Management computer, management system, and management application

Abstract

The system provides a management computer that allows multiple user terminals present at a designated venue to share information, including the names of multiple subjects and the order in which they are lined up, during the process of subjects moving from a waiting position to a target position at the designated venue. [Solution] A management computer 11 connected to multiple user terminals 13 via a communication network 12, having a processor 14, the multiple user terminals 13 include a user terminal 13 in which a first person in charge 40A inputs information at a first location Y1, a user terminal 13 in which a second person in charge 40B inputs information confirmed at a second location Y2, and a user terminal 13 used by a third person in charge 40D who reads out the names of award recipients A2 in order as they reach the target location X1, and the processor 14 can share information among the multiple user terminals 13.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management computer, a management system, and a management application for managing information input to a plurality of user terminals used in a predetermined venue.

Background Art

[0002] An example of an order management system for managing information in an event venue is described in Patent Document 1. The order management system described in Patent Document 1 is a system for managing the order waiting of visitors to an event venue. The order management system described in Patent Document 1 aims to provide an order management system that can reliably collect visitor information and efficiently manage the order waiting for both exhibitors and visitors.

[0003] The order management system described in Patent Document 1 includes a management computer that manages the entire system, a plurality of admission reception terminals connected to the management computer via a communication network, a plurality of departure reception terminals, a plurality of booth terminals, a plurality of stage terminals, and a plurality of customer terminals.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The inventor of the present application recognized that in the order management system described in Patent Document 1, in the process of a target person moving from a waiting position to a target position in a predetermined venue, information including the names of a plurality of target persons and the order in which the plurality of target persons are lined up cannot be shared by a plurality of user terminals existing in the predetermined venue, and there is still room for improvement.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a management computer, management system, and management application that enable multiple user terminals present at a designated venue to share information, including the names of multiple subjects and the order in which they are lined up, during the process of subjects moving from a waiting position to a target position at a designated venue. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This embodiment discloses a management computer connected to a plurality of user terminals via a communication network, having a processor for managing information input to the plurality of user terminals, wherein the plurality of user terminals include: a first user terminal in which a first person in charge inputs information confirmed at a first position along the path taken by a plurality of subjects who are waiting in a designated venue and are sequentially moving to a target position located at a different location within the designated venue, name and order of the subjects; a second user terminal in which a second person in charge inputs information confirmed at a second position located between the first position and the target position within the designated venue, name and order of the subjects when they move along the path from the first position to the target position; and a third user terminal used by a third person in charge who reads out the names of the plurality of subjects in order as they reach the target position after passing through the second position, and the processor is configured to transmit the information input to the first user terminal and the information input to the second user terminal to the third user terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the management computer of this embodiment, during the process in which subjects move from a waiting position to a target position at a predetermined venue, information including the names of multiple subjects and the order in which the multiple subjects are lined up can be shared among multiple user terminals present at the predetermined venue. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1]This is a block diagram outlining the management system. [Figure 2] This is a floor plan of an event venue, which is an example of what the management system controls. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing an example of an event's progress. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of how the management system works. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the initial screen displayed on the user terminal's display device. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user screen displayed on the user terminal's display device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] (overview) In this embodiment, a management system 10, a management computer 11, and an application are disclosed as shown in Figure 1. The management system 10 includes a management computer 11 and a plurality of user terminals 13 connected to the management computer 11 by a communication network 12. The communication network 12 includes one or more networks from among the Internet, a local area network, an intranet, and a wide area network.

[0011] In this embodiment, an example is described in which the communication network 12 is primarily the internet. The communication network 12 is composed of one or more communication systems, which are either wireless communication systems or wired communication systems. The communication systems consist of communication cables, antennas, repeaters, routers, access points, etc. When an application is launched, i.e., executed, on a user terminal 13, the user terminals 13 can share information with each other via the management computer 11. Multiple user terminals 13 are used and operated by, for example, multiple personnel 40 who operate and manage an event.

[0012] In this embodiment, an example is described where the event is an awards ceremony held at a company. At the event, the presenter 41, for example, a company representative, presents award recipients A2, for example, employees with outstanding performance, long service, or meritorious service. Note that the embodiment of the event is just one example, and this embodiment is not limited to a company awards ceremony. Also, in all the figures used to illustrate the embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0013] (Overview of the event venue) Figure 2 is a plan view showing an example of event venue B1. Event venue B1 includes a stage 33, a waiting area 34, an intermediate area 35, participant seats 36, administrator seats 37, etc. In the vertical direction of Figure 2, participant seats 36 are located between stage 33 and administrator seats 37. Also, waiting area 34 is located between stage 33 and participant seats 36. Also, intermediate area 35 is located between stage 33 and waiting area 34. For convenience, the vertical direction in Figure 2 may be understood as the front-to-back direction C1. Under this understanding, stage 33 is located at the very front in the front-to-back direction C1, and administrator seats 37 is located at the very back in the front-to-back direction C1.

[0014] (Example of event progression) Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the event's progress at event venue B1. At step S10, numerous award recipients A2 are seated in chairs at waiting area 34. The first person in charge 40A is at position Y1, near waiting area 34, within event venue B1. At step S11, based on the award recipient information obtained from the user terminal 13, the first person in charge 40A confirms the names and order of the award recipients A2 who will be going up to stage 33 and guides them to the back of the line at intermediate area 35. Upon receiving the guidance, the award recipients A2 stand up from their chairs at step S11, move through event venue B1, and head to the back of the line at intermediate area 35.

