Accommodation management device, accommodation management method, and program

Abstract

For example, guests may use a room with more people than the number of guests registered in advance. [Solution] The accommodation management device according to this disclosure includes: a receiving means for receiving guest information including the number of guests; a transmitting means for transmitting room information including the room number, which is linked to the guest information, to the guest; a number acquisition means for acquiring the room number of a person who intends to enter the room area; a number acquisition means for acquiring the number of people who intend to enter and the number of people who are in the room area for the acquired room number; and an output means for outputting an alert if the sum of the number of people who intend to enter and the number of people who are in the room area is greater than the number of guests.

Description

Technical Field

[0007] ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lodging management device, a lodging management method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In a lodging facility, it may be necessary to request the registration of guest information in advance from guests. And when the guest information is registered, for example, a key to the guest room may be distributed to the terminal used by the guest. The guest can enter the guest room using the distributed key. That is, in some cases, the guest can enter the guest room without interacting with the staff.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a lodging facility utilization management system that issues a mobile key to users of a lodging facility.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] If a guest can enter the guest room without interacting with the staff, the guest room may not be used by the appropriate number of people as intended by the guest. For example, the guest may use the guest room with a number of people greater than the number of guests registered in advance.

[0006] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a lodging management device and the like that can promote the use of guest rooms by the appropriate number of guests.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An accommodation management device in one aspect of this disclosure includes: a receiving means for receiving guest information including the number of guests; a transmitting means for transmitting room information, including the room number, linked to the guest information, to the guest; a number acquisition means for acquiring the room number of a person attempting to enter the room area; a number acquisition means for acquiring the number of people attempting to enter and the number of people already in the room area for the acquired room number; and an output means for outputting an alert if the sum of the number of people attempting to enter and the number of people already in the room area is greater than the number of guests.

[0008] A lodging management method in one aspect of this disclosure receives guest information including the number of guests, transmits room information including the room number linked to the guest information to the guest, obtains the room number of the person attempting to enter the room area, obtains the number of people attempting to enter and the number of people in the room area for the obtained room number, and outputs an alert if the sum of the number of people attempting to enter and the number of people in the room area is greater than the number of guests.

[0009] A program in one aspect of this disclosure receives guest information including the number of guests, sends room information including the room number linked to the guest information to the guest, obtains the room number of the person attempting to enter the room area, obtains the number of people attempting to enter and the number of people already in the room area for the obtained room number, and causes the computer to execute a process that outputs an alert if the sum of the number of people attempting to enter and the number of people already in the room area is greater than the number of guests.

[0010] Each program may be stored on a non-temporary storage medium that is readable by the computer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] One example of the benefits of this disclosure is that it will encourage guests to use rooms with an appropriate number of people. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a system including a lodging management device. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the accommodation management device. [Figure 3] It is an example of a screen display when an alert is output. [Figure 4] It is an example of a screen display when an alert is output. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing the operation of the accommodation management device. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing the operation of the accommodation management device. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing the operation of the accommodation management device. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing the operation of the accommodation management device. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the accommodation management device.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] [Embodiment] An application example of the accommodation management device 10 will be described. The accommodation management device 10 is used in an accommodation facility. An example of an accommodation facility is a hotel and a ryokan. The examples of accommodation facilities are not limited to this.

[0015] A guest reserves a guest room at an accommodation facility. A guest staying at an accommodation facility needs a key to the guest room to stay in. Therefore, the guest registers guest information including the number of guests in advance. And, the guest may be able to receive key information in advance on the guest's mobile terminal as a key to the guest room.

[0016] A guest who has received key information in advance can enter the guest room using the key information on the day of check-in. At this time, the guest may not need to check in at the check-in counter on the day of check-in.

[0017] Since guests can enter the guest room without checking in at the accommodation facility, there is a risk of fraud by guests. For example, guests may use the guest room with a number of people greater than the number of guests registered in advance. Fraud by guests is not desirable for the accommodation facility. Therefore, the accommodation management device 10 can prevent fraud by guests.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, a configuration example of an accommodation management system including the accommodation management device 10 will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an accommodation management system including the accommodation management device 10. The accommodation management system includes a guest terminal 90, an authentication device 91, an imaging device 92, a display device 93, and an employee terminal 94. The accommodation management device 10 is connected to the authentication device 91, the imaging device 92, the display device 93, and the employee terminal 94 via a wired or wireless network. Also, the authentication device 91 is connected to the guest terminal 90 via a wireless network.

[0019] The guest terminal 90 is a terminal used by guests. The guest terminal 90 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The guest terminal 90 is not limited to these. Guests receive key information in advance using the guest terminal 90. Then, on the day of accommodation, guests use the key information to use the guest room. There may be one guest terminal 90 or a plurality of guest terminals 90. The accommodation management device 10 can be connected to the guest terminals 90 of a plurality of guests.

[0020] The authentication device 91 is a device that verifies whether a person trying to enter the guest room area is a guest at the entrance of the guest room area. If the verification is successful, the person trying to enter the guest room area can enter the guest room area. On the other hand, if the verification fails, the person trying to enter the guest room area cannot enter the guest room area.

[0021] The authentication device 91 is installed at the entrance to the guest room area. Examples of guest room area entrances include the entrance to an area within the accommodation facility that is demarcated within a predetermined range, elevators that provide access to each floor of the accommodation facility, and guest room entrances. The authentication device 91 is installed at any of the above locations. For example, if the authentication device 91 is installed at the entrance to an area within the accommodation facility that is demarcated within a predetermined range, it is not necessary to install the authentication device 91 at the elevators that provide access to each floor of the accommodation facility, or at the guest room entrances. In other words, it is sufficient for verification by the authentication device 91 to be performed at any of the following locations: the entrance to an area within the accommodation facility that is demarcated within a predetermined range, elevators that provide access to each floor of the accommodation facility, or guest room entrances.

[0022] If the authentication device 91 is installed at the entrance to an area within the accommodation facility that is demarcated within a predetermined range, or at the entrance to a guest room, the door will be unlocked upon successful verification. As a result, the person wishing to enter can enter the guest room area. On the other hand, if verification fails, the door will not be unlocked, and the person wishing to enter cannot enter the guest room area. If the authentication device 91 is installed in an elevator that provides access to each floor of the accommodation facility, the elevator will start moving upon successful verification. The elevator may, for example, begin moving to each floor. On the other hand, if verification fails, the elevator will not begin moving to each floor. For example, the elevator may not close its doors. The actions in the case of successful and unsuccessful verification are not limited to these examples.

[0023] If there are multiple entrances to areas within the accommodation facility that are demarcated within a predetermined range, authentication devices 91 will be installed at all entrances. Similarly, if there are multiple elevators providing access to each floor of the accommodation facility, authentication devices 91 will be installed in each elevator. In the same manner, authentication devices 91 will be installed in each of the multiple guest rooms.

[0024] The number of authentication devices 91 installed at the entrance of each guest room may be one or multiple. For example, if authentication devices 91 are installed in an elevator, one or multiple authentication devices 91 may be installed in one elevator. The number of authentication devices 91 installed is not limited to these.

