Reservation management system and program

Abstract

To obtain a reservation management system and program that allows for the reservation of construction equipment to be made with the user's convenience given as much priority as possible. [Solution] The schedule management system 90 includes a reception unit 11A1 that accepts reservations for the use of construction equipment, which is equipment used at construction sites, from multiple reservation holders via a reception screen with a predetermined configuration, while allowing overlapping usage times; an adjustment unit 11A31 that adjusts the usage times to resolve any overlaps in the usage times of accepted reservations; and a display control unit 11A2 that controls the reception unit 11A1 to display reservation status information, which indicates the reservation acceptance status at that time, on a display unit that can be viewed by the reservation holder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a reservation management system and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, the following technologies have been available as technologies for managing the use of construction equipment such as cranes and heavy equipment used at construction sites.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a hoisting management system aimed at enabling efficient recording and unified management of hoisting results.

[0004] This hoisting management system is a hoisting management system having a data input terminal, an operation log acquisition device, and a hoisting management server. The data input terminal includes an input unit that receives input of hoisting information regarding the content of hoisting by a hoisting device, a hoisting time measurement unit that measures the hoisting time from the start to the end of hoisting required for the hoisting in response to the start and end of measurement being input from the input unit, and a hoisting information transmission unit that transmits the hoisting information input by the input unit, including the hoisting time, to the hoisting management server. The operation log acquisition device includes an operation log acquisition unit that acquires the operation log of the hoisting device in the hoisting based on the hoisting information, and an operation log transmission unit that transmits the operation log acquired by the operation log acquisition unit to the hoisting management server. The hoisting management server is characterized by including a storage unit that stores the hoisting information transmitted from the hoisting information transmission unit and the operation log transmitted from the operation log transmission unit.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a material and equipment movement management system aimed at enabling efficient management of the processes of loading, unloading, and hoisting of materials and equipment at a construction site.

[0006] This movement management system comprises a portable information terminal with browser functionality, a computer with browser functionality, a computer with server functionality, and a communication network to which each of the information devices is interconnected, all of which are owned by multiple parties involved in a construction project. The computer with server functionality is provided with storage means for storing management information related to the movement of materials and equipment. Each of the information devices owned by the parties involved has input means for inputting the specific work plans of the parties involved in the project as schedules, and viewing means for viewing said schedules. The system is characterized by providing adjustment means for storing the schedules entered by each information device in the storage means, viewing the schedules of other parties that have been entered by each party using the viewing means, and modifying the schedules that each party has entered to match the schedules of other parties to adjust the specific work plans among the parties involved, as well as agreement formation means for reaching an agreement among the parties regarding the specific work plans, and dissemination means for making the agreed-upon content known.

[0007] Patent Document 3 discloses a material lifting management system aimed at efficiently managing the lifting operations of materials at construction sites.

[0008] This material lifting management system is characterized by comprising: an information input means for inputting information regarding the usage schedule of a lifting device for lifting materials to be brought into a construction site, including the scheduled date of use, scheduled time of use, user, lifting material, lifting destination, and lifting weight; an information registration means for registering the information input by the information input means into a database; an aggregation means for appropriately aggregating information regarding the usage schedule of the lifting device for each scheduled date of use based on the information registered in the database; and an output means for outputting the aggregation results of the aggregation means. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7042590 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-362088 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-307132 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] Incidentally, construction equipment such as lifting machines and heavy machinery used at construction sites are often shared by multiple cooperating companies that are cooperating in the construction at that site. For example, elevators and cranes are essential to be shared by multiple cooperating companies. On the other hand, since the number of construction machines that are shared is limited, it goes without saying that in order to proceed with the planned construction as smoothly and on schedule as possible, it is necessary for multiple cooperating companies to use the construction equipment efficiently. For this reason, currently, it is common for multiple cooperating companies to reserve the use of construction equipment in advance.

[0011] On the other hand, the reservation methods for the construction equipment used in the types of work described above (hereinafter referred to as "work classifications") included reservations specifying the time of use (hereinafter also referred to as "regular reservations"), reservations specifying the time of use (hereinafter also referred to as "spot reservations"), and reservations in which no time of use is specified (hereinafter also referred to as "task reservations"). In the following, regular reservations and spot reservations will be collectively referred to as "scheduled reservations."

[0012] Traditionally, in situations where various types of reservations, such as regular reservations, spot reservations, and task reservations, are mixed together, there is a high possibility of overlapping reservations for shared construction equipment, making it difficult to prioritize the convenience of the reservation holder.

[0013] Furthermore, the technologies described in the above patent documents do not take this problem into consideration and are therefore ineffective in addressing it.

[0014] This invention has been made in view of the above facts, and aims to provide a reservation management system and program that allows reservations for the use of construction equipment to be made with the convenience of the person making the reservation given as much priority as possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The reservation management system according to claim 1 includes: a reception unit that accepts reservations for the use of construction equipment, which is equipment used at construction sites, from multiple reservation holders via a reception screen with a predetermined configuration, while allowing overlapping usage times; an adjustment unit that adjusts the usage times to resolve any overlaps in the usage times of the accepted reservations; and a display control unit that controls the reception unit to display reservation status information, which indicates the reservation acceptance status at that time, on a display unit that can be referenced by the reservation holder.

[0016] According to the reservation management system of the present invention as described in claim 1, reservations for the use of construction equipment used at construction sites are accepted from multiple reservation holders via a predetermined reception screen, while allowing for overlapping usage times. If there are overlapping usage times among the accepted reservations, the system adjusts the usage times to resolve the overlap. When accepting a reservation, the system controls the display of reservation status information, which indicates the reservation acceptance status at that time, on a display unit accessible to the reservation holder. This allows for reservations for the use of construction equipment that prioritize the convenience of the reservation holder as much as possible.

[0017] The reservation management system according to claim 2 is the reservation management system according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment unit performs the adjustment in response to instructions input by the adjuster.

[0018] According to the reservation management system of the present invention as described in claim 2, by performing adjustments in response to instructions input by the adjuster, the adjustments can be performed with greater accuracy compared to when the adjustments are performed according to a predetermined priority order.

[0019] The reservation management system according to claim 3 is the reservation management system according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment unit performs the adjustments according to a predetermined priority order.

[0020] According to the reservation management system of the present invention as described in claim 3, by performing the above adjustments in accordance with predetermined priorities, the adjustments can be performed more easily compared to when the adjustments are performed in response to instructions input by the adjuster.

[0021] The reservation management system according to claim 4 is the reservation management system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the reception screen is a screen that can be selectively applied from two screens: a first screen that allows setting the actual time when the construction equipment is to be used as the usage time, and a second screen that allows setting a time range as the usage time when the construction equipment is to be used as the usage time, and the reception unit uses the first screen for reservations when structural work is to be carried out at the construction site, and uses the second screen for reservations when interior work is to be carried out at the construction site, respectively.

[0022] According to the reservation management system of the present invention as described in claim 4, the reception screen is a screen that can be selectively applied from two screens: a first screen that allows setting the actual time when the construction equipment is to be used as the usage time, and a second screen that allows setting the time range when the construction equipment is to be used as the usage time. By using the first screen for reservations when structural work is carried out at a construction site, and the second screen for reservations when interior work is carried out at a construction site, reservations can be accepted in a way that is more in line with the actual situation.

[0023] The reservation management system according to claim 5 is the reservation management system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the construction equipment is at least one of a lifting machine and heavy machinery.

[0024] According to the reservation management system according to the present invention described in claim 5, by using a construction machine as at least one of a crane and a hoisting machine, it is possible to make a reservation for using at least one of the crane and the hoisting machine with priority given as much as possible to the convenience of the person making the reservation.