[0015] The second person in charge 40B is at the second position Y2 near the end of the intermediate location 35. In step S12, the second person in charge 40B checks the name and order of the awardee A2 who has come to the end of the intermediate location 35. The stage guide 40C is at the third position Y3 which is the head of the intermediate location 35. In step S13, the stage guide 40C checks the name and order of the awardee A2 and guides the awardee A2 to step onto the stage 33. The awardee A2 who is guided to step onto the stage 33 walks and steps onto the stage 33 in step S14. The item preparer 40E is in the backyard of the stage 33 and arranges and prepares items for each awardee A2 in the order that the awardee A2 comes to the target position X1.

[0016] In step S15, the awardee A2 receives an item from the presenter 41 at the target position X1 on the stage 33. The target position X1 is a position facing the presenter 41 with a desk 51隔开 on the stage 33. The announcer 40D introduces the name of the awardee A2 by voice. In step S15, the explainer 40G explains the profile of the awardee A2. Also, in step S15, the display administrator 40F causes the profile of the awardee A2 to be displayed on the display 38. The awardee A2 who has received the item at the target position X1 steps off the stage 33 in step S16.

[0017] The first position Y1, the second position Y2, the third position Y3 and the target position X1 are located at different places in the event venue B1. And on the path from the waiting place 34 to the target position X1 for the awardee A2, the first position Y1, the second position Y2 and the third position Y3 exist in this order, that is, the first position Y1, the second position Y2, the third position Y3 respectively. The second position Y2 and the third position exist between the first position Y1 and the target position X1.

[0018] (Management computer) The management computer 11 is a computer including a main body (casing), a processor 14, a main memory 15, an auxiliary memory 16, a communication device 17, etc. The processor 14 is provided inside the main body and is composed of a hardware circuit including a central processing unit (CPU (Central Processing Unit)) in which an arithmetic unit (arithmetic circuit) and a control unit (control circuit) are integrated. Further, the processor 14 may be composed of a processing circuit such as a digital signal processor or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit)) instead of or in addition to the central processing unit.

[0019] The processor 14 is communicably connected to the main memory 15, the auxiliary memory 16, the communication device 17, etc. via a bus 18. The processor 14 controls including other devices and circuits provided inside the main body and devices and circuits provided outside the main body.

[0020] The processor 14 executes processing by executing, that is, starting an application. The processing executed by the processor 14 includes arithmetic, judgment, comparison, control, etc. The processing executed by the processor 14 includes processing for reading information from the auxiliary memory 16, processing and judgment of information acquired from the user terminal 13 via the communication network 12, processing and judgment of information to be sent to the user terminal 13, addition, change, and update of information stored in the auxiliary memory 16, etc.

[0021] The main memory 15 is a volatile storage device, and the main memory 15 functions as a work area and a buffer area when the processor 14 executes processing. The auxiliary memory 16 is a non-volatile storage device, that is, a non-temporary storage medium. The capacity of the auxiliary memory 16 exceeds the capacity of the main memory 15, and the auxiliary memory 16 operates according to input commands and output commands from the processor 14.

[0022] The auxiliary memory 16 can be implemented by, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, flash memory, etc. An example of a magnetic disk is a hard disk drive. Examples of optical disks include compact discs, digital video discs, Blu-ray discs, etc. Flash memory is a type of semiconductor memory, and examples of flash memory include SD memory cards, USB flash drives, solid-state drives, etc. One or more elements included in the auxiliary memory 16 can be defined as a non-temporary storage medium 16A that can be attached to and detached from the main unit.

[0023] Auxiliary memory 16 stores non-temporary applications. These applications include programs, configuration files, data storage files, various libraries, etc. Auxiliary memory 16 also stores information before it is processed by processor 14, information after it has been processed by processor 14, and so on.

[0024] The processor 14 has a configuration that allows it to function as an event information processing unit 19, an award recipient information processing unit 20, a terminal management unit 21, a network management unit 22, and various information processing units 23 and an artificial intelligence unit 49 by launching applications stored in the auxiliary memory 16. The event information processing unit 19 processes event information, such as the event organizer, the location where the event will be held, and the date and time the event will be held. Furthermore, the event information processing unit 19 stores the results of processing the event information in the auxiliary memory 16. The award recipient information processing unit 20 processes award recipient information, which is information about award recipient A2.

[0025] The award recipient information is information about award recipient A2 who will be recognized by award recipient 41 at the event. The award recipient information includes award recipient A2's profile, A2's attendance and absence status at the event, the order in which A2 will arrive at the target position X1 on stage 33, the items each A2 will receive, etc. The A2's profile includes, for example, name, affiliated branch and sales office, award category and award content, achievements, etc. The award recipient information processing unit 20 stores the processing results of the award recipient information in the auxiliary memory 16. The processor 14 updates the event information and award recipient information stored in the auxiliary memory 16 each time it acquires new information from the user terminal 13.

