Business support devices, business support systems, and programs

Abstract

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a business support device, business support system, and program that can appropriately handle the entry of people who arrive partway through the process. [Solution] The business support device of the embodiment includes a storage unit that stores a facility identifier that can identify the facility when it receives an instruction to start using the facility, an identification means that identifies the facility identifier relating to the facility being used by another user based on information received from a reception terminal operated by the user, and a transmission means that transmits the identified facility identifier to the reception terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a business support device, a business support system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there are stores with a transaction form in which reception is performed at the time of entry and accounting is performed according to the usage time at the time of exit. For example, in leisure facilities such as karaoke box stores, dart bars, manga cafes, or in sports facilities such as gyms, golf courses, bowling alleys, etc., reception is performed at the time of entry into the store or facility, and accounting for facility usage fees, the price of food and beverages consumed, etc. is performed at the time of exit. For example, conventionally, a partition service providing system for providing an occupancy section that can be occupied and used by a user has been proposed.

[0003] By the way, recently, there are self-service reception terminals that customers operate themselves without going through a store clerk to perform reception for facility use. However, in such stores, the usage fees often vary depending on the size and type of the room to be used, the course to be used, the usage time, etc. Therefore, it has been difficult for customers who enter the room halfway to perform the entry process using the self-service reception terminal.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a business support device, a business support system, and a program capable of appropriately processing the entry of a person who comes halfway.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] When the business support device according to the embodiment receives an instruction to start using a facility, it includes a storage unit that stores a facility identifier capable of identifying the facility, and based on information received from a reception terminal operated by a user, a specifying means for specifying the facility identifier related to the facility being used by another user, and a transmission means for transmitting the specified facility identifier to the reception terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a facility management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the base server according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of the room information database according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the data structure of the state management DB according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure of the user management database according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the data structure of the reservation management DB337 according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the data structure of the operational performance database according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a reception terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a terminal for external sales according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of the functional configuration of the base server, external sales terminal, and reception terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a state transition diagram showing an example of the state transition rules for a karaoke box according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the cooperation initiation process performed between the base server and the receiving terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of the operation screen displayed on the reception terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows an example of the room list screen displayed on the reception terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 15]Figure 15 shows an example of the display of a room button according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows an example of the display of a room button according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows an example of the display of a room button according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows an example of the display of a room button according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows an example of the room availability selection screen displayed on the reception terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 20] Figure 20 shows an example of a user information input screen displayed on the reception terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 21] Figure 21 shows an example of a user information input screen displayed on the reception terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 22] Figure 22 shows an example of a user information input screen displayed on the reception terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the check-in process performed between the base server and the reception terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 24] Figure 24 shows an example of a fault setting screen displayed on the reception terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the fault setting process performed between the base server and the receiving terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 26] Figure 26 shows an example of the "Currently Entering Room" selection screen displayed on the reception terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 27] Figure 27 shows an example of a product menu screen displayed on the reception terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing related to product orders that takes place between the base server and the receiving terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 29] Figure 29 shows an example of a room details screen displayed on the reception terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 30]FIG. 30 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a change process performed between the base server and the reception terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of an in - progress check - out screen displayed on the reception terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process related to in - progress check - out performed between the base server and the reception terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process related to cancellation of check - in performed between the base server and the reception terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of a number - addition screen displayed on the reception terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process related to in - progress check - in performed between the base server and the reception terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of a service - time setting screen displayed on the reception terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process related to granting of service time performed between the base server and the reception terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example of a claim - registration screen displayed on the reception terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process related to registration of a claim performed between the base server and the reception terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 40] FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an example of a claim - reception screen displayed on the store clerk terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 41] FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an example of a destination - selection screen displayed on the reception terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 42] FIG. 42 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process related to room movement of a karaoke box performed between the base server and the reception terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 43] FIG. 43 is a diagram showing an example of a settlement screen displayed on the reception terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 44] Figure 44 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a checkout process performed between the base server and the reception terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 45] Figure 45 shows an example of the cleaning start screen displayed on the reception terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 46] Figure 46 shows an example of a cleaning completion screen displayed on the reception terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 47] Figure 47 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the cleaning management process performed between the base server and the reception terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 48] Figure 48 shows an example of the operating status screen displayed on the reception terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 49] Figure 49 shows another example of the operating status screen displayed on the reception terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 50] Figure 50 shows an example of a room-specific report screen displayed on the reception terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 51] Figure 51 shows an example of a cleaning report screen by person in charge, which is displayed on the reception terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 52] Figure 52 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the process related to displaying the operating status between the base server and the reception terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 53] Figure 53 shows an example of a room reservation screen displayed on a terminal for external sales according to the embodiment. [Figure 54] Figure 54 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the process related to reserving a karaoke box room between the base server and the external sales terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 55] Figure 55 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the notification processing performed by the notification processing unit of the base server in the embodiment. [Figure 56] Figure 56 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a reception terminal according to the present invention. [Figure 57] Figure 57 shows an example of the functional configuration of the base server and reception terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 58]Figure 58 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the start-up process performed between the base server and the reception terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 59] Figure 59 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the check-in process for a person entering the room midway through the process, which takes place between the base server and the reception terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 60] Figure 60 is a flowchart showing the control process flow of the reception terminal. [Figure 61] Figure 61 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reception process at the reception terminal. [Figure 62] Figure 62 shows an example of the initial screen of a reception terminal. [Figure 63] Figure 63 shows an example of a reception terminal screen. [Figure 64] Figure 64 shows an example of the number of people input screen on a reception terminal. [Figure 65] Figure 65 shows an example of the input screen for course and usage time on a reception terminal. [Figure 66] Figure 66 shows an example of the option input screen of a reception terminal. [Figure 67] Figure 67 shows an example of the confirmation screen of a reception terminal. [Figure 68] Figure 68 shows an example of a guidance screen for a reception terminal. [Figure 69] Figure 69 is a flowchart showing the control process flow of the base server. [Figure 70] Figure 70 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reception process at the reception terminal for entry during the session. [Figure 71] Figure 71 shows an example of a room number input screen on a reception terminal for mid-session entry. [Figure 72] Figure 72 shows an example of the input screen for member name and phone number on a reception terminal for mid-session entry. [Figure 73] Figure 73 shows an example of the input screen for the number of people, age, and options at the reception terminal for mid-session entry. [Figure 74] Figure 74 shows an example of a guidance screen for a reception terminal related to entering a room midway through the process. [Figure 75] Figure 75 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing on the infrastructure server related to entry into the room midway through the process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below describe an example in which the business support device is applied to a karaoke box store (hereinafter simply referred to as "store"), but the invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0008] In this embodiment, a karaoke box establishment is a store equipped with one or more facilities for enjoying karaoke, so-called karaoke boxes. Each karaoke box is assigned a unique room ID. The room ID is a series of room numbers, etc., set to individually identify each karaoke box.

[0009] [Explanation of the facility management system] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the facility management system 100. The facility management system 100 has multiple store systems 1, a mobile server 2, a base server 3, a user terminal 4, and an external sales terminal 5. Each store system 1 is a common system installed in a chain of stores. Each store system 1 includes a reception terminal 11, an order terminal 12, a kitchen terminal 13, and staff terminals 14, a reception terminal 15, etc.

[0010] Here, the base server 3 is an example of a business support device in this embodiment, and in relation to at least some of the various terminals included in the facility management system 100 (reception terminal 11 and order terminal 12 (described later) of the store system 1, user terminal 4, and external sales terminal 5), the base server 3 realizes the functional parts of the business support device. Furthermore, the business support system 20 is constructed using the base server 3 and the reception terminal 15.

[0011] The reception terminal 11, order terminal 12, kitchen terminal 13, and staff terminal 14 and reception terminal 15 are connected to each other via the first network Na. The first network Na is, for example, a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) set up within the store. The LAN may be a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. The first network Na is also connected to the second network Nb, which will be described later, via communication equipment such as a router (not shown).

[0012] [Reception terminal 11] The reception terminal 11 is installed at the store's reception area. The store's reception area is where users (customers) stop by before entering a karaoke box or when leaving a karaoke box. The reception area is also called the front desk. The reception terminal 11 is operated by a store employee.

[0013] The reception terminal 11 accepts entry to the karaoke box, also known as check-in. Specifically, the reception terminal 11 accepts the input of check-in information required when a user uses the karaoke box. Check-in information includes, for example, the room ID of the karaoke box to be used, information about the user using the karaoke box such as member ID, date and time of entry, planned usage time, room course, optional course (hereinafter also simply referred to as optional), etc.

[0014] The Room ID is a unique identifier assigned to each karaoke box to distinguish it from the other karaoke boxes in the establishment; for example, it is the room number. The Member ID is a unique identifier assigned to a user who has entered into a membership agreement with the establishment, i.e., a member. Users register as members by installing the establishment's dedicated application software, i.e., the establishment app, on their own smartphone, tablet, or other user terminal 4. Upon registration, the user becomes a member and is assigned a unique Member ID. The Member ID is displayed on the screen of the user terminal 4 in the form of a machine-readable code symbol such as a barcode or QR code when the establishment app is launched.

[0015] The entry date and time is the date and time when the karaoke box is used upon check-in. The planned usage time indicates the planned duration of use of the karaoke box. The room course is a course menu related to the use of the karaoke box, such as a pricing plan where the room charge for a set period of time is a fixed amount. Options are course menus related to food and beverages, such as a drink bar or a one-drink minimum. Note that the room course may include options.

[0016] Furthermore, the reception terminal 11 accepts the departure from the karaoke box, also known as check-out. Specifically, the reception terminal 11 accepts the input of check-out information required when a user leaves the karaoke box. Check-out information includes, for example, information that can identify the room ID of the karaoke box used. The reception terminal 11 also performs accounting for the charges associated with the use of the karaoke box. The reception terminal 11 is supposed to support various payment methods such as cash, credit card, electronic money, and code payment, but it may also support only one of these payment methods.

[0017] The reception terminal 11 works in conjunction with the base server 3 to execute the check-in and check-out processes described above.

[0018] Alternatively, the reception terminal 11 may be configured to exclusively handle check-in processing, while a separate reception device (hereinafter also referred to as the accounting terminal) is provided to exclusively handle check-out processing. In this case, the reception terminal 11, which exclusively handles check-in processing, can be referred to as a registration terminal or POS (Point of Sales), etc. The accounting terminal can also be referred to as a payment terminal or POS terminal, etc.

[0019] [Reception terminal 15] The reception terminal 15 is installed at the store's reception desk. The reception terminal 15 is basically a device with the same functions as the reception terminal 11 (functions described in paragraphs

[0013] to

[0018] ). The reception terminal 15 allows the user to perform the initial check-in, intermediate check-in, and check-out operations themselves. The reception terminal 15 accepts the operation for intermediate check-in in addition to the check-in performed at the reception terminal 11 and the reception terminal 15. For the sake of explanation, the reception terminal 11 and the reception terminal 15 are described with different reference numerals, but they may be implemented by the same device. The hardware configuration, functional configuration, and control of the reception terminal 15, as well as the functional configuration and control of the base server 3 related to the reception terminal 15, will be described later in Figures 56 to 75.

[0020] [Ordering terminal] The order terminal 12 is a terminal device used by users to order products within a karaoke box. The order terminal 12 is a terminal device such as a tablet PC installed in each karaoke box. Users select the products they wish to order from the list of products displayed on the touch panel of the order terminal 12 and enter the quantity. The user's order data is then transmitted to the base server 3 along with the store ID and karaoke box room ID, and the base server 3 is used to notify the kitchen terminal 13 of the same store.

[0021] The order terminal 12 may also be a handheld terminal carried by an employee and equipped with the function of inputting the details of the product order received from the customer. In addition, a customer can install store-specific application software on their own customer terminal 4 and use that customer terminal 4 as an order terminal by entering the application software ID, such as a membership code, into the customer terminal 4 upon entry.

[0022] [Kitchen terminal] Kitchen terminal 13 is a device for outputting information about the items (food and beverage menu items) ordered by karaoke box users. There are two types of kitchen terminals 13: one that outputs information about food and beverage menu items by displaying it on a display device, and another that outputs information about food and beverage menu items by printing it on recording paper using a printer. Generally, kitchen terminals 13 are installed in the kitchen of a store where food and beverage menu items are prepared. Kitchen staff use the information output from kitchen terminal 13 to understand the food and beverage menu items ordered by karaoke box users, prepare them, and serve them to the users.

[0023] [Shop employee terminal] The employee terminal 14 is a terminal device operated by store employees. The employee terminal 14 is implemented as a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet and is carried by the employee. Store employees can use the employee terminal 14 to check the status of the karaoke boxes and to check various notifications sent from the base server 3.

[0024] Furthermore, the facility management system 100 connects each of the aforementioned store systems 1, the mobile server 2, and the base server 3 via a second network Nb. The second network Nb is, for example, a wide-area network such as the internet or an intranet, or a mobile communication network.

[0025] [Mobile Server] Mobile server 2 provides bidirectional data communication services to user terminals 4 and external sales terminals 5, etc. Mobile server 2 provides data communication services using, for example, a short-range wireless communication network such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or a mobile communication network.

[0026] [Infrastructure Server] The infrastructure server 3 is a server device that provides operational support for each store where the store system 1 is installed. The infrastructure server 3 manages the status of the karaoke boxes installed in the stores and provides support for the use and operation of the karaoke boxes. The infrastructure server 3 may provide services in an on-premise environment or in a cloud computing environment.

[0027] [User terminal] User terminal 4 is a terminal device carried by users of a karaoke box. User terminal 4 is implemented as a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet and is carried by the user. By operating user terminal 4, users can make reservations at their desired store or order products at the store they have entered.

[0028] [Terminals for external sales] The outside sales terminal 5 is a terminal device operated by employees (hereinafter also referred to as outside sales staff) who go outside the store to solicit pedestrians and others to use the store. Generally, when a store has many vacant karaoke rooms, store employees or the person in charge of the area to which the store belongs will go to nearby shopping districts and engage in outside sales activities to solicit pedestrians and others to use the store. The outside sales terminal 5 is intended to be used in such outside sales activities.

[0029] The external sales terminal 5 is implemented using a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, and is carried by the external salesperson. By coordinating with the base server 3, the external sales terminal 5 can display the reservation status of karaoke boxes and make reservations for karaoke boxes for users who have been solicited. Hereafter, the karaoke box reservation made by the external salesperson will also be referred to as "room reservation."

[0030] The following describes the configuration of the main devices among the devices of the facility management system 100 mentioned above.

[0031] [Key components of the base server] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the base server 3. As shown in Figure 2, the base server 3 includes a processor 31, main memory 32, auxiliary storage device 33, clock 34, and communication interface 35, etc.

[0032] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 31 controls various parts to realize various functions as a base server 3 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Preferably, the processor 31 is a multi-core processor that includes multiple processor cores and is capable of executing multiple processes in parallel.

[0033] Main memory 32 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. Main memory 32 includes non-volatile memory areas and volatile memory areas. In the non-volatile memory area, main memory 32 stores the operating system or application programs. Main memory 32 may also store data necessary for the processor 31 to perform processing to control each part in non-volatile or volatile memory areas. Main memory 32 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as needed by the processor 31. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0034] The auxiliary storage device 33 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 33. The auxiliary storage device 33 stores various application programs that the processor 31 can execute, setting information related to the execution of said application programs, etc. The auxiliary storage device 33 also stores data used by the processor 31 in performing various processes, various databases (DB) described later, and data generated by processing by the processor 31, etc.

[0035] Clock 34 measures the date and time. Processor 31 processes the date and time measured by clock 34 as the current date and time.

[0036] The communication interface 35 is a communication device that can be connected to the second network Nb. The communication interface 35 performs data communication with external devices via the second network Nb.

[0037] The processor 31 is connected to each part via a system transmission path. The system transmission path includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. The base server 3 is configured as a computer by connecting the processor 31, the main memory 32, the auxiliary storage device 33, the clock 34, and the communication interface 35 via the system transmission path.

[0038] Furthermore, the base server 3 of this embodiment stores employee management DB331, member management DB332, product management DB333, basic information DB334, status management DB335, check-in management DB336, reservation management DB337, and operational performance DB338, etc., in the auxiliary storage device 33.

[0039] [Employee Management Database] The Employee Management DB331 is a database for managing employees involved in the operation of each store. The Employee Management DB331 stores employee information such as password, name, store affiliation, authority, and terminal address, associated with each employee's employee ID.

[0040] An employee ID is an example of identification information that can identify each employee. A password is information used for verification when authenticating an employee. The store ID, etc., that identifies the store to which the employee belongs is registered. Note that an employee may be registered with more than one store. For example, if an employee is in charge of an area with multiple stores, multiple store IDs will be registered.

[0041] The name field contains information indicating the name of the employee corresponding to the employee ID. The permissions field registers information indicating the scope of actions the employee is permitted to perform. For example, permissions may include the scope of data that can be referenced in the store system 1 and the scope of processes that can be executed. If permissions are defined for each employee attribute, such as job title or department, the employee attributes may also be registered in the permissions field. The terminal address field registers the address of the store employee terminal 14 or external sales terminal 5 carried by the employee corresponding to the employee ID. Here, the address is an identifier used for communication, and can include, for example, a hostname, IP address, or MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) account. Furthermore, if application software for linking with the base server 3 is installed on the store employee terminal 14 or external sales terminal 5, and the application software ID, such as the employee ID, is entered at the start of operation, the employee ID can also be used as the address.

[0042] [Membership Management Database] The Member Management DB332 is a database for managing information about users registered as store users, or members. The Member Management DB332 stores member information such as name, age, contact information, rank, and coupon information, associated with each member's member ID.

[0043] The Member ID is an example of identification information assigned to each member. The name and age are information indicating the name and age of the member corresponding to the Member ID. Users who become members are issued a Member Card with their Member Code recorded on it, for example. Alternatively, the Member Code may be displayed on the user's smartphone or other device in the form of a machine-readable code symbol, such as a barcode or QR code, via dedicated application software installed on the smartphone.

[0044] The contact information includes the phone number of the user terminal 4 owned by the member. The rank is information that indicates the relative position among members. Preferably, the rank is determined according to the member's contribution to the store, such as the number of times or frequency of use of the karaoke box store. The store may then offer services (discounts, etc.) to members according to their rank.

[0045] Coupon information is service information distributed to users in advance to receive discounts or other services. When coupon information is applied at checkout, the discount service corresponding to the coupon information will be applied.

[0046] [Product management DB] Product Management DB333 is a database that stores data about products available to users of karaoke boxes. Product Management DB333 stores data about each product, such as its name, price, product image, category, and restrictions, associated with each product's product ID.

[0047] The product ID is an example of identification information assigned to each product. Products include food, beverages, prepared foods, cigarettes, etc. Rental items such as lighting fixtures, musical instruments, and sound equipment, which are charged for, also fall under the category of products. Furthermore, room courses and options may also be stored as products in the product management DB333.

[0048] The name is information indicating the name of the product. The price is information indicating the price of the product. The product image is image data such as an image or illustration representing the product. The category is registered with category information indicating each category, which is divided according to the product category, etc. For example, products may be categorized into recommended products, lunch, salads, desserts, drinks, others, etc.

[0049] Restrictions stipulate limitations on the provision of goods. For example, goods such as cigarettes and alcoholic beverages are subject to restrictions prohibiting their provision to minors. Similarly, if a product is a room course or option and includes the provision of alcoholic beverages, it is subject to restrictions prohibiting their provision to minors.

[0050] The information stored in the product management DB333 is not limited to the examples above. For example, it may store the amount of discounts or reductions, or the conditions for applying discounts or reductions (e.g., whether or not the customer is a member), associated with the product ID. Furthermore, a separate product management DB333 may be provided for each store ID. This would allow for different product menus at each store.

[0051] [Basic information DB] The Basic Information DB334 is a database that stores basic information about each karaoke box located in each store. Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of the Basic Information DB334. As shown in Figure 3, the Basic Information DB334 stores the store ID, room ID, and basic information in association with each other.

[0052] A store ID is unique identifier for each store. A room ID is unique identifier for each karaoke box located within the store corresponding to the store ID. Basic information includes specifications and other details of the karaoke box corresponding to the room ID. For example, basic information includes the room name, maximum capacity, minimum capacity, karaoke machine model, terminal address, and information about the equipment (names and identification information) installed in the room.

[0053] The maximum capacity indicates the upper limit of the number of people that can be accommodated in the karaoke box. The minimum capacity indicates the lower limit of the number of people that can be accommodated in the karaoke box. The karaoke machine information indicates the model name, brand name, etc., of the karaoke machine installed in the karaoke box. The terminal address is the address of the order terminal 12 installed in the karaoke box.

[0054] Note that the data structure of the basic information is not limited to the example in Figure 3. For example, the basic information may include settings such as the usage fee per unit of time and whether or not the usage time can be extended.

[0055] [Status Management DB] The status management DB335 is a database for managing the current status of karaoke boxes installed in each store. Figure 4 shows an example of the data structure of the status management DB335. As shown in Figure 4, the status management DB335 stores the store ID, room ID, room status, status start date and time, and additional information in association with each other.

[0056] The room status indicates the current status of the karaoke box corresponding to the room ID. Examples of karaoke box statuses include "Vacant," "Occupied," "Waiting for Cleaning," "Cleaning in Progress," and "Out of Order."

[0057] "Vacant" indicates that the karaoke box is available for use. "Occupied" indicates that the karaoke box is currently being used by a user. "Waiting for Cleaning" indicates that the karaoke box has been used but has not yet been cleaned. "Cleaning in Progress" indicates that the karaoke box is currently being cleaned. "Out of Order" indicates that the karaoke box is unusable due to a malfunction of the karaoke equipment, etc.

[0058] The "Start Date and Time of Status" records the date and time when the status changed. The "Additional Information" field records additional information related to the room status. For example, the "Out of Order" status might include the reason for the malfunction and comments entered by employees.

[0059] [Check-in Management Database] The check-in management DB336 is a database that stores information about karaoke boxes that are currently in use and the users using those karaoke boxes. Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure of the check-in management DB336. As shown in Figure 5, the check-in management DB336 stores and associates store information such as store ID, room ID, receipt number, entry date and time, planned usage time, planned exit date and time, exit date and time, user information, number of users, representative information, order information, complaint information, and additional information.

[0060] The receipt number is issued when you start using the karaoke box (check in). The receipt number is an example of a management number that can uniquely identify a transaction related to the use of a karaoke box. The entry date and time (start date and time) is information indicating the date and time when you started using the karaoke box. The planned usage time is information indicating the number of hours you plan to use the karaoke box. The planned exit date and time is the date and time obtained by adding the planned usage time to the entry date and time. The exit date and time is information indicating the date and time when the user actually left, that is, the date and time when the use of the karaoke box ended.

[0061] User information stores details about each user using the karaoke box corresponding to the room ID. For example, user information includes user identifier, options, name, age, entry / exit status, entry date and time, exit date and time, member ID, payment flag, and additional user information. Note that the member ID is included in the user identifier.

[0062] The user identifier is identification information that can identify each user who enters the same karaoke box. The user identifier is an identifier such as a sequential number that can identify a user. The option is information that indicates the type of option selected by the user. The age is information that indicates the date of birth or age category of the user corresponding to the user identifier.

[0063] The entry / exit status is information indicating the user's entry and exit status. Examples of entry / exit statuses include "Currently in Room," "Partially Entered," "Partially Exited," and "Entry Cancelled." "Currently in Room" indicates that the user is currently in the karaoke box and means that they entered at the entry date and time mentioned above. "Partially Entered" indicates that the user entered the karaoke box partway through and means that they entered after the entry date and time mentioned above. "Partially Exited" indicates that the user left the karaoke box partway through and is assigned when an exit operation is performed while a user who is "Currently in Room" is still present.

[0064] The status "Entry Cancelled" indicates that a user's entry has been cancelled. For example, this status is assigned when an entry is cancelled due to an error in selecting the number of people. Users in the "Entry Cancelled" status are treated as if they never entered the room in the first place and are excluded from the calculation of usage fees.

[0065] The "Mid-Entry Date and Time" indicates the date and time when a user entered the karaoke box midway through the session. Mid-session entry means that an additional user enters the karaoke box while there are already users inside. The "Mid-Session Exit Date and Time" indicates the date and time when a user exits the karaoke box midway through the session. Mid-session entry means that a user leaves the karaoke box while there are already users inside.

[0066] The Member ID is registered to users who are members. The "Accounted" flag indicates whether the user corresponding to the user identifier has completed payment. Users whose "Accounted" flag is set to "Accounted" are treated as having already paid the amount used. The initial state of the "Accounted" flag is set to "Not Accounted".

[0067] The user's additional information section registers additional information about each user. For example, if an identity document is checked to verify the user's age during check-in, information indicating the type of identity document used (driver's license, student ID, etc.) will be registered in the user's additional information section. For example, if a user is not a member, their contact information (telephone number, etc.) will be registered in the user's additional information section.

[0068] The number of users is information indicating the number of users registered in the user information, that is, the number of user identifiers. The number of users is the number of user identifiers remaining after excluding user identifiers whose entry / exit status is "Entry Cancelled" from the user identifiers registered in the user information. Alternatively, the number of users in a karaoke box may be the number of user identifiers remaining after excluding user identifiers whose entry / exit status is "Entry Cancelled" and "Left Midway." Note that even if the entry / exit status is "Left Midway," user identifiers with a payment flag of "Not Paid" may be included in the number of users.

