Charnel house system, operation method in the system, and program

Abstract

To provide a charnel house system which enables persons of various religions and sects to widely pay respects and to pay respects according to the system of their own religions and sects. And to provide a charnel house system which enables worshippers from remote places to share information with each other and have a greeting and a conversation.SOLUTION: This charnel house system is composed of a back yard, a worship hall and a system control part, and the back yard has an remains storing tool storing part A, a carrying part B and a carrying control part C, and the worship hall has a plurality of worship booths D having remains storing tool setting parts and a worship-side photographing part E. The charnel house system includes a system control part having an ashes identification information holding part (F), a worship booth identification information holding part (G), a worship information acquisition part (H), a worship information output part (I), a photographing drive part (J), and a moving image output part (K).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a columbarium system having a storage space for storing the remains of the deceased and a worship area, as well as an operating method and program for the system. [Background technology]

[0002] A columbarium is a facility equipped with a storage space and a worship area for the remains of the deceased. In recent years, columbariums have become increasingly popular as a place to store the remains of the deceased, replacing graves (tombs). The reasons for this are said to be: (1) With the declining birthrate and aging population, more people are avoiding the costs and time required to maintain graves, which are often located in relatively remote areas, and instead preferring columbariums, which are less expensive to maintain than graves and are often located in relatively accessible locations such as urban areas; and (2) as urban development progresses and it becomes increasingly difficult to secure land, the advantages of columbariums, which are more efficient than graves in that they can store a large number of remains in a relatively small space, are gaining attention.

[0003] Although ossuaries are often located in relatively accessible locations, it is often difficult for people living in remote areas, such as the elderly, to actually visit the ossuary and offer prayers. To address this issue, systems have been known that use communication lines to enable people to participate in ceremonies such as memorial services at ossuaries from remote locations. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a device that can capture video footage of ceremonies at ossuaries and transmit the footage in real time to a terminal device of a person visiting from a remote location. Also, Non-Patent Document 1, which is related to graves, contains an article about a service that allows people in remote locations to visit graves together by live-streaming the experience on YouTube (registered trademark).

[0004] Furthermore, from the perspective of those who actually visit the ossuary to pay their respects, it is desirable to remotely move the remains of the deceased from the storage space to the worship area before arriving at the ossuary, in preparation for being able to begin worship immediately upon arrival at the ossuary. For example, the aforementioned Patent Document 1 describes a system that provides a transport device capable of transporting remains from the storage space to the worship area, identifies the remains based on the identification information of the bereaved, and then transmits a transport command to the transport device via a communication line to have the transport device transport the remains. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-070501 [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] Tenkuryo website (URL: https: / / tenkuryo.jp / ) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Traditionally, columbariums have been established and operated by entities affiliated with a specific religion or sect, and worship there has often been limited to those who adhered to the religious or sect's customs. In these columbariums, the design of the worship area (including statues such as Buddha or the Virgin Mary, and ritual implements such as hanging scrolls with inscriptions of Buddhist prayers or daimoku or crosses) is typically specific to that religion or sect. However, in response to the recent increase in columbarium users, an increasing number of columbariums affiliated with a specific religion or sect allow worship without adherence to the religious or sect's customs. Public columbariums operated by non-religious entities are also on the rise. In these columbariums, the design of the worship area is generally non-religious, allowing worship by those of any religion or sect, or even non-religious individuals.

[0008] However, even in ossuaries that are designed to allow worship without following the rules of any particular religion or sect, there are surely many worshippers who would like to worship in accordance with the rules of their own religion or sect. Despite this, until now, there have been no ossuaries that have made this possible.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of these problems. That is, the main object of the present invention is to provide a columbarium system that can be widely visited by people of various religions and sects, and that also allows people to worship in accordance with the methods of their own religion or sect.

[0010] On the other hand, when video footage of a ceremony such as a memorial service is transmitted in real time to worshippers in remote locations using a communication line, not only will there be both those who actually visit the ossuary and those who visit from remote locations, but among those who visit from remote locations, there may also be those who visit from multiple different locations. In this case, it is desirable not only to simply deliver a video of the ceremony to worshippers in remote locations, but also to enable worshippers in remote locations to share information with each other (e.g., to find out who else is visiting besides themselves) and to exchange greetings and conversations with each other via telephone or email. However, no prior art has disclosed such a mechanism, including the device described in Patent Document 1. Therefore, a secondary object of the present invention is to provide an ossuary system that enables worshippers in remote locations to share information with each other and exchange greetings and conversations with each other. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, the first invention of the present invention is a columbarium system consisting of a backyard, a worship hall, and a system control unit. The backyard has a remains container storage unit (A) with multiple storage spaces that can store remains containers containing the remains of the deceased, a transport unit (B) that transports the remains containers stored in the remains container storage unit (A) to the worship booths described below in the worship hall, and a transport control unit (C) that controls the transport unit using information indicating the remains container to be transported, which is specified by the worship information described below, and the worship booth to which the remains will be transported. The worship hall has multiple worship booths (D) with different worship side designs depending on religions and sects, each with a remains container setting unit where the remains containers transported by the transport unit are set, and a worship side shooting unit that shoots video footage of the worship booths (D) including the worship side design. and (E), wherein the system control unit has a remains identification information storage unit (F) that stores remains identification information that identifies the storage location of the remains of the deceased stored in the remains storage device storage unit (A) or the remains storage device in which the remains of the deceased are stored, a worship booth identification information storage unit (G) that stores worship booth identification information that identifies the worship booth (D), a worship information acquisition unit (H) that acquires worship information consisting of the remains identification information and the worship booth identification information via the network, a worship information output unit (I) that outputs the acquired worship information to the transport control unit (C) in the backyard, a camera drive unit (J) that drives the worship side camera unit (E) of the worship booth (D) identified by the acquired worship booth identification information, and a video image output unit (K) that outputs video images taken by the worship side camera unit driven by the camera drive unit (J) to the outside via the network.

[0012] In addition, the second invention of the present invention is based on the first invention and provides an ossuary system further including a worship terminal capable of communicating with the system control unit via a network, the worship terminal having a remains identification information storage unit (L) that stores remains identification information, a worship booth identification information storage unit (M) that stores worship booth identification information, a user identification information storage unit (N) that identifies the user, a worship information acquisition unit (O) that acquires worship information that combines the remains identification information stored in the remains identification information storage unit (L) and the worship booth identification information stored in the worship booth identification information storage unit (M), a worship information output unit (P) that associates the acquired worship information with the stored user identification information and outputs it to the system control unit via the network, and a video image acquisition unit (Q) that acquires video image of the worship booth (D) identified by the worship booth identification information, which is output by the video image output unit (K).

[0013] In addition, the third invention of the present invention is based on the second invention and provides a columbarium system that further includes a worship terminal that is capable of communicating with a system control unit via a network, and further has a user identification information holding unit (BA) that holds user identification information, an acquisition request output unit (BB) that outputs an acquisition request to acquire video footage output by a video footage output unit (K) that includes the user identification information, and a video footage acquisition unit (BC) that acquires video footage output by the video footage output unit (K) of a worship booth (D) identified by the worship booth identification information output by the worship terminal.

[0014] Furthermore, the fourth invention of the present invention is based on the third invention and provides a columbarium system in which the system control unit has a common user identification information storage unit (R) that stores common user identification information, which is user identification information associated with the same worship information, and a worshipper information output unit (S) that outputs the user identification information contained in the common user identification information to the worship terminal and attending terminal that store the user identification information contained in each common user identification information, and the worship terminal and attending terminal have a user identification information acquisition unit (T) that acquires the user identification information output by the worshipper information output unit (S) and a user identification information output unit (U) that outputs the acquired user identification information.

[0015] Furthermore, the fifth invention of the present invention is based on the fourth invention and provides a columbarium system in which the worship terminal and attendance terminal have a worshipper-to-worshipper communication unit (V) for communicating with other worship terminals and attendance terminals of users identified by the acquired user identification information.

[0016] Furthermore, the sixth invention of the present invention is based on the third invention and provides a columbarium system in which the system control unit has a video communication unit (W) with the worship terminal and the attending terminal, and the worship booth (D) has a video display unit (X) for displaying video transmitted from the worship terminal and the attending terminal in the video communication unit (W) and conducting two-way conversations.

[0017] Furthermore, the seventh invention of the present invention is based on the third invention and provides a columbarium system in which the worship booth (D) in the worship hall has a worship area photographing unit (Y) that photographs video images of the worship area of ​​real people in the worship booth (D), and the system control unit has a worship area video image output unit (Z) that outputs the video images photographed by the worship area photographing unit (Y) via a network to the worship terminals and attendee terminals used by users identified by user identification information who are praying at the worship booth (D).

[0018] The eighth aspect of the present invention is a method for operating an ossuary system comprising a backyard, a worship hall, and a system control unit, the method comprising: a remains identification information storing step (a) for storing remains identification information for identifying the storage location of the remains of the deceased stored in the remains storage unit storage unit (A) or the remains storage unit in which the remains of the deceased are stored; a worship booth identification information storing step (b) for storing worship booth identification information for identifying the worship booth (D); a worship information acquiring step (c) for acquiring worship information consisting of the remains identification information and the worship booth identification information via a network; a worship information output step (d) for outputting the acquired worship information to a transport control unit (C) in the backyard; and a transport control unit (C) for outputting the remains storage unit to be transported, which is specified by the worship information output in the worship information output step (d), to the worship booth to be transported, which is specified by the worship information. The method includes a transport control step (e) for controlling the transport unit (B) to transport the remains to a worship booth (D), a remains storage device setting step (f) for setting the remains storage device transported to the worship booth (D) by the control in the transport control step (e), a photography driving step (g) for driving the worshiper's side photography unit (E) of the worship booth (D) identified by the worship booth identification information acquired in the worship information acquisition step (c), a worshiper's side photography step (h) for the worshiper's side photography unit (E) to take a video image of the worship booth (D) including a worshiper's side design that differs depending on the religion or sect and that is applied to the worship hall where the worship booth (D) in which the remains storage device is set in the remains storage device setting step is located, and a video image output step (i) for outputting the video image taken in the worshiper's side photography step (h) to the outside via a network.

[0019] In addition, the ninth invention of the present invention is based on the eighth invention and provides an operating method in which a worship terminal capable of communicating with a system control unit via a network further comprises: a remains identification information retaining step (j) for retaining remains identification information; a worship booth identification information retaining step (k) for retaining worship booth identification information; a user identification information retaining step (l) for identifying a user; a worship information retaining step (m) for retaining worship information combining remains identification information and worship booth identification information; a worship information outputting step (n) in which the worship terminal associates the worship information retained in the worship information retaining step (m) with the user identification information retained by the worship terminal for identifying the user and outputs the associated information to the system control unit via the network; and a video image acquiring step (o) in which the worship terminal acquires video image of the worship booth (D) identified by the worship booth identification information, which is output by the video image output unit (K).

[0020] Furthermore, the tenth invention of the present invention provides an operating method based on the ninth invention, further comprising a user identification information holding step (aa) in which an attendee terminal capable of communicating with a system control unit via a network holds user identification information, an acquisition request output step (ab) in which the attendee terminal outputs an acquisition request to acquire video footage output by a video footage output unit (K) including the user identification information, and a video footage acquisition step (ac) in which the attendee terminal acquires video footage output by the video footage output unit (K) of a worship booth (D) identified by the worship booth identification information output by the worship terminal.

[0021] Furthermore, the eleventh invention of the present invention is based on the tenth invention and provides an operating method comprising: a worshipper information output step (p) in which the system control unit outputs user identification information contained in a common user identification information, which is user identification information associated with the same worship information, to the worship terminal and attending terminal holding the user identification information contained in each common user identification information; a user identification information acquisition step (q) in which the worship terminal and attending terminal acquire the user identification information output in the worshipper information output step (p); and a user identification information output step (r) in which the worship terminal outputs the user identification information acquired in the user identification information acquisition step (q).

[0022] Furthermore, the twelfth invention of the present invention is based on the eleventh invention and provides an operating method including a worshipper-to-worshipper communication step (s) in which the worship terminal and attendance terminal communicate with other worship terminals and attendance terminals of users identified by the user identification information acquired in the user identification information acquisition step (q).

[0023] Furthermore, the thirteenth aspect of the present invention is based on the tenth aspect and provides an operating method in which the system control unit has a video communication step (t) for performing video communication with the worship terminal and the attending terminal, and a video display step (u) for displaying the video transmitted from the worship terminal and the attending terminal in the video communication step (t) and conducting two-way conversation.

[0024] Furthermore, the fourteenth invention of the present invention is based on the tenth invention and provides an operating method including a worship area photographing step (v) of photographing video footage of the worship area of ​​real people in the worship booth (D), and a worship area video footage output step (w) of outputting the video footage photographed in the worship area photographing step (v) via a network to the worship terminal and attendance terminal used by the user identified by the user identification information who is worshipping at the worship booth (D).

[0025] The fifteenth aspect of the present invention is a method for operating an ossuary system comprising a backyard, a worship hall, and a system control unit, the method comprising: a remains identification information storing step (a) for storing remains identification information for identifying the storage location of the remains of the deceased stored in the remains storage unit (A) or the remains storage unit in which the remains of the deceased are stored; a worship booth identification information storing step (b) for storing worship booth identification information for identifying the worship booth (D); a worship information acquiring step (c) for acquiring worship information consisting of the remains identification information and the worship booth identification information via a network; a worship information output step (d) for outputting the acquired worship information to a transport control unit (C) in the backyard; and a transport control unit (C) for transporting the remains storage unit to be transported, which is specified by the worship information output in the worship information output step (d), to the worship booth (D), which is the destination specified by the worship information. a transport control step (e) of controlling the transport unit (B) so that the remains container is transported to the worship booth (D) by the control in the transport control step (e); a remains container setting step (f) of setting the remains container transported to the worship booth (D) by the control in the transport control step (e); a photography driving step (g) of driving the worshiper's side photography unit (E) of the worship booth (D) identified by the worship booth identification information acquired in the worship information acquisition step (c); a worshiper's side photography step (h) of the worshiper's side photography unit (E) taking a video image of the worship booth (D) including a worshiper's side design that differs depending on the religion or sect and that is applied to the worship hall where the worship booth (D) in which the remains container is set in the remains container setting step is located; and a video image output step (i) of outputting the video image taken in the worshiper's side photography step (h) to the outside via a network.

[0026] Furthermore, the sixteenth invention of the present invention is based on the fifteenth invention and provides a program for causing a worship terminal capable of communicating with a system control unit via a network to further execute the following steps: a remains identification information retaining step (j) for retaining remains identification information; a worship booth identification information retaining step (k) for retaining worship booth identification information; a user identification information retaining step (l) for identifying a user; a worship information retaining step (m) for retaining worship information combining remains identification information and worship booth identification information; a worship information outputting step (n) for the worship terminal to associate the worship information retained in the worship information retaining step (m) with user identification information retained by the worship terminal for identifying the user and outputting the associated worship information to the system control unit via the network; and a video image acquiring step (o) for the worship terminal to acquire video image of the worship booth (D) identified by the worship booth identification information, which is output by the video image output unit (K).

[0027] Furthermore, the seventeenth invention of the present invention provides a program based on the sixteenth invention, further executing a user identification information holding step (aa) in which an attendee terminal capable of communicating with a system control unit via a network holds user identification information, an acquisition request output step (ab) in which the attendee terminal outputs an acquisition request to acquire video footage output by a video footage output unit (K) including the user identification information, and a video footage acquisition step (ac) in which the attendee terminal acquires video footage output by the video footage output unit (K) of a worship booth (D) identified by the worship booth identification information output by the worship terminal.

[0028] Furthermore, the eighteenth invention of the present invention is based on the seventeenth invention and provides a program that further executes a worshipper information output step (p) in which the system control unit outputs user identification information contained in a common user identification information, which is user identification information associated with the same worship information, to the worship terminal and attending terminal that hold the user identification information contained in each common user identification information, a user identification information acquisition step (q) in which the worship terminal acquires the user identification information output in the worshipper information output step (p), and a user identification information output step (r) in which the worship terminal outputs the user identification information acquired in the user identification information acquisition step (q).

[0029] Furthermore, the nineteenth invention of the present invention is based on the eighteenth invention and provides a program that further executes a worshipper-to-worshipper communication step (s) in which the worship terminal and the attendance terminal communicate with other worship terminals of users identified by the user identification information acquired in the user identification information acquisition step (q).

[0030] Furthermore, the twentieth invention of the present invention provides a program based on the seventeenth invention, in which the system control unit further executes a video communication step (t) for performing video communication with the worship terminal and the attending terminal, and a video display step (u) for displaying the video transmitted from the worship terminal in the video communication step (t) and conducting two-way conversation.

[0031] Furthermore, the twenty-first invention of the present invention is based on the seventeenth invention and provides a program to further execute a worship area photographing step (v) of photographing video footage of the worship area of ​​real people in the worship booth (D), and a worship area video footage output step (w) of outputting the video footage photographed in the worship area photographing step (v) via a network to the worship terminal and attendee terminal used by the user identified by the user identification information who is worshipping at the worship booth (D). [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a columbarium system that can be widely visited by people of various religions and sects, and that allows people to worship in accordance with the methods of their own religion or sect.