[0026] The terminal management unit 21 has the function of identifying each of the multiple user terminals 13 and processing information exchanged between the management computer 11 and each user terminal 13. When a user terminal 13 connects to a website on the communication network 12 and the procedure for registering the user terminal 13 is performed, the terminal management unit 21 sets a username and password for each user terminal 13 and stores the set username and password in the auxiliary memory 16. After the user terminal 13 is registered, when an application is launched on the user terminal 13, the terminal management unit 21 compares the username and password registered in the auxiliary memory 16 with the username and password transmitted from the user terminal 13 to determine whether to allow or deny the login of the user terminal 13.

[0027] The network management unit 22 controls the communication status between the management computer 11 and the communication network 12. Furthermore, if the communication network 12 is an internetwork, the network management unit 22 has the function of managing websites provided on the communication network 12. The network management unit 22 provides websites containing various information and applications to the communication network 12. The network management unit 22 has the function of sending web pages written in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language), etc., to the user terminal 13, and the function of receiving information sent from the user terminal 13.

[0028] The various information processing units 23 are configured to process information and data that are not processed by the event information processing unit 19, the award recipient information processing unit 20, the terminal management unit 21, or the network management unit 22. The artificial intelligence unit 49 is an artificial intelligence (AI) equipped with transformers including GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer), BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers), etc., and language models such as recurrent neural networks, and is capable of performing generative artificial intelligence processing.

[0029] The language model is an example of a learning model using a machine learning algorithm. Specific machine learning algorithms include nearest neighbors, naive Bayes, decision trees, support vector machines, and deep learning using neural networks. The artificial intelligence unit 49 can apply the above algorithms as appropriate.

[0030] The artificial intelligence unit 49 may have a trained model constructed by a learning method such as supervised learning, unsupervised learning, or self-supervised learning. In supervised learning, machine learning is performed using training data that includes training data. Training data consists of pairs of input data for training and output data that includes correct answer data. The language model also includes models trained for specific tasks and general-purpose models that can be used universally for a wide range of tasks.

[0031] The artificial intelligence unit 49 has the function of generating a trained model by performing machine learning, such as deep learning using a neural network, based on various information and data stored in the auxiliary memory 16 and newly acquired information and data. The generated trained model is stored in the auxiliary memory 16. The trained model generated by the artificial intelligence unit 49, that is, artificial voice, is sent to the user terminal 13.

[0032] The communication device 17 includes devices, equipment, and standards for connecting the management computer 11 to the communication network 12. The devices and equipment for connecting the management computer 11 to the communication network 12 include communication circuits, communication cables, antennas, etc.

[0033] (User terminal) User terminal 13 is a computer used and operated by the person in charge 40. User terminal 13 is composed of, for example, a portable computer. Portable computers include tablet computers, notebook computers, smartphones, etc. The user terminal 13 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is an example of a tablet computer.

[0034] The user terminal 13 is connected to the management computer 11 via the communication network 12. The user terminal 13 includes the main body (casing) 13A shown in Figures 5 and 6, the processor 24 shown in Figure 1, main memory 25, auxiliary memory 26, operating device 27, display device 28, voice output device 29, communication device 31, etc. The processor 24 is located inside the main body and consists of hardware circuits including a central processing unit (CPU) which integrates an arithmetic unit (arithmetic circuit) and a control device (control circuit).

[0035] Furthermore, the processor 24 may replace the central processing unit, or it may consist of a central processing unit plus processing circuits such as a digital signal processor and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor 24 is connected to the main memory 25, auxiliary memory 26, operating device 27, display device 28, audio output device 29, communication device 31, etc. via the bus 32.

[0036] The main memory 25 is a volatile storage device, and it functions as a work area and buffer area when the processor 24 starts an application and executes processing. The auxiliary memory 26 is a non-volatile storage device, that is, a non-temporary storage medium. Non-temporary applications are stored in the auxiliary memory 26.

[0037] The capacity of the auxiliary memory 26 exceeds the capacity of the main memory 25, and the auxiliary memory 26 operates according to input and output commands from the processor 24. The auxiliary memory 26 can be implemented by, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, flash memory, etc. An example of a magnetic disk is a hard disk drive. An example of an optical disk is a compact disc, a digital video disc, a Blu-ray disc, etc. Flash memory is a type of semiconductor memory, and an example of a flash memory is an SD memory card, a USB flash drive, a solid-state drive, etc. The type of auxiliary memory 26 varies depending on the type, shape, and size of the user terminal 13. One or more elements included in the auxiliary memory 26 can be defined as a non-temporary storage medium 26A that can be attached to and detached from the main unit.

[0038] The operating device 27 is operated by the person in charge 40. The operating device 27 is operated when inputting information, signals, etc. to the user terminal 13, when executing various processes on the user terminal 13, when sending various information and data from the user terminal 13 to the management computer 11, when the user terminal 13 acquires various information and data from the management computer 11, etc.

[0039] The operating device 27 includes at least one element from, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescent display, a keyboard, a touchpad, a mouse, a switch, a lever, an operation button, an operation tab, etc. These elements vary depending on the type, shape, and size of the user terminal 13. The operating device 27 may be structured to be directly attached to the main body of the user terminal 13, or to be connected to the main body via a cable.

[0040] The display device 28 is a display that is visually inspected by the person in charge 40, and the display includes structures such as liquid crystal displays, organic electroluminescent displays, and plasma displays. The display device 28 is either directly attached to the main body of the user terminal 13 or connected to the main body via a cable. Figures 5 and 6 show a structure in which the display device 28 is directly attached to the main body of the user terminal 13. Note that the display may also be defined as a monitor. Various screens, information from websites on the communication network 12, etc., are displayed on the display device 28.

