uses the information received in S603 to compose information to be output. The device output unit 26 outputs the information. Note that the information here may be, for example, part of the store information, layout information, or a landscape image.

[0125] (S605) The terminal reception unit 22 determines whether or not a reservation instruction has been received. If the reservation instruction has been received, the process proceeds to S606; if not, the process proceeds to S609. The reservation instruction usually includes a store identifier, a seat identifier, and date and time information.

[0126] (S606) The terminal processing unit 23 composes a reservation instruction to be transmitted based on the reservation instruction received in S605. The terminal transmitting unit 24 transmits the output instruction to the reservation device 1. The reservation instruction usually includes a user identifier.

[0127] (S607) The terminal receiving unit 25 determines whether or not a reservation result has been received in response to the transmission of the reservation instruction. If a reservation result has been received, the process proceeds to S608, and if not, the process returns to S607.

[0128] (S608) The terminal processing unit 23 uses the reservation result received in S607 to create a reservation result to be output. The terminal output unit 26 outputs the reservation result.

[0129] (S609) The terminal reception unit 22 determines whether or not a read instruction has been received. If a read instruction has been received, the process proceeds to S610; if not, the process returns to S601.

[0130] (S610) The terminal processing unit 23 reads the code on the seat in the store.

[0131] (S611) The terminal processing unit 23 acquires the store identifier and the seat identifier embedded in the code read in S610.

[0132] (S612) The device processing unit 23 transitions to a photography mode. That is, the device processing unit 23 starts up the camera.

[0133] (S613) The terminal reception unit 22 determines whether or not a shooting instruction has been received. If a shooting instruction has been received, the process proceeds to S614, and if not, the process returns to S613.

[0134] (S614) The camera provided in the device processing unit 23 starts capturing images. Note that the capturing here may be of a still image or a video.

[0135] (S615) The device processing unit 23 acquires a landscape image, which may be a still image or a video. If the landscape image is a video, it is preferable that the device processing unit 23 captures the image only for a predetermined period of time (for example, 20 seconds). This is to prevent a landscape image of a large size (a size equal to or larger than a threshold) from being transmitted.

[0136] (S616) The device processing unit 23 acquires a user identifier from the device storage unit 21. The device processing unit 23 composes acquired information including the user identifier, the store identifier, the seat identifier, and the landscape image.

[0137] (S617) The terminal transmitting unit 24 transmits the acquired information to the reservation device 1.

[0138] (S618) The terminal receiving unit 25 determines whether or not the transmission result has been received. If the transmission result has been received, the process proceeds to S619, and if not, the process returns to S618.

[0139] (S619) The terminal processing unit 23 composes a transmission result to be output. The terminal output unit 26 outputs the transmission result. The process returns to S601.

[0140] In the flowchart of FIG. 6, the process ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt occurs to end the process.

[0141] A specific example of the operation of the reservation system A in this embodiment will be described below.

[0142] Assume now that the store management table shown in FIG. 7 is stored in the store management unit 111 of the reservation device 1. The store management table is a table for managing store information. The store management table is a table for managing one or more records each having an "ID," "store identifier," "store name," "store attribute value," and "seat information." The "store attribute value" includes an "address" and "layout information." The "seat information" includes a "seat identifier," "scenery image," and "scenery attribute value." The "layout information," for example, "L1," is a file name for displaying the table layout within the store. The "scenery image," for example, "I1A1," is a file name. The "scenery attribute value" includes "date and time information," "weather information," "flag," and "user identifier." The "date and time information" of the "scenery attribute value" indicates the date and time when the scene image was captured. For example, "D1.T1" indicates that the date is "D1" and the time is "T1." The "weather information" indicates the weather when the scene image was captured. The "flag" here indicates whether the scene image is a still image or a video. A flag "1" indicates that the landscape image is a still image, and a flag "2" indicates that the landscape image is a video. The "user identifier" is the identifier of the user who provided the landscape image.

