Reservation acceptance device, reservation acceptance method, and program

Abstract

The aim is to allow users to make meaningful use of their waiting time when using multiple services. [Solution] This disclosure provides a reservation acceptance device having a reception unit that accepts a first reservation time slot for a predetermined user to be provided with a first service, and a second reservation time slot for a predetermined user to be provided with a second service different from the first service, which overlaps with at least a portion of the first reservation time slot. By deliberately accepting reservations in which at least a portion of the first reservation time slot overlaps with the second reservation time slot, the device achieves the effect of allowing users to make meaningful use of their waiting time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a reservation reception device, a reservation reception method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Systems that allow reservations for various services to be made via the Internet have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a system that can collectively accept reservations for vehicle inspection and car coating at different time slots on the same day.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when there is a waiting time for a service such as a vehicle inspection, users often wait at a car dealer's store or at a store other than the dealer, such as a cafe. Therefore, spending time at the dealer's store is wasteful, and even if the user goes to a store other than the dealer, if the store is fully occupied, the user has to take the trouble of searching for another store.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to enable a user to make meaningful use of waiting time when the user receives a plurality of services.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This disclosure relates to a reservation acceptance device having a reception unit that accepts a first reservation time slot for a predetermined user to be provided with a first service, and a second reservation time slot for a predetermined user to be provided with a second service different from the first service, which overlaps with at least a portion of the first reservation time slot. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] As explained above, according to this disclosure, by deliberately accepting reservations in which at least a portion of the first reservation time slot overlaps with the second reservation time slot, it is possible to achieve the effect of allowing users to make meaningful use of their waiting time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an overall diagram of the communication system. [Figure 2] This is an electrical hardware configuration diagram of the reservation system. [Figure 3] This is a functional configuration diagram of the reservation acceptance system. [Figure 4] This is a conceptual diagram of the reservation information management table. [Figure 5] This is a conceptual diagram of the user information management table. [Figure 6] This is a conceptual diagram of the service provider organization information management table. [Figure 7] This is a conceptual diagram of a table for managing information about nearby stores. [Figure 8] This is a sequence diagram showing the reservation acceptance method of the embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing the reservation process performed by the reservation acceptance device. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing the reservation process performed by the reservation acceptance device. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the reservation process performed by the reservation acceptance device. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing the reservation process performed by the reservation acceptance device. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of a user terminal screen. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a user terminal. [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a user terminal. [Figure 16] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a user terminal. [Figure 17] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a user terminal. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a user terminal. [Figure 19] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a user terminal. [Figure 20] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a user terminal. [Figure 21] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a user terminal. [Figure 22] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a user terminal. [Figure 23] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a user terminal. [Figure 24] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a user terminal. [Figure 25] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a user terminal. [Figure 26] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a user terminal. [Figure 27] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a user terminal. [Figure 28] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a user terminal. [Figure 29] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a user terminal. [Figure 30] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a user terminal. [Figure 31] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a user terminal. [Figure 32] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a user terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0010] [Overall Configuration of Communication System] The overall configuration of communication system 1 will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the communication system.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 1 is comprised of a user terminal 2, a reservation acceptance device 3, a charging management device 5, a car care management device 6, a food and beverage management device 7, a relaxation management device 8, and a beauty / gym management device 9. The food and beverage management device 7, the relaxation management device 8, and the beauty / gym management device 9 are separate from the stores that provide charging and car care services, and a separate store service management system 10 is established for each of them. The separate store service management system 10 manages reservations for stores that provide services to the user themselves, rather than to the user's vehicle.

[0012] The reservation system 3, charging management system 5, car care management system 6, food and beverage management system 7, relaxation management system 8, and beauty / gym management system 9 are basically managed and operated by separate companies (service providers). For example, the service provider organization for the food and beverage management system 7 centrally manages reservation information for multiple food and beverage establishments, such as Japanese and Chinese restaurants.

[0013] User terminal 2 is owned by user A and can be a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, PC, etc. User terminal 2 can communicate with the reservation reception device 3, charging management device 5, car care management device 6, food and beverage management device 7, relaxation management device 8, and beauty / gym management device 9 via a communication network 100 such as the internet. When user A wants to make a reservation for an individual service, they can do so with the charging management device 5, car care management device 6, food and beverage management device 7, relaxation management device 8, and beauty / gym management device 9, respectively. In addition, when user A wants to make a reservation for multiple services at once, they can do so with the reservation reception device 3.

[0014] The reservation system 3 can accept reservations for charging services along with any other services from the following categories: car care, food and beverage services, relaxation services, and beauty / gym services. In this case, the store providing the charging service and the store providing the other services may be located in the same place or in different places. Furthermore, at least a portion of the reservation time slots for the charging service (an example of the first service) may overlap with the reservation time slots for the food and beverage services, relaxation services, and beauty / gym services (an example of the second service).