[0025] The reservation management system according to the present invention described in claim 6 is the reservation management system described in claim 5, wherein the crane is at least one of an elevator and a crane.

[0026] According to the reservation management system according to the present invention described in claim 6, by using a crane as an elevator, it is possible to make a reservation for using at least one of the elevator and the crane with priority given as much as possible to the convenience of the person making the reservation.

[0027] The reservation management system according to the present invention described in claim 7 is the reservation management system described in claim 1 or claim 2, further including an alert generation unit that issues an alert when the reservation received by the reception unit overlaps with the usage time of another reservation.

[0028] According to the reservation management system according to the present invention described in claim 7, by issuing an alert when the received reservation overlaps with the usage time of another reservation, it is possible to let the user know that there is a reservation that overlaps with the received reservation.

[0029] The program according to the present invention described in claim 8 is for making a reservation for the use of a construction machine, which is a device used at a construction site, via a reception screen having a predetermined configuration and accepting reservations from a plurality of reservation makers in a state where overlapping of usage times is allowed. When there is an overlap with the usage time of the received reservation, the usage time is adjusted so that the overlap is eliminated, and when accepting the reservation, control is performed to display reservation status information indicating the reception status of the reservation at that time on a display unit that can be referred to by the reservation maker, and causing the computer to execute the process.

[0030] According to the program of the present invention as described in claim 8, reservations for the use of construction equipment used at construction sites can be accepted from multiple users via a pre-configured reception screen, while allowing for overlapping usage times. If there are overlapping usage times among the accepted reservations, the usage times are adjusted to resolve the overlap. When accepting a reservation, reservation status information showing the reservation status at that time is displayed on a display unit accessible to the user, thereby enabling the reservation of construction equipment to be made with the user's convenience given as much priority as possible. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to make reservations for the use of construction equipment while prioritizing the convenience of the person making the reservation as much as possible. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] [Figure 1] Block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the reservation management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows an example of the functional configuration of a reservation management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the first reservation management database according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the second reservation management database according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of the reservation acceptance process according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed in the reservation terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed in the reservation terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed in the reservation terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed in the reservation terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed in the reservation terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows an example of the reservation adjustment process according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed in the reservation management server according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed in the reservation management server according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] This flowchart shows an example of the flow of the scheduled display and actual registration process according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed in a mobile terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 16] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed in a mobile terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 17] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed in a mobile terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 18] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed in a mobile terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 19] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed in a mobile terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 20] This flowchart shows an example of the performance approval process according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed in the reservation management server according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the reservation management system according to the present invention will be described in which the reservation management system according to the present invention is applied to a reservation management system for elevators used to transport materials and equipment to and from a building at a construction site where the building is being constructed. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the construction equipment of the present invention may also include other lifting machines such as cranes, or at least one of heavy machinery such as bulldozers, backhoes, wheel loaders, dump trucks, and concrete mixer trucks.

[0034] First, the configuration of the reservation management system 90 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the reservation management system 90 according to this embodiment.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, the reservation management system 90 according to this embodiment includes a reservation management server 10, a plurality of mobile terminals 30, and a plurality of reservation terminals 50, each of which is accessible to the network 80. Examples of the reservation management server 10 and reservation terminals 50 include information processing devices such as personal computers and server computers. Examples of mobile terminals 30 include portable terminals such as smartphones, tablet terminals, and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants). However, the system is not limited to these forms, and the reservation management server 10 and reservation terminals 50 may be mobile terminals such as smartphones, or the mobile terminals 30 may be stationary information processing devices.

[0036] The mobile terminal 30 according to this embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31 as a processor, a memory 32 as a temporary storage area, a non-volatile storage unit 33, an input unit 34 such as a touch panel, a display unit 35 such as a liquid crystal display, and a media read / write (R / W) device 36. The mobile terminal 30 also includes a wireless communication unit 38 and a position detection unit 39. The CPU 31, memory 32, storage unit 33, input unit 34, display unit 35, media read / write device 36, wireless communication unit 38, and position detection unit 39 are connected to each other via bus B3. The media read / write device 36 reads information written to the recording medium 37 and writes information to the recording medium 37.

[0037] The storage unit 33 is implemented by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, etc. The storage unit 33, as a storage medium, stores the mobile terminal processing program 33A. The mobile terminal processing program 33A is stored (installed) in the storage unit 33 when the recording medium 37 on which the program 33A is written is set in the media read / write device 36, and the media read / write device 36 reads the program 33A from the recording medium 37. The CPU 31 reads the mobile terminal processing program 33A from the storage unit 33 as appropriate, loads it into the memory 32, and sequentially executes the processes contained in the program 33A.

[0038] Furthermore, the position detection unit 39 is for detecting its own position and transmitting position information indicating that position. In this embodiment, a system using GPS (Global Positioning Systems) is used as the system for position detection by the position detection unit 39, but it is not limited to this. For example, a system using beacons, two-dimensional codes, or atmospheric pressure may be used as the system for position detection by the position detection unit 39.

[0039] On the other hand, the reservation terminal 50 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 51 as a processor, a memory 52 as a temporary storage area, a non-volatile storage unit 53, an input unit 54 such as a keyboard and mouse, a display unit 55 such as a liquid crystal display, a media read / write device 56, and a communication interface (I / F) unit 58. The CPU 51, memory 52, storage unit 53, input unit 54, display unit 55, media read / write device 56, and communication I / F unit 58 are connected to each other via bus B5. The media read / write device 56 reads information written on the recording medium 57 and writes information to the recording medium 57.

[0040] The storage unit 53 is implemented by an HDD, SSD, flash memory, etc. The storage unit 53, as a storage medium, stores the reserved terminal processing program 53A. The reserved terminal processing program 53A is stored (installed) in the storage unit 53 when the recording medium 57 on which the program 53A is written is set in the media read / write device 56, and the media read / write device 56 reads the program 53A from the recording medium 57. The CPU 51 reads the reserved terminal processing program 53A from the storage unit 53 as appropriate, loads it into the memory 52, and sequentially executes the processes contained in the program 53A.

[0041] On the other hand, the reservation management server 10 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 11 as a processor, a memory 12 as a temporary storage area, a non-volatile storage unit 13, an input unit 14 such as a keyboard and mouse, a display unit 15 such as a liquid crystal display, a media read / write device 16, and a communication interface (I / F) unit 18. The CPU 11, memory 12, storage unit 13, input unit 14, display unit 15, media read / write device 16, and communication I / F unit 18 are connected to each other via bus B1. The media read / write device 16 reads information written on the recording medium 17 and writes information to the recording medium 17.

[0042] The storage unit 13 is implemented by an HDD, SSD, flash memory, etc. The storage unit 13, as a storage medium, stores a reservation acceptance program 13A, a reservation adjustment program 13B, a schedule display / actual registration program 13C, and an actual approval program 13D. These programs are stored (installed) into the storage unit 13 when the recording medium 17 on which the programs are written is set in the media read / write device 16, and the media read / write device 16 reads the above programs from the recording medium 17. The CPU 11 reads the reservation acceptance program 13A, the reservation adjustment program 13B, the schedule display / actual registration program 13C, and the actual approval program 13D from the storage unit 13 as appropriate and loads them into memory 12, and sequentially executes the processes of these programs.

[0043] Furthermore, the memory unit 13 stores the first reservation management database 13E and the second reservation management database 13F. The first reservation management database 13E and the second reservation management database 13F will be described in detail later.

