System and operation terminal

Abstract

To provide a facility management system, a facility management method, an operation terminal, and a facility management program capable of improving the efficiency of check-out processing of a target of use.SOLUTION: An operation terminal 20 includes: a storage unit which can store a room key of a guest room; a standby area in which the room key removed from the storage unit stands by; a reader / writer which writes key information to the room key standing by in the standby area on the basis of a check-in procedure of a user; an insertion / removal unit into / from which the room key can be inserted / removed; an issuance processing unit 215 which allows the room key with the key information corresponding to the user written thereon to be discharged from the insertion / removal unit, on the basis of the check-in procedure of the user; and a collection processing unit 216 which collects the room key inserted by the user into the insertion / removal unit on the basis of the check-out procedure of the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a facility management system for managing facilities such as accommodation facilities, a facility management method, an operation terminal, and a facility management program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in order to reduce the number of staff at the front desk and to streamline check-in / check-out procedures at hotels, inns, and other accommodation facilities, a system has been introduced in which users operate an operating terminal installed near the front desk to perform check-in / check-out procedures themselves (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-32749 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a user checks out of an accommodation facility, the user puts the card key into the collection box and, if necessary, settles the bill at the operation terminal or at the front desk. In this type of operation, it is difficult for the accommodation facility to reliably collect the card key, and it is also difficult to determine whether the user has completed check-out at the appropriate time. Thus, with the conventional technology, there is a problem of reduced efficiency in the check-out process at the facility.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a facility management system, a facility management method, an operation terminal, and a facility management program that are capable of improving the efficiency of check-out processing for users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A facility management system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a standby processing unit, an ejection processing unit, and a recovery processing unit. The standby processing unit has an operation terminal including a storage unit capable of storing a usage key of a usage target, an insertion / removal unit capable of ejecting and inserting the usage key, and a standby area provided between the storage unit and the insertion / removal unit, and causes the usage key stored in the storage unit to wait in the standby area. The ejection processing unit ejects the usage key waiting in the standby area from the insertion / removal unit based on a check-in procedure of a user for the usage target. The recovery processing unit, when a check-out procedure of the user for the usage target becomes possible, evacuates the usage key waiting in the standby area to an evacuation area in the operation terminal, thereby enabling the recovery of the usage key inserted by the user in the insertion / removal unit.

[0007] A facility management method according to another aspect of the present invention is a method executed by one or more processors in an operation terminal having a storage section capable of storing a usage key used to unlock an object of use, an insertion / removal section capable of ejecting and inserting the usage key, and a waiting area provided between the storage section and the insertion / removal section, the method comprising: causing the usage key stored in the storage section to wait in the waiting area; ejecting the usage key waiting in the waiting area from the insertion / removal section based on a user's check-in procedure for the object of use; and, when the user's check-out procedure for the object of use becomes possible, evacuating the usage key waiting in the waiting area to an evacuation area within the operation terminal, thereby enabling the usage key to be inserted into the insertion / removal section to be collected from the user.

[0008] An operation terminal according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a storage section capable of storing a usage key to be used, an insertion / removal section capable of ejecting and inserting the usage key, and a waiting area provided between the storage section and the insertion / removal section, for storing a first usage key stored in the storage section so that it can be ejected from the insertion / removal section when check-in is possible, and an evacuation area for evacuating the first usage key waiting in the waiting area and enabling the collection of a second usage key to be inserted into the insertion / removal section by a user when check-out is possible.

[0009] A facility management program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the following in an operation terminal having a storage section capable of storing a usage key used to unlock an object of use, an insertion / removal section capable of ejecting and inserting the usage key, and a waiting area provided between the storage section and the insertion / removal section: causing the usage key stored in the storage section to wait in the waiting area, ejecting the usage key waiting in the waiting area from the insertion / removal section based on the user's check-in procedure for the object of use, and when the user's check-out procedure for the object of use becomes possible, evacuating the usage key waiting in the waiting area to an evacuation area within the operation terminal, thereby enabling the usage key to be inserted into the insertion / removal section by the user to be collected. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a facility management system, a facility management method, an operation terminal, and a facility management program that are capable of improving the efficiency of check-out processing for users. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a facility management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the facility management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of reservation information used in the facility management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of check-in information used in the facility management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of check-out information used in the facility management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an external view showing an example of an operation terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the operation terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a room key issuing / collecting unit of the operation terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a room key issuing / collecting unit of an operation terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how a room key is set in a waiting area in a room key issuing and collecting section according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen displayed on the operation terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a check-in screen displayed on the operation terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing how a room key is ejected from an insertion / removal section in a room key issuing / collecting section according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing how a room key set in a waiting area in a room key issuing and collecting section according to the embodiment of the present invention is stored in the collecting section. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a checkout screen displayed on the operation terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing how a room key inserted into an insertion / removal portion is stored in a recovery portion in a room key issuing / recovery portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing how a room key is set in a waiting area in a room key issuing and collecting unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of check-in / check-out processing executed in the facility management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings to facilitate understanding of the present invention. Note that the following embodiment is an example of the present invention and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0013] [Facility Management System 100] As shown in FIG. 1, a facility management system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is an example of the facility management system of the present invention, and includes a management device 10 and multiple operation terminals 20. The facility management system 100 is introduced in an accommodation facility such as a hotel or inn. The management device 10 is placed, for example, at the front desk or office of the accommodation facility, and manages reservations and the like. Staff members such as managers and employees of the accommodation facility can operate the management device 10. The operation terminal 20 is an example of an operation terminal of the present invention, and is installed, for example, near the front desk of the accommodation facility, and accepts operations such as check-in procedures and check-out procedures by users who are guests. The management device 10 and the multiple operation terminals 20 can communicate with each other via a communication network N1 such as a wired LAN or wireless LAN installed in the accommodation facility. One or more operation terminals 20 may be installed. In FIG. 1, three operation terminals 20 are shown as an example. A user can operate a desired operation terminal 20. The management device 10 may be installed outside the accommodation facility and configured to be able to communicate with the multiple operation terminals 20 via the communication network N1.

[0014] Here, a user of the accommodation facility uses his / her own user terminal (not shown) to access, for example, an accommodation reservation page of a website operated by the accommodation facility to make an accommodation reservation. The management device 10 acquires reservation information for the accommodation reservation and manages the reservation. The reservation process may be executed by the management device 10, or may be executed by a reservation server (not shown) connected to the management device 10 via a communication network N1. For example, the reservation server accepts a reservation request from a user, executes the reservation process, and notifies the management device 10 of the reservation information when the reservation is completed. The user terminal and the management device 10 (or the reservation server) can communicate via a communication network such as the Internet, a LAN, a WAN, or a public telephone line. A user who has made a reservation for accommodation visits the accommodation facility on the day of the stay and performs a check-in procedure by operating the operation terminal 20. In addition, when checking out of the accommodation facility, the user operates the operation terminal 20 to perform a check-out procedure. In addition, the user settles (settles) the usage fee (such as the accommodation fee) during the check-in procedure or check-out procedure.