[0025] The authentication device 91 has one or more of the functions described below. When guests are authenticated by the authentication device 91, they use the room key they received in advance. Therefore, the functions of the authentication device 91 and the functions of the room key correspond to each other.

[0026] The authentication device 91 may, for example, be equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication) communication functionality. In this case, the guest uses a guest terminal 90 on which key information is stored. The guest holds the guest terminal 90, on which key information is stored, over the authentication device 91. The authentication device 91 then uses its NFC communication functionality to acquire the key information. The authentication device 91 then performs authentication using the acquired key information.

[0027] The authentication device 91 may be equipped with Bluetooth® communication functionality. In this case, the guest uses a guest terminal 90 that is capable of Bluetooth connectivity. The guest terminal 90 also stores key information. The authentication device 91 establishes a Bluetooth connection with the guest terminal 90. The authentication device 91 then obtains the key information from the guest terminal 90. The authentication device 91 then performs authentication using the obtained key information.

[0028] The authentication device 91 may be equipped with a two-dimensional code reading function. The guest terminal 90 receives a two-dimensional code as key information. The guest can then display the two-dimensional code on the guest terminal 90. Alternatively, the guest may print the two-dimensional code on paper, for example. The authentication device 91 reads the two-dimensional code. At this time, the two-dimensional code may be captured by the imaging device 92, which will be described later. The authentication device 91 then performs authentication using the read two-dimensional code. An example of a two-dimensional code is a QR code (registered trademark). Reading a two-dimensional code is also an example of a method for obtaining key information. The authentication device 91 may be equipped with a one-dimensional code reading function.

[0029] The authentication device 91 may, for example, have a character input reception function. For example, a guest receives a password as key information using the guest terminal 90. The guest then enters the password into the authentication device 91. The authentication device 91 obtains the entered password. The authentication device 91 can then perform authentication using the obtained password. The password may, for example, be a numerical code. The character input reception function of the authentication device 91 may be used for inputting the number of people attempting to enter, as described later.

[0030] The functions of the authentication device 91 are not limited to these. The authentication device 91 may have multiple functions.

[0031] The imaging device 92 is a device capable of capturing images. The imaging device 92 is installed in a position that allows it to capture images of the area near the entrance to the guest room area. The imaging device 92 captures images of the area near the entrance to the guest room area. The images of the area near the entrance to the guest room area include people attempting to enter the guest room area. The entrance to the guest room area where the imaging device 92 is installed is the same as the entrance to the guest room area where the authentication device 91 is installed. In other words, the entrance to the guest room area where the authentication device 91 is installed also has an imaging device 92. The number of imaging devices 92 installed at the entrance to the guest room area where the authentication device 91 is installed may be one or multiple.

[0032] The imaging device 92 may capture a two-dimensional code if the authentication device 91 has a two-dimensional code reading function. The authentication device 91 can read the two-dimensional code captured by the imaging device 92 and use it for authentication. In this case, the imaging device 92 is positioned to capture an image of the area near the entrance of the guest room area and to capture the two-dimensional code of a person attempting to enter the guest room area.

[0033] The display device 93 is a device capable of displaying information related to accommodation. The display device 93 is installed, for example, at the entrance to the guest room area. The display device 93 may also be installed at the entrance to the guest room area where the authentication device 91 is installed. In this case, the display device 93 may display the authentication result from the authentication device 91. The display device 93 may also display instructions to the guest on how to authenticate using the authentication device 91. Here, the display device 93 does not necessarily have to be installed at the entrance to the guest room area if other devices such as an audio output device (not shown) are installed there. The audio output device is connected to the accommodation management device 10 by a wired or wireless network. The audio output device can output authentication results and other information by voice.

[0034] The display device 93 may also be installed in areas used by employees. For example, the display device 93 may be installed in the back office or at the check-in counter. In this case, the display device 93 displays the authentication result at the entrance to the guest room area. If the guest room management system includes, for example, an employee terminal 94 (described later), the display device 93 does not need to be installed in areas used by employees. It is sufficient that employees can check the information using the employee terminal 94 or the display device 93 as needed.

[0035] The installation location of the display device 93 is not limited to these. Furthermore, the content displayed by the display device 93 is not limited to these. The displayed content should be appropriate to the installation location or the person viewing the display.

[0036] The number of display devices 93 may be one or multiple. A specific example of a display device 93 is a display. A display device 93 may also be, for example, a tablet device.

[0037] The employee terminal 94 is a terminal used by employees. The employee terminal 94 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet. However, it is not limited to these. Employees can use the employee terminal 94 to, for example, check alerts. Employees can also use the employee terminal 94 to check information about guests. Multiple employees may each possess an employee terminal 94. In this case, the accommodation management device 10 is connected to multiple employee terminals 94.

[0038] Referring to Figure 2, the configuration of the accommodation management device 10 will be described. The accommodation management device 10 includes a reception unit 101, a transmission unit 102, a number acquisition unit 103, a number acquisition unit 104, and an output unit 105.

[0039] The reception unit 101 is one form of reception means for receiving guest information, including the number of guests. Guests register their guest information. The reception unit 101 then receives the registered guest information.

[0040] Guest information is information that accommodation facilities request guests to register. This information includes the number of guests. If there are multiple guests, for example, one person may register the guest information as the representative.

[0041] Guests register the number of people staying in the reserved room as part of their guest information. If a guest reserves one room, they register how many people will be staying in that room. If a guest reserves multiple rooms, they may also register how many people will be staying in each room. Let's take the example of a group of 10 people who reserve three rooms. In this case, the guest can register the number of guests in the first room as 4, the second room as 4, and the third room as 2. The examples of guest numbers to be registered are not limited to these.

[0042] Guest information may include the guest's contact information. This contact information may include, for example, a telephone number or email address. Examples of contact information are not limited to these. Guest information may also include the guest's name, age, and gender. Furthermore, guest information may include the guest's address. However, guest information is not limited to these. Guest information should be any information the accommodation facility deems necessary regarding the guest's stay. If there are multiple guests, guest information may be registered for each guest. Alternatively, if there are multiple guests, guest information may be registered for just one of the guests.

[0043] Guests may register their guest information at the time of booking. Guests may also register their guest information between booking and their stay. In other words, guest information only needs to be registered by the time of the guest's stay.

[0044] Guests register their information using, for example, the guest terminal 90. The reception unit 101 can then receive the guest information registered by the guest from the guest terminal 90. The terminal used by guests to register their information is not limited to the guest terminal 90. For example, if a guest makes a reservation for accommodation through a travel agency, they may register their information using the travel agency's terminal. In this case, the reception unit 101 can receive the guest information from the travel agency's terminal.

[0045] The transmission unit 102 is one form of a transmission means for sending room information, including the room number, linked to the guest information, to the guest. When the reception unit 101 receives the guest information, the transmission unit 102 transmits the room information of the room in which the guest is staying to the guest whose guest information has been registered. If multiple guests are using one room, the transmission unit 102 may transmit the room information to all guests. Alternatively, the transmission unit 102 may transmit the room information to some of the guests, or to only one of the guests. Here, the transmission unit 102 transmits the room information to, for example, the guest terminal 90. The destination of the room information transmitted by the transmission unit 102 is not limited to the guest terminal 90. The transmission unit 102 transmits the room information to a terminal that the guest can access.