[0033] Furthermore, according to a more suitable configuration of the present invention, it is possible to provide a columbarium system that allows worshippers from remote locations to share information with each other, exchange greetings, and converse with each other. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] A functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ossuary system of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of facilities and equipment related to the ossuary system of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a backyard of a columbarium system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a worship hall in the ossuary system of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of the design of the worship booth's side, which corresponds to different religions and sects. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of the design of the worship booth's side, which corresponds to different religions and sects. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of the design of the worship booth's side, which corresponds to different religions and sects. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of the design of the worship booth's side, which corresponds to different religions and sects. [Figure 9] A diagram showing an example of the design of the worship booth's side, which corresponds to different religions and sects. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a columbarium system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing an example of a processing flow in the ossuary system of the first embodiment. [Figure 12A] A functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a columbarium system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12B]A functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a columbarium system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a columbarium system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a columbarium system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] A flow chart showing an example of a processing flow in the ossuary system of the second embodiment. [Figure 15A] A functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ossuary system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15B] A functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ossuary system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the ossuary system of the third embodiment. [Figure 17A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the ossuary system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the ossuary system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] A flow chart showing an example of a processing flow in the ossuary system of the third embodiment. [Figure 19] A functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ossuary system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] A functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ossuary system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of output of user identification information in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 22A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the ossuary system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 22B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the ossuary system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 23] A flow chart showing an example of a processing flow in the ossuary system of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 24] A functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a columbarium system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the ossuary system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 26]A flow chart showing an example of a processing flow in the ossuary system of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 27] A functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a columbarium system according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the ossuary system according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 29] A flow chart showing an example of a processing flow in the ossuary system of the sixth embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a specific schedule of a ceremony in the ossuary system of the third embodiment. [Figure 31A] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment using a worship terminal in a columbarium system. [Figure 31B] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment using a worship terminal in a columbarium system. [Figure 31C] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment using a worship terminal in a columbarium system. [Figure 31D] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment using a worship terminal in a columbarium system. [Figure 31E] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment using a worship terminal in a columbarium system. [Figure 31F] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment using a worship terminal in a columbarium system. [Figure 31G] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment using a worship terminal in a columbarium system. [Figure 32A] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment using a worship terminal in a columbarium system. [Figure 32B] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment using a worship terminal in a columbarium system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0035] 0100 Ossuary System 0110 Backyard 0111 Remains storage unit storage section (A) 0112 Conveyor section (B) 0113 Conveyance control unit (C) 0120 Worship Hall 0121 Ashes storage equipment set 0122 Worship side photography section (E) 0123 Worship Booth (D) 0130 System control unit 0131 Remains identification information holding unit (F) 0132 Worship Booth Identification Information Storage Unit (G) 0133 Worship Information Acquisition Department (H) 0134 Worship information output section (I) 0135 Camera drive unit (J) 0136 Video output unit (K) 1237 Video Extraction Unit (AA) 1240 Worship Terminal 1241 Remains identification information holding unit (L) 1242 Worship Booth Identification Information Storage Unit (M) 1243 User identification information holding unit (N) 1244 Worship Information Storage Unit (O) 1245 Worship information output section (P) 1246 Video image acquisition unit (Q) 1550 Attendance terminal 1538 Acquisition request acquisition unit (AB) 1551 User identification information holding unit (BA) 1552 Acquisition request output section (BB) 1553 Video Acquisition Unit (BC) 1961 Common user identification information holding unit (R) 1962 Visitor Information Output Unit (S) 1947 User identification information acquisition unit (T) 1948 User Identification Information Output Unit (U) 2049 Visitor Communication Department (V) 2463 Video Communication Department (W) 2424 Video display section (X) 2725 Worship Area Photography Section (Y) 2737 Worship area video output unit (Z) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] The following describes embodiments of each invention. The relationship between the embodiments and the claims is as follows: Embodiment 1 relates mainly to claims 1, 8, 15, etc.; Embodiment 2 relates mainly to claims 2, 9, 16, etc.; Embodiment 3 relates mainly to claims 3, 10, 17, etc.; Embodiment 4 relates mainly to claims 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, etc.; Embodiment 5 relates mainly to claims 6, 13, 20, etc.; and Embodiment 6 relates mainly to claims 7, 14, 21, etc. However, the present invention should not be limited to these embodiments and may be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. <Embodiment 1>

[0037] Embodiment 1 mainly relates to claims 1, 8, 15, etc. <Embodiment 1: Overview>

[0038] The ossuary system of embodiment 1 comprises a backyard, a worship hall, and a system control unit. The worship hall is equipped with multiple worship booths (D), each with a different worship-side design according to religion or sect. The ossuary system of this embodiment has a means for transporting and setting ashes containers stored in the backyard into the worship booths (D), and a means for controlling the transport by identifying the transport target and destination based on information identifying the ashes container and the worship booth (D). The ossuary system of this embodiment also has a means for capturing video of the worship booths (D), including the above-mentioned worship-side design, and a means for outputting the captured video to an external device via a network. <Embodiment 1: Configuration>

[0039] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Overall)

[0040] 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ossuary system of embodiment 1. The ossuary system 0100 of this embodiment comprises a backyard 0110, a worship hall 0120, and a system control unit 0130.

[0041] FIG. 2 also shows an example of the configuration of the ossuary system of this embodiment, and is a diagram showing an example of a configuration based on an actual layout. The ossuary system 0200 shown in the figure consists of a backyard 0210, a worship hall 0220, and a system control unit 0230. In the example shown in the figure, the system control unit is composed of a part represented as a computer case and equipped with a storage device, control device, and arithmetic unit located in the backyard, and a part equipped with an input device and output device located in the worship hall. Note that the entrance 0224 to the entire ossuary system is located in the lower left of the figure.

[0042] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Backyard: General)

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, the backyard has a remains container storage unit (A) 0111, a transport unit (B) 0112, and a transport control unit (C) 0113.

[0044] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Backyard: Definition of Backyard)

[0045] In an indoor facility, a backyard generally refers to a space that is not visible to visitors, such as a preparation room or machine room. In this invention, however, it refers to a space in the ossuary system that is located adjacent to the worship hall, which is the specific destination for worshippers and others for ceremonies, as viewed from the entrance.

[0046] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Backyard: Configuration based on actual layout)

[0047] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the backyard of the ossuary system of this embodiment, and shows the configuration inside the backyard in accordance with the actual layout, similar to Fig. 2. In this diagram, it is shown that the backyard 0310 is located at the back of the worship hall 0320.

[0048] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Backyard: Remains storage device storage section (A))

[0049] Returning to Figure 1, the remains container storage unit (A) 0111 has multiple storage spaces capable of storing remains containers containing the remains of the deceased. These storage spaces are specifically composed of shelves, pallets, etc.

[0050] An ashes receptacle is a container for storing the remains of a deceased person, and examples include an urn, a bone box, a bone bag, and a shrine, but the name and shape are not important. In principle, an ashes receptacle as referred to in this invention refers to a container that contains ashes. Containers that contain items other than ashes (for example, a container that contains a memorial tablet or a portrait of the deceased along with ashes) are also included in the ashes receptacle that can be stored by the ashes receptacle storage unit of this invention. Furthermore, there may be cases where a container that does not contain ashes because no ashes remain due to scattering of ashes or the like (for example, a container that contains a memorial tablet or a portrait of the deceased instead of ashes) is stored, and in such cases, a container that does not contain ashes is also included in the ashes receptacle that can be stored by the ashes receptacle storage unit of this invention.

[0051] The remains container storage area (A) is a space for storing all remains containers placed in the ossuary system, and therefore has multiple storage spaces, each of which is configured to store a remains container. As will be described later, each remains container is assigned remains identification information, which allows each remains container to be uniquely identified. When transporting remains containers from the remains container storage area (A) to the worship booth (D), the remains container to be transported can be uniquely identified based on this remains identification information. Specifically, for example, One possible method is to equip each ashes container with an IC chip bearing a unique identifier, and read the chip with an IC card reader installed in the automated guided vehicle that makes up the transport section, thereby uniquely identifying the ashes container to be transported. In this case, it does not matter whether the chip is contact-type or non-contact-type. Alternatively, an RF tag can be attached to the ashes container and read by an RF tag reader.

[0052] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Backyard: Transport Section (B))

[0053] The transport unit (B) 0112 is configured to transport the remains container stored in the remains container storage unit (A) to the worship booth (D) in the worship hall, which will be described later. Specific means for this can be any known technology, such as automatically picking up remains containers identified by the remains identification information from shelves constituting the remains container storage unit using belt clamps and transporting them on a belt conveyor, or transporting the picked-up remains containers using an automated guided vehicle.

[0054] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Backyard: Transport Section (B))

[0055] 3 shows a belt conveyor 0312 as a specific means constituting the transport section. In the figure, the belt conveyor can transport remains containers 0311b (only one is shown to avoid complication) from each of the multiple storage spaces 0311a (only some are numbered to avoid complication) in the remains container storage section (A) 0311 in the backyard 0310 to a worship booth (not shown) in the worship hall 0320.

[0056] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Backyard: Transport Control Unit (C))

[0057] Returning to Figure 1, the transportation by the transport unit (B) 0112 is controlled by the transport control unit (C) 0113. More specifically, the transport control unit (C) is configured to control the transport unit using information indicating the remains storage device to be transported, which is specified by the worship information described below, and the worship booth (D) to which the remains will be transported.

[0058] The worship information is information consisting of remains identification information and worship booth identification information. The remains identification information is information that identifies the storage location of the deceased's remains stored in the remains storage unit (A) or the remains storage unit in which the deceased's remains are stored. This remains identification information can uniquely identify the remains storage unit that is the object of worship for a particular worship visit from among the remains storage units stored in the remains storage unit (A)'s multiple storage spaces. Furthermore, the worship booth identification information is information that identifies the worship booth (D). This worship booth identification information can uniquely identify the worship booth that will be the worship location for a particular worship visit from among the multiple worship booths provided. In this way, the transport control unit can have the transport unit correctly transport the remains storage unit that is the object of worship to the worship booth that is the worship location for a particular worship visit.

[0059] This worship information is acquired via a network by a worship information acquisition unit (H) of the system control unit (described later), and the worship information output unit (I) outputs it to the transport control unit (C) in the backyard. Therefore, the transport control unit (C) acquires the worship information output from the worship information output unit (I) and uses it to control the transport unit (B). The transport control unit is configured as a computer device in terms of hardware, and is located in the backyard together with the computer device that constitutes the system control unit 0330 shown in Figure 3 (however, as described later, part of the computer device that constitutes the system control unit is located within the worship platform).

[0060] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Worship Hall: General)

[0061] As shown in Figure 1, the worship hall 0120 has multiple worship booths (D) 0121 and a worship side photography unit (E) 0122. In this way, the worship hall is an area that includes the worship booths (D), which are the actual places of worship for worshippers within the ossuary system and the places where ceremonies and other events are held.

[0062] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Worship Hall: Definition of Worship)

[0063] In this specification, worship refers to the act of praying for the repose of the deceased in front of the remains brought into the worship booth (D) in the ossuary, regardless of whether it is a religious or non-religious worship. Furthermore, worship can refer to both the act of simply praying in front of the remains without any particular ritual, and a ritual like a memorial service with a set ritual, and unless otherwise specified, it includes both. Furthermore, it includes both real worship, where one actually goes to the ossuary, and remote worship, where one uses a terminal via a communication network from a remote location.

[0064] Furthermore, in contrast to attendance, which will be discussed later, those who host the ceremony are called worshippers, and others are called worshippers. Those who simply attend the ceremony may also be distinguished as attendees. Note that attendance includes both in person and remotely, just like visiting a shrine.

[0065] FIG. 4 shows an example of the configuration of the worship hall of the ossuary system of this embodiment. Similar to FIG. 2, the diagram shows the internal configuration of the worship hall 0420 in accordance with the actual layout. This figure shows that the worship hall 0420 is located in front of the backyard 0410 (closer to the ossuary entrance 0424). In FIG. 4, the worship hall includes an entrance hall 0425 (roughly indicated by a dashed line). Worshippers who enter the worship hall from the entrance pass through this entrance hall and a corridor 0426 (roughly indicated by a thin solid line) to reach the worship booth 0421. A computer constituting the system control unit 0430 is also installed in the entrance hall. Worshippers input information identifying the remains container and the worship booth into the input screen of this computer, allowing the transport control unit (C) to control the transport unit based on the worship information (as will be described later, control is also possible via remote control using a terminal). The square area 0423 drawn on each worship booth indicates the approximate location where the remains container transported by the transport unit will be set by the remains container setting unit (described below).

[0066] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Worship Hall: Worship Booth (D))

[0067] A worship booth (D) is a small room or other space partitioned off from the rest of the building where worshippers can offer their prayers. It is desirable that worship booths (D) be private rooms or at least separated by a partition. There are no particular limitations on the size of worship booths (D), and they can range from small rooms of around 10-20 square meters suitable for small groups to large rooms of over 100 square meters suitable for large groups holding memorial services. In actual columbariums, large rooms are often referred to as worship halls or large halls, and all of these could also be considered worship booths (D) in this invention. There are no particular limitations on the number of worship booths (D), and they can be appropriately designed taking into account the available geographical area and budget for installation. However, from the perspective of accommodating various religions and sects, it is desirable to provide as many as possible. In particular, considering that there are two religions (Buddhism and Christianity) that are widespread worldwide and have the custom of worshiping at ossuaries, as will be described later, and that each of these religions has multiple denominations, it is desirable that the number of worship booths (D) be at least three, and more preferably four or more. Figure 4 above shows a building with three worship booths (D) 0421.

[0068] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Worship Hall: Worship Booth (D): Worship Mode)

[0069] Incidentally, the types of worship at the worship booth (D) can be divided into those that are conducted with a set order, such as a speech by the organizer and sutra chanting by a priest, as in a ceremony such as a Buddhist memorial service, and those that are conducted without a set order. In this specification, the latter is sometimes referred to as "worship" in the narrow sense to distinguish it from a ceremony. However, the technical structure does not differ depending on whether it is a ceremony or a worship (in the narrow sense). In the following, this specification will mainly use the example of a ceremony to explain, but these explanations also basically apply to worship (in the narrow sense).

[0070] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Worship Hall: Worship Booth (D) Worship Side Design)

[0071] The worship booth (D) of the present invention is characterized by the fact that it features different worship-side designs depending on the religion or sect. In this invention, "worship-side design" refers to statues, ritual implements, etc. used during worship that are designed according to the religion or sect, or designs that have been designed according to the religion or sect. While detailed descriptions of each religion and sect will be provided later, examples of statues include Buddhist statues and statues of the Virgin Mary in Christianity. Examples of ritual implements include hanging scrolls with inscriptions of nembutsu or mantras in Buddhism and crosses in Christianity. The content written on these hanging scrolls and the shape of the cross vary depending on the sect, even within the same religion. To realize the feature of this invention that allows the worship-side design to vary depending on the religion or sect, it is desirable that the worship-side design for each religion or sect symbolize that religion or sect.

[0072] The position and orientation of the worship-side design within the worship booth (D) should preferably be near the wall that separates it from the back yard, facing the center of the booth. The reasons for this are as follows: First, when worshipping within the worship booth (D), worshippers will typically face the remains container transported from the back yard at close range. Also, for reasons of transportation cost (the closer the container is to the back yard, the shorter the belt required, reducing the cost of installing the belt conveyor) and aesthetic reasons (it is best to avoid placing belt conveyor devices and the like within the worship booth so that they are not in the worshipper's field of vision). Furthermore, by viewing the worshipper's side design along with the remains container when worshipping, worshippers can feel that they are worshiping in accordance with the methods of the religion or sect. In light of the placement of the remains container described above, placing the worshipper's side design near the wall that separates the worshipper's side from the backyard and facing the center of the worship booth can help worshippers to feel this way. Furthermore, as will be described later, in the ossuary system of this embodiment, the worshipper's side camera unit (E) is configured to shoot video footage of the worshipper's booth (D) that includes the worshipper's side design. From the perspective of being able to capture a video of worshippers praying with the remains container in front of them in a single angle of view, including the worshipper's side design, it is desirable to place the worshipper's side design near the wall that separates the backyard and facing the center of the worship booth.

[0073] Religions covered by this invention include long-established religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, Shinto, and Judaism, as well as emerging religions such as Tenrikyo, Soka Gakkai, and Happy Science. Islam generally does not practice cremation (burial is the only option), and is therefore said to have no equivalent to a columbarium. Hinduism, meanwhile, has the custom of disposing of cremated remains in the Ganges River, where it is believed the deceased's soul is purified. Since there is no custom of building graves, it is believed to have no equivalent to a columbarium. Each religion also includes multiple denominations. For example, denominations include Jodo Shinshu, Nichiren, Soto, Rinzai, Shingon, Tendai, and Jodo, as well as Catholicism, Protestantism, the Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Church in Christianity.

[0074] Each of the multiple worship booths (D) has a different worship-side design corresponding to the differences in religion and sect as described above. Worship-side designs include, for example, statues and ritual implements. Statues include, for example, Buddha statues in Buddhism and statues of the Virgin Mary in Christianity. Ritual implements are tools used in rituals, such as hanging scrolls with inscriptions of the Nembutsu or mantras in Buddhism, flower vases, candlesticks, and incense burners, and crosses and flowers in Christianity. Many of these designs differ depending on the religion or sect and cannot be substituted by those of other religions or sects (detailed differences in worship-side designs depending on the religion or sect will be discussed later).

[0075] In addition, some worship booths (D) may have a non-religious design or no design at all to accommodate non-religious worshippers. Such non-religious worship booths (D) can be used not only when worshippers are all religious believers, but also when there are multiple worshippers, including believers of different religions and sects. On the other hand, if there are worshippers of different religions and sects among the surviving family members of a particular deceased person, for example, if the deceased's paternal family members are Jodo Shinshu believers but the maternal family members are Soto Zen believers, worship for the deceased may be conducted in a worship booth (D) with a Jodo Shinshu design when only the paternal family members worship, and in a worship booth (D) with a Soto Zen design when only the maternal family members worship. In this way, different worship booths (D) may be used depending on the worshippers, even for the same deceased. According to the ossuary system of the present invention, such cases can be handled by simply storing the remains of the deceased in one ossuary without dividing the remains.

[0076] (Example of worship side design for embodiment 1: configuration: worship hall: worship booth)

[0077] Below, we will use illustrations to explain specific examples of different worship-side booth designs that correspond to the differences between several religions and sects.

[0078] 5 to 9 are diagrams showing examples of worship-side designs for worship booths corresponding to different religions and sects. Of these, FIG. 5 shows an example for the Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism. In the worship booth according to this embodiment, an altar is installed in the center of the front. In FIG. 5, a Buddhist altar 0501, which is an altar, is installed in the center of the front. Visible to the left and right are portions of the worship booth's room wall 0502, which are not included in the worship-side design (this is also the case for worship booths of other religions and sects). In the Jodo Shinshu sect, it is common to use a golden Buddhist altar known as a "golden Buddhist altar," and the front interior wall 0503 of the altar in FIG. 5 is also gold (though not shown in the figure, the left and right interior walls are also gold). Furthermore, it is recommended to hang a hanging scroll 0504 on the altar rather than placing a Buddhist statue. This hanging scroll bears the invocation of "Namu Amida Butsu," which derives from the teaching that anyone who recites this will enter the Pure Land. If a Buddhist statue is placed in place of a hanging scroll, the principal image of Amida Buddha will be placed there. Other ritual implements include a candlestick 0505 and a flower vase 0506. Memorial tablets are generally not placed there, and since the teaching is that hunger and thirst do not exist in the Pure Land, offerings such as bowls, sake, and water are not made in front of the Buddha. Figure 5 shows the state before the remains container is transported for worship; at the time of worship, the remains container will be placed within the range shown in the figure (the same applies to Figures 6 to 9).

[0079] Figure 6 shows an example of a worship booth's design on the worship side, corresponding to different religions and sects, and shows an example for the Soto sect of Buddhism. As in the example in Figure 5, a Buddhist altar (0601) is placed in the center of the front, with portions of the worship booth's room wall (0602) visible on either side. There are no specific rules for the style of the altar, and any type of altar may be used. However, since this sect is a Zen sect that emphasizes simplicity and strength, golden altars are not commonly used. A Shaka Nyorai statue (0603), the principal image, is usually placed in the center of the altar. Other ritual implements offered include a candlestick (0604), a flower vase (0605), an incense burner (0606), a mokugyo (mokugyo), a bell (rin) (bell) (0608), and a tabletop lantern (0609). There are no specific rules for memorial tablets, and none are offered in the example in Figure 5.