[0015] [Management device 10] As shown in FIG. 2, the management device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an operation display unit 13, a communication interface 14, and the like. The management device 10 may be an information processing device such as a personal computer or a tablet terminal. The management device 10 may also be an information processing device or a cloud server that constructs a hotel management system (PMS). The management device 10 includes functions such as reservation management, guest room management, accounting management, and customer management. The management device 10 may also include a function (mobile key system) that communicates with an unlocking device installed at the entrance of each guest room (room) to perform an unlocking process. The mobile key system may be located outside the management device 10 and communicate with the management device 10 via a communication network (such as the Internet).

[0016] The communication interface 14 connects the management device 10 to the communication network N1 in a wired or wireless manner, and executes data communication with the operation terminal 20 via the communication network N1 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The communication interface 14 is also a communication interface for connecting the management device 10 to a communication network (such as the Internet) in a wired or wireless manner, and executing data communication with an external device such as a user terminal via the communication network in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0017] The operation display unit 13 is a user interface that includes a display unit, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, that displays various information, and an operation unit, such as a mouse, a keyboard, or a touch panel, that accepts operations.

[0018] The storage unit 12 is a non-volatile storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory that stores various information. For example, the storage unit 12 stores a control program for causing the control unit 11 to execute a predetermined process. For example, the control program is non-temporarily recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD or a DVD, and is read by a reading device (not shown) such as a CD drive or a DVD drive electrically connected to the management device 10 and stored in the storage unit 12.

[0019] The storage unit 12 also stores reservation information 121 (reservation information database) representing information on accommodation reservations accepted from user terminals, check-in information 122 (check-in information database) representing check-in status of users, and check-out information 123 (check-out information database) representing check-out status of users. The reservation information 121, check-in information 122, and check-out information 123 may be included in a data server (not shown) connected to the management device 10 via a communication network (such as the Internet).

[0020] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of reservation information 121. The example shown in FIG. 3 shows reservation information 121 of a user (guest) who will use an accommodation facility on January 10, 2023. Accommodation information and guest information are registered in the reservation information 121. The reservation information 121 also includes information that represents the attributes of the user. For the sake of convenience of explanation, FIG. 3 shows only some information, specifically, the date of stay, the name of the person who made the reservation, the name of the guest, the number of people using the facility, and the scheduled check-in time. The reservation information 121 may also include information such as the time the user is scheduled to arrive at the accommodation facility on the day of stay (scheduled check-in time) and an email address set in a user terminal (such as a smartphone) that the user will bring to the accommodation facility.

[0021] In the example shown in Fig. 3, for example, users P1, P2, and P3 are a group of three people staying in one guest room (a group of people staying the same night), and indicate that their planned time of arrival at the accommodation facility (scheduled check-in time) is "17:00", while users P6 and P7 are a group of two people staying in one guest room (a group of people staying the same night), and indicate that their planned time of arrival at the accommodation facility (scheduled check-in time) is "20:30". Note that the planned check-in time is information registered by the person making the reservation at the time of reservation, and if the person making the reservation does not register it at the time of reservation, "undecided" is registered as the planned check-in time in reservation information 121.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the check-in information 122. The check-in status on the day of the user's stay is registered in the check-in information 122. The example shown in FIG. 4 shows the check-in status at the current time of January 10, 2023 (check-in date). The check-in information 122 includes the guest room user name (guest name), guest room number, check-in status, etc. In addition, the accommodation facility has a check-in procedure reception start time (for example, 15:00) set in advance, and each user can perform the check-in procedure from the check-in procedure reception start time onwards. The check-in status is information indicating whether the check-in procedure of the guest room (user) has been completed or not. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the check-in procedure has been completed at the present time for the guest rooms with the guest room numbers "201", "402", and "203" ("Check-in completed"), and the check-in procedure has not been completed at the present time for the guest rooms with the guest room numbers "301" and "204" ("Check-in incomplete"). The control unit 11 updates the check-in status of each guest room based on the information acquired from the operation terminal 20.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the check-out information 123. The check-out status of the user is registered in the check-out information 123. The example shown in FIG. 5 shows the check-out status at the current time of January 11, 2023 (check-out date). The check-out information 123 includes the name of the guest room (guest name), the room number, the check-out date and time, the check-out status, and the like. The check-out date and time is the upper limit time (for example, 10:00 on the check-out date) set in advance in the accommodation facility, and the user can use the room until the upper limit time. The check-out date and time may be set to a time later than the upper limit time (for example, 12:00 on the check-out date) according to the user's request (such as an extension request). Therefore, the check-out date and time can be set individually for each user. The check-out status is information indicating whether the check-out procedure for the guest room (user) has been completed or not. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the check-out procedures have been completed for the rooms with the room numbers "301", "402", and "204" at present ("Check-out completed"), while the check-out procedures have not been completed for the rooms with the room numbers "201" and "203" at present ("Check-out incomplete"). Here, the check-out status "Check-out completed" indicates that all users of the room have completed the check-out procedures, the room is vacant, and can be cleaned or reserved. The check-out status "Check-out incomplete" indicates that at least one user of the room has not completed the check-out procedures, and the room cannot be cleaned or reserved. The control unit 11 updates the check-out status of each room based on information obtained from the operation terminal 20.

[0024] The control unit 11 has control devices such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU is a processor that executes various arithmetic operations. The ROM is a non-volatile storage unit in which control programs such as a BIOS and an OS for causing the CPU to execute various processes are stored in advance. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile storage unit that stores various information, and is used as a temporary storage memory (work area) for various processes executed by the CPU. The control unit 11 controls the management device 10 by executing, by the CPU, various control programs stored in advance in the ROM or the storage unit 12.

[0025] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 11 includes various processing units such as a reservation processing unit 111 and a management processing unit 112. The control unit 11 functions as the various processing units by executing various processes according to the control program with the CPU. Some or all of the processing units included in the control unit 11 may be configured with electronic circuits. The control program may be a program for causing a plurality of processors to function as the various processing units.

[0026] When an operation for making a reservation for lodging is performed on a user terminal, the reservation processing unit 111 judges whether or not the reservation is possible, and performs the reservation processing if the reservation is possible. When the reservation processing is completed, the reservation processing unit 111 transmits a reservation completion notification to the user terminal, and registers the reservation information including the lodging information and the lodger information in the reservation information 121 (see FIG. 3).

[0027] In this embodiment, an example in which reservation processing is performed in the management device 10 will be described, but for example, a reservation processing system that executes reservation processing in response to a reservation request from a user may be interposed between the management device 10 and the user terminal. In this case, the management device 10 registers the reservation information sent from the reservation processing system in the reservation information 121 and manages it.