[0046] The room information includes the room number. The room number is a number that identifies each room in the accommodation. The room number does not have to be a number. For example, the room number may be an alphabet. Alternatively, the room number may be a name assigned to each room. These are not the only examples of room numbers. The transmission unit 102 transmits the room information, including the room number, to the guest, allowing the guest to confirm which room they will be staying in.

[0047] Here, the hotel staff may decide which room each guest will use. In other words, the hotel staff may decide which guest will use which room. Alternatively, rooms may be assigned in a rule-based manner, for example. For example, a guest may have specified a room type when making a reservation. In that case, a room of the specified room type that is not currently occupied by another guest may be assigned. If there are multiple rooms that are not currently occupied, a room on a higher floor may be assigned. If there are multiple rooms on higher floors, the room closest to the elevator may be assigned. The rules for assigning rooms are not limited to these examples. The rules for assigning rooms are predetermined by the hotel.

[0048] The assigned room number is linked to the registered guest information. This guest information and room information are stored, for example, in a database. By referencing the guest information linked to the room information, it is possible to determine which guest is staying in which room.

[0049] The room information may include, for example, key information that can be used by the guest using the guest terminal 90. The key information is the information that serves as the key to unlocking the room. Therefore, the key information is different for each room. The key information may be, for example, a dataset transmitted and received via NFC communication. Alternatively, the key information may be a dataset transmitted and received via Bluetooth communication. In addition, the key information may be a two-dimensional code or a password. The key information only needs to correspond to the function of the authentication device 91. Here, the key information that can be used with the guest terminal 90 may be called, for example, a smartphone key, a mobile key, or a mobile key.

[0050] The transmitting unit 102 may transmit multiple key information, each assigned different identification information. When multiple guests use a room, the transmitting unit 102 may transmit key information to multiple guests. In this case, the transmitting unit 102 may transmit multiple key information, each assigned different identification information to a guest. The identification information can be any information that can identify the key information, and its format is not restricted. The identification information may be numbers or letters, for example.

[0051] The room information may also include a map showing the location of the room. The transmission unit 102 may transmit a map showing the location of the room where the guest is staying as part of the room information. Guests may not know the location of their room by room number alone. Therefore, by transmitting a map showing the location of the room, the guest can understand the location of their room within the accommodation facility. The map may also show, for example, the route from the entrance to the room.

[0052] Room information may include information about the time when guests can enter the room. Rooms may be being cleaned. Accommodations may want guests to enter the room after cleaning is complete. Therefore, the transmission unit 102 may transmit the time when guests can enter the room as part of the room information. The time when guests can enter the room may be predetermined by the accommodation, for example. The accommodation may decide that the check-in start time is the time when guests can enter the room. Alternatively, the accommodation may decide the time when guests can enter each room individually. The accommodation can determine the time when guests can enter the room, for example, based on the progress of cleaning.

[0053] Room information is not limited to these. Room information may also include any information about the room that the accommodation provider is required to provide to the guest. Furthermore, room information may also include any information about the room that the guest needs to know.

[0054] The transmission unit 102 transmits room information, including the room number, before the guest's arrival. For example, the transmission unit 102 may transmit the room information when the guest registers their guest information. Alternatively, the transmission unit 102 may transmit the room information a predetermined number of days before the guest's arrival. The predetermined number of days is determined by the accommodation facility. By transmitting the room information, including the room number, before the guest's arrival, the guest can obtain information about the room they will be staying in before their arrival.

[0055] On the day of their stay, guests can check the room information sent to them and proceed to their assigned room.

[0056] The number acquisition unit 103 is one form of a number acquisition means for acquiring the room number of a person who is about to enter the guest room area.

[0057] A guest room area refers to an area within an accommodation facility that is demarcated within a predetermined range, or to a guest room. An area demarcated within an accommodation facility that is demarcated within a predetermined range may, for example, be an area demarcated on each floor of the accommodation facility. Alternatively, an area demarcated within an accommodation facility may be an area demarcated according to the attributes of the guests. Examples of areas demarcated according to the attributes of guests include women's floors and men's floors. However, floors demarcated within an accommodation facility that are demarcated within a predetermined range are not limited to these. An area demarcated within an accommodation facility that is demarcated within a predetermined range may also be an area demarcated according to the rank of the guest room. The demarcation of areas within an accommodation facility is determined by the accommodation facility. A guest room area may also be each guest room of the accommodation facility.

[0058] The location where the number acquisition unit 103 acquires the room number is the entrance to the room area. An example of a room area entrance is the entrance to an area within the accommodation facility that is partitioned off within a predetermined range. The entrance to the room area may also be inside an elevator that provides access to each floor of the accommodation facility. As mentioned above, an example of an area within the accommodation facility that is partitioned off within a predetermined range is an area partitioned off by each floor of the accommodation facility. Therefore, the inside of an elevator that provides access to each floor of the accommodation facility is an example of an entrance to an area within the accommodation facility that is partitioned off within a predetermined range. The entrance to the room area may also be the entrance to each individual room.

[0059] An authentication device 91 is installed at the entrance to the guest room area. The number acquisition unit 103 uses the authentication device 91 installed at the entrance to the guest room area to obtain the guest room number of the person attempting to enter.

[0060] Here, "people attempting to enter the guest room area" includes both registered guests and non-registered guests. Non-registered guests are those without reservations. Non-registered guests include, for example, those exceeding the registered number of guests when using a guest room. In other words, "people attempting to enter the guest room area" includes those who are not normally allowed to enter the guest room area. In the following explanation, people attempting to enter the guest room area will be referred to as "prospective entrants."

[0061] The number acquisition unit 103 acquires the room number of the person requesting entry using the authentication device 91. For example, the number acquisition unit 103 can acquire the room number of the person requesting entry from the key information.

[0062] The number acquisition unit 103 acquires the guest's room number via the authentication device 91. First, the authentication device 91 acquires key information using one of the functions described above. For example, the authentication device 91 may acquire key information using the NFC communication function. The authentication device 91 may acquire key information from the guest terminal 90 via Bluetooth connection. The authentication device 91 may acquire key information by reading a two-dimensional code. The authentication device 91 may acquire key information by acquiring a password. Here, the guest provides their room number by holding the guest terminal 90 over the authentication device 91 or by having the two-dimensional code displayed on the guest terminal 90 read.

[0063] The number acquisition unit 103 then acquires key information from the authentication device 91. Here, the room information includes the room number and key information. Therefore, the number acquisition unit 103 can acquire the guest's room number by acquiring the guest's key information.

[0064] The method of obtaining the room number by the number acquisition unit 103 is not limited to this. The number acquisition unit 103 may, for example, obtain the room number through input by the person wishing to enter. The person wishing to enter may, for example, input the room number to the authentication device 91 or the display device 93. The number acquisition unit 103 may then obtain the input room number from the authentication device 91 or the display device 93.

