Seat reservation system, seat reservation method, and program

Abstract

To effectively utilize seats, while improving the convenience for users.SOLUTION: In a seat reservation system 100, a communication unit 15 transmits image data generated in a processing unit 14 to a user terminal 2, and receives multiple pieces of information related to the start of seat use procedures and the start of seat reservation procedures of a user, from the user terminal 2 that displays a reservation reception screen. The processing unit 14 generates, when the total number of seats of the number of seats occupied by the user stored in a storage unit 17 and the number of seats reserved by the user is equal to or less than an allowable number of seats, image data for an input image for receiving an input by a user to proceed with the seat use procedures or the seat reservation procedures, and causes the communication unit 15 to transmit the image data to the user terminal 2. The processing unit 14 generates, when the total number of seats is greater than the allowable number of seats, image data of a notification image for notifying the user of non-permission to continue the seat use procedures or the seat reservation procedures, and causes the communication unit 15 to transmit the image data to the user terminal 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a seat reservation system, a seat reservation method, and a program, and more particularly to a seat reservation system, a seat reservation method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a free address seating map providing system. The free address seating map providing system disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a system that provides a real-time seating map corresponding to the free addresses of office seats. The free address seating map providing system includes an acquisition means, an identification means, a display means, a reception means, and a provision means. The acquisition means acquires identification information provided for office seats from a user terminal. The identification means identifies a seat ID linked to the acquired identification information. The display means displays a declaration page on the user terminal, linked to the identified seat, which allows the user to declare that they are sitting in the seat. The reception means accepts the declaration from the declaration page. The provision means provides the seat map displayed in association with the user sitting in the declared seat. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 079821 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The free address seating map providing system disclosed in Patent Document 1 makes it easy to know who is sitting where in real time. However, in a free address office, employees who use seats may wish to use multiple seats.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a seat reservation system, a seat reservation method, and a program that enable effective use of seats while improving user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A seat reservation system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a processing unit, a communication unit, and a storage unit. The processing unit generates image data of a reservation acceptance image in which multiple icons indicating the availability status of multiple seats are superimposed on an office map image. The communication unit transmits the image data generated by the processing unit to a user terminal and receives multiple pieces of information related to the user's initiation of a seat use procedure or a seat reservation procedure from the user terminal displaying the reservation acceptance image. The storage unit associates and stores the user's identification information with the usage time of the seat currently being used by the user or the usage time of a seat previously reserved by the user. The multiple pieces of information include the user's identification information, information about one icon selected from the multiple icons in the reservation acceptance image, and time information about the usage time of one seat among the multiple seats corresponding to the one icon. If the total number of seats currently being used by the user and the number of seats previously reserved by the user stored in the storage unit is equal to or less than a permitted number, the processing unit generates image data of an input image for accepting input from the user to proceed with the seat use procedure or the seat reservation procedure, and causes the communication unit to transmit the image data to the user terminal. If the total number is greater than the allowable number, the processing unit generates image data of a notification image notifying the user that they are not allowed to continue the seat usage procedure or the seat reservation procedure, and causes the communication unit to transmit the image data to the user terminal.

[0007] A seat reservation method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first processing step, a communication step, a storage step, and a second processing step. In the first processing step, image data of a reservation acceptance image is generated in which multiple icons indicating the availability status of multiple seats are superimposed on an office map image. In the communication step, the image data generated in the first processing step is transmitted to a user terminal, and multiple pieces of information related to the user's initiation of a seat usage procedure or the initiation of a seat reservation procedure are received from the user terminal displaying the reservation acceptance image. In the storage step, the user's identification information is associated with the usage time of the user's currently used seat or the usage time of the user's reserved seat, and the associated information is stored in a storage unit. The second processing step is performed after the first processing step. The multiple pieces of information include the user's identification information, information about one icon selected from the multiple icons in the reservation acceptance image, and time information about the usage time of one seat corresponding to the one icon among the multiple seats. In the second processing step, if the total number of the seats in use by the user and the number of seats reserved by the user stored in the storage unit is equal to or less than an allowable number, image data of an input image that accepts input from the user to proceed with the seat use procedure or the seat reservation procedure is generated and transmitted from the communication unit to the user terminal. In the second processing step, if the total number is greater than the allowable number, image data of a notification image that notifies the user that continuation of the seat use procedure or the seat reservation procedure is not permitted is generated and transmitted from the communication unit to the user terminal.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for executing the seat reservation method according to the above aspect. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The seat reservation system, seat reservation method, and program disclosed herein enable effective use of seats while improving user convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a seat reservation system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a map image used in the seat reservation system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of a display unit of a user terminal in the seat reservation system, in which a reservation acceptance image is displayed on the display unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a first database stored in a storage unit in the seat reservation system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a second database stored in the storage unit in the seat reservation system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of a display unit of a user terminal in the seat reservation system, with an input image displayed on the display unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view of the display unit of the user terminal in the seat reservation system, showing a home image including the user's schedule. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view of the display unit of the user terminal in the seat reservation system, with a reservation acceptance image displayed on the display unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view of the display unit of the user terminal in the seat reservation system, with a reservation acceptance image displayed on the display unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view of the display unit of the user terminal in the seat reservation system, with a notification image displayed on the display unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a front view of the display unit of the user terminal in the seat reservation system, with a display image displayed on the display unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front view of the display unit of the user terminal in the seat reservation system, with a display image displayed on the display unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the seat reservation system. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the seat reservation system. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a seat reservation method according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a front view of a user terminal when a reservation acceptance image is displayed on the display unit of the user terminal in a seat reservation system according to a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a front view of the user terminal when an input image is displayed on the display unit of the user terminal in the seat reservation system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings referred to in the following embodiments and the like are schematic diagrams, and the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensions, and the size ratios and thickness ratios between the components do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0012] (Embodiment) A seat reservation system 100, a seat reservation method, and a program according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0013] (1) Seat reservation system The seat reservation system 100 (see FIG. 1) is a system used to reserve multiple seats in an office, such as a free address office.