[0028] The management processing unit 112 manages the check-in status and check-out status of each guest room. When the check-in procedure for the guest room (user) is completed, the management processing unit 112 updates the check-in information 122 (see FIG. 4). In addition, when the check-out procedure for the guest room (user) is completed, the management processing unit 112 updates the check-out information 123 (see FIG. 5). The management processing unit 112 updates the check-in information 122 and the check-out information 123 based on information acquired from the operation terminal 20.

[0029] For example, when user P1 (representative) of room number "201" completes the check-in procedure after the check-in procedure acceptance start time (e.g., 15:00) on "January 10, 2023", the management processing unit 112 registers "check-in completed" in the check-in status of room number "201" in the check-in information 122 (see FIG. 3). Also, for example, when user P4 of room number "301" completes the check-out procedure on the check-out date of "January 11, 2023", the management processing unit 112 registers "check-out completed" in the check-out status of room number "301" in the check-out information 123 (see FIG. 4).

[0030] [Operation terminal 20] 2, the operation terminal 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an operation display unit 23, a room key issuing and collecting unit 24, a reading unit 25, a communication interface 26, a camera 27 (see FIG. 6), a human presence sensor 28 (see FIG. 6), etc. The operation terminal 20 may be configured, for example, by an information processing device such as a personal computer, and a peripheral device connected to the information processing device and including the room key issuing and collecting unit 24.

[0031] FIG. 6 is an external view showing an example of the operation terminal 20. As shown in FIG. 6, in the operation terminal 20, a user can touch the operation display unit 23. The user performs check-in and check-out procedures while operating the operation screen displayed on the operation display unit 23. The camera 27 is provided on the upper part of the operation display unit 23, and captures, for example, an image of the user's face. The human presence sensor 28 is provided on the front side of the operation terminal 20, and detects the user when the user approaches the operation terminal 20. The operation terminal 20 may be provided with a card insertion unit for inserting cards such as credit cards, a money insertion unit for inserting coins and bills, and the like.

[0032] The communication interface 26 is a communication interface for connecting the operation terminal 20 to the communication network N1 by wire or wirelessly, and for executing data communication with the management device 10 via the communication network N1 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0033] The operation display unit 23 is a user interface that includes a display unit, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, that displays various information, and an operation unit, such as a touch panel, that accepts operations.

[0034] The reading unit 25 reads information codes such as two-dimensional codes. For example, when a user holds a two-dimensional code (a two-dimensional code including lodger information) displayed on a user terminal (such as a smartphone) over the reading unit 25 during check-in procedures, the reading unit 25 reads the two-dimensional code (see FIG. 12). The reading unit 25 may also have a function of scanning personal information such as the user's passport or identification card. The reading unit 25 outputs information acquired from the two-dimensional code to the control unit 21.

[0035] The room key issuing and collecting unit 24 issues (discharges) and collects room keys (e.g., card keys) for guest rooms. The room key issuing and collecting unit 24 issues room keys based on instructions from the control unit 21. For example, when a user is authenticated during check-in procedures, the room key issuing and collecting unit 24 discharges an IC card-type card key that stores information corresponding to the user (e.g., room number, information on the date of stay, etc.) from the discharge port of the room key issuing and collecting unit 24. The room key is an IC card key that unlocks the guest room through a communication process with an unlocking device (communication device). The communication process can be, for example, a short-distance wireless communication means using a non-contact IC card. For example, when a user brings a room key close to the unlocking device, the unlocking device checks the identification information of the room key (e.g., room number) through the communication process, and unlocks the guest room if the check is successful.

[0036] The room key is not limited to an IC card, but may be a magnetic card. The room key is an example of a usage key of the present invention. Note that the usage key of the present invention is not limited to a card key, but may be a key that is inserted into a keyhole to lock and unlock, or an information code key in which an information code such as a two-dimensional code is printed on a paper medium or the like.

[0037] The room key issuing and collecting unit 24 further has a function of collecting a room key. For example, when a user inserts a room key into an insertion slot (insertion slot) of the room key issuing and collecting unit 24 during a check-out procedure, the room key issuing and collecting unit 24 collects the room key. In the room key issuing and collecting unit 24, the ejection slot for issuing (ejecting) the room key and the insertion slot for inserting (inserting) the room key are integrally formed, and are configured as, for example, a single insertion / removal unit 241 (see FIG. 6, etc.) that can eject and insert the room key.

[0038] Here, a specific configuration of the room key issuing and collecting unit 24 will be described. Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the operation terminal 20 seen from the A0 direction (see Fig. 6), Fig. 8 shows a perspective view (see-through view) of the room key issuing and collecting unit 24 seen from the A0 direction, and Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the room key issuing and collecting unit 24 seen from the A0 direction. In the following, an unused room key, i.e., a room key before it is issued (discharged) by the room key issuing and collecting unit 24, will be referred to as a "room key C1," and a used room key, i.e., a room key after it has been issued (discharged) by the room key issuing and collecting unit 24, will be referred to as a "room key C2."

[0039] The room key issuing / collecting unit 24 is disposed on one side (e.g., the right side when facing the front) inside the operation terminal 20 (see FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the room key issuing / collecting unit 24 includes a storage unit 242 capable of storing the room key C1, an insertion / removal unit 241 capable of ejecting the room key C1 and inserting the room key C2, a waiting area 244 provided between the storage unit 242 and the insertion / removal unit 241, a collection unit 243 (an example of an evacuation area of ​​the present invention) capable of collecting the room key C1 and the room key C2, a reader / writer 245 for writing information to the room key C1 and reading information of the room key C2, and a restriction unit 246 for restricting the insertion of the room key C2 into the insertion / removal unit 241.

[0040] The storage unit 242 can store a plurality of room keys C1 (card keys). For example, when the number of room keys C1 in the storage unit 242 decreases, the staff replenishes the storage unit 242 with room keys C1.

[0041] The waiting area 244 is disposed in a position adjacent to the insertion / removal section 241 in the passage between the storage section 242 and the insertion / removal section 241. A drive section (not shown) of the room key issuing / collecting section 24 removes one room key C1 from the storage section 242 and transports it to the waiting area 244 (see arrow A1 in FIG. 10) in accordance with an instruction from the control section 21. One room key C1 is set in the waiting area 244.

[0042] The reader / writer 245 is configured with a known reader / writer (e.g., an IC card reader / writer) and is disposed in a position facing (above) the waiting area 244. The position where the reader / writer 245 is disposed is not limited, and may be any position where the reader / writer 245 can read and write the room key set in the waiting area 244. For example, the reader / writer 245 writes key information including the room number, stay date information, etc., to the room key C1 set in the waiting area 244 according to an instruction from the control unit 21. For example, when the control unit 21 obtains the reservation information of the user during the check-in procedure, the control unit 21 instructs the reader / writer 245 to write the key information to the room key C1 based on the reservation information.

