Charge-to-room system

The room charging system enhances efficiency by using a card key with a two-dimensional code for streamlined issuance and activation, addressing inefficiencies in existing systems by integrating with reservation systems for advanced room charging and coupon usage.

JP2025156913APending Publication Date: 2025-10-15KOTOZNA INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024059663
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-04-02
Publication Date
2025-10-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing room charging systems at accommodation facilities lack efficiency in the tasks and operations related to issuing card keys, particularly in charging purchases and services to guest rooms.

Method used

A room charging system that utilizes a card key with a two-dimensional code for efficient issuance, activation, and processing of charges, integrating with accommodation reservation systems to streamline operations and enable advanced card key issuance and activation based on user reservations.

Benefits of technology

Improves the overall efficiency of card key issuance and charging operations by allowing pre-issuance of required keys with two-dimensional codes, enabling seamless room charging and coupon usage, enhancing user convenience and facility management.

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Abstract

To provide a charge-to-room system that totally enhances efficiency of a task or an operation relating to issuing of a key card in an accommodation.SOLUTION: A charge-to-room system 1 includes: a key card issuing unit that issues a key card of a room in an accommodation where a user stays; a key card validation unit that validates the key card so that the user can use the key card to enter the room where the user stays; a two-dimensional code validation unit that validates a two-dimensional code given to the key card so that the user can charge the payment of a commodity purchased by the user or charge the payment of service used by the user to the room where the user stays; and a charge-to-room processing unit that uses the two-dimensional code of the key card to perform charge-to-room processing for charging the payment of the commodity purchased by the user or the payment of the service used by the user to the room where the user stays.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a room charging system using a card key for a room at an accommodation facility. [Background technology]

[0002] Services using room card keys (room keys) for accommodation facilities have been proposed. For example, a system has been proposed that protects information using room key codes in a service that allows guests to use personal computers and the like that are available for rental in the business rooms of hotels (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In addition, a room charging system has been proposed in the past, in which payment for products purchased by a guest at an accommodation facility or payment for services used by the guest is charged to the guest's room using a card key for the accommodation facility room (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-141273 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7290236 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in a room charging system in which payment for goods purchased by guests (guests) of an accommodation facility or payment for services used by the guests is charged to the guest's room using the guest's room card key, no proposal has been made to improve the overall efficiency of the tasks and operations related to issuing card keys at the accommodation facility.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a room charging system that uses a card key for a room at an accommodation facility to charge the price of products purchased by the user (guest) of the accommodation facility or the fee for services used by the user to the room where the user is staying, and that can improve the overall efficiency of the work and tasks related to issuing card keys at the accommodation facility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The room charging system of the present invention comprises a card key issuing unit that issues a card key for a room at an accommodation facility where a user is staying, a card key activation unit that activates the card key so that the user can use the card key to enter the room where the user is staying, a two-dimensional code activation unit that activates a two-dimensional code attached to the card key so that payment for goods purchased by the user or payment for services used by the user can be charged to the room where the user is staying, and a room charging processing unit that performs room charging processing using the two-dimensional code of the card key to charge payment for goods purchased by the user or payment for services used by the user to the room where the user is staying, and the card key issuing unit is configured to issue a card key for a room at an accommodation facility where a user is staying, by issuing a card key for a room at an accommodation facility where the user is staying, and a two-dimensional code assigning unit that assigns the generated two-dimensional code to the card key. The card key activation unit comprises a room number acquisition unit that acquires the room number from the accommodation facility terminal when the room number of the room where the user will be staying is input into the accommodation facility terminal, and an activation processing unit that activates the card key using the acquired room number. The two-dimensional code activation unit activates the two-dimensional code of the card key using linking information that links the access information encoded in the two-dimensional code with the accommodation facility identification information and accommodation reservation number included in the user's accommodation plan information acquired from an accommodation reservation management system.

[0008] According to this configuration, when a card key for a lodging facility where a user is staying is issued, the lodging facility obtains access information from the lodging facility service system for the user to access the lodging facility, and a two-dimensional code encoding the access information is generated and assigned to the card key. For example, the lodging facility can issue a required number of card keys with two-dimensional codes in advance in this manner. When the user checks in to the lodging facility, the card key is activated so that the user can use the card key to enter the room where the user is staying. Specifically, when the room number of the room where the user is staying is entered into the lodging facility terminal, the card key is activated using the room number acquired from the lodging facility terminal. Thereafter, the two-dimensional code assigned to the card key is activated so that payment for products purchased by the user or payment for services used by the user can be charged to the room where the user is staying. Specifically, the two-dimensional code on the card key is activated using linking information that links the access information encoded in the two-dimensional code with the accommodation facility identification information and accommodation reservation number included in the user's accommodation plan information acquired from the accommodation reservation management system.

[0009] According to the present invention, issuing a card key and activating the card key (activating the card key and the two-dimensional code) can be performed separately. Therefore, accommodation facilities can issue the required number of card keys with two-dimensional codes in advance, and activate the card key (activating the card key and the two-dimensional code) for each user when they check in to the accommodation facility. This allows accommodation facilities to improve the overall efficiency of the tasks and operations related to issuing card keys. Furthermore, users can use the two-dimensional code attached to their accommodation facility room card key to charge the price of products they have purchased or the fees for services they have used to their room.

[0010] Furthermore, in the room charge system of the present invention, the room charge processing unit includes a room charge request receiving unit that, when a store terminal installed in a store selling the product or providing the service is set to room charge mode and the two-dimensional code of the card key is scanned by the store terminal, receives from the store terminal a room charge request including the identification information of the accommodation facility linked to the access information encoded in the two-dimensional code and the accommodation reservation number; an amount input requesting unit that sends an amount input request to the store terminal in response to the room charge request, requesting input of an amount for the price of the product or the fee for the service; an amount information receiving unit that receives from the store terminal amount information for the price of the product or the fee for the service input by a staff member of the store using the store terminal in response to the amount input request; and The device may include a room number input request unit that sends a room number input request requesting that the user input the room number of the room where the user is staying; a room number receiving unit that receives the room number of the room where the user is staying, which the user inputs using the store terminal, from the store terminal in response to the room number input; a room assignment determination unit that compares the room number received from the store terminal with the identification information of the accommodation facility linked to the access information encoded in the two-dimensional code and the user's room number obtained from the accommodation reservation management system based on the accommodation reservation number to determine whether or not charging to the room where the user is staying is possible; and a room assignment permission unit that, if it is determined that charging to the room is possible, allows the price of the product purchased by the user or the fee for the service used by the user to be charged to the room where the user is staying.

[0011] According to this configuration, when the store terminal is set to room charge mode and the two-dimensional code on the card key is scanned by the store terminal, upon receiving a room charge request from the store terminal, a request to input an amount is sent to the store terminal, and amount information is received from the store terminal in response. A request to input a room number is also sent to the store terminal, and the room number of the room where the user will be staying is received from the store terminal in response. The room number received from the store terminal is then compared with the accommodation facility identification information encoded in the two-dimensional code and the user's room number obtained from the accommodation reservation management system based on the accommodation reservation number, thereby determining whether room charge to the room where the user will be staying is possible. In this way, the two-dimensional code attached to the room card key of the accommodation facility where the user will be staying can be used to charge the price of products purchased by the user or the fee for services used by the user to the room where the user will be staying.