[0080] Figure 7 shows an example of the design of the worship side of a worship booth that corresponds to different religions and sects, and shows an example for the Nichiren sect of Buddhism. As with the examples in Figure 5 and others, a Buddhist altar 0701 is placed in the center of the front, and parts of the worship booth room wall 0702 can be seen on either side of it. The Buddhist altar houses the Shaka Nyorai statue 0703, which is the principal image of worship. Unlike the example in Figure 7, a hanging scroll bearing the title "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo" is sometimes hung in place of the principal image. Other ritual implements, such as a candlestick 0704 and a flower vase 0705, are also placed. Although not shown in the figures, examples of designs for the worship side of other Buddhist sects are roughly as follows:

[0081] Shingon Buddhism, along with Tendai Buddhism (discussed next), is counted among the two major esoteric Buddhist sects. There are no particular rules for the Buddhist altar, but golden altars are rarely used. The principal image of the altar is placed in the center, with statues of Fudo Myo-o and Kobo Daishi on either side. Alternatively, hanging scrolls may be hung in place of the Buddha statues on either side. Other ritual implements offered include candlesticks, flower vases, and incense burners. There are no particular rules for memorial tablets.

[0082] The design of the worship side of the Tendai sect is generally similar to that of the Shingon sect, but reflecting the fusion of various teachings, including Esoteric Buddhism, the Lotus Sutra, and Zen Buddhism, the Buddhist statue enshrined as the principal image in the center of the altar is not limited to the Shaka Nyorai statue, which is the basic principal image, but can also be an Amida Nyorai statue or a Kannon Bodhisattva statue. Also, statues of Dengyo Daishi and Tendai Daishi, or hanging scrolls, are placed on either side of the principal image. The design of the worship side of the Rinzai sect, which is a representative Zen sect along with the Soto sect, is generally similar to that described above for the Soto sect.

[0083] The distinctive features of the worship side design of the Jodo sect are that there are no rules for the Buddhist altar and it is acceptable to use a golden altar, the Amida Buddha statue that is the principal image placed in the center is a standing statue with a boat-shaped halo (not a seated statue), and one of the Buddha statues placed on either side of the principal image is of the founder, Honen Shonin (although it may be a different Buddha statue), and in other respects it is almost the same as other sects.

[0084] Next, we will explain the case of Christianity. Figure 8 shows an example of the worship-side design of a worship booth corresponding to different religions and denominations, and is an example of a Protestant Christian worship booth. As in the examples in Figure 5 and others, an altar 0801 is placed in the center of the front, with the worship booth room walls 0802 (only part of which is shown) on either side. A cross 0803 is placed above the altar. In the example in Figure 8, a cross is incorporated into the stained-glass design. The design of the cross itself is generally simple, and is particularly notable in that it often does not depict the figure of Christ. In contrast, Catholicism, not shown in the illustration, also has a cross, but it usually depicts Christ crucified. Returning to the example in Figure 8, a standing statue 0804 of the Virgin Mary is placed below the cross, and below it in front of the altar is a stand 0805 for placing items such as a Bible, and in front of that are flowers 0806 offered as offerings. In the case of Catholicism, apart from the significant difference in the shape of the cross mentioned above, there are no significant differences between the worship-side design of Protestant worship booths and Protestant worship booths.

[0085] Although not shown in the illustration, in the case of Shinto, a household altar is placed in the center, but because it is believed that the deceased becomes a god, there is no honzon (principal image) and instead rice, sake, rice cakes, fish, dried foods, vegetables, sweets, etc. are offered to the altar to show respect and gratitude.

[0086] Next, in the case of Judaism, cremation is prohibited, so after burial, the body is left with only bones, which are then placed in a bone box and enshrined on an altar, generally made of plain wood. Also, idolatry is prohibited, so no statues are placed there.

[0087] Furthermore, a brief explanation of the worship-side design of emerging religions is as follows: Soka Gakkai, which inherits the teachings of Nichiren Shonin, has a Buddhist altar, but is free to choose its design and materials. Tenrikyo is influenced by Shinto and has a household shrine. The shrine also has a storage shelf, and the rules for placing offerings are said to be strictly defined. Happy Science, reflecting its belief in the Supreme God of the Earth who unifies all religions, is said to enshrine a statue of the Supreme God or what is called a world-evangelism-type principal image.

[0088] As mentioned above, it is desirable to accommodate cases where worshippers have different religions or sects, even for the same deceased, and therefore it is also desirable to provide a non-religious worship booth. Figure 9 shows an example of the worship side design of a worship booth that accommodates differences in religion and sect, and is also a diagram showing an example of the worship side design of a non-religious worship booth. For non-religious worship, there is no particular style or distinctive arrangement, but in the example of Figure 9, an altar 0901 with flowers offered is placed in the center, and on either side of it are the room walls 0902 of the worship booth (only partly shown). In front of the altar, a stand 0904 with candlesticks 0903 is provided. In addition, above the flowers, a sign 0905 is provided on which a piece of paper with, for example, "XX family" written on it can be attached. In addition, although not shown, a portrait of the deceased or an ancestral tablet may also be placed. These items specific to the worship service, such as posters, portraits of the deceased, and memorial tablets (i.e., items not originally provided in the worship booth (D)), may be carried by the person visiting, or they may be stored in the remains storage unit along with the remains storage unit and transported together with the remains storage unit when the worship service is held. Alternatively, a computer display device or the like may be installed in the worship booth, and images of these items may be displayed on it. The above-mentioned configuration for placing items specific to the worship service can also be configured in a similar way in worship booths equipped with worship side designs related to other religions and sects.

[0089] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Worship hall: Worship booth (D): Ashes storage equipment set section)

[0090] The worship booth (D) has a place to set the remains containers that have been transported by the transport unit. As mentioned above, it is desirable to set the remains containers near the wall that separates the building from the back yard (for example, the location indicated by rectangle 0423 in Figure 4).

[0091] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: Worship hall: Worship side photography unit)

[0092] Returning to Figure 1, the worshipper's side camera (E) 0122 is configured to capture video footage of the worshipper's booth (D), including the worshipper's side design. The video footage of the worshipper's booth (D) is expected to capture footage of worshippers praying or attending ceremonies such as memorial services. Therefore, the angle of view of the footage is expected to include worshippers and attendees praying or attending ceremonies, and the remains container, which is usually placed directly in front of these people, is also included within this angle of view.

[0093] Furthermore, the subjects of the filming must include the worshipper's design on the worship booth (D). This is because, in the case of ceremonies, the presence of worshippers from distant locations is anticipated, and these worshippers can confirm through the video that the ceremony is being carried out in accordance with the format of their chosen religion or sect.

[0094] In addition, the video footage may be recorded so that it can be played back. In this case, including the worshipper's design in the filming has the significance of recording the fact that worship has been performed in accordance with the methods of the religion or sect, and of allowing worshippers who actually go to the ossuary to watch the playback video later and be reminded that they have worshipped in accordance with the methods of the religion or sect.

[0095] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: System Control Unit: Overall)

[0096] Returning to Figure 1, the system control unit 0130 includes a remains identification information storage unit (F) 0131, a worship booth identification information storage unit (G) 0132, a worship information acquisition unit (H) 0133, and a worship information output unit (I) 0134. During a ceremony such as a worship service or a memorial service, some people may actually visit the worship booth (D) and others may worship from a remote location (remote worshippers will be discussed in detail later in another embodiment). The organizer of the worship ceremony must take care of both parties and proceed smoothly with meticulous attention to detail, from pre-ceremony preparations to the actual ceremony and subsequent processing. For this reason, the system control unit preferably stores all information related to the worship service so that it can be viewed by the organizer and is managed so that it can be changed as needed. Furthermore, for subsequent processing, it is desirable to retain historical information even after the ceremony.

[0097] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: System control unit: Remains identification information storage unit)

[0098] The remains identification information storage unit (F) is configured to store remains identification information. The remains identification information is information for uniquely identifying remains, and can be used to identify the storage location of the deceased's remains stored in the remains storage unit (A), or to identify the remains storage unit in which the deceased's remains are stored. Identifying the remains storage location means, for example, assigning a serial number to each shelf that serves as the storage space. In other words, assigning an identifier to the storage unit. On the other hand, identifying the remains storage unit in which the deceased's remains are stored means assigning an identifier to the remains storage unit in which the remains are stored. Identifying the remains storage location assumes that the remains storage unit's storage location is fixed, whereas identifying the remains storage unit in which the deceased's remains are stored does not require that the remains storage unit's storage location be fixed.

[0099] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: System Control Unit: Worship Booth Identification Information Storage Unit)

[0100] The worship booth identification information storage unit (G) is configured to store worship booth identification information. The worship booth identification information is information that uniquely identifies a worship booth (D), and is expressed, for example, as a serial number assigned to multiple worship booths, a symbol such as the initials of a religion, or a combination of these. As already mentioned, if there are multiple worship booths with the same configuration, it is not necessary to further identify them with worship booth identification information.

[0101] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: System control unit: Worship information acquisition unit)

[0102] The worship information acquisition unit (H) is configured to acquire worship information consisting of remains identification information and worship booth identification information via the network. In other words, "worship information" consists of remains identification information and worship booth identification information. Therefore, even if other information is included, as long as it contains remains identification information and worship booth identification information, it is considered worship information. For example, if it includes information on the reservation date and time, and even if the reservation identification information and name change, it still falls under worship information because it contains remains identification information and worship booth identification information. Furthermore, throughout this specification, the term "information" is not limited to its presentation format, and even if the meaning of information is expressed in various ways, it means the same information as long as the meaning is the same.

[0103] The network may be a LAN established within the ossuary, or a WAN established between the ossuary and a terminal such as a computer or smartphone in a remote location. In the former case, for example, information identifying the remains storage device and the worship booth entered by the worshipper on the input screen of a computer terminal installed in the entrance hall is acquired as worship information, and in the latter case, for example, information identifying the remains storage device and the worship booth entered by the visitor on the computer or smartphone of a person who is on their way to the ossuary to participate in the ceremony in person or who is participating remotely from a remote location is acquired as worship information.

[0104] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: System control unit: Worship information output unit)

[0105] The worship information output unit (I) is configured to output the acquired worship information to the transport control unit (C) in the backyard. As already mentioned, the transport control unit (C) controls the transport unit (B) based on this reference information to transport the remains container identified by the reference information to a specific worship booth (D).

[0106] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: System Control Unit: Photography Drive Unit)

[0107] The photographing driving unit (J) is configured to drive the worship-side photographing unit (E) of the worship booth (D) identified by the acquired worship booth identification information.

[0108] (Embodiment 1: Configuration: System Control Unit: Video Output Unit)

[0109] The video output unit (K) is configured to output the video images taken by the worshipper's side camera unit driven by the camera drive unit (J) to the outside in real time via the network. The purpose is to enable worshippers in remote locations to worship while watching the video images. <Embodiment 1: Hardware Configuration>

[0110] (Embodiment 1: Hardware Configuration: Overall)

[0111] The present invention is, in principle, an invention that utilizes a computer, and can be realized by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The hardware that realizes all or part of the components of the present invention is composed of at least the basic components of a computer: a CPU, a main memory, a non-volatile memory, and an input / output interface.

[0112] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the ossuary system of embodiment 1. The ossuary system 1000 includes a CPU 1001, a main memory 1002, a non-volatile memory (e.g., a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid disk drive (SSD), etc.) 1003, and an input / output interface 1004. These are interconnected by a bus line 1005, which is a data communication path, and are configured to transmit and receive information and perform processing.

[0113] The present invention can basically be configured with a general-purpose computer program and various devices. The computer basically operates by loading a program stored in non-volatile memory into main memory when the power is turned on, and then executing processing using the main memory, CPU, and various devices. Communication with devices is performed via an input / output interface connected to a bus line. Typical input / output interfaces include a mouse, keyboard, and display interface.

[0114] (Embodiment 1: Hardware Configuration: CPU)

[0115] A CPU (Central Processing Unit) sequentially reads, interprets, and executes programs, which are sequences of instructions stored in main memory, outputting signal-based information to the main memory. The CPU functions as the center of computation within a computer. A CPU consists of a CPU core, which is the center of computation, and its peripheral components, including registers, cache memory, an internal bus connecting the cache memory to the CPU core, a direct memory access (DMA) controller, and a timer. A single CPU (chip) may have multiple CPU cores. Processing may also be performed by a graphics processing unit (GPU) or floating point unit (FPU) in addition to the CPU. Programs may also be built into the CPU.

[0116] In this embodiment, the CPU executes a transport program loaded on the main memory to control the transport of the remains container from the backyard to the worship booth (D). The transport program, for example, is a program for causing the transport unit to transport the remains container identified by the remains identification information included in the worship information, which is acquired triggered by the worshipper's input operation on the input screen of a personal computer terminal installed in the entrance hall, to the worship booth identified by the worship booth identification information included in the worship information. The CPU also executes a worship-side video capture program loaded on the main memory to control the video capture of the worship booth, including the worship-side design. The worship-side video capture program, for example, is a program for driving the worship-side video capture unit to capture a video of the worship booth identified by the worship booth identification information included in the worship information, which is acquired triggered by the worshipper's input operation on the personal computer, with the worship-side design included in the angle of view. Furthermore, the CPU executes a video output program loaded on the main memory to output the video captured by the above process to an external device. The video output program is a program for outputting captured video footage to an external terminal device (such as a smartphone) connected via a network, triggered, for example, by a user's input operation to request the transmission of a video to the terminal device that made the request.

[0117] (Embodiment 1: Hardware Configuration: Main Memory)

[0118] Main memory reads out programs that perform various processes so that the CPU can execute them, and also provides a work area for those programs. Main memory is volatile memory and uses dynamic random access memory (DRAM). Programs in main memory are loaded from non-volatile memory onto main memory, for example, when a program startup command is received. The CPU directly accesses and executes various programs in main memory. The CPU then executes the programs according to various execution commands and execution procedures within the programs. Data used in these processes is also loaded from non-volatile memory into the data area of ​​main memory.

[0119] In addition, main memory and non-volatile memory are each assigned multiple addresses, and programs executed by the CPU can exchange data and perform processing by identifying and accessing those addresses.

[0120] In this embodiment, as mentioned above, the transport program, worship side video recording program, and video output program are loaded from the non-volatile memory to the main memory when the power is turned on, etc. In addition, worship information combining the remains identification information and worship booth identification information necessary for this process, and the captured video data are also loaded to the main memory.

[0121] (Embodiment 1: Hardware Configuration: Non-Volatile Memory)

[0122] As described above, the non-volatile memory stores the transport program, worship side video recording program, and video output program, which are loaded onto the main memory, triggered, for example, by power-on. Data such as worship information is also stored in the non-volatile memory, which is loaded onto the main memory, triggered, for example, by power-on. Video data is also stored in the non-volatile memory when it is recorded and saved for later playback.

[0123] (Embodiment 1: Hardware Configuration: Input / Output Interface)

[0124] The input / output interface is connected to an external device and transmits the received signal to the CPU via a bus line. Examples of external devices in this embodiment include a worship terminal (details of which will be described later in another example) such as a smartphone that can be used to transport the remains container from outside or output video footage to the outside, a display that allows worshippers to input data to identify the remains or the worship booth, and video footage used to remember the deceased. <Embodiment 1: Processing flow>

[0125] Figure 11 is a flow diagram showing an example of the processing flow in the ossuary system of embodiment 1. As shown in the figure, in step (a) S1101 of retaining remains identification information, the ossuary system (system control unit) of this embodiment retains remains identification information. Next, in step (b) S1102 of retaining worship booth identification information, the ossuary system (system control unit) of this embodiment retains worship booth identification information. The processing order of these steps does not have to be the order described above; the processing order of steps S1101 and S1102 may be reversed, or the processing in both steps may be performed simultaneously.

[0126] Next, in step S1103, the ossuary system determines whether an input signal for worship information has been detected via the network. If it is determined that the signal has been detected, the ossuary system acquires the worship information in step (c) S1104. As described above, the worship information consists of remains identification information that identifies the storage location of the deceased's remains or the remains storage device in which the deceased's remains are stored, and worship booth identification information that identifies the worship booth (D). The input signal for worship information can be detected, for example, by detecting a worshipper or other visitor performing an operation to identify the remains identification information and worship booth identification information on an input screen of a device such as a personal computer or smartphone from a remote location (specifically, by entering the name of the deceased associated with the remains identification information or pressing a button to select a worship booth). Alternatively, the input signal can be detected by detecting a worshipper or other visitor performing a similar operation on an input screen of a personal computer installed at the entrance to the ossuary using the remains.

[0127] Next, in the worship information output step (d) S1105, the ossuary system of this embodiment outputs the worship information acquired in the worship information acquisition step (c) S1104 to the transport control unit (C) in the backyard.

[0128] Next, in the remains storage device transportation control step (e) S1106, the transport control unit (C) of the ossuary system controls the transport unit (B) to transport the remains storage device to be transported, specified by the worship information output in the worship information output step (d) S1104, to the worship booth (D), which is the destination specified by the worship information, and the transport unit transports the specified remains storage device to the specified worship booth (D) in accordance with this control.

[0129] Next, in step (f) S1107 of setting the remains storage device, the ossuary system sets the remains storage device that has been transported to the worship booth (D) in a predetermined position in accordance with the control in step (g) S1106 of transporting the remains storage device.

[0130] Next, in step (h) S1108 of driving the worship-side photography unit, the ossuary system drives the worship-side photography unit (E) of the worship booth (D) identified by the worship booth identification information stored in step (c) S1102 of storing the worship booth identification information.

[0131] Next, in the worship booth video image capturing step (f) S1109, the worship booth video image capturing unit (E), which was driven in the worship booth video image capturing step (e) S1108, captures video image of the worship booth (D) including the worship booth design.

[0132] Next, in a moving image output step (g) S1110, the ossuary system outputs the moving image captured in the worship booth moving image capturing step (f) S1109 to the outside via the network.