[0065] The person acquisition unit 104 is one form of person acquisition means that acquires the number of people attempting to enter and the number of people in the room area for each acquired room number.

[0066] When the number acquisition unit 103 acquires the room number, the person acquisition unit 104 acquires the number of people wishing to enter. As mentioned above, people wishing to enter include both hotel guests and those without reservations. When the number acquisition unit 103 acquires the room number, there may be multiple people wishing to enter. For example, if one of the multiple people wishing to enter provides the room number using key information, all of the multiple people wishing to enter may enter the room area. Therefore, when the room number is acquired, the person acquisition unit 104 acquires the number of people wishing to enter the room area.

[0067] The person count acquisition unit 104 acquires the number of people who wish to enter based on images of those who wish to enter. First, the imaging device 92 captures an image of the area near the entrance to the guest room. This image includes people who wish to enter. The person count acquisition unit 104 can then acquire the number of people who wish to enter by analyzing the image captured by the imaging device 92. Known object detection techniques are used for detecting people through image analysis.

[0068] Furthermore, the image of the area near the entrance of the guest room area captured by the imaging device 92 may include people other than those wishing to enter. For example, a person from a different group than the person who provided the room number using key information may appear in the image. Therefore, the person acquisition unit 104 may determine whether or not a person included in the image belongs to the same group as the person who provided the room number. Whether or not a person included in the image belongs to the same group as the person who provided the room number is determined, for example, based on the distance between the people. Specifically, the distance between people is calculated using the reference coordinates of the people included in the image. If the distance between people is below a predetermined threshold, it can be determined that the people belong to the same group. In other words, a person whose distance from the person who provided the room number is below the threshold can be determined to belong to the same group as the person who provided the room number.

[0069] The determination method is not limited to this. Whether a person in an image belongs to the same organization as the person who provided the room number may also be determined based on the similarity of their behavior. If the imaging device 92 captures multiple images at different times, the movement vectors and posture characteristics of the people in the multiple images may be calculated. Then, a similarity score is calculated for the movement vectors and posture characteristics. If the similarity score is above a predetermined threshold, it can be determined that the person belongs to the same organization. In other words, a person whose similarity score with the person who provided the room number is above the threshold can be determined to belong to the same organization as the person who provided the room number.

[0070] The method for obtaining the number of people wishing to enter is not limited to these. The number acquisition unit 104 may, for example, obtain the number of people wishing to enter by input from the people wishing to enter. The people wishing to enter may, for example, input the number of people wishing to enter to the authentication device 91 or the display device 93. The number acquisition unit 103 may then obtain the number of people entered from the authentication device 91 or the display device 93.

[0071] When the number acquisition unit 103 obtains a room number, the person acquisition unit 104 obtains the number of people in the room area for that room number. People in the room area are those who are staying in the room area. In other words, even if a person has entered the room area once, if that person leaves the room area, that person is not included in the number of people in the room area. If the room area is an area within the accommodation facility that is demarcated within a predetermined range, the room area may include, for example, the corridors of the accommodation facility. In this case, people in the room area include people in the rooms and people in the corridors. In the following explanation, people in the room area will be referred to as guests.

[0072] The person count unit 104 obtains the number of occupants for each room for which a room number has been obtained. In other words, occupants are counted for each room. The counted number of occupants is stored in association with the room number. For example, when guests enter a room, the number of guests who entered is counted as the number of occupants. Then, when guests leave the room area for that room, the number of guests who left is removed from the number of occupants. The person count unit 104 can obtain the number of guests leaving the room area. The person count unit 104 can obtain the number of guests leaving the room area in the same way as the method for obtaining the number of people wishing to enter. An authentication device 91 may be installed at the exit of the room area. Guests leaving the room area may, for example, provide their room number using key information. Then, the person count unit 104 may obtain the number of guests leaving the room area. The number of guests who left can then be removed from the number of occupants associated with the room number. The method for obtaining the number of guests leaving the room area is not limited to these. If the guest room area is a guest room, the number of guests leaving the guest room may be obtained using a sensor installed at the entrance of the guest room.

[0073] The output unit 105 is one form of output means that outputs an alert if the total number of people wishing to enter and the number of people staying exceeds the number of people staying overnight. If the total number of people wishing to enter and the number of people staying exceeds the number of people staying overnight, it is possible that more people than the number of people registered in advance are trying to enter the guest room area. Therefore, the output unit 105 outputs an alert if the total number of people wishing to enter and the number of people staying exceeds the number of people staying overnight.

[0074] The number of people wishing to enter and the number of people staying are obtained by the people acquisition unit 104. The number of overnight guests is included in the guest information linked to the room numbers obtained by the number acquisition unit 103. The output unit 105 then compares the sum of the number of people wishing to enter and the number of people staying with the number of overnight guests. If the sum of the number of people wishing to enter and the number of people staying is greater than the number of overnight guests, the output unit 105 outputs an alert.

[0075] The output unit 105 outputs an alert to an employee terminal 94 that can be used by the accommodation facility's staff. The employee terminal 94 may be, for example, a terminal carried by the employee. Alternatively, the employee terminal 94 may be, for example, a terminal installed in an area where the employee works. An area where the employee works is, for example, the check-in counter or the back office.

[0076] When the output unit 105 outputs an alert to the employee terminal 94, the employee terminal 94 may display a screen indicating, for example, that the total number of people wishing to enter and the number of people staying is greater than the number of guests. For example, the employee terminal 94 may display a notification indicating that there may be more people in the guest room area than the number of guests. The employee terminal 94 may also display a screen requesting the employee to check the number of people wishing to enter. Examples of screen displays on the employee terminal 94 are not limited to these. Any screen display that allows the employee to recognize that the total number of people wishing to enter and the number of people staying is greater than the number of guests and to take appropriate action is sufficient.

[0077] Referring to Figure 3, an example of the screen display when an alert is output to the employee terminal 94 is explained. Figure 3 is an example of the screen display when an alert is output. In the example screen shown in Figure 3, a message is displayed to the employee requesting them to confirm the guests. Also, the example screen in Figure 3 shows the location where more people than the number of guests are trying to enter. By checking the location on the employee terminal 94, the employee can understand where to go to check. Also, the example screen in Figure 3 displays the room number provided by the person requesting entry, and the number of guests in the room. Furthermore, the example screen in Figure 3 displays the number of guests, the number of people requesting entry, and the number of people exceeding the limit. Also, the example screen in Figure 3 displays a "Complete" button. For example, the employee can press the "Complete" button when they have finished checking. When the "Complete" button is pressed, the screen may transition from the alert screen to the normal screen. The content displayed on the employee terminal 94 is not limited to these. It is sufficient if the content necessary for the employee is displayed.

[0078] When the output unit 105 outputs an alert to the employee terminal 94, the employee terminal 94 may output a warning sound. The employee terminal 94 may also output an audio message indicating that the total number of people wishing to enter and the number of people staying is greater than the number of overnight guests. The methods of outputting alerts by the employee terminal 94 are not limited to these.