[0015] The charging management device 5 centrally manages reservations for charging services at various locations such as service stations (gas stations) that are capable of charging EVs (Electric Vehicles). Note that EVs are just one example of electric vehicles. Electric vehicles include, for example, BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) and PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles). Note that any location with EV charging facilities is acceptable, not just service stations; charging spots and other similar establishments are also acceptable.

[0016] The car care management device 6 centrally manages reservations for car care services at each store that offers car care services. Car care services include, for example, car washing, oil changes, tire checks, car coating, vehicle inspection estimates, regular inspections, parts installation, body repair, vehicle purchase, or dealer-recommended services. Usually, the store where charging is done and the store where car care is done are the same, but they may be different.

[0017] The food and beverage management device 7 centrally manages reservations for food and beverage services at each food and beverage establishment. The types of food and beverage services include, for example, Japanese food (excluding sushi), Chinese food, Italian food, sushi, yakiniku (grilled meat), or ramen.

[0018] The relaxation-themed management device 8 centrally manages reservations for relaxation-themed services at each relaxation-themed establishment. Examples of relaxation-themed services include cafes, internet cafes, saunas, massage parlors, cat cafes (cafes where you can interact with cats), and shisha cafes (cafes where you can smoke hookah).

[0019] The beauty / gym management device 9 centrally manages reservations for beauty or gym services at each beauty or gym establishment. Examples of beauty or gym services include hair salons, beauty salons, or sports gyms.

[0020] [Hardware configuration] Next, we will explain the electrical hardware configuration of the reservation acceptance device 3 using Figure 2. Figure 2 is an electrical hardware configuration diagram of the reservation acceptance device.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the reservation acceptance device 3 includes a drive device 1000, an auxiliary storage device 1002, a memory device 1003, a processor 1004, an interface device 1005, a display device 1006, an input device 1007, an output device 1008, etc., all of which are interconnected by a bus 1010.

[0022] The program that enables processing on the computer is provided, for example, on a recording medium 1001 such as a CD-ROM or memory card. When the recording medium 1001 containing the program is set in the drive device 1000, the program is installed from the recording medium 1001 to the auxiliary storage device 1002 via the drive device 1000. However, the program does not necessarily have to be installed from the recording medium 1001; it may also be downloaded from another computer via a communication network N. The auxiliary storage device 1002 stores the installed program as well as necessary files and data.

[0023] When a program startup command is received, the memory device 1003 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 1002 and stores it. The processor 1004 implements the functions related to the memory device 1003 according to the program stored in the memory device 1003. The processor 1004 may include not only a CPU (Central Processing Unit) but also a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0024] The interface device 1005 is used as an interface for connecting to the communication network 100, etc. The display device 1006 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the like, programmed. The input device 1007 consists of a keyboard and mouse, buttons, or a touch panel, and is used to input various operation instructions. The output device 1008 outputs the calculation results to the outside.

[0025] Note that the user terminal 2, charging management device 5, car care management device 6, food and beverage management device 7, relaxation management device 8, and beauty / gym management device 9 have the same hardware configuration as the reservation acceptance device 3, so their descriptions will be omitted.

[0026] [Functional Configuration of the Communication System] Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the reservation acceptance device 3 using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a functional configuration diagram of the reservation acceptance device.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the reservation acceptance device 3 includes a communication unit 31, an authentication unit 33, an output unit 35, and a creation unit 37. Each of these units is a function or means realized by an operation instructed by the processor 1004 of the reservation acceptance device 3, according to a program installed in the reservation acceptance device 3.

[0028] Furthermore, the reservation acceptance device 3 has a storage unit 40 which is implemented by the auxiliary storage device 1002 or memory device 1003 shown in Figure 2. The storage unit 40 contains a reservation information management DB 41, a user information management DB 42, a service provider organization information management DB 43, and a nearby store information management DB 44.

[0029] Furthermore, the memory unit 40 stores screen format information for displaying various screens on the user terminal 2.

[0030] (Reservation Information Management Table) Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram of the reservation information management table. The reservation information management DB41 consists of multiple reservation information management tables as shown in Figure 4. The reservation information management table manages reservation information for the services provided for each store ID used to identify the store. For example, the "◎" at 17:00 on Monday, January 27, 2025 indicates that a charging reservation is possible for 15 minutes from 17:00 to 17:15. On the other hand, the "×" at 18:15 on Monday, January 27, 2025 indicates that a charging reservation is not possible for 15 minutes from 18:15 to 18:30.

[0031] Furthermore, if the same store offers different services, such as charging services and car care services, there is a separate reservation information management table for each service. For example, Figure 4 shows an example of a reservation information management table for charging services with store ID "S0001," but there is also a reservation information management table for car care services with the same store ID "S0001."

[0032] (User information management table) Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram of the user information management table. The user information management DB42 is composed of the user information management table shown in Figure 5. The user information management table manages the user ID, password, username of the group reservation user, and each user ID in the service provider organization in association with each other.