[0041] Furthermore, the display device 28 can display operation buttons, operation tabs, etc., on its screen. In other words, the display device 28 can perform some of the functions of the operating device 27. The display device 28 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is an example of a display device 28 that performs some of the functions of the operating device 27. By using and operating the operating device 27 and the display device 28, the person in charge 40 can perform various operations, input and change various types of information, acquire various types of information, connect the user terminal 13 to the management computer 11, etc.

[0042] The audio output device 47 is an electronic device that converts electrical signals into sound and outputs them. The audio output device 47 includes earphones, headphones, etc. The audio output device 47 may be directly attached to the main unit 13A or connected to the main unit 13A via a cable. The microphone 48 is an electronic component that converts acquired sound into an electrical signal and outputs it. The microphone 48 may be directly attached to the main unit 13A or connected to the main unit 13A via a cable. The signal output from the microphone 48 is processed by the processor 24.

[0043] The communication device 31 includes devices, equipment, and standards for connecting the user terminal 13 to the management computer 11 via the communication network 12. The devices and equipment for connecting the user terminal 13 to the management computer 11 include communication circuits, communication cables, antennas, routers, etc. Furthermore, the communication device 31 is communicatively connected to the camera 50. The camera 50 is installed in the event venue B1, for example, on the stage 33. The camera 50 captures video of the path from the beginning of the intermediate location 35 to the target location X1, and the video captured by the camera 50 is sent to the processor 24 via the communication device 31.

[0044] The processor 24 is configured to execute various processes and decisions by running, or starting, applications. The applications executed by the processor 24 may be native applications, web applications, or hybrid applications. Native applications are downloaded to the auxiliary memory 26 of the user terminal 13 and installed to become operational. Applications installed on the user terminal 13 are stored in the auxiliary memory 26. Web applications run on a web browser that connects the user terminal 13 to the communication network 12. Hybrid applications possess the characteristics of both native and web applications.

[0045] The information processed and judged by the processor 24 includes data, audio, text, barcodes, images, video, moving images, still images, signals, etc. The processing performed by the processor 24 includes calculations, judgments, comparisons, control, etc. The processing performed by the processor 24 includes reading information from the auxiliary memory 26, changing and updating information and data stored in the auxiliary memory 26, judging the operation of the operating device 27, processing information to be displayed on the display device 28, processing audio output from the speaker 42, processing audio output from the audio output device 47, processing audio acquired by the microphone 48, processing information to be displayed on the display 38, processing video acquired by the camera 50, processing information and data acquired from the management computer 11, processing information and data to be sent to the management computer 11, etc. Each user terminal 13 can share information with each other by connecting to a website provided by the management computer 110 to the communication network 12.

[0046] (Specific examples of event venues) Stage 33 is where award recipient A2, who has reached the target position X1, is presented with items such as a certificate of commendation, a letter of appreciation, a trophy, a shield, etc. The items presented to award recipient A2 will have the award recipient's name, award category, content of the award, date of award, etc., written on them. The path connecting the floor of event venue B1 and Stage 33 consists of stairs, ramps, etc. A desk 51, a display 38, a speaker 42, etc. are set up on Stage 33. The desk 51 is used as a place to temporarily put the items.

[0047] The display 38 includes structures such as liquid crystal displays, organic electroluminescent displays, and plasma displays. The display 38 displays the profile of award recipient A2 as visual information. The visual information includes text, videos, still images, illustrations, and photographs. The display 38 has one or more configurations, either being connected to the user terminal 13 in a communicative manner, or not being connected to the user terminal 13. The speaker 42 outputs the award recipient's profile, input to the microphone 43, as audio information. The speaker 42 is also installed in locations other than the stage 33 within the event venue B1. The speaker 42 has one or more configurations, either being connected to the user terminal 13 in a communicative manner, or being connected to the microphone 43 in a communicative manner.

[0048] Waiting area 34 is where many people gather before award recipient A2 goes up to stage 33, and waiting area 34 is divided into multiple blocks 34A. Each block 34A has many chairs (seats) arranged in a row both vertically and horizontally. The vertical direction is the same as the front-to-back direction C1. The position of each award recipient A2 in block 34A where they sit, and the position of the chair in block 34A where the award recipient A2 sits, are determined by predetermined criteria. Examples of predetermined criteria include alphabetical order of the award recipient A2's name, age order, by branch office, by sales office, and the order in which they appear on stage 33. After each award recipient A2 leaves stage 33, they either return to their original position in waiting area 34 or go outside the event venue B1.

[0049] Intermediate area 35 is where the award recipients A2, who are in waiting area 34, wait immediately before going up to stage 33. Multiple award recipients A2 wait in intermediate area 35 in a single line from front to back, in the order in which they will go up to stage 33. The order in which the award recipients A2 line up is determined by the award recipient information. The number of award recipients A2 waiting in intermediate area 35 is set to be, for example, less than 20.

[0050] Participant seating area 36 is a place where multiple members of the general public are located. These members of the general public are those who are not scheduled to appear on stage 33 at the event. They may include company employees who are not award recipient A1, or people related to award recipient A1, etc. Participant seating area 36 is divided into multiple blocks 36A. Each block 36A has numerous chairs (seats) arranged in a row both vertically and horizontally. The location of each block 36A where members of the general public will sit, and their specific seating positions within each block 36A, may be predetermined, or members of the general public may choose their own location within each block 36A and their seating position within each block 36A.