[0143] It is assumed that the reservation management unit 112 stores the reservation management table shown in FIG. 8. The reservation management table is a table for managing reservation information. The reservation management table is a table for managing one or more records each having an "ID," "reservation identifier," "user identifier," "store identifier," "seat identifier," "date and time information," and "number of people." The "user identifier" is the identifier of the user who made the reservation. The "store identifier" is the identifier of the store for which the reservation was made. The "seat identifier" is the identifier of the reserved seat. The "date and time information" indicates the date and time the reservation was made. The "number of people" is the number of people for whom the reservation was made.

[0144] It is assumed that the user management unit 113 stores a user management table shown in FIG. 9. The user management table is a table for managing user information. The user management table is a table for managing one or more records each having an "ID," "user identifier," and "user attribute value." The "user attribute value" includes "name," "age," "address," "credit card number," "points," and "number of registered images." "Points" are points held by the user and can be used to reduce the fare when using a restaurant or for other purposes. The "number of registered images" is the number of landscape images registered, and when the number reaches a certain number, such as "5" or "10," a coupon is given to the user as a reward.

[0145] In the above situation, the following two specific examples will be described. Specific Example 1 is a case where a user refers to a landscape image and makes a reservation at a restaurant. Specific Example 2 is a case where a user registers a landscape image.

[0146] (Example 1) In the first specific example, an example of the operation of the reservation system A will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0147] First, the user inputs a fifth output instruction including a search condition for "store search" to the user terminal 2. Then, the terminal receiving unit 22 of the user terminal 2 receives the fifth output instruction including the search condition, and the terminal transmitting unit 24 transmits the fifth output instruction to the reservation device 1 (S1001).

[0148] Next, the output instruction receiving unit 121 of the reservation device 1 receives the fifth output instruction. Next, the processing unit 13 acquires part of the information on one or more stores (e.g., store names) that matches the search conditions included in the fifth output instruction from the store management table (FIG. 7), and transmits the information to the user terminal 2 (S1002).

[0149] Next, the user terminal 2 receives and outputs a portion of the one or more store information. Next, the user specifies the reservation date and time and inputs a request to select a table at a specific store into the user terminal 2. Then, the terminal reception unit 22 of the user terminal 2 receives a second output instruction having the store identifier of the specific store (here, "S01") (S1003). The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits the second output instruction to the reservation device 1.

[0150] Next, the output instruction receiving unit 121 of the reservation device 1 receives a second output instruction having the store identifier "S01." Next, the processing unit 13 acquires the layout information "L1" and seat information (information of seat identifiers "A" to "F") paired with the store identifier "S01" from the store management table (FIG. 7). Next, the transmission unit 14 transmits the information to the user terminal 2 (S1004). Note that here, it is assumed that the transmission unit 14 also transmits all of the landscape images paired with the seat identifiers "A" to "F."

[0151] Next, the terminal receiving unit 25 of the user terminal 2 receives the information. Next, the terminal processing unit 23 creates a table layout from the received layout information. Next, the terminal output unit 26 displays the table layout (S1005). An example of the table layout is 1101 in FIG. 11(a).

[0152] Next, let us say that the user specifies table "A" (S1006). Then, the terminal receiving unit 22 receives table "A" (1102 in FIG. 11(a)). Next, the terminal processing unit 23 acquires the first landscape image "I1A1" that pairs with the received seat identifier "A". Next, the terminal output unit 26 displays the landscape image "I1A1" (S1007). This landscape image "I1A1" is 1103 in FIG. 11(a).

[0153] Next, suppose the user specifies table "B," for example. Then, the terminal receiving unit 22 receives table "B" (1104 in FIG. 11(b)). Next, the terminal processing unit 23 acquires a landscape image "I1B1" that pairs with the received seat identifier "B." Next, the terminal output unit 26 displays the landscape image "I1B1." This landscape image "I1B1" is 1105 in FIG. 11(b).

[0154] Next, suppose the user specifies table "C," for example. Then, the terminal receiving unit 22 receives table "C" (1106 in FIG. 11(c)). Next, the terminal processing unit 23 acquires the first landscape image "I1C1" that pairs with the received seat identifier "C." Next, the terminal output unit 26 displays the landscape image "I1C1." This landscape image "I1C1" is 1107 in FIG. 11(c).