[0012] In addition, in the room allocation system of the present invention, the accommodation reservation number is associated with information related to coupons that the user can use in a coupon management system, and the room allocation system includes a coupon usage processing unit that performs coupon usage processing to allow the user to use the coupon using the two-dimensional code of the card key, and the coupon usage processing unit may include: a coupon usage request receiving unit that receives a coupon usage request from the store terminal where the user wishes to use a coupon, when the store terminal is set to coupon usage mode and the two-dimensional code of the card key is scanned by the store terminal; a coupon usage availability determination unit that refers to the coupon management system based on the accommodation identification information linked to the access information coded in the two-dimensional code and the accommodation reservation number, to determine whether the coupon for the user can be used at the store; and a determination result notification unit that notifies the store terminal of the determination result as to whether the coupon for the user can be used at the store in response to the coupon usage request.

[0013] According to this configuration, a user can use a coupon using the two-dimensional code attached to the card key of the room of the accommodation facility that the user is staying in. In this case, when the store terminal is set to coupon use mode and the two-dimensional code of the card key is scanned by the store terminal, if a coupon use request is received from the store terminal, the coupon management system is referenced based on the identification information of the accommodation facility coded in the two-dimensional code and the accommodation reservation number, and it is determined whether or not the coupon for that user can be used at that store.

[0014] In the room booking system of the present invention, the store is provided with a second two-dimensional code in which identification information of the store is coded, and the lodger service system includes a user authentication unit that, when the two-dimensional code is scanned with a user terminal carried by the user, accepts access from the user terminal based on the access information coded in the two-dimensional code, and performs authentication processing of the user based on the identification information of the accommodation facility linked to the access information coded in the two-dimensional code and the accommodation reservation number; and, when the authentication processing of the user is successful, scans the second two-dimensional code of the store. The system may also include a scan request unit that sends a scan request to the user terminal to scan the second two-dimensional code, a guest service availability determination unit that, when the second two-dimensional code is scanned by the user terminal, determines, based on the store's identification information coded in the second two-dimensional code, whether payment for goods purchased by the user at the store or payment for services used by the user can be charged to the room where the user is staying, or whether a coupon can be used at the store, and a determination result notification unit that notifies the user terminal of the determination result of the guest service availability determination unit.

[0015] According to this configuration, when the two-dimensional code on a user's card key is scanned with a user terminal, the user is authenticated using the accommodation facility's identification information and reservation number encoded in the two-dimensional code. If the user authentication is successful, a scan request to scan the store's second two-dimensional code is sent to the user terminal. When the store's second two-dimensional code is scanned with the user terminal, a determination is made based on the store's identification information encoded in the second two-dimensional code as to whether payment for products purchased by the user or payment for services used by the user at that store can be charged to the user's room, or whether a coupon can be used at that store. In this way, payment for products purchased by the user or payment for services used by the user can be charged to the user's room.

[0016] In the room charging system of the present invention, the store is provided with a second two-dimensional code in which identification information of the store and second access information for the user to access a second guest service system are coded, and the second guest service system has a store authentication unit that, when the second two-dimensional code is scanned with a user terminal carried by the user, accepts access from the user terminal based on the second access information coded in the second two-dimensional code and performs authentication processing of the store based on the identification information of the store coded in the second two-dimensional code, and, when the authentication processing of the store is successful, reads the second access information of the user's card key. The device may also include a scan request unit that sends a scan request to the user terminal to scan the two-dimensional code, a guest service availability determination unit that, when the two-dimensional code is scanned by the user terminal, determines whether payment for goods purchased by the user at the store or payment for services used by the user at the store can be charged to the room where the user is staying, or whether a coupon can be used at the store, based on the identification information of the accommodation facility linked to the access information coded in the two-dimensional code and the accommodation reservation number, and a determination result notification unit that notifies the user terminal of the determination result of the second guest service availability determination unit.

[0017] With this configuration, when the store's second two-dimensional code is scanned with a user terminal, store authentication processing is performed based on the store's identification information encoded in the second two-dimensional code. If the store authentication processing is successful, a scan request to scan the two-dimensional code on the user's card key is sent to the user terminal. When the two-dimensional code on the user's card key is scanned with the user terminal, a determination is made based on the accommodation facility's identification information and reservation number encoded in the two-dimensional code to determine whether payment for products purchased by the user at the store or payment for services used by the user can be charged to the user's room, or whether a coupon can be used at the store. In this way, payment for products purchased by the user or payment for services used by the user can be charged to the user's room.

[0018] The method of the present invention is a method executed by a room charging system, and includes: a card key issuance step of issuing a card key for a room in an accommodation facility where a user is staying, a card key activation step of activating the card key so that the user can use the card key to enter the room where the user is staying, a two-dimensional code activation step of activating a two-dimensional code attached to the card key so that payment for a product purchased by the user or payment for a service used by the user can be charged to the room where the user is staying, and a room charging processing step of performing room charging processing using the two-dimensional code of the card key to charge the payment for the product purchased by the user or payment for a service used by the user to the room where the user is staying, wherein the card key issuance step is performed by a guest service system. The method includes the steps of acquiring access information for the user to access the guest service system, generating the two-dimensional code in which the acquired access information is encoded, and assigning the generated two-dimensional code to the card key, and the card key activation step includes the steps of acquiring the room number from the accommodation facility terminal when the room number of the room in which the user will be staying is entered into the accommodation facility terminal, and activating the card key using the acquired room number, and the two-dimensional code activation step performs a process of activating the two-dimensional code of the card key using linking information that links the access information encoded in the two-dimensional code with the accommodation facility identification information and accommodation reservation number included in the user's accommodation plan information acquired from an accommodation reservation management system.

[0019] Similarly to the above system, this method also obtains access information from a guest service system when a user is issued a card key for a lodging facility where the user will be staying. A two-dimensional code encoding the access information is generated and assigned to the card key. For example, a lodging facility can issue a required number of card keys with two-dimensional codes in advance. When the user checks in to the lodging facility, the card key is activated so that the user can use the card key to enter the room where the user will be staying. Specifically, when the room number of the room where the user will be staying is entered into the lodging facility terminal, the card key is activated using the room number acquired from the lodging facility terminal. The two-dimensional code assigned to the card key is then activated so that payment for products purchased by the user or payment for services used by the user can be charged to the room where the user will be staying. Specifically, the two-dimensional code on the card key is activated using linking information that links the access information encoded in the two-dimensional code with the accommodation facility's identification information and accommodation reservation number included in the user's accommodation plan information acquired from the accommodation reservation management system.