[0133] Then, in step S1111 of determining whether to end the video output, if the ossuary system determines that the video output should be ended, the ossuary system ends the video output. The determination of whether to end the video output is made, for example, by detecting that all remote worshippers at the ceremony have pressed the video playback stop button on their terminals. <Embodiment 1: Effects>

[0134] According to the invention of embodiment 1, it is possible to provide a columbarium system that can appropriately control operations (photography, transportation) for multiple worship areas equipped with different facilities depending on the religion or sect, according to each religion or sect. <Embodiment 2>

[0135] The second embodiment mainly relates to claims 2, 9, 16, etc. <Embodiment 2: Overview>

[0136] The ossuary system of embodiment 2 is based on the ossuary system of embodiment 1, but includes a worship terminal that can communicate with the system control unit via a network, making it possible to host and hold ceremonies such as memorial services from remote locations using terminals such as personal computers and smartphones. <Embodiment 2: Configuration>

[0137] (Embodiment 2: Configuration: Overall)

[0138] 12A is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ossuary system of embodiment 2. In addition to the configuration of embodiment 1, the ossuary system 1200 of this embodiment has a worship terminal 1240 that can communicate with the system control unit via a network. The worship terminal has a remains identification information storage unit (L) 1241, a worship booth identification information storage unit (M) 1242, a user identification information storage unit (N) 1243, a worship information acquisition unit (O) 1244, a worship information output unit (P) 1245, and a video image acquisition unit (Q) 1246.

[0139] (Embodiment 2: Configuration: Worship terminal: General)

[0140] In this invention, the "prayer terminal" refers to a terminal that can communicate with the system control unit via a network and is equipped primarily for the purpose of receiving real-time video footage of the worship booth (D) from the system control unit. In addition, the worship terminal may also have the function of controlling the automatic transportation of the remains container to the worship booth.

[0141] The worship terminal may be, for example, a PC, a smartphone, or other device. These devices become worship terminals when they acquire the user identification information described below. Note that a device used as a worship terminal does not have to be used exclusively as a worship terminal, and may also be used for other purposes.

[0142] (Embodiment 2: Configuration: Worship terminal: Purpose)

[0143] The purpose of providing such a worship terminal is to enable users of the worship terminal to perform worship or host ceremonies from a remote location while viewing images of the worship booth (D) in real time on the worship terminal.

[0144] The configuration of each part of the worship terminal will be explained below. The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the ossuary system of the first embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0145] (Embodiment 2: Configuration: Worship terminal: Remains identification information storage unit)

[0146] The remains identification information storage unit (L) is configured to store remains identification information. Specifically, as described below, the user of the worship terminal receives user identification information such as a user ID when registering with the ossuary system, and the worship terminal stores this information. After registering, the user of the worship terminal typically deposits remains at the ossuary using the user identification information. At this time, the system control unit generates remains identification information to distinguish the remains from others and stores this information in association with the user identification information. Under these conditions, when the user of the worship terminal makes a reservation for a worship booth to offer the remains or hold a memorial service, the user logs in from the worship terminal using the user identification information, and requests the system control unit to obtain the remains identification information stored by the system control unit as information necessary for the reservation. In response, the system control unit compares the user identification information used for logging in with the user identification information it holds, identifies the remains identification information associated with that user identification information, and outputs this to the worship terminal, which then acquires and holds it.

[0147] (Embodiment 2: Configuration: Worship terminal: Worship booth identification information storage unit)

[0148] The worship booth identification information storage unit (M) is configured to store worship booth identification information. Specifically, for example, when a user of a worship terminal logs in using the user identification information from the worship terminal to reserve a worship booth and selects a specific worship booth that matches the format of the religion or sect used in the ceremony, the system control unit stores the worship booth identification information of the selected worship booth in association with the user identification information used for the login, and outputs the worship booth identification information to the worship terminal, which acquires and stores it.

[0149] (Embodiment 2: Configuration: Worship terminal: User identification information storage unit)

[0150] The user identification information storage unit (N) is configured to store user identification information, which is information that identifies a user. In this embodiment, the user identification information is output to the system control unit in association with the worship information, and is used to identify the user of the worship terminal, which is the output destination when the system control unit receives and outputs the video image. Typically, the user identification information is generated and issued as something called a "user ID" when the user registers with the system. A password is also typically set along with the user ID, and this is also included in the user identification information. In addition, among the user attribute information, which indicates the attributes of the user, information that can uniquely identify the user, such as the user's name, telephone number, email address, or a combination of these, can also be considered user identification information.

[0151] Such user identification information is created and notified based on the user's operation on the input screen when registering, and is stored in the worship terminal. Alternatively, the user may input the user identification information notified to the user by email or the like after user registration into the worship terminal so that it is saved in the worship terminal.

[0152] If there are other attendees other than the organizer who are attending remotely, these attendees will also be able to view the video footage output to their own computers, smartphones, etc. in real time. In this case, the worship terminal also acquires the user identification information (user ID and password) required to acquire the attendees' video footage, and transfers this to each attendee terminal. Details of this configuration will be described later in another embodiment (see embodiment 3).

[0153] (Embodiment 2: Configuration: Worship terminal: Worship information acquisition unit)

[0154] The worship information acquisition unit (O) is configured to acquire worship information, which is information that combines the remains identification information stored in the remains identification information storage unit (L) and the worship booth identification information stored in the worship booth identification information storage unit (M). As a specific configuration for acquiring worship information, for example, the worship information acquisition unit reads the remains identification information from the remains identification information storage unit (L) and the worship booth identification information from the worship booth identification information storage unit (M), and generates worship information that combines these information. The acquired worship information is stored in the worship terminal.

[0155] (Embodiment 2: Configuration: Worship terminal: Worship information acquisition unit: When there are multiple pieces of remains identification information)

[0156] In addition, if there are multiple pieces of remains identification information associated with one user identification information (for example, a user of a worship terminal may have remains storage devices containing the remains of multiple deceased people stored in separate storage spaces), when reserving a worship booth, the worship terminal user may select one of the multiple pieces of remains displayed on the reservation screen with the remains' attributes, such as the deceased's name and posthumous Buddhist name, and the information acquisition unit will select the remains identification information corresponding to this piece of remains and combine it with the worship booth identification information to acquire worship information.

[0157] (Embodiment 2: Configuration: Worship terminal: Worship information output unit)

[0158] The worship information output unit (P) is configured to associate the acquired worship information with the stored user identification information and output it to the system control unit via the network. By associating the worship information, which is information combining the remains identification information and the worship booth identification information, with the user identification information and outputting it to the system control unit, the system control unit that receives this information can know which worship booth video footage related to which remains (deceased person) should be output to which user's worship terminal.

[0159] (Embodiment 2: Configuration: Worship terminal: Video image acquisition unit: General)

[0160] The moving image acquisition unit (Q) is configured to acquire moving images output by the worship-side photographing unit (E) of the worship booth (D) identified by the worship booth identification information.

[0161] (Embodiment 2: Configuration: Worship terminal: Video image acquisition unit: Significance of acquisition)

[0162] The worshipper's camera is configured to output the captured video of the worship booth to the worshipper's terminal in real time. This allows the user of the worshipper's terminal to view the video in real time, which is expected to give the feeling that they are at the site of the remains even when they are in a remote location.

[0163] (Embodiment 2: Configuration: Worship terminal: Video image acquisition unit: Comparison with virtual Buddhist altar)

[0164] A so-called virtual Buddhist altar is known as a method for remotely visiting a Buddhist altar or holding a ceremony. This involves creating a virtual Buddhist altar as a video image, allowing worshippers to view the image from a remote terminal and pray while facing the virtual altar; no actual Buddhist altar exists. The ossuary system of this embodiment, on the other hand, differs from this in that it allows worshippers to worship while viewing a video image of an actual Buddhist altar or other object placed in a worship booth, and even allows them to view this image in real time. Therefore, in this embodiment, worshippers in remote locations can worship as if they were actually at the ossuary, viewing a video image of an actual Buddhist altar or other object in real time.

[0165] (Embodiment 2: Configuration: Configuration related to obtaining worship information and outputting video images on the system control unit side: Overall)

[0166] Incidentally, processing on the system control unit side occurs between the output of the worship information and the acquisition of the video image. That is, the system control unit acquires the worship information it receives, and then outputs the video image to the worship terminal after processing within the system control unit. Below, we will explain an example of the configuration from the acquisition of worship information to the output of the video image performed by the system control unit side.

[0167] (Embodiment 2: Configuration: Configuration related to the acquisition of worship information and the output of video images in the system control unit)

[0168] Fig. 12B is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ossuary system of embodiment 2, in which the system control unit side is provided with a means for acquiring worship information, etc. As shown in the figure, the system control unit includes a video image extraction unit (AA) 1237 in addition to the configuration shown in Fig. 12A.

[0169] (Embodiment 2: Configuration: Configuration related to the acquisition of worship information in the system control unit and the output of video images: Acquisition of worship information)

[0170] The worship information acquisition unit (H) of the system control unit is configured to acquire the worship information and user identification information output in association from the worship terminal. The acquired worship information and user identification information are stored, for example, in the same data area of ​​the main memory so that they can be continuously associated and retained.

[0171] (Embodiment 2: Configuration: Configuration related to acquisition of worship information and output of video footage in the system control unit: Extraction of video footage)

[0172] The video image extraction unit (AA) of the system control unit is configured to extract video images to be output to the worship terminal based on the acquired worship information and user identification information. In the ossuary of this system, it is quite possible that ceremonies are being held simultaneously at multiple worship booths (D), and there may be multiple video images to be distributed. From these multiple video images, the video image extraction unit identifies the video image at a specific worship booth for a specific remains (deceased person) based on the acquired worship information, and selects that video image to be output to the worship terminal.

[0173] (Embodiment 2: Configuration: Configuration related to acquisition of worship information and output of video images in the system control unit: Output of video images)

[0174] Furthermore, the video output unit (K) of the system control unit is configured to output the extracted video to the worship terminal of the user identified by the user identification information associated with the worship information used for the extraction. <Embodiment 2: Example>

[0175] Here, a specific example of the present invention will be explained using an example of a scene in which Kazuo Koyama (hereinafter referred to as "A"), a user of a worship terminal, makes a reservation for a worship booth using the GUI screen of the system control unit.

[0176] (Embodiment 2: Examples: General)

[0177] Figures 31A to 31G show the contents displayed on the screen of the worship terminal in sequence according to the reservation processing procedure when Kazuo Koyama, who is planning to reserve a worship booth (D), accesses the worship booth reservation web page of the ossuary system of the present invention from his own worship terminal and makes a reservation for a worship booth.

[0178] (Embodiment 2: Example: Acquisition and retention of user identification information prior to reservation)

[0179] Although not shown in the figure, prior to making a reservation, Party A registers with this system from their own terminal using user attribute information such as name, address, email address, and telephone number, and the system control unit outputs user identification information consisting of a user ID and password to the terminal, which acquires and stores this information. Alternatively, outside the scope of the present invention, Party A is notified of the user identification information by email or the like, and Party A stores this user identification information on their own terminal.

[0180] Under these assumptions, when Party A makes a reservation for a worship booth in the ossuary system from a worship terminal, Party A will log in to the member's page on the system's website from his / her own terminal (at this point, this terminal becomes the worship terminal) and then proceed through the screen operations required for making the reservation.

[0181] (Embodiment 2: Example: Login using user identification information)

[0182] Figure 31A is an example of the login screen that is displayed first when the member's page of the system's website is opened. Person A then uses a keyboard or other device to enter the user ID "abcd1234" and password issued at the time of user registration as user identification information into the displayed user ID input box 3101 and password input box 3102, respectively, and clicks "OK" icon 3103 to log in. The screen then transitions to that shown in Figure 31B.

[0183] (Embodiment 2: Example: Selection of worship information registration menu)

[0184] Figure 31B is a page showing a menu of actions that logged-in members can perform on the web. Person A selects the action they wish to perform from this menu. In this example, Person A is attempting to reserve a worship booth (D), and more specifically, is attempting to register worship information consisting of remains identification information and worship booth identification information to identify the reservation details, so "4. Register worship information" is selected. When Person A clicks on icon 3104, the screen transitions to that shown in Figure 31C.

[0185] (Embodiment 2: Example: Selection of worship booth)

[0186] Figure 31C displays a list of worship booths (D). This also displays information about the religion or sect indicated by the worship booth's worship design, which is an important factor for selecting a worship booth. Also, although different from the example in the figure, if there are multiple worship booths of different sizes with the same religion or sect's worship design, information such as capacity may be displayed. When Person A selects worship booth room number "101" (featuring the Jodo Shinshu worship side design) from the list of worship booths and clicks on its icon 3105, the screen transitions to that shown in Figure 31D.

[0187] (Embodiment 2: Example: Selection of the date to use the worship booth)

[0188] Figure 31D shows a list of availability by date for the selected worship booth room number "101." An X is displayed for days when all time slots are booked and no availability is available, and a O is displayed for days when there are available time slots. In the example shown in the figure, July 25, 2026, one of the O's, is selected, and icon 3106 displaying that date is clicked. This will cause the screen to change to that shown in Figure 31E.

[0189] (Embodiment 2: Example: Selection of worship booth usage time period)

[0190] Figure 31E shows a list of available time slots for the worship booth on July 25, 2026. Here, assume that 5:00 PM to 5:55 PM is selected from the available time slots, and icon 3107 displaying that time slot is clicked. This transition to the next screen, which may have the following two screens, is possible. Note that the system is configured so that multiple ceremonies cannot be reserved for the same time slot based on the same remains identification information. This is because one remains container is used for one deceased person. Furthermore, it is preferable to configure the system so that multiple ceremonies cannot be reserved simultaneously based on the same user identification information. As described above, the worship information acquisition unit is configured to function via a reservation screen on the worshipper's system screen. It is also preferable to configure the system so that a reservation scheduler for reserving dates and times, as described herein, is provided within the reservation screen, i.e., the worship information acquisition unit.

[0191] In the case of one, Party A has deposited one set of remains and registered one set of remains identification information at the time of deposit. In this case, Party A does not need to select which remains the ceremony etc. to be held at the worship booth is for, and the contents of the worship information are identified by this, so clicking icon 3108 immediately transitions to the final confirmation screen shown in Figure 31G.

[0192] The other case is when Party A has deposited multiple remains and there are multiple registered remains identification information. In this case, Party A needs to select the remains, so clicking icon 3107 will take the user to the selection screen in Figure 31F.

[0193] (Embodiment 2: Example: Selection of remains)

[0194] Figure 31F shows a list of attribute information for each of the multiple registered remains identification information. In this example, the attribute information for the remains is represented by the name of the deceased. Alternatively, or in place of this, attribute information such as the deceased's posthumous Buddhist name, relationship to Person A, date of death, and age at death may be displayed. This attribute information for selection may be displayed selectably by Person A using a pull-down menu based on information stored in association with the remains identification information when the remains were registered. In the example of Figure 31F, the deceased's name is displayed selectably using a pull-down menu, and Person A has selected the deceased's name, "Taro Koyama." After selection, clicking the OK icon 3108 transitions the screen to the final confirmation screen shown in Figure 31G.

[0195] (Embodiment 2: Examples: Other)

[0196] As mentioned above, if there are other people planning to attend remotely besides Party A at the time of reserving the worship booth, Party A may register the names of these people and receive user identification information. An example of the transition screen of the reservation screen based on the screen operation by Party A for this purpose will be explained in another embodiment (see embodiment 3).

[0197] (Embodiment 2: Example: Final Confirmation Screen)

[0198] Figure 31G is a screen for final confirmation of the reservation details based on the above selections, and displays the user ID, which is the user's identification information, as well as the name of the deceased, the room number of the worship booth, and the date and time of the ceremony. Once Person A has confirmed that the details shown on this final confirmation screen are correct, he or she clicks the confirmation icon 3109 at the bottom of the screen, and the reservation is complete. <Embodiment 2: Configuration: Summary>

[0199] Through the above series of processes, the system control unit stores the user identification information and worship information (i.e., remains identification information and worship booth identification information) in association with the date and time information of the ceremony. This information is also configured to be stored on the worship terminal. With this configuration, the system control unit can distribute in real time video footage of the ceremony and other events taking place at the worship booth on the day of the ceremony to the worship terminal used by the worshipper who is also the ceremony organizer and is authenticated using the user identification information. <Embodiment 2: Hardware Configuration>

[0200] (Embodiment 2: Hardware Configuration: General)

[0201] Figures 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of the hardware configuration of the ossuary system of embodiment 2. Of these, Figure 13A shows an example of the hardware configuration of the worship terminal, and Figure 13B shows an example of the hardware configuration of the system control unit. Below, using these figures, the hardware configuration of the worship terminal in this embodiment and the hardware configuration of the related system control unit will be explained. Note that the remaining hardware configuration of the system control unit is the same as that explained in embodiment 1, so explanation will be omitted.

[0202] As shown in Figure 13A, the worship terminal 1300 in this embodiment is equipped with a CPU 1301, a main memory 1302, a non-volatile memory 1303, and an input / output interface 1304. These are interconnected by a bus line 1305, which is a data communication path, and are configured to send, receive, and process information. The same applies to the hardware configuration of the system control unit shown in Figure 13B.

[0203] (Embodiment 2: Hardware Configuration: Worship Terminal: Non-volatile Memory, Main Memory)

[0204] As shown in Figure 13A, the non-volatile memory of the worship terminal stores a remains identification information storage program, a worship booth identification information storage program, a user identification information storage program, a worship information acquisition program, a worship information output program, and a video image acquisition program. These are loaded into the main memory, for example, when the worship terminal is turned on. The non-volatile memory also stores various information such as worship information, video image data, and user identification information, which are also loaded into the main memory, for example, when the power is turned on.

[0205] (Embodiment 2: Hardware configuration: worship terminal: CPU; execution of user identification information storage program)

[0206] The CPU executes a user identification information holding program to store and hold user identification information, such as a user ID and password issued at the time of user registration, in the main memory.

[0207] (Embodiment 2: Hardware configuration: Worship terminal: CPU; execution of remains identification information storage program)

[0208] The CPU executes the remains identification information storage program deployed in the main memory, acquires the remains identification information from the system control unit, and stores it in the main memory. Specifically, when a user logs in to the system control unit from a worship terminal and reserves a worship booth, the user identification information and the remains identification information are associated, and the CPU of the system control unit outputs the remains identification information associated with the user identification information to the worship terminal identified by the user identification information. The CPU of the worship terminal then acquires the remains identification information via the input / output interface and stores it in the main memory.

[0209] (Embodiment 2: Hardware configuration: Worship terminal: CPU: Execution of worship booth identification information storage program)

[0210] The CPU executes the worship booth identification information storage program deployed on the main memory, acquires the worship booth identification information from the system control unit, and stores and retains it in the main memory. Specifically, when a worship booth is reserved by logging in to the system control unit from a worship terminal, the user identification information and the worship booth identification information are associated, and the CPU of the system control unit outputs the worship booth identification information associated with the user identification information to the worship terminal identified by the user identification information. Then, the CPU of the worship terminal acquires the worship booth identification information via the input / output interface and stores it in the main memory.

[0211] (Embodiment 2: Hardware configuration: worship terminal: CPU; execution of worship information acquisition program)

[0212] The CPU executes the worship information acquisition program, combines the remains identification information and worship booth identification information already stored in the worship terminal through the above process, and acquires the worship information as worship information, which it then stores. In order to combine and acquire the two pieces of information, the two pieces of information are stored in the same data area of ​​the main memory.