[0043] When the check-in process is completed in the check-in procedure, the insertion / removal unit 241 ejects the room key C1 in which the key information is written (see FIG. 13). When the room key C1 is ejected, the restricting unit 246 is moved by the drive unit, so that the room key C1 can be ejected from the insertion / removal unit 241. For example, the restricting unit 246 is configured to be able to rise and fall in the vertical direction, and permits or prohibits passage through a passage connecting the insertion / removal unit 241 and the waiting area 244. For example, when the restricting unit 246 rises (see FIG. 10), the passage is closed, and ejection of the room key C1 and insertion of the room key C2 are not possible. Also, for example, when the restricting unit 246 descends (see FIG. 9), the passage is opened, and ejection of the room key C1 and insertion of the room key C2 are possible. The restricting unit 246 rises and falls according to an instruction from the control unit 21.

[0044] The collection unit 243 collects unused room keys C1 and used room keys C2. For example, when a user inserts the room key C2 into the insertion / removal unit 241 when checking out, the drive unit transports the inserted room key C2 through the waiting area 244 to the collection unit 243 (see FIG. 16). When the room key C2 is inserted into the insertion / removal unit 241, the reader / writer 245 reads the key information of the inserted room key C2 and outputs it to the control unit 21.

[0045] Also, for example, when a room key C1 is set (waiting) in the waiting area 244 when the check-out procedure is possible, the drive unit transports the room key C1 set in the waiting area 244 to the collection unit 243 and also lowers the restriction unit 246 to enable insertion of the room key C2 (see FIG. 14). In this manner, the collection unit 243 stores a used room key C2 (in which key information has been written) for which check-out has been completed, and an unused room key C1 (in which key information has not been written). For example, when a large number of room keys (room keys C1 and C2) have accumulated in the collection unit 243, the staff collects the room keys from the collection unit 243.

[0046] In this way, the room key issuing / collecting unit 24 executes the room key issuing and collecting processes in accordance with instructions (described in detail later) from the control unit 21 during check-in and check-out procedures. Note that the reader / writer 245 may erase the key information of the room key C2 returned by the user after reading the key information. In this case, the room key C2 from which the key information has been erased may be transported by the drive unit to the storage unit 242 and used as a new room key C1.

[0047] The storage unit 22 is a non-volatile storage unit such as an HDD, SSD, or flash memory that stores various information. For example, the storage unit 22 stores a control program such as a check-in / check-out processing program for causing the control unit 21 to execute a check-in / check-out process (see FIG. 18) described later. For example, the check-in / check-out processing program is non-temporarily recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD or DVD, and is read by a reading device (not shown) such as a CD drive or DVD drive electrically connected to the operation terminal 20 and stored in the storage unit 22. The check-in / check-out processing program may be downloaded to the storage unit 22 of the operation terminal 20 via the communication network N1.

[0048] The control unit 21 has control devices such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU is a processor that executes various arithmetic processing. The ROM is a non-volatile storage unit in which control programs such as a BIOS and an OS for causing the CPU to execute various arithmetic processing are stored in advance. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile storage unit that stores various information, and is used as a temporary storage memory (work area) for various processes executed by the CPU. The control unit 21 controls the operation terminal 20 by executing, by the CPU, various control programs stored in advance in the ROM or the storage unit 22.

[0049] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 21 includes various processing units such as a reception processing unit 211, a display processing unit 212, a check-in processing unit 213, a standby processing unit 214, an issuance processing unit 215, a collection processing unit 216, and a check-out processing unit 217. The control unit 21 functions as the various processing units by executing various processes in accordance with the check-in / check-out processing program with the CPU. Some or all of the processing units included in the control unit 21 may be configured with electronic circuits. The check-in / check-out processing program may be a program for causing a plurality of processors to function as the various processing units.

[0050] The reception processing unit 211 receives operations related to check-in and check-out procedures by a user of the accommodation facility. The reception processing unit 211 acquires operation information of an operation performed by the user on the operation display unit 23 of the operation terminal 20.

[0051] For example, when a user presses a "Check-in" button on the menu screen shown in Fig. 11 to start a check-in procedure, the reception processing unit 211 acquires the operation information. The check-in procedure includes operations such as inputting guest information such as a reservation number, name, phone number, and address, a payment operation, an operation of selecting the number of room keys, and an operation of scanning a passport if the user is a foreigner. When a user holds a two-dimensional code displayed on a user terminal (such as a smartphone) over the reading unit 25 (see Fig. 6) during the check-in procedure (see Fig. 12), the reception processing unit 211 may acquire the guest information contained in the read two-dimensional code. With this configuration, the user does not need to manually input the guest information on the operation screen.

[0052] Also, for example, when a user presses the "Check Out" button on the menu screen D1 shown in Fig. 11 to start the check-out procedure, the reception processing unit 211 acquires the operation information. The check-out procedure includes an operation to return the room key C2, a payment operation (e.g., additional payment), a refund operation, an operation to scan a passport, and the like. For example, the reception processing unit 211 accepts an operation to return the room key C2 of a guest room from the user at the operation terminal 20. The payment and refund processing may be handled at the front desk. For example, if additional payment is required, the control unit 21 may display a message directing the user to the front desk.

[0053] The display processing unit 212 displays various types of information on the operation display unit 23. For example, the display processing unit 212 sequentially displays operation screens, guide screens, and the like related to check-in procedures and check-out procedures on the operation display unit 23. In addition, the display processing unit 212 can display various other messages on the operation display unit 23.

[0054] The check-in processing unit 213 authenticates the user based on the information input during the check-in procedure. For example, the check-in processing unit 213 refers to the reservation information 121 (see FIG. 3) stored in the management device 10, and authenticates the user and permits accommodation if the information input by the user matches the reservation information 121. The check-in processing unit 213 may also authenticate the user and permit accommodation if the passport image scanned by the reading unit 25 matches the face image of the user captured by the camera 27.

[0055] Furthermore, the check-in processing unit 213 performs payment of the accommodation fee when the information required for the user's check-in (guest information, personal information, etc.) has been acquired and the user has been successfully authenticated. For example, when the user inserts a credit card into the card insertion section of the operation terminal 20, the check-in processing unit 213 performs payment processing by sending a payment request to the payment server of the payment service provider used by the user. The payment processing may be included in the check-out procedure. Furthermore, the operation terminal 20 may not have a payment function. For example, if the user is able to make payment using the user terminal, the user can perform check-in and check-out procedures using an operation terminal 20 that does not have a payment function.

[0056] The standby processing unit 214 causes the room key C1 stored in the storage unit 242 of the room key issuing / collecting unit 24 to wait in the waiting area 244. Specifically, when the operation terminal 20 becomes capable of accepting a check-in procedure from a user, the standby processing unit 214 transports the room key C1 stored in the storage unit 242 to the waiting area 244 and causes the room key C1 to wait. For example, when a preset time (check-in procedure acceptance start time) arrives, the standby processing unit 214 causes the room key C1 stored in the storage unit 242 to wait in the waiting area 244. For example, when the time to start accepting check-in procedures at an accommodation facility is preset (for example, set to 15:00), when the current time reaches the set time (15:00), the standby processing unit 214 outputs an instruction to a drive unit of the room key issuing / collecting unit 24 to take out one room key C1 from the storage unit 242 and transport it to the waiting area 244. As a result, one room key C1 is set in the waiting area 244, as shown in FIG.