[0079] The output unit 105 may output an alert to the display device 93 installed at the entrance to the guest room area. In this case, the display device 93 may display a screen indicating that the total number of people wishing to enter and the number of people staying is greater than the number of people staying overnight. The display device 93 may also display a screen requesting people wishing to enter to confirm the number of people. The method of outputting an alert by the display device 93 is not limited to these.

[0080] Referring to Figure 4, an example of the screen display when an alert is output to the display device 93 will be explained. Figure 4 is an example of the screen display when an alert is output. The screen display shown as an example in Figure 4 is displayed on the display device 93 installed at the entrance of the guest room area, for example. The example screen displays a message indicating that the total number of people wishing to enter and the number of people staying is greater than the number of people staying overnight. The example screen also displays a "Call Staff" button, which allows the user to call staff. The example screen also displays a "Back" button. When the "Back" button is pressed, the user may, for example, be redirected to the initial screen. The content displayed on the screen is not limited to these. The screen may display information that people wishing to enter need, for example. The screen may also display information that the accommodation facility wishes to inform people wishing to enter.

[0081] The output unit 105 may also output an alert to an audio output device (not shown) installed at the entrance to the guest room area. The audio output device may, for example, output a warning sound. The audio output device may also output a sound indicating that the total number of people wishing to enter and the number of people staying is greater than the number of people staying overnight. By outputting an alert to the device installed at the entrance to the guest room area, the output unit 105 can warn people wishing to enter. The method of outputting an alert by the audio output device is not limited to these.

[0082] The destinations for alerts from the output unit 105 are not limited to these. Furthermore, the output unit 105 may output alerts to multiple destinations. In this case, the output unit 105 may output alerts to multiple devices installed in different locations. Also, the output unit 105 may output alerts to multiple devices that can be accessed by different individuals.

[0083] For example, the output unit 105 may output an alert to a display device 93 installed at the entrance to the guest room area and to an employee terminal 94 installed in the back room. In this case, both prospective entrants and employees can check the alert. Alternatively, the output unit 105 may output an alert to multiple employee terminals 94, each carried by multiple employees. In this case, multiple employees can check the alert. Therefore, even if some employees are unable to respond, other employees may be able to.

[0084] Furthermore, the output destination of the output unit 105 may differ depending on the location where the room number was obtained. For example, the output unit 105 may output differently depending on whether the authentication device 91 is installed at the entrance of an area within the accommodation facility that is partitioned off within a predetermined range, inside an elevator, or at the entrance of a guest room. Specifically, if the authentication device 91 is installed at the entrance of an area within the accommodation facility that is partitioned off within a predetermined range, the output unit 105 outputs an alert to the display device 93. On the other hand, if the authentication device 91 is installed inside an elevator or at the entrance of a guest room, the output unit 105 may output an alert to the employee terminal 94. Guests from other groups may be riding in the elevator. Therefore, outputting an alert to the display device 93 inside the elevator may disturb guests from other groups who are riding in the elevator. For this reason, the output unit 105 may output an alert to the employee terminal 94. Similarly, if the authentication device 91 is at the entrance of a guest room, for example, if the alert is a warning sound, it may disturb guests in adjacent rooms. Therefore, the output unit 105 may output an alert to the employee terminal 94.

[0085] The output unit 105 outputs an instruction to change the state so that prospective entrants can enter the guest room area if the total number of prospective entrants and the number of guests is less than or equal to the number of guests staying. For example, if the number acquisition unit 103 acquires a guest room number at the entrance to an area within the accommodation facility that is demarcated within a predetermined range, or at the entrance to a guest room, the output unit 105 may output an instruction to unlock the entrance door. Also, if the number acquisition unit 103 acquires a guest room number at an elevator that provides access to each floor of the accommodation facility, the output unit 105 may output an instruction to operate the elevator. The instructions to change the state so that guests can enter the guest room area are not limited to these. The instructions to change the state so that guests can enter the guest room area only need to be instructions that change the state so that prospective entrants can enter the guest room area.

[0086] Next, we will explain the output of the output unit 105 when a guest has booked multiple rooms. When a guest has booked multiple rooms, there may be cases where more people than the number of guests in the room for which the room number has been obtained try to enter. Let's take the example of a group of 10 people who have booked 3 rooms. In this case, let's assume that the number of guests in the first room is registered as 4, the number of guests in the second room is 4, and the number of guests in the third room is 2. In this case, when all 10 people try to enter, the guest staying in the first room provides the room number in the key information. When the room number for the first room is obtained, the number of people wishing to enter will be greater than the number of guests in the first room for which the room number has been obtained. However, the guest has also booked the second and third rooms. Therefore, no fraud has occurred in which more people than the number of guests are using the rooms.

[0087] Therefore, if the total number of people wishing to enter and the number of people staying is greater than the number of guests staying, the output unit 105 may also output a request for the room numbers of rooms different from the rooms from which the number acquisition unit 103 has already obtained the room numbers. The number acquisition unit 103 can then obtain the room numbers of the different rooms, for example, from key information. In the above example, the output unit 105 outputs a request for the room numbers of the second and third rooms. At this time, the guests staying in the second and third rooms provide their room numbers.

[0088] If the total number of people wishing to enter and the number of people staying are less than or equal to the total number of guests in the rooms to which room numbers have been assigned, guests may enter the room area. On the other hand, if the total number of people wishing to enter and the number of people staying are greater than the total number of guests in the rooms to which room numbers have been assigned, the output unit 105 may output an alert. The alert is output in one of the ways described above.

[0089] Next, we will explain the content output by the output unit 105 when the transmission unit 102 transmits key information to which identification information has been added. Guests may share key information with people who have not made a reservation by taking a screenshot of the key information, etc. As a result, more people than the number of guests may use the room. In other words, guests may share key information in an illegal way, which could result in more people than the number of guests using the room.

[0090] Therefore, the output unit 105 may output an alert if it obtains a room number from key information that has the same identification information assigned to it. In other words, the output unit 105 may output an alert if key information that has the same identification information as key information already used by a guest is used.

[0091] For a given room, a flag is assigned to the identification information of the key used to enter the room area. When the number acquisition unit 103 acquires a room number using new key information for that room, it checks whether the identification information assigned to that key information is flagged. If the identification information of the key information from which the room number was newly acquired is flagged, the output unit 105 outputs an alert. When key information is used to enter the room area, a flag is assigned to the identification information of that key information. Therefore, key information with a flag assigned to its identification information is key information that has already been used to enter the room area. The alert is output using one of the methods described above.

[0092] Referring to Figures 5 to 8, the operation of the accommodation management device 10, which comprises a reception unit 101, a transmission unit 102, a number acquisition unit 103, a number acquisition unit 104, and an output unit 105, will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the accommodation management device 10. Figure 5 shows an example of the operation of the accommodation management device 10 that takes place before the guests check in. First, in step S101, the reception unit 101 receives guest information, including the number of guests. In step S102, the transmission unit 102 transmits room information, including the room number, which is linked to the guest information, to the guests. Then, the accommodation management device 10 finishes its operation.

[0093] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the accommodation management device 10. Figure 6 shows an example of the operation of the accommodation management device 10 performed on the day of a guest's stay. In step S201, the number acquisition unit 103 acquires the room numbers of people who wish to enter the guest room area. In step S202, the number acquisition unit 104 acquires the number of people who wish to enter and the number of people staying. In step S203, the output unit 105 determines whether the sum of the number of people who wish to enter and the number of people staying is greater than the number of guests staying.