[0051] The administrator's desk 37 is where the staff members 40 who perform tasks related to the operation of the event are located. The staff members 40 include the first staff member 40A, the second staff member 40B, the stage guide 40C, the master of ceremonies (MC) 40D, the goods preparer 40E, the display manager 40F, the presenter 40G, the overall director 40H, etc. The staff members 40 are not always present at the administrator's desk 37, but are located in or move around within the event venue B1 according to the tasks they are assigned. Each staff member 40 operates and uses a user terminal 13. Each user terminal 13 is configured to share award recipient information by launching an application. The award recipient information includes the attendance status of each award recipient A2 at the event, the order in which each award recipient A2 will receive their award at the target location X1, each award recipient A2's profile, the type and number of items each award recipient A2 will receive, etc.

[0052] The first person in charge, 40A, is located around the waiting area 34. The first person in charge, 40A, checks the award recipient information obtained from the user terminal 13 and guides award recipient A2, who is in the waiting area 34, to the end of the line at the intermediate area 35 in the predetermined order and at the predetermined time. The first person in charge, 40A, also compares the award recipient information obtained from the user terminal 13 with award recipient A2, who is heading from the waiting area 34 to the intermediate area 35, and if they match, inputs that fact into the user terminal 13. Furthermore, if award recipient A2, as obtained from the user terminal 13, is absent on the day of the event, the first person in charge, 40A, can remove the absent award recipient A2 from the award recipient information. Furthermore, if the first person in charge 40A learns that award recipient A2 is attending the event but has temporarily left the event venue B1, the user terminal 13 can perform an operation to change the order in which award recipient A2 moves from the waiting area 34 to the intermediate area 35 among the award recipient information stored in the user terminal 13.

[0053] The second person in charge, 40B, is located near the end of the line at intermediate location 35. The second person in charge, 40B, checks whether the award recipient information obtained from user terminal 13 matches the order of award recipient A2 at the end of the line at intermediate location 35. If the order of award recipient A2 listed in the award recipient information on user terminal 13 does not match the order of award recipient A2 at intermediate location 35, the second person in charge, 40B, prompts each award recipient A2 to adjust their order at intermediate location 35 to match the order in the award recipient information. Furthermore, if the second person in charge, 40B confirms that the order of award recipient information stored on user terminal 13 matches the order of award recipient A2 at the end of the line at intermediate location 35, the second person in charge, 40B, inputs this fact into user terminal 13.

[0054] Stage guide 40C is located near the front of intermediate area 35. Stage guide 40C checks the award recipient information obtained from user terminal 13 and guides award recipient A2, who is at the front of intermediate area 35, to stage 33 at a predetermined time. Furthermore, when stage guide 40C learns from user terminal 13 that award recipient A2 has been guided to the back of intermediate area 35 and has temporarily disappeared, it performs an operation on user terminal 13 to change the order in which award recipient A2 will appear on stage 33.

[0055] Furthermore, if the order of award recipients A2 in the award recipient information does not match the order of award recipients A2 in the intermediate location 35, the stage guide 40C prompts each award recipient A2 to adjust their order in the intermediate location 35 to match the order of award recipients A2 in the award recipient information, and inputs confirmation on the user terminal 13 that the order of award recipients A2 in the award recipient information matches the order of award recipients A2 in the intermediate location 35. This situation occurs when an award recipient A2 who was in the intermediate location 35 temporarily goes to another location and then returns to the intermediate location 35.

[0056] The presenter 40D is primarily located at the administrator's seat 37. The presenter 40D checks the names of each of the multiple award recipients A2 and the order in which the multiple award recipients A2 will appear on stage 33 from the award recipient information on the user terminal 13. The presenter 40D then uses the microphone 43 to introduce the names of each award recipient A2 in order at predetermined intervals. The voice emitted by the presenter 40D is output from the speaker 42 placed in the event venue B1. The microphone 43 and speaker 42 may be configured to be either not connected to the user terminal 13 or connected to the user terminal 13. If the microphone 43 and speaker 42 are connected to the user terminal 13, the processor 24 processes the audio input to the microphone 43 and controls the audio output from the speaker 42. Each time the presenter 40D completes introducing an award recipient A2 included in the award recipient information, that fact is entered into the user terminal 13.

[0057] The item preparer 40E is on stage 33 and prepares the items to be handed to award recipient A2. Because item preparer 40E is in the back area above stage 33, item preparer 40E is not visible from the waiting area 34 and the participant seats 36. Item preparer 40E checks the award recipient information to confirm the items to be handed to each award recipient A2, and arranges each item in the order in which each award recipient A2 will appear on stage 33. Then, the presenter 41 hands the items to award recipient A2 on stage 33.

[0058] Display administrator 40F is located in the back room of stage 33 or at administrator's desk 37 and manages the content displayed on display 38. Display administrator 40F is located in the back room of stage 33 or at administrator's desk 37. Display administrator 40F displays the profile of award recipient A2, who will appear on stage 33, from the award recipient information of user terminal 13, on display 38 in the order in which award recipient A2 will appear on stage 33.