[0069] Representative information is registered for the user who is the representative among the users included in the user information. For example, if the representative user is a member, that user's user identifier or member ID will be registered in the representative information. Also, for example, if the representative user is not a member, that user's user identifier will be registered in the representative information.

[0070] Order information includes details that can identify the items ordered by the user. For example, order information may include details indicating the type of room course. For example, order information may include details that can identify the food and beverage items ordered by a karaoke box user.

[0071] The complaint information section registers complaints, such as opinions, requests, and grievances received from karaoke box users. For example, the complaint information may include details of the complaint, employee comments, and the date and time of registration.

[0072] The additional information section stores extra details related to the use of the karaoke box. For example, if the store offers a free extension of usage time, the additional information section will store the service time indicating that extension.

[0073] [Reservation Management Database] The reservation management DB337 is a database for managing reservations for karaoke boxes. Figure 6 shows an example of the data structure of the reservation management DB337. As shown in Figure 6, the reservation management DB337 stores the store ID, room ID, reservation information, and additional information in association with each other.

[0074] Reservation information includes, for example, the reservation date and time, planned usage time, number of people, and representative information. The reservation date and time indicates the date and time when the karaoke box will be used. The planned usage time indicates the number of hours the karaoke box will be used. The number of people will be used indicates the number of people who will be using the karaoke box. Representative information indicates the user who will be making the reservation, such as the member ID or name of the user who made the reservation.

[0075] The additional information section registers additional details related to the karaoke box reservation. For example, the additional information section registers information indicating the date and time the reservation was made (hereinafter also referred to as the reservation acceptance date and time). In the case of a reservation made by an outside sales representative (hereinafter also referred to as a "room reservation"), the additional information section registers information that can identify the reservation as being made by an outside sales representative, such as the employee ID of the outside sales representative who made the room reservation. The additional information section also registers information regarding the amount of money exchanged between the outside sales representative and the customer, as well as any communications from the outside sales representative to the store's employees.

[0076] [Operational Performance Database] The operational performance database 338 is a database for managing the operational performance of karaoke boxes. Figure 7 shows an example of the data structure of the operational performance database 338. As shown in Figure 7, the operational performance database 338 stores and associates store ID, room ID, room status, status duration, reason for status, staff information, additional information, etc.

[0077] The room status is information indicating the status of the karaoke box corresponding to the room ID. The status duration is information indicating the period during which the karaoke box remained in that state. For example, the status duration may include the start and end dates and times of the state, as well as the duration of the state.

[0078] The status reason registers the reason why the karaoke box is in the state indicated by the room status. For example, for a karaoke box in a state such as "out of order," the name of the malfunctioning equipment and the reason why the karaoke box is unusable are registered.

[0079] The personnel information includes details that can identify the operator who instructed the room to switch to the state indicated by the room status, as well as the employee performing the associated tasks. For example, if a karaoke box is "being cleaned," the name and employee ID of the employee responsible for cleaning will be registered in the personnel information.

[0080] The additional information section registers additional information related to the room status. For example, for a karaoke box in a state such as "out of order," messages for other employees may be registered. Also, for example, if a room is changed back from the "vacant" state to the "cleaning in progress" state, the reason for changing it back to cleaning will be registered.

[0081] The database maintained by the base server 3 is not limited to the above example. For example, the base server 3 may maintain a store management database associated with each store's store ID, storing the store's chain name, address, addresses of each terminal installed in the store, etc. For example, the base server 3 may maintain a fee database in the auxiliary storage device 113 that defines the usage fees for karaoke boxes. Such a fee database may, for example, associate the store ID and room ID with the usage fee per unit time for the karaoke box corresponding to the room ID. The fee database may also store usage fees and discounts depending on whether the user is a member or not, discounts according to the member rank, and usage fees and discounts depending on whether the user is a student or not.

[0082] [Hardware configuration of the reception terminal] Figure 8 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the reception terminal 11. The reception terminal 11 includes a processor 111, main memory 112, auxiliary storage device 113, clock 114, communication interface 115, display unit 116, operation unit 117, reading unit 118, and printing unit 119, etc.

[0083] The processor 111 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 111 controls various parts to realize various functions as a receiving terminal 11 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 111 is, for example, a CPU. Preferably, the processor 111 is a multi-core processor that includes multiple processor cores and is capable of executing multiple processes in parallel.

[0084] Main memory 112 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. Main memory 112 includes non-volatile memory areas and volatile memory areas. In the non-volatile memory area, main memory 112 stores the operating system or application programs. Main memory 112 may also store data necessary for the processor 111 to perform processing to control various parts in non-volatile or volatile memory areas. Main memory 112 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as needed by the processor 111. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0085] The auxiliary storage device 113 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 113. The auxiliary storage device 113 stores various application programs that the processor 111 can execute, setting information related to the execution of said application programs, etc. The auxiliary storage device 113 also stores data used by the processor 111 in performing various processes, data generated by processing by the processor 111, etc.

[0086] Clock 114 measures the date and time. Processor 111 processes the date and time measured by clock 114 as the current date and time.

[0087] The communication interface 115 is a communication device that can be connected to the first network Na. The communication interface 115 performs data communication with external devices via the first network Na.

[0088] The display unit 116 is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display unit 116 displays various information under the control of the processor 111. The operation unit 117 is an input device such as a keyboard or a pointing device. The operation unit 117 outputs the operation content input via the input device to the processor 111. The operation unit 117 may be a touch panel provided on the display unit 116.

[0089] The reading unit 118 is a reading device that reads information from an information-holding medium. For example, the reading unit 118 is a code scanner or digital camera that reads information from code symbols such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes. Alternatively, the reading unit 118 is a magnetic card reader that reads information from card media such as magnetic cards. The printing unit 119 is a printing device such as a thermal printer.

[0090] The processor 111 is connected to each part via a system transmission path. The system transmission path includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. The receiving terminal 11 constitutes a computer by connecting the processor 111 with the main memory 112, auxiliary storage device 113, clock 114, and communication interface 115, etc., via the system transmission path.

[0091] [Hardware configuration of terminals for external sales] Figure 9 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the external sales terminal 5. The external sales terminal 5 includes a processor 51, main memory 52, auxiliary storage device 53, clock 54, communication interface 55, display unit 56, and operation unit 57, etc.

[0092] The processor 51 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 51 controls various parts to realize various functions as an external sales terminal 5 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 51 is, for example, a CPU. Preferably, the processor 51 is a multi-core processor that includes multiple processor cores and is capable of executing multiple processes in parallel.

[0093] Main memory 52 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. Main memory 52 includes non-volatile memory areas and volatile memory areas. In the non-volatile memory area, main memory 52 stores the operating system or application programs. Main memory 52 may also store data necessary for the processor 51 to perform processing to control various parts in non-volatile or volatile memory areas. Main memory 52 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as needed by the processor 51. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0094] The auxiliary storage device 53 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 53. The auxiliary storage device 53 stores various application programs that the processor 51 can execute, setting information related to the execution of said application programs, etc. The auxiliary storage device 53 also stores data used by the processor 51 in performing various processes, data generated by processing by the processor 51, etc.

[0095] Clock 54 measures the date and time. Processor 51 processes the date and time measured by clock 54 as the current date and time.

[0096] The communication interface 55 is a communication device that can be connected to the second network Nb (or the first network Na). The communication interface 55 performs data communication with external devices via the second network Nb.

[0097] The display unit 56 is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display unit 56 displays various information under the control of the processor 51. The operation unit 57 is an input device such as a keyboard or a pointing device. The operation unit 57 outputs the operation content input via the input device to the processor 51. The operation unit 57 may also be a touch panel provided on the display unit 56.

[0098] The processor 51 is connected to each component via a system transmission path. The system transmission path includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. The external sales terminal 5 is configured as a computer by connecting the processor 51, main memory 52, auxiliary storage device 53, clock 54, and communication interface 55, etc., via the system transmission path.

[0099] The employee terminal 14 has a hardware configuration similar to, for example, the external sales terminal 5. Furthermore, the external sales terminal 5 and the employee terminal 14 may be implemented using the same device.

[0100] [Functional Configuration] Next, with reference to Figure 10, the functional configuration of the aforementioned base server 3, external sales terminal 5, and reception terminal 11 will be described. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the base server 3, external sales terminal 5, and reception terminal 11.

[0101] [Store Server Functional Configuration] First, let's explain the functional configuration of the base server 3. As shown in Figure 10, the base server 3 is equipped with the following functional configurations: a status management unit 311, a reservation management unit 312, a check-in processing unit 313, an order acceptance unit 314, a complaint processing unit 315, a check-out processing unit 316, an information provision unit 317, and a notification processing unit 318.

[0102] The functional configuration of the base server 3 may be a software configuration realized through the cooperation of the processor 31 of the base server 3 and various programs stored in a non-volatile memory area. Alternatively, the functional configuration of the base server 3 may be a hardware configuration realized by dedicated circuits or the like installed on the base server 3.

[0103] [Status Management Department] The state management unit 311 manages the state of the karaoke boxes. For example, the state management unit 311 manages the state of each karaoke box based on predetermined state transition rules for the karaoke boxes. Figure 11 is a state transition diagram showing an example of a karaoke box state transition rule.

[0104] In the state transition diagram in Figure 11, the "vacant" state is the starting point. When a check-in process is performed on a karaoke box that is in the "vacant" state, the state management unit 311 switches the state of that karaoke box to "occupied". Specifically, the state management unit 311 works in cooperation with the check-in processing unit 313 (described later) to detect that a new data entry has been registered in the check-in management DB 336, and then switches the room state in the state management DB 335 corresponding to the store ID and room ID pair included in that data entry from "vacant" to "occupied". The state management unit 311 also registers the operating record of the karaoke box in the operating record DB 338, associated with the store ID and room ID of the karaoke box whose state has been switched.

[0105] Here, the status management unit 311 performs the following processing when registering operational records. First, the status management unit 311 searches the operational record DB 338 for data entries related to the store ID and room ID pair whose room state was switched, and for which the room state is in the state before the switch and the end date and time of the state is blank. The status management unit 311 registers the current date and time as the end date and time of the searched data entry. In addition, the status management unit 311 registers a data entry in the operational record DB 338 with the store ID and room ID pair whose state was switched, the room state indicating the state after the switch, and the current date and time set as the start date and time.

[0106] Furthermore, when a checkout process is performed on a karaoke box that is in the "occupied" state, the status management unit 311 switches the status of that karaoke box to "waiting for cleaning." Specifically, the status management unit 311, in cooperation with the checkout processing unit 316 (described later), detects that a data entry has been removed from the check-in management DB 336, and switches the room status in the status management DB 335 corresponding to the store ID and room ID pair included in that data entry from "occupied" to "waiting for cleaning." The status management unit 311 also registers the operating record of the karaoke box in the operating record DB 338, associated with the store ID and room ID of the karaoke box whose status has been switched.

[0107] Furthermore, when the status management unit 311 receives an instruction to start cleaning for a karaoke box that is in the "waiting for cleaning" state, it switches the status of that karaoke box to "cleaning in progress". Specifically, when the status management unit 311 receives a cleaning start notification from the store system 1 (reception terminal 11 or employee terminal 14) instructing the start of cleaning for a karaoke box, it identifies the data entry corresponding to the store ID and room ID specified in the cleaning start notification from the status management DB 335. Next, the status management unit 311 switches the room status of the identified data entry from "waiting for cleaning" to "cleaning in progress". In addition, the status management unit 311 registers the operational record of the karaoke box in the operational record DB 338, associated with the store ID and room ID of the karaoke box whose status has been switched.

[0108] Furthermore, if the cleaning commencement notification includes the employee ID of the employee responsible for cleaning, the status management unit 311 registers that employee ID and the name of the employee corresponding to that employee ID in the person in charge information field of the work performance DB 338.

[0109] Furthermore, when the status management unit 311 receives a cleaning completion instruction for a karaoke box that is currently in the "cleaning in progress" state, it switches the status of that karaoke box to "vacant." Specifically, when the status management unit 311 receives a cleaning completion notification from the store system 1 (reception terminal 11 or employee terminal 14) instructing that the cleaning of a karaoke box has been completed, it identifies the data entry corresponding to the store ID and room ID specified in the cleaning completion notification from the status management DB 335. Next, the status management unit 311 switches the room status of the identified data entry from "cleaning in progress" to "vacant." In addition, the status management unit 311 registers the operational record of the karaoke box in the operational record DB 338, associated with the store ID and room ID of the karaoke box whose status has been switched.

[0110] Furthermore, if the cleaning completion notification includes the employee ID of the employee responsible for the cleaning, the status management unit 311 registers that employee ID and the name of the employee corresponding to that employee ID in the person in charge information field of the work performance DB 338.

[0111] Furthermore, when the status management unit 311 receives a cleaning return instruction for a karaoke box that is in the "vacant" state, it switches the status of that karaoke box to "cleaning". Specifically, when the status management unit 311 receives a cleaning return instruction from the store system 1 (reception terminal 11 or employee terminal 14) to return the karaoke box to the cleaning state, it identifies the data entry corresponding to the store ID and room ID specified in the cleaning return instruction from the status management DB 335. Next, the status management unit 311 switches the room status of the identified data entry from "vacant" to "cleaning". In addition, the status management unit 311 registers the operating record of the karaoke box in the operating record DB 338, associated with the store ID and room ID of the karaoke box whose status has been switched.

[0112] If the instruction to return the unit during cleaning includes the reason for returning it during cleaning, the status management unit 311 registers that reason in the status reason column or additional information column of the operational performance DB 338.

[0113] Furthermore, when the status management unit 311 receives a notification of a malfunction in a karaoke box that is in the "vacant" state, it switches the status of that karaoke box to "malfunctioning". Specifically, when the status management unit 311 receives a malfunction notification from the store system 1 (reception terminal 11 or employee terminal 14) indicating that a malfunction has occurred in a karaoke box, it identifies a data entry corresponding to the store ID and room ID specified in the malfunction notification from the status management DB 335. Next, the status management unit 311 switches the room status of the identified data entry from "vacant" to "malfunctioning". In addition, the status management unit 311 registers the operational record of the karaoke box in the operational record DB 338, associated with the store ID and room ID of the karaoke box whose status has been switched.

[0114] If the failure notification includes the reason for the failure or comments, the status management unit 311 registers the reason for the failure and comments in the status reason column or additional information column of the operational performance DB 338.

[0115] Furthermore, when the status management unit 311 receives a repair completion instruction for a karaoke box that is in the "out of order" state, it switches the status of that karaoke box to "vacant." Specifically, when the status management unit 311 receives a repair completion instruction from the store system 1 (reception terminal 11 or employee terminal 14) indicating that the repair of a karaoke box has been completed, it identifies the data entry corresponding to the store ID and room ID specified in the repair completion instruction from the status management DB 335. Next, the status management unit 311 switches the room status of the identified data entry from "out of order" to "vacant." In addition, the status management unit 311 registers the operational record of the karaoke box in the operational record DB 338, associated with the store ID and room ID of the karaoke box whose status has been switched.

[0116] In this way, the state management unit 311 switches the room state in the state management DB 335 according to the current state of the karaoke box. In addition, the state management unit 311 registers the karaoke box's operating history in the operating history DB 338 when the state of the karaoke box is switched. As a result, the current state of the karaoke box is stored in the state management DB 335. Furthermore, the operating history DB 338 records the chronological state transitions of the karaoke box as operating history.

[0117] [Reservation Management Department] Returning to Figure 10, the reservation management unit 312 manages reservations for the use of karaoke boxes. Specifically, when the reservation management unit 312 receives a reservation instruction from the store system 1, user terminal 4, external sales terminal 5, etc., which includes a set of store ID and room ID to be reserved, and the reservation date and time, it registers the reservation information, such as the reservation date and time, in the reservation management DB 337, associating it with the instructed set of store ID and room ID.

[0118] Furthermore, the reservation management unit 312 manages the reservation information registered in the reservation management DB 337. Specifically, the reservation management unit 312 deletes data entries from the reservation management DB 337 related to reservation information that has elapsed a predetermined time (e.g., 15 minutes) from the reservation date and time.

[0119] [Check-in Processing Unit] The check-in processing unit 313 is an example of a check-in and entry method. The check-in processing unit 313 works in conjunction with the reception terminal 11 to perform check-in processing (hereinafter also referred to as check-in processing). Specifically, when the check-in processing unit 313 receives check-in information from the reception terminal 11, including a store ID and room ID combination, it issues a unique slip number and transmits the issued slip number to the reception terminal 11. The check-in processing unit 313 also associates the specified store ID and room ID combination, the issued slip number, and various information included in the check-in information and registers them in the check-in management DB 336.

[0120] The check-in information includes data elements based on the data structure of the check-in management DB336. For example, the check-in information includes the date and time of entry, the planned usage time, user information, and representative information. When the check-in processing unit 313 registers user information in the check-in management DB336, it sets the entry / exit status of each user to "In Entry" and registers the date and time of entry in the entry date and time field for each user.

[0121] The check-in processing unit 313 may determine whether a karaoke box is available for use based on the maximum and minimum capacity of each karaoke box registered in the basic information DB 334 and the number of users of the karaoke box. For example, the check-in processing unit 313 may determine that the karaoke box is unavailable if the number of users exceeds the maximum capacity of the karaoke box indicated in the check-in information, or falls short of the minimum capacity. In this case, the check-in processing unit 313 may, in cooperation with the information provision unit 317 (described later), inform the operator of the reception terminal 11 that the karaoke box is unavailable.

[0122] Furthermore, when the check-in processing unit 313 receives a request from the reception terminal 11 to read reservation information, it reads the reservation information specified in the request from the reservation management DB 337 and executes the check-in process based on the read reservation information. Specifically, the check-in processing unit 313 executes the check-in process for the karaoke box corresponding to the store ID and room ID associated with the reservation information, based on the contents registered in the reservation information. In addition, when the check-in processing is executed based on the reservation information, the check-in processing unit 313 deletes the data entry related to the reservation information from the reservation management DB 337.

[0123] Furthermore, the check-in processing unit 313 may narrow down the reservation information to be read from the reservation management DB 337 based on the date and time when it received the instruction to read reservation information. For example, when the check-in processing unit 313 receives a read instruction specifying a store ID and a room ID, it may be configured to read from the reservation management DB 337 reservation information that matches those conditions and whose reservation date and time are set within a predetermined time before or after (for example, 15 minutes) the date and time when the read instruction was received. This allows the check-in processing unit 313 to perform check-in processing using the reservation information appropriate for the current date and time, even if there are multiple reservation information items that match the conditions supported by the read instruction.

[0124] Furthermore, the check-in processing unit 313 modifies the registered data entries in the check-in management DB 336 in response to change instructions sent from the reception terminal 11. Specifically, when the check-in processing unit 313 receives a change instruction specifying a pair of store ID and room ID, it identifies a data entry from the check-in management DB 336 that matches the specified conditions. Next, the check-in processing unit 313 executes a process to modify the contents of the data entry based on the instructions given in the change instruction.

[0125] For example, when the check-in processing unit 313 receives a change instruction to change the room ID, it changes the room ID included in the corresponding data entry to the room ID specified in the change instruction. For example, when the check-in processing unit 313 receives a change instruction to change the room course, it changes the room course included in the corresponding data entry to the room course specified in the change instruction.

[0126] Furthermore, when the check-in processing unit 313 receives a change instruction (hereinafter also referred to as an "interim entry instruction") that instructs a user to enter the room midway through the process, it adds information about the user instructed by the interim entry instruction to the user information in the check-in management DB 336. The check-in processing unit 313 then sets the entry / exit status of the added user to "interim entry completed" and registers the date and time instructed by the interim entry instruction as the interim entry date and time.

[0127] Furthermore, when the check-in processing unit 313 receives a change instruction (hereinafter also referred to as a room cancellation instruction) that instructs a user to cancel their room entry, it changes the entry / exit status of the user instructed by the room cancellation instruction to "Room Cancelled" from the user information in the check-in management DB 336.

[0128] [Order Reception Department] The order receiving unit 314 receives product orders from users using the karaoke box and notifies the kitchen terminal 13 of the store where the karaoke box is located of the received order details. Specifically, when the order receiving unit 314 receives an order instruction from a user who has entered the karaoke box via the order terminal 12, it notifies the kitchen terminal 13 of the store where the karaoke box is located of the order details. The order receiving unit 314 also identifies the data entry related to the karaoke box of the user who placed the order from the check-in management DB 336 and registers the order details in the order information field included in that data entry.

[0129] The order receiving unit 314 may determine whether an order can be placed based on the restrictions for each product registered in the product management DB 333, the age group of the users of the karaoke box, etc. For example, if all users of the karaoke box are minors, the order receiving unit 314 will determine that products such as alcoholic beverages and cigarettes cannot be ordered. In this case, the order receiving unit 314 may, in cooperation with the information provision unit 317 (described later), provide the user with a product menu containing only the products that can be ordered, or, if an unavailable product is ordered, it may inform the user that it cannot be ordered.

[0130] Furthermore, the order receiving unit 314 may switch the notification destination of the order details depending on the type of product being ordered. For example, the order receiving unit 314 may notify the kitchen terminal 13 if the ordered product is a beverage or a prepared food, and notify the staff terminal 14 if the ordered product is a lighting fixture, a musical instrument, etc.

[0131] Furthermore, regarding items included in room courses and options ordered at check-in, the order reception unit 314 may be configured to cooperate with the check-in processing unit 313 to notify the kitchen terminal 13, etc.

[0132] The complaint processing unit 315 registers complaints received from karaoke box users and notifies employees. Specifically, when the complaint processing unit 315 receives a complaint registration instruction from the reception terminal 11, which instructs the registration of complaint details, it identifies the data record related to the karaoke box to which the complaint was registered from the check-in management DB 336. Then, the complaint processing unit 315 registers the complaint details specified in the complaint registration instruction in the complaint information field of the identified data record.

[0133] Furthermore, when the claim processing unit 315 receives a claim registration instruction, it notifies the store employee terminal 14 of the originating store of the details of the claim specified in the claim registration instruction.

[0134] In this embodiment, the complaint registration instruction is transmitted from the reception terminal 11, but it is not limited to this, and the complaint registration instruction may be transmitted from any device in the store system 1 (order terminal 12 or employee terminal 14), or from the user terminal 4.

[0135] [Checkout Processing] The checkout processing unit 316 is an example of a means for early departure and checkout. The checkout processing unit 316 works in conjunction with the reception terminal 11 to execute the process related to the user's checkout (hereinafter referred to as the checkout process). Specifically, when the check-in processing unit 313 receives checkout information with a slip number from the reception terminal 11, it executes the checkout process for karaoke box users that meet the specified conditions.

[0136] The checkout processing unit 316 identifies data entries from the check-in management DB 336 that match the conditions specified in the checkout information, and calculates the usage fee for the karaoke box based on the various information contained in the identified data entries.

[0137] For example, the checkout processing unit 316 registers the date and time when it receives the checkout information in the departure date and time field of the specified data entry, and then calculates the length of time from the entry date and time to the departure date and time (hereinafter also referred to as usage time). If free time is set, the checkout processing unit 316 subtracts the free time to make the free time free of charge, and uses the remaining time as the usage time, but reserves the time specified in the room course, etc., without subtracting it.

[0138] Next, the checkout processing unit 316 calculates the karaoke box usage fee based on the usage time calculated for each user (user identifier), the type of room course, the type of option, the price of the products registered in the order information, and various discount conditions such as membership status. The checkout processing unit 316 also calculates the usage fee for each user by dividing the karaoke box usage fee by the number of users. However, user identifiers with a "paid" flag and user identifiers with an entry / exit status of "entry cancelled" are excluded from the calculation of the usage amount.

[0139] The method for calculating usage fees for each user is not limited to the above, and may be calculated in more detail for each user. For example, the usage fee for each user may be calculated based on options associated with each user identifier, or discounts based on the user's attributes (discounts based on whether they are a member or not, age group, student status, etc.). In addition, for user identifiers whose entry / exit status is "partially entered," the usage fee may be calculated based on the usage time from the time of partial entry / exit to the time of departure.

[0140] Next, the checkout processing unit 316 sends transaction data, including the amount used for the karaoke box and the amount used by each user, to the reception terminal 11 that sent the checkout information. The checkout processing unit 316 may also include some or all of the data entries identified from the slip number and check-in management DB 336 in the transaction data before sending it.

[0141] Then, when the checkout processing unit 316 receives a payment completion instruction from the reception terminal 11 that sent the transaction data, it sets the payment completed flag for each user included in the data entry in the check-in management DB 336 related to the transaction data to "payment completed". Then, the checkout processing unit 316 removes the data entry for which payment has been completed from the check-in management DB 336 by moving it to another DB or the like.

[0142] Furthermore, when the checkout processing unit 316 receives a request from the reception terminal 11 for a user to leave the karaoke box midway through their stay, it sets the checkout status of the user instructed by the request to leave midway through their stay to "left midway through." Specifically, when the checkout processing unit 316 receives a request to leave midway through their stay, along with the store ID and room ID and the user identifier of the user leaving midway through their stay, it identifies a data entry from the check-in management DB 336 that matches the specified conditions. The checkout processing unit 316 then switches the checkout status included in the identified data entry to "left midway through" and registers the date and time specified by the request to leave midway through as the date and time of the midway departure.