[0014] A free address office is an office where individual seats are not assigned to multiple users, and each user can reserve and use an available seat. In this embodiment, the free address office is, for example, an office with multiple seats that can be reserved by multiple users. The multiple seats can be used without a reservation. The multiple users include, for example, multiple employees working in the free address office. The free address office may also have a conference space that can be reserved by users. The conference space may have, for example, three or more seats arranged around one large table. The office is not limited to an office on one floor where users work at a company's headquarters or branch office, but may also be an office on another floor or a satellite office.

[0015] The seat reservation system 100 includes a plurality of user terminals 2 corresponding one-to-one to a plurality of users. Application software for using the seat reservation system 100 is installed on each user terminal 2. Hereinafter, this application software will also be referred to as "Checkin Manager." For ease of explanation, three users will be introduced from among the plurality of users, and the three users will be referred to as a first user, a second user, and a third user, respectively. The name of the first user will be referred to as "Name A," the name of the second user will be referred to as "Name B," and the name of the third user will be referred to as "Name C." The user terminal 2 carried by the first user will be referred to as a first user terminal 2A, the user terminal 2 carried by the second user will be referred to as a second user terminal 2B, and the user terminal 2 carried by the third user will be referred to as a third user terminal 2C. Each user has different user identification information (hereinafter, also referred to as a user ID). In the following description, the user ID of the first user is "A1", the user ID of the second user is "A2", and the user ID of the third user is "A3".

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the seat reservation system 100 includes a processing unit 14, a communication unit 15, and a storage unit 17.

[0017] The processing unit 14 generates image data for a reservation reception image G1 (see FIG. 3) in which multiple icons 7 (see FIG. 3) indicating the availability of multiple seats 6 are superimposed on an office map image 5 (see FIG. 2). The office map image 5 is an image that reflects the layout of multiple seats in a free-address office. In other words, the map image 5 is an image of an office in which the positions of each of the multiple seats 6 are determined in the office layout. The multiple seats 6 in the office map image 5 correspond one-to-one to the multiple seats in the free-address office. In the example of FIG. 3, the icon 7 for an unused seat 6 among the multiple seats 6 is an icon with the word "vacant" written in a circle, and the icon 7 for a seat 6 occupied by a user is an icon with an image (user's facial image) indicating the user's attributes (face) displayed in a circle and the user's name displayed below the user's facial image. The multiple seats 6 may include, for example, seats for work, seats for breaks (sofas), seats in private booths dedicated to online meetings, seats in a conference room, etc. Regarding seats in a conference room, there are two or more seats in one conference room, and in this embodiment, one icon 7 is associated with each conference room. The office map image 5 can be generated using, for example, BIM (Building Information Modeling) data, but it may also be generated without using BIM data. In the seat reservation system 100, different seat identification information (hereinafter also referred to as seat ID) is set for each seat 6. The seat ID of each of the multiple seats 6 is stored in the memory unit 17.

[0018] The communication unit 15 transmits image data generated by the processing unit 14 to the user terminal 2 and receives multiple pieces of information related to the user's initiation of a seat use procedure or seat reservation procedure from the user terminal 2 displaying the reservation acceptance image G1. The communication unit 15 can transmit the image data generated by the processing unit 14 to all user terminals 2. The storage unit 17 stores the user ID and the usage time (date and time) of the seat 6 currently being used by the user (the seat ID of the seat 6 for which the user selected the icon 7 and performed the check-in operation) or the usage time (date and time) of the reserved seat 6 (the seat ID of the seat 6 reserved by the user) in association with each other (see FIG. 4). "The user performed a check-in operation" means that the user performed a predetermined input operation on the operation unit 23 of the user terminal 2 when starting to use the seat 6. In the seat reservation system 100, when the user finishes using the seat 6 currently being used and performs a check-out operation on the user terminal 2, the icon 7 corresponding to the seat 6 is changed to the icon 7 of an unused seat 6, and the data linking the user ID, seat ID, and usage time is deleted from the storage unit 17. Furthermore, the storage unit 17 stores the seat ID, the usage time of the seat 6, the state of the seat 6, and the name of the user in association with each other (see FIG. 5).

[0019] A user can use the checked-in seat 6 until checking out, but is not required to be seated in the seat 6; for example, the user may place their luggage on the seat 6 and occupy it while using another seat 6 or going out to eat, etc.

[0020] The multiple pieces of information received by the communication unit 15 include, for example, a user ID, information on one icon 7 (hereinafter also referred to as the selected icon 7) selected from the multiple icons 7 in the reservation reception image G1, and time information on the usage time (from the start time of usage to the end time of usage) of the seat 6 corresponding to one selected icon 7 among the multiple seats 6.

[0021] When the total number of seats 6 currently being used by the user and the total number of seats 6 reserved by the user, which are stored in the memory unit 17, is equal to or less than an allowable number (for example, 2), the processing unit 14 generates image data of an input image G2 (see FIG. 6) that accepts input from the user to proceed with the seat use procedure or seat reservation procedure, and transmits the image data from the communication unit 15 to the user terminal 2. When the total number is greater than the allowable number, the processing unit 14 generates image data of a notification image G4 (see FIG. 10) that notifies the user that continuation of the seat use procedure or seat reservation procedure is not permitted, and transmits the image data from the communication unit 15 to the user terminal 2.