[0020] Like the above system, this method also allows card key issuance and card key activation (activation of the card key and the two-dimensional code) to be performed separately. Therefore, accommodation facilities can issue the required number of card keys with two-dimensional codes in advance, and activate the card key (activation of the card key and the two-dimensional code) for each user when they check in to the accommodation facility. This allows accommodation facilities to streamline the overall tasks and operations related to issuing card keys. Furthermore, users can use the two-dimensional code attached to their accommodation facility room key to charge the price of the products they purchased or the fees for the services they used to their room. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, in a room charging system in which payment for goods purchased by accommodation users (guests) or fees for services used by the users is charged to the rooms in which the users stay using card keys for the accommodation rooms, the overall efficiency of the tasks and operations related to issuing card keys at accommodation facilities can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a room allocation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a guest service system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation (issuance of a card key) of the room charge system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation (activation of a card key) of the room allocation system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the room charge system (room charge using a store terminal) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the room charging system (using a coupon using a store terminal) in the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the room allocation system in an embodiment of the present invention (room allocation using a user terminal when the QR code on the card key is scanned first). [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the room charge system in an embodiment of the present invention (using a coupon using a user terminal when the QR code on the card key is scanned first). [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the room charging system in an embodiment of the present invention (room charging using a user terminal when a QR code of a store is scanned first). [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the room charging system in an embodiment of the present invention (using a coupon using a user terminal when the store's QR code is scanned first). [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the room charge system (message notification using the wallet function of the user terminal) in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the room charge system (message notification using the wallet function of the user terminal) in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] A room charge system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a room charge system used in a service system that can be used not only within accommodation facilities (e.g., hotel room service, restaurants and shops within the hotel, etc.) but also in surrounding facilities (e.g., restaurants and shops around the hotel, etc.) will be described as an example.

[0024] The configuration of a room allocation system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the room allocation system according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the room allocation system 1 is connected to a hotel reservation management system 2, a coupon management system 3, and a guest service system 4 via a network N. The room allocation system 1, the hotel reservation management system 2, the coupon management system 3, and the guest service system 4 can be configured using, for example, a server device, a database, etc.

[0025] The accommodation reservation management system 2 has a function to manage accommodation reservations, accommodation prices, the number of remaining rooms, payment settlement, etc. An example of the accommodation reservation management system 2 is a hotel management system (PMS: ​​Property Management System). The coupon management system 3 has a function to manage coupons (electronic coupons) that can be used in accommodation facilities and surrounding facilities. Information about coupons, such as the types of electronic coupons that can be used in accommodation facilities and surrounding facilities and their expiration dates, is registered in a database (coupon DB, not shown) of the coupon management system 3 in association with accommodation reservation numbers. Therefore, by referring to the coupon DB of the coupon management system 3, it is possible to confirm what type of electronic coupon a guest (user) can use and until when. The guest service system 4 has a function to provide various services to guests (users) via a dedicated website or the like. In this embodiment, services are provided to users on two types of websites: a main domain and a subdomain.

[0026] The room allocation system 1 includes a card key issuing unit 5, a card validation unit 6, a two-dimensional code validation unit 7, a room allocation processing unit 8, and a coupon usage processing unit 9. The card key issuing unit 5 has a function of issuing a card key for a room at an accommodation facility where a user is staying. In this embodiment, the card key issuing unit 5 includes an access information acquiring unit 51, a two-dimensional code generating unit 52, and a two-dimensional code assigning unit 53. The access information acquiring unit 51 acquires access information from the guest service system for the user to access the guest service system. The two-dimensional code generating unit 52 generates a two-dimensional code in which the acquired access information is coded. The two-dimensional code assigning unit 53 assigns the generated two-dimensional code to the card key. A known method, such as printing, can be used to assign the two-dimensional code to the card key.

[0027] For example, the two-dimensional code assigning unit 53 has a function of assigning to the card key a two-dimensional code that encodes access information (main domain URL) for the user to access the first service processing unit 40 of the guest service system 4, identification information of the accommodation facility (hotel code) included in the accommodation plan information, accommodation reservation number, version (number of times the card key has been reissued), sub-number (assigned when multiple card keys for the same room are issued), etc. In this embodiment, the main domain URL is encoded as text data, and the hotel code, accommodation reservation number, version, and sub-number are encoded as hash values. In addition, a QR code (registered trademark), for example, may be used as the two-dimensional code for the card key.

[0028] The card key validation unit 6 has a function of validating a card key so that the user can use the card key to enter the room where the user is staying. In this embodiment, the card key validation unit 6 has a room number acquisition unit 61 and an activation processing unit 62. When the room number of the room where the user is staying is entered into the accommodation facility terminal H, the room number acquisition unit 61 acquires the room number from the accommodation facility terminal H. The activation processing unit 62 uses the acquired room number to activate the card key.

[0029] The two-dimensional code validation unit 7 has a function of validating the two-dimensional code attached to the card key so that payment for products purchased by the user or payment for services used by the user can be charged to the room where the user is staying. In this embodiment, the two-dimensional code validation unit 7 validates the two-dimensional code on the card key using linking information that links the access information coded in the two-dimensional code with the identification information of the accommodation facility and the accommodation reservation number included in the user's accommodation plan information acquired from the accommodation reservation management system.

[0030] The configuration of the guest service system 4 will now be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the guest service system 4 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the guest service system 4 includes a first service processing unit 40 for providing various services to users on a main domain website, and a second service processing unit 41 for providing various services to users on subdomain websites.

[0031] In this embodiment, each store (including stores within the hotel as well as stores in the vicinity of the hotel) is provided with a two-dimensional code (second two-dimensional code) that encodes access information (subdomain URL) for users to access the second service processing unit 41 of the guest service system 4 and the store's identification information (store code). The subdomain URL is encoded as text data, and the store code is encoded as a hash value. QR Code (registered trademark), for example, is used as the store's two-dimensional code.

[0032] As will be described later, when the user first scans the two-dimensional code on the card key with the user terminal U he / she possesses, various services on the main domain website are provided to the user, and when the user first scans the two-dimensional code of a store with the user terminal U he / she possesses, various services on the sub-domain website are provided to the user. Here, the first service processing unit 40 corresponds to the lodger service system 4 of the present invention, and the second service processing unit 41 corresponds to the second lodger service system 4 of the present invention.

[0033] The first service processing unit 40 includes a user authentication unit 400, a scan request unit 401, a guest service availability determination unit 402, and a determination result notification unit 403. The user authentication unit 400 has a function of accepting access from the user terminal U carried by the user based on the access information (main domain URL) coded in the two-dimensional code when the two-dimensional code on the card key is first scanned by the user terminal U, and performing user authentication processing based on the hotel code and reservation number coded in the two-dimensional code. The scan request unit 401 has a function of sending a scan request to the user terminal U to next scan the two-dimensional code of the store when the user authentication processing is successful.

[0034] The lodger service availability determination unit 402 has a function to determine, when a two-dimensional code of a store is scanned by a user terminal U that has received a scan request from the scan request unit 401 of the first service processing unit 40, whether or not payment for a product purchased by the user at that store or payment for a service used by the user at that store can be charged to the user's room, or whether or not a coupon can be used at that store, based on the store code encoded in the two-dimensional code of the store. The determination result notification unit 403 has a function to notify the user terminal U of the determination result of the lodger service availability determination unit 402 of the first service processing unit 40.