[0033] The "User ID for Bulk Booking Users" is a user ID exclusive to the booking reception device 3, which allows users to book charging services and other services (such as car care) together.

[0034] "Each user ID within the service provider organization" refers to the dedicated user ID for each management device (charging management device 5, car care management device 6, food and beverage management device 7, relaxation management device 8, and beauty / gym management device 9) within its respective service provider organization. This associates the dedicated user ID for the reservation acceptance device 3 with the dedicated user ID for each service provider organization.

[0035] (Service Provider Organization Information Management Table) Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram of the service provider organization information management table. The service provider organization information management DB43 consists of multiple service provider organization information management tables as shown in Figure 6. The service provider organization information management table manages store information (each record in Figure 6) for each service provider organization ID used to identify the service provider organization. This store information is associated with the store ID of the store where the service provider organization manages reservations, the store name, basic store information (address, etc.), available services (fueling, charging, etc.), and other information (coupon information, etc.).

[0036] (Nearby store information management table) Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram of the nearby store information management table. The nearby store information management DB44 is composed of the nearby store information management table shown in Figure 7. The nearby store information management table manages the store ID of the SS store that serves as the location reference, and the store IDs of nearby stores that provide different services from the SS within a predetermined range from this SS store (for example, within a predetermined distance such as a radius of 500m, or within a predetermined walking distance such as a 10-minute walk). In addition, each nearby store's store ID is managed together with the type of business (e.g., food and beverage) and type of service (e.g., Chinese food) managed by the service provider organization. These are used when searching.

[0037] (Each functional configuration) Next, let's return to Figure 3 and explain each functional configuration.

[0038] The communication unit 31 can communicate data with the user terminal 2 and each management device (charging management device 5, car care management device 6, food and beverage management device 7, relaxation management device 8, and beauty / gym management device 9) via the communication network 100. The communication unit 31 can also access the storage unit 40.

[0039] Furthermore, the communication unit 31 serves as a transmitter, receiver, or reception unit.

[0040] The authentication unit 33 performs user login authentication using the user information management DB 42.

[0041] The output unit 35 outputs a predetermined time slot as unavailable for car care reservations when charging and car care are performed on the same EV, and at least a portion of the reservation time slot for the charging service overlaps with the reservation time slot for the car care service. Conversely, the output unit 35 outputs a predetermined time slot as available for car care reservations when the reservation time slots do not overlap. Charging services are performed on the EV, while food and beverage, relaxation, and beauty / gym services are performed on the EV user, so their reservation time slots may overlap. However, since charging services and car care services are performed on the same EV, the output unit 35 adjusts the reservation time slots to avoid overlap. In this sense, the output unit 35 may also be referred to as the adjustment unit.

[0042] The creation unit 37 uses the screen format information stored in the storage unit 40 to create the information that will form the basis of the screen to be displayed on the user terminal 2.

[0043] [Processing in the embodiment] [Processing or operation of reservation acceptance method] Next, the reservation acceptance method of this embodiment will be explained using Figures 8 to 32. Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the reservation acceptance method of this embodiment.

[0044] S11: First, the communication unit 31 of the reservation acceptance device receives reservation information from each management device (charging management device 5, car care management device 6, food and beverage management device 7, relaxation management device 8, and beauty / gym management device 9) that shows the latest reservation details managed by each management device. As shown in Figure 4, the reservation details show the available and unavailable time slots. This reservation information also includes the service provider organization ID and store ID for each service provider. In this case, when the reservation information is newly updated in each management device, the updated portion of the reservation information is transmitted from each management device (charging management device 5, car care management device 6, food and beverage management device 7, relaxation management device 8, beauty / gym management device 9) to the reservation acceptance device 3. This reservation information shows the reservation details that each user has directly reserved with each management device.

[0045] S12: In the reservation acceptance device 3, the communication unit 31 updates the user information management table, identified by the store ID received in process S11, in the reservation information management DB 41 with the latest reservation information received in process S11. Processes S11 and S12 are performed whenever each management device (charging management device 5, car care management device 6, food and beverage management device 7, relaxation management device 8, beauty and gym management device 9) manages a new reservation, or at predetermined intervals (e.g., every minute).

[0046] S13: User terminal 2 sends a login request to reservation acceptance device 3 at the operation of user A. This request includes user A's user ID and password. As a result, the communication unit 31 of reservation acceptance device 3 receives the login request.

[0047] S14: In the reservation acceptance device 3, the authentication unit 33 authenticates whether user A is legitimate based on whether the user ID and password combination received in processing S13 is managed in the user information management DB 42.