[0022] The input image G2 includes a map image 5, a location display field 8 for the seat 6 corresponding to the icon 7 selected by the user, a display field 9 for the start and end times of the seat 6's usage time, and an OK button 10. The usage time of the seat 6 can be changed by the user of the user terminal 2. As shown in FIG. 6, in the input image G2, the circle of the icon 7 selected by the user (selected icon 7) on the user terminal 2 is displayed with a thicker line than the circles of the other icons 7. However, the icon 7 may be displayed with a different color, or a part of the icon 7 (for example, a circle) may be displayed as a flashing icon. In the input image G2 of FIG. 6, the user can also change the usage start time and usage end time of the usage time. When the user selects (clicks) the OK button 10 in the input image G2 of FIG. 6, check-in is performed. The user's schedule stored in the user terminal 2 is updated and displayed on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 2 (see FIG. 7), and notification information (check-in information) of the start of usage of the seat 6 is transmitted from the user terminal 2.

[0023] In the seat reservation system 100, the processing unit 14 performs a first process and a second process when the communication unit 15 receives notification information from the user terminal 2 displaying the input image G2 that a seat 6 corresponding to one of the selection icons 7 has begun to be used. The first process is a process of generating image data of a reservation acceptance image G1 (see FIG. 8 ) in which one of the selection icons 7 has been replaced with an icon 7 indicating the attributes of the user of the user terminal 2, and transmitting the image data from the communication unit 15 to the user terminal 2. The second process is a process of rewriting the contents of the storage unit 17 based on the notification information. Note that FIG. 8 illustrates the reservation acceptance image G1 in a case where a first user with a name A, a second user with a name B, and a third user with a name C have each checked in to one seat 6. In contrast, FIG. 9 illustrates the reservation acceptance image G1 in a case where a first user with a name A and a second user with a name B have each checked in to one seat 6, and a third user with a name C has checked in to two seats 6.

[0024] Furthermore, when the processing unit 14 receives information indicating an intention to continue the seat usage procedure or seat reservation procedure from the user terminal 2 that has displayed the notification image G4, it generates image data of a display image G6 (see FIG. 11) for performing a procedure to terminate usage of a seat 6 currently being used by the user or a procedure to cancel a seat 6 that the user has reserved so that the total number is equal to or less than the allowable number, and causes the communication unit 15 to transmit the image data to the user terminal 2. When the processing unit 14 receives instruction information indicating a procedure to terminate usage or a procedure to cancel from the user terminal 2 that has displayed the display image G6, it rewrites the contents stored in the memory unit 17 based on the instruction information.

[0025] Moreover, the processing unit 14 generates image data of the input image G2 only if the seat 6 desired by the user is not already reserved during the available time of the seat 6.

[0026] The seat reservation system 100 will now be described in more detail.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the seat reservation system 100 includes a server 1 capable of communicating with multiple user terminals 2 (only three are shown in FIG. 1). The server 1 can communicate with the multiple user terminals 2. The server 1 can be connected to the multiple user terminals 2 via a communication network. The server 1 acquires information related to each of the multiple users who correspond one-to-one to the multiple user terminals 2 by communicating with each of the multiple user terminals 2. The information related to the user includes the user ID when the user uses the seat reservation system 100 using the user terminal 2, information about one icon 7 selected (clicked) by the user from among multiple icons 7 in the reservation acceptance image G1, and time information about the usage time (start time to end time) of the seat 6 corresponding to the one icon 7 among multiple seats 6. In this embodiment, the information related to the user also includes the user's schedule information. The communication network may include the Internet. The communication network may be configured not only as a network conforming to a single communication protocol, but also as multiple networks conforming to different communication protocols. The communication protocol may be selected from various well-known wireless communication standards. The communication network may include data communication equipment such as repeater hubs, switching hubs, bridges, gateways, routers, and the like.

[0028] In the seat reservation system 100, the server 1 includes a processing unit 14, a communication unit 15, and a storage unit 17. The server 1 further includes an operation unit 16 and a power supply unit 19.

[0029] The processing unit 14 has the function of overall control of the server 1, i.e., controlling the communication unit 15 and the memory unit 17. The processing unit 14 stores information received from the user terminal 2 at the communication unit 15 in the memory unit 17 or updates the stored contents of the memory unit 17. Updating the stored contents includes deleting the stored contents. The processing unit 14 generates image data of images (reservation acceptance image G1, input image G2, notification image G4, display image G6, etc.) to be displayed on the user terminal 2 based on the information from the user terminal 2 received at the communication unit 15.

[0030] The processing unit 14 includes a computer system. The computer system is primarily composed of a processor and memory as hardware. The processor executes a program stored in the memory of the computer system to realize the functions of the processing unit 14 in the present disclosure. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits, such as ICs and LSIs, are referred to by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, very large scale integrations (VLSIs), or ultra large scale integrations (ULSIs). Furthermore, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which are programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or logic devices that allow the reconfiguration of internal connections or circuit partitions within the LSI can also be used as processors. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit. The processing unit 14 is realized, for example, by a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories. That is, the functions of the processing unit 14 are realized by the one or more processors executing a program recorded in the memory. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory, provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card.

[0031] The communication unit 15 is a communication interface. In particular, the communication unit 15 is a communication interface connectable to a communication network and has a function of communicating through the communication network. This allows the server 1 to communicate with each of the multiple user terminals 2 through the communication network. The signal received by the communication unit 15 from the user terminal 2 may include, for example, user identification information, seat identification information corresponding to the icon 7 selected by the user, etc.