[0155] For example, if the user specifies tables "A," "B," and "C," the user terminal 2 accepts tables "A," "B," and "C." Next, the terminal processing unit 23 acquires the first landscape image "I1A1" paired with the seat identifier "A," the landscape image "I1B1" paired with the seat identifier "B," and the first landscape image "I1C1" paired with the seat identifier "C" that have been received. Next, the terminal output unit 26 displays the landscape images "I1A1," "I1B1," and "I1C1." An example of the display of these three landscape images is shown in FIG. 12. In FIG. 12, landscape images of multiple seats are output so that they can be compared. This function allows the user to compare the landscape images of multiple seats and decide which seat to reserve.

[0156] Furthermore, by manipulating the output landscape image, the user can switch to a view of the interior of the store, looking around the seating position. That is, for example, by manipulating the landscape image, the user can change from an image of the outside of the store (FIG. 13(a)) to an image of the inside of the store (FIG. 13(b)). In such a case, the landscape image "I1A1" is, for example, an image taken by a 360-degree camera.

[0157] Next, suppose that the user checks the landscape image as described above and then inputs a reservation instruction including the store identifier "S01", the seat identifier "A", date and time information, etc. Next, the terminal reception unit 22 receives the reservation instruction including the store identifier "S01" and the seat identifier "A" (S1008). Then, the terminal transmission unit 24 transmits the reservation instruction to the reservation device 1. The reservation instruction also includes the date and time information, etc.

[0158] Next, the reservation instruction receiving unit 122 of the reservation device 1 receives the reservation instruction from the user terminal 2. Next, the reservation unit 133 acquires a unique reservation identifier. The reservation unit 133 acquires the user identifier, store identifier, seat identifier, and date and time information contained in the reservation instruction. The reservation unit 133 composes reservation information having the reservation identifier, user identifier, and date and time information. Next, the reservation unit 133 associates the store identifier and seat identifier with each other and registers the composed reservation information in a reservation management table (S1009).

[0159] Next, the reservation device 1 transmits a reservation result indicating that the reservation has been confirmed to the user terminal 2 (S1010).

[0160] Next, the user terminal 2 receives and outputs the reservation result indicating that the reservation has been confirmed (S1011).

[0161] As described above, after checking the view from a seat at a restaurant, you can reserve a seat at that restaurant.

[0162] (Example 2) In a second specific example, an example of an operation in which a user registers a landscape image will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0163] The user takes a picture of the scenery from the reserved seat at the reserved restaurant, for example, before or after eating (S1401 in FIG. 14). Next, the user inputs an instruction to send the taken scenery image to the reservation device 1 in association with a reservation identifier "R1" that identifies the user's reservation. Next, the user terminal 2 accepts the instruction and sends the reservation identifier "R1", the scenery image, and a user identifier (for example, "U01") to the reservation device 1 (S1402).

[0164] Next, the acquired information receiving unit 123 of the reservation device 1 receives the reservation identifier "R1", the landscape image, and the user identifier.

[0165] Next, the image registration unit 134 acquires the store identifier "S01" and the seat identifier "A" that are paired with the reservation identifier "R1" from the reservation management table (FIG. 8). The image registration unit 134 also acquires the current date and time "D1.T1" from a clock (not shown). The image registration unit 134 also detects that the type of the landscape image is a still image, and acquires a flag of "1."

[0166] The weather forecast acquisition unit 131 also acquires the address "Minato-ku, Tokyo..." that is paired with the store identifier "S01", and acquires the weather for that address as "fine" using that address as a key.

[0167] Next, the image registration unit 134 stores the received landscape image in a file with the unique file name "I1A1." The image registration unit 134 also creates landscape image information "<Landscape image> I1A1 <Date and time information> D1.T1 <Weather information> Sunny <Flag> 1 <User identifier> U01." Next, the image registration unit 134 associates the landscape image information with the store identifier "S01" and the seat identifier "A" and stores it in the store management table (FIG. 7) (S1403). The landscape image is registered through the above process.