[0057] Furthermore, when the operation terminal 20 becomes capable of accepting a check-in procedure from a user (for example, when a preset time (15:00) arrives), the standby processing unit 214 raises the restricting unit 246 to restrict passage through the passage between the insertion / removal unit 241 and the standby area 244 (see FIG. 10). This makes it impossible to insert the room key C2 into the insertion / removal unit 241 (inside the operation terminal 20) from outside.

[0058] In addition, when the room key C1 is set in the waiting area 244 and the restricting unit 246 is raised, the check-in processing unit 213 may display the "Check-in" button on the menu screen D1 (see FIG. 11) as selectable and the "Check-out" button as unselectable.

[0059] The issuance processing unit 215 ejects (issues) the room key C1 waiting in the waiting area 244 from the insertion / removal unit 241 based on the check-in procedure of the user. Specifically, when the check-in procedure of the user is completed (accommodation is permitted), the issuance processing unit 215 outputs a write instruction to the reader / writer 245 to write key information including the room number, stay date information, etc., to the room key C1 waiting in the waiting area 244, and writes the key information to the room key C1. Then, when writing of the key information to the room key C1 is completed, the issuance processing unit 215 lowers the restricting unit 246 to open the passage between the insertion / removal unit 241 and the waiting area 244, and ejects the room key C1 with the key information written therein from the insertion / removal unit 241. The issuance processing unit 215 is an example of an ejection processing unit of the present invention.

[0060] For example, when a user P1 visits the accommodation facility after the check-in procedure reception start time (15:00) and performs the check-in procedure on the operation terminal 20 (see FIG. 12), and the check-in processing unit 213 authenticates the user P1 and permits the user to stay, the issuance processing unit 215 writes the key information corresponding to the user P1 (room number "201", check-in date "January 10, 2023", check-out date "January 11, 2023", etc.) in the room key C1 waiting in the waiting area 244, lowers the restricting unit 246, and transports the room key C1 with the key information written therein from the waiting area 244 to the insertion / removal unit 241 and ejects it from the insertion / removal unit 241 to the outside (see FIG. 13). The user P1 receives the room key C1 ejected from the insertion / removal unit 241 to complete the check-in procedure. When the check-in procedure of the user P1 is completed, the check-in processing unit 213 registers "check-in completed" as the check-in status of the room number "201" in the check-in information 122 (see FIG. 4).

[0061] When the room key C1 ejected from the insertion / removal unit 241 is removed by the user, if the operation terminal 20 is in a state where it is possible to accept the check-in procedure of the user, the standby processing unit 214 again raises the restricting unit 246 to restrict passage through the passage between the insertion / removal unit 241 and the standby area 244, and removes one room key C1 from the storage unit 242 and sets it in the standby area 244. The control unit 21 then waits until it accepts the check-in procedure of the next user.

[0062] In this way, the control unit 21 sets the room key C1 in the waiting area 244 before the user starts the check-in procedure, so that the room key C1 can be issued quickly after the user starts the check-in procedure. This can shorten the operation time of the user's check-in procedure, thereby improving convenience. The control unit 21 may omit displaying the menu screen D1 (see FIG. 11) and display the check-in screen D2 (see FIG. 12) as the top screen. For example, the control unit 21 may display the check-in screen D2 when detecting a user in front of the operation terminal 20. According to this configuration, the user can start the check-in procedure without pressing the "check-in" button on the menu screen D1, so that the operation time of the user's check-in procedure can be further shortened.

[0063] The timing of issuing the room key during the check-in procedure is not limited, and the room key may be issued at any time during the check-in procedure. In addition, when multiple people are using one room as a group, the control unit 21 may issue multiple room keys in response to a selection operation by the user.

[0064] Incidentally, when the room key C1 is set in the waiting area 244 (see FIG. 10), a user attempting to check out cannot insert the room key C2 into the insertion / removal section 241. For example, if the room key C1 is set in the waiting area 244 when a user attempts to return the room key C2 to the operation terminal 20 upon checking out, the user cannot insert the room key C2 into the insertion / removal section 241 and cannot perform the check-out procedure.

[0065] In this regard, the operation terminal 20 according to the present embodiment has the following configuration, thereby enabling collection of the room key C2 and check-out procedures.

[0066] Specifically, when the user is ready to check out, the collection processing unit 216 evacuates the room key C1 waiting in the waiting area 244 to the collection unit 243, and enables the collection of the room key C2 inserted by the user into the insertion / removal unit 241. Specifically, when a preset time arrives, the collection processing unit 216 evacuates the room key C1 waiting in the waiting area 244 to the collection unit 243, and enables the collection of the room key C2 inserted by the user into the insertion / removal unit 241.

[0067] For example, in the case where the time to start accepting check-out procedures at an accommodation facility is preset (e.g., set to 5:00), when the current time reaches the set time (check-out procedure acceptance start time), the collection processor 216 outputs an instruction to the drive unit of the room key issuing and collecting unit 24 to transport the room key C1 set in the waiting area 244 to the collection unit 243 (see arrow A2 in FIG. 14). In addition, when the collection processor 216 moves the room key C1 to the collection unit 243, it lowers the restricting unit 246 to open the passage between the insertion / removal unit 241 and the waiting area 244 (see FIG. 14). This allows the user to insert the room key C2 into the insertion / removal unit 241.

[0068] Furthermore, when the current time reaches the set time (5:00), the check-out processing unit 217 displays the "Check-out" button on the menu screen D1 (see FIG. 11) as selectable and the "Check-in" button as unselectable. Note that, when the room key C1 in the waiting area 244 is moved to the collection unit 243 and the restriction unit 246 is lowered, the check-out processing unit 217 may display the "Check-out" button on the menu screen D1 as selectable and the "Check-in" button as unselectable.

[0069] The check-out processing unit 217 executes the check-out process by accepting the user's operation for the check-out procedure. For example, when the user P4 presses the "Check-out" button on the menu screen D1 of the operation terminal 20 after the check-out procedure acceptance start time (5:00), the display processing unit 212 displays the check-out screen D3 (see FIG. 15). The user P4 inserts the room key C2 into the insertion / removal unit 241 in accordance with the check-out screen D3 (see FIG. 16).

[0070] The room key C2 inserted into the insertion / removal unit 241 is transported to the waiting area 244, where the key information (room number, stay date information, etc.) is read by the reader / writer 245. The collection processing unit 216 transports the room key C2 inserted into the insertion / removal unit 241 and transported to the waiting area 244 to the collection unit 243 (see arrow A2 in FIG. 16). In this way, when the room key C2 is inserted into the insertion / removal unit 241 by the user, the collection processing unit 216 transports the room key C2 through the waiting area 244 to the collection unit 243.