[0143] Furthermore, if payment for a user who is leaving the premises early is instructed at the time of the early departure instruction, the checkout processing unit 316 may individually calculate the usage amount for that user. In this case, the checkout processing unit 316 calculates the usage time from the entry date and time (or early entry / exit date and time) to the early departure date and time for the user identifier whose entry / exit status is set to "early departure," and calculates the usage amount based on that usage time. The usage amount can be calculated based on the usage amount and the user's attributes, etc., in the same calculation method as described above.

[0144] Next, the checkout processing unit 316 sends the transaction data, including the calculated usage amount, to the reception terminal 11 that sent the instruction to leave early. The checkout processing unit 316 may also send the transaction data along with the slip number and other data related to the karaoke box being left early. When the checkout processing unit 316 receives a payment completion notification from the reception terminal 11 that sent the transaction data, it sets the payment completed flag associated with the user identifier of the user leaving early to "payment completed".

[0145] This allows the facility management system 100 to individually process payments for users who leave the karaoke box midway through their session, thereby improving user convenience when using the karaoke box.

[0146] [Information Department] The information provision unit 317, in cooperation with the various databases and functional configurations described above, provides support information to external devices such as the reception terminal 11 and the external sales terminal 5 to assist in the use and operation of the karaoke box.

[0147] Specifically, when the information provision unit 317 receives a login request from an external device such as the reception terminal 11 or the external sales terminal 5, which includes the operator's employee ID and password combination, it performs an authentication process that compares it with the employee ID and password combination registered in the employee management DB 331. If authentication is successful, the information provision unit 317 provides the external device that sent the login request with support information to assist in the use and operation of the karaoke box located in the store corresponding to the store ID, based on the store ID and attributes associated with the employee ID.

[0148] For example, the information provision unit 317 provides support information to assist with operations related to check-in and check-out processes. Also, for example, the information provision unit 317 provides support information indicating the operating status of the karaoke box. Also, for example, the information provision unit 317 provides support information to assist with operations related to reservations for the use of the karaoke box.

[0149] Support information is a concept that includes not only data stored in various databases, but also derived results from that data, GUI (Graphical User Interface) screens, and control information for displaying those screens on external devices. Examples of various screens displayed based on support information will be described later.

[0150] [Notification Processing Unit] The notification processing unit 318 provides various notifications regarding the use or operation of the karaoke box. For example, when the notification processing unit 318 detects that the current date and time has reached a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) before the scheduled departure date and time of the karaoke box, it notifies the user of the karaoke box of the scheduled departure date and time.

[0151] Specifically, the notification processing unit 318 compares the current date and time with the scheduled departure date and time included in each data entry of the check-in management DB 336 to detect data entries that have reached a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) before the scheduled departure date and time. Then, based on the store ID and room ID pair included in the detected data entry, the notification processing unit 318 sends notification information including the scheduled departure date and time to the order terminal 12 installed in the karaoke box of the corresponding store.

[0152] This allows the facility management system 100 to notify users of the karaoke box when their scheduled departure time is approaching. Therefore, the facility management system 100 can improve the convenience of using the karaoke box.

[0153] Furthermore, the destination of the notification information is not limited to the ordering terminal 12. If the user's terminal 4 can be identified based on the member ID, etc., the notification information may also be sent to the user terminal 4 of the user currently using the karaoke box. In this case, the notification processing unit 318 may send the notification to the representative user's terminal 4, or to the user terminal 4 of each user whose entry / exit status is "currently in the room" or "partially entered." In addition, the timing of the notification of the scheduled departure date and time is not limited to a predetermined time before the scheduled departure date and time. The notification may also be sent when the scheduled departure date and time is reached, or when the scheduled departure date and time has exceeded a predetermined time.

[0154] [Functional Configuration of the Reception Terminal] Next, the functional configuration of the reception terminal 11 will be described. As shown in Figure 10, the reception terminal 11 is functionally configured to include a first display control unit 1101, a first operation reception unit 1102, and a first linkage processing unit 1103.

[0155] The functional configuration of the reception terminal 11 may be a software configuration realized through the cooperation of the processor 111 of the reception terminal 11 and various programs stored in a non-volatile memory area. Alternatively, the functional configuration of the reception terminal 11 may be a hardware configuration realized by a dedicated circuit or the like installed in the reception terminal 11.

[0156] The first display control unit 1101 controls the display unit 116 of the reception terminal 11 and displays various screens on the display unit 116. For example, the first display control unit 1101 works in cooperation with the first linkage processing unit 1103 to display various screens to support the use and operation of the karaoke box.

[0157] The first operation reception unit 1102 receives operations from the operator via the operation unit 117 of the reception terminal 11. For example, the first operation reception unit 1102 receives operations on various screens displayed by the first display control unit 1101.

[0158] The first linkage processing unit 1103, in cooperation with the base server 3, supports processing related to the use and operation of the karaoke box using the reception terminal 11. Specifically, the first linkage processing unit 1103 displays a screen on the display unit 116 to support the use and operation of the karaoke box based on various support information provided by the base server 3.

[0159] Furthermore, when the first integration processing unit 1103 initiates integration with the base server 3, it authenticates the operator by sending a login request to the base server 3 that includes the employee ID and password of the employee who will be operating the system. Then, upon successful authentication, the first integration processing unit 1103 displays a screen on the display unit 116 to support the use and operation of the karaoke box based on the support information provided by the base server 3.

[0160] [Functional Configuration of the Staff Terminal] Next, the functional configuration of the external sales terminal 5 will be described. As shown in Figure 10, the external sales terminal 5 is functionally configured to include a second display control unit 511, a second operation reception unit 512, and a second linkage processing unit 513.

[0161] The functional configuration of the external sales terminal 5 may be a software configuration realized through the cooperation of the processor 51 of the external sales terminal 5 and various programs stored in a non-volatile memory area. Alternatively, the functional configuration of the external sales terminal 5 may be a hardware configuration realized by dedicated circuits or the like installed in the external sales terminal 5.

[0162] The second display control unit 511 controls the display unit 56 of the external sales terminal 5 and displays various screens on the display unit 56. For example, the second display control unit 511 works in cooperation with the second linkage processing unit 513 to display various screens to support the use and operation of the karaoke box.

[0163] The second operation reception unit 512 receives operations from the operator via the operation unit 57 of the external sales terminal 5. For example, the second operation reception unit 512 receives operations on various screens displayed by the second display control unit 511.

[0164] The second linkage processing unit 513, in cooperation with the base server 3, supports processing related to the use and operation of the karaoke box using the external sales terminal 5. Specifically, the second linkage processing unit 513 displays a screen on the display unit 56 to support the use and operation of the karaoke box based on various support information provided by the base server 3.

[0165] Furthermore, when the second integration processing unit 513 initiates integration with the base server 3, it authenticates the operator by sending a login request to the base server 3 that includes the employee ID and password of the employee who will be operating the karaoke box. Then, upon successful authentication, the second integration processing unit 513 displays a screen on the display unit 56 to support the use and operation of the karaoke box based on the support information provided by the base server 3.

[0166] [Example of facility management system operation] The following describes examples of the operation of the aforementioned base server 3, external sales terminal 5, and reception terminal 11.

[0167] [Coordination between the base server and external sales terminals] First, we will explain an example of the operation performed between the base server 3 and the receiving terminal 11. Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the cooperation start process performed between the base server 3 and the receiving terminal 11.

[0168] First, to begin operating the reception terminal 11, the employee enters their employee ID and password into the reception terminal 11. Upon receiving the employee ID and password (ACT 11), the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 sends a login request to the base server 3, which includes the store ID of its own store and the entered employee ID and password combination (ACT 12).

[0169] When the information provision unit 317 of the base server 3 receives a login request, it performs an authentication process (ACT13) that compares the employee ID and password pair included in the login request with each employee ID and password pair registered in the employee management DB 331.

[0170] Here, if a combination of employee ID and password that matches the combination included in the login request is stored in the employee management DB 331, the information provision unit 317 determines that authentication is successful. In this case, the information provision unit 317 refers to various DBs and extracts data related to the store ID specified in the login request to generate support information related to the store with that store ID (ACT 14). Then, the information provision unit 317 provides the generated support information to the reception terminal 11 (ACT 15).

[0171] The first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 displays a screen on the display unit 116 to support the use and operation of the karaoke box, based on the support information provided by the base server 3 (ACT16). The information provision unit 317 of the base server 3 provides the reception terminal 11 with support information corresponding to the content of the various operations performed on the reception terminal 11.

[0172] Furthermore, if a combination of employee ID and password included in the login request does not match a combination stored in the employee management DB 331, the information provision unit 317 determines that authentication has failed. In this case, the information provision unit 317 sends a response information notifying the authentication failure to the receiving terminal 11 (ACT 17). In this case, the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the receiving terminal 11 displays a screen notifying the authentication failure on the display unit 116 based on the response information provided by the base server 3 (ACT 18).

[0173] For example, the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 displays an operation screen on the display unit 116 to support the use and operation of the karaoke box, based on the support information provided by the base server 3 upon successful authentication.

[0174] Figure 13 shows an example of an operation screen displayed on the reception terminal 11. As shown in Figure 13, the operation screen A includes an information display area Aa, a tab display area Ab, and a display area Ac, etc.

[0175] Information display area Aa displays various information such as the current date and time, a terminal ID that identifies the reception terminal 11, and the name of the operator who successfully authenticated. Tab display area Ab displays, for example, tabs Aba and Abb. Tabs Aba and Abb are controls for switching functions, and the screen corresponding to the selected function is displayed in display area Ac.

[0176] Tab Aaa is an operator used to select a list of karaoke boxes located in the user's own store. When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation on tab Aaa, it sends a room list request including the store ID of the user's own store to the base server 3.

[0177] When the information provision unit 317 of the base server 3 receives a room list request, it provides the receiving terminal 11 with support information representing the status of each karaoke box at the store with the store ID specified in the room list request, based on data entries in various databases related to that store ID.

[0178] The first linkage processing unit 1103 displays a room list screen showing a list of each karaoke box on the display unit 116 (display area Ac) based on the support information provided by the base server 3. In the initial state where operation screen A is displayed, tabs Aba may be automatically selected.

[0179] Figure 14 shows an example of a room list screen displayed on the reception terminal 11. As shown in Figure 14, the room list screen B has an operation field Ba and a list area Bb.

[0180] The list area Bb displays a sequence of room buttons Bc, each representing a different karaoke box. Each room button Bc is an example of an image representing a facility within the establishment; for example, it might be a rectangular display area associated with the room ID of the corresponding karaoke box. There are as many room buttons Bc as there are karaoke rooms, and they are arranged, for example, in order of room ID.

[0181] The control panel Ba displays various controls related to the display control of room buttons Bc. For example, the control panel Ba includes a first control Baa and a second control Bab for specifying the order (display order) of room buttons Bc displayed in the list area Bb, a third control Bac for narrowing down the room buttons Bc to be displayed, and a fourth control Bad and a fifth control Bae for changing the number of room buttons Bc displayed on one screen.

[0182] The first operator Baa and the second operator Bab allow you to change the order in which the displayed room buttons Bc are displayed by combining, for example, the order of room ID (room number), the scheduled departure time, the karaoke machine model, and the maximum (or minimum) capacity. Furthermore, the first operator Baa and the second operator Bab allow you to change the order in which the displayed room buttons Bc are displayed based on the status of the room, such as "occupied," "cleaning in progress," or "out of order." Figure 14 shows an example in which the room buttons Bc are displayed in the order of the room numbers set in the first operator Baa.

[0183] The third operator Bac is an operator that makes only the room buttons Bc for karaoke boxes in the "waiting for cleaning" and "cleaning in progress" states selectable. When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation from the third operator Bac, it grays out or otherwise disables the selection operation for room buttons Bc in other states other than the "waiting for cleaning" and "cleaning in progress" states. In other words, only the room buttons Bc for karaoke boxes in the "waiting for cleaning" and "cleaning in progress" states are enabled and become selectable.

[0184] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation to select one or more room buttons Bc from among the activated room buttons Bc, it switches the name "Batch Cleaning" displayed on the third operator Bac to "Change". The third operator Bac after switching to "Change" (hereinafter also referred to as the change button) is an operator for changing the state of the selected room buttons Bc all at once. In addition, the first linkage processing unit 1103 may perform mutual exclusion control to prevent the selection of room buttons Bc in both "Waiting for Cleaning" and "Cleaning in Progress" states from occurring simultaneously, by accepting the selection operation for room buttons Bc in only one of the states.

[0185] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation of the change button described above, it performs a process to switch the state of the karaoke box corresponding to each selected room button Bc to the next state. For example, when the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation of the change button while the "Waiting for cleaning" room button Bc is selected, it sends a cleaning start notification to the base server 3, which includes the store ID of its own store and the room ID of each selected room button Bc, thereby switching the state of the corresponding karaoke box to the "Cleaning in progress" state. For example, when the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation of the change button while the "Cleaning in progress" room button Bc is selected, it sends a cleaning completion notification to the base server 3, which includes the store ID of its own store and the room ID of each selected room button Bc, thereby switching the state of the corresponding karaoke box to the "Vacant" state.

[0186] Furthermore, the first linkage processing unit 1103 may, on the condition that a room button Bc is operated, hide all room buttons Bc other than those for karaoke boxes in the "waiting for cleaning" and "cleaning" states, thereby narrowing down the display of room buttons Bc to those in the "waiting for cleaning" and "cleaning" states.

[0187] The fourth operator Bad and the fifth operator Bae can be used to instruct the display of different numbers of items. For example, the fourth operator Bad is used to instruct the display of 6 x 8 room buttons Bc on one screen. The fifth operator Bae is used to instruct the display of 6 x 4 room buttons Bc on one screen. The first linkage processing unit 1103 changes the number of room buttons Bc displayed on one screen, as well as the size of the room buttons Bc and the amount of information displayed on the room buttons Bc, in response to the operation of the fourth operator Bad or the fifth operator Bae. Figure 14 shows an example where the fifth operator Bae is selected.

[0188] Each room button Bc displays basic information and status-specific information for the corresponding karaoke box. This allows the room buttons Bc to display the facility's current status in an identifiable way. An example of the display is shown below.

[0189] Figures 15 to 18 show examples of how the room button Bc is displayed. Here, Figure 15 shows the room button Bc for a karaoke box that is in the "vacant" state. As shown in Figure 15, the room button Bc for a karaoke box that is in the "vacant" state displays basic information such as the room name Bca, maximum capacity Bcb, minimum capacity Bcc, and karaoke machine model Bcd. Even if a karaoke box is in the "vacant" state, if reservation information for that karaoke box is registered in the reservation management DB337, the most recent reservation date and time Bce will be displayed on the room button Bc.

[0190] Figure 16 shows the room button Bc for a karaoke box in the "occupied" state. As shown in Figure 16, the room button Bc for a karaoke box in the "occupied" state displays basic information such as the room name Bca, maximum capacity Bcb, minimum capacity Bcc, and karaoke machine Bcd, as well as information about the user currently using the karaoke box. The room button Bc may also display information about the equipment provided in the room.

[0191] For example, the room button Bc for a karaoke box in the "occupied" state displays information such as the start date and time Bcf, the number of users Bcg, the scheduled departure time Bch, the remaining time Bci, an information icon Bcj, and the sales amount Bck. Here, the start date and time Bcf, the number of users Bcg, and the scheduled departure time Bch correspond to the entry date and time, the number of users, and the scheduled departure date and time contained in the corresponding karaoke box data record stored in the check-in management DB336. The remaining time Bci is information indicating the time from the current date and time to the scheduled departure date and time.

[0192] The information icon Bcj displays icons representing information associated with the use of the karaoke box. For example, the information icon Bcj displays icons representing room courses, etc., based on the corresponding karaoke box data record stored in the check-in management DB336. In addition, based on the corresponding karaoke box data record stored in the reservation management DB337, if reservation information with a reservation date and time set within a specified time from the scheduled departure date and time is registered in the reservation management DB337, an icon image indicating that extension is not possible will be displayed on the information icon Bcj.

[0193] The sales amount Bck represents the current usage amount of the karaoke box. The sales amount Bck is calculated, for example, in cooperation with the checkout processing unit 316.

[0194] Figure 17 shows the room button Bc for karaoke boxes in the "Waiting for Cleaning" and "Cleaning in Progress" states. As shown in Figure 17, the room button Bc for karaoke boxes in the "Waiting for Cleaning" and "Cleaning in Progress" states displays basic information such as the room name Bca, maximum capacity Bcb, and karaoke machine model Bcd. In addition, if reservation information is registered for the karaoke box with room button Bc, the most recent reservation date and time Bce will be displayed.

[0195] Additionally, the room button Bc for karaoke boxes in the "Waiting for Cleaning" and "Cleaning in Progress" states will display information icons Bcl, elapsed time Bcm, priority Bcn, etc.

[0196] The information icon Bcl displays icons representing information related to the cleaning of karaoke boxes. For example, based on the corresponding karaoke box data record stored in the reservation management DB337, if the time from the current date and time to the nearest reservation date and time is less than or equal to a predetermined time, an icon image indicating urgency will be displayed on the information icon Bcl.

[0197] The elapsed time Bcm indicates the time elapsed since the karaoke box switched to the "waiting for cleaning" (or "cleaning in progress") state. The elapsed time Bcm corresponds, for example, to the time from the start date and time of the corresponding karaoke box state stored in the state management DB335 to the current date and time.

[0198] Priority Bcn indicates the priority order for cleaning. There are no specific restrictions on the method of deriving the priority, and various methods can be used. For example, priority Bcn may be the rank when the elapsed time Bcm is sorted in descending order. Alternatively, priority Bcn may be determined based on whether or not a reservation has been set for the corresponding karaoke box, the time from the current date and time to the reservation date and time, etc.

[0199] Figure 18 shows the room button Bc of a karaoke box in the "out of order" state. As shown in Figure 18, the room button Bc of a karaoke box in the "out of order" state displays basic information such as the room name Bca, maximum capacity Bcb, and karaoke machine model Bcd. In addition, the room button Bc of a karaoke box in the "out of order" state displays the date and time of the malfunction Bco, the reason for the malfunction Bcp, etc.

[0200] The failure date and time Bco indicates the date and time when the karaoke box switched to the "faulty" state. The failure date and time Bco corresponds, for example, to the start date and time of the corresponding karaoke box state stored in the state management DB335. The failure reason Bcp indicates the reason why the karaoke box entered the "faulty" state. The failure reason Bcp corresponds, for example, to the failure reason of the corresponding karaoke box stored in the state management DB335.

[0201] Furthermore, the room buttons Bc for each of the above states are displayed in a way that makes each state visually identifiable. For example, the room buttons Bc are displayed in different colors depending on the state, such as "Vacant," "Occupied," "Waiting for Cleaning," "Cleaning in Progress," and "Out of Order," so that each state can be identified.

[0202] This allows operators to easily check the status of each karaoke box installed in their store by viewing the room list screen B. Therefore, the facility management system 100 can improve the convenience related to the use and operation of karaoke boxes.

[0203] Furthermore, the "vacant" room button Bc may be displayed in a way that makes it possible to identify whether or not there is a reservation for the corresponding karaoke box. For example, the room button Bc may be displayed in a way that makes it possible to identify whether or not there is a reservation by using different colors for room buttons Bc that are reserved and room buttons Bc that are not reserved. Alternatively, the display color of the room button Bc may be changed or the intensity of the display color may be changed according to the number of hours from the current date and time to the nearest reservation date and time, making it possible to identify the remaining time until the reservation date and time.

[0204] This allows operators to easily check whether a karaoke box in the "vacant" state has a reservation by looking at the room list screen B. Furthermore, operators can intuitively grasp the remaining time until a reservation is set for a "vacant" karaoke box by looking at the room list screen B. Therefore, the facility management system 100 can improve the convenience related to the use and operation of karaoke boxes.

[0205] Additionally, the room button Bc in the "In" state may be displayed with a different color depending on the remaining time. For example, the remaining time may be divided into multiple time intervals, such as 11 minutes or more until the scheduled departure time, 0 to 10 minutes remaining until the scheduled departure time, 1 to 15 minutes elapsed from the scheduled departure time, and 16 minutes or more elapsed from the scheduled departure time. The display color may be changed or the intensity of the display color may be changed for each interval to make the relationship between the scheduled departure time and the remaining time identifiable.

[0206] This allows operators to easily check the usage status of karaoke boxes in the "occupied" state by viewing room list screen B. Furthermore, operators can easily identify karaoke boxes that have exceeded their scheduled departure time by viewing room list screen B. Therefore, the facility management system 100 can improve the convenience related to the use and operation of karaoke boxes.

[0207] Furthermore, each of the room buttons Bc also functions as an operator for receiving various operations on the corresponding karaoke box. Specifically, when the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation on a room button Bc, it notifies the base server 3 of an operation request that includes the store ID of its own store and the room ID corresponding to the karaoke box for which the room button Bc was operated.

[0208] When the information provision unit 317 of the base server 3 receives an operation request, it provides support information to the receiving terminal 11 that sent the operation request, based on the current status of the karaoke box corresponding to the store ID and room ID pair specified in the operation request, in order to assist with operations according to that status. The first linkage processing unit 1103 of the receiving terminal 11 displays various screens on the display unit 116 based on the support information provided by the base server 3.

[0209] For example, when the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation for the room button Bc in the "vacant" state, it displays a vacant room selection screen on the display unit 116, which has controls for performing operations such as check-in, fault setting, and returning to cleaning.

[0210] Figure 19 shows an example of a room availability selection screen displayed on the reception terminal 11. Here, room availability selection screen C is an example of a screen displayed when the room button Bc, which is in the "vacant" state, is pressed, and has controls such as an entry button Ca, a malfunction setting button Cb, and a cleaning return button Cc.

[0211] The entry button Ca is an operator used to check in a user. When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation of the entry button Ca, it displays a user information input screen for entering the user information of the user checking in.

[0212] Here, Figures 20 and 21 show examples of user information input screens displayed on the reception terminal 11. As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the user information input screen D has a member button Da, a non-member button Db, a user information field Dc, and an operator field Dd.

[0213] The Member button Da and the Non-Member button Db are operators used to switch input fields depending on whether the user is a member or not. When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation on the Member button Da, it displays the input fields for members in the user information field Dc.

[0214] Figure 20 shows the state where the member button Da is selected, and the user information field Dc displays the scan button Dca, the member ID display field Dcb, the date of birth input field Dcc, etc. Here, the scan button Dca is an operator used to instruct the reading of the member ID.

[0215] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation of the scan button Dca, it works in cooperation with the reading unit 118, etc., to read the member ID from the medium held by the user. After obtaining the member ID via the reading unit 118, etc., the first linkage processing unit 1103 displays the obtained member ID in the member ID display field Dcb. The first linkage processing unit 1103 also sends a member reference request containing the obtained member ID to the base server 3. When the information provision unit 317 of the base server 3 receives the member reference request, it reads the member information corresponding to the member ID specified in the member reference request from the member management DB and provides it to the requesting reception terminal 11.

[0216] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives member information from the base server 3 in response to a member reference request, it displays the date of birth included in the member information in the date of birth input field Dcc. Note that if the member button Da is selected, the user information field Dc may display information other than the date of birth included in the member information.

[0217] On the other hand, if the non-member button Db is selected, the first linkage processing unit 1103 displays input fields for non-members in the user information field Dc. Figure 21 shows the state when the non-member button Db is selected, and the user information field Dc displays the name input field Dcd, the date of birth input field Dce, the contact information input field Dcf, the identity document selection button Dcg, etc.

[0218] The name input field Dcd is for entering the user's name. The date of birth input field Dce is for entering the user's date of birth. The contact information input field Dcf is for entering the user's contact information.

[0219] The operator of the reception terminal 11 enters, for example, the user's name and date of birth as stated on their identification document into the name input field Dcd and the date of birth input field Dce. The operator of the reception terminal 11 also enters, for example, the telephone number of the user's user terminal 4 into the contact information input field Dcf. Note that the user may also perform the input in the name input field Dcd, the date of birth input field Dce, and the contact information input field Dcf themselves.

[0220] The ID Selection Button Dcg is an operator that allows users to select various types of identification documents, such as driver's licenses and student IDs. In stores, employees may check the identification documents of non-members to verify their age and other details. The ID Selection Button Dcg is operated when an employee checks a user's identification document, and it allows the user to select the type of identification document that has been checked. The selected type of identification document is used as an indicator when applying services such as student discounts. It may also be configured so that input in other input fields is disabled until one type of identification document is selected.

[0221] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 20 and 21, the operator field Dd is provided with various operators. For example, the operator field Dd is provided with a back button Dda, a reset button Ddb, an add button Ddc, an OK button Ddd, etc. The back button Dda is an operator that instructs the user to return to the previous screen. When the back button Dda is pressed, the first linkage processing unit 1103 displays the previous screen.

[0222] The reset button Ddb is an operator that instructs the system to reset the information entered in the user information field Dc. When the reset button Ddb is operated, the first linkage processing unit 1103 clears the various information entered in the user information field Dc.

[0223] The add button Ddc is an operator that instructs the system to add a user. When the add button Ddc is pressed, the first linkage processing unit 1103 stores the various information entered in the user information field Dc as user information for one user in RAM or similar. The first linkage processing unit 1103 also clears the user information field Dc and prepares to input user information for the next user. The first linkage processing unit 1103 may also be configured to assign a user identifier when storing user information for one user.

[0224] The OK button Ddd is an operator that instructs the user to confirm their information. When the OK button Ddd is pressed, the first linkage processing unit 1103 displays the user information input screen shown in Figure 22 on the display unit 116. Also, if information has been entered in the user information field Dc at the time the OK button Ddd is pressed, the first linkage processing unit 1103 stores the entered information as user information for one user in RAM or the like, and then displays the basic information input screen on the display unit 116.