[0032] The operation unit 16 accepts operation inputs from an administrator or the like of the seat reservation system 100. In the seat reservation system 100, the administrator or the like of the seat reservation system 100 can set the above-mentioned map image 5, seat ID, allowable number, etc. by operating the operation unit 16.

[0033] The storage unit 17 is a device for storing information. The storage unit 17 is, for example, a random access memory (RAM), an EEPROM, or the like. The storage unit 17 may also be a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or the like. The multiple pieces of information stored in the storage unit 17 include information for identifying the seat 6 used by the user (seat ID) and position information of the seat 6. The position information of the seat 6 is, for example, coordinates indicating the position of the seat 6 in the office, such as coordinates on the map image 5. The information of the user terminal 2 includes at least one of user terminal identification information (hereinafter also referred to as a user terminal ID) for identifying the user terminal 2 and a user ID. The user information includes, for example, the user terminal ID of the user terminal 2 used by the user, a pre-registered face image of the user, a pre-registered user name, a user ID, etc.

[0034] The storage unit 17 stores the above-mentioned multiple pieces of information, etc. The storage unit 17 includes, for example, a first database (check-in database) that stores a user ID, a usage date and time of the seat 6, a state of the seat 6, and a seat ID in association with each other, as shown in FIG. 4. The seat ID is individual identification information set for each of the multiple seats 6. In this embodiment, multiple icons 7 are associated one-to-one with multiple seat IDs, and when an icon 7 is selected on the user terminal 2, the seat ID corresponding to the selected icon 7 is transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the communication unit 15 of the server 1.

[0035] The power supply unit 19 converts the voltage from an external power supply into a predetermined power supply voltage and supplies it to the processing unit 14 and the like.

[0036] Each of the multiple user terminals 2 is a terminal carried by a user. The multiple user terminals 2 are capable of communicating with the server 1. In this embodiment, the seat reservation system 100 includes multiple user terminals 2, but the seat reservation system 100 may be configured not to include multiple user terminals 2.

[0037] In this embodiment, each of the multiple user terminals 2 is a notebook personal computer, but is not limited to a notebook personal computer and may be, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The multiple user terminals 2 may be a mixture of two or three types of terminals: a notebook personal computer, a smartphone, and a tablet terminal.

[0038] Each of the plurality of user terminals 2 includes a control unit 21, a communication unit 22, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, a memory 25, and a power supply unit 26.

[0039] The control unit 21 causes the display unit 24 to display the reservation acceptance image G1 and the like, based on each image data from the server 1.

[0040] The control unit 21 includes a computer system. The computer system is primarily composed of a processor and memory as hardware. The processor executes a program stored in the memory of the computer system to realize the functions of the control unit 21 in the present disclosure. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits, such as ICs and LSIs, are referred to by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, VLSIs, or ULSIs. Furthermore, FPGAs, which are programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or logic devices that allow the reconfiguration of internal connections or circuit partitions within the LSI can also be used as processors. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit. The control unit 21 is realized, for example, by a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories. That is, the functions of the control unit 21 are realized by the one or more processors executing a program recorded in the memory. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided.

[0041] The communication unit 22 is a communication interface. In particular, the communication unit 22 is a communication interface that can be connected to a communication network and has the function of communicating through the communication network. This allows the user terminal 2 to communicate with the server 1 through the communication network. The communication unit 22 receives information from the server 1. The communication unit 22 also outputs the received information to the control unit 21. The communication unit 22 also transmits information from the control unit 21 to the server 1.

[0042] The operation unit 23 accepts operation inputs from the user. When the user terminal 2 is a laptop personal computer, the operation unit 23 is, for example, a keyboard, a touchpad, a mouse, etc. A user using the seat reservation system 100 can select a seat 6, check in, check out, etc. by operating the operation unit 23.

[0043] The display unit 24 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

[0044] The memory 25 is, for example, a RAM, an EEPROM, etc. The memory 25 stores, for example, information from the control unit 21. The memory 25 also stores a user terminal ID for identifying the user terminal 2, a user ID, image data of a face image of the user, the user's name, etc.

[0045] The power supply unit 26 converts the voltage from an external power supply or the battery of the user terminal 2 into a predetermined power supply voltage and supplies it to the control unit 21 .

[0046] Below, the operation of the user terminal 2 in the seat reservation system 100 will be explained based on the flowchart in Fig. 13, and the operation of the server 1 will be explained based on the flowchart in Fig. 14. Note that the flowchart in Fig. 13 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the third user terminal 2C carried by the third user when the allowable number is 2, but the operation examples of the other user terminals 2 are similar. Also, the flowchart in Fig. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the server 1 when the third user operates the third user terminal 2C when the allowable number is 2, but the operation is similar when another user operates the user terminal 2 carried by that user.

[0047] When the third user starts Checkin Manager and logs in by entering his / her user ID and password, a home image is displayed on the display unit 24 of the third user terminal 2C. When the third user performs an operation to select "Floor Map" from "Home," "Floor Map," and "Logout" on the home image of the third user terminal 2C, for example, a reservation acceptance image G1 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display unit 24.