[0071] The check-out processing unit 217 checks whether or not payment is required based on the key information of the room key C2 read by the reader / writer 245. If payment is required, the check-out processing unit 217 performs the payment process (or guides the user to the front desk) and completes the check-out process. When the check-out processing unit 217 completes the check-out process for user P4, it registers "check-out completed" as the check-out status for room number "301" in the check-out information 123 (see FIG. 5).

[0072] When the control unit 21 registers "check-out completed" for the room number "301," the control unit 21 may issue a cleaning instruction for the room number "301." This allows the cleaning work to be carried out quickly for the room where the check-out has been completed.

[0073] When the check-out procedure of the user P4 is completed and the user P4 leaves the operation terminal 20, the control unit 21 displays the menu screen D1 (see FIG. 11) and waits until the check-out procedure of the next user is accepted.

[0074] In this way, when the preset time (check-out procedure acceptance start time) arrives and the check-out procedure is possible, the control unit 21 retreats the room key C1 set in the waiting area 244 from the waiting area 244 to the collection unit 243, and enables the insertion of the room key C2 into the insertion / removal unit 241. Furthermore, when the state changes from one in which the check-out procedure is possible to one in which the check-in procedure is possible, the control unit 21 removes the room key C1 from the storage unit 242 and sets it again in the waiting area 244 (see FIG. 17).

[0075] If multiple room keys C2 are registered as issuance information for the room keys C2 in the key information read from the room key C2, the control unit 21 may display a message urging the return of all the room keys C2. For example, if multiple room keys C2 have been issued to a group of guests staying at the same accommodation, inserting all the room keys C2 into the insertion / removal unit 241 makes it possible to reliably collect the room keys C2.

[0076] In another embodiment, when the status of the check-in procedure on the day satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit 21 may determine that the check-out procedure is possible, and may evacuate the room key C1 set in the waiting area 244 from the waiting area 244 to the collection unit 243, and enable the insertion of the room key C2 into the insertion / removal unit 241. Specifically, when all check-in procedures on the day are completed, for example, when all guests staying on "January 10, 2023" have completed the check-in procedure, the collection processing unit 216 evacuates the room key C1 set in the waiting area 244 from the waiting area 244 to the collection unit 243, and enables the insertion of the room key C2 into the insertion / removal unit 241. In this way, by enabling the check-out procedure when the check-in procedure is no longer scheduled, the timing at which the check-out procedure is possible can be accelerated.

[0077] In another embodiment, when the collection processing unit 216 receives an instruction for a check-out procedure from a user, the collection processing unit 216 may withdraw the room key C1 set in the waiting area 244 from the waiting area 244 to the collection unit 243, and enable the insertion of the room key C2 into the insertion / removal unit 241. For example, when the user presses the "Check-out" button on the menu screen D1 (see FIG. 11) to start the check-out procedure, the collection processing unit 216 may withdraw the room key C1 set in the waiting area 244 from the waiting area 244 to the collection unit 243, and enable the insertion of the room key C2 into the insertion / removal unit 241. In this way, the room key C1 may be normally set in the waiting area 244 to enable the acceptance of the check-in procedure at all times, and when an instruction to start the check-out procedure is received from the user, the room key C1 in the waiting area 244 may be withdrawn to enable the acceptance of the check-out procedure. This can improve the convenience of the check-in procedure. In this case, each time one check-out procedure is completed, the control unit 21 removes the room key C1 from the storage unit 242 and sets it in the waiting area 244, thereby maintaining a state in which the check-in procedure can be accepted.

[0078] In another embodiment, when the user inserts the room key C2 into the insertion / removal section 241, the collection processing section 216 may evacuate the room key C1 set in the waiting area 244 from the waiting area 244 to the collection section 243 to enable the room key C2 to be inserted into the insertion / removal section 241. For example, when the user inserts the room key C2 into the insertion / removal section 241, the collection processing section 216 may evacuate the room key C1 set in the waiting area 244 from the waiting area 244 to the collection section 243 to enable the room key C2 to be transported to the waiting area 244. For example, when the collection processing section 216 detects that the room key C2 has been inserted into the insertion / removal section 241 or detects that the room key C2 inserted into the insertion / removal section 241 has come into contact with the restriction section 246, the collection processing section 216 evacuates the room key C1 set in the waiting area 244 from the waiting area 244 to the collection section 243 to enable the room key C2 to be collected (check-out procedure). In this configuration, the user can start the check-out procedure by simply inserting the room key C1 without pressing the "check-out" button, so the operation terminal 20 does not need to display the menu screen D1. For example, the control unit 21 may display the check-in screen D2 (see FIG. 12) when it detects a user in front of the operation terminal 20, and execute the above-mentioned collection process when the user inserts the room key C2 into the insertion / removal unit 241.

[0079] In another embodiment, the control unit 21 may determine that check-in procedures are possible when all check-out procedures for the day have been completed, for example, when check-out procedures for all guests staying on "January 11, 2023" have been completed, and may remove the room key C1 from the storage unit 242 and set it in the waiting area 244, making it possible to accept check-in procedures for guests planning to stay on "January 11, 2023."

[0080] As described above, the control unit 21 controls the operation of the room key issuing / collecting unit 24 to execute the check-in process and the check-out process. In addition, the multiple operation terminals 20 can execute the check-in process and the check-out process in parallel while communicating with the management device 10.

[0081] The operation terminal 20 according to the present invention may have a configuration in which the above-described embodiments are appropriately combined.

[0082] [Check-in / Check-out process] An example of the check-in / check-out processing executed in the facility management system 100 will be described below with reference to Fig. 18. The check-in / check-out processing is executed by the control unit 21 of the operation terminal 20. For example, the control unit 21 starts execution of the check-in / check-out processing program each time a user performs an operation on the operation terminal 20 to start the check-in procedure or the check-out procedure, thereby starting execution of the check-in / check-out processing. The check-in / check-in processing may be terminated midway in response to a predetermined operation on the operation terminal 20. The present invention can be understood as an invention of a check-in / check-out method (an example of the facility management method of the present invention) that executes one or more steps included in the check-in / check-out processing.

[0083] Also, one or more steps included in the check-in / check-out process described here may be omitted as appropriate. Also, the steps in the check-in / check-out process may be executed in a different order as long as the same operational effect is achieved. Furthermore, although an example is described here in which one processor corresponding to the control unit 21 executes each step in the check-in / check-out process, in another embodiment, the steps in the check-in / check-out process may be executed in a distributed manner by multiple processors.

[0084] First, in step S1, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the check-in procedure is possible. For example, when the time at which the accommodation facility starts accepting check-in procedures is set in advance (for example, set to 15:00), the control unit 21 determines whether or not the current time has passed the set time (the time at which check-in procedures start to be accepted). When the current time has passed the set time, the control unit 21 determines that the check-in procedure is possible (S1: Yes) and shifts the process to step S2. On the other hand, when the current time has not passed the set time, the control unit 21 determines that the check-in procedure is not possible (S1: No) and shifts the process to step S11.