[0225] In this embodiment, user information is entered on the user information input screen D for each user using the karaoke box. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, only the user information of a representative user may be entered. Furthermore, the information that can be entered on the user information input screen D is not limited to the above example.

[0226] Figure 22 shows an example of a user information input screen displayed on the reception terminal 11. As shown in Figure 22, the user information input screen E has fields for the number of people Ea, a course input field Eb, an option input field Ec, a planned usage time input field Ed, and an operator field Ee, etc.

[0227] The number of people input field Ea allows you to input the number of users and their age groups for using the karaoke box. The number of people input field Ea includes a + button Eaa that allows you to specify the number of people for each age group, a - button Eab, and a number display field Eac. The + button Eaa is used to instruct the system to add 1 person to the number of people. The - button Eab is used to instruct the system to subtract 1 person from the number of people.

[0228] The first linkage processing unit 1103 adds 1 to the number of people in the corresponding age group each time it receives a press of the + button Eaa, and displays the added number in the number display field Eac for that age group. The first linkage processing unit 1103 also subtracts 1 from the number of people in the corresponding age group each time it receives a press of the - button Eab, and displays the subtracted number in the number display field Eac for that age group. The - button Eab is activated only when the number displayed in the number display field Eac is 1 or greater. Furthermore, the number of people can be set not only through operations via the + button Eaa and button Eab, but also by directly entering a numerical value in the number display field Eac.

[0229] Furthermore, the first linkage processing unit 1103 may determine the age group based on the date of birth of each user entered on the user information input screen D, and display the number of people in each determined age group in the corresponding age group number display field Eac. In this case, the + button Eaa and the button Eab can be used to adjust the number of people.

[0230] Additionally, the number input field Ea is provided with a total number display field Ed. The first linkage processing unit 1103 sums the numbers displayed in the number display field Eac for each age group and displays the total number in the total number display field Ed.

[0231] The course input field Eb allows users to specify the room course they wish to use. For example, the course input field Eb may include an operator such as a dropdown menu that allows the user to select one room course from several pre-configured room courses. By selecting one room course from the multiple options, the selected room course is entered into the course input field Eb.

[0232] In the option input field Ec, the user can specify the options to be used. For example, the option input field Ec is provided with an operator such as a pull-down menu that allows the user to select one option from a plurality of preset options. By selecting one option from the plurality of options, the selected option is input into the option input field Ec.

[0233] In addition, in FIG. 22, by providing a plurality of option input fields Ec, a configuration is adopted that allows the selection of a plurality of types of options. However, the number of option input fields Ec may be one. Also, the options may be configured to be selectable for each user. For example, by providing an option input field Ec on the user information input screen D, a configuration can be adopted that allows each user to select an option.

[0234] Moreover, it is preferable that the options displayed as choices in the option input field Ec are displayed based on conditions such as the user's age group and room course, and are options that can be selected under those conditions. For example, when the user is a minor, it is preferable to exclude options that include the provision of alcoholic beverages from the choices. Also, it is preferable to exclude options that cannot be combined with the room course selected in the course input field Eb from the choices. Note that the extraction of selectable options may be performed by the information providing unit 317 of the base server 3 or by the first cooperation processing unit 1103.

[0235] The usage schedule input field Ed is an input field for entering the scheduled usage time. The operator enters the time when the user plans to use the karaoke box into the usage schedule input field Ed. If the time entered in the usage schedule input field Ed interferes with the reserved date and time set for the same karaoke box, the first cooperation processing unit 1103 may display a notification screen prompting interference with the reserved date and time or changes to the usage schedule or the karaoke box. Here, "interfering with the reserved date and time" means overlapping with the reserved date and time, or the date and time considering the cleaning time after using the karaoke box overlapping with the reserved date and time, etc. The determination of whether or not it interferes with the reserved date and time may be made by the information providing unit 317 of the base server 3 or the first cooperation processing unit 1103.

[0236] Various operators are provided in the operator field Ee. For example, a return button Eea, an OK button Eeb, etc. are provided in the operator field Ee. The return button Eea is an operator that instructs to return to the screen of the source of transition. When the return button Eea is operated, the first cooperation processing unit 1103 displays the screen of the source of transition.

[0237] The OK button Eeb is an operator that instructs to confirm the information entered on the usage information input screen E. When the OK button Eeb is operated, the first cooperation processing unit 1103 transmits check-in information including the store ID of its own store, the room ID of the karaoke box targeted for the operation, various information entered on the user information input screen D and the usage information input screen E, etc. to the base server 3. Specifically, the first cooperation processing unit 1103 includes the user information held on the user information input screen D and various information entered on the usage information input screen E in the check-in instruction and transmits it to the base server 3.

[0238] Furthermore, when the OK button Eeb is pressed, the system may be configured to determine whether the karaoke box is available for use by comparing the maximum and minimum capacity of the karaoke box being operated with the total number of users, and to notify the user of the result of this determination. Specifically, if the total number of users exceeds the maximum capacity or falls below the minimum capacity, a message to that effect may be displayed on the display unit 116. In this case, the determination of whether the karaoke box is available for use may be performed by the information provision unit 317 of the base server 3, or by the first linkage processing unit 1103.

[0239] When the check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3 receives a check-in instruction from the reception terminal 11, it starts the check-in process. Specifically, when the check-in processing unit 313 receives a check-in instruction, it issues a slip number. The check-in processing unit 313 also associates the issued slip number with the store ID, room ID, user information, etc., included in the check-in instruction and registers this information in the check-in management DB 336.

[0240] Furthermore, when the check-in processing unit 313 registers the user information included in the check-in instruction into the check-in management DB 336, it sets each user's entry / exit status to "In-Room" and the payment flag to "Not Paid" before registration. The check-in processing unit 313 also selects a representative from the users included in the user information of the check-in instruction and registers the user identifier of that representative in the representative information field of the check-in management DB 336. The representative may be specified in the check-in instruction, or the check-in processing unit 313 may select it automatically. In the case of automatic selection, the check-in processing unit 313 may select the first user entered based on the user identifier as the representative. In addition, the check-in processing unit 313 registers elements other than those in the check-in management DB 336 in the additional information field or the user additional information field.

[0241] Then, once the check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3 has completed registration in the check-in management DB 336, it sends the issued slip number to the reception terminal 11 that sent the check-in instruction. As a result, the status management unit 311 of the base server 3 switches the status of the karaoke box corresponding to the store ID and room ID for which the check-in process was performed from "vacant" to "occupied".

[0242] After receiving a check-in instruction, the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 receives a slip number from the base server 3 and controls the printing unit 119 to print a slip that includes at least the slip number. For example, the first linkage processing unit 1103 prints a slip that includes the slip number, room ID, check-in date and time, scheduled check-out date and time, number of users, etc. The slip number may also be printed in a coded form such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code. Such a slip number is entered into the reception terminal 11, for example, when checking out.

[0243] Here, with reference to Figure 23, an example of the operation of the infrastructure server 3 and the reception terminal 11 related to the check-in process described above will be explained. Figure 23 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the check-in process performed between the infrastructure server 3 and the reception terminal 11. As a prerequisite for this process, it is assumed that the karaoke box to be operated on is in a "vacant" state.

[0244] First, the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 displays the user information input screen D on the display unit 116 (ACT21) and waits until the user information of the user using the karaoke box is entered. When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives the user information (ACT22), it displays the usage information input screen E on the display unit 116 (ACT23) and waits until usage information such as room course is entered. When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives the usage information (ACT24), it sends a check-in request to the base server 3 that includes the store ID of its own store, the room ID of the karaoke box, user information, and usage information (ACT25).

[0245] When the check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3 receives a check-in request, it issues a slip number (ACT26). Next, the check-in processing unit 313 associates the issued slip number with the store ID, room ID, user information, and usage information included in the check-in request and registers it in the check-in management DB 336 (ACT27). Next, the check-in processing unit 313 notifies the reception terminal 11 of the issued slip number (ACT28).

[0246] Furthermore, in conjunction with the processing of ACT27, the status management unit 311 of the base server 3 switches the status of the status management DB 335 corresponding to the room ID specified in the check-in request from "vacant" to "occupied" (ACT29). The status management unit 311 also registers the operational record of the karaoke box whose status has been switched in the operational record DB 338 (ACT30).

[0247] The first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 receives a slip number from the base server 3 as a response to a check-in request and prints a slip containing that slip number (ACT31). Once the slip is printed, the operator of the reception terminal 11 hands the slip to the user and prompts them to proceed to the karaoke box.

[0248] This means that the store will have completed the user's check-in and will be able to use the karaoke box.

[0249] The above explains how users who have not made a reservation can enter (check in) a karaoke box. However, users who have made a reservation can check in using the following method, for example.

[0250] First, the operator of the reception terminal 11 requests the base server 3 to retrieve the reservation information based on key information that can identify the reservation information. Here, the key information is not limited to any information that can be used as a search key, such as the user's member ID, the reserved date and time, or the reserved room ID. The check-in processing unit 313 (or information provision unit 317) of the base server 3 reads the reservation information corresponding to the key information from the reservation management DB 337 and transmits the reservation information to the reception terminal 11.

[0251] The first integration processing unit 1103 displays user information input screen D and usage information input screen E based on the reservation information provided by the base server 3. For example, the first integration processing unit 1103 displays user information input screen D and usage information input screen E that reflect the user information (member ID), number of users, planned usage time, etc., included in the reservation information. Then, the first integration processing unit 1103 sends a check-in request to the base server 3, including the information entered in user information input screen D and usage information input screen E, in the same manner as described above.

[0252] This allows the reception terminal 11 to perform check-in processing based on the reservation information. The infrastructure server 3 deletes the reservation information from the reservation management DB 337 upon completion of sending the reservation information to the reception terminal 11 or registering it in the check-in management DB 336.

[0253] Returning to Figure 19, the malfunction setting button Cb on the vacant room selection screen C is an operator to be used when a malfunction occurs in the karaoke box. When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation of the malfunction setting button Cb, it displays a malfunction setting screen for inputting the reason for the malfunction, etc.

[0254] Figure 24 shows an example of a fault setting screen displayed on the reception terminal 11. As shown in Figure 24, the fault setting screen F has a fault reason input field Fa, a comment field Fb, and an operator field Fc.

[0255] In the failure reason input field Fa, there are provided selection buttons Faa representing various equipment names and reasons provided in the karaoke box. By selecting the corresponding selection button Faa, the operator inputs the name of the selection button Faa as the failure reason. Note that the selectable selection buttons Faa are not limited to one, and it is assumed that multiple selections are possible.

[0256] In the comment field Fb, it is possible to input any string. The operator inputs comments such as supplementary matters regarding the failure reason or matters to be communicated to other employees in the comment field Fb.

[0257] In the operator field Fc, various operators are provided. For example, in the operator field Fc, there are provided a return button Fca, an OK button Fcb, etc. The return button Fca is an operator that instructs to return to the screen of the source of transition. When the return button Fca is operated, the first cooperation processing unit 1103 displays the screen of the source of transition.

[0258] The OK button Fcb is an operator that instructs to confirm the information input on the failure setting screen F. When the OK button Fcb is operated, the first cooperation processing unit 1103 transmits a failure occurrence notification including the store ID of its own store, the room ID of the karaoke box targeted for the operation, the failure reason input on the failure setting screen F, the comment, etc. to the base server 3. Note that the first cooperation processing unit 1103 may include the employee ID of the operator, etc. in the failure occurrence notification and transmit it.

[0259] When the state management unit 311 of the base server 3 receives a failure occurrence notification, it identifies a data entry corresponding to the store ID and room ID indicated in the failure occurrence notification from the state management DB 335. Next, the state management unit 311 switches the room state of the identified data entry from "vacant" to "under failure". Along with this, on the reception terminal 11, in response to the switching of the state of the karaoke box, the display of the corresponding room button Bc is updated.

[0260] Here, with reference to Figure 25, an example of the operation of the infrastructure server 3 and the reception terminal 11 related to the fault setting described above will be explained. Figure 25 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the fault setting process performed between the infrastructure server 3 and the reception terminal 11. As a prerequisite for this process, it is assumed that the karaoke box targeted for operation is in an "empty" state.

[0261] First, the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 displays the fault setting screen F on the display unit 116 (ACT 41) and waits until the reason for the fault, etc., is entered. When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives the input for the reason for the fault, etc. (ACT 42), it sends a fault occurrence notification to the base server 3, which includes the store ID of its own store, the room ID of the karaoke box, and the entered reason for the fault, etc. (ACT 43).

[0262] When the status management unit 311 of the base server 3 receives a failure notification, it switches the status of the status management DB 335 corresponding to the room ID specified in the failure notification from "vacant" to "faulty" (ACT44). The status management unit 311 also registers the operational record of the karaoke box whose status has been switched in the operational record DB 338 (ACT45).

[0263] As a result, the reception terminal 11 displays the karaoke box that has experienced a malfunction in an identifiable manner. Therefore, the operator of the reception terminal 11 can easily check which karaoke boxes are currently unavailable from the room list screen, etc.

[0264] Returning to Figure 19, the Cleaning Return button Cc on the Vacant Room Selection screen C is an operator used to return a karaoke box from the "Vacant Room" state to the "Cleaning" state. When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation of the Cleaning Return button Cc, it displays a Cleaning Return screen (not shown) which has an operator that instructs the user to return the room to the Cleaning state.

[0265] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an instruction to return to cleaning from the cleaning return screen, it sends a cleaning return instruction to the base server 3, which includes the store ID of its own store, the room ID of the karaoke box that was the target of the operation, etc. The first linkage processing unit 1103 may also include the operator's employee ID in the cleaning return instruction and send it to the base server 3.

[0266] When the status management unit 311 of the base server 3 receives a cleaning return instruction, it identifies the data entry corresponding to the store ID and room ID specified in the cleaning return instruction from the status management DB 335. Next, the status management unit 311 switches the room status of the identified data entry from "vacant" to "cleaning in progress". Accordingly, the reception terminal 11 updates the display of the corresponding room button Bc in accordance with the change in the karaoke box status.

[0267] Next, we will explain an example of a screen that is displayed when the room button Bc in the "occupied" state is operated. When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation on the room button Bc in the "occupied" state, it displays the occupied room selection screen G on the display unit 116, which has operators for operations such as accepting product orders, entering the room midway, leaving the room midway, registering a complaint, changing rooms, and checking out.

[0268] Figure 26 shows an example of the room selection screen G displayed on the reception terminal 11. As shown in Figure 26, the room selection screen G has controls such as an order button Ga, a room details button Gb, a complaint registration button Gc, a room change button Gd, and a payment button Ge.

[0269] The order button Ga is an operator used to place orders for products received from karaoke box users. When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation on the order button Ga, it sends a product menu request to the base server 3, specifying the store ID of its own store and the room ID of the karaoke box that is the target of the operation.

[0270] When the information provision unit 317 of the base server 3 receives a product menu request from the reception terminal 11, it provides support information, including product information for available products, to the reception terminal 11 that sent the product menu request, based on the product management DB 333.

[0271] For example, when the information provision unit 317 of the base server 3 identifies a data entry from the check-in management DB 336 that corresponds to the store ID and room ID pair instructed from the reception terminal 11, it extracts the products that can be ordered from the product management DB 333 based on the age category of each user included in that data entry.

[0272] For example, if the user includes a minor, the information provision unit 317 will provide the receiving terminal 11 with support information to assist with the ordering process, based on the product information of the remaining products after excluding products that are not permitted for minors based on the restrictions set for each product. In addition, if information that can identify the user who placed the order is provided, the information provision unit 317 of the base server 3 may extract product information based on the age category of the relevant user.

[0273] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives support information from the base server 3 in response to a product menu request, it displays a product menu screen on the display unit 116 that allows the user to order products based on the support information.

[0274] Figure 27 shows an example of a product menu screen displayed on the reception terminal 11. As shown in Figure 27, the product menu screen H includes a category selection field Ha, a product menu field Hb, a price field Hc, a list button Hd, an operator field He, etc.

[0275] The category selection field Ha displays tab operators Haa, which are divided according to the product category. When a tab operator Haa is selected, the products belonging to the selected tab operator's category are displayed in the product menu field Hb. Figure 25 shows an example where tab operators are provided for each category: Recommended Products, Lunch, Salad, Dessert, Drinks, and Others (Rental Items, etc.). Figure 27 shows an example where the Lunch tab operator Haa is selected.

[0276] The product menu section (Hb) displays product buttons (Hba) representing each product. Each product button (Hba) is associated with the corresponding product's product ID, and displays product information such as the product name, price, and product image for that product ID. The product button (Hba) also functions as an operator for selecting the product to be ordered.

[0277] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives a selection operation for a product button Hba, it associates the product ID of the selected product button Hba with the number of times it has been selected (number of points) and stores this information in RAM or similar. Hereinafter, the process of storing the product ID and number of points related to the selected product will also be referred to as "sales registration".

[0278] The amount field Hc displays the total number of items and the total amount for the products selected from the product menu field Hb. The first linkage processing unit 1103 displays the total number of items and the total amount for the products selected from the product menu field Hb in the amount field Hc, based on the product ID and number of items of the products registered for sale, the price of the product corresponding to that product ID, etc. If a discount or price reduction is applied, that amount may also be displayed in the amount field Hc.

[0279] A list button Hd is provided. The list button Hd is an operator used to instruct the system to display a list of products that have been registered for sale. When the list button Hd is operated, the first linkage processing unit 1103 displays a list screen (not shown) that lists the product name, price, quantity, etc., of each product that has been registered for sale. On the list screen, users can confirm the products that have been registered for sale, and can also add or remove items, cancel items, etc. The first linkage processing unit 1103 changes the quantity of the products that have been registered for sale or cancels items in response to the change or cancellation operation.

[0280] The control panel He displays various controls related to ordering products. For example, the control panel He includes a back button Hea and an order button Heb. The back button Hea is a control that instructs the user to return to the previous screen. The order button Heb is a control that instructs the user to confirm the order.

[0281] When the back button Hea is pressed, the first linkage processing unit 1103, in cooperation with the base server 3, displays the screen from which the user transitioned. Also, when the order button Heb is pressed, the first linkage processing unit 1103 sends order information to the base server 3, including the store ID of its own store, the room ID of the karaoke box that was the target of the operation, and the product ID and number of items of the product registered for sale.

[0282] When the order receiving unit 314 of the base server 3 receives order information from the receiving terminal 11, it identifies a data entry from the check-in management DB 336 that corresponds to the store ID and room ID pair specified in the order information. The order receiving unit 314 then registers the order details included in the order information, i.e., the product ID and quantity of the ordered items, in the order information field of the identified data entry. The order receiving unit 314 of the base server 3 also notifies the kitchen terminal 13 and staff terminal 14 of the store ID specified in the order information that an order has been placed by the user by sending the room ID and order details.

[0283] Here, with reference to Figure 28, an example of the operation of the base server 3 and the receiving terminal 11 related to the product order described above will be explained. Figure 28 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing related to product orders performed between the base server 3 and the receiving terminal 11. As a prerequisite for this process, it is assumed that the karaoke box being operated on is in the "occupied" state.

[0284] First, the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 sends a product menu request to the base server 3 (ACT51) that includes the store ID of its own store and the room ID of the karaoke box being used by the user making the order, in response to the operation of the order button Ga or the like.

[0285] When the information provision unit 317 of the base server 3 receives a product menu request, it identifies the user's age category based on the data entry in the check-in management DB 336 corresponding to the store ID and room ID pair specified in the product menu request (ACT 52). Next, the information provision unit 317 extracts product information from the product management DB 333 for products that are available at the store with the store ID specified in the product menu request and that can be provided to the user, based on the restrictions and other conditions set for each product in the product management DB 333 (ACT 53). Next, the information provision unit 317 generates support information to assist with ordering products such as product menus based on the extracted product information (ACT 54), and provides the generated support information to the reception terminal 11 (ACT 55).

[0286] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 receives support information as a response to a product menu request, it displays the product menu screen H on the display unit 116 based on the support information (ACT 56). When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives a product selection operation via the product menu screen H (ACT 57), it registers the sale of the product (ACT 58). Then, when the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an order confirmation operation via the order button Heb or the like (ACT 59), it sends order information including the store ID of its own store, the room ID of the karaoke box that was the target of the operation, the product ID of the product that was registered for sale, and the score to the base server 3 (ACT 60).

[0287] When the order receiving unit 314 of the base server 3 receives order information, it registers the order details included in the order information in a data entry in the check-in management DB 336 corresponding to the store ID and room ID pair indicated in the order information (ACT 61). Next, the order receiving unit 314 transmits the indicated room ID and order details to the kitchen terminal 13 of the store ID indicated in the order information (ACT 62).

[0288] The kitchen terminal 13 notifies the kitchen workers that a customer has placed an order for goods by outputting the room ID and order details transmitted from the base server 3 (ACT63).

[0289] Through the above process, the order details of the items ordered by a user in a karaoke box, along with the room ID of that karaoke box, are notified to the kitchen staff, etc. As a result, the ordered items are delivered to the karaoke box the user is using.

[0290] In this embodiment, an example of ordering products using the reception terminal 11 has been described, but the same method can be used when ordering using the user terminal 4, the order terminal 12, etc. Specifically, the user terminal 4 and the order terminal 12 cooperate with the base server 3 to display a screen on which products can be ordered, such as the product menu screen H described above, and transmit order information to the base server 3 according to the operator's actions.

[0291] Returning to Figure 26, the Room Details button Gb on the Room Selection screen G is an operator that displays detailed information about the karaoke box that was the target of the operation. When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation on the Room Details button Gb, it sends a Room Details request to the base server 3, which includes the store ID of its own store and the room ID of the karaoke box that was the target of the operation.

[0292] When the information provision unit 317 of the base server 3 receives a room details request from the reception terminal 11, it identifies a data entry from the check-in management DB 336 that matches the conditions of the store ID and room ID pair specified in the room details request. Then, based on the identified data entry, the information provision unit 317 provides support information showing the details of the karaoke box being used to the reception terminal 11 that sent the room details request.

[0293] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 sends a room details request to the base server 3, it displays a room details screen showing the details of the karaoke box being used on the display unit 116 based on the support information provided by the base server 3.

[0294] Figure 29 shows an example of a room details screen displayed on the reception terminal 11. As shown in Figure 29, the room details screen I has a detailed information field Ia, a user information field Ib, and an operator field Ic.

[0295] The detailed information section Ia displays the room name "Room 5" of the karaoke box that was the target of the operation, as well as information about the users currently using the karaoke box. Specifically, the detailed information section Ia displays the time of entry (date and time of entry), the scheduled time of departure (date and time of departure), the course (room course), the number of users, membership category, membership fee, and representative member (representative information). Here, the membership category and membership fee are displayed only if the users include members.

[0296] Furthermore, the detailed information field Ia displays a date and time change button Iaa, which is associated with the scheduled departure date and time. The date and time change button Iaa is an operator used to instruct a change to the scheduled departure date and time. When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation on the date and time change button Iaa, it displays a time change screen (not shown) that allows the user to extend or shorten the scheduled departure date and time. On the time change screen, it is possible to specify the time to be added or reduced. For example, the time change screen is provided with an operator that allows the user to specify the time to be added or reduced in 30-minute increments.

[0297] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives a specified amount of time to be added or reduced, it sends a change instruction to the base server 3 that includes the store ID of its own store, the room ID of the karaoke box targeted by the operation, the amount of time to be added or reduced, etc.

[0298] The check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3 identifies data entries from the check-in management DB 336 that match the specified store ID and room ID conditions in response to the change instruction. Then, the check-in processing unit 313 adds or subtracts the time specified in the change instruction to the scheduled usage time and scheduled usage date and time included in the identified data entry. Accordingly, the scheduled departure time in the detailed information field Ia is updated to the changed scheduled departure time.

[0299] Furthermore, it is preferable that the check-in processing unit 313, when adding (adding) time, refers to the reservation management DB 337, confirms the reservation status of the store ID and room ID specified in the change instruction, and then adds the time. Specifically, the check-in processing unit 313 may be configured to add time if it determines that the changed scheduled date and time of use does not interfere with the reservation date and time set for the same karaoke box.

[0300] Furthermore, the check-in processing unit 313 may be configured to refer to the basic information DB 334 when adding (adding) time, and to confirm that extension is not permitted before adding time. If the check-in processing unit 313 confirms that it will interfere with the reservation date and time, or that extension is not permitted, it will send a response message to the reception terminal 11 that sent the change instruction, informing it that the extension is not possible.

[0301] Furthermore, in the detailed information section Ia, a course change button Iab is displayed, corresponding to the room course. The course change button Iab is an operator used to instruct a change in the room course. When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation on the course change button Iab, it displays a course change screen (not shown) that allows the room course to be changed. On the course change screen, it is possible to specify the room course after the change. For example, the course change screen may be provided with an operator such as a pull-down menu that allows the user to select the room course after the change. The course change screen may also include an operator that allows the user to specify the application date and time for applying the changed room course.

[0302] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives a change instruction from the base server 3, it includes the store ID of its own store, the room ID of the karaoke box targeted for the operation, and the changed room course.

[0303] The check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3 identifies data entries from the check-in management DB 336 that match the specified store ID and room ID conditions in response to the change instruction. The check-in processing unit 313 then changes the room course included in the identified data entry to the room course specified in the change instruction. Consequently, the room course in the detailed information field Ia is updated to the changed room course.