[0048] When one of the icons 7 in the reservation acceptance image G1, namely, an “available” icon 7 (assuming the seat ID of the seat 6 corresponding to this icon 7 is “01”), is selected (step S1), an input image G2, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, is displayed (step S2). The input image G2 includes a dialog box 69 displaying the location of the seat 6 with seat ID=01, the usage time of the seat 6 with seat ID=01, and an OK button 10 for checking in or reserving the seat 6 with seat ID=01. In the example of FIG. 6, the location of the seat 6 with seat ID=01 is “C-01.” The usage time includes a usage start time and a usage end time. For example, the current time is displayed as the default for the usage start time, and a predetermined time (e.g., three hours) after the current time is displayed as the default for the usage end time. The third user can change the usage start time and usage end time by operating the operation unit 16 depending on whether they want to check in to the seat 6 or reserve the seat 6, the desired usage time of the seat 6, etc.

[0049] After step S2, when the third user operates the operation unit 16 to click the OK button 10, the user terminal 2 accepts the input for check-in or reservation of seat 6 with seat ID=01, transmits the third user's user ID, seat ID=01, use start time, use end time, etc. to the server 1, and displays a home image with the third user's schedule updated on the display unit 24 (step S3). For example, if the third user checks in or reserves seat 6 with seat ID=01 with the use start time set to the current time, a home image with the third user's schedule updated is displayed as shown in FIG. 7. The home image shown in FIG. 7 is an example of a check-in. When the third user clicks "Floor Map" on the home image, a reservation acceptance image G1 (see FIG. 8) is displayed in which the icon 7 corresponding to seat 6 with seat ID=01 has been changed to an icon 7 displaying the third user's face image and the third user's name C. Note that when "Floor Map" is clicked on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 2, an image including a map image 5 of the floor where the user of the user terminal 2 works is displayed.

[0050] With the reservation acceptance image G1 of FIG. 8 displayed, when the icon 7 corresponding to the seat 6 with seat ID=04 is selected (step S4), an input image similar to the input image G2 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed (step S5).

[0051] The input image displayed in step S5 includes a dialog box displaying the location of seat 6 with seat ID=04 ("C-04"), the usage time of seat 6 with seat ID=04, and an OK button 10 (see Figure 6) for checking in or reserving seat 6 with seat ID=04.

[0052] After step S5, when the third user operates the operation unit 16 to click the OK button, the user terminal 2 accepts the check-in input for seat 6 with seat ID=04, transmits the third user's user ID, seat ID=04, start time of use, end time of use, etc. to the server 1, and displays a home image with the third user's schedule updated (step S6). In this embodiment, the location of seat 6 with seat ID=04 is "C-04." If the third user has checked in in step S6, when the third user clicks "Floor Map" on the home image, a reservation acceptance image G1 (see FIG. 9) is displayed in which the icon 7 corresponding to seat 6 with seat ID=04 has been changed to an icon 7 displaying the third user's face image and the third user's name C.

[0053] With the reservation acceptance image G1 of FIG. 9 displayed, when the icon 7 corresponding to the seat 6 with seat ID=03 is selected (step S7), step S8 is carried out.

[0054] In step S8, a notification image G4 indicating that the check-in button 60 cannot be operated is displayed, as shown in FIG. 10. The notification image G4 is an image notifying the user that the seat usage procedure or seat reservation procedure is not permitted to continue. When the third user selects "Home," a display image G6 is displayed, as shown in FIG. 11, including a schedule showing the usage times of the locations of the two seats 6 (C-01 and C-04 in the example of FIG. 11) already checked in and a check-out button 61. The display image G6 is an image for completing the procedure to terminate the usage of the seats 6 currently being used by the user or canceling the seats 6 reserved by the user so that the total number is equal to or less than the allowable number. When the third user clicks the check-out button 61 on the display image G6 by operating the operation unit 23, a check-out image G7 including a check-out dialog box 70 is displayed (step S8), as shown in FIG. 12. The dialog box 70 allows the third user to select which of the two seats 6 currently being used by the third user to check out. When the third user selects a seat 6 to be checked out and clicks the checkout button 73 in the dialog box 70, a checkout input for the selected seat 6 (e.g., seat 6 with seat ID = 01) is accepted (step S9), and checkout for that seat 6 is performed. FIG. 12 shows a case in which seat 6 with location "C-01" is selected from seat 6 with location "C-01" (seat 6 with seat ID = 01) and seat 6 with location "C-04" (seat 6 with seat ID = 04). In this embodiment, when the checkout button 73 is clicked, instruction information indicating a usage termination procedure (checkout) is sent from the user terminal 2 to the server 1. Note that in this embodiment, when the cancel button 74 in the dialog box 70 is clicked, instruction information indicating a cancellation procedure is sent from the user terminal 2 to the server 1.

[0055] When check-out of one of the two seats 6 is completed, check-in or reservation of the seat 6 with seat ID=03 is performed (step S10).

[0056] After check-in or reservation of seat 6 with seat ID=03 is completed in step S10, the end time of use of seat 6 with seat ID=03 ends, and then, for example, when the third user logs out of Check-in Manager, use of the seat reservation system 100 by the third user terminal 2C ends.

[0057] The processing unit 14 receives information regarding check-in or reservation input from the third user terminal 2C of the third user (step S21), and then determines whether the total number of seats checked in by the third user at the same time and the number of seats reserved by the third user is less than or equal to the allowable number (2 in this embodiment) (step S22).

[0058] If the total number is equal to or less than the allowable number in step S22, the processing unit 14 stores the usage time related to the check-in or reservation in the storage unit 17 (step S23), changes the display of the icon 7 on the map image 5 (floor map) to an icon 7 representing the face image and name C of the third user (step S24), and stores the check-in data of the third user (information related to check-in) in the storage unit 17 (step S25). The check-in data of the third user includes the user ID of the third user, the seat ID of the seat 6 where the user has checked in, and the usage time (the start time and end time of usage).