[0059] Presenter 40G is located in the back room of Stage 33 or at the administrator's seat 37. Presenter 40G explains the profile of award recipient A2, who will appear on Stage 33, using microphone 43 in Event Venue B1, in the order in which award recipient A2 will appear on Stage 33, and also operates speaker 42 in Event Venue B1 to output the information. The same person may also serve as facilitator 40D and presenter 40G, or facilitator 40D and presenter 40G may be separate individuals.

[0060] The supervising director 40H is located at the administrator's desk 37 and, based on information obtained from the user terminal 13, oversees and manages the other staff members 40, and also issues instructions to the other staff members 40.

[0061] (Example of a management system in operation) An example of the operation of the management system 10 is shown in the flowchart of Figure 4. This example assumes that the user terminal 13 accesses a website on the communication network 12 and that the user terminal 13 is registered with the management computer 11. Once the user terminal 13 is registered with the management computer 11, the application for managing events is downloaded to and installed on the user terminal 13. When the application is installed on the user terminal 13, an icon to launch the application is displayed on the display device 28. Each person in charge 40 performs their own tasks, such as confirmation or operation, by operating the user terminal 13 during the event. Operations include voice input, voice output, video output, etc.

[0062] When the person in charge 40 operates the user terminal 13 in step S20 and selects an icon displayed on the display device 28, a login screen is displayed on the display device 28. When the person in charge 40 enters a username and password on the login screen and completes the login operation, the application is launched in step S21 and a confirmation screen is displayed on the display device 28 to ask if it is already registered. Registered means that the event information and award recipient information have been registered in the management computer 11. If the management computer 11 determines No in step S22, a registration screen is displayed on the display device 28 in step S23.

[0063] Person in charge 40 operates the user terminal 13 to input event information and award recipient information and sends it to the management computer 11. In step S24, the processor 14 of the management computer 11 processes the event information and award recipient information obtained from the user terminal 13, stores (registers) it in the auxiliary memory 16, and terminates the control routine shown in Figure 4.

[0064] If the management computer 11 determines Yes in step S22, in step S25, the display device 28 displays the initial screen 28A shown in Figure 5. The initial screen 28A displays multiple mode buttons 44. The multiple mode buttons 44 correspond to, for example, call confirmation mode, row confirmation mode, facilitator mode, backstage mode, director confirmation mode, status mode, etc. For example, the call confirmation mode is selected by the first person in charge 40A. The row confirmation mode is selected by the second person in charge 40B. The final confirmation mode is selected by the stage guide 40C. The facilitator mode is selected by the facilitator 40D and the presenter 40G. The backstage mode is selected by the goods preparer 40E and the display manager 40F. The director confirmation mode is selected by the overall director 40H. Note that any of the above persons in charge 40 may select each mode.

[0065] In step S25, when the person in charge 40 selects a mode by operating one of the mode buttons 44 on the initial screen 28A, the display device 28 displays a user screen corresponding to the selected mode. In step S26, each person in charge 40 can perform operations such as changing and confirming the award recipient information included in the user screen, inputting audio, outputting video, etc. The award recipient information changed by the person in charge 40 in step S26 is sent to the management computer 11 in step S27, and the process proceeds to step S24.

[0066] The processes and operations in steps S25, S26, and S27 of Figure 4, and the routine that proceeds from step S27 to step S24, are performed during the execution of the event shown in Figure 3.

[0067] Figure 6 shows an example of the user screen 28B. The user screen 28B displays the list 45 and the operation menu 46. The list 45 displays items such as order, name, branch office, sales office, item, and confirmation, arranged horizontally, i.e., left to right, on the initial screen 28A. Here, the items order, name, branch office, and sales office are award recipient information. In other words, the award recipient information for each award recipient A2 is displayed vertically on the initial screen 28A. The vertical direction on the initial screen 28A refers to the up and down direction in Figure 6. Order refers to the order in which each award recipient A2 will appear on stage 33. The lower the display position in Figure 6, the lower the order. Name refers to the name of each award recipient A2. Branch office indicates the branch office to which each award recipient A2 belongs within the company. Sales office indicates which of the sales offices included in the branch office the award recipient A2 belongs to.

[0068] The items indicate the type and number of items to be handed to award recipient A2. Confirmation includes whether the first person in charge 40A, the second person in charge 40B, and the stage guide 40C confirmed the name and order of award recipient A2. Confirmation also includes whether the presenter 40D read out the name of award recipient A2 upon reaching the target position X1. Furthermore, confirmation includes whether the item preparer 40E confirmed the name and order of award recipient A2 in the back room before presenting the items to award recipient A2. Confirmation also includes whether the display manager 40F performed the operation to display award recipient A2's profile on display 38. Furthermore, confirmation includes whether the presenter 40G performed the operation (task) of inputting award recipient A2's profile into the microphone 43 and outputting it as audio from the speaker 42. The "○" mark indicates that confirmation or operation has been performed, while the "×" mark indicates that confirmation or operation has not been performed. Note that the items displayed on the user screen 28B may differ depending on the selected mode button 44.

[0069] When an operation is performed to select one of the award recipients A2, a detailed screen containing more specific information about the selected award recipient A2 is displayed on the display device 28. The detailed screen includes items such as the pitch, emphasis, and pauses when reading out the award recipient A2's name, the award category and award details, a message addressed to award recipient A2, and an indication that it is the last award category. Furthermore, the operations that can be performed on the detailed screen, such as filling in, changing, deleting, and updating, may differ depending on the mode. Here, when it is said that the operations that can be performed on the user screen 28B differ depending on the mode, it means that one or more operations differ.