[0094] If the answer in step S203 is Yes, then in step S204, the output unit 105 outputs an alert. Here, if the answer in step S203 is Yes, it means that the total number of people wishing to enter and the number of people staying is greater than the number of people staying overnight. In other words, in step S204, since the total number of people wishing to enter and the number of people staying is greater than the number of people staying overnight, the output unit 105 outputs an alert. Then, the accommodation management device 10 terminates its operation.

[0095] If the answer in step S203 is No, then in step S205, the output unit 105 outputs an instruction to change the state to allow entry to the guest room area. Here, if the answer in step S203 is No, it means that the sum of the number of people wishing to enter and the number of people staying is less than or equal to the number of guests staying. In other words, in step S205, since the sum of the number of people wishing to enter and the number of people staying is less than or equal to the number of guests staying, the output unit 105 outputs an instruction to change the state to allow entry to the guest room area. Then, the accommodation management device 10 terminates its operation.

[0096] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the accommodation management device 10. Figure 7 shows an example of the operation of the accommodation management device 10 performed on the day of a guest's stay. Figure 7 shows the operation of the accommodation management device 10 when a guest has booked multiple rooms. First, steps S301, 302, and 303 are the same as steps S201, 202, and 203 in Figure 6, respectively.

[0097] If the answer in step S303 is Yes, then in step S304, the output unit 105 outputs a request for the provision of room numbers for different rooms. Here, the answer in step S303 is Yes if the total number of people wishing to enter and the number of people staying is greater than the number of people staying overnight. In other words, in step S303, the total number of people wishing to enter and the number of people staying is greater than the number of people staying overnight, so the output unit 105 outputs a request for the provision of room numbers for different rooms.

[0098] Then, in step S305, the output unit 105 determines whether the sum of the number of people wishing to enter and the number of people staying is greater than the sum of the number of people staying in the rooms from which the room numbers have been obtained. The determination by the output unit 105 may be made at predetermined time intervals, or it may be made each time a room number is provided by a guest.

[0099] If the answer in step S305 is Yes, then in step S306, the output unit 105 outputs an alert. Here, if the answer in step S305 is Yes, it means that the total number of people wishing to enter and the total number of people staying is greater than the total number of people staying in the rooms from which the room numbers have been obtained. Then, the accommodation management device 10 terminates its operation.

[0100] If the answer in step S305 is No, then in step S307, the output unit 105 outputs an instruction to change the state to allow entry to the guest room area. Here, if the answer in step S305 is No, it means that the total number of people wishing to enter and the total number of people staying is less than or equal to the total number of people staying in the guest room from which the guest room number was obtained. Then, the accommodation management device 10 terminates its operation.

[0101] If the answer in step S303 is No, then in step S307, the output unit 105 outputs an instruction to change the state to allow entry to the guest room area. Then, the accommodation management device 10 terminates its operation.

[0102] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the accommodation management device 10. Figure 8 shows an example of the operation of the accommodation management device 10 performed on the day of a guest's stay. Figure 8 shows the operation of the accommodation management device 10 when multiple key information, each with different identification information, is transmitted. First, step S401 is the same as step S201 in Figure 6. In step S402, the output unit 105 determines whether or not the room number has been obtained from key information with the same identification information. If the answer in step S402 is Yes, then in step S406, the output unit 105 outputs an alert. In step S406, the output unit 105 outputs an alert because the room number has been obtained from key information with the same identification information. Then, the accommodation management device 10 terminates its operation.

[0103] On the other hand, if the result in step S402 is No, then in step S403, the person acquisition unit 104 acquires the number of people wishing to enter and the number of people staying. Here, steps S403, 404, and 405 in Figure 8 are the same as steps S202, 203, and 205 in Figure 6, respectively.

[0104] In the accommodation management device 10 according to this embodiment, the reception unit 101 receives guest information, including the number of guests. The number acquisition unit 104 then acquires the number of people attempting to enter and the number of people in the room area for the room number acquired by the number acquisition unit 103. The output unit 105 outputs an alert if the sum of the number of people attempting to enter and the number of people in the room area is greater than the number of guests. For example, guests may use a room with more people than the number of guests registered in advance. Therefore, when the total number of people attempting to enter and the number of people staying in a room for which a room number has been acquired is greater than the number of guests, the output unit 105 outputs an alert, allowing those attempting to enter to confirm the number of people attempting to enter and the number of people staying. As a result, it becomes possible to encourage guests to use rooms with an appropriate number of people. Furthermore, if a guest is attempting to fraudulently use a room with more people than the number of guests registered, it becomes possible to prevent such fraud. In this case as well, it becomes possible to encourage guests to use rooms with an appropriate number of people.

[0105] In the accommodation management device 10 according to this embodiment, the transmission unit 102 transmits room information, including the room number, which is linked to the guest information, to the guest. At this time, the room information includes key information that can be used on the guest terminal 90 used by the guest. The number acquisition unit 103 then acquires the room number of the person who wishes to enter from the key information. By registering guest information, including the number of guests, in advance, guests may be able to receive key information in advance on their mobile terminal as a key to their room. Guests who have received key information in advance can enter their room using that key information on the day of their stay. Therefore, guests may not need to check in at the check-in counter on the day of their stay. This improves the convenience for guests.

[0106] Furthermore, guests can enter their rooms by carrying the guest terminal 90. For example, if a card-type key is used to enter a room, guests need to carry the card-type key with them. Compared to the guest terminal 90, which guests carry even when they are not staying at the hotel, carrying a card-type key can be inconvenient for guests. Therefore, by including key information that can be used with the guest terminal 90 used by the guests in the room information, it is possible to improve the convenience for guests.

[0107] On the other hand, because guests can enter their rooms without checking in at the accommodation, it can be difficult for accommodations to verify whether the appropriate number of guests are using the rooms. However, with the accommodation management device 10, if the total number of people wishing to enter and the number of people staying in a room for which a room number has been acquired exceeds the number of guests, the output unit 105 outputs an alert, thereby encouraging guests to use rooms with the appropriate number of people.

[0108] The output unit 105 outputs an alert to, for example, an employee terminal 94 that can be used by hotel staff. As a result, hotel staff can find out if the total number of people wishing to enter a room and the number of people staying in that room exceeds the number of guests staying. This allows them to take action, for example, by asking people wishing to enter to confirm the number of people. This promotes the use of rooms by guests with an appropriate number of people.

[0109] In the accommodation management device 10 according to this embodiment, the person acquisition unit 104 acquires the number of people intending to enter based on images of people who intend to enter. By the person acquisition unit 104 acquiring the number of people intending to enter based on images, it is possible to reduce the effort required of those intending to enter. For example, it is possible to reduce the effort required of those intending to enter, such as having to input the number of people intending to enter.