[0059] If there is a check-in or reservation input from the third user terminal 2C of the third user after step S25 (step S26: Yes), the processing unit 14 returns to step S22. Also, if there is no check-in or reservation input from the third user terminal 2C of the third user after step S25 (step S26: No), the processing unit 14 receives information related to check-out from the third user terminal 2C of the third user (step S27) and changes the data in the second database that records the seat data as shown in Fig. 5 (step S28). In step S28, for example, the check-in or reservation usage time and the name C of the third user for seat 6 with seat ID = 01 are deleted.

[0060] After step S28, the processing unit 14 changes the data in the first database in which the check-in data as shown in Fig. 4 is recorded in the storage unit 17 (step S29). In step S29, the use of seat 6 with seat ID = 01 by the third user and the usage time of seat 6 with seat ID = 01 are deleted.

[0061] After step S29, the processing unit 14 generates image data of a reservation acceptance image in which the icon 7 corresponding to seat ID=01 is changed to an "vacant" icon 7, and causes the communication unit 15 to transmit the image data to all user terminals 2 that request the floor map (step S30). Therefore, when the floor map is clicked on the home image of the third user terminal 2C, the communication unit 15 causes the image data of the reservation acceptance image to be transmitted to the third user terminal 2C of the third user.

[0062] If the total number is greater than the allowable number in step S22 (step S22: No), the processing unit 14 sends image data of the checkout image G7 to the third user terminal 2C of the third user and displays the checkout image G7 on the display unit 24 of the third user terminal 2C (step S31).

[0063] After step S31, the processing unit 14 receives information related to check-out (check-out input) from the third user terminal 2C of the third user (step S32), and then transmits image data of the newly created reservation acceptance image G1 (i.e., an image in which the seat 6 has been changed to show that it is check-in or available for reservation) to display on the display unit 24 of the third user terminal 2C (step S33).

[0064] After step S33, the processing unit 14 changes the data in the second database that records the seat data as shown in Fig. 5 (step S34). In step S34, for example, the check-in or reservation usage time and the name C of the third user for seat 6 with seat ID = 01 are deleted.

[0065] After step S34, the processing unit 14 changes the data in the first database in which the check-in data shown in Fig. 4 is recorded in the memory unit 17 (step S35), and returns to step S21. In step S35, the information that the third user will use seat 6 with seat ID = 01 and the usage time of seat 6 with seat ID = 01 are deleted.

[0066] (2) Advantages The seat reservation system 100 according to the embodiment includes a processing unit 14, a communication unit 15, and a storage unit 17. The processing unit 14 generates image data of a reservation acceptance image G1 in which a plurality of icons 7 indicating the availability status of a plurality of seats 6 are superimposed on an office map image 5. The communication unit 15 transmits the image data generated by the processing unit 14 to the user terminal 2 and receives a plurality of pieces of information related to the user's initiation of a seat use procedure or the initiation of a seat reservation procedure from the user terminal 2 that displays the reservation acceptance image G1. The storage unit 17 stores the user's identification information in association with the usage time of the seat currently being used by the user or the usage time of the seat already reserved by the user. The plurality of pieces of information include the user's identification information, information on one icon 7 selected from the plurality of icons 7 in the reservation acceptance image G1, and time information on the usage time of one seat 6 corresponding to the one icon 7 among the plurality of seats 6. If the total number of seats 6 currently being used by the user and the number of seats reserved by the user, which are stored in the memory unit 17, is equal to or less than the allowable number, the processing unit 14 generates image data of an input image G2 that accepts input from the user to proceed with the seat use procedure or seat reservation procedure, and transmits the image data from the communication unit 15 to the user terminal 2. If the total number is greater than the allowable number, the processing unit 14 generates image data of a notification image G4 that notifies the user that continuation of the seat use procedure or seat reservation procedure is not permitted, and transmits the image data from the communication unit 15 to the user terminal 2.

[0067] According to the above configuration, it is possible to improve usability for the user and make effective use of the seat 6.

[0068] It can be said that the seat reservation system 100 executes the seat processing method shown in FIG.

[0069] The seat reservation method includes a first processing step S51, a communication step S52, a storage step S53, and a second processing step S54. In the first processing step S51, image data of a reservation acceptance image G1 is generated by superimposing multiple icons 7 indicating the availability status of multiple seats 6 on an office map image 5. In the communication step S52, the image data generated in the first processing step S51 is transmitted to a user terminal 2, and multiple pieces of information related to the user's initiation of a seat use procedure or the initiation of a seat reservation procedure are received from the user terminal 2 displaying the reservation acceptance image G1. In the storage step S53, the user's identification information is associated with the usage time of the seat 6 currently being used or the usage time of the reserved seat 6, and the associated information is stored in the storage unit 17. The second processing step S54 is performed after the first processing step S51. The multiple pieces of information include the user's identification information, information on one icon 7 selected from the multiple icons 7 in the reservation acceptance image G1 among the multiple seats 6, and time information on the usage time of the seat 6 corresponding to the one icon 7 among the multiple seats 6. In the second processing step S54, if the total number of seats 6 in use and seats 6 stored in the storage unit 17 is equal to or less than the allowable number, image data of an input image G2 that accepts input from the user to proceed with the seat use procedure or seat reservation procedure is generated and transmitted from the communication unit 15 to the user terminal 2. In the second processing step S54, if the total number is greater than the allowable number, image data of a notification image G4 that notifies the user that continuation of the procedure is not permitted is generated and transmitted from the communication unit 15 to the user terminal 2.

[0070] The seat reservation system 100 is realized by using a computer system. That is, the method (seat reservation method) executed by the seat reservation system 100 can be realized by the computer system executing a program. This program is a computer program for causing the computer system to execute the seat reservation method. According to such a program, as with the seat reservation system 100, it is possible to improve usability for users and enable effective use of seats 6.