[0044] Next, with reference to Figure 2, the functional configuration of the reservation management system 90 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the reservation management system 90 according to this embodiment.

[0045] As shown in Figure 2, the reservation management server 10 according to this embodiment includes a management unit 11A. The CPU 11 of the reservation management server 10 functions as the management unit 11A by executing a reservation acceptance program 13A, a reservation adjustment program 13B, a schedule display / actual registration program 13C, and an actual approval program 13D. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 30 according to this embodiment includes a display unit 31A. The CPU 31 of the mobile terminal 30 functions as the display unit 31A by executing a mobile terminal processing program 33A. In addition, the reservation terminal 50 according to this embodiment includes a display unit 51A. The CPU 51 of the reservation terminal 50 functions as the display unit 51A by executing a reservation terminal processing program 53A.

[0046] The management unit 11A of the reservation management server 10 according to this embodiment manages reservations for the use of construction equipment (hereinafter simply referred to as "construction equipment"), which is equipment used at construction sites, separately for each of several types of work classifications, including at least one work classification with no specified time for using the construction equipment. Reservations for work in this work classification with no specified time correspond to the "task reservations" described above.

[0047] In this embodiment, the booking of work for "multiple types of work classifications" includes not only task bookings but also the regular bookings and spot bookings described above.

[0048] As described above, a regular reservation in this embodiment is a reservation in which the time of use is specified, while a spot reservation is a reservation in which the time period of use is specified. In this embodiment, for a spot reservation, either the morning or afternoon can be specified within the working hours at the construction site, and for a regular reservation, a time period shorter than that of a spot reservation can be specified. Hereinafter, the work classification corresponding to task reservations will be referred to as "work classification without time specification," while the work classification corresponding to regular reservations and spot reservations will be referred to as "work classification with time specification."

[0049] The management unit 11A of the reservation management server 10 according to this embodiment includes a reception unit 11A1, a display control unit 11A2, a decision unit 11A3, a registration unit 11A4, a processing unit 11A5, and an alert generation unit 11A6. Furthermore, the decision unit 11A3 according to this embodiment includes an adjustment unit 11A31.

[0050] In this embodiment, the reception unit 11A1 accepts reservations for the use of construction equipment from multiple users via a pre-configured reception screen, while allowing overlapping usage times. Furthermore, when the reception unit 11A1 accepts a reservation, the display control unit 11A2 controls the display of reservation status information, which indicates the reservation status at that time, on a display unit (in this embodiment, the display unit 55 of the reservation terminal 50) that the user can refer to. That is, the reception unit 11A1 in this embodiment accepts reservations for the use of construction equipment with the reservation status information displayed by the control unit 11A2.

[0051] In this embodiment, the display control unit 11A2 controls the display of reservation status information for each of the multiple types of work classifications managed by the management unit 11A in a predetermined screen configuration. In particular, the display control unit 11A2 in this embodiment controls the display of reservation status information in a screen configuration divided by type of work classification.

[0052] On the other hand, the decision unit 11A3 according to this embodiment determines the final schedule for the use of construction equipment for each of the multiple types of work classifications for which reservations have been accepted by the reception unit 11A1, according to a predetermined priority order. In particular, the decision unit 11A3 according to this embodiment prioritizes scheduling reservations for work classifications other than work classifications with no specified time over reservations for work classifications with no specified time. This makes it possible to make reservations for the use of construction equipment more efficiently.

[0053] Furthermore, the reception unit 11A1 according to this embodiment also accepts emergency work, which is work that uses construction equipment on an unexpected basis, separate from the above-mentioned work classification. When the decision unit 11A3 according to this embodiment accepts emergency work, it determines the schedule for the emergency work with the same priority as work classified as work without a specified time, that is, with a lower priority than regular reservations and spot reservations.

[0054] Furthermore, the decision unit 11A3 according to this embodiment determines the schedule in response to instructions input by the decision-maker. However, this is not the only possible configuration, and the decision unit 11A3 may determine the schedule without human intervention according to predetermined priorities. Examples of priorities in this case include setting a higher priority for regular reservations and spot reservations than for task reservations and unexpected work, and pre-setting the priorities for regular reservations and spot reservations, as well as the priorities for task reservations and unexpected work.

[0055] In this embodiment, the adjustment unit 11A31 provided in the determination unit 11A3 adjusts the usage time to eliminate any overlaps in the usage time of reservations received by the reception unit 11A1. In this embodiment, the adjustment unit 11A31 is configured to perform adjustments in response to instructions from the adjuster, but it is not limited to this. For example, the adjustment unit 11A31 may be configured to perform adjustments according to a predetermined priority order.

[0056] In this embodiment, the case in which the decision-maker and the coordinator are the same person will be described, but this is not the only case. For example, the decision-maker and the coordinator may be different people. Hereafter, the decision-maker and the coordinator will be collectively referred to as the "reservation coordinator".

[0057] Furthermore, the registration unit 11A4 according to this embodiment registers the actual work for which the reservation has been accepted by the reception unit 11A1. Then, the processing unit 11A5 according to this embodiment uses the actual work registered by the registration unit 11A4 to perform cost processing to bill for the costs related to the work performed using construction equipment.

[0058] Incidentally, in the reservation management system 90 according to this embodiment, the reception screen is selected from two screens: a first screen that allows setting the actual time when the construction equipment is to be used as the usage time, and a second screen that allows setting a time range within which the construction equipment is to be used as the usage time. The reception unit 11A1 according to this embodiment uses the first screen for reservations when structural work is to be carried out at the construction site, and the second screen for reservations when interior work is to be carried out at the construction site.

[0059] In other words, in the reservation management system 90 according to this embodiment, reservations for structural work at a construction site are made by regular reservations, and reservations for interior work at a construction site are made by spot reservations. Regular reservations for structural work are made via the first screen, and spot reservations for interior work are made via the second screen.

[0060] On the other hand, the alert generation unit 11A6 according to this embodiment issues an alert when a reservation received by the reception unit 11A1 overlaps with the usage time of another reservation. In the reservation management system 90 according to this embodiment, the method of generating the above-mentioned alert is to be solely by display on the display unit 55 of the reservation terminal 50, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may also be possible to generate the alert by sound from a sound generation device such as a speaker or buzzer, or by printing from an image forming device, either alone or in combination.

[0061] As mentioned above, in this embodiment, an elevator is used as the construction equipment according to the present invention; therefore, hereafter, the above construction equipment will be referred to as "elevator".

[0062] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the first reservation management database 13E according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the first reservation management database 13E according to this embodiment.

[0063] The first reservation management database 13E according to this embodiment registers information regarding regular reservations and spot reservations, and as shown in Figure 3, it stores information such as the date of use, elevator, time, cooperating company, lifted item, loading floor, and unloading floor.

[0064] The above usage date is information indicating the usage date for each of the multiple elevators managed by the reservation management system 90, and the above elevator is information for identifying each of the multiple elevators. The above time is information indicating the time or time slot for which the use of the corresponding elevator was reserved, the above cooperating company is information indicating the cooperating company that made the corresponding reservation, and the above lifted object is information indicating the object to be lifted by the corresponding elevator at the corresponding time or time slot. Furthermore, the above loading floor is information indicating the floor on which the corresponding lifted object is loaded into the corresponding elevator, and the above unloading floor is information indicating the floor on which the lifted object loaded into the corresponding elevator at the corresponding loading floor is unloaded.

[0065] In the example shown in Figure 3, for instance, a reservation for November 11th is registered for construction site A to lift mortar from the 1st floor to the 5th floor using elevator "EV01" from 8:30 to 10:00.

[0066] Next, with reference to Figure 4, the second reservation management database 13F according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the second reservation management database 13F according to this embodiment.