[0085] As another embodiment, the control unit 21 may determine that the check-in procedure is possible when all check-in procedures for the day have not been completed. Also, as another embodiment, the control unit 21 may determine that the check-in procedure is possible when no instruction for the check-out procedure is received from the user. Also, as another embodiment, the control unit 21 may determine that the check-in procedure is possible when the room key C2 has not been inserted into the insertion / removal unit 241 by the user.

[0086] In another embodiment, the set time (check-in procedure acceptance start time) may be set based on the reservation information 121 (see FIG. 3). For example, when the scheduled check-out time of each guest (reservation holder) is registered, the control unit 21 sets the check-in procedure acceptance start time (for example, a time after the latest scheduled check-out time) based on each scheduled check-out time.

[0087] In step S2, the control unit 21 determines whether the room key C1 is waiting (set) in the waiting area 244. If the room key C1 is set in the waiting area 244 (S2: Yes), the control unit 21 shifts the process to step S4, and if the room key C1 is not set in the waiting area 244 (S2: No), the control unit 21 shifts the process to step S3.

[0088] In step S3, the control unit 21 sets the room key C1 in the waiting area 244. For example, the control unit 21 outputs an instruction to a drive unit of the room key issuing and collecting unit 24 to take out one room key C1 from the storage unit 242 and transport it to the waiting area 244, and sets one room key C1 in the waiting area 244 (see FIG. 10). The control unit 21 also raises the restricting unit 246 to restrict passage through the passage between the insertion / removal unit 241 and the waiting area 244 (see FIG. 10). When the room key C1 is set in the waiting area 244, the control unit 21 permits the reception of the check-in procedure from the user.

[0089] Next, in step S4, the control unit 21 determines whether or not an operation to start the check-in procedure has been accepted from the user. For example, when the user presses the "Check-in" button on the menu screen D1 (see FIG. 11) of the operation terminal 20, the control unit 21 determines that an operation to start the check-in procedure has been accepted (S4: Yes), and shifts the process to step S5. If the control unit 21 does not accept an operation to start the check-in procedure from the user (S4: No), it shifts the process to step S1.

[0090] In step S5, the control unit 21 executes check-in processing. For example, the control unit 21 displays a check-in screen D2 (see FIG. 12) and prompts the user to hold the two-dimensional code (a two-dimensional code including lodger information) displayed on the user terminal over the reading unit 25 (see FIG. 12). When the user holds the two-dimensional code of the user terminal over the reading unit 25, the control unit 21 acquires the lodger information read from the two-dimensional code and compares it with the reservation information registered in the reservation information 121 (see FIG. 3) stored in the management device 10. If the reservation information matches, the control unit 21 authenticates the user and permits the user to stay (check in). Note that the control unit 21 may guide the user to the front desk if the reservation information does not match.

[0091] Next, in step S6, the control unit 21 issues the room key C1. For example, the control unit 21 writes key information, including the room number of the user permitted to check in and information on the dates of stay, to the room key C1 set in the waiting area 244. Then, the control unit 21 lowers the restricting unit 246, which is in the raised position, to open the passage between the insertion / removal unit 241 and the waiting area 244, and ejects the room key C1 with the key information written thereon from the insertion / removal unit 241 (see FIG. 13). After step S6, the control unit 21 shifts the process to step S1.

[0092] If the control unit 21 determines in step S1 that the check-in procedure is not available (S1: No), then in step S11 it determines whether the check-out procedure is available. For example, if the time at which the check-out procedure acceptance starts is set in advance (for example, set to 5:00) at the accommodation facility, the control unit 21 determines whether the current time is past the set time (check-out procedure acceptance start time). If the current time is past the set time, the control unit 21 determines that the check-out procedure is available (S11: Yes) and shifts the process to step S12. On the other hand, if the current time is not past the set time, the control unit 21 determines that the check-out procedure is not available (S11: No) and shifts the process to step S1.

[0093] As another embodiment, the control unit 21 may determine that the check-out procedure is possible when all check-in procedures for the day have been completed. As another embodiment, the control unit 21 may determine that the check-out procedure is possible when an instruction for the check-out procedure is received from a user. As another embodiment, the control unit 21 may determine that the check-out procedure is possible when the user inserts the room key C2 into the insertion / removal unit 241.

[0094] In another embodiment, the set time (check-out procedure acceptance start time) may be set based on the reservation information 121 (see FIG. 3). For example, when the scheduled check-in time of each guest (reservation holder) is registered, the control unit 21 sets the check-out procedure acceptance start time (for example, a time after the latest scheduled check-in time) based on each scheduled check-in time.

[0095] In this way, the control unit 21 may set and change the set times (check-in procedure acceptance start time, check-out procedure acceptance start time) based on the check-in status, check-out status, reservation information, etc. In another embodiment, the control unit 21 may set and change the set times based on calendar information (season, month, etc.), event information (information on events held around the accommodation facility, etc.), environmental information (weather, etc.), etc.

[0096] In step S12, the control unit 21 determines whether the room key C1 is waiting (set) in the waiting area 244. If the room key C1 is set in the waiting area 244 (S12: Yes), the control unit 21 shifts the process to step S13, and if the room key C1 is not set in the waiting area 244 (S12: No), the control unit 21 shifts the process to step S14.

[0097] In step S13, the control unit 21 transports the room key C1 set in the waiting area 244 from the waiting area 244 to the collection unit 243 (see FIG. 14). In this way, when the control unit 21 becomes able to accept the check-out procedure, it moves the room key C1 in the waiting area 244 to empty the waiting area 244. In addition, the control unit 21 lowers the restriction unit 246, which is in the raised position, to open the passage between the insertion / removal unit 241 and the waiting area 244 (see FIG. 14).

[0098] Next, in step S14, the control unit 21 determines whether or not an operation to start the check-out procedure has been accepted from the user. For example, when the user presses the "Check-out" button on the menu screen D1 (see FIG. 11) of the operation terminal 20, the control unit 21 determines that an operation to start the check-out procedure has been accepted (S14: Yes) and shifts the process to step S15. If the control unit 21 does not accept an operation to start the check-out procedure from the user (S14: No), it shifts the process to step S1.

[0099] In step S15, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the room key C2 has been acquired from the user. For example, when the user inserts the room key C2 into the insertion / removal unit 241 and the reader / writer 245 detects the room key C2, the control unit 21 determines that the room key C2 has been acquired. When the control unit 21 determines that the room key C2 has been acquired from the user (S15: Yes), it shifts the process to step S16. On the other hand, when the control unit 21 does not acquire the room key C2 from the user (S15: No), it shifts the process to step S14.

[0100] In step S16, the control unit 21 executes the checkout process. For example, the control unit 21 checks whether or not payment is required based on the key information read by the reader / writer 245. If payment is required, the control unit 21 performs the payment process (or guides the user to the front desk) and completes the checkout process.