[0168] Furthermore, the reward unit 135 acquires the received user identifier "U01." The reward unit 135 performs reward processing for the user identified by the acquired user identifier "U01." Here, the reward unit 135 increases the points paired with the user identifier "U01" in the user management table (FIG. 9) by a predetermined number (for example, "10").

[0169] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to check the view from a seat in a restaurant before reserving that seat in the restaurant.

[0170] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reserve a seat at the restaurant after checking the scenery according to the reservation date and time.

[0171] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reserve a seat at a restaurant after checking the scenery according to the weather forecast for the reservation date and time.

[0172] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a system for collecting images of scenery taken from seats in a restaurant.

[0173] Furthermore, the processing in this embodiment may be realized by software. This software may be distributed by software download or the like. This software may also be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed. This also applies to the other embodiments in this specification. The software that realizes the reservation device 1 in this embodiment is the following program. In other words, this program is a program for causing a computer that can access a store management unit in which two or more store pieces of store information are stored, the store pieces of store information having a store identifier that identifies a restaurant, layout information that indicates the layout of one or more seats in the store, and one or more pieces of seat information that is information corresponding to the seats in the layout information and has a seat identifier that identifies the seat and a landscape image that is an image that can be seen from the seat, to function as an output instruction receiving unit that receives an output instruction corresponding to the store identifier from a user terminal, an image acquisition unit that acquires one or more landscape images corresponding to the store identifier that corresponds to the output instruction from the store management unit, an image sending unit that transmits the one or more landscape images acquired by the image acquisition unit to the user terminal, a reservation instruction receiving unit that receives from the user terminal a reservation instruction that corresponds to the store identifier, the seat identifier, and a user identifier and has date and time information, and a reservation unit that acquires and stores reservation information based on the reservation instruction.

[0174] The software that realizes the user terminal is the following program: That is, this program causes a computer to function as a user acquisition unit that acquires acquired information containing a scenic image, which is associated with a store identifier and a seat identifier, and as a user transmission unit that transmits the acquired information to a reservation device, and the scenic image contained in the acquired information is stored in association with the store identifier and the seat identifier that are associated with the acquired information.

[0175] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a computer system 300 that executes the programs described in this specification to realize the reservation device 1 or the user terminal 2 of the various embodiments described above.

[0176] In FIG. 15, a computer system 300 includes a computer 301 including a CD-ROM drive, a keyboard 302, a mouse 303, and a monitor 304.

[0177] 15, computer 301 includes, in addition to CD-ROM drive 3012, MPU 3013, bus 3014 connected to CD-ROM drive 3012 etc., ROM 3015 for storing programs such as a boot-up program, RAM 3016 connected to MPU 3013 for temporarily storing instructions of application programs and providing temporary storage space, and hard disk 3017 for storing application programs, system programs, and data. Although not shown here, computer 301 may further include a network card for providing connection to a LAN.

[0178] A program that causes computer system 300 to execute the functions of the reservation device 1 and the like of the above-described embodiment may be stored on CD-ROM 3101, inserted into CD-ROM drive 3012, and then transferred to hard disk 3017. Alternatively, the program may be sent to computer 301 via a network (not shown) and stored on hard disk 3017. The program is loaded into RAM 3016 when executed. The program may also be loaded directly from CD-ROM 3101 or the network.

[0179] The program does not necessarily include an operating system (OS) or a third-party program that causes the computer 301 to execute the functions of the reservation device and the like of the above-described embodiment. The program need only include instructions that call appropriate functions (modules) in a controlled manner to achieve the desired results. How the computer system 300 operates is well known, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0180] In addition, in the above program, the steps of transmitting information and receiving information do not include processing performed by hardware, such as processing performed by a modem or interface card in the transmission step (processing that can only be performed by hardware).

[0181] The computer that executes the program may be a single computer or a plurality of computers, that is, it may perform centralized processing or distributed processing.

[0182] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, it goes without saying that two or more communication means present in one device may be physically realized by one medium.