[0035] The second service processing unit 41 includes a store authentication unit 410, a scan request unit 411, a guest service availability determination unit 412, and a determination result notification unit 413. The store authentication unit 410 has a function of accepting access from the user terminal U based on access information (subdomain URL) coded in the store's two-dimensional code when the store's two-dimensional code is first scanned on the user terminal U carried by the user, and performing store authentication processing based on the store code coded in the store's two-dimensional code. The scan request unit 411 has a function of sending a scan request to the user terminal U to next scan the two-dimensional code of the user's card key when the store authentication processing is successful.

[0036] The guest service availability determination unit 412 has a function to determine, when the two-dimensional code on the card key is scanned by the user terminal U that has received a scan request from the scan request unit 411 of the second service processing unit 41, whether or not payment for a product purchased by the user at the store or payment for a service used by the user at the store can be charged to the user's room, or whether or not a coupon can be used at the store, based on the hotel code and reservation number encoded in the two-dimensional code on the card key. The determination result notification unit 413 has a function to notify the user terminal U of the determination result of the guest service availability determination unit 412 of the second service processing unit 41.

[0037] Returning to Figure 1, we will continue to explain the configuration of the room charging system 1. The room charging processing unit 8 has a function of performing room charging processing using the two-dimensional code on the card key to charge the payment for a product purchased by the user or the payment for a service used by the user to the room where the user is staying. More specifically, the room charging processing unit 8 has the following functional blocks: a room charging request receiving unit 80, an amount input requesting unit 81, an amount information receiving unit 82, a room number input requesting unit 83, a room number receiving unit 84, a room charging permission determining unit 85, and a room charging permission unit 86.

[0038] The room-attachment request receiving unit 80 has a function of receiving a room-attachment request including the hotel code and reservation number encoded in the two-dimensional code from the store terminal S when the store terminal S, which is installed in a store selling products or providing services, is set to room-attachment mode and the two-dimensional code on the card key is scanned by the store terminal S. The room-attachment mode is set, for example, by selecting "room-attachment" on the function selection screen of the store terminal S. The room-attachment request is sent from the store terminal S to the room-attachment system 1 whether the two-dimensional code on the card key is scanned by the store terminal S set to room-attachment mode or the store terminal S is set to room-attachment mode after scanning the two-dimensional code on the card key.

[0039] The amount input request unit 81 has a function to send an amount input request to the store terminal S in response to the room charge request, requesting input of the amount of the product price or service fee. In addition, the amount information receiving unit 82 has a function to receive, from the store terminal S, amount information of the product price or service fee that has been input by the store staff using the store terminal S in response to the amount input request.

[0040] The room number input request unit 83 has a function of sending a room number input request to the store terminal S, requesting input of the room number of the room where the user will be staying. In addition, the room number receiving unit 84 has a function of receiving, from the store terminal S, the room number of the room where the user will be staying, which the user input using the store terminal S, as a response to the room number input.

[0041] The room charging possibility determination unit 85 has a function of comparing the room number received from the store terminal S with the hotel code coded in the two-dimensional code and the user's room number obtained from the accommodation reservation management system 2 based on the accommodation reservation number, and determining whether room charging to the room where the user is staying is possible. In addition, the room charging permission unit 86 has a function of allowing the price of the product purchased by the user or the price of the service used by the user to be charged to the room where the user is staying, if it is determined that room charging is possible.

[0042] The coupon usage processing unit 9 has a function of performing coupon usage processing for a user to use a coupon using the two-dimensional code of the card key. More specifically, the coupon usage processing unit 9 has, as functional blocks, a coupon usage request receiving unit 90, a coupon usage availability determining unit 91, and a determination result notifying unit 92.

[0043] The coupon use request receiving unit 90 has a function of receiving a coupon use request including the hotel code and accommodation reservation number encoded in the two-dimensional code from the store terminal S when the store terminal S, installed at the store where the user wishes to use a coupon (electronic coupon), is set to coupon use mode and the two-dimensional code on the card key is scanned by the store terminal S. The coupon use mode is set, for example, when "Use coupon" is selected on the function selection screen of the store terminal S. The coupon use request is sent from the store terminal S to the room charge system 1 whether the two-dimensional code on the card key is scanned by the store terminal S set to coupon use mode or the store terminal S is set to coupon use mode after scanning the two-dimensional code on the card key.

[0044] The coupon usage availability determination unit 91 has a function of determining whether or not the coupon for the user can be used at the store by referring to the coupon DB of the coupon management system 3 based on the hotel code and reservation number encoded in the two-dimensional code. The determination result notification unit 92 has a function of notifying the store terminal S of the determination result as to whether or not the coupon for the user can be used at the store in response to the coupon usage request.

[0045] The operation of the room allocation system 1 configured as above will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS.

[0046] Fig. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation when issuing card keys in the room charge system 1 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, when issuing card keys at an accommodation facility, the number of card keys to be issued in a batch is input in advance at the accommodation facility terminal H (S1). Information on the input number of card keys is sent from the accommodation facility terminal H to the room charge system 1 (S2).

[0047] Then, a URL request is sent from the room allocation system 1 to the guest service system 4 requesting access information (e.g., the URL of the main domain) for the user to access the guest service system 4 (S3), and in response, the guest system 4 sends access information (e.g., the URL of the main domain) for the user to access the guest service system 4 to the room allocation system 1 (S4).

[0048] The room charging system 1 generates a two-dimensional code (e.g., a QR code) in which the URL obtained from the guest service system 4 is encoded, and assigns the generated QR code to the card key by printing or other means (S6). In this way, one card key is issued. The room charging system 1 repeats the above-described processes of S3 to S6 as many times as there are card keys. Note that at this point (when the card key has just been issued), the card key has not yet been activated, and this card key (an unactivated card key) cannot be used to enter a room at the accommodation facility, nor can it be used to charge the price of purchased goods or the price of used services to the room.

[0049] Fig. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation when activating a card key in the room charging system 1 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, when activating a card key at an accommodation facility, first, the user (guest) checks in at the accommodation facility terminal H. At this time, the room number of the room where the user will be staying is also entered (S10). Then, the accommodation facility terminal H performs a process of referring to the accommodation plan information to the accommodation reservation management system 2 (S11), and the accommodation reservation number of the user included in the accommodation plan information is sent from the accommodation reservation management system 2 to the room charging system 1 (S12).

[0050] In this case, the accommodation facility terminal H transmits the room number of the room where the user will be staying to the room charging system 1 (S13). The room charging system 1 then performs a process to activate the card key using the room number acquired from the accommodation facility terminal H (S14). Once this process is complete, the user will be able to use the card key to enter the room where the user will be staying. However, the QR code on this card key cannot be used to enter the accommodation facility room, nor can it be used to charge the price of purchased goods or the price of used services to the room.