[0070] Furthermore, by selecting any one of the award recipients A2 on the displayed user screen 28B, it is also possible to remove the selected award recipient A2 from the list, change the order of the selected award recipients A2, and so on. Removing any of the award recipients A2 from the list is done when it is discovered that an award recipient A2 who was scheduled to participate in the event will be absent for any reason. Changing the order of the award recipients A2 is done when it is discovered that an award recipient A2 has lined up at the back of the intermediate area 35 but has temporarily moved to another location and is absent, for example. The operation of selecting whether or not to perform confirmation is performed by the first person in charge 40A, the second person in charge 40B, and the stage guide 40C, depending on the progress of their respective confirmation items.

[0071] The operation menu 46 includes menus such as the lock menu, dominant hand menu, and home. When unlock is selected in the lock menu, the contents of the user screen 28B can be changed. When lock is selected in the lock menu, the contents of the user screen 28B cannot be changed. When the dominant hand menu is selected, the position of each item included in the award recipient information can be changed in the left-right direction of the user screen 28B.

[0072] For example, if the confirmation items are located on the far right of the user screen 28B, a right-handed person 40 can easily operate the confirmation items with their right hand. Conversely, if the confirmation items are located on the far left of the user screen 28B, a left-handed person 40 can easily operate the confirmation items with their left hand. The person 40 can change the layout of the user screen 28B according to their dominant hand. When the Home menu is selected, the initial screen 28A shown in Figure 5 is displayed on the display device 28.

[0073] Furthermore, the processor 24 of the user terminal 13 has a function to display the remaining number of people / total number of people for each award category, while the user screen 28B is displayed on the display device 28 as shown in Figure 6. The total number of attendees is the total number of award recipients A2 who will take the stage at Stage 33 to receive their awards. The remaining number is the total number of attendees minus the number of award recipients A2 who received their awards at Stage 33. Also, when status mode is selected on the initial screen 28A shown in Figure 5, the person in charge 40 can check event information, award recipient information, event progress, etc. on the user screen 28B. In status mode, it is not possible to input, delete, or change event information, award recipient information, event progress, etc.

[0074] (Effects of the embodiment) In this embodiment, multiple user terminals 13 can share award recipient information via the management computer 11 during the event. Furthermore, during the event, each person in charge 40 can change and confirm the names of each award recipient A2 and the order in which each award recipient A2 appears on stage 33. Therefore, the order and timing of when a predetermined award recipient A2 arrives at the target position X1 on stage 33 and when the presenter 41 hands over the item to the award recipient A2 can be synchronized with the order and timing of when the presenter 40D reads out the name of the predetermined award recipient A2 and displays the award recipient A2's profile on the display 38. Consequently, the presenter 40D can correctly read out the name of each award recipient A2, avoid making mistakes in awarding items to award recipient A2, ensure the event proceeds smoothly, and prevent award recipient A2 from feeling uncomfortable.

[0075] (Other controls and effects) Other controls performed by the management system 10 are as follows: The processor 24 of the user terminal 13 may, in step S14 of Figure 3, determine the timing when award recipient A2 will reach the target position X1, and in step S15, transmit the award recipient information of award recipient A2 to the display 38, thereby automatically displaying the award recipient information on the display 38. The processor 24 can estimate the timing when award recipient A2 will reach the target position X1 based on the elapsed time since the stage guide 40C performed the confirmation operation for award recipient A2.

[0076] When the processor 24 performs the above control, it is assumed that the standard time required from the moment the stage guide 40C confirms the award recipient A2 until A2 goes up to the stage 33 has been pre-entered on one of the user terminals 13 and is shared with all user terminals 13 via the management computer 11. The processor 24 can then determine the timing when award recipient A2 will reach the target position X1 by comparing the standard time required with the elapsed time. Alternatively, the processor 24 may determine the timing when award recipient A2 will reach the target position X1 by processing the video captured by the camera 50. When the processor 24 performs the above control, the workload of the display administrator 40F is reduced.

[0077] Furthermore, the processor 24 of the user terminal 13 can also perform control in step S15 of Figure 3 to automatically output the name of award recipient A2 in artificial voice (AI voice) from the speaker 42 when award recipient A2 reaches the target position X1. When the processor 24 performs this control, the workload of the presenter 40D is reduced.

[0078] Furthermore, the processor 24 of the user terminal 13 can also control the speech output device 47 to automatically read aloud the name of the award recipient A2 who will next reach the target position X1, that is, the award recipient A2 who is at the front of the intermediate location 35, using artificial voice. When the processor 24 performs this control, the presenter 40D can accurately control the intonation and emphasis of the name of award recipient A2 that will be read aloud next.

[0079] (Other explanations) An example of the technical meaning disclosed in this embodiment is as follows: Management system 10 is an example of a management system. Management computer 11 is an example of a management computer. User terminal 13 is an example of a user terminal, a first user terminal, a second user terminal, a third user terminal, a fourth user terminal, a fifth user terminal, a sixth user terminal, and a seventh user terminal. Communication network 12 is an example of a communication network. Processor 14 is an example of a processor of a management computer. Display 38 is an example of a display. Speaker 42 is an example of a speaker.