[0067] The second reservation management database 13F according to this embodiment registers information related to task reservations, and as shown in Figure 4, it stores information such as the date of use, elevator, cooperating company, lifted object, loading floor, and unloading floor.

[0068] In other words, the second reservation management database 13F according to this embodiment differs significantly from the first reservation management database 13E in that it does not contain information indicating the time.

[0069] Next, the operation of the reservation management system 90 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 5 to 21. In the reservation management system 90 according to this embodiment, four types of processing are executed: reservation acceptance processing, reservation adjustment processing, schedule display / actual registration processing, and actual approval processing.

[0070] First, the operation of the reservation management system 90 when executing the reservation acceptance process will be explained with reference to Figures 5 to 10. The CPU 11 of the reservation management server 10 executes the reservation acceptance program 13A, which executes the reservation acceptance process shown in Figure 5. The reservation acceptance process shown in Figure 5 is executed when a predetermined person making a reservation (in this embodiment, the foreman of a cooperating company) executes the reservation terminal processing program 53A using the reservation terminal 50, and information indicating that an elevator reservation is to be made is received from the reservation terminal 50. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the reservation acceptance process according to this embodiment. Figures 6 to 10 are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed in the reservation terminal 50 according to this embodiment.

[0071] In step 100 of Figure 5, the CPU 11 sends a notification (hereinafter simply referred to as "first notification") to the accessing reservation terminal 50 (hereinafter simply referred to as "reservation terminal 50") indicating that it will display a reception screen with a predetermined configuration. Upon receiving this first notification, the display unit 51A of the reservation terminal 50 performs control to display the reception screen on the display unit 55.

[0072] In step 102, the CPU 11 executes a reception process to accept reservations from the person making the reservation via the reception screen described above. The reception process according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0073] Figure 6 shows an example of the reception screen displayed on the display unit 55 of the reservation terminal 50 in response to the receipt of the first notification.

[0074] As shown in Figure 6, the reception screen according to this embodiment displays a date selection area 55A where the desired date for reservation can be selected. In addition, the reception screen according to this embodiment displays a reservation specification area 55B which is arranged in a table shape, with the vertical direction representing each of the multiple elevators to be targeted and the horizontal direction representing the time.

[0075] When the reception screen shown in Figure 6 is displayed, the person making the reservation first selects the date they wish to reserve via the input unit 54 using the date selection area 55A.

[0076] Next, if the user wishes to make a regular or spot reservation, they specify the "+ Add" button 55B1 displayed in the area corresponding to the elevator they wish to reserve and the time slot they wish to reserve (in the example shown in Figure 5, the 8:00 area is for the morning and the 13:00 area is for the afternoon) via the input unit 54. In other words, the "+ Add" button 55B1 is the button that is specified when making a regular or spot reservation.

[0077] When the user selects any of the "+ Add" buttons 55B1, the CPU 11 sends a notification to the reservation terminal 50 indicating that it will display a first detailed reservation screen configured in advance (hereinafter referred to as the "second notification"). Upon receiving this second notification, the display unit 51A of the reservation terminal 50 controls the display unit 55 to display the first detailed reservation screen.

[0078] Figure 7 shows an example of the first detailed reservation screen 55D displayed on the display unit 55 of the reservation terminal 50 in response to the receipt of the second notification. As shown in Figure 7, the first detailed reservation screen 55D according to this embodiment displays, by default, the name of the elevator corresponding to the display position of the "+ Add" button 55B1 specified by the reservation user (displayed as "Elevator Name" in Figure 7) and the date selected by the reservation user (displayed as "Work Date" in Figure 7).

[0079] Furthermore, in the first detailed reception screen 55D according to this embodiment, the morning ("AM") or afternoon ("PM") corresponding to the display position of the "+ Add" button 55B1 specified by the reservation holder is highlighted (shaded in the example shown in Figure 7) and displayed by default as "Work Time". In addition, in the first detailed reception screen 55D according to this embodiment, a spot designation area 55D1 is displayed, which is specified when a spot reservation is to be made.

[0080] When the first detailed reservation screen 55D shown in Figure 7 is displayed, the person making the reservation, if they wish to make a regular reservation, selects the highlighted "AM" or "PM" display area via the input unit 54. Once this selection is made, the "Work Time" display area on the first detailed reservation screen 55D is changed to an input area (not shown) for entering the time to make a regular reservation. The person making the reservation then enters the time to make a regular reservation via the input unit 54 in this input area. For example, the screen in which the "Work Time" display area of ​​the first detailed reservation screen 55D shown in Figure 7 has been changed to an input area for entering the time to make a regular reservation corresponds to the first screen described above, and for example, the screen shown in Figure 7 corresponds to the second screen described above.

[0081] On the other hand, if a user wishes to make a spot reservation, the user specifies the spot designation area 55D1 via the input unit 54. Once the spot designation area 55D1 is specified by the user, the CPU 11 determines the highlighted "AM" (morning) or "PM" (afternoon) as the time slot specified by the user.

[0082] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the first detailed reservation screen 55D according to this embodiment displays an input area 55D2 for entering detailed information about the reservation, such as the name of the cooperating company making the reservation (displayed as "Cooperating Company Name" in Figure 7), the registered name of the cooperating company, the type of work, the object to be lifted, the lifting floor, etc. The person making the reservation then enters this information into the corresponding input area 55D2 via the input unit 54. After the person making the reservation has finished entering all the information to be entered, they select the save button 55D3 via the input unit 54. At this time, the CPU 11 issues an alert if the reservation entered by the person making the reservation overlaps with a time slot already registered.

[0083] Through the above process, when making a regular reservation, information indicating the time the lifting operation will be performed and detailed information regarding the said lifting operation (hereinafter referred to as "First Reservation Details") are obtained. Furthermore, when making a spot reservation through the above process, information indicating whether the lifting operation will be performed in the morning or afternoon, and the First Reservation Details are obtained. Hereafter, the information obtained when making a regular reservation and the information obtained through a spot reservation will be collectively referred to as "Time-Specified Information".

[0084] On the other hand, if a user wishes to make a task reservation, they specify the "+ Add" button 55B2 displayed in the display area for the name of the elevator they wish to reserve on the reception screen shown in Figure 6, via the input unit 54.

[0085] When the user selects one of the "+ Add" buttons 55B2, the CPU 11 sends a notification to the reservation terminal 50 indicating that it will display a second detailed reservation screen configured in advance (hereinafter referred to as the "third notification"). Upon receiving this third notification, the display unit 51A of the reservation terminal 50 controls the display unit 55 to display the second detailed reservation screen.

[0086] Figure 8 shows an example of the second detailed reservation screen 55E displayed on the display unit 55 of the reservation terminal 50 in response to the receipt of the third notification. As shown in Figure 8, the second detailed reservation screen 55E according to this embodiment displays, by default, the name of the elevator corresponding to the display position of the "+ Add" button 55B2 specified by the reservation user (displayed as "Elevator Name" in Figure 8) and the date selected by the reservation user (displayed as "Desired Work Date" in Figure 8).

[0087] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the second detailed reception screen 55E according to this embodiment displays an input area 55E1 for inputting the name of the cooperating company making the reservation (displayed as "Cooperating Company Name" in Figure 8), the registered name of the cooperating company, the type of work, the object to be lifted, the lifting floor, and the number of lifting operations. The person making the reservation then inputs this information into the corresponding input area 55E1 via the input unit 54. After the person making the reservation has finished inputting all the information to be entered, they select the save button 55E2 via the input unit 54.