[0304] Furthermore, if the change instruction specifies the application date and time of the changed room course, the check-in processing unit 313 shall change the room course at the specified date and time, but it is preferable to store information related to the room course before the change in additional information. For example, the check-in processing unit 313 stores the room course before the change, the date and time when the application of the room course before the change began (e.g., check-in date and time), and the date and time when the application of the room course before the change ended (e.g., the application date and time of the changed room course) in association with each other in the additional information field. The usage fee for the room course before and after the change shall be calculated according to the duration.

[0305] Furthermore, even if the date and time for applying the room course is specified, the check-in processing unit 313 may send a response to the reception terminal 11 that sent the change instruction indicating that the change is not possible if the duration of the original room course does not reach a predetermined number of hours (e.g., 30 minutes). In addition, if the date and time for applying the changed room course is earlier than the date and time when the original room course was applied, the check-in processing unit 313 may send a response indicating that the application times overlap, or it may shorten the original room course and change it to the changed option. In the latter case, it is preferable for the check-in processing unit 313 to change to the changed room course when a change instruction is received from the reception terminal 11.

[0306] Furthermore, if the options currently used by the user are unavailable in the changed room course, the check-in processing unit 313 may send a response to the reception terminal 11 that sent the change instruction, informing the user that the room course cannot be changed or prompting them to change their options. The correspondence between each room course and the options available in each room course is predetermined in the form of setting information or similar.

[0307] Furthermore, the user information field Ib on the room details screen I displays information based on the user information in the check-in management DB336. Specifically, the user information field Ib displays information such as options, age category, status (check-in / check-out status), check-in time (check-in date and time), check-out during the stay (check-out date and time), check-out during the stay (check-out date and time), and scheduled check-out time (scheduled check-out date and time) associated with each user identifier (No.).

[0308] Here, for users who have entered the room midway through, the date and time of their entry will be displayed if their entry / exit status is "already entered midway." For users who have left the room midway through, the date and time of their departure will be displayed if their entry / exit status is "already left midway." In addition, for users other than those whose entry / exit status is "already left midway," the scheduled departure time from the detailed information section Ia will be displayed.

[0309] Furthermore, in the user information field Ib, an option change button Iba is displayed, corresponding to the option. The option change button Iba is an operator used to instruct the user to change the option. When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation on the option change button Iba, it displays an option change screen (not shown) that allows the user to change the option. On the option change screen, it is possible to specify the changed option. For example, the option change screen may be provided with an operator such as a pull-down menu that allows the user to select the changed option.

[0310] Furthermore, it is preferable that the option change screen displays a selection of available options based on the user's age group and room course. The option change screen may also include an operator that allows the user to specify the effective date and time for applying the changed option.

[0311] When the modified option is specified, the first linkage processing unit 1103 sends a change instruction to the base server 3, which includes the store ID of its own store, the room ID of the karaoke box targeted by the operation, the user identifier targeted by the operation, and the modified option.

[0312] The check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3 identifies user information from the check-in management DB 336 that matches the specified store ID, room ID, and user identifier conditions in response to the change instruction. The check-in processing unit 313 then changes the options included in the identified user information to the options specified in the change instruction. Consequently, the options for the user identifier that was the target of the operation in the user information field Ib are updated to the changed options.

[0313] If the change instruction specifies the application date and time of the changed option, the check-in processing unit 313 shall change the option at the specified date and time, but it is preferable to store information related to the option before the change in user supplemental information, etc. In this case, for example, the check-in processing unit 313 stores in the supplemental information field the previous option, the date and time when the application of the previous option started (e.g., the date and time of entry), and the date and time when the application of the previous option ended (e.g., the date and time when the changed option is applied), associating them. The usage fee for the previous and changed options shall be calculated according to their duration.

[0314] Furthermore, even if an application date and time is specified, the check-in processing unit 313 may send a response to the reception terminal 11 that sent the change instruction indicating that the change is not possible if the duration of the option before the change does not reach a predetermined number of hours (e.g., 30 minutes). In addition, if the application date and time of the changed option is earlier than the date and time when the application of the option before the change began, the check-in processing unit 313 may send a response to indicating that the application times overlap, or it may shorten the option before the change and change it to the changed option. In the latter case, it is preferable for the check-in processing unit 313 to change to the changed option when a change instruction is received from the reception terminal 11.

[0315] Here, with reference to Figure 30, an example of the operation of the infrastructure server 3 and the reception terminal 11 related to the various change processing described above will be explained. Figure 30 is a sequence diagram showing an example of change processing performed between the infrastructure server 3 and the reception terminal 11. As a prerequisite for this processing, it is assumed that the room details screen I is displayed on the display unit 116 of the reception terminal 11.

[0316] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 receives an operation via the room details screen I to instruct changes to the scheduled departure date and time, room course, options, etc. (ACT71), it sends a change instruction to the base server 3, which includes the store ID of its own store, the room ID of the karaoke box to be operated on, and the details of the changes (ACT72).

[0317] When the check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3 receives a change instruction, it identifies a data entry from the check-in management DB 336 that corresponds to the store ID and room ID pair specified in the change instruction (ACT73). Next, the check-in processing unit 313 determines whether the change specified in the change instruction is possible based on the reservation information in the reservation management DB 337 associated with the same room ID, the user's age category included in the data entry, etc. (ACT74).

[0318] If the check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3 determines that a change is possible, it modifies the registered content in the identified data entry based on the instructed change (ACT75). Next, the check-in processing unit 313, in cooperation with the notification processing unit 318, sends support information reflecting the change to the reception terminal 11 (ACT76). If the change instruction specifies a date and time for applying the change, the check-in processing unit 313 modifies the registered content at the specified date and time.

[0319] The first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 updates the screen to reflect the changes by displaying the room details screen I, etc., based on the support information provided from the base server 3 (ACT77).

[0320] Furthermore, if the check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3 determines that the change is not possible, it works in cooperation with the notification processing unit 318 to send response information including the reason why the change is not possible to the receiving terminal 11 (ACT78). In this case, the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the receiving terminal 11 displays the reason why the change is not possible based on the response information provided by the base server 3 (ACT79). This makes it easy for the operator of the receiving terminal 11 to review the change details based on the displayed reason why the change is not possible.

[0321] Returning to Figure 29, the "Leave Early" field in the user information field Ib displays the "Leave Early" button Ibb, which is used to instruct a user to leave early. The "Leave Early" button Ibb is an operator used to instruct a user to leave early. When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation on the "Leave Early" button Ibb, it displays a "Leave Early" screen where the user can specify the time (date and time) of departure.

[0322] Figure 31 shows an example of a screen for early departure displayed on the reception terminal 11. As shown in Figure 31, the early departure screen J has a time input field Ja and an operation field Jb. The time input field Ja includes, for example, a current time button Jaa that can specify the current time, a time specification button Jab for specifying an arbitrary time, and a time display field Jac.

[0323] The first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 displays the current time in the time display field Jac when it receives an operation on the current time button Jaa. Furthermore, when the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation on the time specification button Jab, it receives the time entered in the time display field Jac via the operation unit 117. The input time is limited to the range from the current time to the scheduled date and time of use.

[0324] The operation field Jb displays the Back button Jba and the OK button Jbb. The Back button Jba is an operation that instructs the user to return to the previous screen. When the Back button Jba is pressed, the first linkage processing unit 1103, in cooperation with the base server 3, displays the previous screen.

[0325] The OK button Jbb is an operator that instructs the confirmation of the time of early departure. When the OK button Jbb is pressed, the first linkage processing unit 1103 sends an early departure instruction to the base server 3, which includes the store ID of its own store, the room ID of the karaoke box targeted by the operation, the user identifier targeted by the operation, and the time (date and time) displayed in the time display field Jac.

[0326] The checkout processing unit 316 of the base server 3, in response to an early exit instruction, identifies user information from the check-in management DB 336 that matches the store ID, room ID, and user identifier specified in the early exit instruction. The checkout processing unit 316 then switches the entry / exit status included in the identified user information to "early exited" and registers the time specified in the early exit instruction as the early exit date and time.

[0327] Note that the operators provided in the operator field Jb are not limited to the examples above. For example, an operator for instructing users to pay their bills if they leave the room midway (hereinafter also referred to as the mid-session payment button) may be provided. An example of how the system works when a mid-session payment button is provided will be described later.

[0328] Here, with reference to Figure 32, an example of the operation of the infrastructure server 3 and the reception terminal 11 in relation to the user's early exit will be explained. Figure 32 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing related to early exit that takes place between the infrastructure server 3 and the reception terminal 11. As a prerequisite for this processing, it is assumed that the room details screen I is displayed on the display unit 116 of the reception terminal 11.

[0329] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 receives an operation to instruct a specific user identifier to leave the room early, such as by operating the early exit button Ibb displayed on the room details screen I (ACT81), it displays the early exit screen J described above (ACT82). Next, when the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives a specification of the early exit time via the early exit screen J (ACT83), it sends an early exit instruction to the base server 3, which includes the store ID of its own store, the room ID of the karaoke box being operated on, the user identifier of the user leaving the room early, and the specified early exit time (ACT84).

[0330] When the check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3 receives an early exit instruction, it identifies a data entry from the check-in management DB 336 corresponding to the store ID and room ID pair specified in the change instruction (ACT85). Next, the check-in processing unit 313 sets the entry / exit status of the user identifier specified in the early exit instruction to "early exited" among the user identifiers included in the user information of the identified data entry (ACT86), and registers the time specified in the early exit instruction in the early exit date and time field (ACT87). Next, the check-in processing unit 313, in cooperation with the notification processing unit 318, transmits support information reflecting the registered content to the reception terminal 11 (ACT88).

[0331] The first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 updates the screen to reflect the registered content by displaying the room details screen I, etc., based on the support information provided from the base server 3 (ACT89).

[0332] This allows the facility management system 100 to individually record users who leave the karaoke box midway through their session. Therefore, the facility management system 100 can individually manage each user of the karaoke box.

[0333] Returning to Figure 29, the user information field Ib displays an entry cancellation button Ibc associated with each user identifier, which is used to instruct users to cancel their entry. The entry cancellation button Ibc is an operator used to instruct users to cancel their entry. Note that the entry cancellation button Ibc is disabled for user identifiers whose early departure date and time are already registered, and for user identifiers whose entry / exit status is "Entry Cancelled".

[0334] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation of the room entry cancellation button Ibc, it sends a room entry cancellation instruction to the base server 3, which includes the store ID of its own store, the room ID of the karaoke box targeted by the operation, and the user identifier targeted by the operation.

[0335] The check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3 identifies user information from the check-in management DB 336 that matches the specified store ID, room ID, and user identifier in response to a room entry cancellation instruction. The check-in processing unit 313 then switches the entry / exit status included in the identified user information to "Room Entry Cancelled". Accordingly, the status of the user identifier that was subject to room entry cancellation in the user information field Ib of the reception terminal 11 is updated to "Room Entry Cancelled".

[0336] Here, with reference to Figure 33, an example of the operation of the infrastructure server 3 and the reception terminal 11 in relation to the cancellation of a user's room entry will be explained. Figure 33 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing related to room entry cancellation that takes place between the infrastructure server 3 and the reception terminal 11. As a prerequisite for this processing, it is assumed that the room details screen I is displayed on the display unit 116 of the reception terminal 11.

[0337] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 receives an operation to instruct a specific user identifier to cancel their room entry, such as by operating the room entry cancellation button Ibc displayed on the room details screen I (ACT91), it sends a room entry cancellation instruction to the base server 3, which includes the store ID of its own store, the room ID of the karaoke box being operated on, and the user identifier to be subject to room entry cancellation (ACT92).

[0338] When the check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3 receives an entry cancellation instruction, it identifies a data entry from the check-in management DB 336 that corresponds to the store ID and room ID pair specified in the entry cancellation instruction (ACT93). Next, the check-in processing unit 313 sets the entry / exit status of the user identifier specified in the entry cancellation instruction among the user identifiers included in the user information of the identified data entry to "Entry Cancelled" (ACT94). Then, the check-in processing unit 313, in cooperation with the notification processing unit 318, transmits support information reflecting the registration details to the reception terminal 11 (ACT95).

[0339] The first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 updates the screen to reflect the registered content by displaying the room details screen I, etc., based on the support information provided from the base server 3 (ACT96).

[0340] This allows the facility management system 100 to easily cancel entry if, for example, the operator of the reception terminal 11 has mistakenly registered a user. The entry cancellation operation may be configured to be enabled or disabled depending on the operator's authority (employee authority), etc.

[0341] Returning to Figure 29, the control panel Ic on the room details screen I displays various controls. For example, the control panel Ic includes a back button Ica, an entry button Icb, a service time button Icc, a receipt printing button Icd, an OK button Ice, and so on.

[0342] The back button Ica is an operator that instructs the user to return to the previous screen. When the back button Ica is pressed, the first coordinating processing unit 1103, in cooperation with the base server 3, displays the previous screen.

[0343] The "Mid-Session Entry Button Icb" is an operator that instructs the addition of users who are to be entered mid-session. When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation on the "Mid-Session Entry Button Icb," it displays a screen for adding users, which allows the user to be instructed to add more users.

[0344] Figure 34 shows an example of a screen for adding people that is displayed on the reception terminal 11. As shown in Figure 34, the screen for adding people K has a time input field Ka, a number input field Kb, an option input field Kc, and an operator field Kd.

[0345] The time input field Ka allows you to enter the time of entry. For example, the time input field Ka includes a "Start" button Kaa where you can specify the entry date and time, a "Specify Time" button Kab for specifying an arbitrary time, a "Current Time" button Kac for specifying the current time, and a time display field Kad.

[0346] The first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11, upon receiving an operation of button Kaa, displays the time set for the entry date and time in the time display field Kad, based on the user information targeted by the operation. Furthermore, upon receiving an operation of the time specification button Kab, the first linkage processing unit 1103 displays the time entered via the operation unit 117 in the time display field Kad. The input time is limited to the period from the entry date and time to the scheduled usage date and time. Additionally, upon receiving an operation of the current time button Kac, the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 displays the current time in the time display field Kad.

[0347] The number input field Kb allows you to enter the number of users to be added and their attributes. For example, the number input field Kb includes a + button Kba for specifying the number of users for each age group, a - button Kbb, and a number display field Kbc. Additionally, the number input field Kb includes a total number display field Kbd. Note that the number input field Kb is the same as the number input field Ea described above.

[0348] The option input field Kc allows users to specify the options they will be using. Note that the option input field Kc is the same as the option input field Ec mentioned above.

[0349] The control panel Kd displays various controls. For example, the control panel Kd may include a back button Kda, a reset button Kdb, an OK button Kdc, and so on.

[0350] The back button Kda is an operator that instructs the user to return to the previous screen. When the back button Kda is pressed, the first coordinating processing unit 1103, in cooperation with the base server 3, displays the previous screen.

[0351] The reset button Kdb is an operator that instructs the system to reset the information entered on the user addition screen. When the reset button Kdb is operated, the first linkage processing unit 1103 clears the various information entered on the user addition screen K.

[0352] The OK button Kdc is an operator that instructs the system to confirm the information entered on the person addition screen K. When the OK button Kdc is pressed, the first linkage processing unit 1103 sends an instruction to the base server 3 to enter the room midway, which includes the store ID of its own store, the room ID of the karaoke box that is the target of the operation, and various information entered on the person addition screen K.

[0353] The first linkage processing unit 1103 may, prior to the addition of users screen K, display an input screen (for example, a user information input screen D) for entering user information of the users to be added. In this case, the first linkage processing unit 1103 sends the user information of each user to be added to the base server 3 along with the instruction to enter the room midway.

[0354] The check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3 identifies a data record from the check-in management DB 336 that matches the specified store ID and room ID conditions in response to an instruction to enter the room midway. The check-in processing unit 313 then adds the user information specified in the instruction to the user information contained in the identified data record. At this point, the check-in processing unit 313 registers "Mid-term entry / exit completed" as the entry / exit status of the added user identifier and registers the time specified in the instruction to enter the room midway as the entry date and time. Accordingly, the information about the added user is reflected on various screens on the reception terminal 11.

[0355] Here, with reference to Figure 35, an example of the operation of the infrastructure server 3 and the reception terminal 11 in relation to the user's entry into the room midway through will be explained. Figure 35 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing related to entry into the room midway through between the infrastructure server 3 and the reception terminal 11. As a prerequisite for this process, it is assumed that the room details screen I is displayed on the display unit 116 of the reception terminal 11. Furthermore, this process will explain an example of operation when the user information input screen D is displayed prior to the person addition screen K.

[0356] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 receives an operation to instruct a user to enter the room midway through, such as by operating the mid-entry button Icb displayed on the room details screen I (ACT101), it displays the user information input screen D on the display unit 116 (ACT102).

[0357] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 receives user information input from a user who is entering the room midway through via the user information input screen D (ACT 103), the first linkage processing unit 1103 displays the number of people addition screen K on the display unit 116 (ACT 104).

[0358] The first linkage processing unit 1103 accepts the specification of the time of entry on the person addition screen K (ACT 105). The first linkage processing unit 1103 also accepts the input of additional information such as options on the person addition screen K (ACT 106). When the confirmation of information regarding the user entering midway is instructed via the OK button Kdc or the like, the first linkage processing unit 1103 sends an entry instruction to the base server 3, which includes the store ID of its own store, the karaoke box room ID, user information, and additional information (ACT 107).

[0359] When the check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3 receives an instruction to enter a room midway through the process, it identifies a data entry from the check-in management DB 336 that corresponds to the store ID and room ID pair specified in the instruction (ACT 108). Next, the check-in processing unit 313 adds the user information and additional information specified in the instruction to enter a room midway through the process to the user information field of the identified data entry (ACT 109).

[0360] Furthermore, the check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3 sets the entry / exit status of the added user information to "partially entered" (ACT110) and registers the time specified in the partial entry instruction in the partial entry date and time field (ACT111). Next, the check-in processing unit 313 works in cooperation with the notification processing unit 318 to send support information reflecting the registered content to the reception terminal 11 (ACT112).

[0361] The first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 updates the room details screen I, etc., based on the support information provided by the base server 3, thereby displaying a screen that reflects the registered content (ACT113).

[0362] This allows the facility management system 100 to individually record users who enter a karaoke box mid-session. Therefore, the facility management system 100 can individually manage each user who uses the karaoke box.

[0363] Returning to Figure 29, the service time button Icc located in the control field Ic on the room details screen I is an operator that instructs the granting of service time. Service time is a free extension of time provided by the store when the store has inconvenienced the user for some reason, such as an oversight on the store's part. As an example, service time is granted when a complaint is received from the user.

[0364] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation on the service time button Icc, it displays a service time setting screen on which the service time can be set.

[0365] Figure 36 shows an example of a service time setting screen displayed on the reception terminal 11. As shown in Figure 36, the service time setting screen L has an assigned display field La, a time selection field Lb, a back button Lc, and an OK button Ld.

[0366] The assigned service time display field La shows the assigned service time. The time selection field Lb displays the time button Lba. The time button Lba is an operator that represents the number of hours of service time. Multiple time buttons Lba are provided at predetermined intervals of 5 minutes. The operator selects the amount of service time to be assigned by operating one of the time buttons Lba displayed in the time selection field Lb.

[0367] The back button Lc is an operator that instructs the user to return to the previous screen. When the back button Lc is pressed, the first linkage processing unit 1103, in cooperation with the base server 3, displays the previous screen.

[0368] The OK button Ld is an operator that instructs the system to confirm the time selected in the time selection field Lb. When the OK button Ld is pressed, the first linkage processing unit 1103 sends a service time granting instruction to the base server 3, which includes the store ID of its own store, the room ID of the karaoke box that was the target of the operation, and the time selected in the time selection field Lb.

[0369] The check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3 identifies data records from the check-in management DB 336 that match the specified store ID and room ID conditions in response to the service time assignment instruction. The check-in processing unit 313 then registers the time specified in the service time assignment instruction in the service time column of the identified data record. The check-in processing unit 313 also adds the time registered in the service time column to the scheduled departure date and time included in the identified data record. Accordingly, the reception terminal 11 displays the scheduled departure date and time with the assigned service time on various screens.

[0370] Here, with reference to Figure 37, an example of the operation of the base server 3 and the reception terminal 11 related to the granting of the service time described above will be explained. Figure 37 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing related to the granting of service time performed between the base server 3 and the reception terminal 11. As a prerequisite for this processing, it is assumed that the room details screen I is displayed on the display unit 116 of the reception terminal 11.

[0371] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 receives an operation to instruct the granting of service time, such as by operating the service time button Icc (ACT121), it displays the service time setting screen L on the display unit 116 (ACT122).

[0372] The first linkage processing unit 1103 accepts the selection of the service time to be granted on the service time setting screen L (ACT123). Then, when the confirmation of the service time is instructed via the OK button Ld or the like, the first linkage processing unit 1103 sends a service time granting instruction to the base server 3, which includes the store ID of its own store, the karaoke box room ID, the service time to be granted, etc. (ACT124).

[0373] When the check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3 receives a service time granting instruction, it identifies a data entry from the check-in management DB 336 that corresponds to the store ID and room ID pair specified in the service time granting instruction (ACT 125). Next, the check-in processing unit 313 determines whether or not the service time can be extended up to the time specified in the service time granting instruction, based on the reservation information in the reservation management DB 337 associated with the same room ID (ACT 126).

[0374] Specifically, the check-in processing unit 313 determines whether the date and time obtained by adding the service time to the scheduled departure date and time interferes with the reservation date and time of the most recent reservation information associated with the same karaoke box. Here, the check-in processing unit 313 determines that extension is possible if there is no interference, and that extension is not possible if there is interference.

[0375] If it is determined that an extension is possible, the check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3 registers the time specified in the service time assignment instruction in the service time column included in the identified data record (ACT127). The check-in processing unit 313 also updates the scheduled departure date and time by adding the time registered in the service time column to the scheduled departure date and time included in the identified data record (ACT128). Next, the check-in processing unit 313, in cooperation with the notification processing unit 318, sends support information reflecting the registered content to the reception terminal 11 (ACT129).

[0376] The first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 updates the room details screen I, etc., based on the support information provided by the base server 3, thereby displaying a screen that reflects the registered content (ACT130).

[0377] Furthermore, if the check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3 determines that extension is not possible, it works in cooperation with the notification processing unit 318 to send response information including the reason for the extension not being possible to the reception terminal 11 (ACT131). In this case, the first cooperation processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 displays the reason for the extension not being possible based on the response information provided by the base server 3 (ACT132). This makes it easy for the operator of the reception terminal 11 to revise the service time to be granted based on the displayed reason for the extension not being possible.

[0378] In this process, the decision on whether to extend the service time is made after the operation to confirm the service time has been performed at the reception terminal 11. However, the timing of the decision on whether to extend is not limited to this. For example, the decision on whether to extend may be made at the time the operation to specify (select) the service time from the service time setting screen L has been performed. Alternatively, by providing a time button Lba within the range of the extendable time, the service time that can be specified on the service time setting screen L may be limited to the range of the extendable time. In this process, the decision on whether to extend is made is made by the check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3. However, it may also be configured so that the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 performs the decision.

[0379] Returning to Figure 29, the slip printing button Icd in the operation field Ic is an operation that instructs the printing of a slip. When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation of the slip printing button Icd, it coordinates with the base server 3 to have the printing unit 119 print a slip related to the use of the room ID of the karaoke box that was the target of the operation. Specifically, when the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation of the slip printing button Icd, it sends a slip number request to the base server 3 that includes the store ID of its own store and the room ID of the karaoke box that was the target of the operation.

[0380] The check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3 identifies a data record from the check-in management DB 336 that matches the store ID and room ID conditions specified in the slip number request, in response to the slip number request. The check-in processing unit 313 then sends the slip number contained in the identified data record to the reception terminal 11 that sent the slip number request.

[0381] The first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11, upon receiving a slip number from the base server 3 as a response to a slip number request, controls the printing unit 119 to print a slip containing that slip number. As mentioned above, since the slip is printed during check-in, operating the slip print button Icd means reissuing the slip.

[0382] Furthermore, the OK button Ice in the control field Ic is an operator that instructs confirmation of various operations. For example, the OK button Ice is operated when confirming various operations performed on the room details screen I.

[0383] Furthermore, it is possible to configure the system so that operations are not confirmed on sub-screens such as the early departure screen J or the service time setting screen L, which are derived from the room details screen I, and the operations performed on the sub-screens are confirmed by pressing the OK button Ice on the room details screen I. In this case, it is preferable that when the OK button is pressed on each sub-screen, the room details screen I is displayed, clearly indicating the changes made on that sub-screen, and the changes are confirmed by pressing the OK button Ice provided on the room details screen I.

[0384] Returning to Figure 26, the complaint registration button Gc on the room selection screen G is an operator that instructs the user to register complaints such as opinions and requests received from karaoke box users. When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation on the complaint registration button Gc, it displays the complaint registration screen M on the display unit 116, where the content of the complaint can be registered.

[0385] Figure 38 shows an example of a complaint registration screen displayed on the reception terminal 11. The complaint registration screen M is an example of an input screen for entering the details of a complaint filed by a user of the facility corresponding to the room button Bc. As shown in Figure 38, the complaint registration screen M has a complaint details field Ma, a comment field Mb, a back button Mc, and an OK button Md.

[0386] The complaint details field (Ma) allows users to input the details of their complaints. For example, the complaint details field (Ma) may include an operator such as a dropdown menu that allows the user to select one complaint from several pre-configured types. The user selects one complaint from the multiple types, and the selected complaint is then entered into the complaint details field (Ma).