[0051] Next, the QR code is activated on the accommodation facility terminal H. At this time, the room number of the room where the user will be staying is also entered (S15). Then, the accommodation facility terminal H performs a process of referencing the accommodation plan information to the accommodation reservation management system 2 (S16), and the accommodation reservation number of the user and the identification information (hotel code) of the accommodation facility, which are included in the accommodation plan information, are sent from the accommodation reservation management system 2 to the coupon management system 3 (S17).

[0052] Next, when the QR code on the card key is scanned by the accommodation facility terminal H (S18), the access information (e.g., a URL) encoded in the QR code is sent from the accommodation facility terminal H to the coupon management system 3 (S19). The coupon management system 3 performs a process of linking the user's accommodation reservation number and accommodation facility identification information (hotel code) obtained from the accommodation reservation management system 2 with the access information (URL) obtained from the accommodation facility terminal H, and generates linked information (S20). The generated linked information is saved in the coupon DB of the coupon management system 3, and the coupon can be used using the QR code on the card key (S21).

[0053] The above-mentioned linking information is also sent from the coupon management system 3 to the room charging system 1 (S22), and the QR code on the card key can be used in the room charging system 1 to charge the price of purchased products or the fee for used services to the room (S23).The above-mentioned linking information is also sent from the coupon management system 3 to the guest service system 4 (S24), and the QR code on the card key can be used in the guest service system 4 to use various services via dedicated websites, etc. (S25).

[0054] Figure 5 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the room charge system 1 of this embodiment when performing room charge using the store terminal S. When the price of a product purchased by a user or the fee for a service used by the user is to be charged to the room where the user is staying, as shown in Figure 5, the two-dimensional code on the card key is scanned with the store terminal S set to "room charge mode" (S30), and a room charge request is sent from the store terminal S to the room charge system 1 (S31). When the room charge system 1 sends an amount input request to the store terminal S in response to the room charge request (S32), the amount to be charged to the room (the price of the product purchased by the user or the fee for the service used by the user) is entered in the store terminal S (S33), and the amount information is sent from the store terminal S to the room charge system 1 (S34).

[0055] Next, when the room charging system 1 sends a room number input request to the store terminal S (S35), the user inputs a room number (the room number of the room to be charged) at the store terminal S (S36), and the room number is sent from the store terminal S to the room charging system 1 (S37). The room charging system 1 references the accommodation plan information in the accommodation reservation management system 2 (S38), and receives the user's room number (the room number of the room where the user is staying) from the accommodation reservation management system 2 (S39).

[0056] The room charging system 1 then compares the room number received from the store terminal S with the room number received from the accommodation reservation management system 2 to determine whether the room can be charged to the room where the user will be staying (S40). For example, if the room number received from the store terminal S matches the room number received from the accommodation reservation management system 2, it is determined that the room can be charged to the room where the user will be staying. On the other hand, if the room number received from the store terminal S does not match the room number received from the accommodation reservation management system 2, it is determined that the room cannot be charged to the room where the user will be staying.

[0057] If it is determined that the charge to the room where the user is staying is possible, the charge to the room where the user is staying for the price of the product purchased by the user or the price of the service used by the user is permitted (S41), and the room charge process is executed (S42).

[0058] Fig. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the room charging system 1 of this embodiment when a coupon is used using a store terminal S. When a user uses a coupon (electronic coupon), as shown in Fig. 6, the user scans the two-dimensional code on the card key with the store terminal S, which has been set to "coupon use mode" (S50), and a coupon use request is sent from the store terminal S to the room charging system 1 (S51). The room charging system 1 references the coupon DB of the coupon management system 3 (S52), and upon receiving the reference result from the coupon management system 3 (S53), determines based on the reference result whether or not the coupon (electronic coupon) can be used at that store (S54).

[0059] The determination result is sent from the room charging system 1 to the store terminal S (S55) and displayed on the screen of the store terminal S (S56). If the coupon (electronic coupon) can be used at the store, when an instruction to use the coupon is operated at the store terminal S (S57), an instruction to use the coupon is sent from the store terminal S to the room charging system 1 (S58), and the coupon use process is executed (S59).

[0060] 7 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the room charge system 1 of this embodiment when performing room charge using a user terminal U (when the QR code on the card key is scanned first). As shown in FIG. 7, when the two-dimensional code on the card key is scanned with a user terminal U set to "room charge mode" (S60), the user terminal U accesses a website in the main domain of the guest service system 4, and a user authentication request (including the hotel code and reservation information encoded in the two-dimensional code on the card key) is sent from the user terminal U to the guest service system 4 (S61). The guest service system 4 references the accommodation plan information in the accommodation reservation management system 2 (S62) and receives the hotel code and reservation number from the accommodation reservation management system 2 (S63).

[0061] The guest service system 4 then compares the hotel code and reservation number received from the user terminal U with the hotel code and reservation number received from the accommodation reservation management system 2 to authenticate the user (S64). For example, if the hotel code and reservation number received from the user terminal U match the hotel code and reservation number received from the accommodation reservation management system 2, the user authentication process is successful. On the other hand, if the hotel code and reservation number received from the user terminal U do not match the hotel code and reservation number received from the accommodation reservation management system 2, the user authentication process fails.

[0062] If the user authentication process is successful, the guest service system 4 sends a scan request to the user terminal U to scan the store's two-dimensional code (S65). When the store's two-dimensional code is scanned by the user terminal U (S66), the user terminal U sends a store authentication request (including the store code encoded in the store's two-dimensional code) to the guest service system 4 (S67). The guest service system 4 performs store authentication based on the store code included in the store authentication request (S68). For example, if the store code included in the store authentication request matches the store code of an existing store, the store authentication process is successful. On the other hand, if the store code included in the store authentication request does not match the store code of an existing store, the store authentication process fails.

[0063] Then, when the amount to be charged to the room (the price of the product purchased by the user or the fee for the service used by the user) and the room number (the room number of the room to be charged to the room) are entered into the user terminal U (S69), the amount and room number are sent from the user terminal U to the guest service system 4 (S70). The guest service system 4 references the accommodation plan information in the accommodation reservation management system 2 (S71) and receives the user's room number (the room number of the room where the user is staying) from the accommodation reservation management system 2 (S72).

[0064] The guest service system 4 compares the room number received from the user terminal U with the room number received from the accommodation reservation management system 2 to determine whether the room can be assigned to the room where the user is staying (S73). For example, if the room number received from the user terminal U matches the room number received from the accommodation reservation management system 2, it is determined that the room can be assigned to the room where the user is staying. On the other hand, if the room number received from the user terminal U does not match the room number received from the accommodation reservation management system 2, it is determined that the room cannot be assigned to the room where the user is staying. Then, if it is determined that the room can be assigned to the room where the user is staying, the room assignment process is executed (S74).