[0088] Through the above process, when making a task reservation, the desired date for the lifting operation and detailed information regarding the lifting operation (hereinafter referred to as "Second Reservation Details") are obtained. In the following, the information obtained when making a task reservation will be referred to as "Information without specified time."

[0089] On the other hand, if a reservation holder wishes to see the current reservation status for regular or spot reservations, they select the schedule reservation status button 55C1 via the input unit 54 on the reception screen shown in Figure 6. Similarly, if a reservation holder wishes to see the current reservation status for task reservations, they select the task reservation status button 55C2 via the input unit 54 on the reception screen.

[0090] When the reservation user selects the schedule reservation status button 55C1, the CPU 11 sends a notification to the reservation terminal 50 indicating that it will display the first reservation status screen, which has a predetermined configuration (hereinafter referred to as the "fourth notification"). Upon receiving this fourth notification, the display unit 51A of the reservation terminal 50 reads all the information about the date the reservation user selected via the date selection area 55A from the first reservation management database 13E, and uses the read information (hereinafter referred to as the "first reservation status information") to control the display unit 55 to display the first reservation status screen.

[0091] Figure 9 shows an example of the first reservation status screen 55F displayed on the display unit 55 of the reservation terminal 50 in response to the receipt of the fourth notification. As shown in Figure 9, the first reservation status screen 55F according to this embodiment is arranged in a table shape, with the vertical direction representing each of the multiple elevators to be targeted and the horizontal direction representing the time. Within this table, the reservation status indicated by the read first reservation status information is displayed as one rectangular area 55F1 for each reservation. Therefore, by referring to the first reservation status screen 55F, the user can intuitively grasp the reservation status at that time and make an elevator reservation after understanding the reservation status. After the user has finished confirming the reservation status shown on the first reservation status screen 55F, the user selects the back button 55G via the input unit 54. When the user selects the back button 55G, the CPU 11 sends the first notification described above to the reservation terminal 50. In response, the reception screen is displayed again on the display unit 55 of the reservation terminal 50.

[0092] On the other hand, when the user selects the task reservation status button 55C2, the CPU 11 sends a notification to the reservation terminal 50 indicating that it will display a second reservation status screen configured in advance (hereinafter referred to as the "fifth notification"). Upon receiving this fifth notification, the display unit 51A of the reservation terminal 50 reads all information from the second reservation management database 13F and uses the read information (hereinafter referred to as the "second reservation status information") to control the display unit 55 to display the second reservation status screen.

[0093] Figure 10 shows an example of the second reservation status screen 55H displayed on the display unit 55 of the reservation terminal 50 in response to the receipt of the fifth notification. As shown in Figure 10, the second reservation status screen 55H according to this embodiment displays the status of task reservations indicated by the read second reservation status information in a list format. Note that the second reservation status screen 55H shown in Figure 10 displays "priority," which is not included in the second reservation status information. In this embodiment, the "priority" is displayed in ascending order based on the earliest registration timing for each elevator in the second reservation management database 13F, but it goes without saying that this is not the only option.

[0094] The user can check the current status of their task reservation by referring to the second reservation status screen 55H, and then make an elevator reservation after checking the reservation status. Once the user has finished checking the reservation status shown on the second reservation status screen 55H, they select the back button 55J via the input unit 54. When the user selects the back button 55J, the CPU 11 sends the first notification described above to the reservation terminal 50. In response, the reception screen is displayed again on the display unit 55 of the reservation terminal 50.

[0095] On the other hand, if the reservation holder selects either save button 55D3 or save button 55E2, the reception process ends and the system proceeds to step 104.

[0096] In step 104, the CPU 11 stores (registers) the information obtained from the reservation holder through the above reception process in the first reservation management database 13E if time-specified information is obtained, and in the second reservation management database 13F if no time-specified information is obtained, and then terminates the reservation acceptance process. Through the above reservation acceptance process, each time a reservation is made by a reservation holder, the registration information in at least one of the first reservation management database 13E and the second reservation management database 13F is updated.

[0097] Next, the operation of the reservation management system 90 when executing the reservation adjustment process will be explained with reference to Figures 11 to 13. The reservation adjustment process shown in Figure 11 is executed when the CPU 11 of the reservation management server 10 executes the reservation adjustment program 13B. The reservation adjustment process shown in Figure 11 is executed when a predetermined reservation adjuster (in this embodiment, the foreman of the lifting work) gives an instruction to execute the reservation adjustment program 13B at a predetermined timing (in this embodiment, 5 p.m. on a weekday). Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the reservation adjustment process according to this embodiment. Figures 12 to 13 are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the reservation management server 10 according to this embodiment. To avoid confusion, this section will explain the case where the reservation adjuster has predetermined whether to adjust regular reservations, spot reservations, or task reservations. Also, to avoid confusion, this section will explain the case where the reservation adjuster has predetermined the work day on which to adjust the reservations when adjusting regular reservations and spot reservations.

[0098] In step 200 of Figure 11, the CPU 11 reads all information regarding the specified work day (hereinafter referred to as "first reservation information") from the first reservation management database 13E when adjusting regular reservations and spot reservations. In contrast, when adjusting task reservations, it reads all information (hereinafter referred to as "second reservation information") from the second reservation management database 13F.

[0099] The CPU 11 then uses the read first or second reservation information to control the display unit 15 to display a reservation adjustment screen corresponding to the type of reservation to be adjusted, as previously specified by the reservation adjuster. In the following, the reservation adjustment screen displayed when the reservation specified by the reservation adjuster is a regular reservation or a spot reservation will be referred to as the "first reservation adjustment screen," and the reservation adjustment screen displayed when the reservation specified by the reservation adjuster is a task reservation will be referred to as the "second reservation adjustment screen."

[0100] In step 202, the CPU 11 executes a reservation adjustment acceptance process to accept reservation adjustments from reservation adjusters via the first reservation adjustment screen or the second reservation adjustment screen. The reservation adjustment acceptance process according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0101] Figure 12 shows an example of the first reservation adjustment screen 15A that is displayed on the display unit 15 after the processing in step 200.

[0102] As shown in Figure 12, the first reservation adjustment screen 15A according to this embodiment has a configuration substantially the same as the first reservation status screen 55F shown in Figure 9, but differs from the first reservation status screen 55F in that the reservation status can be changed by the reservation adjuster.

[0103] When the first reservation adjustment screen 15A shown in Figure 12 is displayed, if there is a problem with the displayed reservation, the reservation adjuster uses the input unit 14 to change the overall position of the rectangular area 15A1 corresponding to the problematic reservation, or the position of at least one of its left and right edges. This allows the reservation adjuster to adjust the problematic reservation.

[0104] In this embodiment, the reservation adjustment using the first reservation adjustment screen 15A is performed according to a predetermined priority order for each cooperating company, but this is not the only method. For example, a priority order may be predetermined for each type of lifted object, and the reservation adjustment may be performed according to that priority order.

[0105] Once the reservation adjuster has finished adjusting the displayed reservation, they select the save button 15B via the input unit 14. When the reservation adjuster selects the save button 15B, the adjustment acceptance process ends and the system proceeds to step 204.

[0106] On the other hand, Figure 13 shows an example of the second reservation adjustment screen 15C that is displayed on the display unit 15 as a result of the processing in step 200.

[0107] As shown in Figure 13, the second reservation adjustment screen 15C according to this embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the second reservation status screen 55H shown in Figure 10.

[0108] When the second reservation adjustment screen 15C shown in Figure 13 is displayed, if the reservation adjuster finds a problem with the priority of the displayed task reservation, they use the input unit 14 to move the display area of ​​the information group corresponding to the problematic task reservation to a position where there is no problem. This operation changes the priority of the task reservation according to the order in which the above information group is arranged. However, it goes without saying that this operation is not the only way to change the priority.