[0048] S15: If the authentication unit 33 determines in process S14 that user A is legitimate, the reservation process is executed between the reservation acceptance device 3 and the user terminal 2. This reservation process will be explained in detail later. The reservation information confirmed by the reservation process is transmitted to each management device (charging management device 5, car care management device 6, food and beverage management device 7, relaxation management device 8, beauty and gym management device 9) as shown in processes S16 to S20 described later, but it may also be updated and managed in the reservation information management DB 41 of the reservation acceptance device 3. In addition, information such as coupons may be added to the reservation information.

[0049] S16: If the charging service reservation is confirmed by process S15, the communication unit 31 transmits reservation information to the charging management device 5, indicating the reservation details received by the reservation acceptance device 3. The reservation details include the reservation date and time. This reservation information includes the store ID of the store to which the reservation is made and the user ID of user A who made the reservation. As a result, the charging management device 5 manages the reservation information received via the reservation acceptance device 3.

[0050] S17: If the car care service reservation, such as a car wash, is confirmed by process S15, the communication unit 31 transmits reservation information to the charging management device 5, indicating the reservation details received by the reservation acceptance device 3. This reservation information includes the store ID of the store to which the reservation is made and the user ID of user A who made the reservation. As a result, the car care management device 6 manages the reservation information received via the reservation acceptance device 3.

[0051] S18: If the reservation for a food and beverage service is confirmed by processing S15, the communication unit 31 transmits reservation information indicating the reservation details received by the reservation acceptance device 3 to the food and beverage management device 7. This reservation information includes the store ID of the store to which the reservation is made and the user ID of user A who made the reservation. As a result, the food and beverage management device 7 manages the reservation information received via the reservation acceptance device 3.

[0052] S19: If the reservation for a relaxation service is confirmed by processing S15, the communication unit 31 transmits reservation information to the relaxation management device 8, indicating the reservation details received by the reservation acceptance device 3. This reservation information includes the store ID of the store to which the reservation is made and the user ID of user A who made the reservation. As a result, the relaxation management device 8 manages the reservation information received via the reservation acceptance device 3.

[0053] S20: If a reservation for a beauty or gym-related service is confirmed by processing S15, the communication unit 31 transmits reservation information indicating the reservation details received by the reservation acceptance device 3 to the beauty / gym management device 9. This reservation information includes the store ID of the store to which the reservation is made and the user ID of user A who made the reservation. The beauty / gym management device 9 then manages the reservation information received via the reservation acceptance device 3.

[0054] [Detailed booking process] Next, the reservation process in step S15 will be explained in detail using Figures 9 to 32. Figures 9 to 32 are flowcharts showing the reservation process performed by the reservation acceptance device.

[0055] S31: The communication unit 31 of the reservation acceptance device 3 reads the format information stored in the storage unit 40 and transmits it to the user terminal 2. As a result, the user terminal 2 displays the TOP screen as shown in Figure 13.

[0056] S32: When user A presses the "View Menu" button b11, user terminal 2 sends a bulk reservation start request to reservation reception device 3 indicating that it wants to start bulk reservations. As a result, the communication unit 31 of reservation reception device 3 receives the bulk reservation start request.

[0057] S33: The communication unit 31 of the reservation acceptance device 3 reads the format information stored in the storage unit 40 and transmits it to the user terminal 2. As a result, the user terminal 2 displays the SS search conditions screen as shown in Figure 14.

[0058] This SS search criteria screen displays selection fields c21 for narrowing down EV charging locations, c22 for selecting specific car care services, and c23 for selecting specific services offered by nearby SS locations, categorized by type of service (food and beverage, relaxation, beauty / gym). Note that selection field c21 may also allow users to select locations pre-registered in the app (such as their home address).

[0059] Furthermore, selection field c23 displays additional selection fields: c231 for selecting various types of food and beverage services ("Japanese food," etc.), c232 for selecting various types of relaxation services ("cafe," etc.), and c233 for selecting various types of beauty and gym services ("hair salon," etc.).

[0060] S34: For example, if user A presses the "Search by Area / Store Name" button b21, user terminal 2 displays the area and store name included in the SS search criteria information, allowing the user to select a specific store name in a specified area. If the "Search from Current Location" button is pressed, user terminal 2 displays a map included in the SS search criteria information or a map provided by another company, allowing the user to select a specific store name in a specified area.

[0061] Furthermore, after User A presses the "Car Wash" button b22 to book a car wash, the "Chinese" button b23 to book a Chinese restaurant, the "Cafe" button b24 to book a cafe restaurant, the "Massage" button b25 to book a massage parlor, and the "Sauna" button b26 to book a sauna in the car care selection field c22, User A presses the "Start Search" button b29. As a result, User Terminal 2 transmits information about the SS search conditions, indicating the location of the SS, car care, and the types of services (Chinese, cafe, massage, sauna) offered by nearby establishments. As a result, Reservation Acceptance Device 3 receives the information about the SS search conditions.