[0065] 8 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the room charge system 1 of this embodiment when using a coupon with a user terminal U (when the QR code on the card key is scanned first). As shown in FIG. 8, when the two-dimensional code on the card key is scanned with a user terminal U set to "coupon use mode" (S60), the user terminal U accesses a website in the main domain of the guest service system 4, and a user authentication request (including the hotel code and reservation information encoded in the two-dimensional code on the card key) is sent from the user terminal U to the guest service system 4 (S61). The guest service system 4 references the accommodation plan information in the accommodation reservation management system 2 (S62) and receives the hotel code and reservation number from the accommodation reservation management system 2 (S63).

[0066] The guest service system 4 then compares the hotel code and reservation number received from the user terminal U with the hotel code and reservation number received from the accommodation reservation management system 2 to authenticate the user (S64). For example, if the hotel code and reservation number received from the user terminal U match the hotel code and reservation number received from the accommodation reservation management system 2, the user authentication process is successful. On the other hand, if the hotel code and reservation number received from the user terminal U do not match the hotel code and reservation number received from the accommodation reservation management system 2, the user authentication process fails.

[0067] If the user authentication process is successful, the guest service system 4 sends a scan request to the user terminal U to scan the store's two-dimensional code (S65). When the store's two-dimensional code is scanned by the user terminal U (S66), the user terminal U sends a store authentication request (including the store code encoded in the store's two-dimensional code) to the guest service system 4 (S67). The guest service system 4 performs store authentication based on the store code included in the store authentication request (S68). For example, if the store code included in the store authentication request matches the store code of an existing store, the store authentication process is successful. On the other hand, if the store code included in the store authentication request does not match the store code of an existing store, the store authentication process fails.

[0068] If the store authentication process is successful, the guest service system 4 refers to the coupon DB of the coupon management system 3 (S74), and upon receiving the reference result from the coupon management system 3 (S75), determines whether the coupon (electronic coupon) can be used at the store based on the reference result (S76).

[0069] The determination result is displayed on the screen of the user terminal U, and if the coupon (electronic coupon) can be used at the store, when an instruction to use the coupon is performed on the user terminal U (S77), an instruction to use the coupon is sent from the store terminal S to the room charge system 1 (S78), and the coupon use process is executed (S79).

[0070] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of room charging using a user terminal U (when the store's QR code is scanned first) in the room charging system 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, for example, when the user terminal U, set to "room charging mode," scans the store's two-dimensional code (S80), the user terminal U accesses a website in a subdomain of the guest service system 4, and a store authentication request (including the store code encoded in the store's two-dimensional code) is sent from the user terminal U to the guest service system 4 (S81). The guest service system 4 performs store authentication based on the store code included in the store authentication request (S82). For example, if the store code included in the store authentication request matches the store code of an existing store, the store authentication process is successful. On the other hand, if the store code included in the store authentication request does not match the store code of an existing store, the store authentication process fails.

[0071] If the store authentication process is successful, the guest service system 4 sends a scan request to the user terminal U to scan the two-dimensional code on the card key (S83). When the two-dimensional code on the card key is scanned by the user terminal U (S84), a user authentication request (including the hotel code and accommodation reservation information encoded in the two-dimensional code on the card key) is sent from the user terminal U to the guest service system 4 (S85). The guest service system 4 references the accommodation plan information in the accommodation reservation management system 2 (S86) and receives the hotel code and accommodation reservation number from the accommodation reservation management system 2 (S87).

[0072] The guest service system 4 then compares the hotel code and reservation number received from the user terminal U with the hotel code and reservation number received from the accommodation reservation management system 2 to authenticate the user (S88). For example, if the hotel code and reservation number received from the user terminal U match the hotel code and reservation number received from the accommodation reservation management system 2, the user authentication process is successful. On the other hand, if the hotel code and reservation number received from the user terminal U do not match the hotel code and reservation number received from the accommodation reservation management system 2, the user authentication process fails.

[0073] Then, when the amount to be charged to the room (the price of the product purchased by the user or the fee for the service used by the user) and the room number (the room number of the room to be charged to the room) are entered into the user terminal U (S89), the amount and room number are sent from the user terminal U to the guest service system 4 (S90). The guest service system 4 references the accommodation plan information in the accommodation reservation management system 2 (S91) and receives the user's room number (the room number of the room where the user is staying) from the accommodation reservation management system 2 (S92).

[0074] The guest service system 4 compares the room number received from the user terminal U with the room number received from the accommodation reservation management system 2 to determine whether the room can be assigned to the room where the user is staying (S93). For example, if the room number received from the user terminal U matches the room number received from the accommodation reservation management system 2, it is determined that the room can be assigned to the room where the user is staying. On the other hand, if the room number received from the user terminal U does not match the room number received from the accommodation reservation management system 2, it is determined that the room cannot be assigned to the room where the user is staying. Then, if it is determined that the room can be assigned to the room where the user is staying, the room assignment process is executed (S94).

[0075] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the room charging system 1 of this embodiment when using a coupon with the user terminal U (when the store's QR code is scanned first). As shown in FIG. 10, for example, when the user terminal U, set to "coupon use mode," scans a store's two-dimensional code (S80), the user terminal U accesses a website of a subdomain of the guest service system 4, and a store authentication request (including the store code encoded in the store's two-dimensional code) is sent from the user terminal U to the guest service system 4 (S81). The guest service system 4 performs store authentication based on the store code included in the store authentication request (S82). For example, if the store code included in the store authentication request matches the store code of an existing store, the store authentication process is successful. On the other hand, if the store code included in the store authentication request does not match the store code of an existing store, the store authentication process fails.

[0076] If the store authentication process is successful, the guest service system 4 sends a scan request to the user terminal U to scan the two-dimensional code on the card key (S83). When the two-dimensional code on the card key is scanned by the user terminal U (S84), a user authentication request (including the hotel code and accommodation reservation information encoded in the two-dimensional code on the card key) is sent from the user terminal U to the guest service system 4 (S85). The guest service system 4 references the accommodation plan information in the accommodation reservation management system 2 (S86) and receives the hotel code and accommodation reservation number from the accommodation reservation management system 2 (S87).

[0077] The guest service system 4 then compares the hotel code and reservation number received from the user terminal U with the hotel code and reservation number received from the accommodation reservation management system 2 to authenticate the user (S88). For example, if the hotel code and reservation number received from the user terminal U match the hotel code and reservation number received from the accommodation reservation management system 2, the user authentication process is successful. On the other hand, if the hotel code and reservation number received from the user terminal U do not match the hotel code and reservation number received from the accommodation reservation management system 2, the user authentication process fails.

[0078] If the user authentication process is successful, the guest service system 4 refers to the coupon DB of the coupon management system 3 (S94), and upon receiving the reference result from the coupon management system 3 (S95), determines whether the coupon (electronic coupon) can be used at that store based on the reference result (S96).

[0079] The determination result is displayed on the screen of the user terminal U, and if the coupon (electronic coupon) can be used at the store, when an instruction to use the coupon is performed on the user terminal U (S97), an instruction to use the coupon is sent from the store terminal S to the room charge system 1 (S98), and the coupon use process is executed (S99).