[0109] In this embodiment, task reservations are adjusted using the second reservation adjustment screen 15C, with priority levels predetermined for each cooperating company. However, this is not the only method. For example, priority levels may be predetermined for each type of lifted object, and task reservations may be adjusted according to these priority levels.

[0110] Once the reservation coordinator has finished making adjustments to the displayed task reservation, they select the save button 15D via the input unit 14. When the reservation coordinator selects the save button 15D, the adjustment acceptance process ends and the process proceeds to step 204.

[0111] As described above, in the reservation management system 90 according to this embodiment, the time and time slots for regular reservations and spot reservations are adjusted. On the other hand, for task reservations, only the priority among task reservations can be adjusted independently of regular reservations and spot reservations, and lifting operations are carried out using the available time slots of regular reservations and spot reservations. As a result, the lifting schedule is determined with priority given to regular reservations and spot reservations over task reservations.

[0112] In step 204, the CPU 11 reflects the first or second reservation information, which has been adjusted by the reservation adjuster through the above adjustment acceptance process, into the corresponding first reservation management database 13E or second reservation management database 13F, and then terminates this reservation adjustment process. Through the above reservation adjustment process, the registered information in the first reservation management database 13E and the second reservation management database 13F is adjusted by the reservation adjuster.

[0113] Next, with reference to Figures 14 to 19, the operation of the reservation management system 90 when executing the schedule display and actual registration process will be explained. The CPU 11 of the reservation management server 10 executes the schedule display and actual registration program 13C, which executes the schedule display and actual registration process shown in Figure 14. The schedule display and actual registration process shown in Figure 14 is executed when a predetermined actual registrant (in this embodiment, a lifting worker who performs lifting according to the reservation) executes the mobile terminal processing program 33A using a mobile terminal 30, and instruction information is received from the mobile terminal 30 to instruct the execution of the schedule display and actual registration process. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the schedule display and actual registration process according to this embodiment. Figures 15 to 19 are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the mobile terminal 30 according to this embodiment. To avoid confusion, this section will explain the case where the actual work date and elevator for which the actual registration is to be made are predetermined by the actual registrant when registering actuals for regular reservations and spot reservations.

[0114] In step 300 of Figure 14, the CPU 11 reads all information about the specified elevator on the specified work day (hereinafter referred to as "third reservation information") from the first reservation management database 13E, and also reads all information about the specified elevator on the second reservation management database 13F (hereinafter referred to as "fourth reservation information").

[0115] The CPU 11 then notifies the accessing mobile terminal 30 (hereinafter simply referred to as "mobile terminal 30") of the display of the first performance registration screen (hereinafter referred to as "sixth notification"), along with the third and fourth reservation information it has read. Upon receiving this sixth notification, the display unit 31A of the mobile terminal 30 controls the display unit 35 to display the first performance registration screen.

[0116] In step 302, the CPU 11 executes a performance reception process to receive the registration of lifting performance from the performance registrant via the first performance registration screen. The performance reception process according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0117] Figure 15 shows an example of the first performance registration screen displayed on the display unit 35 of the mobile terminal 30 in response to the receipt of the sixth notification.

[0118] As shown in Figure 15, the first performance registration screen according to this embodiment displays a registration target display unit 35A having a "Schedule" button, which is specified when registering lifting performance for regular reservations or spot reservations, and a "Task" button, which is specified when registering lifting performance for task reservations. In this embodiment, the registration target display unit 35A is configured to highlight (shaded in the example shown in Figure 15) the button specified by the performance registrant, and in this embodiment, the "Schedule" button is highlighted by default. The performance registrant can switch the type of reservation to register by specifying the button corresponding to the type of reservation for which they want to register lifting performance.

[0119] Furthermore, in the first performance registration screen according to this embodiment, the default state is set to register the lifting performance for regular reservations or spot reservations, so the first reservation status table 35B, which shows the reservation status indicated by the third reservation information, is displayed. Therefore, the person registering the performance can intuitively grasp the reservation status of the specified elevator on the specified work day by referring to the first reservation status table 35B.

[0120] When the first performance registration screen shown in Figure 15 is displayed, the performance registrant performs the displayed lifting operation and then specifies the corresponding rectangular area 35B1 in the first reservation status table 35B via the input unit 34. Once any rectangular area 35B1 is specified by the performance registrant, the CPU 11 sends a notification to the mobile terminal 30 indicating that the first registration screen with a predetermined configuration will be displayed (hereinafter referred to as "the seventh notification"). Upon receiving this seventh notification, the display unit 31A of the mobile terminal 30 controls the display of the first registration screen on the display unit 35.

[0121] Figure 16 shows an example of the first registration screen 35C displayed on the display unit 35 of the mobile terminal 30 in response to the receipt of the seventh notification.

[0122] As shown in Figure 16, the first registration screen 35C according to this embodiment displays an input area 35C1 for inputting lifting performance information that shows the details of the lifting performance, excluding the start and end times of the specified lifting operation. The performance registrant then inputs information showing the actual lifting situation, excluding the start and end times, into the corresponding area of ​​the input area 35C1 via the input unit 34, and then selects the add button 35C2. When the performance registrant selects the add button 35C2, the display unit 31A controls the display unit 35 to display the add registration screen 35D, as shown in Figure 17, as an example.

[0123] When the additional registration screen 35D is displayed, the record registrant enters the above start time and end time into the input area 35D1 via the input unit 34, and then selects the registration button 35D2. Once the record registrant selects the registration button 35D2, this record acceptance process ends, and the process proceeds to step 304.

[0124] On the other hand, when the first performance registration screen shown in Figure 15 is displayed, the performance registrant, if registering the lifting performance for a task reservation, selects the "Task" button on the registration target display unit 35A via the input unit 34. When the performance registrant selects the "Task" button, the CPU 11 sends a notification to the mobile terminal 30 indicating that the second performance registration screen, which has a predetermined configuration, will be displayed (hereinafter referred to as the "eighth notification"). Upon receiving this eighth notification, the display unit 31A of the mobile terminal 30 controls the display of the second performance registration screen on the display unit 35.

[0125] Figure 18 shows an example of the second performance registration screen displayed on the display unit 35 of the mobile terminal 30 in response to the receipt of the eighth notification.

[0126] As shown in Figure 18, in the second performance registration screen according to this embodiment, the "Task" button is highlighted in the registration target display unit 35A. In addition, the second performance registration screen according to this embodiment displays a task reservation display unit 35E which has a "Remaining Tasks" button, which is specified when displaying remaining (not yet performed) task reservations, and a "Performance Registered" button, which is specified when displaying task reservations for which lifting performance has already been registered. In the task reservation display unit 35E according to this embodiment, the button specified by the performance registrant is highlighted (shaded in the example shown in Figure 18), and in this embodiment, the "Remaining Tasks" button is highlighted by default. The performance registrant can switch the display content of the second performance registration screen to the display content corresponding to the specified button by specifying either the "Remaining Tasks" button or the "Performance Registered" button.

[0127] Furthermore, in the second performance registration screen according to this embodiment, the "Remaining Tasks" button is selected by default, so the second reservation status table 35F, which shows a list of remaining task reservations in the task reservations indicated by the fourth reservation information, is displayed. Therefore, by referring to the second reservation status table 35F, the performance registrant can intuitively grasp the remaining task reservations among the task reservations for the specified elevator.