[0387] The comment field (Mb) allows users to enter any string of text. The operator can use this field to enter comments such as details of a complaint received from a user or messages for other employees.

[0388] The back button Mc is an operator that instructs the user to return to the previous screen. When the back button Mc is pressed, the first linkage processing unit 1103, in cooperation with the base server 3, displays the previous screen.

[0389] The OK button Md is an operator that instructs the system to confirm the information entered on the complaint registration screen M. When the OK button Md is pressed, the first linkage processing unit 1103 sends a complaint registration instruction to the base server 3, which includes the store ID of its own store, the room ID of the karaoke box that was the target of the operation, the complaint details and comments entered on the complaint registration screen M, etc. The first linkage processing unit 1103 may also include the operator's employee ID in the complaint registration instruction and send it to the base server 3.

[0390] The claim processing unit 315 of the base server 3 identifies data records from the check-in management DB 336 that match the store ID and room ID conditions specified in the claim registration instruction, in response to the claim registration instruction. The claim processing unit 315 then stores the claim information field in the identified data record, associating it with the claim details and comments specified in the claim registration instruction, as well as the date and time the claim registration instruction was received.

[0391] Furthermore, the complaint processing unit 315 of the base server 3 sends a complaint reception notification, including the room ID, complaint details, and comments specified in the complaint registration instruction, to the employee terminal 14 associated with the store with the store ID specified in the complaint registration instruction. This ensures that the details of complaints received from users are notified to store employees in real time.

[0392] Note that the information displayed on the claim registration screen M is not limited to the example screen shown in Figure 38. For example, the first linkage processing unit 1103 may, in cooperation with the base server 3, display the claim details, registration date and time, comments, etc., if existing claim details are registered in the claim information. In this case, it may also be possible to add new comments such as "claim resolved" to the existing claim details and display them together with the employee ID of the employee who made the addition. This makes it easy to check existing claim details and the status of the resolution, thereby improving convenience.

[0393] Here, with reference to Figure 39, an example of the operation of the base server 3 and the reception terminal 11 related to the registration of the above-mentioned claim will be explained. Figure 39 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the process related to the registration of a claim performed between the base server 3 and the reception terminal 11. As a prerequisite for this process, it is assumed that the display unit 116 of the reception terminal 11 is displaying the "In-Room Selection" screen G.

[0394] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 receives an operation to instruct the registration of a claim, such as by operating the claim registration button Gc (ACT 141), it displays a claim registration screen M on the display unit 116 in which the claim details can be entered (ACT 142).

[0395] The first linkage processing unit 1103 accepts the input of complaint details and comments on the complaint registration screen M (ACT 143). Then, when the user is instructed to confirm the complaint details via the OK button Md or the like, the first linkage processing unit 1103 sends a complaint registration instruction to the base server 3, which includes the store ID of its own store, the karaoke box room ID, and the entered complaint details (ACT 144).

[0396] When the claim processing unit 315 of the base server 3 receives a claim registration instruction, it identifies a data entry from the check-in management DB 336 that corresponds to the store ID and room ID pair specified in the claim registration instruction (ACT 145). Next, the claim processing unit 315 registers the claim details and other information specified in the claim registration instruction in the claim information field of the identified data entry (ACT 146).

[0397] Furthermore, the claim processing unit 315 of the base server 3 sends a claim acceptance notification (ACT147) to the employee terminal 14 belonging to the store ID specified in the claim registration instruction, which includes the room ID and claim details specified in the claim registration instruction.

[0398] Meanwhile, when the processor of the employee terminal 14 receives a complaint notification from the base server 3, it displays a screen (hereinafter also called the complaint notification screen) on the display unit that shows the room ID and complaint details based on the information contained in the complaint notification (ACT148).

[0399] Figure 40 shows an example of a complaint reception screen displayed on the employee terminal 14. As shown in Figure 40, the complaint reception screen N displays a message notifying that a complaint has been registered, along with the room ID "Room No. ○" and the complaint details "Delay in food service".

[0400] This allows employees holding the employee terminal 14 to easily check the karaoke box where the complaint was registered and the content of the complaint by looking at the complaint reception screen. Therefore, employees can respond to complaints quickly.

[0401] Furthermore, the recipient of the complaint notification is not limited to the employee terminal 14. The complaint processing unit 315 may also switch the recipient device depending on the content of the complaint. For example, if the complaint concerns a delay in the delivery of ordered goods (food and beverages), the complaint processing unit 315 may send the complaint notification to the kitchen terminal 13. For example, if the complaint concerns a malfunction of karaoke equipment, the complaint processing unit 315 may send the complaint notification to the employee terminal 14.

[0402] In this way, by switching the device to which complaints are sent depending on the nature of the complaint, employees can respond to complaints more smoothly, thus enabling efficient operation of the karaoke box.

[0403] Returning to Figure 26, the room change button Gd on the room selection screen G is an operator used to move a user currently using a karaoke box to another karaoke box. When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation on the room change button Gd, it displays a destination selection screen on the display unit 116, where the user can specify the destination karaoke box. For example, the first linkage processing unit 1103 displays the destination selection screen shown in Figure 41 on the display unit 116.

[0404] Figure 41 shows an example of a destination selection screen displayed on the reception terminal 11. As shown in Figure 41, the destination selection screen O has the same screen configuration as the room list screen B. In addition, on the destination selection screen O, the room button Bc for karaoke boxes that are "vacant" is enabled and can be selected.

[0405] On the destination selection screen O, the operator selects a destination room button Bc from among the available room buttons Bc. Upon receiving the selection of the destination room button Bc, the first linkage processing unit 1103 sends a room transfer instruction to the base server 3, which includes the store ID of its own store, the room ID of the karaoke box from which the user is moving, the room ID of the karaoke box to which the user is moving, etc.

[0406] The check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3 identifies a data record from the check-in management DB 336 that matches the specified store ID and source room ID in response to a room change instruction. The check-in processing unit 313 then changes the room ID contained in the identified data record to the destination room ID specified in the room change instruction. As a result, the karaoke box change is executed, and the room list screen B after the change is displayed on the display unit 116 of the reception terminal 11.

[0407] Here, with reference to Figure 42, an example of the operation of the base server 3 and the reception terminal 11 related to the room change in the karaoke box described above will be explained. Figure 42 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing related to the room change in the karaoke box that takes place between the base server 3 and the reception terminal 11. As a prerequisite for this processing, it is assumed that the room selection screen G is displayed on the display unit 116 of the reception terminal 11.

[0408] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 receives an operation to instruct the user to move to another karaoke box room, such as by operating the room move button Gd (ACT 151), it displays a destination selection screen O on the display unit 116, where the user can select the karaoke box to move to (ACT 152).

[0409] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives a selection of the destination karaoke box on the destination selection screen O (ACT 153), it sends a room transfer instruction to the base server 3, which includes the store ID of its own store, the room ID of the source karaoke box, the room ID of the destination karaoke box, etc. (ACT 154).

[0410] When the check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3 receives a room change instruction, it identifies a data entry from the check-in management DB 336 that corresponds to the combination of the store ID and the original room ID specified in the room change instruction (ACT 155). Next, the check-in processing unit 313 determines whether or not it is possible to move to the destination room ID based on the basic information in the basic information DB 334 associated with the destination room ID, the reservation information in the reservation management DB 337 associated with the destination room ID, etc. (ACT 156).

[0411] For example, the check-in processing unit 313 determines whether travel is possible by comparing the number of users at the source karaoke box with the minimum and maximum capacity of the destination karaoke box. Here, the check-in processing unit 313 determines that travel is possible if the number of users at the source karaoke box is equal to or greater than the minimum capacity of the destination karaoke box but less than the maximum capacity. Conversely, the check-in processing unit 313 determines that travel is not possible if the number of users at the source karaoke box is less than the minimum capacity or greater than the maximum capacity of the destination karaoke box.

[0412] For example, the check-in processing unit 313 determines whether travel is possible by comparing the scheduled departure date and time of the user from the source karaoke box with the most recent reservation date and time set at the destination karaoke box. Here, the check-in processing unit 313 determines that travel is possible if the user's scheduled departure date and time does not conflict with the reservation date and time of the destination karaoke box, and that travel is not possible if they do conflict.

[0413] The check-in processing unit 313 determines whether or not movement is possible based on either or both of the number of users and the scheduled departure date and time mentioned above. If movement is possible, it changes the room ID included in the data entry identified from the check-in management DB 336 to the destination room ID (ACT 157). Next, the check-in processing unit 313, in cooperation with the notification processing unit 318, transmits support information reflecting the changes to the reception terminal 11 (ACT 158).

[0414] The first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 updates the room details screen I, etc., based on the support information provided by the base server 3, and displays a screen that reflects the changes (ACT159).

[0415] Furthermore, if the check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3 determines that the device cannot be moved, it works in cooperation with the information provision unit 317 to send response information including the reason why the device cannot be moved to the receiving terminal 11 (ACT160).

[0416] In this case, the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 displays the reason for the inability to move based on the response information provided by the base server 3 (ACT161). This allows the operator of the reception terminal 11 to easily review the destination karaoke box, etc., based on the displayed reason for the inability to move.

[0417] In this process, the decision on whether or not to move is made after the destination karaoke box has been specified on the base server 3. However, the timing of the decision on whether or not to move is not limited to this. For example, the decision on whether or not to move may be made at the time the operation to specify (select) the destination karaoke box is performed on the destination selection screen O.

[0418] Additionally, on the destination selection screen O, the room buttons Bc for available karaoke boxes may be enabled. In this case, in addition to the "vacant" condition, the room buttons Bc for karaoke boxes that are not booked, or, even if booked, whose reservation date and time do not conflict with the scheduled departure time of the original karaoke box, may be enabled. Alternatively, in addition to the "vacant" condition, the room buttons Bc for karaoke boxes that can accommodate the same number of users as the original karaoke box may be enabled.

[0419] Furthermore, in this process, the determination of whether or not movement is permitted is performed by the check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3, but it may also be configured so that the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 performs the determination.

[0420] Returning to Figure 26, the payment button Ge on the room selection screen G is an operator used when a user of the karaoke box pays their bill, i.e., checks out. For example, the payment button Ge is operated when checking out. If the reception terminal 11 and the payment terminal are provided separately, the payment button Ge can be disabled on the reception terminal 11 by hiding it, and the payment button Ge can be operated on the payment terminal.

[0421] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 receives an operation of the accounting button Ge, it activates the reading unit 118 and waits until the slip number is read by the reading unit 118. The operator of the reception terminal 11, for example, has the reading unit 118 read the code symbol printed on the slip of the user who is checking out. When the first linkage processing unit 1103 obtains the slip number via the reading unit 118, it sends a checkout request including this slip number to the base server 3.

[0422] When the checkout processing unit 316 of the base server 3 receives a checkout request, it identifies the data record corresponding to the slip number specified in the checkout request from the user management DB. Next, the checkout processing unit 316 registers the current date and time as the exit date and time included in the identified data entry, and calculates the usage time from the entry date and time to the exit date and time.

[0423] Next, the checkout processing unit 316 of the base server 3 calculates the usage fee for the karaoke box based on the calculated usage time, the room course and number of users included in the identified data record, the attributes of each user (age category, presence or absence of member ID, etc.), options, order information, service time, etc. The checkout processing unit 316 excludes users whose entry / exit status is "Entry Cancelled" and whose payment flag is "Payment Completed" from the calculation of the usage fee.

[0424] Then, the checkout processing unit 316 of the base server 3, in cooperation with the information provision unit 317, sends detailed data, including the amount used and details related to the calculation of the amount used, to the receiving terminal 11 that sent the checkout request.

[0425] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 receives detailed data from the base server 3, it displays an accounting screen for accounting of the usage amount on the display unit 116 based on the detailed data.

[0426] Figure 43 shows an example of an accounting screen displayed on the reception terminal 11. As shown in Figure 43, the accounting screen P has a details display field Pa, a subtotal display field Pb, a discount amount display field Pc, a total display field Pd, a payment method selection field Pe, and an operator field Pf.

[0427] The details display field Pa shows the details related to the calculation of the usage amount. The subtotal display field Pb displays the usage amount before the discount as the subtotal amount. The discount amount display field Pc displays the details related to the discount amount. The total display field Pd displays the remaining amount after subtracting the discount amount from the subtotal amount as the total amount. In addition, the usage amount for each user is displayed in the total display field Pd. For example, the amount obtained by dividing the total amount by the number of users is displayed as the usage amount per person in the total display field Pd.

[0428] The payment method selection field Pe displays payment method buttons Pea representing various payment methods. For example, payment methods such as cash, credit, electronic money, code payment, and gift certificates are displayed as payment method buttons Pea. The operator selects the payment method notified by the user via the payment method button Pea.

[0429] The control panel Pf is provided with various controls. For example, the control panel Pf may include a back button Pfa, a coupon button Pfb, an order details button Pfc, and so on.

[0430] The back button Pfa is an operator that instructs the user to return to the previous screen. When the back button Pfa is pressed, the first linkage processing unit 1103 displays the previous screen.

[0431] The coupon button Pfb is an operator used to input coupon information for coupons held by the user. A coupon is a voucher distributed to the user in advance to receive a discount (or reduced price) service. For example, a coupon holds coupon information that can identify the amount of the discount in the form of a code symbol or similar. Coupons may be distributed electronically or on paper. In the former case, the coupon information is registered in the member management DB332, for example, associated with the member ID.

[0432] When the coupon button Pfb is pressed, the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 executes a process to accept input of coupon information for a coupon held by the user. Upon receiving the coupon number, the first linkage processing unit 1103 reflects the amount discounted by the coupon information in the discount amount display field Pc and updates the total display field Pd.

[0433] For example, if coupon information is distributed electronically, the first linkage processing unit 1103, in cooperation with the information provision unit 317 of the base server 3, retrieves coupon information associated with the user's member ID from the member management DB. The first linkage processing unit 1103 then displays a screen (not shown) listing the retrieved coupon information and accepts input of the selected coupon information from that screen.

[0434] The first linkage processing unit 1103 may obtain coupon information associated with the member ID of one member, such as a representative, or it may obtain coupon information associated with the member IDs of all members included among the users. Furthermore, if accounting is performed for each user and that user is a member, it is sufficient to obtain coupon information associated with that member's member ID.

[0435] Furthermore, for example, if coupon information is distributed in paper form, the first linkage processing unit 1103 activates the reading unit 118 and accepts the input of coupon information via the reading unit 118.

[0436] The Order Details button Pfc is an operator used by the user to view and edit the details of the ordered items. When the Order Details button Pfc is operated, the First Linkage Processing Unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 coordinates with the Information Provision Unit 317 of the base server 3 to obtain order information associated with the slip number from the user management DB. The First Linkage Processing Unit 1103 then displays a screen (not shown) that shows the details of the obtained order information. For example, the First Linkage Processing Unit 1103 displays a screen that allows the user to view the order details and add / register items by displaying an area showing the details of the order information and an area showing the product menu on the same screen. When editing operations such as changing the number of ordered items, adding or deleting items are performed on such a screen, the First Linkage Processing Unit 1103 updates the subtotal display field Pb and the total display field Pd according to the content of the editing operation.

[0437] In the accounting screen P described above, when the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 receives a selection of a payment method button Pea from the payment method selection field Pe, it processes the usage fee using the payment method selected by the payment method button Pea. Specifically, the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 executes an accounting process to pay the total amount displayed in the total display field Pd using the payment method selected by the payment method button Pea. Then, once the accounting process is complete, the first linkage processing unit 1103 sends an accounting completion notification to the base server 3, which includes the voucher number of the transaction that was processed.

[0438] Furthermore, the first linkage processing unit 1103 may perform accounting processing for each user. For example, the first linkage processing unit 1103 may be configured to accept a payment method selection operation for each user and then perform individual accounting processing using the selected payment method.

[0439] When the checkout processing unit 316 of the base server 3 receives a payment completion notification, it identifies the data entry corresponding to the slip number indicated in the payment completion notification from the check-in management DB 336 and sets the payment completion flag for each user included in that data entry to "payment completed". Then, the checkout processing unit 316 removes the identified data entry from the check-in management DB 336 by moving it to another DB or the like.

[0440] Here, with reference to Figure 44, an example of the operation of the base server 3 and the reception terminal 11 related to the checkout process described above will be explained. Figure 44 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the checkout process performed between the base server 3 and the reception terminal 11. As a prerequisite for this process, it is assumed that the display unit 116 of the reception terminal 11 is displaying the "Currently in Room" selection screen G.

[0441] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 receives an operation to instruct checkout, such as by pressing the accounting button Ge (ACT 171), it reads the slip number via the reading unit 118 (ACT 172). Next, the first linkage processing unit 1103 sends a checkout request including the read slip number to the base server 3 (ACT 173).

[0442] When the checkout processing unit 316 of the base server 3 receives a checkout request, it identifies the data record corresponding to the slip number specified in the checkout request from the user management DB (ACT174). Next, the checkout processing unit 316 calculates the usage time from the entry date and time included in the identified data entry to the current date and time (exit date and time) (ACT175).

[0443] Next, the checkout processing unit 316 of the base server 3 calculates the usage fee for the karaoke box based on the various information contained in the identified data entry and the calculated usage time (ACT176). Then, the checkout processing unit 316 sends the detailed data, including the usage fee, to the reception terminal 11 (ACT177).

[0444] The first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 receives detailed data from the base server 3 as a response to a checkout request, and displays the accounting screen P on the display unit 116 based on the detailed data (ACT 178). Next, the first linkage processing unit 1103 accepts the selection of a payment method for the amount used on the accounting screen P (ACT 179), and then performs accounting processing for the amount used using the selected payment method (ACT 180). After the accounting processing is completed, it sends an accounting completion notification, including the previously read slip number, to the base server 3 (ACT 181).

[0445] When the checkout processing unit 316 of the base server 3 receives a payment completion notification, it identifies the data entry corresponding to the voucher number indicated in the payment completion notification from the check-in management DB 336 (ACT 182). Next, the checkout processing unit 316 sets the payment completion flag for each user included in the identified data entry to "payment completed," and then removes the data entry from the check-in management DB 336 (ACT 183).

[0446] In accordance with ACT173, the status management unit 311 of the base server 3 switches the status in the status management DB 335 corresponding to the room ID of the data entry removed from the check-in management DB 336 from "occupied" to "waiting for cleaning" (ACT184). The status management unit 311 also registers the operational record of the karaoke box whose status has been switched in the operational record DB 338 (ACT185).

[0447] As a result, the reception terminal 11 displays karaoke boxes that have entered the cleaning waiting state in an identifiable manner. Therefore, the operator of the reception terminal 11 can easily check which karaoke boxes are in the cleaning waiting state from the room list screen, etc.

[0448] In the checkout process described above, the accounting process is performed when all users have left the karaoke box. However, this is not limited to this, and accounting may be performed individually for some users when they leave midway through the session. In this case, for example, a button for mid-session accounting may be provided in the operation field Jb of the mid-session exit screen J described above, so that accounting can be performed when a user requests to leave midway through the session.

[0449] If an intermediate payment button is provided, the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 will individually process the payment for users who leave the room midway through by performing the following processing, for example.

[0450] First, when the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation of the mid-session payment button on the mid-session exit screen J, it sends a mid-session payment instruction to the base server 3, which includes the store ID of its own store, the room ID of the karaoke box targeted by the operation, and the user identifier of the user who is leaving mid-session. If the user who is leaving mid-session presents a receipt, the first linkage processing unit 1103 may also send a mid-session payment instruction to the base server 3, which includes the receipt number obtained from the receipt and the user identifier of the user who is leaving mid-session.

[0451] When the checkout processing unit 316 of the base server 3 receives an intermediate checkout instruction, it identifies a data record from the user management DB that corresponds to the conditions specified in the intermediate checkout instruction. Next, the check-in processing unit 313 calculates the amount used by the user who is leaving the room early based on the room course included in the identified data entry, the usage time of the user identifier specified in the intermediate checkout instruction, attributes (age category, presence or absence of member ID, etc.), options, and other various information. Then, in cooperation with the information provision unit 317, the checkout processing unit 316 sends detailed data including the amount used by the user who is leaving the room early to the reception terminal 11 that sent the early checkout instruction.

[0452] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 receives transaction data, it displays an accounting screen P similar to that in Figure 43 on the display unit 116 based on the transaction data and executes the accounting process. Then, when the accounting process for a user who leaves the room midway is completed, the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 sends a notification of completion of mid-session accounting to the base server 3, which includes the store ID of its own store and the room ID of the karaoke box being operated on (or the slip number), the user identifier of the user who leaves the room midway, etc.

[0453] When the checkout processing unit 316 of the base server 3 receives an interim payment completion notification from the reception terminal 11, it identifies a data entry from the check-in management DB 336 that corresponds to the conditions specified in the interim payment completion notification. The checkout processing unit 316 then sets the paid flag of the user identifier specified in the interim payment completion notification to paid.

[0454] This allows the store to process individual payments for each user who leaves the room midway through their session. Therefore, the facility management system 100 can improve the convenience of using and managing karaoke boxes.

[0455] Returning to Figure 14, let's continue the explanation of the room list screen B. When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation on the room button Bc in the "waiting for cleaning" state on the room list screen B, it displays a cleaning start screen that allows the user to instruct the start of cleaning.

[0456] Figure 45 shows an example of a cleaning start screen displayed on the reception terminal 11. As shown in Figure 45, the cleaning start screen Q has a back button Qa and a cleaning start button Qb that instructs the user to start cleaning. The back button Qa is an operator that instructs the user to return to the previous screen. When the back button Qa is pressed, the first linkage processing unit 1103 displays the previous screen.

[0457] The cleaning start button Qb is an operator that instructs the start of cleaning. When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation of the cleaning start button Qb, it sends a cleaning start notification to the base server 3 that includes the store ID of its own store, the room ID of the karaoke box targeted by the operation, etc. The first linkage processing unit 1103 may also include the employee ID of the operator in the cleaning start notification and send it to the base server 3.

[0458] When the status management unit 311 of the base server 3 receives a cleaning start notification, it identifies the data entry corresponding to the store ID and room ID specified in the cleaning start notification from the status management DB 335. Next, the status management unit 311 switches the room status of the identified data entry from "waiting for cleaning" to "cleaning in progress". The status management unit 311 also registers the operational record of the karaoke box whose status has been switched in the operational record DB 338.

[0459] Furthermore, in the room list screen B of Figure 12, when the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation on the room button Bc which is in the "cleaning in progress" state, it displays a cleaning completion screen which has, for example, an operation element to indicate that cleaning is complete.

[0460] Figure 46 shows an example of a cleaning completion screen displayed on the reception terminal 11. As shown in Figure 46, the cleaning completion screen R has a back button Ra and a cleaning completion button Rb that indicates cleaning is complete. The back button Ra is an operator that instructs the user to return to the previous screen. When the back button Ra is pressed, the first linkage processing unit 1103 displays the previous screen.

[0461] The cleaning complete button Rb is an operator that signals the completion of cleaning. When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an operation of the cleaning complete button Rb, it sends a cleaning completion notification to the base server 3 that includes the store ID of its own store, the room ID of the karaoke box that was the target of the operation, etc. The first linkage processing unit 1103 may also include the employee ID of the operator in the cleaning completion notification and send it to the base server 3.

[0462] When the status management unit 311 of the base server 3 receives a cleaning completion notification, it identifies the data entry corresponding to the store ID and room ID specified in the cleaning completion notification from the status management DB 335. Next, the status management unit 311 switches the room status of the identified data entry from "Cleaning in Progress" to "Vacant." The status management unit 311 also registers the operational record of the karaoke box whose status has been switched in the operational record DB 338.

[0463] Here, with reference to Figure 47, an example of the operation of the base server 3 and the reception terminal 11 related to the cleaning management of a karaoke box will be explained. Figure 47 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the cleaning management process performed between the base server 3 and the reception terminal 11. As a prerequisite for this process, it is assumed that the room list screen B is displayed on the display unit 116 of the reception terminal 11.

[0464] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 receives an operation on the room button Bc which is in the "waiting for cleaning" state (ACT 191), it displays the cleaning start screen Q on the display unit 116 (ACT 192). When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an instruction to start cleaning, such as by the operation of the cleaning start button Qb (ACT 193), it sends a cleaning start notification to the base server 3 which includes the store ID of its own store, the room ID of the karaoke box that was the target of the operation, etc. (ACT 194).

[0465] When the status management unit 311 of the base server 3 receives a cleaning start notification, it switches the status of the status management DB 335 corresponding to the room ID specified in the cleaning start notification from "waiting for cleaning" to "cleaning in progress" (ACT195). The status management unit 311 also registers the operational record of the karaoke box whose status has been switched in the operational record DB 338 (ACT196).

[0466] As a result, the reception terminal 11 clearly displays karaoke boxes that have entered the cleaning state. Therefore, the operator of the reception terminal 11 can easily check which karaoke boxes are in the cleaning state from the room list screen B, etc.

[0467] Furthermore, when the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 receives an operation of the room button Bc which is in the "cleaning in progress" state (ACT197), it displays the cleaning completion screen R on the display unit 116 (ACT198). When the first linkage processing unit 1103 receives an instruction that cleaning is complete, such as by the operation of the cleaning completion button Rb (ACT199), it sends a cleaning completion notification to the base server 3, which includes the store ID of its own store, the room ID of the karaoke box that was the target of the operation, etc. (ACT200).