[0213] The information stored in the main memory through the above processing may also be stored in a non-volatile memory.

[0214] (Embodiment 2: Hardware configuration: worship terminal: CPU: execution of worship information output program)

[0215] The CPU executes the worship information output program when acquiring video footage, associates the acquired worship information with user identification information, and outputs the associated worship information to the system control unit. To output the worship information and user identification information in association with each other, for example, the same destination address is written in the headers of both pieces of information and then sent.

[0216] (Embodiment 2: Hardware configuration: System control unit: CPU: Execution of worship information acquisition program)

[0217] The system control unit, which receives worship information from the worship terminal, performs processing to output video images to the worship terminal. Next, we will explain the hardware configuration for this processing in the system control unit.

[0218] As shown in Figure 13B, the non-volatile memory of the system control unit stores the worship information acquisition program, the video output program, etc. shown in Figure 10 for embodiment 1, as well as a video extraction program. These are read and deployed in the main memory, for example, when the power is turned on. The CPU of the system control unit then executes the worship information acquisition program, acquires the worship information output from the worship terminal and the associated user identification information via the input / output interface, and stores them in the main memory. At this time, the remains identification information and auxiliary worship booth identification information that make up the worship information, as well as the user identification information, are stored in the same data area of ​​the main memory, thereby associating these pieces of information.

[0219] (Embodiment 2: Hardware Configuration: System Control Unit: CPU: Execution of Video Footage Extraction Program)

[0220] The CPU of the system control unit executes the video extraction program, compares the remains identification information and worship booth identification information included in the obtained worship information with the information stored in advance by the system control unit, extracts video images with matching remains identification information and worship booth identification information from the video images stored by the worship side photography unit, and temporarily stores the video images in the main memory.

[0221] (Embodiment 2: Hardware Configuration: System Control Unit: CPU: Execution of Video Output Program)

[0222] Furthermore, the CPU of the system control unit executes the video output program, reads out the extracted video stored in the main memory, and outputs it to the worship terminal identified by the user identification information associated with the acquired worship information.

[0223] (Embodiment 2: Hardware configuration: worship terminal: CPU: execution of video image acquisition program)

[0224] Returning to FIG. 13A, the CPU of the worship terminal executes the video image acquisition program and acquires the output video image via the input / output interface. <Embodiment 2: Processing Flow>

[0225] 14 is a flow diagram showing an example of the processing flow in the ossuary system of embodiment 2. The left side shows the processing flow in the worship terminal, and the right side shows the processing flow on the system control unit side. Note that with regard to the processing flow on the system control unit side, only the part related to obtaining worship information and outputting video images is shown, and the illustration and explanation of the remaining processing flow are omitted.

[0226] As shown in Figure 14, in step S1401 of storing user identification information, the worship terminal of this embodiment stores user identification information. Also, in step S1402 of storing remains identification information, the worship terminal of this embodiment stores remains identification information. Also, in step S1403 of storing worship booth identification information, the worship terminal of this embodiment stores worship booth identification information. The processing order of these steps does not have to be the order described above, and the processing order of steps S1402 and S1403 may be reversed, or may be simultaneous. Also, all processing from step S1401 to step S1403 may be performed simultaneously.

[0227] Next, in step S1404 of obtaining worship information, the worship terminal of this embodiment combines the remains identification information held in step S1402 and the worship booth identification information held in step S1403 to obtain worship information.

[0228] Next, in a worship information output step S1405, the worship terminal of this embodiment outputs the worship information acquired in step S1404 to the system control unit in association with the user identification information.

[0229] Next, the system control unit receives the worship information and the associated user identification information in step S1405, and acquires the worship information and the associated user identification information in step S1406 for acquiring worship information.

[0230] Next, in step S1407 of extracting video footage, the system control unit of this embodiment compares the remains identification information and worship booth identification information that make up the worship information with this information that it has previously stored, and extracts video footage to be output to the worship terminal.

[0231] Next, in a moving image output step S1408, the system control unit of this embodiment outputs the moving image to the worship terminal of the user identified by the user identification information.

[0232] Furthermore, in step S1409 of acquiring moving image, the worship terminal of this embodiment acquires the output moving image. <Embodiment 2: Effects>

[0233] According to the invention of embodiment 2, by including in the ossuary system a worship terminal that can communicate with the system control unit via a network, it becomes possible to worship in real time or hold ceremonies such as memorial services from remote locations using a terminal such as a personal computer or smartphone. <Embodiment 3>

[0234] The third embodiment mainly relates to claims 3, 10, 17, etc. <Embodiment 3: Overview>

[0235] The ossuary system of embodiment 3 is based on the ossuary system of embodiment 2, but further includes a guest terminal that can communicate with the system control unit via a network. While the guest terminal of embodiment 2 is intended to be primarily a terminal for the ceremony organizer, the guest terminal of this embodiment is intended primarily for terminals of guests other than the organizer. This allows guests to attend ceremonies such as memorial services while watching the proceedings of the ceremony in real time using a terminal such as a PC or smartphone, even from a remote location. <Embodiment 3: Configuration>

[0236] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Overall)

[0237] 15A is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ossuary system of embodiment 3. In addition to the configuration of embodiment 2, the ossuary system 1500 of this embodiment has an attendee terminal 1550 that can communicate with the system control unit via a network. The attendee terminal has a user identification information storage unit (BA) 1551, an acquisition request output unit (BB) 1552, and a video image acquisition unit (BC) 1553.

[0238] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Attendee terminal: General)

[0239] In this invention, a "visitor terminal" refers to a terminal other than a worship terminal that can communicate with the system control unit via a network and is equipped primarily for the purpose of receiving real-time video footage of the worship booth (D) from the system control unit.

[0240] Similar to worship terminals, terminals such as personal computers and smartphones can be used as worship terminals, these terminals can become attendance terminals once they acquire the user identification information described below, and terminals used as attendance terminals do not have to be used exclusively as attendance terminals but may also be used for other purposes.

[0241] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Attendance terminal: Differences from worship terminal)

[0242] Although the attendance terminal is similar to the worship terminal described in the second embodiment in that it is a terminal that can communicate with the system control unit via a communication network, it differs from the worship terminal in the following points.

[0243] The worship terminal is configured to associate worship information (information combining remains identification information and worship booth identification information) with user identification information and output it to the system control unit. This allows the system control unit to know to whom (which terminal) to send video footage of which remains and which worship booth. In contrast, the attendee terminal outputs user identification information to the system control unit to acquire video footage, but is not configured to output it in association with worship information, which is different from the worship terminal. The system control unit does not need to acquire associated worship information when acquiring user identification information from the attendee terminal for the following reason. Specifically, the attendee's user identification information for the attendee terminal is typically issued to the attendee when they log in to the system control unit's webpage using the worship terminal's user identification information and enter their attribute information, allowing them to use their own terminal as a worship terminal. Therefore, the system control unit is able to associate and retain the worship terminal's user identification information with the attendee terminal's user identification information. In addition, the user identification information of the worship terminal and the worship information are stored in association with each other in the system control unit. As a result, the system control unit can know which worship information it is associated with by simply receiving the user identification information output from the worship terminal through the user identification information of the worship information.

[0244] The reason for the above difference in the way user identification information is obtained between the worship terminal and the attendee terminal is that, in effect, the worship terminal is expected to be a terminal used by the organizer of the ceremony, while the attendee terminal is expected to be a terminal used by other attendees.

[0245] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Attendee terminal: User identification information storage unit: Overall)

[0246] Next, the configuration of each part of the attendance terminal will be explained. First, the user identification information storage unit (BA) is configured to store user identification information. The user identification information of the attendance terminal is also information for identifying the user of the terminal, similar to the user identification information of the worship terminal described in the second embodiment.

[0247] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Attendee terminal: User identification information storage unit: Specific configuration (1) In the case of user identification information related to attendees identified at the time of reservation of the worship booth)

[0248] As mentioned above, a visitor terminal can be used as a visitor terminal when a PC, smartphone, or other device acquires user identification information. This information is usually acquired not directly from the system control unit, but from the ceremony organizer via the terminal used as the visitor terminal when reserving the visitor booth (D).

[0249] Specifically, as explained in the second embodiment, when a host of a ceremony or the like makes a reservation for a worship booth (D) from a worship terminal, if there are remote attendees in addition to the host making the reservation, the worship terminal registers the attendee's attribute information, such as the attendee's name, telephone number, and email address, in the system control unit. The system control unit then issues user identification information to the worship terminal for each attendee to uniquely identify the attendee's terminal when it is used as a visitor terminal. This user identification information is notified to the worship terminal in bulk. The worship terminal that receives the notification transfers the user identification information to the terminals used by each attendee. Each terminal that receives the transfer acquires and stores the information. Alternatively, outside the scope of the present invention, the user identification information may be notified by email or the like from the terminal used as the worship terminal to the terminal of the attendee user, and stored in each terminal.

[0250] Furthermore, the user identification information of the attendee terminal may be notified directly to the attendee from the system control unit without going through the worship terminal. Such direct notification is possible if the attendee's attribute information used when registering the attendee from the worship terminal includes a telephone number, email address, etc.

[0251] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Attendee terminal: User identification information storage unit: Specific configuration (2) In the case of user identification information for attendees identified after reservation)

[0252] On the other hand, if new attendees are found after a reservation has been completed, they can log in to the reservation screen of the system's website from their visitor terminal and register the new attendees. User identification information for the new attendees will then be issued and stored on the attendee's terminal after going through the same procedure as for attendees registered at the time of reservation.

[0253] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Attendee terminal: Acquisition request output unit)

[0254] The acquisition request output unit is configured to output an acquisition request to the system control unit to acquire the video output by the video output unit (K), including user identification information. The purpose of including user identification information in the acquisition request is for the system control unit to know the output destination of the video and use it for authentication. In other words, the system control unit that receives the acquisition request can compare the user identification information with the user identification information issued when reserving the prayer booth, and identify which worship booth (D) and which remains the video related to the acquisition request are video of.

[0255] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Attendee terminal: Video image acquisition unit)

[0256] The video image acquisition unit is configured to acquire the video image of the worship booth (D) identified by the worship booth identification information output by the worship terminal, which is output by the video image output unit (K). When the attendee terminal acquires the video image output from the video image output unit (K), the attendee terminal does not need to output the worship information to the system control unit itself, and the reason for this has already been explained.

[0257] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Attendee terminal: Configuration related to acquisition of acquisition request and output of video image in system control unit: Overall)

[0258] Incidentally, as described for the worship terminal in the second embodiment, processing on the system control unit side is involved between the output of the acquisition request by the attendant terminal and the acquisition of the video image. In this embodiment, the system control unit acquires the received output acquisition request, and then outputs the video image to the attendant terminal after processing within the system control unit. An example of the configuration from the acquisition of the acquisition request performed by the system control unit side to the output of the video image will be described below.

[0259] Fig. 15B is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ossuary system of embodiment 3, in which the system control unit side is provided with a means for acquiring an acquisition request, etc. As shown in the figure, the system control unit is provided with an acquisition request acquisition unit (AB) 1538 and a video image extraction unit (AA) 1537 in addition to the configuration shown in Fig. 15A.

[0260] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Attendee terminal: Configuration related to acquisition of acquisition request in system control unit and output of video image: Acquisition request acquisition unit)

[0261] The acquisition request acquisition unit (AB) is configured to acquire an acquisition request output from a participant terminal.

[0262] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Attendee terminal: Configuration related to acquisition of acquisition request in system control unit and output of video: Video image extraction unit)

[0263] The video image extraction unit (AA) is configured to extract video images to be output to the attendee terminal based on the acquired acquisition request. As mentioned above, the user identification information of the attendee terminal is stored in association with the user identification information of the attendee terminal at the time of reservation for attendees who have already made a reservation for a worship booth, and at the time of addition for attendees who are added later. Therefore, the video image extraction unit can recognize which user identification information the user identification information included in the acquired acquisition request is associated with, and further recognize which worship information, i.e., which remains identification information and worship booth identification information, is associated with. Therefore, it becomes possible to extract specific video images based on the remains identification information and worship booth identification information.

[0264] It is possible that worship information consisting of the same remains identification information and the same worship booth identification information may be simultaneously reserved. In such cases, the worship information acquisition unit may be configured to extract the video to be output using the reservation identification information, including the reservation date and time, as described in the description of the worship information acquisition unit. Furthermore, attempting to extract video based solely on the remains identification information and user identification information, or the worship booth identification information and user identification information, may result in the transmission of incorrect video if a user identified by the same user identification information has made multiple reservations at different worship booths for remains with the same remains identification information, but on different dates and times, or if multiple reservations have been made for ceremonies at the same worship booth for remains with different remains identification information, but on different dates and times. In other words, it is preferable to configure the system to extract the video to be output based on the remains identification information and the worship booth identification information. Furthermore, it is preferable to configure the system to extract video based on the remains identification information, the worship booth identification information, and the ceremony date and time information, which indicates the date and time of the ceremony.

[0265] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Attendee terminal: Configuration related to acquisition of acquisition request in system control unit and output of video image: Output of video image)

[0266] Furthermore, the moving image output unit (K) of the system control unit is configured to output the extracted moving image to the worship terminal of the user specified by the user identification information.

[0267] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Specific Example (1))

[0268] Here, a specific example of the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0269] Figures 32A and 32B show the contents displayed on the screen of the worship terminal in sequence according to the reservation processing procedure when Person A, who is planning to reserve a worship booth (D), accesses the worship booth reservation web page of the ossuary system of the present invention from his or her own worship terminal to reserve a worship booth, as explained using Figures 31A to 31G in embodiment 2, and show the case where there is already someone other than Person A who will be attending remotely at the time of reservation.

[0270] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Specific Example (1): Entering names of attendees, etc.)

[0271] FIG. 32A is a screen that asks whether such remote attendees are present. This screen can be displayed, for example, when the time slot for the worship booth (D) is selected on the screen shown in FIG. 31E, before transitioning to the final confirmation screen. If such an attendee is present, then Person A enters, for example, the name of that person. Alternatively, in addition to the name, the attendee's telephone number, email address, address, etc. may also be entered. Once this is complete, OK is clicked. This will transition to the final confirmation screen shown in FIG. 32B.

[0272] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Specific Example (1): Final Confirmation Scene)

[0273] The final confirmation screen in FIG. 32B includes the names of attendees in addition to the contents of the final confirmation screen exemplified in FIG. 31G in the second embodiment.

[0274] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Specific Example (2): Interactions between the system control unit, worship terminal, and attendance terminal from reservation to video distribution)

[0275] Figure 16 is also a diagram for explaining a specific example of the ossuary system of embodiment 3, but this shows an overview of the process from reserving a worship booth to streaming video on the day of the ceremony, roughly in chronological order.

[0276] 16 shows a state in which a system control unit 1630 of the ossuary system according to this embodiment, a worship terminal 1640, and multiple (three in this example) attendee terminals 1650a-1650c are connected via a network, and processing related to the preparation and execution of ceremonies and the like progresses through interactions between these. As mentioned above, worshippers and attendees can be both real worshippers and attendees who actually go to the ossuary and remote worshippers and attendees who worship from a remote location. It is assumed that the users of the worship terminal and attendee terminal in FIG. 16 are both remote worshippers and attendees. It is also assumed that Kabutoyama Kazuo, the user of the worship terminal, is the organizer of the ceremony and the like.

[0277] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Specific Example (2): Interactions between the system control unit, worship terminal, and attendance terminal from reservation to video distribution: Attendee registration, notification and transfer of attendee user identification information)

[0278] (1) to (3) in Figure 16 describe the process of (1) reserving a worship booth (D) using a worship terminal (including registering attendee names), (2) issuing user identification information for each attendee and notifying the worship terminal, and (3) transferring the user identification information from the worship terminal to the attendee's terminal. The three attendee terminal users in Figure 16 are, for example, those whose names were selected and registered in the attendee input field on the webpage shown in Figure 31F. User identification information is issued to each of these attendees. For example, "efgh5678" is issued as user identification information for Jiro Otogawa, the user of attendee terminal 1; "ijkl9012" is issued as user identification information for Hanako Heida, the user of attendee terminal 2; and "mnop3456" is issued as user identification information for Yoshio Koyama, the user of attendee terminal 3, and all of these are notified to Kazuo Koyama's worship terminal. Then, each user's identification information is transferred from Kazuo Koyama's worship terminal to the terminals of each attendee (3).

[0279] When transferring the video, it is desirable to also notify the URL of the web page of the system control unit that the attendee logs in to when making a request to acquire the video footage. Furthermore, it may also be possible to notify information about the time when the attendee can log in (for example, 5 minutes before the start of the ceremony).

[0280] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Specific Example (2): Interactions between the system control unit, worship terminal, and attendance terminal from reservation to video distribution: Additional registration of attendees)

[0281] If new attendees are added after the reservation, the attendees’ names will be registered (Figure 16 (4)) and their user identification information will be notified (Figure 16 (5)) and transferred (not shown) using the same procedure.

[0282] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Specific Example (2): Interactions between the system control unit, worship terminal, and attendance terminal from reservation to video distribution: Creation of a list of attendee names and user identification information)

[0283] The system control unit may also have a guest user identification information list storage unit that stores a list of the names and user identification information of expected guests. In this case, it is desirable that the list be updated each time a guest is added, so that the latest list is always stored. With this configuration, when outputting video footage to a guest terminal, the system control unit can easily identify the output destination based on the list and use it for authentication.

[0284] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Specific Example (2): Interactions between the system control unit, worship terminal, and attendance terminal from reservation to video distribution)

[0285] After the worshipper (the ceremony organizer) logs in to the member page using their user identification information (Figure 16(6)), the system control unit moves them to a specific page, which displays the name of the deceased, the worship booth room number, and the ceremony date and time for the ceremony that has already been reserved. Clicking the OK icon displays, for example, a screen for waiting for a video stream. This screen is intended for attendees and worshippers to wait before the ceremony begins. It may display a list of attendees for the ceremony, the ceremony schedule, or a video related to the religion or sect of the worship booth. A greeting from the worshipper (the ceremony organizer) may also be displayed on the screen at this time. Furthermore, the system may be configured to allow conversations between worshippers and attendees accompanied by video. In this case, the system control unit may be configured to include an image synthesis unit that synthesizes the background images and clothing of the worshipper and attendees with background images and clothing that match the ceremony, allowing them to be seen by each other.

[0286] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Specific Example (2): Interactions between the system control unit, worship terminal, and attendance terminal from reservation to video distribution: Output of acquisition request from the attendance terminal)

[0287] The output of the acquisition request from the attendee terminal is executed by logging in to the web page for video distribution of the system control unit using the user identification information distributed for attendees. In other words, this login itself constitutes the output of an acquisition request including the user identification information, and there is no need to output an indication of an intention to request acquisition of video in addition to this.