[0080] According to the room charging system of this embodiment, when a card key for a lodging facility where a user is staying is issued, access information for the user to access the lodging facility is obtained from the lodging facility service system, and a two-dimensional code encoding the access information is generated and assigned to the card key. For example, a lodging facility can issue a required number of card keys with two-dimensional codes in advance in this manner. When a user checks in to the lodging facility, the card key is activated so that the user can use the card key to enter the room where the user is staying. Specifically, when the room number of the room where the user is staying is entered into the lodging facility terminal, the card key is activated using the room number acquired from the lodging facility terminal. Thereafter, the two-dimensional code assigned to the card key is activated so that payment for products purchased by the user or payment for services used by the user can be charged to the room where the user is staying. Specifically, the two-dimensional code on the card key is activated using linking information that links the access information encoded in the two-dimensional code with the accommodation facility identification information and accommodation reservation number included in the user's accommodation plan information acquired from the accommodation reservation management system.

[0081] According to this embodiment, issuing a card key and activating the card key (activating the card key and the two-dimensional code) can be performed separately. Therefore, accommodation facilities can issue the required number of card keys with two-dimensional codes in advance, and activate the card key (activating the card key and the two-dimensional code) for each user when they check into the accommodation facility. This allows accommodation facilities to improve the overall efficiency of tasks and operations related to issuing card keys. Furthermore, users can use the two-dimensional code attached to their accommodation facility room key to charge the price of products they have purchased or the fees for services they have used to their room.

[0082] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, when the store terminal S is set to room charge mode and the two-dimensional code on the card key is scanned by the store terminal S, upon receiving a room charge request from the store terminal S, a request to input an amount is sent to the store terminal S, and amount information is received from the store terminal S in response. A request to input a room number is also sent to the store terminal S, and the store terminal S receives the room number of the room where the user will be staying in response. The room number received from the store terminal S is then compared with the hotel code encoded in the two-dimensional code and the user's room number obtained from the accommodation reservation management system 2 based on the accommodation reservation number, thereby determining whether or not room charge to the room where the user will be staying is possible. In this way, the two-dimensional code attached to the room key of the accommodation facility where the user will be staying can be used to charge the price of goods purchased by the user or the fee for services used by the user to the room where the user will be staying.

[0083] In this embodiment, the user can use a coupon by using the two-dimensional code attached to the card key of the room of the accommodation facility where the user is staying. In this case, as shown in Fig. 6, when the store terminal S is set to the coupon use mode and the two-dimensional code of the card key is scanned by the store terminal S, if a coupon use request is received from the store terminal S, the coupon management system 3 refers to the hotel code and the accommodation reservation number coded in the two-dimensional code and determines whether or not the coupon for that user can be used at that store. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, when the two-dimensional code on the user's card key is first scanned by the user terminal U, the user is authenticated using the hotel code and reservation number encoded in the two-dimensional code on the card key. If the user authentication is successful, a scan request to next scan the store's two-dimensional code is sent to the user terminal U. When the store's two-dimensional code is scanned by the user terminal U, it is determined, based on the store code encoded in the store's two-dimensional code, whether payment for products purchased by the user at that store or payment for services used by the user can be charged to the user's room, or whether a coupon can be used at that store. In this way, payment for products purchased by the user or payment for services used by the user can be charged to the user's room.

[0084] 9 and 10 , in this embodiment, when the store's two-dimensional code is first scanned by the user terminal U, store authentication processing is performed based on the store code encoded in the store's two-dimensional code. If the store authentication processing is successful, a scan request to next scan the two-dimensional code on the user's card key is sent to the user terminal U. When the two-dimensional code on the user's card key is scanned by the user terminal U, a determination is made based on the hotel code and reservation number encoded in the two-dimensional code on the card key as to whether payment for products purchased by the user at the store or payment for services used by the user can be charged to the user's room, or whether a coupon can be used at the store. In this way, payment for products purchased by the user or payment for services used by the user can be charged to the user's room.

[0085] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above by way of example, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these, and can be modified and changed according to the purpose within the scope of the claims.

[0086] For example, if the user terminal U has a wallet function, the wallet function can be used to send a message from the guest terminal H to the user terminal U. Figures 11 and 12 are flow diagrams showing the operation of the room charge system when a message is sent using the wallet function of the user terminal.

[0087] In this case, as a preliminary step, the room number and check-out date of the user (guest) to whom the message is to be sent are input at the guest terminal H (S100), as shown in Fig. 11. The room number and check-out date may be input at the time of check-in. When the input information of the room number and check-out date is sent from the guest terminal H to the guest service system 4 (S101), the guest service system 4 checks the user (guest) using the room number and check-out date, and issues a ticket for the user (guest) (S102).

[0088] The issued ticket is sent from the lodger service system 4 to the ticket system C (S103) and registered in the database (ticket DB) of the ticket system C (S104). Then, a QR code encoding access information (such as a URL) for accessing the issued ticket (ticket registered in the ticket DB) is sent from the lodger service system 4 to the user terminal U (S105).

[0089] When the QR code (access destination information) is scanned with the user terminal U (S106), a ticket request is sent from the user terminal U to the ticket system C (S107), and the ticket is sent from the ticket system C to the user terminal U (S108). In this way, the ticket is acquired by the user terminal U (S109).

[0090] When sending a message, the room number of the user (guest) to whom the message is to be sent and the message are entered at the guest terminal H (S110), as shown in Fig. 12. Then, a message request is sent from the guest terminal H to the guest service system 4 (S111), and a message is generated in the guest service system 4 (S112), and the generated message is registered in the database (message DB) of the guest service system 4 (S113), and the ticket is updated (S114).

[0091] When the ticket is updated, a ticket update request is sent from the guest service system 4 to the ticket system C (S115), and the ticket DB is updated in the ticket system C (S116). When the ticket DB is updated, an update notification (a notification using the wallet function of the user terminal U) is sent from the ticket system C to the user terminal U (S117). Then, when a message viewing operation is performed on the user terminal U (S118), a message viewing request is sent from the user terminal U to the guest service system 4 (S119), a message (a message registered in the message DB) is sent from the guest service system 4 to the user terminal U (S120), and the message is displayed on the user terminal U (S121). [Industrial Applicability]

[0092] As described above, the room charging system of the present invention has the effect of improving the overall efficiency of the tasks and operations related to issuing card keys at accommodation facilities, and is useful as a room charging system that allows accommodation facility users (guests) to use their room card keys to charge the price of products purchased by the users or the fees for services used by the users to the rooms in which the users are staying. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1. Room charge system 2. Accommodation reservation management system 3. Coupon Management System 4. Guest Service System 5. Card Key Issuance Department 51 Access information acquisition unit 52 Two-dimensional code generator 53 Two-dimensional code assignment unit 6 Card key activation section 60 Room Number Acquisition Department 61 Validation processing unit 7 2D code validation section 8 Room Attachment Processing Unit 9 Coupon usage processing section 40 First service processing unit (guest service system) 400 User Authentication Unit 401 Scan Request 402 Guest Service Availability Determination Department 403 Judgment result notification section 41 Second service processing unit (second guest service system) 410 Store Authentication Department 411 Scan Request 412 Guest Service Availability Determination Department 413 Judgment result notification section 80 Room assignment request receiver 81 Amount input request section 82 Amount information receiving unit 83 Room number input request section 84 Room Number Receiving Unit 85 Room assignment determination unit 86 Room Permission Section 90 Coupon usage request receiving unit 91 Coupon availability determination section 92 Judgment result notification section N Network H Accommodation terminal U User terminal S store terminal