[0062] S35: In the reservation acceptance device 3, the communication unit 31 searches the service provider information management table of the service provider organization that manages reservations for charging services in the service provider organization information management DB 43 based on the SS search condition information received in processing S34, and reads the store information (each record in Figure 6) of SS that are included in the area selected in Figure 14 or that correspond to the store name.

[0063] S36: The communication unit 31 transmits the SS store information read in process S35 to the user terminal 2. As a result, the user terminal 2 displays an SS search results screen as shown in Figure 15, based on this SS store information. Here, the services available at each SS are displayed.

[0064] S37: At this point, when user A decides to go to the designated SS (service station) as the 1 / 25th entry and presses the "Select this SS" button b31, user terminal 2 transmits the selection information of the selected designated SS to the reservation acceptance device 3. This selection information includes the store ID of the designated SS. As a result, the communication unit 31 of the reservation acceptance device 3 receives the selection information of the designated SS.

[0065] S38: Next, the communication unit 31 reads the reservation method selection information stored in the memory unit 40 and transmits it to the user terminal 2. As a result, the user terminal 2 displays a reservation method selection screen as shown in Figure 16. This screen displays a "Reserve" button b40 for selecting a first route in which the user first specifies the time to visit the service station and then proceeds to reserve each service, and a "Reserve" button b70 for selecting a second route in which the user first specifies the services they will receive and then proceeds to reserve each service. In other words, user A can choose either route.

[0066] The first route is an option for users who have a fixed time for receiving services at the gas station (such as charging or car washing). In other words, the first route is for users with limited time. On the other hand, the second route is an option for users who want to receive additional services in addition to those at the gas station. In other words, the second route is suitable for users with more time and some flexibility in scheduling, allowing them to receive all the services they desire.

[0067] S39: Here, when user A presses button b40, user terminal 2 sends selection information to the reservation acceptance device 3 indicating that the user will specify the time to visit the service station before making a reservation. On the other hand, when user A presses button b70, user terminal 2 sends selection information indicating that the user will specify the service to receive before making a reservation. As a result, the communication unit 31 of the reservation acceptance device 3 receives either selection information. If the user specifies the time to visit the service station before making a reservation, the process proceeds to S51 shown in Figure 10. On the other hand, if the user specifies the service to receive before making a reservation, the process proceeds to S81 shown in Figure 12.

[0068] <Route 1> First, let's explain the first route using Figures 10 and 11, assuming that button b40 is selected.

[0069] S51: The communication unit 31 searches the reservation information management DB 41 using the store ID of the designated service station as the search key to retrieve the reservation information for the charging service of the designated service station.

[0070] S52: The communication unit 31 transmits the reservation information for the designated SS's charging service, read in process S51, to the user terminal 2. As a result, the user terminal 2 displays a reservation date and time selection screen as shown in Figure 17. This screen displays the reservation details for charging at the designated SS in 15-minute intervals up to one week in advance. For example, the "◎" for 17:00 on Monday, January 27, 2025 indicates that a charging reservation is possible for the 15 minutes from 17:00 to 17:15. On the other hand, the "×" for 18:15 on Monday, January 27, 2025 indicates that a charging reservation is not possible for the 15 minutes from 18:15 to 18:30.

[0071] S53: When user A presses (selects) the designated ◎ (in this case, January 29, 2025, 18:00), user terminal 2 transmits the charging reservation date and time information to reservation reception device 3. As a result, the communication unit 31 of reservation reception device 3 receives the charging reservation date and time information.

[0072] S54: The communication unit 31 reads the format information stored in the storage unit 40 and sends chargeable time information to the user terminal 2, indicating the chargeable time within a predetermined period (for example, 1 hour) from the charge reservation date and time indicated by the information received in process S53. As a result, the user terminal 2 displays a chargeable time selection screen as shown in Figure 18. This screen displays buttons that allow the user to select a chargeable time of 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 60 minutes, within the period from the time selected by user A in process S53 up to 1 hour later. Here, buttons marked with ◎ are selectable, while buttons marked with × are only presented and cannot be selected.

[0073] S55: Here, for example, as shown in Figure 19, when user A presses (selects) the "18:00-18:30 (30 minutes)" button b41, user terminal 2 transmits charging time information indicating the charging time corresponding to the content of button b41 to reservation acceptance device 3. As a result, the communication unit 31 of reservation acceptance device 3 receives the charging time information.

[0074] S56: In the reservation acceptance device 3, the communication unit 31 searches the reservation information management DB 41 and reads the reservation information for a predetermined time (for example, 1 hour) from the charging reservation date and time indicated in the information received in processing S53 at a predetermined service station.

[0075] S57: The derivation unit 35 derives, from the car care service reservation information read in process S56, the time including the charging time indicated in the information received in process S55 as the car care service reservation unavailable time, and the time excluding this charging time as the car care service reservation available time.