[0071] (Variation) The above-described embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0072] For example, the seat reservation system 100 described in the embodiment includes a plurality of user terminals 2, but may not include a plurality of user terminals 2.

[0073] The user terminal 2 is not limited to a notebook personal computer, and may be, for example, a smartphone as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. In this case, the display unit 24 is equipped with a touch panel including a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display and a touchpad, and functions as a GUI (Graphical User Interface). That is, the user terminal 2 outputs a reservation acceptance image G1 and the like to the display unit 24 and accepts information input from the touchpad. Various images are displayed on the display unit 24 as needed.

[0074] Fig. 16 shows a reservation acceptance image G1 having the same function as Fig. 3 displayed on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 2. Fig. 17 shows an input image G2 having the same function as Fig. 6 displayed on the display unit 24 of the user terminal 2. Since the screen of a smartphone is smaller than the screen of a notebook personal computer, the map image 5 is not displayed in the input image G2 in Fig. 17, but the map image 5 may also be displayed.

[0075] Furthermore, the user attributes displayed on the icon 7 are not limited to both the user's face image and name, but may be, for example, at least one of the user's face image and name, or may be a combination of the user's avatar image and the user's name.

[0076] The seat reservation system 100 may also be configured so that when the time for using the seat 6 that the user has checked in for has expired, the user is automatically checked out of the seat 6.

[0077] (Aspect) The present specification discloses the following aspects.

[0078] A seat reservation system (100) according to a first aspect includes a processing unit (14), a communication unit (15), and a storage unit (17). The processing unit (14) generates image data of a reservation acceptance image (G1) in which a plurality of icons (7) indicating the availability status of a plurality of seats (6) are superimposed on an office map image (5). The communication unit (15) transmits the image data generated by the processing unit (14) to a user terminal (2) and receives a plurality of pieces of information related to the user's initiation of a seat use procedure or the initiation of a seat reservation procedure from the user terminal (2) displaying the reservation acceptance image (G1). The storage unit (17) stores the user's identification information in association with the usage time of the user's currently used seat or the usage time of the user's reserved seat. The plurality of pieces of information include the user's identification information, information on one icon (7) selected from the plurality of icons (7) in the reservation acceptance image (G1), and time information on the usage time of one seat (6) corresponding to the one icon (7) among the plurality of seats (6). When the total number of seats currently being used by the user and the total number of seats reserved by the user stored in the storage unit (17) is equal to or less than the allowable number, the processing unit (14) generates image data of an input image (G2) that accepts input from the user to proceed with the seat use procedure or seat reservation procedure, and causes the communication unit (15) to transmit the image data to the user terminal (2).When the total number is greater than the allowable number, the processing unit (14) generates image data of a notification image (G4) that notifies the user that continuation of the procedure is not permitted, and causes the communication unit (15) to transmit the image data to the user terminal (2).

[0079] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the usability for the user and make effective use of the seat (6).

[0080] In the seat reservation system (100) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the processing unit (14) performs a first process and a second process when notification information of the start of use of the seat (6) corresponding to the one icon (7) is received via the communication unit (15) from the user terminal (2) displaying the input image (G2). The first process is a process of generating image data of a reservation acceptance image (G1) in which the one icon (7) is changed to an icon (7) indicating the attributes of the user of the user terminal (2), and transmitting the image data from the communication unit (15) to the user terminal (2). The second process is a process of rewriting the contents stored in the storage unit (17) based on the notification information.

[0081] In the seat reservation system (100) according to the third aspect, in the second aspect, the user attributes include the user's face image and name.

[0082] According to this embodiment, each user of the seat reservation system (100) can know the user who is using the seat (6) that is already in use.

[0083] In a seat reservation system (100) according to a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, when the processing unit (14) receives information indicating an intention to continue a seat use procedure or a seat reservation procedure from the user terminal (2) that has displayed the notification image (G4), the processing unit (14) generates image data of a display image (G6) for performing a procedure to terminate use of a seat (6) currently being used by the user or a procedure to cancel a seat (6) that the user has reserved so that the total number is equal to or less than the allowable number, and causes the communication unit (15) to transmit the image data to the user terminal (2). When the processing unit (14) receives instruction information indicating a procedure to terminate use or a procedure to cancel from the user terminal (2) that has displayed the display image (G6), the processing unit (14) rewrites the contents stored in the storage unit (17) based on the instruction information.

[0084] According to this aspect, it is possible to inform the user that he / she is not permitted to use more seats than the permitted number, and to recommend the user to terminate the use of the seat (6) that the user is using or to cancel the seat (6) that the user has reserved so that the total number is equal to or less than the permitted number.

[0085] A seat reservation system (100) according to a fifth aspect is in any one of the first to fourth aspects, and further includes an operation unit (16) that accepts an operation for setting the allowable number.

[0086] According to this aspect, it is possible to change the allowable number.

[0087] In a seat reservation system (100) according to a sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the processing unit (14) generates image data of the input image (G2) only when the seat (6) desired by the user is not reserved at the time of use of the seat (6).

[0088] According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent duplicate reservations for an already reserved seat (6).

[0089] A seat reservation system (100) according to a seventh aspect is in any one of the first to sixth aspects, and further includes a user terminal (2).

[0090] According to this embodiment, security settings for the user terminal (2) can be easily configured.