[0128] When the second performance registration screen shown in Figure 18 is displayed, the performance registrant performs a lifting operation related to any of the task reservations, then, via the input unit 34, specifies the display area for the corresponding task reservation in the second reservation status table 35F, and then inputs information indicating the performance related to the specified task reservation (hereinafter referred to as "task reservation performance information"). Once the performance registrant has entered the task reservation performance information, this performance acceptance process ends, and the process proceeds to step 304.

[0129] Figure 19 shows an example of the registered performance table 35G displayed on the display unit 35 of the mobile terminal 30 when the "Performance Registered" button is selected on the second performance registration screen shown in Figure 18 by the performance registrant. By referring to this registered performance table 35G, the performance registrant can keep track of the task reservations for which performance has been registered.

[0130] In step 304, CPU 11 stores (registers) the information obtained from the performance registrant through the above performance reception process in a performance information database (not shown in the diagram), and then terminates the schedule display and performance registration process.

[0131] In this embodiment, the person registering the achievements is a lifting worker. As such, the lifting worker checks the status of regular and spot reservations on the first achievement registration screen, shown as an example in Figure 15, and if there is available time (hereinafter referred to as "available time"), they refer to the second achievement registration screen, shown as an example in Figure 18. If there is a task reservation that can be performed during the available time, the lifting worker performs the lifting corresponding to that task reservation. In this case, there may be multiple task reservations that can be performed during the available time. In this case, the lifting work corresponding to the task reservation with the highest priority among the multiple task reservations is performed.

[0132] Incidentally, separate from the above-mentioned work classification reservations (regular reservations, spot reservations, and task reservations), there may be sudden tasks that require the use of construction equipment. In this case, as described above, the reservation management server 10 according to this embodiment receives the sudden task via the reception unit 11A1, and the decision unit 11A3 determines the schedule for the received sudden task with the same priority as tasks in the time-unspecified work classification, that is, the same priority as task reservations. Specifically, when a sudden task occurs, the reservation management server 10 according to this embodiment uses available time, such as the "available time" shown in Figure 15 as an example, to perform the sudden task. This makes it possible to avoid delays in work classifications other than the time-unspecified work classification due to the implementation of sudden tasks.

[0133] Next, with reference to Figures 20 and 21, the operation of the reservation management system 90 when executing the performance approval process will be explained. The CPU 11 of the reservation management server 10 executes the performance approval program 13D, which executes the performance approval process shown in Figure 20. The performance approval process shown in Figure 20 is executed at a predetermined timing (in this embodiment, 5 p.m. on weekdays) when a predetermined performance approver (in this embodiment, the foreman of the lifting work) gives an instruction to execute the performance approval program 13D. Figure 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the performance approval process according to this embodiment. Figure 21 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the reservation management server 10 according to this embodiment. To avoid confusion, this explanation will focus on the case where only regular reservations and spot reservations are subject to approval.

[0134] In step 400 of Figure 20, the CPU 11 reads all information (hereinafter referred to as "fifth reservation information") from the first reservation management database 13E, and also reads all information (hereinafter referred to as "registered performance information") from the aforementioned performance information database (not shown).

[0135] The CPU 11 then uses the read fifth reservation information and registration performance information to control the display unit 15 to display a performance approval screen with a predetermined configuration.

[0136] In step 402, the CPU 11 executes an approval acceptance process to receive approval of performance from performance approvers via the performance approval screen. The approval acceptance process according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0137] Figure 21 shows an example of the performance approval screen displayed on the display unit 15 after the processing in step 400.

[0138] As shown in Figure 21, the performance approval screen according to this embodiment displays an input area 15E for entering the work date for which performance approval is to be performed, and a registered performance table 15F that displays in list format information about reservations for which lifting performance has been registered, as indicated by the read fifth reservation information and registered performance information.

[0139] When the performance approval screen shown in Figure 21 is displayed, the performance approver first enters the work date for which they wish to approve the performance into the input area 15E via the input unit 14. Once the work date is entered by the performance approver, the CPU 11 updates the registered performance table 15F with the information corresponding to the entered work date.

[0140] Next, the performance approver reviews the updated registered performance table 15F, and if they approve the registered performance, they specify the corresponding approval checkbox 15G via the input unit 14, and then click the save button 15H when all such specifications have been completed. Once the performance approver clicks the save button 15H, the approval acceptance process ends and the process proceeds to step 404.

[0141] In step 404, the CPU 11 stores (registers) approval information indicating that a reservation has been approved by the actual approver through the above approval acceptance process in the actual information database (not shown).

[0142] In step 406, CPU 11 performs the predetermined cost processing, and then the actual performance approval process is completed.

[0143] In this embodiment, the cost processing first extracts approved reservations for which no charges have been billed, and then categorizes the extracted reservations by cooperating company. Next, in the cost processing according to this embodiment, for each cooperating company, the information necessary for billing the costs related to the extracted reservations is compiled as invoice information in a predetermined data format (CSV (Comma Separated Values) format in this embodiment) and in a predetermined format, by referring to predetermined price list information for lifting costs. Then, in the cost processing according to this embodiment, the process of billing the corresponding cooperating company is executed using this invoice information.

[0144] As described above, according to this embodiment, reservations for the use of construction equipment used at construction sites are managed separately for each of several types of work classifications, including at least the unspecified work classification where the usage time of the construction equipment is not specified. Therefore, compared to conventional technology, it is possible to manage reservations for the use of construction equipment more efficiently.

[0145] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the construction equipment is defined as at least one of a lifting machine and heavy machinery. Therefore, it is possible to manage the reservation of at least one of the lifting machine and heavy machinery more efficiently.

[0146] In particular, according to this embodiment, the lifting machine is used as an elevator. Therefore, it is possible to manage the reservation of elevator use more efficiently.

[0147] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, reservation status information showing the acceptance status of each of the multiple types of work categories to be managed is displayed in a predetermined screen configuration. Therefore, users can intuitively grasp the reservation status.

[0148] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the reservation status information is displayed in a screen configuration that is divided by type of work classification. Therefore, users can grasp the reservation status more intuitively.

[0149] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, while the reservation status information is displayed, reservations for the use of construction equipment are accepted, and the final schedule for the use of construction equipment for each of the multiple types of work categories for which reservations have been accepted is determined according to a predetermined priority order. Therefore, compared to conventional technology, it is possible to make reservations for the use of construction equipment more efficiently.

[0150] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, among the various types of work classifications, the scheduling of work classifications excluding work classifications with no specified time is prioritized over the scheduling of work classifications with no specified time. Therefore, compared to conventional technology, it is possible to schedule the use of construction equipment more efficiently.

[0151] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if an unexpected task requiring the use of construction equipment is accepted in addition to the above-mentioned work classification, the schedule for such an unexpected task is determined with the same priority as the tasks in the "tasks without specified time" classification. Therefore, delays in tasks in other work classifications, excluding those in the "tasks without specified time" classification, due to the implementation of unexpected tasks can be avoided.

[0152] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the schedule is determined in response to instructions input by the decision-maker. Therefore, the schedule can be determined with greater accuracy compared to when the schedule is determined without human intervention.

[0153] Furthermore, according to a modified version of this embodiment, the schedule is determined without human intervention according to a predetermined priority order. Therefore, according to this modified version, the schedule can be determined more easily compared to when the schedule is determined manually.

[0154] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, for work for which a reservation has been accepted, the actual work performed is registered, and the cost of work performed using construction equipment is billed using the registered actual work. Therefore, the cost processing can be performed more simply compared to when the cost processing is done separately from the reservation.