[0076] S58: The communication unit 31 reads the format information stored in the storage unit 40 and sends the car care service reservation availability information, including the result derived in process S57, to the user terminal 2. As a result, the user terminal 2 displays a car care reservation time selection screen, as shown in Figure 20. This screen displays buttons for 15-minute intervals from the time selected by user A in process S53 up to one hour later, during which car care services (in this case, car washing) can be performed. Here, buttons marked with ◎ are selectable, while buttons marked with × are only displayed and cannot be selected. The ◎ and × are based on the result derived in process S57.

[0077] S59: Here, for example, as shown in Figure 21, when user A presses (selects) the "18:45-19:00 (15 minutes)" button b42, user terminal 2 transmits information to reservation acceptance device 3 indicating the reservation time for the car care service corresponding to the content of button b42. As a result, the communication unit 31 of reservation acceptance device 3 receives the reservation time for the car care service. Alternatively, reservation acceptance device 3 may accept reservations for charging and car care services together by displaying Figures 18 to 21 consecutively without performing the derivation of process S57. Since charging services and car care services are performed at the same designated gas station, it is possible to accept reservations for both simultaneously.

[0078] S61: Next, proceeding to Figure 11, the communication unit 31 searches the nearby store information management DB 44 using the store ID of a predetermined SS as the search key, narrowing the search to the type of service selected in Figure 14 (see processing S34), and reads the store IDs of the corresponding nearby stores.

[0079] S62: The communication unit 31 searches the reservation information management DB 41 using the store ID of each nearby store read in process S61 as the search key, and reads the reservation information of each nearby store of a given gas station for a predetermined time (for example, 1 hour) after the charging time received in process S53.

[0080] S63: Furthermore, the communication unit 31 searches the service provider organization information management DB 43 using the store ID of each nearby store read in processing S61 as the search key, and retrieves coupon information, etc., for each nearby store.

[0081] S64: The communication unit 31 reads the format information stored in the memory unit 40 and transmits reservation information for nearby stores that can be booked in parallel with (together with) charging and car care to the reservation acceptance device 3. That is, the reservation acceptance device 3 deliberately transmits reservation information for nearby stores that show reservation times that overlap with the time when charging and car care are performed. As a result, the user terminal 2 displays a screen for selecting services from multiple stores that can be booked while charging, as shown in Figure 22. On this screen, a reduced image of the screen in Figures 19 and 21 is displayed at the top, and the reservation availability status based on the reservation information for each store read in S62 is displayed at the bottom. For example, it shows that store "P●nt Shinjuku" can be booked at any time between 18:00 and 19:00, store "Ba●yan Shinjuku" can be booked between 18:15 and 18:45, and "Coffee● Shinjuku" does not accept reservations at all, so it is not possible to book there. Furthermore, even if a store is listed in the nearby store information management DB44 as a store near a designated SS, and it offers the type of service selected in Figure 14 and accepts reservations, stores that do not accept reservations between 18:00 and 19:00 will not be displayed in Figure 22.

[0082] S65: Here, as shown in Figure 23, User A presses (selects) the coupon use button b51c and the reservation button b51 for "Ba●yan Shinjuku Store" and the reservation button b52 for "Teru●Yu Shinjuku Store" as predetermined nearby stores, and then presses the "Confirm Reservation Details" button b59. As a result, User Terminal 2 transmits information about the reservation time of the nearby store selected by the user to the Reservation Acceptance Device 3. This information also includes information that a coupon will be used. As a result, the communication unit 31 of the Reservation Acceptance Device 3 receives the information about the reservation time of the nearby store.

[0083] S66: The creation unit 37 reads the format information stored in the storage unit 40 as a summary of the actions that user A will take on that day, and creates information that shows the flow of the day.

[0084] S67: The communication unit 31 transmits information to the reservation acceptance device 3 showing the day's schedule, which was created in process S66. As a result, the user terminal 2 displays a screen showing the day's schedule, as shown in Figure 24. This screen shows, in chronological order, the actions of customer A and the actions of the service station.

[0085] S68: Here, when user A confirms the contents of the screen shown in Figure 24 and presses the "Confirm Today's Schedule" button b68, user terminal 2 sends information to reservation acceptance device 3 indicating that the day's schedule has been confirmed. As a result, communication unit 31 receives information indicating that the day's schedule has been confirmed. Processes S66 to S68 may be omitted.

[0086] S69: The creation unit 37, as a summary of the processing so far, reads the format information stored in the storage unit 40 and creates confirmation information for the reservation details.

[0087] S70: The communication unit 31 transmits confirmation information of the reservation details created in process S69 to the reservation acceptance device 3. As a result, the user terminal 2 displays a screen for confirming the reservation details, as shown in Figure 25. This screen displays the designated service station (SS) to be visited, the date and time of visit, and the details and dates of various services. EV charging and car care are both at the same designated SS, but "Ba●yan Shinjuku Store" and "Teru●Yu Shinjuku Store" are different stores from the designated SS.