[0080] Event venue B1 is an example of a designated venue. Waiting area 34 is an example of a waiting area. Award recipient A2 is an example of a recipient. Target position X1 is an example of a target position. First position Y1 is an example of the first position. Second position Y2 is an example of the second position. First person in charge 40A is an example of the first person in charge. Second person in charge 40B is an example of the second person in charge. Facilitator 40D is an example of the third person in charge. Material preparer 40E is an example of the fourth person in charge. Display manager 40F is an example of the fifth person in charge. Presenter 40G is an example of the sixth person in charge. Camera 50 is an example of a camera.

[0081] The number of times (number of personnel) the route from waiting area 34 to target location X1 is checked may be 2 or 4 or more. If the route from waiting area 34 to target location X1 is checked twice, it is desirable to select a first personnel 40A who guides from waiting area 34 to the entrance of intermediate area 35, and a second personnel 40B who is at the entrance of intermediate area 35. The event may be an induction ceremony, etc. The designated location may be either indoors or outdoors. [Industrial applicability]

[0082] This disclosure can be used as a management computer, management system, and management application for managing information entered into multiple user terminals used at a designated venue. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 10...Management system, 11...Management computer, 12...Communication network, 13...User terminal, 14...Processor, 34...Standby area, 38...Display, 40A...First person in charge, 40B...Second person in charge, 40C...Third person in charge, 40D...Fourth person in charge, 40E...Fifth person in charge, 40F...Sixth person in charge, 40G...Seventh person in charge, 42...Speaker, 50...Camera, A2...Award recipient, B1...Event venue, X1...Target position, Y1...First position, Y2...Second position

Claims

1. A management computer connected to multiple user terminals via a communication network, The system has a processor that manages the information input to the aforementioned multiple user terminals, The aforementioned user terminals are A first user terminal in which a first person in charge inputs the names and order of multiple subjects who are waiting in a designated venue and are sequentially moving to a target location that is different from the waiting location in the same venue, based on information confirmed at a first location along the route the multiple subjects are traveling. A second user terminal in which a second person in charge inputs the names and order of multiple persons moving from the first position to the target position along the aforementioned route, based on information confirmed at a second position located between the first position and the target position at the predetermined venue. A third user terminal used by a third person in charge, which reads out the names of the multiple subjects in order at the timing when each of the multiple subjects who have passed through the second position arrives at the target position, Includes, The processor is a management computer configured to transmit information input to the first user terminal and information input to the second user terminal to the third user terminal.

2. A management system comprising a plurality of user terminals and a management computer connected to the plurality of user terminals via a communication network, The aforementioned user terminals are A first user terminal in which a first person in charge inputs the names and order of multiple subjects who are waiting in a designated venue and are sequentially moving to a target location that is different from the waiting location in the same venue, based on information confirmed at a first location along the route the multiple subjects are traveling. A second user terminal in which a second person in charge inputs the names and order of multiple persons moving from the first position to the target position along the aforementioned route, based on information confirmed at a second position located between the first position and the target position at the predetermined venue. A third user terminal used by a third person in charge, which reads out the names of the multiple subjects in order at the timing when each of the multiple subjects who have passed through the second position arrives at the target position, Includes, The management computer is configured to transmit information input to the first user terminal and information input to the second user terminal to the third user terminal.

3. A management system according to claim 2, A display is further provided, which is placed in the aforementioned designated venue and displays the profile of the subject. The management system includes a fourth user terminal used by a fourth person in charge who, when the target person reaches the target location, performs an operation to display the profile of the target person on the display.

4. A management system according to claim 2, A management system in which the plurality of user terminals include a fifth user terminal used by a fifth person in charge, which arranges items to be handed to the target person when the target person reaches the target location in the order in which the plurality of target people reach the target location.

5. A management system according to claim 3, A camera is further provided to capture video of the path leading to the aforementioned target location. The aforementioned multiple terminals are Processing the video from the aforementioned camera to determine whether or not the subject has reached the target position, When it is determined that the subject has reached the target location, the process is performed to display the profile of the subject who has reached the target location on the display. A management system including a sixth user terminal that executes the following.

6. A management system according to claim 2, A camera positioned at the aforementioned designated venue and capturing video of the route leading to the aforementioned target location, A speaker is placed in the aforementioned designated venue and outputs the profile of the subject in audio, Furthermore, The aforementioned multiple terminals are Processing the video from the aforementioned camera to determine whether or not the subject has reached the target position, When it is determined that the subject has reached the target location, the process involves outputting the profile of the subject who has reached the target location through the speaker. A management system including a seventh user terminal that executes the following.

7. A management application that runs on each of multiple user terminals interconnected via a communication network, The aforementioned user terminals are A first user terminal in which a first person in charge inputs the names and order of multiple subjects who are waiting in a designated venue and are sequentially moving to a target location that is different from the waiting location in the same venue, based on information confirmed at a first location along the route the multiple subjects are traveling. A second user terminal in which a second person in charge inputs the names and order of multiple persons moving from the first position to the target position along the aforementioned route, based on information confirmed at a second position located between the first position and the target position at the predetermined venue. A third user terminal used by a third person in charge, which reads out the names of the multiple subjects in order at the timing when each of the multiple subjects who have passed through the second position arrives at the target position, Includes, A management application configured to share information entered into the first user terminal and information entered into the second user terminal with the third user terminal.

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