[0110] In the accommodation management device 10 according to this embodiment, the output unit 105 outputs a request for the provision of a room number for a room different from the room from which the room number was obtained, when the total number of people trying to enter and the number of people in the room area exceeds the number of guests. Guests may reserve multiple rooms. And guests staying in multiple rooms may try to enter the room area at the same time. In this case, for example, one guest provides a room number using key information. When a room number is obtained from this key information, the number of people wanting to enter will be greater than the number of guests staying in the room from which the room number was obtained. However, the guest has also reserved other rooms. Therefore, there may be cases where fraud has not occurred where more people than the number of guests are using a room.

[0111] Therefore, the output unit 105 outputs a request for the room number of a room different from the room from which the room number was obtained. At this time, the number acquisition unit 103 can obtain the room number of the different room from the key information. By obtaining the room number of the room that the guest has reserved, it is possible to prevent the output of alerts to guests who are using the room with the appropriate number of people.

[0112] In the accommodation management device 10 according to this embodiment, the transmission unit 102 transmits multiple key pieces of information, each assigned different identification information. The output unit 105 then outputs an alert when it obtains a room number from key pieces of information assigned the same identification information. For example, if the key information is a two-dimensional code, guests may share the key information with people who have not made a reservation by taking a screenshot of the key information. As a result, more people than the number of guests may use the room. Therefore, by outputting an alert when it obtains a room number from key pieces of information assigned the same identification information, the output unit 105 can encourage guests to use the room with an appropriate number of people.

[0113] [Differentiation] The modified form will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings. To the extent that the explanation of this modified form remains clear, any information that overlaps with the previous explanation will be omitted.

[0114] The accommodation management device 10 in this modified example can be applied to accommodation facilities where guests enter the guest room area via facial recognition. In this case, facial recognition uses a facial image captured by an imaging device 92 installed at the entrance to the guest room area and a facial image registered in advance by the guest. If facial recognition is successful, the guest can enter the guest room area. In the embodiment, key information was used as an example, but this modified example differs in that facial recognition is used.

[0115] In this modified example, the accommodation management device 10 includes a reception unit 101, a transmission unit 102, a number acquisition unit 103, a number acquisition unit 104, and an output unit 105.

[0116] As described above, the reception unit 101 receives guest information, including the number of guests. In this modified example, the guest information further includes the guests' facial images. In other words, the reception unit 101 receives the number of guests and the guests' facial images as guest information.

[0117] Guests register a facial image of at least one person for each guest room. If multiple guests stay in the same guest room, all guests may register a facial image. If multiple guest rooms are booked together, at least one guest registers a facial image for each guest room. The reception unit 101 then receives the registered facial images. The facial images only need to be registered before the guest's arrival. Guests can also register their facial images using, for example, a guest terminal 90. The reception unit 101 can then receive the facial images registered by the guests from the guest terminal 90. If multiple guests register facial images, each guest may register their facial image using their own guest terminal 90. In this case, the reception unit 101 can receive facial images from multiple guest terminals 90.

[0118] As described above, the transmission unit 102 transmits room information, including the room number, which is linked to the guest information, to the guest. In this modified example, the guest information includes the guest's facial image received by the reception unit 101. The guest information is linked to the room information, including the room number. In other words, each room is associated with the facial image of the guest staying in that room.

[0119] The transmission unit 102 transmits room information, including the room number, to the guest terminal 90. An example of the room information transmitted by the transmission unit 102 is as described above. In this case, since the reception unit 101 has received the guest's facial image, the transmission unit 102 does not need to transmit key information. If key information and facial recognition are used in combination, the transmission unit 102 may transmit key information. The case where key information and facial recognition are used in combination will be explained later.

[0120] As described above, the number acquisition unit 103 acquires the room number of the person who wishes to enter the guest room area. In this modified example, the number acquisition unit 103 acquires the room number of the person who wishes to enter the guest room area by comparing the facial image of the person who wishes to enter the guest room area with the facial image of a guest who has been registered in advance.

[0121] Guests approach the entrance to the guest room area to enter. At this time, an imaging device 92 installed at the entrance to the guest room area captures a facial image of the person wishing to enter the guest room area. The facial image captured by the imaging device 92 is then compared with the facial image registered by the guest. If the facial image of the same person as the facial image captured by the imaging device 92 is included in the registered facial images, the number acquisition unit 103 can obtain the room number associated with the registered facial image. In other words, the number acquisition unit 103 can obtain the room number of the person wishing to enter the guest room area. Facial image matching may also be performed by an authentication device 91. In this case, the number acquisition unit 103 may obtain the room number as a result of facial image matching by the authentication device 91.

[0122] The number of people acquisition unit 104 and the output unit 105 are as described in the embodiment. Specifically, the number of people acquisition unit 104 acquires the number of people wishing to enter and the number of people staying for the acquired room number. The output unit 105 then outputs an alert if the sum of the number of people wishing to enter and the number of people staying is greater than the number of guests staying.

[0123] Here, facial recognition and key information may be used in combination. Guests may, for example, use them interchangeably depending on the situation. Furthermore, by using facial recognition and key information together, guests will be able to enter the guest room area even if one of the methods is unavailable.

[0124] Referring again to Figures 5 and 6, the operation of the accommodation management device 10 in this modified example will be explained. In step S101 in Figure 5, the reception unit 101 receives guest information, including the number of guests. In this modified example, the guest information also includes the guest's facial image. In step S102, the transmission unit 102 transmits room information, including the room number, which is linked to the guest information, to the guest. Then, the accommodation management device 10 terminates its operation.

[0125] In step S201 in Figure 6, the number acquisition unit 103 acquires the room number of the person wishing to enter the guest room area. In this modified example, the number acquisition unit 103 acquires the room number of the person wishing to enter the guest room area by comparing the facial image of the person wishing to enter the guest room area with the facial image of a pre-registered guest. The operations in steps S202 to S205 are as previously described.

[0126] In the modified accommodation management device 10, the guest information includes the guest's facial image. The number acquisition unit 103 obtains the room number of the person attempting to enter the guest room area by comparing the facial image of the person attempting to enter the guest room area with the guest's facial image. With this configuration, guests may not need to carry, for example, a card-type key on the day of their stay. Even when attempting to enter the guest room area, the imaging device 92 captures an image of the guest, so no action by the guest may be required. As a result, guest convenience can be improved.

[0127] [Example Hardware Configuration] Figure 9 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the accommodation management device 20 in this disclosure. The accommodation management device 20 is implemented using a computer. The accommodation management device 20 is an example of the accommodation management device 10 implemented using a computer.

[0128] The accommodation management device 20 includes a processor 201, ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, a storage device 204 such as a hard disk for storing programs, an input / output interface 205 for data input / output, and a communication interface 206 for network connection. Each component is connected via a bus 207.

[0129] The processor 201 controls the entire computer by running the operating system. Examples of the processor 201 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processor 201 loads programs stored in, for example, ROM 202 and memory device 204. Then, the processor 201 executes each process coded in the program. The processor 201 may execute processes or instructions in the illustrated flowchart based on the program.

[0130] ROM202 stores application programs, programs related to each embodiment, etc. RAM203 is used as the work area for processor201.