[0088] S71: Here, when User A checks the reservation confirmation screen shown in Figure 25 and presses the "Make a reservation with this information" button b69, User Terminal 2 transmits information confirming the reservation details to the reservation acceptance device 3. As a result, the communication unit 31 receives the reservation details confirmation information.

[0089] S72: The creation unit 37 creates a unique reservation number.

[0090] S73: The communication unit 31 reads the format information stored in the storage unit 40 and sends reservation completion information, including the reservation number created in process S72, to the reservation acceptance device 3. As a result, the user terminal 2 displays a reservation completion screen including the reservation number, as shown in Figure 26.

[0091] This concludes the explanation of the case where the "Make a reservation" button b40 in Figure 16 is pressed and the reservation acceptance device 3 executes the first route.

[0092] <Second Route> Next, using Figure 12, we will explain the second route when button b70 is selected in Figure 16.

[0093] S81: The communication unit 31 searches the nearby store information management DB 44 using the store ID of a designated SS as the search key, and narrows the search to the type of service selected in Figure 14 (see process S34), and reads the store IDs of the corresponding nearby stores.

[0094] S82: Furthermore, the communication unit 31 searches the service provider organization information management DB 43 using the store ID of each nearby store read in processing S81 as the search key, and retrieves coupon information, etc., for each nearby store.

[0095] S83: The communication unit 31 reads the format information stored in the memory unit 40 and transmits the available service information, including the information read in processes S81 and S82, to the reservation acceptance device 3. As a result, the user terminal 2 displays the available services screen as shown in Figure 27. This screen displays buttons for selecting the amount of power to charge at the predetermined service station selected in Figure 15, the types of car care services, restaurants, relaxation establishments, and beauty / gym establishments. Some buttons also display information such as coupons read in process S82. Note that since there is only one type of power to charge at the predetermined service station, only "50kW" is shown in Figure 28, but other options such as "60kW" may also be available.

[0096] S84: Here, as shown in Figure 28, User A presses (selects) the reservation button b71 for "50kW" as the amount of power to charge at a predetermined SS, the reservation button b72 for "hand car wash", the coupon usage button b73c for "Ba●yan Shinjuku Store", the reservation button b73 for "Ba●yan Shinjuku Store", and the reservation button b74 for "Teru●Yu Shinjuku Store", and then presses the "Confirm Reservation Details" button b79. As a result, User Terminal 2 transmits to the Reservation Reception Device 3 service selection information indicating the amount of power to charge at the predetermined SS selected by the user, the car care service at the predetermined store, the food and beverage service at the predetermined store, the relaxation service at the predetermined store, and the use of a coupon. Therefore, the communication unit 31 of the Reservation Reception Device 3 receives the service selection information. Note that in the second route, the type of car wash is subdivided into "machine car wash" and "hand car wash", but as in the first route, it may also be "car wash".

[0097] S85: In the reservation acceptance device 3, the communication unit 31 reads the format information stored in the storage unit 40 and sends, for example, calendar-formatted reservation date and time selection information to the reservation acceptance device 3. As a result, the user terminal 2 displays a reservation date and time selection screen as shown in Figure 29. This screen displays a calendar-formatted date selection field c81 on which the user can select the day to receive the service, and a time selection field c82 on which the user can select the start time (time) of the service.

[0098] S86: Here, as shown in Figure 30, User A presses (selects) the date button b81 indicating the day on which each service will be received, and then selects the service start time from the pull-down menu p10, and presses the "Next" button b89. As a result, User Terminal 2 transmits the reservation date and time selection information of the services selected by the user to the reservation acceptance device 3. Therefore, the communication unit 31 of the reservation acceptance device 3 receives the reservation date and time selection information.

[0099] S87: In the reservation acceptance device 3, the creation unit 37 searches the reservation information management DB 41 using the date and time selected in Figure 29 (see S86) as a search key for the predetermined service station (SS) selected in Figure 15 (see S37) and each store selected in Figure 28 (a predetermined SS for car care stores) (see S84), and reads the reservation information for each service for a predetermined time (for example, 1 hour and 30 minutes) from the date and time selected by user A. Furthermore, the creation unit 37 reads the format information stored in the storage unit 40 and creates selectable reservation time slot information indicating the selectable reservation time slots.

[0100] S88: The communication unit 31 transmits the selectable reservation time slot information created in process S87 to the reservation acceptance device 3. As a result, the user terminal 2 displays a reservation time slot selection screen, as shown in Figure 31. This screen displays the date and time of service to be received, as well as the latest reservation status of each service selected by user A.