[0288] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Specific Example (2): Interactions between the system control unit, worship terminal, and attendance terminal from reservation to video distribution: Video image distribution)

[0289] After this, video footage of the ceremony is distributed in real time to the worship terminals of the remote worshippers and the attendance terminals of the remote attendees (Figure 16(7)).

[0290] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Specific Example (3): Creation and modification of specific schedule for ceremony)

[0291] Next, a specific example relating to a specific schedule of a ceremony will be described using another diagram. A specific schedule of a ceremony may be, for example, as shown in Figure 30. In this case, for example, the system control unit may store a rewritable basic schedule template for each religion or sect, and the ceremony organizer may log in to a web page that contains the template and rewrite it to match the specific schedule of the ceremony, which the system control unit may then store as the specific schedule of the ceremony.

[0292] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Specific Example (3): Creation and modification of the specific schedule for the ceremony: Organizer's greeting)

[0293] In the example of Figure 30, the ceremony schedule is detailed down to the minute, along with the names of the organizer, the deceased, the name of the worship booth, and the date and time of the ceremony. The organizer's greetings (opening and closing addresses) are delivered by the organizer, Kazuo Kabutoyama, to other remote participants and, if there are any, real participants at the worship booths, using audio and video transmitted from the worship terminal via a communication network. For this purpose, the worship terminal is equipped with a worshipper video acquisition unit that acquires audio and images from the microphone and camera on the worship terminal used by Kazuo Kabutoyama. The acquired worshipper video is first transmitted via the network to the system control unit, where it is acquired by the worshipper video acquisition unit. The acquired video is then transmitted to the attendee terminal from the worshipper video output unit, also part of the system control unit. The attendee terminal is configured to receive the transmitted worshipper video via a worshipper video receiving unit and output the received worshipper video from the worshipper video output unit to a display, speaker, etc. In addition, if there is a real worshipper in the worship booth, the system control unit may be configured to broadcast the worshipper video acquired by the worshipper video acquisition unit into the worship booth from a display or speaker installed in the booth.

[0294] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Specific Example (3): Creation and modification of specific schedule for the ceremony: Recitation)

[0295] Furthermore, sutra chanting can be performed by an actual monk on-site, or by audio only or a virtual monk. In the latter case, the organizer can remotely control the audio and video from the worship terminal. This remote control includes, for example, a signal to start the chanting by the virtual monk. The video (including audio) of the virtual monk is actually prepared by the system control unit or a peripheral device of the system control unit, and is composited with the video of the real worship booth and streamed to the worship terminal or attendee terminal. Furthermore, if there are real attendees, the video can be configured to be viewed by the attendees at the real worship booth as a hologram video. These are generated by the virtual monk video generation system in the system control unit, and then composited and composed by the composition unit or hologram composition unit, allowing them to be viewed remotely or in real time. The composite video can also be configured to be output from the video output unit of the worship terminal or attendee terminal. It is preferable that the appearance of the virtual monk be prepared according to religion and sect, and selected by the worshipper.

[0296] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Specific Example (3): Creation and modification of specific schedule for the ceremony: Flower offering)

[0297] For example, a virtual flower offering table is set up, and the organizer and each attendee take turns sending a command to start the flower offering video (including images of flowers, messages, and possibly audio) from their respective devices. Each time the system control unit finishes compositing the flower offering video, one flower is added to the table. It is also possible to configure the system control unit to allow the worshipper's or attendee's terminal to select the type and quantity of flowers to offer via the system control unit. Furthermore, if a caption identifying the worshipper or attendee offering the flowers or a photo of the person is sent to the system control unit as attribute information, the system control unit can generate, prepare, and transmit the photo to the worshipper's or attendee's terminal. This allows each terminal to recognize who is offering the flowers and can achieve the desired effect for the offerer based on the type of flowers offered. The ceremony organizer can also register the order of flower offerings in the system control unit in advance, and the system control unit can then prompt the worshipper's or attendee's terminal to lay flowers in order. Alternatively, the system control unit can automatically determine the order of flower offerings based on the attendee list. It is preferable to composite the video of the floral tribute so that the flowers gradually move away from the front of the screen toward the floral tribute stand in the back, and in some cases, the composite video can also include footage of the backs of the worshippers and attendees. When laying flowers, the video can also be configured so that a greeting from the floral tribute can be viewed on each device via the system control unit. Similarly, a video showing in memory of the deceased is distributed from the host's device to the devices of other attendees, etc., as a video consisting of video and audio.

[0298] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Specific Example (3): Creation and modification of specific schedule for ceremony: Schedule modification)

[0299] If the organizer, Kazuo Kabutoyama, wants to change the schedule he has created, he can log in again, access the schedule, and rewrite it directly. One possible reason for rewriting it might be, for example, if the number of attendees has increased, and the time allocated to offering flowers has increased, and the time allocated to chanting sutras has decreased accordingly.

[0300] Instead of changing a set schedule like this later, some parts of the schedule can be made optional from the start. For example, when using pre-recorded audio chanting, multiple contents can be prepared so that each chanting part can be selected from several options with different lengths, and the time available for chanting can be calculated based on the number of attendees on the day, or even during the ceremony, the length of time available for chanting part 3 can be calculated backward from the scheduled start time of the host's address (closing remarks), allowing the appropriate content to be selected on the spot. Furthermore, in the case of audio chanting, it is also possible to use pre-programmed content so that parts specific to the worship service, such as the part where the posthumous Buddhist name is read, can be inserted later.

[0301] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Specific Example (4): Determining the start time of transporting remains storage equipment)

[0302] It is also desirable to determine in advance the start time for the transport of the remains container. As mentioned above, the transport of the remains container from the storage space to the worship booth (D) is carried out by the system control unit, which identifies the remains container and the destination worship booth based on the worship information acquired from the worship terminal. The transport control unit then controls the transport unit to carry out this process. However, the start time of the transport must be set appropriately so that it arrives in time for the start of the ceremony. If there are no other ceremonies scheduled for that time period or the preceding time period, this time can be determined by simply calculating backwards from the start time of the ceremony, taking into account the time required for transport from the storage space where the remains container is stored to the worship booth (D) where the ceremony will be held. However, in reality, there may be ceremonies being held at multiple worship booths (D) at the same time, and there may also be ceremonies being held at multiple worship booths (D) in the preceding time period, and the transport routes for these ceremonies may overlap. For this reason, there is a possibility of waiting times due to other transports, and the start time of the transport cannot be determined by the simple calculation described above. Therefore, the actual start time of transportation should be calculated and determined individually and specifically, taking into account the status of these other ceremonies. In order to smoothly transport the remains containers in this way, it is preferable that the system control unit has a remains container transport schedule unit that schedules the transport of the remains containers based on the reservation information of the ceremonies made in advance, and that the transport on the day be carried out according to a predetermined schedule.

[0303] For this purpose, for example, first, the transport control unit can be configured to store a transport time table calculated based on actual verification results, showing how long each transport will take when multiple transports overlap in the same time period. This table should preferably include a list of transport times covering all combinations of each storage space in the remains storage unit (A) and each worship booth (D).

[0304] Secondly, the transport control unit can be configured to acquire ceremony schedule information, which is information regarding the schedule of ceremonies during specific time periods (for example, from 4:00 p.m. to 4:55 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 5:55 p.m. on July 25, 2026) (i.e., ceremonies in which the transport of remains storage devices is expected to take place between approximately 4:55 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.).

[0305] With the above-described configuration, the transport control unit can apply the first table to the second specific schedule to calculate the time when transport should start.

[0306] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Specific Example (2): Distribution of videos other than those of the ceremony, subtitles for sutra chanting, etc.)

[0307] In addition to the video footage mentioned above, content distributed to the worship terminal and attendee terminal during the ceremony may include, for example, a portrait of the deceased, memorial tablets, videos commemorating the deceased, tamagushi (branch of an evergreen tree such as sakaki tree with paper streamers used in Shinto rituals), flowers, offerings, virtual images of monks reciting recorded sutras, and subtitles of the original text or colloquial translations of the sutras. While actual portraits and memorial tablets of the deceased may be placed at the ceremony site, they may not be clearly visible in the video footage of the site alone. Therefore, it is advisable to distribute separately prepared images to the attendee terminals of remote attendees. If real portraits and memorial tablets of the deceased are placed in the worship booth, it may be possible to prepare storage units similar to those in the remains storage device or to configure the storage units to accommodate the portraits and memorial tablets. These items can be stored and transported using identification information, similar to the ashes container. Furthermore, in a real-life funeral, tamagushi, floral tributes, and other offerings are typically prepared and brought by the attendee and offered at a worship booth or similar location. However, in this embodiment, attendees can apply for virtual images of these items prepared in advance in the system control unit before the ceremony begins, and a video of the donor's name, etc., added to the prepared items (e.g., a video with a caption of the donor's name) can be distributed. Although not shown, a page with an application input screen can be prepared in the system control unit to accept the application. Attendees who log in to the page can click on an icon displayed on the screen that reads, for example, "Apply for a tamagushi offering." Furthermore, pull-down menus or other options may be used to select the type of tree (e.g., sakaki, oak, etc.) and the amount of the tamagushi offering. Floral tributes and offerings can also be configured in the same way as the tamagushi described above. Although the above content is not provided to real attendees at the worship booth, it is desirable that it be provided to remote attendees by distributing it to their attendee terminals.To achieve this, these contents can be uploaded to the system control unit in advance from the worship terminal held by Party A, and then, for example, a command can be incorporated into the video output program to film the ceremony after it begins and insert the footage into the video that is being streamed in real time.

[0308] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Specific Example (2): Multi-angle shooting of video footage, etc.)

[0309] On the day of the ceremony, the ceremony will generally proceed smoothly according to the final, fixed schedule. To achieve the objective of this invention—enabling visitors to worship as if they were actually there—it is desirable to capture and output video footage from multiple angles to create as much realism as possible. For example, a camera could be swiveled to capture images from different angles, multiple cameras could be installed to capture different targets (such as a urn, a statue or scroll symbolizing the religion or sect, or a monk chanting), and the output footage could be switched, output as a split screen, or even zoomed in and out. The same applies to audio added to the video footage; for example, a monk's chanting or a pastor's speech could be captured with a microphone and output. Furthermore, images from multiple cameras could be combined to generate a three-dimensional image, allowing the visitor's device or attendee's device to freely move their eyes within a designated area within the worship booth to view the footage within the booth.

[0310] (Embodiment 3: Configuration: Specific Example (2): Delivery of messages after the ceremony, gift catalogs, etc.)

[0311] After the ceremony, Party A may send emails or voice messages to the worship terminals of other remote worshippers, thanking them for visiting from a remote location. In addition, to present gifts in return for their visit, Party A may send, for example, a product catalog where products can be viewed and ordered online. It is desirable to store all recordings of the ceremony, including video, audio, and data, as historical information and make it possible to view and edit this information at any time by accessing it from a worship terminal, etc. The configuration for this can be the same as that described above for viewing and changing the schedule. <Embodiment 3: Hardware Configuration>

[0312] (Embodiment 3: Hardware Configuration: General)

[0313] 17A and 17B are diagrams showing an example of the hardware configuration of the ossuary system of embodiment 3. Of these, FIG. 17A shows an example of the hardware configuration of the attendance terminal, and FIG. 17B shows an example of the hardware configuration of the system control unit. Below, these diagrams will be used to explain the hardware configuration of the worship terminal in this embodiment and the hardware configuration of the associated system control unit. Note that the remaining hardware configuration of the system control unit is the same as that explained in embodiment 1, so explanation will be omitted. Furthermore, the hardware configuration of the worship terminal is the same as that explained in embodiment 2, so illustration and explanation will be omitted.

[0314] (Embodiment 3: Hardware Configuration: Attendee Terminal: General)

[0315] As shown in Fig. 17A, the attending terminal 1700 in this embodiment includes a CPU 1701, a main memory 1702, a nonvolatile memory 1703, and an input / output interface 1704. These are interconnected by a bus line 1705, which is a data communication path, and are configured to transmit and receive information and perform processing. The same applies to the hardware configuration of the system control unit shown in Fig. 17B.

[0316] (Embodiment 3: Hardware Configuration: Participant Terminal: Non-volatile Memory, Main Memory)

[0317] As shown in Figure 17A, the non-volatile memory of the attending terminal stores a user identification information storage program, an acquisition request output program, and a video image acquisition program. These are loaded into the main memory, for example, when the attending terminal is powered on. The non-volatile memory also stores various information, such as user identification information for identifying the user of the attending terminal, and this information is also loaded into the main memory, for example, when the power is turned on.

[0318] (Embodiment 3: Hardware configuration: Attendee terminal: CPU: Execution of user identification information storage program)

[0319] The CPU executes a user identification information retention program to retain the user identification information. Specifically, for example, the CPU acquires the user identification information transmitted from the system control unit via a communication network via an input / output interface and stores it in main memory. Alternatively, the CPU acquires the user identification information based on keyboard operations by a guest who has received notification of the user identification information outside of the invention and stores it in main memory. The user identification information may also be stored in non-volatile memory. As mentioned above, logging in using the user identification information makes the terminal a participating terminal, and thereafter the terminal will retain the user identification information. However, for convenience, in FIG. 17A, the terminal immediately prior to acquiring the user identification information is also referred to as a participating terminal.

[0320] (Embodiment 3: Hardware Configuration: Attendee Terminal: CPU; Execution of Acquisition Request Output Program)

[0321] The CPU executes the acquisition request output program and outputs an acquisition request to the system control unit via the communication network, requesting the output of video images. At this time, the CPU outputs the acquisition request together with the user identification information.

[0322] (Embodiment 2: Hardware configuration: System control unit: CPU: Execution of worship information acquisition program)

[0323] The system control unit that receives the acquisition request from the attending terminal performs processing to output the video image to the attending terminal. Next, the hardware configuration for the processing in the system control unit will be described.

[0324] As shown in Fig. 17B, the non-volatile memory of the system control unit stores an acquisition request acquisition program in addition to the video image extraction program, video image output program, etc. shown in Fig. 13B for embodiment 2. These are read out and deployed in the main memory, for example, upon power-on. The CPU of the system control unit then executes the acquisition request acquisition program, acquires the acquisition request output from the attendee terminal and the associated user identification information via the input / output interface, and stores them in the main memory.

[0325] (Embodiment 3: Hardware Configuration: System Control Unit: CPU: Execution of Video Footage Extraction Program)

[0326] Next, the CPU of the system control unit executes the video image extraction program, and extracts the video image to be output to the worship terminal by referring to the worship information stored in association with the user identification information associated with the acquired acquisition request and the user identification information related to the user of the worship terminal stored in association with this user identification information. The extracted video image is temporarily stored in the main memory.

[0327] (Embodiment 3: Hardware Configuration: System Control Unit: CPU: Execution of Video Output Program)

[0328] Furthermore, the CPU of the system control unit executes a video output program and outputs the extracted video stored in the main memory to the attendee terminal identified by the user identification information included in the acquired acquisition request.

[0329] (Embodiment 3: Hardware Configuration: Attendee Terminal: CPU: Execution of Video Image Acquisition Program)

[0330] Returning to FIG. 17A, the CPU of the attendee terminal executes the video image acquisition program and acquires the output video image via the input / output interface. <Embodiment 3: Processing Flow>

[0331] 18 is a flow diagram showing an example of the processing flow in the ossuary system of embodiment 3. The left side shows the processing flow in the attendee terminal, and the right side shows the processing flow on the system control unit side. Note that with regard to the processing flow on the system control unit side, only the part related to the acquisition of the acquisition request and the output of the video image is shown, and the illustration and description of the remaining processing flow are omitted.

[0332] (Embodiment 3: Processing Flow: Attendee Terminal: User Identification Information Storage Step)

[0333] If the determination result in step S1801 as to whether to acquire video footage is that it should be acquired, then in step S1802 as to retaining user identification information, the attending terminal of this embodiment logs in to the login screen of the system control unit using the user identification information and retains the user area information. As mentioned above, by logging in using the user identification information, this terminal becomes an attending terminal, and thereafter, this terminal retains the user identification information. However, for convenience, in Fig. 18, the terminal immediately before acquiring the user identification information is also described as an attending terminal.

[0334] (Embodiment 3: Processing Flow: Attendee Terminal: Acquisition Request Output Step)

[0335] Next, in acquisition request output step S1803, login is performed using the user identification information, and an acquisition request including the user identification information is output.

[0336] (Embodiment 3: Processing Flow: System Control Unit: Acquisition Request Acquisition Step)

[0337] Next, in acquisition request acquisition step S1804, the system control unit of this embodiment acquires the acquisition request output from the attending terminal in acquisition request output step S1803.

[0338] (Embodiment 3: Processing Flow: System Control Unit: Video Image Extraction Step)

[0339] Next, in a moving image extraction step S1805, the system control unit of this embodiment extracts moving images to be output to the attendee terminals based on the acquisition request acquired in the acquisition request acquisition step S1804.

[0340] (Embodiment 3: Processing Flow: System Control Unit: Video Output Step)

[0341] Next, in moving image output step S1806, the system control unit outputs the moving image extracted in moving image extraction step S1805 to the attendee terminal.

[0342] (Embodiment 3: Processing Flow: Attendee Terminal: Video Image Acquisition Step)

[0343] Furthermore, in a moving image acquisition step S1807, the attendee terminal acquires the moving image output in the moving image output step S1806. <Embodiment 3: Effects>

[0344] According to the invention of this embodiment, by including a attendance terminal in addition to a worship terminal that can communicate with the system control unit via a network, attendees who are not the ceremony organizers can also worship in real time from remote locations using terminals such as personal computers and smartphones. <Embodiment 4>

[0345] The fourth embodiment mainly relates to claims 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, etc. <Embodiment 4: Overview>

[0346] The ossuary system of embodiment 4 is based on the ossuary system of embodiment 3, but further includes a system control unit that stores the user identification information of multiple users associated with the same worship information (i.e., people attending the same ceremony, etc.) as "shared users," and a mechanism for transferring this user identification information between the system control unit and the worship terminal / attendee terminal. Furthermore, the ossuary system of this embodiment also includes a system that provides a means for enabling communication between these terminals, such as telephone calls and e-mails. <Embodiment 4: Configuration>

[0347] (Embodiment 4: Configuration: System Control Unit: Overall)

[0348] 19 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ossuary system of embodiment 4. As shown in the figure, the configuration of the ossuary system of this embodiment is basically the same as the configuration of embodiment 3, but in addition to this, the system control unit 1930 has a common user identification information storage unit (R) 1961 and a worshipper information output unit (S) 1962, the worship terminal 1940 has a user identification information acquisition unit (T) 1947 and a user identification information output unit (U) 1948, and the attendance terminal 1950 also has a user identification information acquisition unit (BD) 1954 and a user identification information output unit (BE) 1955.