[0091] The seat reservation method according to the eighth aspect includes a first processing step (S51), a communication step (S52), a storage step (S53), and a second processing step (S54). In the first processing step (S51), image data of a reservation acceptance image (G1) is generated by superimposing a plurality of icons (7) indicating the availability status of a plurality of seats (6) on an office map image (5). In the communication step (S52), the image data generated in the first processing step (S51) is transmitted to a user terminal (2), and a plurality of pieces of information related to the user's initiation of a seat use procedure or the initiation of a seat reservation procedure are received from the user terminal (2) displaying the reservation acceptance image (G1). In the storage step (S53), the user's identification information is associated with the usage time of the user's currently used seat (6) or the usage time of the user's reserved seat (6), and the associated information is stored in the storage unit (17). The second processing step (S54) is performed after the first processing step (S51). The plurality of pieces of information include user identification information, information on one icon (7) selected from the plurality of icons (7) in the reservation acceptance image (G1) among the plurality of seats (6), and time information on the usage time of one seat (6) corresponding to the one icon (7) among the plurality of seats (6). In a second processing step (S54), if the total number of seats (6) currently being used by the user and the number of seats (6) reserved by the user stored in the storage unit (17) is equal to or less than the allowable number, image data of an input image (G2) for accepting input for the user to proceed with the seat usage procedure or seat reservation procedure is generated and transmitted from the communication unit (15) to the user terminal (2). In the second processing step, if the total number is greater than the allowable number, image data of a notification image (G4) notifying the user that continuation of the seat usage procedure or seat reservation procedure is not permitted is generated and transmitted from the communication unit (15) to the user terminal (2).

[0092] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the usability for the user and make effective use of the seat (6).

[0093] A program according to a ninth aspect is a program for executing the seat reservation method of the eighth aspect.

[0094] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the usability for the user and make effective use of the seat (6). [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1 server 14 Processing section 15 Communications Department 16 Control section 17 Memory section 2. User terminal 24 Display section 5 Map images 100 Seat Reservation System G1 reservation reception image G2 Input image G4 notification image G6 display image

Claims

1. a processing unit that generates image data of a reservation reception image in which a plurality of icons indicating the availability of a plurality of seats are superimposed on a map image of the office; a communication unit that transmits the image data generated by the processing unit to a user terminal and receives a plurality of pieces of information related to the user's initiation of a seat use procedure or a seat reservation procedure from the user terminal that displays the reservation acceptance image; a storage unit that stores the user's identification information in association with the usage time of the seat currently being used by the user or the usage time of the seat that has been reserved by the user; The plurality of pieces of information include: The identification information of the user; and Information on one icon selected from the plurality of icons in the reservation acceptance image; and time information of the use time of one seat among the plurality of seats corresponding to the one icon, The processing unit If the total number of the seats currently being used by the user and the number of seats already reserved by the user stored in the storage unit is equal to or less than an allowable number, generate image data of an input image for accepting input by the user to proceed with the seat use procedure or the seat reservation procedure, and transmit the image data from the communication unit to the user terminal; If the total number is greater than the allowable number, image data of a notification image notifying the user that continuation of the seat use procedure or the seat reservation procedure is not permitted is generated and transmitted from the communication unit to the user terminal. Seat reservation system.

2. When the processing unit receives notification information of the start of use of the seat corresponding to one of the icons from the user terminal that displays the input image, a first process of generating image data of a reservation acceptance image in which the one icon is changed to an icon indicating an attribute of the user of the user terminal, and transmitting the image data from the communication unit to the user terminal; a second process of rewriting the stored contents of the storage unit based on the notification information; The seat reservation system according to claim 1 .

3. The attributes of the user include a facial image and a name of the user. The seat reservation system according to claim 2.

4. The processing unit when receiving information from the user terminal that displays the notification image indicating an intention to continue the seat use procedure or the seat reservation procedure, generate image data of a display image for performing a procedure to terminate use of a seat currently being used by the user or a procedure to cancel a seat that has been reserved by the user so that the total number becomes equal to or less than the allowable number, and transmit the image data from the communication unit to the user terminal; when instruction information indicating the usage termination procedure or the cancellation procedure is received from the user terminal that has displayed the display image, rewriting the stored contents of the storage unit based on the instruction information. The seat reservation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. further comprising an operation unit that accepts an operation for setting the allowable number; The seat reservation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. the processing unit generates image data of the input image only when the seat desired by the user is not reserved at the time of use of the seat. The seat reservation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The user terminal further includes: The seat reservation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. a first processing step of generating image data of a reservation reception image in which a plurality of icons indicating the availability of a plurality of seats are superimposed on a map image of an office; a communication step of transmitting the image data generated in the first processing step to a user terminal and receiving a plurality of pieces of information related to the start of a user's seat use procedure or the start of a seat reservation procedure from the user terminal displaying the reservation acceptance image; a storage step of storing the user's identification information in a storage unit in association with the user's seat usage time or the reserved seat usage time; a second processing step performed after the first processing step, The plurality of pieces of information include: The identification information of the user; and Information on one icon selected from the plurality of icons in the reservation acceptance image; and time information of the use time of one seat among the plurality of seats corresponding to the one icon, In the second processing step, If the total number of the seats currently being used by the user and the number of seats already reserved by the user stored in the storage unit is equal to or less than an allowable number, generate image data of an input image for accepting input by the user to proceed with the seat use procedure or the seat reservation procedure, and transmit the image data to the user terminal from a communication unit; If the total number is greater than the allowable number, image data of a notification image notifying the user that continuation of the seat use procedure or the seat reservation procedure is not permitted is generated and transmitted from the communication unit to the user terminal. How to reserve a seat.

9. In the computer system, A program for executing the seat reservation method according to claim 8.

Images