[0131] The storage device 204 may be, for example, a semiconductor memory such as flash memory, or a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage device 204 stores, for example, OS (Operating System) programs, application programs, programs according to each embodiment, and so on.

[0132] The input / output interface 205 is connected to peripheral devices (not shown). The connection method may be a wired network or a wireless network.

[0133] The communication interface 206 is connected to a communication network (not shown), such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network), via a wireless or wired network. The communication network may consist of multiple communication networks. This allows the computer to connect to external devices via the communication network. The accommodation management device 20 may have components other than those shown in Figure 9. For example, the accommodation management device 20 may include a drive device. For instance, the processor 201 may be mounted on a drive device or the like and read programs and data stored on a non-temporary tangible recording medium into the RAM 203.

[0134] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications to the configuration and details of the present disclosure are possible, as can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the configurations in each embodiment can be combined with one another, as long as they do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0135] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following:

[0136] (Note 1) A reception method for receiving guest information, including the number of guests, A transmission means for transmitting room information, including the room number, linked to the aforementioned guest information, to the guest, A means for obtaining the aforementioned room number of a person attempting to enter the guest room area, A means for obtaining the number of people to enter and the number of people in the room area for the acquired room number, An output means that outputs an alert if the total number of people attempting to enter and the number of people in the guest room area exceeds the number of guests staying overnight. A lodging management device equipped with the following features.

[0137] (Note 2) The means for obtaining the number of people obtains the number of people attempting to enter based on images taken of the people attempting to enter. The accommodation management device described in Appendix 1.

[0138] (Note 3) The aforementioned room information includes key information usable on the guest terminal used by the guest, The number acquisition means acquires the room number of the person attempting to enter from the key information. The accommodation management device described in Appendix 1 or 2.

[0139] (Note 4) The output means outputs a request for the provision of a room number for a room different from the room from which the room number was obtained, if the sum of the number of people attempting to enter and the number of people in the room area is greater than the number of guests staying. The accommodation management device described in Appendix 3.

[0140] (Note 5) The transmission means transmits a plurality of key pieces of information, each assigned different identification information. The output means outputs an alert when it obtains the room number from the key information to which the same identification information is assigned. The accommodation management device described in Appendix 3.

[0141] (Note 6) The output means outputs the alert to an employee terminal that can be used by the accommodation facility's employees. A lodging management device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5.

[0142] (Note 7) When the request for provision is output, the number acquisition means acquires the room number of the different room from the key information. The accommodation management device described in Appendix 4.

[0143] (Note 8) The aforementioned guest information includes the guest's facial image, The number acquisition means obtains the room number of a person attempting to enter the room area by matching the facial image of the person attempting to enter the room area with the facial image of the guest. A lodging management device as described in any one of the appendices 1 through 7.

[0144] (Note 9) We accept guest information, including the number of guests. The room information, including the room number, linked to the aforementioned guest information, is sent to the guest. Obtain the aforementioned room number of the person attempting to enter the guest room area, For the aforementioned room number obtained, the number of people attempting to enter and the number of people in the room area are obtained. If the total number of people attempting to enter and the number of people in the guest room area exceeds the number of guests staying, an alert will be issued. Accommodation management methods.

[0145] (Note 10) We accept guest information, including the number of guests. The room information, including the room number, linked to the aforementioned guest information, is sent to the guest. Obtain the aforementioned room number of the person attempting to enter the guest room area, For the aforementioned room number obtained, the number of people attempting to enter and the number of people in the room area are obtained. If the total number of people attempting to enter and the number of people in the guest room area exceeds the number of guests staying, an alert will be issued. A program that instructs a computer to perform a process.

[0146] (Note 11) We accept guest information, including the number of guests. The room information, including the room number, linked to the aforementioned guest information, is sent to the guest. Obtain the aforementioned room number of the person attempting to enter the guest room area, For the aforementioned room number obtained, the number of people attempting to enter and the number of people in the room area are obtained. If the total number of people attempting to enter and the number of people in the guest room area exceeds the number of guests staying, an alert will be issued. A recording medium that stores programs that cause a computer to perform a process.

[0147] Some or all of the configurations described in Appendix 2-8, which are dependent on Appendix 1 above, may also be dependent on Appendix 9-11 in the same manner as with Appendix 2-8. Not limited to Appendix 1 and 9-11, some or all of the configurations described as appendices may also be dependent on various hardware, software, various recording devices or systems for recording software, without departing from the embodiments described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 10, 20 Accommodation management device 101 Reception Department 102 Transmitter 103 Number Acquisition Section 104 Number of people acquisition part 105 Output section 301 Processor 302 ROM 303 RAM 304 Storage device 305 Input / Output Interface 306 Communication Interface 307 Bus 90 Guest terminals 91 Authentication device 92 Imaging device 93 Display device 94 Employee terminals

Claims

1. A reception method for receiving guest information, including the number of guests, A transmission means for transmitting room information, including the room number, linked to the aforementioned guest information, to the guest, A means for obtaining the aforementioned room number of a person attempting to enter the guest room area, A means for obtaining the number of people to enter and the number of people in the room area for the acquired room number, An output means that outputs an alert if the total number of people attempting to enter and the number of people in the guest room area exceeds the number of guests staying overnight. A lodging management device equipped with the following features.

2. The means for obtaining the number of people obtains the number of people attempting to enter based on images taken of the people attempting to enter. The accommodation management device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned room information includes key information usable on the guest terminal used by the guest, The number acquisition means acquires the room number of the person attempting to enter from the key information. The accommodation management device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The output means outputs a request for the provision of a room number for a room different from the room from which the room number was obtained, if the sum of the number of people attempting to enter and the number of people in the room area is greater than the number of guests staying. The accommodation management device according to claim 3.

5. The transmission means transmits a plurality of key pieces of information, each assigned different identification information. The output means outputs an alert when it obtains the room number from the key information to which the same identification information is assigned. The accommodation management device according to claim 3.

6. The output means outputs the alert to an employee terminal that can be used by the accommodation facility's employees. The accommodation management device according to claim 1.

7. When the request for provision is output, the number acquisition means acquires the room number of the different room from the key information. The accommodation management device according to claim 4.

8. The aforementioned guest information includes the guest's facial image, The number acquisition means obtains the room number of the person attempting to enter by comparing the facial image of the person attempting to enter with the facial image of the guest. The accommodation management device according to claim 1.

9. We accept guest information, including the number of guests. The room information, including the room number, linked to the aforementioned guest information, is sent to the guest. Obtain the aforementioned room number of the person attempting to enter the guest room area, For the aforementioned room number obtained, the number of people attempting to enter and the number of people in the room area are obtained. If the total number of people attempting to enter and the number of people in the guest room area exceeds the number of guests staying, an alert will be issued. Accommodation management methods.

10. We accept guest information, including the number of guests. The room information, including the room number, linked to the aforementioned guest information, is sent to the guest. Obtain the aforementioned room number of the person attempting to enter the guest room area, For the aforementioned room number obtained, the number of people attempting to enter and the number of people in the room area are obtained. If the total number of people attempting to enter and the number of people in the guest room area exceeds the number of guests staying, an alert will be issued. A program that instructs a computer to perform a process.

Images