[0349] Furthermore, in addition to the above-mentioned configuration, the ossuary system of this embodiment also includes a worship terminal and a visiting terminal having a worshipper communication unit (V, BF). Figure 20 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ossuary system of embodiment 4, in which the worship terminal 2040 has a worshipper communication unit (V) 2049, and the visiting terminal 2050 also has a worshipper communication unit (BF) 2056.

[0350] In this case, it is desirable that the system control unit is provided with an inter-wilder communication control unit, and that communication between the inter-wilder communication units is carried out through control by the inter-wilder communication control unit. Figure 20 also shows an example in which the system control unit 2030 is provided with the inter-wilder communication control unit (CA) 2063.

[0351] The rest of the configuration is the same as that explained in the second and third embodiments, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0352] (Embodiment 4: Configuration: System Control Unit: Shared User Identification Information Storage Unit (R))

[0353] The shared user identification information storage unit (R) is configured to store shared user identification information. Shared user identification information refers to user identification information associated with the same worship information, and users associated with the same worship information are worshippers and attendees who participate in the same ceremony, etc. As already mentioned, worship information may be associated with the date and time of the ceremony, and the date and time of the ceremony may be configured to identify worship information related to a ceremony in case the worship booth identification information and remains identification information contained in the worship information alone cannot narrow down to a specific ceremony.

[0354] As described in the third embodiment, the system control unit stores worship information in association with user identification information of the user of the worship terminal. In addition, the system control unit receives registration of the names, etc. of the scheduled remote attendees from the logged-in worship terminal, and thereby understands the association between the user identification information of the user of the worship terminal and the user identification information of the user of the attendance terminal. Therefore, the system control unit can recognize and store all user identification information associated with the same worship information as common user identification information.

[0355] (Embodiment 4: Configuration: System control unit: Worshipper information output unit (S))

[0356] The worshipper information output unit (S) of the system control unit is configured to output the user identification information contained in the common user identification information to the worship terminal and the attendance terminal that hold the user identification information contained in each common user identification information.

[0357] The purpose of the output is to allow users to recognize each other's existence and use it for communication using the worshipper-to-worshipper communication unit (V), which will be described next. For this purpose, the user identification information to be output may include, for example, the name, telephone number, and email address of the user of each terminal, but does not include passwords that should not be disclosed to anyone other than the user. For the same reason, user IDs are not included, except for nicknames, which may be disclosed to others. It is also desirable to output all user identification information to all worship terminals and attendee terminals that hold user identification information included in the shared user identification information. (Note that, since it is convenient to output the same information to each terminal simultaneously, it is common for the user's own user identification information on each terminal to also be output, but in light of the above purpose, it is not necessary for the user's own user identification information to be output for the terminal they use.)

[0358] The user identification information to be output may be configured to be not all of the user identification information previously associated with the worship information and the worshipper's user identification information, but the user identification information of the attendee whose attendee terminal has been recognized as having logged in to the system control unit for remote participation in the ceremony on the day. For this purpose, the system control unit may have a login user identification information acquisition unit, and may be configured to output only the user identification information of the logged-in user to the attendee terminal that is associated with the worship information and the worshipper's user identification information associated with the logged-in attendee.

[0359] (Embodiment 4: Configuration: Worship terminal / attendee terminal: User identification information acquisition unit (T))

[0360] The user identification information acquisition unit (T) of the worship terminal / attendee terminal is configured to acquire the user identification information output by the worshipper information output unit (S) of the system control unit to each worship terminal / attendee terminal.

[0361] (Embodiment 4: Configuration: Worship terminal / attendance terminal: User identification information output unit (U))

[0362] The user identification information output unit (U) of the worship terminal and attendance terminal is configured to output the acquired user identification information, for example, on the display screen of the terminal. The output timing is typically when the ceremony is being broadcast in real time from the worship booth (D). In this case, users of the worship terminal and attendance terminal can watch the ceremony through the video footage being broadcast, while also viewing the user identification information displayed as an icon or the like on part of the same screen.

[0363] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the output of user identification information in the fourth embodiment, showing an example in which icons 2142-2145 indicating the names of users, which are the user's own and other users' user identification information, are displayed on the right side of the display 2141 of the worship terminal 2140. This figure shows an example of the display of the worship terminal used by Kazuo Kabuto, the ceremony organizer, and his icon is displayed in a different format from the icons of the others. It is preferable that similar icons are also displayed on the displays of the attendee terminals used by the other three attendees (each of whose icon is displayed in a different format from the others). By outputting user identification information to each other's displays on the four terminals in this way, each of the four attendees can see the presence of other remote worshippers and attendees at a glance, which is expected to encourage communication (audio conversation, audio and video conversation, text chat, etc.) with the remote worshipper.

[0364] Furthermore, in addition to user identification information such as name, user attribute information such as the user's relationship to the deceased and a facial photo may be output as an icon or thumbnail. This allows users of the attendance terminals to know who the other attendees are. In other words, it allows users of the attendance terminals to know more specifically who else is remotely attending the ceremony they are attending.

[0365] (Embodiment 4: Configuration: Worship terminal / attendee terminal: Worshipper communication unit: General)

[0366] This embodiment also includes worship terminals and attendee terminals that have a worshipper-to-worshipper communication unit. The worshipper-to-worshipper communication unit is used by users of worship terminals and attendee terminals identified by the acquired user identification information to communicate with other worship terminals and attendee terminals. As mentioned above, it is desirable that communication between these terminals be carried out via the worshipper-to-worshipper communication control unit (CA) provided in the system control unit. In other words, the worshipper-to-worshipper communication control unit (CA) is configured to control communication between the worshipper-to-worshipper communication units.

[0367] Here, "communicating with a worship terminal and a attendance terminal" means that the user's terminal is in a state where it is set up as a worship terminal or attendance terminal, that is, communicating with a terminal in a state where it is logged in using user identification information.

[0368] (Embodiment 4: Configuration: Worship terminal / attendee terminal: Worshipper communication unit: Purpose)

[0369] The purpose of providing a worshipper communication section is to enable worshippers and attendees to know, while worshiping or attending the ceremony, that there are other people attending the same ceremony remotely and wish to communicate with them by phone or text, as shown in Figure 21.

[0370] (Embodiment 4: Configuration: Worship terminal / attendee terminal: Worshipper communication unit: Specific configuration)

[0371] Possible communication lines include a system control unit that connects terminals to each other, and a system control unit that establishes a direct communication path between terminals and allows terminal-to-terminal communication without going through the system control unit. An example of the latter is the establishment of a connection between terminals using a specific protocol to enable all or some (typically two-way) users of worship terminals and attendee terminals logged into the system to make calls and exchange text data. Note that "establishing a connection" here refers to specific worship terminals and attendee terminals exchanging permission requests and permissions to establish a logical communication path. For example, WebSocket is used as a protocol. WebSockets employs a principle (end-to-end principle) in which advanced communication control and other functions are solely handled by the systems at both ends (in this case, the system control unit and worship terminal / attendee terminal), and are independent of systems along the intermediate path. This principle is said to be suitable for real-time two-way communication (two-way conversation). Therefore, it is possible to configure the system control unit to embed WebSocket into the terminal so that the terminal can use WebSocket when the worship terminal or attendee terminal logs in to the system control unit. In this case, the system control unit will have a WebSocket embedding function.

[0372] (Embodiment 4: Configuration: Worship terminal / attendee terminal: Worshipper communication unit: Specific example of communication)

[0373] To explain in more detail a specific example of communication between users of a worship terminal and a attendance terminal using the worshipper-to-attendee communication path configured in this way, using the example in Figure 21 mentioned above, if Kazuo Kabuyama, a user of a worship terminal, wants to talk to Jiro Otokawa, a user of one of the attendance terminals, he clicks on Jiro Otokawa's icon 2143 displayed on the display. Then, the display of the attendance terminal used by Jiro Otokawa (not shown) indicates that Kazuo Kabuyama has called by flashing his icon, etc. Then, when Jiro Otokawa clicks on Kazuo Kabuyama's icon, a communication path is established that allows the two to talk.

[0374] On the other hand, if you want to talk to everyone at once, like in a telephone conference, you could output an icon 2146 called "Everyone" on the display, as shown in Figure 21, and when you click on it, a similar call message would appear on each of the other users' terminals, and by clicking on this, you could make a call between these people.

[0375] The exchange of text data is similar to that of a phone call. For example, if Kazuo Koyama wants to send a message to Jiro Otokawa, Kazuo Koyama can create a text data entry box (not shown) on part of the display, enter the text, etc., and click on Jiro Otokawa's icon. The icon of Kazuo Koyama displayed on Jiro Otokawa's terminal will flash to indicate that a message has been sent, and when Jiro Otokawa clicks on the icon, the message will be displayed.

[0376] In these cases, for example, a terminal user may log in to the system to receive video distribution and watch the video being distributed, but while watching the video without logging out, they can turn on the microphone to talk or turn on the chat function to exchange text data.In this case, in order to have a conversation or exchange text data only with a select few people (typically between two people), it is possible to use screen operations to turn off the microphones and speakers of people other than the people they are communicating with, or to limit the recipients of text messages to only those who click on the icon. <Embodiment 4: Hardware Configuration>

[0377] (Embodiment 4: Hardware Configuration: General)

[0378] Figures 22A and 22B are diagrams showing an example of the hardware configuration of the ossuary system of embodiment 4. Of these, Figure 22A shows an example of the hardware configuration of a worship terminal (the attendance terminal is not shown, but is basically the same as the worship terminal). Figure 22B shows an example of the hardware configuration of a system control unit. Below, these figures will be used to explain the hardware configuration of the worship terminal in this embodiment and the hardware configuration of the related system control unit. Note that the remaining hardware configuration of the system control unit is the same as that explained in embodiment 1, so explanations will be omitted.

[0379] (Embodiment 4: Hardware configuration: worship terminal / attendee terminal, system control unit: non-volatile memory, main memory)

[0380] As shown in Fig. 22A, the worship terminal 2200 in the ossuary system of this embodiment comprises a CPU 2201, a main memory 2202, a non-volatile memory 2203, and an input / output interface 2204, which are interconnected by a bus line 2205, which is a data communication path, and are configured to transmit, receive, and process information. The system control unit shown in Fig. 22B has a similar configuration. The configuration of the worship terminal, which is not shown, is also basically the same.

[0381] The non-volatile memory of the worship terminal and the attendance terminal stores a user identification information acquisition program and a user identification information output program. The non-volatile memory of the system control unit stores a common user identification information storage program and a worshipper information output program. These programs are loaded into the main memory, for example, when the power is turned on.

[0382] (Embodiment 4: Hardware Configuration: System Control Unit: CPU: Execution of Common User Identification Information Storage Program)

[0383] The CPU of the system control unit executes a shared user identification information storage program to store the information. Specifically, the CPU extracts user identification information associated with the same worship information according to the procedures defined by the program. Whether or not the information is associated with the same worship information is determined, for example, by whether or not it is stored in the same data area of ​​the main memory as each user identification information. Each extracted user identification information is stored in the same data area of ​​the main memory as shared user identification information.

[0384] (Embodiment 4: Hardware configuration: System control unit: CPU: Execution of worshipper information output program)

[0385] The CPU of the system control unit executes the worshipper information output program and outputs the user information contained in the common user identification information to the worshipper terminal and the attending terminal that hold the user identification information contained in each common user identification information via the communication network.

[0386] (Embodiment 4: Hardware configuration: Worship terminal / attendee terminal: CPU: Execution of user identification information acquisition program)

[0387] Next, the CPU of the worship terminal shown in Figure 22B executes the user identification information acquisition program to acquire the common user identification information output from the system control unit via the communication network (the same applies to the attendance terminals not shown in the figure).

[0388] (Embodiment 4: Hardware configuration: Worship terminal / attendee terminal: CPU: Execution of user identification information output program)

[0389] Next, the CPUs of the worship terminal and the attendance terminal execute the user identification information output program and output the acquired common user identification information to the display via the input / output interface. Specifically, for example, icons showing the names of all users are output to a part of the display.

[0390] (Embodiment 4: Hardware configuration: Worship terminal / attendee terminal: CPU: Execution of communication program between worshippers)

[0391] The CPUs of the worship terminal and the attendee terminal execute a worshipper-to-worshipper communication program and start a call program to enable calls between the terminals. The worshipper-to-worshipper communication program contains instructions for establishing a connection between the terminals using a certain protocol (for example, WebSocket), and the CPU executes the instructions to establish the connection and perform the process of setting up a logical communication path. <Embodiment 4: Processing Flow>

[0392] 23 is a flow diagram showing an example of the processing flow in the ossuary system of embodiment 4. As shown in the figure, first, in a determination step S2301 of whether the system control unit holds common user identification information, which is user identification information associated with the same worship information, if it determines that it does, in a user information output step (k) S2302, the system control unit outputs the user identification information included in the common user identification information, which is user identification information associated with the same worship information, to the worship terminal and the attending terminal that hold the user identification information included in each common user identification information.

[0393] Next, in a user identification information acquisition step (l) S2303, the worship terminal and the attendance terminal each acquire the user identification information output by the system control unit in the worshipper information output step (k).

[0394] Next, in a user identification information output step (m) S2304, the worship terminal and the attendance terminal each output the user identification information acquired in the user identification information acquisition step (l) to their own display screen or the like. <Embodiment 4: Effects>

[0395] According to the invention of this embodiment, it is possible to achieve the secondary object of the present invention of providing a columbarium system that allows remote worshippers to share information with each other, exchange greetings and conversations. <Embodiment 5>

[0396] The fifth embodiment mainly relates to claims 6, 13, 20, etc. <Embodiment 5: Overview>

[0397] The ossuary system of embodiment 5 is based on the ossuary system of embodiment 3, but further includes a video communication unit in the system control unit, enabling two-way communication with video images between the system control unit and the worship terminal or attendance terminal. <Embodiment 5: Configuration>

[0398] (Embodiment 5: Configuration: Overall)

[0399] Fig. 24 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ossuary system of embodiment 5. As shown in the figure, the configuration of the ossuary system of this embodiment is basically the same as the configuration of embodiment 3 shown in Fig. 15A, but in addition to this, the system control unit 2430 has a video communication unit (W) 2463 with the worship terminal and attending terminal, and the worship booth (D) 2421 has a video display unit (X) 2424 for displaying videos transmitted from the worship terminal and attending terminal in the video communication unit (W) and conducting two-way conversation. The rest of the configuration is the same as that explained in embodiment 3, so explanations will be omitted.

[0400] (Embodiment 5: Configuration: System Control Unit: Video Communication Unit)

[0401] The video communication unit (W) is for video communication between the worship terminal and the attendee terminal. Video may include audio as well as video. Video communication involves video communication between the system control unit and the worship terminal and the attendee terminal via a communication network. In particular, an important function of the video communication unit (W) is the transmission of video from the worship terminal and the attendee terminal to be displayed on the video display unit (X), which will be described next. The meaning of "between the worship terminal and the attendee terminal" here is the same as the meaning of the same wording explained in embodiment 4. Therefore, this does not include, for example, making a video call to the terminal receiving the video while the worship booth (D) is streaming video, or sending video using the live streaming function of an SNS.

[0402] The videos sent from the worship terminal and the attendee terminal may be sent in real time during the ceremony, or may be sent in advance. In the latter case, the sent videos may be recorded and stored in the system control unit, and then played back during the ceremony.

[0403] Transmission can be done using known technology, but in the case of real-time transmission, it is desirable to use streaming distribution (a method of dividing the transmission data into small packets and transmitting them) because it can be played back immediately and does not consume data capacity on the worship terminal, etc.

[0404] Examples of specific content that may be transmitted from the worship terminal and attendance terminal include real-time footage of worshippers and attendees during remote worship and attendance, video messages from worshippers and attendees, videos showing the deceased's appearance in life to be shown in memory of the deceased, and pre-recorded videos of sutra chanting.

[0405] (Embodiment 5: Configuration: Worship Booth: Video Display: General)

[0406] The video display unit (X) is provided in the worship booth (D) and is a means for displaying videos sent from the worship terminal and attendee terminal and for two-way conversation. By providing the video display unit (X) in the worship booth (D), people praying in the worship booth (D) can watch videos sent from the worship terminal and have two-way conversations without leaving their seats. Ceremony participants can see how the worshippers and attendees are doing, which fosters a sense of unity as they participate in the ceremony.

[0407] (Embodiment 5: Configuration: Worship Booth: Video Display Unit: Specific Configuration for Video Display)

[0408] A specific configuration for displaying moving images is, for example, to display the moving images on a monitor screen installed in the worship booth (D) and connected to the system control unit. Since the moving images may include audio as well as video, it is preferable that the worship booth (D) also be equipped with a speaker and microphone connected to the system control unit.

[0409] (Embodiment 5: Configuration: Worship Booth: Video Display Unit: Specific Configuration for Two-Way Conversation)

[0410] Additionally, the video display unit (X) is designed to enable two-way conversations, and is configured to make this possible. Two-way conversations are made possible by establishing a connection between the system control unit and the worship terminal using a protocol for this purpose. Note that "establishing a connection" here means that the system control unit and the worship terminal / attendee terminal mutually request and grant permission, setting up a logical communication path.

[0411] (Embodiment 5: Hardware Configuration)

[0412] Fig. 25 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the ossuary system of embodiment 5. The hardware configuration of the ossuary system of this embodiment will be described below using this diagram. Note that the remaining hardware configuration is the same as that described in embodiment 3, so description thereof will be omitted.

[0413] (Embodiment 5: Hardware Configuration: Non-volatile Memory, Main Memory)

[0414] As shown in Figure 25, the ossuary system 2500 of this embodiment comprises a CPU 2501, a main memory 2502, a non-volatile memory 2503, and an input / output interface 2504, which are interconnected by a bus line 2505, which is a data communication path, and are configured to send, receive, and process information.

[0415] The nonvolatile memory stores a video communication program and a video display program in addition to the programs shown in Fig. 10 for the first embodiment. These programs are loaded into the main memory when the power is turned on, for example.

[0416] (Embodiment 5: Hardware Configuration: System Control Unit: CPU: Execution of Video Communication Program)

[0417] The CPU of the system control unit executes the video communication program and establishes a connection with the worship terminal using a protocol for two-way conversation. This process can be initiated, for example, when the monitor screen in the worship booth (D) is turned on to start the ceremony, or when it is one minute before the ceremony starts. By including a command in the program to start the process when one of these events is detected, the CPU can execute the process.