Claims

1. a card key issuing department that issues card keys to rooms of accommodation facilities where users stay; a card key validation unit that validates the card key so that the user can use the card key to enter the room where the user is staying; a two-dimensional code validation unit that validates the two-dimensional code attached to the card key so that payment for the product purchased by the user or payment for the service used by the user can be charged to the room where the user is staying; a room charge processing unit that performs a room charge process using the two-dimensional code of the card key to charge the payment for the product purchased by the user or the payment for the service used by the user to the room where the user is staying; Equipped with The card key issuing unit an access information acquisition unit that acquires, from the lodger service system, access information for the user to access the lodger service system; a two-dimensional code generating unit that generates the two-dimensional code in which the acquired access information is coded; a two-dimensional code assigning unit that assigns the generated two-dimensional code to the card key; Equipped with The card key validation unit a room number acquisition unit that acquires the room number from the accommodation facility terminal when the room number of the room in which the user will stay is input into the accommodation facility terminal; an activation processing unit that activates the card key using the acquired room number; Equipped with The two-dimensional code validation unit A room allocation system characterized by activating the two-dimensional code of the card key using linking information that links the access information coded in the two-dimensional code with the accommodation facility identification information and accommodation reservation number included in the user's accommodation plan information obtained from an accommodation reservation management system.

2. The room assignment processing unit a room-allocation request receiving unit that, when a store terminal installed in a store selling the product or providing the service is set to a room-allocation mode and the two-dimensional code of the card key is scanned by the store terminal, receives from the store terminal a room-allocation request including the accommodation facility identification information linked to the access information encoded in the two-dimensional code and the accommodation reservation number; an amount input request unit that transmits an amount input request to the store terminal in response to the room charge request, requesting input of the amount of the price of the product or the fee for the service; an amount information receiving unit that receives, from the store terminal, amount information of the price of the product or the fee for the service that is input by the store staff using the store terminal in response to the amount input request; a room number input request unit that transmits to the store terminal a room number input request requesting input of the room number of the room in which the user will be staying; a room number receiving unit that receives, from the store terminal in response to the room number input, the room number of the room in which the user is staying, which the user input using the store terminal; a room assignment possibility determination unit that compares the room number received from the store terminal with the identification information of the accommodation facility linked to the access information coded in the two-dimensional code and the room number of the user acquired from the accommodation reservation management system based on the accommodation reservation number, and determines whether or not the room can be assigned to the room where the user is staying; a room charge permission unit that, when it is determined that room charge is possible, permits the price of the product purchased by the user or the price of the service used by the user to be charged to the room in which the user is staying; The rooming system of claim 1 , comprising:

3. The accommodation reservation number is associated with information about coupons that can be used by the user in a coupon management system, The rooming system comprises: a coupon usage processing unit that performs a coupon usage process for the user to use the coupon using the two-dimensional code of the card key, The coupon usage processing unit a coupon usage request receiving unit that, when a store terminal installed in a store where the user wishes to use a coupon is set to coupon usage mode and the two-dimensional code of the card key is scanned by the store terminal, receives a coupon usage request from the store terminal, the coupon usage request including the accommodation facility identification information and the accommodation reservation number linked to the access information encoded in the two-dimensional code; a coupon availability determination unit that determines whether the coupon of the user can be used at the store by referring to the coupon management system based on the identification information of the accommodation facility linked to the access information coded in the two-dimensional code and the accommodation reservation number; a determination result notification unit that notifies the store terminal of a determination result as to whether or not the user can use the coupon at the store in response to the coupon use request; The rooming system of claim 1 , comprising:

4. a second two-dimensional code in which identification information of the store is coded is provided in the store; The guest service system includes: a user authentication unit that, when the two-dimensional code is scanned with a user terminal carried by the user, accepts access from the user terminal based on the access information coded in the two-dimensional code, and performs authentication processing of the user based on the identification information of the accommodation facility linked to the access information coded in the two-dimensional code and the accommodation reservation number; a scan request unit that transmits a scan request to the user terminal to scan the second two-dimensional code of the store when the authentication process of the user is successful; a guest service availability determination unit that, when the second two-dimensional code is scanned by the user terminal, determines, based on the store's identification information coded in the second two-dimensional code, whether payment for a product purchased by the user at the store or payment for a service used by the user at the store can be charged to the user's room, or whether a coupon can be used at the store; a determination result notification unit that notifies the user terminal of the determination result of the lodger service availability determination unit; The room charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising:

5. a second two-dimensional code is provided in the store, the second two-dimensional code encoding identification information of the store and second access information for the user to access a second guest service system; The second guest service system includes: a store authentication unit that, when the second two-dimensional code is scanned by a user terminal carried by the user, accepts access from the user terminal based on the second access information coded in the second two-dimensional code, and performs authentication processing for the store based on the store identification information coded in the second two-dimensional code; a scan request unit that, when the authentication process of the store is successful, sends a scan request to the user terminal to scan the two-dimensional code of the card key of the user; a guest service availability determination unit that, when the two-dimensional code is scanned by the user terminal, determines whether payment for a product purchased by the user at the store or payment for a service used by the user at the store can be charged to the user's room, or whether a coupon can be used at the store, based on the identification information of the accommodation facility linked to the access information coded in the two-dimensional code and the accommodation reservation number; a determination result notification unit that notifies the user terminal of the determination result of the second lodger service availability determination unit; The room charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising:

6. 1. A method implemented in a room charge system, comprising: The method comprises: a card key issuing step of issuing a card key for a room of the accommodation facility where the user is staying; a card key activation step of activating the card key so that the user can use the card key to enter the room where the user is staying; a two-dimensional code activating step of activating a two-dimensional code attached to the card key so that payment for a product purchased by the user or payment for a service used by the user can be charged to the room where the user is staying; a room charge processing step for performing a room charge processing using the two-dimensional code of the card key to charge the payment for the product purchased by the user or the payment for the service used by the user to the room where the user is staying; Including, The card key issuing step includes: acquiring, from the guest service system, access information for the user to access the guest service system; generating the two-dimensional code in which the acquired access information is coded; assigning the generated two-dimensional code to the card key; Including, The card key activation step includes: When a room number of the room in which the user will stay is inputted into an accommodation facility terminal, acquiring the room number from the accommodation facility terminal; activating the card key using the obtained room number; Including, In the two-dimensional code validation step, A method characterized in that a process is performed to activate the two-dimensional code of the card key using linking information that links the access information coded in the two-dimensional code with the accommodation facility identification information and accommodation reservation number included in the user's accommodation plan information obtained from an accommodation reservation management system.

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