[0101] S89: Here, for example, as shown in Figure 32, User A presses (selects) the reservation button b91 for "18:00-18:15" and the reservation button b92 for "18:15-18:30" in the rapid charging section. User A also presses (selects) the reservation button b93 for "18:45-19:00" in the car care section. Furthermore, User A presses (selects) the reservation button b94 for "18:15-18:30" and the reservation button b95 for "18:30-18:45" in the food and beverage store "Ba●yan". Finally, User A presses the "Confirm Reservation Details" button b99. As a result, User Terminal 2 transmits the reservation time slot selection information selected by User A to the reservation reception device 3. Therefore, the communication unit 31 of the reservation reception device 3 receives the reservation time slot selection information.

[0102] After that, the process returns to step S66 in Figure 11, and the same process as in the first route is performed.

[0103] [Main effects of the embodiment] As explained above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to accept reservations for two independent services, such as charging User A's EV and providing User A with various services (e.g., food and beverage, relaxation, beauty / gym services, etc.), at "different stores" and "at the same time," all at once. This allows User A to use the waiting time while charging to enjoy other services, thus enabling User A to use their waiting time meaningfully.

[0104] 〔others〕 (1) In the above embodiment, the gas station and the store that provides food and beverage services are separate, but a space for providing food and beverage services may be provided within the gas station.

[0105] (2) In the above embodiment, EV is an example of something owned by User A (possessions). These possessions also include things that User A wears (clothes, watch, jewelry, glasses, etc.). For example, User A may eat or drink at another store while waiting for their trousers to be hemmed.

[0106] (3) In the above embodiment, we have described the overlapping time slot reservations for a charging service for an EV owned by user A and a service for user A himself. However, the reservation acceptance device 3 may also accept overlapping time slot reservations for a service for an item owned by the user and a service for another item owned by the user. For example, the reservation acceptance device 3 may accept overlapping time slot reservations for a charging service for an EV owned by user A and a repair service for an item owned by the same user A (clothing, watch, jewelry, glasses, etc.).

[0107] (4) The above IDs are examples of identification information.

[0108] (5) Each of the above programs can be recorded on a (non-temporary) recording medium and distributed, and can also be provided via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0109] (6) The CPU 1004 and GPU, which are hardware components, may be single or multiple. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0110] 1. Communication System 2 User terminals 3. Reservation acceptance device 5 Charging management device 6. Car care management device 7 Food and beverage management equipment 8. Relaxation Management Device 9. Beauty and Gym Management Equipment 10. Separate Store Service Management System 31. Communication Section (Example of a transmitting section, receiving section, and reception section) 33. Authentication Department 35 Derivation part 37 Creation Section 40 Storage section 41. Reservation Information Management Database (An example of a reservation information management department) 42. User Information Management Database (An example of a user information management unit) 43. Service Provider Organization Information Management Database (An example of a Service Provider Organization Information Management Department) 44. Nearby Store Information Management Database (An example of a nearby store information management department)

Claims

1. A reservation acceptance device having a reception unit that accepts a first reservation time slot for providing a first service to a predetermined user, and a second reservation time slot for providing a second service different from the first service to the predetermined user, which overlaps with at least a portion of the first reservation time slot.

2. The reservation acceptance device according to claim 1, wherein the first service and the second service are performed at different stores.

3. The reservation acceptance device according to claim 2, wherein the second store providing the second service is located within a predetermined range from the first store providing the first service.

4. The reservation acceptance device according to claim 1, wherein the first service is a service for an item owned by the predetermined user.

5. The reservation acceptance device according to claim 4, wherein the first service is charging the electric vehicle of the predetermined user.

6. The reservation acceptance device according to claim 4, wherein the second service is a service provided to the predetermined user himself.

7. A reservation acceptance device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The transmission unit transmits to the user terminal of the predetermined user information indicating multiple services that can be reserved during time periods that overlap with at least a portion of the first reservation time period, The reception unit is a reservation reception device that receives a reservation for the second service from the user terminal, along with the second reservation time slot from among the multiple services.

8. The reservation acceptance device according to claim 7, wherein, based on the reception unit receiving the first reservation time slot at the first store providing the first service from the user terminal, the transmission unit transmits information indicating the plurality of services to the user terminal.

9. The reception unit receives the type of service requested by the designated user from the user terminal. The transmitting unit transmits information indicating the plurality of services identified based on the type of each service. The reservation acceptance device according to claim 8.

10. A reservation acceptance device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The transmission unit transmits to the user terminal of the predetermined user information indicating multiple services that can be reserved during time periods that overlap with at least a portion of the first reservation time period, The reception unit receives the reservation date and time for the first service and the reservation for the second service from the user terminal. The transmitting unit transmits to the user terminal information regarding the available reservation time slots for the first service and the second service within a predetermined time from the reserved date and time. The reception desk accepts reservations for the first and second time slots. Reservation acceptance device.

11. A reservation acceptance method in which a computer performs an acceptance process to accept a first reservation time period for a predetermined user to be provided with a first service, and a second reservation time period for a predetermined user to be provided with a second service different from the first service, which overlaps with at least a portion of the first reservation time period.

12. A program that causes a computer to perform the method described in claim 11.

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