[0468] When the status management unit 311 of the base server 3 receives a cleaning completion notification, it switches the status of the status management DB 335 corresponding to the room ID specified in the cleaning completion notification from "Cleaning in progress" to "Vacant" (ACT201). The status management unit 311 also registers the operational record of the karaoke box whose status has been switched in the operational record DB 338 (ACT202).

[0469] As a result, the reception terminal 11 clearly displays karaoke boxes that have become vacant. Therefore, the operator of the reception terminal 11 can easily check which karaoke boxes are vacant from the room list screen B, etc.

[0470] Returning to Figure 13, we will now explain the operation when other tab controls are operated from operation screen A.

[0471] Tab Abb on operation screen A is an operator used to check the operating status of each karaoke box installed in one's own store. When the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 receives an operation on tab Abb, it sends an operating status request including the store ID of its own store to the base server 3.

[0472] When the information provision unit 317 of the base server 3 receives an operational status request from the reception terminal 11, it reads data entries related to the store ID specified in the operational status request from the state management DB 335 and the operational performance management DB, etc. Based on the read data entries, the information provision unit 317 generates support information representing the operational status of each room ID. For example, based on the records of the current and past state transitions of the karaoke boxes stored in the state management DB 335 and the operational performance management DB, the information provision unit 317 generates support information that represents the state transitions of the karaoke boxes in chronological order. The information provision unit 317 then provides the generated support information to the reception terminal 11 that sent the operational status request.

[0473] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 receives support information from the base server 3 as a response to an operational status request, it displays an operational status screen representing the operational status of each karaoke box installed in its store on the display unit 116 (display area Ac) based on the support information.

[0474] Figure 48 shows an example of the operating status screen displayed on the reception terminal 11. As shown in Figure 48, the operating status screen S has an operation column Sa and an operating status column Sb.

[0475] The operator field Sa displays various operators related to the display control of the operating status. For example, the operator field Sa includes a first operator Saa for specifying the order (display order) of karaoke boxes displayed in the operating status field Sb, and a second operator Sab for specifying the filtering conditions for the karaoke boxes displayed in the operating status field Sb.

[0476] The first operator Saa and the second operator Sab allow you to change the order in which room IDs are displayed by combining various criteria, such as the order of room ID (room number), the scheduled departure time, and the order of maximum (or minimum) occupancy. Furthermore, the first operator Saa and the second operator Sab allow you to change the order in which room IDs are displayed based on their status, such as "occupied," "being cleaned," or "out of order."

[0477] The operating status column Sb displays information representing the operating status of the karaoke box. For example, the operating status column Sb displays the time-series state transitions of a corresponding room ID in a graph format such as a Gantt chart, associated with the room ID and the model name of the karaoke machine installed in that room ID. Here, the number in parentheses displayed in association with the room ID indicates the maximum capacity of the karaoke box corresponding to that room ID. The model name of the karaoke machine and the maximum capacity can be obtained from the basic information DB334.

[0478] Figure 48 shows an example of the display when the first operator Saa is set to "Room Number" and the second operator Sab is set to "Occupied". In this case, the operating status column Sb displays the current and past usage times of each room ID that is currently in the "Occupied" state, represented on a time axis by a period bar Sba. The time displayed in association with the period bar Sba indicates the time from the start date and time to the end date and time, or from the start date and time to the scheduled usage date and time.

[0479] This allows the operator of the reception terminal 11 to easily check the operating status of each karaoke box installed in their store, that is, the actual usage time and usage status of each karaoke box, by looking at the operating status screen S.

[0480] The time axis range displayed in the operating status column Sb is set based on the current date and time, but it is preferable that it be changeable in response to user input. Furthermore, the operating status column Sb is not limited to displaying both current and past operating status together; it may also display only the current or past operating status. In addition, by using the reservation management DB337, the status of reservations registered for each karaoke box, either individually or together, may be displayed.

[0481] Figure 49 shows another example of the operating status screen displayed on the reception terminal 11. The operating status screen S in Figure 49 shows an example of the display when "Room Number" is set on the first operator Saa and "Out of Order" and "Cleaning in Progress" are set on the second operator Sab.

[0482] In this case, the operating status column Sb will highlight the room IDs and graphs that are in a "faulty" state by graying them out or using other methods to make them easily identifiable. The text displayed in the graph, such as "Air Conditioner," represents the reason for the failure associated with that room ID.

[0483] Additionally, for room IDs in the "Cleaning in Progress" state, a time bar Sba is displayed on the timeline, indicating the period during which cleaning was performed. The time and name displayed in association with the time bar Sba represent the time from the start date and time of cleaning to the completion date and time, as well as the name of the employee who performed the cleaning.

[0484] This allows the operator of the reception terminal 11 to easily check the operating status of each karaoke box in their store, including which karaoke boxes are out of order, the time spent cleaning, and the person responsible for cleaning, by viewing the operating status screen S.

[0485] Furthermore, the information representing the operating status of the karaoke boxes is not limited to the forms shown in Figures 48 and 49. For example, the information provision unit 317 of the base server 3 may derive information for each karaoke box, such as the time each state is occupied during a predetermined period, or the percentage obtained by dividing the time each state is occupied by a predetermined time, and provide the reception terminal 11 with information for displaying the derive results as support information. In this case, the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 may display, for example, the screen shown in Figure 50 (hereinafter also referred to as the room-specific report screen) as the operating status.

[0486] Figure 50 shows an example of a room-specific report screen displayed on the reception terminal 11. The method of displaying the room-specific report screen is not particularly limited. For example, it may be displayed by performing a predetermined operation from the operation status screen S. Alternatively, a dedicated tab operator for displaying the room-specific report screen may be provided on the operation screen A in Figure 13, for example.

[0487] As shown in Figure 50, the room-specific report screen T has an information display area Ta and an operating status area Tb. The information display area Ta displays items such as the store name, period, and room number (room ID). The store name displays the name of the store.

[0488] The period displayed is the period for which the operating status is derived. The period and room number fields can be edited via the operation unit 117. Figure 50 shows an example where April 1, 2023, is set as the period.

[0489] The room number field displays the room ID of the karaoke box whose operational status is to be derived. The room number field can be edited via the operation unit 117. Figure 50 shows an example where karaoke boxes with room IDs "1" and "2" are set as the room number.

[0490] The operating status column Tb displays the occupied time and percentage for each state for each karaoke box with a room ID set in the room number in the information display column Ta, during the predetermined period set in the period column Ta. Figure 50 shows an example where the occupied time (operating time) and percentage (operating rate) for the "occupied" state and the occupied time and percentage (failure rate) for the "out of order" state are displayed in association with the room ID and the name of the karaoke box corresponding to that room ID, during the predetermined period set in the period column Tab.

[0491] Furthermore, the operating status column Tb includes a total column that displays the total operating time, average occupancy rate, average failure rate, etc., for the room ID set in the room number in the information display column Ta.

[0492] This allows the operator of the reception terminal 11 to easily check the operating time, utilization rate, and failure rate of karaoke boxes over a predetermined period by viewing the room-specific report screen T, thereby gaining a multifaceted understanding of the karaoke box's operating status. For example, the operator of the reception terminal 11 can identify karaoke boxes with high (or low) utilization rates, or karaoke boxes that frequently experience malfunctions. Therefore, the facility management system 100 can efficiently support the operation of the karaoke boxes.

[0493] Note that the number of hours displayed in the operating status column Tb may not be limited to the "occupied" state, but may also display the time occupied in other states. Also, the percentage displayed in the operating status column Tb may not be limited to the "occupied" and "out of order" states, but may also display the percentage of other states.

[0494] Furthermore, while Figures 48 to 50 illustrate an example of representing the operating status of a karaoke box, it may also represent the working status of employees belonging to the store. For example, the information provision unit 317 of the base server 3 may derive the time required to clean the karaoke box for each employee ID based on the data in the operational performance DB related to the store ID specified in the operational status request, and display a screen showing the derived information (hereinafter also referred to as the cleaning report screen by person in charge) as the operational status.

[0495] Figure 51 shows an example of the cleaning report screen by staff member displayed on the reception terminal 11. The method of displaying the cleaning report screen U by staff member is not particularly limited. For example, the cleaning report screen U by staff member may be displayed by performing a predetermined operation on the operation status screen S. Alternatively, for example, a dedicated tab operator for displaying the cleaning report screen U by staff member may be provided on the operation screen A in Figure 13.

[0496] As shown in Figure 51, the cleaning report screen U for each person in charge has an information display field Ua and an operational status field Ub. The information display field Ua displays items such as store name, period, person in charge, and room number. Store name Uaa displays the name of the store. Period displays the period for which the operational status is derived. Person in charge displays the employee ID and name of the employee for whom the operational status is derived. Room number displays the room ID of the karaoke box for which the operational status is derived.

[0497] Furthermore, the fields for period, person in charge, and room number can be edited via the operation unit 117, etc. Figure 51 shows an example where the period is set to April 1, 2023. It also shows an example where employees named "XX Taro" and "△△ Hanako" are set as the person in charge. Finally, it shows an example where karaoke boxes with room IDs "2" and "8" are set as the room numbers.

[0498] The "Operation Status" column (Ub) displays the actual time spent cleaning the karaoke box with the room number specified in "Information Display" column (Ua) for each employee whose employee ID is set as the person in charge in "Information Display" column (Ua), during the period specified in "Information Display" column (Ua). Figure 51 shows an example where, for each employee name, the room ID, start time, end time, and cleaning time of the karaoke box that the employee was in charge of are displayed in association with each employee. Here, the start time and end time correspond to the disclosure date and time and end time recorded in the operation record where the status information is "Cleaning in Progress." The cleaning time is information indicating the time from the start date and time to the completion date and time.

[0499] Additionally, the "Ub" section of the operational status column includes a "Total" column for each employee ID. This column displays the total cleaning time and the average cleaning time.

[0500] This allows the operator of the reception terminal 11 to easily check the time spent by employees cleaning karaoke boxes during a specified period, the average time, etc., by viewing the cleaning report screen U for each employee, and to grasp the employee's work status from multiple perspectives. For example, the operator of the reception terminal 11 can identify employees who take a lot of time to clean. Therefore, the facility management system 100 can efficiently support the operation of the karaoke boxes.

[0501] Since cleaning time may depend on the size of the karaoke box, information representing the size of the karaoke box (e.g., maximum capacity) may be associated with the room ID in the Ub column of the operating status section and displayed.

[0502] Here, with reference to Figure 52, an example of the operation of the base server 3 and the reception terminal 11 related to the display of the operating status will be explained. Figure 52 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing related to the display of the operating status that takes place between the base server 3 and the reception terminal 11. As a prerequisite for this processing, it is assumed that the operation screen A is displayed on the display unit 116 of the reception terminal 11.

[0503] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 is instructed to display the operating status by operating tab Abb or the like, it sends an operating status request including the store ID of its own store to the base server 3 (ACT211).

[0504] When the information provision unit 317 of the base server 3 receives an operational status request, it refers to the status management DB 335 and operational performance DB etc. related to the store ID specified in the operational status request and sets data entries representing past and present operational performance as targets for analysis (ACT212). Next, the information provision unit 317 generates support information representing the operational status of the karaoke box or employees based on the data entries to be analyzed (ACT213). Next, the information provision unit 317 provides the generated support information to the reception terminal 11 that sent the operational status request (ACT214).

[0505] When the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 receives support information from the base server 3 as a response to an operational status request, it displays a screen representing the operational status of the karaoke box or employees (operational status screen S, room-specific report screen T, staff-specific cleaning report screen U, etc.) on the display unit 116 based on the support information (ACT215).

[0506] Furthermore, when the first linkage processing unit 1103 of the reception terminal 11 receives an operation to change the conditions such as the operating status or elements to be displayed, it returns to ACT211 and sends an operating status request including the changed conditions to the base server 3. Then, the first linkage processing unit 1103 displays a screen representing the operating status on ACT215 based on the support information generated by the base server 3 according to the changed conditions.

[0507] This allows the operator of the reception terminal 11 to gain a comprehensive understanding of the operational status of their karaoke boxes and employees based on the screen displaying the operational status. Therefore, the facility management system 100 can efficiently support the operation of the karaoke boxes.

[0508] In the above description, the reception terminal 11 displays various screens in cooperation with the base server 3. However, this is not the only way; for example, the sales terminal 5 or the employee terminal 14 may also display the aforementioned screens in cooperation with the base server 3. Furthermore, the screens that can be displayed and the scope of operation may be restricted depending on the role of the terminal in the store and the authority of the employee operating it.

[0509] [Coordination between the base server and external sales terminals] Next, an example of operations performed between the base server 3 and the external sales terminal 5 will be described. The second cooperation processing unit 513 of the external sales terminal 5 starts cooperation with the base server 3 by performing the same processing as the cooperation start process described above with the base server 3.

[0510] Specifically, when the information provision unit 317 of the base server 3 successfully authenticates the external salesperson who will be operating the system, it identifies the store ID of the store to which the employee ID specified in the login request belongs from the employee management database. Next, the information provision unit 317 provides support information related to the identified store ID, based on the various information stored in the various databases, to the external sales terminal 5 that sent the login request.

[0511] For example, the information provision unit 317 of the base server 3 provides support information to the external sales terminal 5 that enables the display of the basic operation screen (room list screen) described above. If multiple store IDs are associated with an employee ID, the information provision unit 317 provides support information that enables the display of different store IDs.

[0512] When the second linkage processing unit 513 of the external sales terminal 5 receives support information from the base server 3 following successful authentication, it displays various screens on the display unit 116 based on that support information. For example, the second linkage processing unit 513 of the external sales terminal 5 displays the room list screen B, etc., based on the support information provided by the base server 3. An external salesperson operating the external sales terminal 5 can check the availability and reservation status of karaoke boxes by looking at the room buttons Bc displayed on the room list screen B.

[0513] Furthermore, if multiple store IDs are associated with an employee ID of an outside sales representative, the second linkage processing unit 513 of the outside sales terminal 5 switches the store ID to be displayed in response to an operation to switch store IDs. For example, when the operation to swipe left or right on the room list screen B is performed, the second linkage processing unit 513 of the outside sales terminal 5 determines that a store ID switching operation has been performed and displays the room list screen B corresponding to the switched store ID.

[0514] Furthermore, the second linkage processing unit 513 of the external sales terminal 5, in cooperation with the base server 3, provides a support screen that enables the reservation of a karaoke box room, as a support screen to assist the external sales activities of the external salesperson.

[0515] Specifically, when the second linkage processing unit 513 of the external sales terminal 5 receives an operation of the room button Bc of a karaoke box that is in the "vacant room" state from the room list screen B, it displays a room reservation screen on the display unit 116 that allows the user to reserve the karaoke box corresponding to that room button Bc.

[0516] Figure 53 shows an example of a room reservation screen displayed on the external sales terminal 5. As shown in Figure 53, the room reservation screen V has a reservation information field Va and an operator field Vb.

[0517] The reservation information field Va includes fields such as Start Time (Vaa), Duration (Vab), Desired Price (Vac), Desired Number of People (Vad), and Comments (Vae). The Start Time (Vaa) field contains the start time of use for the user invited by the sales representative. The Duration (Vab) field contains the planned duration of use for the user invited by the sales representative. The Desired Price (Vac) field contains the planned amount for the karaoke box usage requested by the user invited by the sales representative. The Desired Number of People (Vad) field contains the number of users invited by the sales representative (number of reservations).

[0518] The comment field "Vae" allows users to enter any string of text. Sales representatives can enter comments such as their employee ID, important notes regarding users, or messages for store staff (requests for discounts or free time settings) in the comment field "Vae".

[0519] The operator field Vb is provided with various operators. For example, the operator field Vb is provided with a back button Vba, a room reservation button Vbb, etc. The back button Vba is an operator that instructs the user to return to the screen from which the transition occurred. When the back button Vba is operated, the second linkage processing unit 513 displays the screen from which the transition occurred.

[0520] The room reservation button Vbb is an operator that instructs the confirmation of the information entered in the reservation information field Va. When the room reservation button Vbb is operated, the second linkage processing unit 513 sends a room reservation request to the base server 3, which includes the store ID and room ID of the target of the operation, and various information entered in the reservation information field Va. The second linkage processing unit 513 may also include the operator's employee ID in the room reservation request.

[0521] When the reservation management unit 312 of the base server 3 receives a room reservation request from the external sales terminal 5, it associates the store ID and room ID specified in the room reservation request with various information and stores it in the reservation management DB 337. Specifically, the reservation management unit 312 stores information such as the start time of use, usage time, and number of people in the reservation information column of the reservation management DB 337. In addition, the reservation management unit 312 stores the estimated amount and comments in the additional information column. The reservation management unit 312 may also store the date and time the room reservation request was received in the additional information column.

[0522] As a result, at the reception terminal 11 of the store corresponding to the store ID specified in the room reservation request, the start time of use specified in the room reservation request will be displayed on the room button Bc, etc., for the corresponding room ID on the room list screen, etc. Therefore, karaoke boxes reserved by outside sales staff will be secured so that they cannot be used by other users. Consequently, outside sales staff can efficiently attract customers using the outside sales terminal 5.

[0523] Furthermore, the reservation management unit 312 of the base server 3 continuously or at predetermined time intervals performs an elapsed time determination to detect reservation information for which a predetermined time has elapsed since the reservation date and time by comparing the current date and time with the reservation date and time of the reservation information stored in the reservation management DB 337. When the reservation management unit 312 detects that reservation information for which a predetermined time has elapsed since the reservation date and time, it deletes the data entry related to that reservation information from the reservation management DB 337.

[0524] The predetermined elapsed time used as an indicator for the determination can be set arbitrarily. In addition, the reservation management unit 312 may be configured to confirm with the operator of the reception terminal 11 or the external sales terminal 5 whether or not deletion is permissible when deleting reservation information, and to delete it from the reservation management DB 337 if the operator gives the instruction that deletion is permissible.

[0525] This prevents stores from inadvertently keeping karaoke boxes reserved through room reservation requests indefinitely. Consequently, stores can operate karaoke boxes more efficiently and improve the utilization rate of karaoke boxes.

[0526] Here, with reference to Figure 54, an example of the operation of the base server 3 and the external sales terminal 5 related to reserving a karaoke box room will be explained. Figure 54 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing related to reserving a karaoke box room that takes place between the base server 3 and the external sales terminal 5. As a prerequisite for this processing, it is assumed that the display unit 116 of the external sales terminal 5 is displaying the room list screen B.

[0527] When the second linkage processing unit 513 of the external sales terminal 5 receives an operation on the room button Bc of a karaoke box that is in the "vacant room" state from the room list screen B (ACT221), it displays the room reservation screen V on the display unit 116 (ACT222).

[0528] Next, when the second linkage processing unit 513 of the external sales terminal 5 receives input of reservation information such as the reservation date and time via the room reservation screen V (ACT223), it sends a room reservation request to the base server 3, which includes the store ID and room ID of the target store, the entered reservation information, and the employee ID of the operator operating the external sales terminal 5 (ACT224).

[0529] When the reservation management unit 312 of the base server 3 receives a room reservation request, it refers to the reservation management DB 337 and determines whether or not the room can be reserved based on the existing reservation information stored in association with the store ID and room ID pair specified in the room reservation request (ACT225).

[0530] For example, the reservation management unit 312 determines whether the time slot specified in the room reservation request interferes with an existing reservation date and time. If the time slot specified in the room reservation request does not interfere with an existing reservation date and time, the reservation management unit 312 determines that the room can be reserved. If the time slot specified in the room reservation request interferes with an existing reservation date and time, the reservation management unit 312 determines that the room cannot be reserved.

[0531] If the reservation management unit 312 of the base server 3 determines that a room can be reserved, it registers the reservation information, employee ID, etc., in the reservation management DB 337, associated with the store ID and room ID specified in the room reservation request (ACT226). Next, the reservation management unit 312, in cooperation with the information provision unit 317, sends support information reflecting the changes to the external sales terminal 5 (ACT1227).

[0532] The second linkage processing unit 513 of the external sales terminal 5 updates the room list screen B, etc., based on the support information provided by the base server 3, and displays a screen that reflects the changes (ACT1228).

[0533] Furthermore, if the reservation management unit 312 of the base server 3 determines that a room cannot be reserved, it works in cooperation with the information provision unit 317 to send response information including the reason why the room cannot be reserved to the reception terminal 11 (ACT229).

[0534] In this case, the second linkage processing unit 513 of the external sales terminal 5 displays the reason why the room cannot be reserved, etc., based on the response information provided by the base server 3 (ACT230).

[0535] This allows outside sales representatives to secure karaoke boxes for customers they have attracted through their outside sales activities at the store where they work. Therefore, the facility management system 100 can provide operational support for the karaoke boxes.

[0536] To elaborate, traditionally, when outside sales representatives attracted customers, they had to confirm the customer's planned stay duration and desired price, and then contact the store by phone or other means to confirm whether the store was open. Furthermore, outside sales representatives could not see the store's real-time occupancy status, which sometimes prevented them from guiding customers to stay in a way that matched their preferences. Even with online reservation systems, problems could arise, such as booking conflicts between customers who had made reservations for an hour later and the customers they had attracted. The requests of the customers they had attracted also had to be communicated to the store by phone or other means, and sometimes the price information agreed upon during negotiations with the customer was not correctly conveyed to the store, leading to disputes with customers.

[0537] On the other hand, according to the facility management system 100 of this embodiment, by inputting information about customers' desired entry from the sales terminal 5 and reserving a karaoke box at the store, it is possible to prevent booking conflicts with customers invited by the store or other sales representatives. Furthermore, the facility management system 100 can store information such as the desired price confirmed during negotiations with the customer and notify the store, so that when the invited customer arrives, the store's employees can correctly grasp that information. Moreover, according to the facility management system 100, if the customer does not enter the store after a certain period of time has elapsed since the room was reserved, the room reservation can be automatically canceled, allowing another customer to use the room.

[0538] In this process, the decision on whether or not to reserve a room (i.e., whether or not to book) is made after the base server 3 receives the room reservation request. However, the timing of this decision is not limited to this. For example, the decision on whether or not to reserve a room may be made at the time the user specifies (selects) the karaoke box to be reserved on the room list screen B.

[0539] Additionally, on the room list screen B, the room button Bc for karaoke boxes that are available for reservation may be enabled. In this case, in addition to the "vacant" condition, the room button Bc for karaoke boxes that are not currently booked, or for karaoke boxes that are booked but whose reservation date and time are after a specified time (for example, 5 hours or more later, or the next day or later), should be enabled.

[0540] Furthermore, in this process, the check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3 is responsible for determining whether a room can be reserved. However, this may be configured to be performed by the second linkage processing unit 513 of the external sales terminal 5. In this case, if the second linkage processing unit 513 determines that a room cannot be reserved, it will notify the external sales staff by displaying the reason for the unavailability.

[0541] Furthermore, the reservation management unit 312 of the base server 3 may, upon receiving a room reservation request, determine whether a room can be reserved (i.e., whether a reservation is possible) by comparing the maximum and minimum capacity of the karaoke box specified in the room reservation request with the number of users specified in the room reservation request. For example, the reservation management unit 312 determines that a room can be reserved if the number of users specified in the room reservation request falls within the range of the maximum and minimum capacity of the karaoke box. Conversely, the reservation management unit 312 determines that a room cannot be reserved if the number of users specified in the room reservation request deviates from the range of the maximum and minimum capacity of the karaoke box.

[0542] Furthermore, in the case of a room reservation request by an outside sales representative, the system may determine whether or not to reserve the room within a range that exceeds the maximum and minimum capacity set for the karaoke box. For example, if the reservation management unit 312 determines that the reservation is made by an outside sales representative based on access from the outside sales terminal 5 or the employee ID included in the room reservation request, it may expand the maximum and / or minimum capacity set for the karaoke box by a predetermined amount and determine whether or not to reserve the room within the expanded range. Alternatively, if the reservation management unit 312 determines that the reservation is made by an outside sales representative, it may remove the restrictions on the maximum and / or minimum capacity set for the karaoke box.

[0543] Furthermore, the timing of the comparison with the maximum and minimum occupancy is not limited to these dates. For example, the comparison with the maximum and minimum occupancy may be performed at the time the number of users is entered on the room reservation screen V.

[0544] Furthermore, the comparison and determination against the maximum and minimum occupancy may be performed by the check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3, or by the second linkage processing unit 513 of the external sales terminal 5. In this case, if the second linkage processing unit 513 determines that the room exceeds the range of the maximum and minimum occupancy, it notifies the external sales staff by displaying that the room exceeds the range of the maximum and minimum occupancy as the reason for the inability to reserve the room.

[0545] Next, we will describe an example of the operation related to the notification processing performed by the notification processing unit 318 of the base server 3. Figure 55 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the notification processing performed by the notification processing unit 318 of the base server 3.

[0546] First, the notification processing unit 318 of the base server 3 performs a first detection process to detect karaoke boxes that have been reached a predetermined time before the scheduled departure date, based on the current date and time and the scheduled departure date and time of each data entry registered in the check-in management DB 336 (ACT241). When the notification processing unit 318 detects a karaoke box that has been reached a predetermined time before the scheduled departure date, it sends first notification information to the user terminal 4 of the user using the karaoke box, based on the member ID or contact information of the user, informing them of the scheduled departure date and time and that they have reached the predetermined time before the scheduled departure date (ACT242).

[0547] Furthermore, the notification processing unit 318 of the base server 3 performs a second detection process to detect karaoke boxes that have reached their scheduled departure time, based on the current date and time and the scheduled departure date and time of each data entry registered in the check-in management DB 336 (ACT243). When the notification processing unit 318 detects a karaoke box that has reached its scheduled departure time, it sends a second notification to the user terminal 4 of the user using the karaoke box, based on the member ID or contact information of the user, informing them of the scheduled departure time and that the scheduled departure time has been reached (ACT244).