[0418] (Embodiment 5: Hardware Configuration: System Control Unit: CPU: Execution of Video Display Program)

[0419] The CPU of the system control unit executes a video display program to display the video sent from the worship terminal on a display such as a monitor screen connected via the input / output interface. If the video includes audio, it is played on a speaker connected via the input / output interface. The CPU also executes the same program to send video data captured by the video camera in the worship booth (including audio data picked up via a microphone if audio is included) to the worship terminal and attendee terminal via the communication network. <Embodiment 5: Processing Flow>

[0420] 26 is a flow diagram showing an example of the processing flow in the ossuary system of embodiment 5. As shown in the figure, in step S2601 of establishing a connection for two-way conversation, the system control unit executes processing to establish a connection for two-way conversation, triggered by an event such as that described in the hardware configuration section.

[0421] Next, in step S2602 of determining whether or not the transmission of video footage from the worship terminal, etc. has been detected, if the determination result is that it has been detected, in step S2603 of video display, the system control unit displays the video footage transmitted from the worship terminal, etc. on a monitor screen, etc., provided in the worship booth (D). <Embodiment 5: Effects>

[0422] According to the present embodiment, a person praying at a worship booth in real time and a person praying from a remote location using a worship terminal can exchange video in real time, allowing both people to watch the same video at the same time. Also, two-way conversations can be held via videophone using telephone lines or video calls using the Internet. <Embodiment 6>

[0423] The sixth embodiment mainly relates to claims 7, 14, 21, etc. <Embodiment 6: Overview>

[0424] The ossuary system of embodiment 6 is based on the ossuary system of embodiment 3, but is designed to output video footage of the worship area via a network to devices such as computers and smartphones of people who are actually worshiping or attending the service at the worship booth (D). <Embodiment 6: Configuration>

[0425] (Embodiment 6: Configuration: Overall)

[0426] 27 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ossuary system of embodiment 6. As shown in the figure, the ossuary system of this embodiment has, in addition to the configuration of embodiment 3, a worship area photography unit (Y) 2725 in the worship booth (D) and a worship area video image output unit (Z) 2737 in the system control unit.

[0427] (Embodiment 6: Configuration: Worship Area Photography Unit)

[0428] The worship area photographing unit is provided in the worship booth (D) and is configured to photograph video footage of the worship area of ​​real people in the worship booth (D). "Real people in the worship booth (D)" refers to people who actually go to the worship booth (D) in the ossuary to pray or participate in a ceremony. However, the subjects photographed by the worship area photographing unit (Y) are not limited to people who are actually in the worship booth (D), but may be anyone within the worship area. In this embodiment, the "worship area" may include the entire worship hall 0420 in the example of Figure 2 described above. That is, the difference between the worship area photographing unit (Y) of this embodiment and the worship side photographing unit (E) described in embodiment 1 is that the subjects photographed by the worship side photographing unit (E) always include the worship booth (D) including the worship side design, whereas the subjects photographed by the worship area photographing unit (Y) of this embodiment may include only people in the worship area other than the worship booth (D).

[0429] Specifically, the filming is done using a video camera installed in the worship booth (D). The number of video cameras can be one or more, but it is preferable to have more than one in order to be able to film the worship area with as few blind spots as possible. In this case, the multiple video cameras can be switched between filming, or multiple video cameras can be used simultaneously.

[0430] (Embodiment 6: Configuration: Worship Area Photography Unit: Purpose)

[0431] The purpose of having the worship area photography unit (Y) separate from the worship side photography unit (E) is to enable worshippers and attendees in remote locations to confirm through footage that the ceremony is being carried out in accordance with the format of the worshipper's chosen religion or sect by including the worship side design in the footage taken by the worship side photography unit (E), whereas the worship area photography unit (Y) only photographs "people" who are actually worshipping and attending the ceremony, and since these people may be located in worship areas other than the worship booths (D) during the ceremony, it is intended to include a wide range of people in the photography.

[0432] (Embodiment 6: Configuration: Worship Area Video Output Unit)

[0433] The worship area video output unit (Z) is configured to output the video images taken by the worship area photography unit (Y) to the worship terminal used by the user identified by the user identification information who is worshipping at the worship booth (D) via the network. When multiple cameras are simultaneously taking pictures, one of the video images may be selected and output, or all or part of the multiple video images may be output as a split screen display.

[0434] The method for identifying the user identified by the user identification information who is praying at the worship booth (D) can be thought of as being similar to the configuration for identifying the output destination of the video image described in, for example, embodiment 2 or embodiment 3. That is, the user identification information can be identified by checking whether the user identification information used to log in from the worship terminal and the attendance terminal matches the user identification information associated with the worship information related to the ceremony.

[0435] (Embodiment 6: Configuration: Worship Area Video Output Unit: Purpose)

[0436] The purpose of providing the worship area video output unit (Z) is to enable real worshippers and participants to view video footage of themselves in the worship area on their own devices such as their personal computers or smartphones. The timing at which the video can be viewed, i.e., the timing at which the video is output by the worship area video output unit (Z), is expected to be mainly real-time, but this does not preclude the output of a recorded video for viewing after the ceremony has ended. <Embodiment 6: Hardware Configuration>

[0437] (Embodiment 6: Hardware Configuration: General)

[0438] Fig. 28 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the ossuary system of embodiment 6. The hardware configuration of the ossuary system of this embodiment will be explained below using these figures. Note that the hardware configuration of the remaining system control unit is the same as that explained in embodiment 1, so explanations will be omitted.

[0439] As shown in Figure 28, the worship terminal 2800 in this embodiment is equipped with a CPU 2801, a main memory 2802, a non-volatile memory 2803, and an input / output interface 2804. These are interconnected by a bus line 2805, which is a data communication path, and are configured to send, receive, and process information.

[0440] (Embodiment 6: Hardware Configuration: Non-volatile Memory, Main Memory)

[0441] As shown in Fig. 28, in addition to the programs shown in Fig. 10 for the first embodiment, the non-volatile memory of the worship terminal stores a worship area photography program and a worship area video output program. These are loaded into the main memory when the power is turned on, for example. The non-volatile memory also stores various types of information, which are also loaded into the main memory when the power is turned on, for example.

[0442] (Embodiment 6: Hardware configuration: CPU; execution of worship area photography program)

[0443] The CPU executes the worship area photography program, activates the video camera connected via the input / output interface, and shoots video footage of the worship area of ​​real people in the worship booth (D). As with the fifth embodiment, the timing to start filming can be programmed to start filming, for example, one minute before the start of the ceremony.

[0444] (Embodiment 6: Hardware configuration: CPU; execution of worship area video output program)

[0445] The CPU executes the worship area video output program and outputs the video captured by the above process via the network to the worship terminal used by the user identified by the user identification information who is worshiping at the worship booth (D). <Embodiment 6: Processing Flow>

[0446] 29 is a flow diagram showing an example of the processing flow in the ossuary system of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, in a worship area photographing step S2901, the worship area photographing unit photographs video images of the worship area of ​​real people in the worship booth (D).

[0447] Next, in worship area video output step S2902, the system control unit outputs the captured video via the network to the worship terminal used by the user identified by the user identification information who is worshiping at that worship booth (D). <Embodiment 6: Effects>

[0448] According to the present embodiment of the invention, real worshippers and attendees at the ceremony can view video footage of themselves during the ceremony on a computer, smartphone, or the like.

Claims

1. A columbarium system comprising a backyard, a worship hall, and a system control unit, The back yard is a remains container storage section (A) having a plurality of storage spaces capable of storing remains containers containing the remains of the deceased; A transport unit (B) transports the remains container stored in the remains container storage unit (A) to the worship booth in the worship hall. A transport control unit (C) controls the transport unit based on information indicating the remains container to be transported and the worship booth to which the remains will be transported, which are specified by the worship information described below; and The worship hall is A plurality of worship booths (D) each having a worship side with a different design depending on the religion or sect and having a remains storage device setting section for setting the remains storage device transported by the transport section; A worshipper's side photography unit (E) takes video footage of the worshipper's booth (D) including the worshipper's design, including worshippers who are worshiping or attendees who are attending the ceremony and remains storage equipment; and The system control unit a remains identification information storage unit (F) that stores remains identification information that identifies the location of the remains stored in the remains storage unit (A) or the remains storage unit in which the remains of the deceased are stored; A worship booth identification information storage unit (G) that stores worship booth identification information that identifies the worship booth (D); a worship information acquisition unit (H) that acquires worship information consisting of remains identification information and worship booth identification information that identifies the worship booth selected by the worshipper according to religion or sect via a network; a worship information output unit (I) that outputs the acquired worship information to a transport control unit (C) in the backyard; an imaging driving unit (J) for driving the worship-side imaging unit (E) of the worship booth (D) identified by the acquired worship booth identification information; a moving image output unit (K) that outputs the moving image captured by the worship-side image capture unit driven by the image capture drive unit (J) to an external device via a network; A columbarium system with

2. A worship terminal that can communicate with the system control unit via a network, A remains identification information storage unit (L) that stores remains identification information; A worship booth identification information storage unit (M) that stores worship booth identification information; a user identification information storage unit (N) for identifying a user; a worship information acquisition unit (O) that acquires worship information that combines the remains identification information stored in the remains identification information storage unit (L) and the worship booth identification information stored in the worship booth identification information storage unit (M); a worship information output unit (P) that associates the acquired worship information with the stored user identification information and outputs it to the system control unit via the network; a moving image acquisition unit (Q) that acquires moving image of the worship booth (D) identified by the worship booth identification information and output by the moving image output unit (K); The ossuary system of claim 1 further comprising a worship terminal having:

3. A participant terminal capable of communicating with the system control unit via a network, a user identification information storage unit (BA) for storing user identification information; an acquisition request output unit (BB) that outputs an acquisition request for acquiring a video image output by the video image output unit (K) including user identification information; a video image acquisition unit (BC) that acquires the video image output by the video image output unit (K) of the worship booth (D) identified by the worship booth identification information output by the worship terminal; The ossuary system according to claim 2, further comprising a visitor terminal having:

4. The system control unit includes a common user identification information storage unit (R) that stores common user identification information, which is user identification information associated with the same worship information; A worshipper information output unit (S) is provided which outputs the user identification information included in the common user identification information to the worship terminal and the attendance terminal which hold the user identification information included in each common user identification information, The worship terminal and the attendance terminal each have a user identification information acquisition unit (T) that acquires the user identification information output by the worshipper information output unit (S), a user identification information output unit (U) that outputs the acquired user identification information; 4. The ossuary system of claim 3, comprising:

5. The ossuary system according to claim 4, wherein the worship terminal and attendance terminal have a worshipper-to-worshipper communication unit (V) for communicating with other worship terminals and attendance terminals of users identified by the acquired user identification information.

6. The system control unit has a video communication unit (W) with the worship terminal and the attendance terminal, The worship booth (D) is 4. The ossuary system according to claim 3, further comprising a video display unit (X) for displaying videos transmitted from the worship terminal and the attendance terminal in the video communication unit (W) and for two-way conversation.

7. The worship booth (D) in the worship hall has a worship area photographing unit (Y) that photographs video images of the worship area of ​​real people in the worship booth (D), The ossuary system of claim 3, wherein the system control unit has a worship area video output unit (Z) that outputs the video footage captured by the worship area photography unit (Y) via a network to the worship terminal and attendance terminal used by the user who is visiting the worship booth (D) and identified by the user identification information attending.

8. An operation method in a columbarium system comprising a backyard, a worship hall, and a system control unit, a remains identification information storage step (a) for storing remains identification information that identifies the storage location of the remains of the deceased stored in the remains storage device storage section (A) or the remains storage device in which the remains of the deceased are stored; A worship booth identification information holding step (b) for holding worship booth identification information for identifying the worship booth (D); a worship information acquisition step (c) for acquiring worship information via a network, the worship information being comprised of remains identification information and worship booth identification information that identifies the worship booth selected by the worshipper according to religion or sect; a worship information output step (d) of outputting the acquired worship information to a transport control unit (C) in the backyard; a mortal remains container transport control step (e) in which the transport control unit (C) controls the transport unit (B) to transport the mortal remains container to the worship booth (D) as the destination, as specified by the worship information output in the worship information output step (d); a remains container setting step (f) for setting the remains container that has been transported to the worship booth (D) under the control of the remains container transport control step (e); a photographing driving step (g) for driving the worship-side photographing unit (E) of the worship booth (D) identified by the worship booth identification information acquired in the worship information acquisition step (c); a worshipper-side photographing step (h) in which the worshipper-side photographing unit (E) photographs a moving image of the worshipper booth (D) including the worshipper-side design that differs depending on the religion or sect and that is applied to the worship hall in which the worshipper booth (D) in which the remains storage device is set in the remains storage device setting step is located, with the worshipper or attendees attending the ceremony and the remains storage device included in the photographing subject; and a moving image output step (i) of outputting the moving image captured in the worshipper's side capturing step (h) to the outside via a network.

9. A worship terminal capable of communicating with the system control unit via a network stores remains identifying information in a remains identifying information storage step (j); A worship booth identification information holding step (k) for holding worship booth identification information; a user identification information holding step (l) for identifying a user; A worship information storage step (m) for storing worship information that combines remains identification information and worship booth identification information; a worship information output step (n) in which the worship terminal associates the worship information stored in the worship information storage step (m) with user identification information stored by the worship terminal for identifying the user, and outputs the information to a system control unit via a network; a video image acquisition step (o) in which the worship terminal acquires a video image of the worship booth (D) identified by the worship booth identification information and output by the video image output unit (K); The method of claim 8 further comprising:

10. A user identification information holding step (aa) in which a participant terminal capable of communicating with the system control unit via a network holds user identification information; an acquisition request output step (ab) in which the attendee terminal outputs an acquisition request for acquiring the video image output by the video image output unit (K) including the user identification information; a video image acquisition step (ac) in which the attendee terminal acquires a video image output by a video image output unit (K) of the worship booth (D) identified by the worship booth identification information output by the worship terminal; 10. The method of claim 9 further comprising:

11. A worshipper information output step (p) in which the system control unit outputs user identification information included in a common user identification information, which is user identification information associated with the same worship information, to the worship terminal and the attendance terminal that hold the user identification information included in each common user identification information; A user identification information acquisition step (q) in which the worship terminal and the attendee terminal acquire the user identification information output in the worshipper information output step (p); a user identification information output step (r) in which the worship terminal and the attendance terminal output the user identification information acquired in the user identification information acquisition step (q); The method of claim 10, comprising:

12. An operating method as described in claim 11, comprising a worshipper-to-worshipper communication step (s) in which the worship terminal and attendance terminal communicate with other worship terminals and attendance terminals of users identified by the user identification information acquired in the user identification information acquisition step (q).

13. A video communication step (t) in which the system control unit performs video communication with the worship terminal and the attendance terminal; 11. The operating method according to claim 10, further comprising a video display step (u) for displaying the video transmitted from the worship terminal and the attendee terminal in the video communication step (t) and conducting two-way conversation.

14. A worship area photographing step (v) for photographing a video image of the worship area of ​​real people in the worship booth (D); A worship area moving image output step (w) in which the system control unit outputs the moving image taken in the worship area photographing step (v) to the worship terminal and attendance terminal used by the user identified by the user identification information who is worshiping at the worship booth (D) via the network; The method of claim 10, comprising:

15. An operation method in a columbarium system comprising a backyard, a worship hall, and a system control unit, a remains identification information storage step (a) for storing remains identification information that identifies the storage location of the remains of the deceased stored in the remains storage device storage section (A) or the remains storage device in which the remains of the deceased are stored; A worship booth identification information holding step (b) for holding worship booth identification information for identifying the worship booth (D); a worship information acquisition step (c) for acquiring worship information via a network, the worship information being comprised of remains identification information and worship booth identification information that identifies the worship booth selected by the worshipper according to religion or sect; a worship information output step (d) of outputting the acquired worship information to a transport control unit (C) in the backyard; A transport control step (e) in which the transport control unit (C) controls the transport unit (B) to transport the remains container identified by the worship information output in the worship information output step (d) to the worship booth (D) that is the destination identified by the worship information; a step (f) of setting the remains container that has been transported to the worship booth (D) under the control of the transport control step (e); a photographing driving step (g) for driving the worship-side photographing unit (E) of the worship booth (D) identified by the worship booth identification information acquired in the worship information acquisition step (c); a worshipper-side photographing step (h) in which the worshipper-side photographing unit (E) photographs a moving image of the worshipper booth (D) including the worshipper-side design that differs depending on the religion or sect and that is applied to the worship hall in which the worshipper booth (D) in which the remains storage device is set in the remains storage device setting step is located, with the worshipper or attendees attending the ceremony and the remains storage device included in the photographing subject; and a video output step (i) of outputting the video footage captured in the worshipper side photographing step (h) to the outside via a network.

16. A worship terminal capable of communicating with the system control unit via a network stores remains identifying information in a remains identifying information storage step (j); A worship booth identification information holding step (k) for holding worship booth identification information; a user identification information holding step (l) for identifying a user; A worship information storage step (m) for storing worship information that combines remains identification information and worship booth identification information; a worship information output step (n) in which the worship terminal associates the worship information stored in the worship information storage step (m) with user identification information stored by the worship terminal for identifying the user, and outputs the information to a system control unit via a network; a video image acquisition step (o) in which the worship terminal acquires a video image of the worship booth (D) identified by the worship booth identification information and output by the video image output unit (K); The program according to claim 15, further comprising:

17. A user identification information holding step (aa) in which a participant terminal capable of communicating with the system control unit via a network holds user identification information; an acquisition request output step (ab) in which the attendee terminal outputs an acquisition request for acquiring the video image output by the video image output unit (K) including the user identification information; a video image acquisition step (ac) in which the attendee terminal acquires a video image output by a video image output unit (K) of the worship booth (D) identified by the worship booth identification information output by the worship terminal; The program according to claim 16, further comprising:

18. A worshipper information output step (p) in which the system control unit outputs user identification information included in a common user identification information, which is user identification information associated with the same worship information, to the worship terminal and the attendance terminal that hold the user identification information included in each common user identification information; A user identification information acquisition step (q) in which the worship terminal acquires the user identification information output in the worshipper information output step (p); a user identification information output step (r) in which the worship terminal outputs the user identification information acquired in the user identification information acquisition step (q); The program according to claim 17, further comprising:

19. The program described in claim 18 further executes a worshipper-to-worshipper communication step (s) in which the worship terminal and the attendee terminal communicate with other worship terminals of users identified by the user identification information acquired in the user identification information acquisition step (q).

20. The program described in claim 17, wherein the system control unit further executes a video communication step (t) for performing video communication with the worship terminal and the attending terminal, and a video display step (u) for displaying the video transmitted from the worship terminal in the video communication step (t) and conducting two-way conversation.

21. a worship area photographing step (v) of photographing a moving image of the worship area of ​​real people in the worship booth (D); and a worship area moving image output step (w) of outputting the moving image photographed in the worship area photographing step (v) via a network to the worship terminal and attendance terminal used by the user identified by the user identification information who is worshipping at the worship booth (D); The program according to claim 17, further comprising:

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