[0155] On the other hand, according to this embodiment, reservations for the use of construction equipment are accepted from multiple users via a pre-configured reception screen, while allowing for overlapping usage times. If there are overlapping usage times among the accepted reservations, the system adjusts the usage times to resolve the overlap. At the same time, when accepting a reservation, the system controls the display of reservation status information, which is accessible to the user, on a display unit. Therefore, it is possible to make reservations for the use of construction equipment that prioritize the user's convenience as much as possible.

[0156] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, adjustments are made in response to instructions from the adjuster. Therefore, compared to cases where the adjustments are made according to a predetermined priority order, the adjustments can be made with greater precision.

[0157] Furthermore, according to a modified version of this embodiment, the above adjustments are performed according to a predetermined priority order. Therefore, according to this modified version, the adjustments can be performed more easily compared to when the adjustments are performed in response to instructions from the adjuster.

[0158] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the reception screen is configured to be selectively applied from two screens: a first screen that allows setting the actual time when the construction equipment is to be used as the usage time, and a second screen that allows setting a time range within which the construction equipment is to be used as the usage time. The first screen is used for reservations when structural work is being carried out at the construction site, and the second screen is used for reservations when interior work is being carried out at the construction site. Therefore, reservations can be accepted in a manner that is more in line with the actual situation.

[0159] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, as described above, the construction equipment is defined as at least one of a lifting machine and heavy machinery. Therefore, reservations for at least one of the lifting machine and heavy machinery can be made with the user's convenience given priority as much as possible.

[0160] In particular, according to this embodiment, as described above, the lifting machine is an elevator. Therefore, reservations for the elevator can be made with the convenience of the person making the reservation given as much priority as possible.

[0161] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, an alert is issued if a received reservation overlaps with the usage time of another reservation. Therefore, the user can be made aware that there are overlapping reservations among the received reservations.

[0162] It goes without saying that the various screens illustrated in the above embodiment are just examples, and the display content and screen configuration can be partially changed or completely redesigned.

[0163] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the reception screen is configured to be a screen that can be selectively applied from two screens: a first screen that allows setting the actual time when the construction equipment is to be used as the usage time, and a second screen that allows setting a time range within which the construction equipment is to be used as the usage time. The first screen is used for reservations when structural work is being carried out at the construction site, and the second screen is used for reservations when interior work is being carried out at the construction site. However, the embodiment is not limited to this configuration.

[0164] For example, it is not always necessary to selectively switch between the first and second screens and apply them; it is also acceptable to continue using only one of these screens.

[0165] Furthermore, it is not always necessary to use the first and second screens separately for structural work and interior work, respectively. For example, these screens may be used interchangeably depending on the scale of the project, the construction period, the construction equipment used, the general contractor's management method, the regional characteristics of the construction site, etc.

[0166] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, for example, the hardware structure of the processing unit that executes the management unit 11A, reception unit 11A1, display control unit 11A2, decision unit 11A3, adjustment unit 11A31, registration unit 11A4, processing unit 11A5, alert generation unit 11A6, presentation unit 31A, and presentation unit 51A can be any of the following types of processors. As mentioned above, these types of processors include a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) and functions as a processing unit, as well as a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), which is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacturing, and a dedicated electrical circuit, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), which is a processor with a circuit configuration specifically designed to execute a particular process.

[0167] The processing unit may consist of one of these various processors, or it may consist of a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Alternatively, the processing unit may consist of a single processor.

[0168] Examples of configuring a processing unit with a single processor include, firstly, a configuration where one or more CPUs and software combine to form a single processor, as is common in client and server computers, and this processor functions as the processing unit. Secondly, a configuration using a processor that realizes the functions of the entire system, including the processing unit, on a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as is common in System-on-a-Chip (SoC) systems. Thus, the processing unit is configured, in terms of hardware structure, using one or more of the above-mentioned types of processors.

[0169] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors can more specifically utilize electrical circuits, which are combinations of circuit elements such as semiconductor devices. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0170] 10. Reservation Management Server 11 CPU 11A Management Department 11A1 Reception Desk 11A2 Display Control Unit 11A3 Decision section 11A31 Adjustment part 11A4 Registration Department 11A5 Processing Unit 11A6 Alert Generation Unit 12 memory 13 Storage section 13A Reservation Program 13B Reservation Adjustment Program 13C Schedule Display / Actual Record Registration Program 13D Performance Approval Program 13E First Reservation Management Database 13F Second Reservation Management Database 14 Input section 15 Display section 15A First Reservation Adjustment Screen 15A1 Rectangular area 15B Save button 15C Second Reservation Adjustment Screen 15D Save button 15E Input Area 15F Registration Record Table 15G Approval Checkbox 15H Save button 16. Media reading / writing device 17 Recording media 18 Communication I / F Section 30 Mobile devices 31 CPU 31A Presentation section 32 memory 33 Storage section 33A Mobile terminal processing program 34 Input section 35 Display section 35A Registration Target Display Section 35B 1st Reservation Status Table 35B1 Rectangular area 35C First Registration Screen 35C1 Input Area 35C2 Add button 35D Additional Registration Screen 35D1 Input Area 35D2 Registration button 35E Task Reservation Display Section 35F Second Reservation Status Table 35G Recorded Performance Table 36 Media reading / writing device 37 Recording media 38 Wireless Communication Section 39 Position detection unit 50 Reservation terminals 51 CPU 51A Presentation section 52 memory 53 Memory section 53A Reservation Terminal Processing Program 54 Input section 55 Display section 55A Date selection area 55B Reserved Area 55B1, 55B2 "+ Add" button 55C1 Schedule Reservation Status Button 55C2 Task Reservation Status Button 55D First Detailed Request Screen 55D1 Spot designation area 55D2 Input Area 55D3 Save button 55E Second Detailed Request Screen 55E1 Input area 55E2 Save button 55F 1st Reservation Status Screen 55F1 Rectangular area 55G Back button 55H Second Reservation Status Screen 55J Back button 56 Media reading / writing device 57 Recording media 58 Communication I / F Section 80 Networks 90 Reservation Management System

Claims

1. A reception unit that accepts reservations for the use of construction equipment, which is equipment used at construction sites, from multiple reservation holders via a pre-configured reception screen, while allowing overlapping usage times. If there is an overlap in the usage time of the reservations received, an adjustment unit adjusts the usage time to resolve the overlap, When the reception unit accepts the reservation, a display control unit controls the display of reservation status information showing the reservation acceptance status at that time on a display unit that the reservation holder can refer to, A reservation management system that includes this feature.

2. The adjustment unit performs the adjustment in response to instructions from the adjuster. The reservation management system according to claim 1.

3. The adjustment unit performs the adjustments according to a predetermined priority order. The reservation management system according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned reception screen is a screen that can be selectively applied from two screens: a first screen that allows setting the actual time when the construction equipment is to be used as the usage time, and a second screen that allows setting a time range within which the construction equipment is to be used as the usage time. The reception desk uses the first screen to process reservations for structural work at the construction site, and the second screen to process reservations for interior work at the construction site, respectively. A reservation management system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The aforementioned construction equipment is at least one of a lifting machine and a heavy machine. A reservation management system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The aforementioned lifting device is at least one of an elevator and a crane. The reservation management system according to claim 5.

7. An alert generation unit issues an alert if a reservation received by the reception unit overlaps with the usage time of another reservation. A reservation management system according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising:

8. Reservations for the use of construction equipment, which is used at construction sites, are accepted from multiple users via a pre-configured reservation screen, while allowing for overlapping usage times. If there is any overlap in the usage times of the reservations received, the usage times will be adjusted to eliminate such overlap. When accepting the aforementioned reservation, the system controls the display of reservation status information, which indicates the reservation acceptance status at that time, on a display unit accessible to the person making the reservation. A program that instructs a computer to perform a process.

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