[0548] Furthermore, the notification processing unit 318 of the base server 3 performs a third detection process to detect karaoke boxes that have passed a predetermined time since the scheduled departure date and time, based on the current date and time and the scheduled departure date and time of each data entry registered in the check-in management DB 336 (ACT245). When the notification processing unit 318 detects a karaoke box that has passed a predetermined time since the scheduled departure date and time, it sends a third notification to the user terminal 4 of the user using the karaoke box, based on the member ID or contact information of the user, informing them of the scheduled departure date and time and that a predetermined time has passed since the scheduled departure date and time (ACT246).

[0549] As a result, users of the karaoke box receive notifications before and after their scheduled departure time, and at the moment their scheduled departure time arrives, allowing them to efficiently prepare for departure and extend their usage time. Therefore, the facility management system 100 can provide support related to the use of the karaoke box.

[0550] The user terminal 4 to which the notification information is sent may be, for example, the user terminal 4 of the user registered in the representative information field, or it may be the user terminal 4 of another user. In the latter case, the notification information may be sent to the user terminal 4 of all users. Preferably, the notification information is sent to the user terminal 4 of users whose entry / exit status is "Currently in the room" and "Partially entered." Also, if the user in the representative information field is "Partially left" or "Entry canceled," one user may be selected from among the users whose entry / exit status is "Currently in the room" and "Partially entered," and the notification information may be sent to that user's user terminal 4.

[0551] Furthermore, the recipient of the notification information is not limited to the user terminal 4. For example, the notification processing unit 318 may send the notification information to the order terminal 12 installed in the relevant karaoke box based on the store ID and room ID included in the data entry of the check-in management DB 336. Alternatively, for example, the notification processing unit 318 may send the notification information to the reception terminal 11 or staff terminal 14 of the relevant store based on the store ID included in the data entry of the check-in management DB 336.

[0552] Furthermore, while this process is configured to send notification information before and after the scheduled departure time and at the time the scheduled departure time is reached, it is not limited to this, and the notification information may be sent at any of these times. For example, by associating the timing of notification information transmission with the store ID and storing it in the store management DB, it may be possible to configure the timing of notification information transmission for each store.

[0553] [Hardware configuration of reception terminal 15] Next, we will describe the reception terminal 15. Figure 56 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the reception terminal 15. The reception terminal 15 includes a processor 151, main memory 152, auxiliary storage device 153, clock 154, communication interface 155, display unit 156, operation unit 157, reading unit 158, and printing unit 159, etc.

[0554] The processor 151 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 151 controls various parts to realize various functions as a receiving terminal 15 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 151 is, for example, a CPU. Preferably, the processor 151 is a multi-core processor that includes multiple processor cores and is capable of executing multiple processes in parallel.

[0555] Main memory 152 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. Main memory 152 includes non-volatile memory areas and volatile memory areas. In the non-volatile memory area, main memory 152 stores the operating system or application programs. Main memory 152 may also store data necessary for the processor 151 to perform processing to control various parts in non-volatile or volatile memory areas. Main memory 152 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as needed by the processor 151. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0556] The auxiliary storage device 153 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD could be the auxiliary storage device 153. The auxiliary storage device 153 stores various application programs that the processor 151 can execute, configuration information related to the execution of said application programs, etc. The auxiliary storage device 153 also stores data used by the processor 151 in performing various processes, data generated by the processing performed by the processor 151, etc.

[0557] Clock 154 measures the date and time. Processor 151 processes the date and time measured by clock 154 as the current date and time.

[0558] The communication interface 155 is a communication device that can be connected to the first network Na. The communication interface 155 performs data communication with external devices via the first network Na.

[0559] The display unit 156 is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display unit 156 displays various information under the control of the processor 151. The operation unit 157 is an input device such as a keyboard or a pointing device. The operation unit 157 outputs the operation content input via the input device to the processor 151. The operation unit 157 may be a touch panel provided on the display unit 156.

[0560] The reading unit 158 ​​is a reading device that reads information from an information-holding medium. For example, the reading unit 158 ​​is a code scanner or digital camera that reads information from code symbols such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes. Alternatively, the reading unit 158 ​​is a magnetic card reader that reads information from card media such as magnetic cards. The printing unit 159 is a printing device such as a thermal printer.

[0561] The processor 151 is connected to each part via a system transmission path. The system transmission path includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. The receiving terminal 15 constitutes a computer by connecting the processor 151, the main memory 152, an auxiliary storage device 153, a clock 154, and a communication interface 155, etc., via the system transmission path.

[0562] [Functional Configuration] Next, the functional configuration of the base server 3 and the receiving terminal 15 will be described with reference to Figure 57. Figure 57 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the base server 3 and the receiving terminal 15. The functional configuration of the base server 3 is the same as that of the base server 3 described in paragraphs

[0101] to

[0153] and Figure 10. In the description of the base server 3 in Figure 57, "receiving terminal 11" described in paragraphs

[0101] to

[0153] should be read as "receiving terminal 15".

[0563] [Functional configuration of reception terminal 15] Next, the functional configuration of the reception terminal 15 will be described. As shown in Figure 57, the reception terminal 15 is functionally configured to include a first display control unit 1501, a first operation reception unit 1502, and a first linkage processing unit 1503.

[0564] The functional configuration of the reception terminal 15 may be a software configuration realized through the cooperation of the processor 151 of the reception terminal 15 and various programs stored in a non-volatile memory area. Alternatively, the functional configuration of the reception terminal 15 may be a hardware configuration realized by a dedicated circuit or the like installed in the reception terminal 15.

[0565] The first display control unit 1501 controls the display unit 156 of the reception terminal 15 and displays various screens on the display unit 156. For example, the first display control unit 1501 works in cooperation with the first linkage processing unit 1503 to display various screens to support the use and operation of the karaoke box.

[0566] The first operation reception unit 1502 receives operations from the operator via the operation unit 157 of the reception terminal 15. For example, the first operation reception unit 1502 receives operations on various screens displayed by the first display control unit 1501.

[0567] The first linkage processing unit 1503, in cooperation with the base server 3, supports processing related to entering, entering mid-session, using, and operating the karaoke box using the reception terminal 15. Specifically, the first linkage processing unit 1503 displays screens on the display unit 156 to support entering, entering mid-session, using, and operating the karaoke box, based on various support information provided by the base server 3.

[0568] Furthermore, when the first integration processing unit 1503 initiates integration with the base server 3, it authenticates the operator by sending a login request to the base server 3 that includes the user's member ID and password. Then, upon successful authentication, the first integration processing unit 1503 displays a screen on the display unit 156 to support entry into, entry into, use of, and operation of the karaoke box, based on the support information provided by the base server 3.

[0569] Next, with reference to Figure 58, an example of the operation of the infrastructure server 3 and the reception terminal 15 in relation to the check-in process when a user first enters (checks in) will be explained. Figure 58 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the check-in process when a user first enters the room, which takes place between the infrastructure server 3 and the reception terminal 15. As a prerequisite for this process, it is assumed that the karaoke box being operated on is in an "empty" state.

[0570] First, the first linkage processing unit 1503 of the reception terminal 15 displays the user information input screen D on the display unit 156 (ACT251) and waits until the user information of the user using the karaoke box is entered. When the first linkage processing unit 1503 receives the user information (ACT252), it displays the usage information input screen E on the display unit 156 (ACT253) and waits until usage information such as room course is entered. When the first linkage processing unit 1503 receives the usage information (ACT254), it sends a check-in request to the base server 3 including the store ID of its own store, user information, and usage information (ACT255).

[0571] When the check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3 receives a check-in request, it searches for and selects an available karaoke room (room) that matches the number of users, age, course, and options entered, based on the received user information and usage information. It then issues a slip number that includes a room ID (e.g., room number) that identifies the selected room (ACT256). Next, the check-in processing unit 313 associates the issued slip number with the store ID, room ID, user information, and usage information included in the check-in request and registers it in the check-in management DB 336 (ACT257). Next, the check-in processing unit 313 notifies the reception terminal 15 of the issued slip number and the associated store ID, room ID (e.g., room number), user information, and usage information (ACT258).

[0572] Furthermore, in response to the processing of ACT257, the status management unit 311 of the base server 3 switches the status of the status management DB 335 corresponding to the room ID specified in the check-in request from "vacant" to "occupied" (ACT259). The status management unit 311 also registers the operational record of the karaoke box whose status has been switched in the operational record DB 338 (ACT260).

[0573] The first linkage processing unit 1503 of the reception terminal 15 receives a slip number, associated store ID, room ID, user information, and usage information from the base server 3 as a response to a check-in request, and prints a slip that includes at least the room ID (ACT261). When the user operating the reception terminal 15 receives the slip after it has been printed and issued, the user who has received the slip goes to the karaoke box (room) with the room ID (room number) indicated on the slip.

[0574] Next, with reference to Figure 59, an example of the operation of the infrastructure server 3 and the reception terminal 15 in relation to the check-in process when a user enters the room midway will be explained. Figure 59 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the check-in process when a user enters the room midway, which takes place between the infrastructure server 3 and the reception terminal 15.

[0575] First, the first linkage processing unit 1503 of the reception terminal 15 displays the linkage information input screen D on the display unit 156 (ACT271) and waits until linkage information with users already using the karaoke box (information that can identify users who have already entered the room, such as the user's name, telephone number (contact information), member ID, etc.) is entered. When the first linkage processing unit 1503 receives the input of linkage information (ACT272), it displays the usage information input screen E on the display unit 156 (ACT273) and waits until usage information such as the age and room course of the user entering the room midway is entered. When the first linkage processing unit 1503 receives the input of usage information (ACT274), it sends a check-in request including the linkage information and usage information to the base server 3 (ACT275).

[0576] When the check-in processing unit 313 of the base server 3 receives a check-in request, it searches for and identifies users who have already entered the room based on the received linkage information. It then issues a slip number that includes a room ID (e.g., room number) that identifies the room being used by the identified user (ACT276). Next, the check-in processing unit 313 adds the usage information of the user who entered the room midway through to the information stored in the check-in management DB 336 related to the room ID included in the issued slip number (ACT277). Next, the check-in processing unit 313 notifies the reception terminal 15 of the issued slip number, along with the associated store ID, room ID, user information, and usage information (ACT278).

[0577] The first linkage processing unit 1503 of the reception terminal 15 receives a slip number, associated store ID, room ID, user information, and usage information from the base server 3 as a response to a check-in request, and prints a slip that includes at least the room ID (ACT279). Users entering the room while operating the reception terminal 15 receive the slip once it is printed and issued. Users who receive the slip move to the karaoke box (room) with the room ID (room number) indicated on the slip.

[0578] [Reception terminal control] From here, we will explain the control of the reception terminal 15 and the base server 3. Figures 60, 61, and 70 are flowcharts showing the control process flow of the reception terminal 15. Figures 69 and 75 are flowcharts showing the control process flow of the base server 3. As shown in Figure 60, the processor 151 of the reception terminal 15 displays the initial screen on the display unit 156 (S11).

[0579] Figure 62 shows an example of the initial screen displayed in S11. As shown in Figure 62, the initial screen Wa displays the message Waa indicating the selection of an operation, the entry button Wab for accepting the check-in (initial entry) operation, the intermediate entry button Wac for accepting the intermediate entry operation, and the button Wad for accepting the payment operation. The entry button Wab displays two buttons: Waba for accepting check-in without a reservation, and Wabb for accepting check-in with a reservation. The intermediate entry button Wac is operated when making an intermediate entry in response to a check-in accepted by the reception terminal 11 operated by a store employee, and when making an intermediate entry in response to a check-in accepted by the reception terminal 15 operated by a user. The operation section 157 at the position corresponding to the display of each button functions as the respective button.

[0580] Next, the processor 151 determines whether the user has pressed the entry button Wab (S12). If it determines that the entry button Wab has been pressed (Yes in S12), the processor 151 executes the self-entry process for that user (S13). Then the processor 151 terminates the process.

[0581] Figure 61 is a flowchart showing the self-entry process executed in S13. Figure 61 shows the case where the user is a member who has registered as a member and carries a membership card with a barcode containing the member ID printed on it. As shown in Figure 61, the processor 151 displays a message screen on the display unit 156 indicating that the reader unit 158 ​​reads the member code (e.g., barcode) printed on the membership card (S21).

[0582] Figure 63 shows an example of the message screen displayed in S21. As shown in Figure 63, the message screen Wb displays a message Wba prompting the user to read the member code, and an image Wbb prompting the user to hold the reader 158 over the member code (user information, such as a barcode or two-dimensional code). The user looks at this message screen Wb and performs the operation of holding the reader 158 over the membership card to read the member code.

[0583] Processor 151 determines whether the member code has been read (S22). It waits until it is read (No in S22), and if it determines that the member code has been read (Yes in S22), processor 151 accepts the read member code and then displays an input screen for the number and age of users entering the room (S23).

[0584] Figure 64 shows an example of the input screen displayed in S23. As shown in Figure 64, the input screen Wc displays a message Wca prompting the user to enter the number of users, a user input section Wcb for entering the number of users, a minor declaration section Wcc for declaring whether there are any users under 20 years old, an age input section Wcd for entering the number of users in each age group, and an OK button Wce indicating the end of input. The user enters the number of users and their ages on this input screen Wc.

[0585] Processor 151 determines whether the number of users and their ages have been entered (S24). Processor 151 determines that the number of users and their ages have been entered when the OK button Wce is pressed. It waits until the information is entered (No in S24), and if it determines that the number of users and their ages have been entered (Yes in S24), processor 151 accepts the entered number of users and their ages, and then processor 151 displays a screen for selecting a course (S25).

[0586] Figure 65 shows an example of the course selection screen displayed in S25. As shown in Figure 65, the course selection screen Wd displays a message Wda prompting the user to select a course, a screen Wdb displaying multiple types of courses to select, a screen Wdc for selecting the usage time, a screen Wdd displaying the estimated price, and an OK button Wde indicating the end of input. The user selects and enters the course and usage time to be used on this course selection screen Wd.

[0587] Processor 151 determines whether a course and usage time have been selected (S26). Processor 151 determines that a course and usage time have been selected and entered when the OK button Wde is pressed. After waiting until input is received (No in S26), if it determines that a course and usage time have been entered (Yes in S26), processor 151 accepts the entered course and usage time, and then determines whether the selected course and usage time are appropriate (S27). For example, depending on the age of the user whose input was determined in S24 (e.g., minors or high school students or younger), there may be courses or usage times that cannot be selected, so in S27, processor 151 determines whether the course and usage time determined to be selected in S26 are appropriate. If it determines that the course and usage time are not appropriate (No in S27), processor 151 displays a message screen indicating that the course and usage time should be re-selected (S28). Then processor 151 returns to S25. Furthermore, if the selected course and usage time are deemed appropriate (Yes in S27), an option input screen for entering options will be displayed (S29).

[0588] Figure 66 shows an example of the option input screen displayed in S29. As shown in Figure 66, the option input screen We displays a message Wea prompting the user to enter options, an input section Web where various options can be selected and entered, and the number of users who have entered each option, a number section Wec showing the number of people who have entered the option, and an OK button Wed indicating the end of input. The user selects and enters the options to be used on this option input screen We.

[0589] Processor 151 determines whether an option has been selected (S30). Processor 151 determines that an option has been selected and entered when the OK button Wed is pressed. It waits until the button is pressed (No in S30), and if it determines that an option has been entered (Yes in S30), it accepts the entered option and then determines whether the selected option is appropriate (S31). For example, depending on the age of the user whose input was determined in S24, there may be options that cannot be selected, so in S31, processor 151 determines whether the option selected in S30 is appropriate. If it determines that the option is not appropriate (No in S31), processor 151 displays a message screen indicating that the user should re-select an option (S32). Then processor 151 returns to S29. If it determines that the selected option is appropriate (Yes in S31), processor 151 accepts the selected option and then displays a confirmation screen (S33).

[0590] Figure 67 shows an example of the confirmation screen displayed in S33. As shown in Figure 67, the confirmation screen Wf displays a message Wfa prompting the user to confirm the input, the number of users Wfb, the age range of the users Wfc, the selected course and options Wfd, the entry (start of use) time Wfe, the scheduled exit (end of use) time Wff, the total amount used (estimated amount) Wfg, and an OK button Wfh indicating the end of confirmation.

[0591] Processor 151 determines whether the input items have been confirmed (S34). Processor 151 determines that the items have been confirmed if the OK button Wfh is pressed. After waiting until the button is pressed (No in S34), if it determines that the items have been confirmed (Yes in S34), Processor 151 (input reception means) accepts the user information entered by the user (member ID (if member), name (if not member), age), usage information (usage time, course, options), number of people, etc.) (input of instructions to start using the facility) (S35). Then, Processor 151 (instruction transmission means) sends a check-in request including the received user information, usage information, and number of people to the base server 3 (S36).

[0592] Next, the processor 151 determines whether it has received a slip number including the room ID (e.g., room number) from the base server 3 (S37). It waits until it receives the slip number (No in S37), and if it determines that it has received the slip number (Yes in S37), the processor 151 displays an entry guidance screen including the room ID (room number) contained in the received slip number on the display unit 156 (S38).

[0593] Figure 68 shows an example of the room entry guidance screen displayed in S38. As shown in Figure 68, the room entry guidance screen Wg displays a message Wga prompting the user to confirm the room number and receive an entry slip, the room number to be entered Wgb, and an OK button Wgc to be pressed after confirming the room entry guidance screen Wg. The user presses the OK button Wgc after confirming the room number of the room they will be using. When the OK button Wgc is pressed, a slip with information such as the slip number and room number is printed from the printing unit 159 (S39). The user receives the issued slip and moves to the room specified by the room number.

[0594] [Control of infrastructure servers] From here, we will explain the control of the base server 3. Figure 69 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the base server 3 after it receives a check-in request sent from the reception terminal 15 in S36 of Figure 61. As shown in Figure 69, the processor 31 of the base server 3 determines whether it has received the check-in request sent from the reception terminal 15 (S41). It waits until it receives the request (No in S41), and if it determines that it has received the request (Yes in S41), it searches for an available room that matches the conditions from the available rooms (rooms that are not currently in use but are usable) based on the information such as the user's member ID, name, number of people, age, course to be used, usage time, and options included in the received check-in request (S42). The processor 31 then determines whether there is an available room (S43). If it determines that there is an available room (Yes in S43), the processor 31 (check-in means) executes the check-in process for that room (S44). In other words, as part of the processing in S44, the processor 31 (check-in means) issues a slip number, associates the slip number with the store ID, the room ID of the selected available room, user information, and usage information, registers it in the check-in management DB 336, sends the issued slip number along with at least the room ID to the reception terminal 15, switches the status in the status management DB 335 corresponding to the room ID specified in the check-in request from "vacant" to "occupied," and registers the operational record of the karaoke box whose status has been switched in the operational record DB 338.

[0595] Furthermore, if it determines that there are no available rooms (No. in S43), the processor 31 displays a message instructing the user to go to a staff member for assistance (S45). If there are no available rooms, the staff member will take appropriate action, such as having the user split into multiple rooms.

[0596] Returning to the explanation of Figure 60, if it is determined that the entry button Wab was not operated (No in S12), the processor 151 determines whether the intermediate entry button Wac was operated (S14). If it is determined that the intermediate entry button Wac was not operated (No in S14), the process returns to S12. If it is determined that the intermediate entry button Wac was operated (Yes in S14), the processor 151 executes the intermediate entry process (S15). Then the processor 151 terminates the process.

[0597] [Reception terminal control] Figure 70 is a flowchart showing the process of entering a room midway through, executed by processor 151 in S15. As shown in Figure 70, processor 151 displays a screen for entering the room number (S51).

[0598] Figure 71 shows an example of the room number input screen displayed in S51. As shown in Figure 71, the input screen Xb displays a message Xba prompting the user to enter the room number, and an OK button Xbc to be pressed after entering the room number. Entering the room number is not mandatory; if the room number has been obtained from a user who has checked in previously, it can be entered. If the room number has not been obtained or if the user does not wish to enter a room number, they can, for example, press the "Next" button (not shown).

[0599] Processor 151 determines whether a room number has been entered (S52). It waits until a room number is entered (No in S52), and if it determines that a room number has been entered (i.e., the OK button Xbc has been pressed) (Yes in S52), or if it determines that the "Next" button has been pressed without entering a room number (Yes in S52), processor 151 displays an input screen for the name, phone number, and member ID of the user who has already checked in via reception terminal 11 or reception terminal 15 (S53). If the user who has already checked in is a member, the user enters their member ID (e.g., member code or member number). If the user is not a member, the user enters the name and phone number (either one is acceptable) of the user who has already checked in. The member ID should be obtained from the member in advance. Alternatively, when a member first checks in, they may be required to enter the member's name and phone number. In this case, even if the user is a member, they may be required to enter their name and phone number (either one is acceptable) instead of the member ID in response to the display in S53. The member ID, user's name, and telephone number are examples of user information and information that can identify a facility.

[0600] Figure 72 shows an example of the input screen displayed in S53. As shown in Figure 72, the input screen Xc displays a message Xca prompting the user to enter at least one of the following: Member ID, Name, and Phone Number; a Name field Xcb for entering the user's name; a Phone Number field Xcc for entering the user's phone number; a Member ID field Xcd for entering the Member ID of the user (member); and an OK button Xce to be operated after entering at least one of the following: Name, Phone Number, and Member ID.

[0601] Processor 151 determines whether at least one of the following has been entered: name, phone number, or member ID (S54). It waits until the information is entered (No in S54), and if it determines that at least one of the following has been entered (i.e., the OK button Xce has been pressed) (Yes in S54), processor 151 accepts the input and then displays a screen for inputting the number of users joining the room midway, their ages, and any options (S55).

[0602] Figure 73 shows an example of the input screen displayed in S55. As shown in Figure 73, the input screen Xd displays a message Xda prompting the user to enter the number of users entering midway through the session, their ages, and any options; a number field Xdb for entering the number of people by age; an options field Xdc for entering options; and an OK button Xdd to be pressed afte...

Claims

1. Upon receiving an instruction to begin using the facility, a storage unit stores a facility identifier that can identify the facility, A means for identifying the facility identifier relating to the facility being used by another user, based on information received from a reception terminal operated by the user, A transmission means for transmitting the identified facility identifier to the reception terminal, A business support device equipped with the following features.

2. Upon receiving an instruction to begin using the facility, the system has a check-in means that stores a facility identifier capable of identifying the facility in the storage unit. The identification means identifies the facility identifier stored by the check-in means based on information received from the reception terminal operated by the user, which can identify the facility identifier relating to the facility being used by another user during its use. The transmission means transmits the identified facility identifier to the reception terminal. The business support device according to claim 1.

3. The information that can identify the aforementioned facility identifier is user information that can identify a user who has checked in using the said facility via the check-in means. When the check-in means receives an instruction to begin using the facility, it associates the facility with a facility identifier that can identify the facility and stores the user information of the user using the facility in the storage unit. The identification means identifies the facility identifier stored by the check-in means based on the user information of the user who checked in, relating to the use of the facility by another user during the facility's use. The business support device according to claim 2.

4. The check-in means stores the user information of the user of the facility in association with the facility identifier, An update means that updates the usage information at the time of check-in related to the identified facility identifier based on the usage information of the user who uses the facility midway through the process, The business support device according to claim 3, further comprising:

5. A business support system comprising a reception terminal operated by the user and a business support device, The aforementioned business support device, Upon receiving an instruction to begin using the facility, a check-in means stores a facility identifier that can identify the facility in a memory unit. Equipped with, The aforementioned reception terminal is A specific information receiving means that accepts input of information that can identify the facility identifier of the facility being used by another user during its use, A specific information transmission means that transmits information that can identify the received facility identifier to the business support device, Equipped with, The aforementioned business support device, A means for identifying the facility identifier stored by the check-in means based on information that can identify the facility identifier received, A transmission means for transmitting the identified facility identifier to the reception terminal, Equipped with, The aforementioned reception terminal is A means for displaying an identifier that displays the received facility identifier, A business support system equipped with the following features.

6. The information that can identify the aforementioned facility identifier is user information that can identify a user who has checked in using the said facility via the check-in means. When the check-in means receives an instruction to begin using the facility, it associates the facility with a facility identifier that can identify the facility and stores the user information of the user using the facility in the storage unit. The identification means, when user information of a user who has checked in to the facility being used by another user is entered from the reception terminal, identifies the facility identifier stored by the check-in means based on said user information. The business support system according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned reception terminal is An input receiving means for receiving instructions to start using the facility, An instruction transmission means that transmits an instruction to start use, which has been received as input, to the business support device, The business support system according to claim 6, comprising:

8. The check-in means stores the user information of the user of the facility in association with the facility identifier, The aforementioned business support device, An update means that updates the usage information at the time of check-in related to the identified facility identifier based on the usage information of the user who uses the facility midway through the process, The business support system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising:

9. The aforementioned reception terminal is A slip issuing means that issues a slip containing the received facility identifier, The business support system according to claim 8, further comprising:

10. Upon receiving an instruction to begin using the facility, a computer, which serves as a business support device, is activated, equipped with a memory unit that stores a facility identifier capable of identifying the facility. A means for identifying the facility identifier relating to the facility being used by another user, based on information received from a reception terminal operated by the user, A transmission means for transmitting the identified facility identifier to the reception terminal, A program that can be made to function.

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