[0183] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, each process may be realized by centralized processing in a single device, or may be realized by distributed processing in a plurality of devices.

[0184] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible, and it goes without saying that these modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0185] As described above, the reservation device 1 according to the present invention has the effect of allowing a user to check the view from a seat in a restaurant before reserving that seat in the restaurant, and is useful as a server for making reservations at restaurants, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0186] A. Reservation System 1 Reservation device 2. User terminal 11 Storage area 12 Receiving unit 13 Processing section 14 Transmitter 21 Terminal storage section 22 Terminal Reception 23 Terminal processing section 24 Terminal transmitter 25 Terminal receiving section 26 Terminal Output Unit 111 Store Management Department 111 Landscape Image Store Management Department 112 Reservation Management Department 113 User Management Department 113 Management Department 121 Output instruction receiving unit 122 Reservation instruction receiving unit 123 Acquisition information receiving unit 131 Weather Forecast Acquisition Department 132 Image acquisition unit 133 Reservation Department 134 Image Registration Unit 135 Remuneration Department 141 Store Information Transmission Department 142 Image transmission unit

Claims

1. a store management unit that stores two or more store information pieces, each of which includes a store identifier that identifies a restaurant, layout information that indicates the layout of one or more seats in the restaurant, and one or more seat information pieces that correspond to the seats in the layout information and include a seat identifier that identifies the seat and a landscape image that is an image that can be seen from the seat; an output instruction receiving unit that receives an output instruction associated with the store identifier from the user terminal; an image acquisition unit that acquires, from the store management unit, one or more landscape images that correspond to the store identifier that corresponds to the output instruction; an image transmission unit that transmits one or more of the landscape images acquired by the image acquisition unit to the user terminal; a reservation instruction receiving unit that receives, from the user terminal, a reservation instruction that corresponds to the store identifier, the seat identifier, and the user identifier and that includes date and time information; a reservation unit that acquires and stores reservation information based on the reservation instruction.

2. the output instruction includes date and time information, The image acquisition unit The reservation device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a display unit configured to display one or more landscape images corresponding to the date and time information included in the output instruction;

3. the output instruction includes date and time information, a weather forecast acquisition unit that acquires weather forecast information for a time specified by the date and time information included in the output instruction, the weather forecast information being weather forecast information for a region of the store identified by the store identifier; The image acquisition unit 3. The reservation device according to claim 1, wherein one or more landscape images corresponding to the weather forecast information are acquired.

4. a user acquisition unit that acquires acquired information having a landscape image in association with a store identifier and a seat identifier; a user transmitting unit that transmits the acquired information to a reservation device; The scenic image contained in the acquired information is stored in a user terminal in association with the store identifier and the seat identifier that correspond to the acquired information.

5. a code reader that reads a code in which a store identifier and a seat identifier are embedded; a photographing unit that photographs and acquires a landscape image, The user acquisition unit The user terminal according to claim 4, wherein the acquired information includes the store identifier and the seat identifier embedded in the code, and the landscape image acquired by the photographing unit.

6. A reservation method comprising a store management unit storing two or more store information pieces each having a store identifier for identifying a store that is a restaurant, layout information indicating the layout of one or more seats in the store, and one or more seat information pieces each having a seat identifier for identifying a seat and a landscape image that is an image that can be seen from the seat, and an output instruction receiving unit, an image acquiring unit, an image transmitting unit, a reservation instruction receiving unit, and a reservation unit, an output instruction receiving step in which the output instruction receiving unit receives an output instruction associated with a store identifier from a user terminal; an image acquisition step in which the image acquisition unit acquires, from the store management unit, one or more landscape images corresponding to the store identifier corresponding to the output instruction; an image transmitting step in which the image transmitting unit transmits one or more of the landscape images acquired by the image acquiring unit to the user terminal; a reservation instruction receiving step in which the reservation instruction receiving unit receives, from the user terminal, a reservation instruction that corresponds to the store identifier, the seat identifier, and the user identifier and has date and time information; a reservation step in which the reservation unit acquires and stores reservation information based on the reservation instruction.

Images