[0101] Next, in step S17, the control unit 21 transports the room key C2, which has been inserted into the insertion / removal unit 241 and transported to the waiting area 244, to the collection unit 243 (see arrow A2 in FIG. 16). Note that, if the control unit 21 determines in the processing of step S16 that the room key C2 is not a check-out target, it may eject the room key C2 inserted into the insertion / removal unit 241.

[0102] When the check-out process is completed and the room key C2 is collected, the control unit 21 registers "check-out completed" as the check-out status of the room number in the check-out information 123 (see FIG. 5). After step S17, the control unit 21 shifts the process to step S1.

[0103] If the check-in procedure is not accepted from the user when the check-in procedure is available (S4: No) and then the check-out procedure becomes available (S11: Yes), the control unit 21 transports the room key C1 set in the waiting area 244 from the waiting area 244 to the collection unit 243 (S13). If the check-out procedure is not accepted from the user when the check-out procedure is available (S14: No) and then the check-in procedure becomes available (S1: Yes), the control unit 21 sets the room key C1 in the waiting area 244 (S3) (see FIG. 17). The control unit 21 switches between the check-in process and the check-out process based on the check-in procedure acceptance start time and the check-out procedure acceptance start time. In this manner, the control unit 21 executes the check-in / check-out process.

[0104] As described above, the facility management system 100 according to this embodiment has an operation terminal 20 equipped with a storage unit 242 capable of storing a usage key (room key) for an object of use (e.g., a guest room, a room), an insertion / removal unit 241 capable of ejecting and inserting the room key, and a waiting area 244 provided between the storage unit 242 and the insertion / removal unit 241. The operation terminal 20 causes the room key stored in the storage unit 242 to wait in the waiting area 244, and ejects the room key waiting in the waiting area 244 from the insertion / removal unit 241 based on the check-in procedure of the user for the object of use. In addition, when the facility management system 100 becomes available for the user's check-out procedure, it evacuates the room key waiting in the waiting area 244 to a recovery unit 243 (evacuation area) in the operation terminal 20, thereby enabling the room key inserted into the insertion / removal unit 241 by the user to be collected.

[0105] The operation terminal 20 also includes a storage unit 242 capable of storing a room key, an insertion / removal unit 241 capable of ejecting and inserting the room key, a waiting area 244 provided between the storage unit 242 and the insertion / removal unit 241, for allowing a first room key stored in the storage unit 242 to wait so as to be ejected from the insertion / removal unit 241 when check-in is possible, and a recovery unit 243 for evacuating the first usage key waiting in the waiting area 244 and enabling the recovery of a second usage key inserted by a user into the insertion / removal unit 241 when check-out is possible. The operation terminal 20 may not include some or all of the above processing units of the control unit 21. For example, the operation terminal 20 may execute the check-in / check-out process in accordance with a command output from a management device 10 including a standby processing unit 214, an issue processing unit 215, a recovery processing unit 216, and a check-out processing unit 217.

[0106] According to the above configuration, since the room key C1 is set in the waiting area 244, for example, during check-in procedures, the room key C1 can be issued quickly. When the check-out procedure becomes possible, the room key C1 set in the waiting area 244 is retreated to the collection unit 243, so that the room key C2 corresponding to the check-out procedure can be inserted into the insertion / removal unit 241. This allows the check-out procedure to be performed while the room key C2 is being collected.

[0107] Furthermore, facility management system 100 may cause room key C1 stored in storage unit 242 to wait in waiting area 244 when operation terminal 20 becomes capable of accepting a user's check-in procedure.

[0108] Furthermore, when a preset time (e.g., the time when the check-in procedure acceptance starts) arrives, the facility management system 100 may cause the room key C1 stored in the storage unit 242 to wait in the waiting area 244. This allows the facility management system 100 to quickly make the room key C1 available for the acceptance of the check-in procedure.

[0109] Furthermore, when the check-in procedure of the user is completed, facility management system 100 may eject room key C1 waiting in waiting area 244 from insertion / removal unit 241. This allows the user to quickly receive room key C1 at the time when the check-in procedure is completed.

[0110] The facility management system 100 may also update the management information of the guest room based on the information of the collected room key C2. For example, the facility management system 100 updates the cleaning information of the target guest room to a cleaning available state or updates the reservation information of the target guest room to a vacant state based on the key information of the room key C2 inserted during the check-out procedure. This makes it easier to manage each guest room.

[0111] Furthermore, when a preset time (check-out procedure acceptance start time) arrives, facility management system 100 may evacuate room key C1 waiting in waiting area 244 to collection unit 243 and enable collection of room key C2 inserted by the user into insertion / removal unit 241. This allows the facility management system to quickly become ready to accept check-out procedures.

[0112] Furthermore, when the status of the check-in procedure for that day satisfies a predetermined condition, facility management system 100 may evacuate room key C1 waiting in waiting area 244 to collection unit 243, and enable collection of room key C2 to be inserted by the user into insertion / removal unit 241. For example, when all check-in procedures for that day are completed, facility management system 100 evacuates room key C1 set in waiting area 244 from waiting area 244 to collection unit 243, and enables insertion of room key C2 into insertion / removal unit 241. This can advance the time at which check-out procedures become possible.

[0113] Furthermore, when facility management system 100 receives an instruction from a user to perform a check-out procedure, it may retreat room key C1 waiting in waiting area 244 to collection unit 243, and enable collection of room key C2 to be inserted by the user into insertion / removal unit 241. This can improve the convenience of the check-in procedure.

[0114] In addition, when a user inserts a room key C2 into the insertion / removal section 241, the facility management system 100 may evacuate the room key C1 waiting in the waiting area 244 to the collection section 243, thereby enabling the collection of the room key C2.

[0115] Furthermore, when the user inserts the room key C2 into the insertion / removal section 241, the facility management system 100 may transport the room key C2 to the collection section 243 through the waiting area 244. That is, in this embodiment, the waiting area 244 serves both as an ejection passage when issuing (ejecting) the room key C1 and as a collection passage when collecting the room key C2, and when ejecting the room key C1, the room key C1 passes through the waiting area 244 in the ejection direction, and when collecting the room key C2, the room key C2 passes through the waiting area 244 in the opposite direction to the ejection direction. Furthermore, the insertion / removal section 241 is configured with a single opening that serves as an ejection port for ejecting the room key C1 and an insertion port for inserting the room key C2. In this way, by sharing the ejection structure of the room key C1 and the collection structure of the room key C2, the operation terminal 20 can be made smaller.

[0116] In another embodiment, the insertion / removal unit 241 may be divided into an ejection port for ejecting the room key C1 and an insertion port for inserting the room key C2, and may be configured with two openings corresponding to the ejection port and the insertion port. In this case, the room key C1 may pass through the waiting area 244 and be ejected from the ejection port (first opening), and the room key C2 inserted into the second opening may pass through the waiting area 244 and be transported to the collection unit 243.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the control unit 21 retreats (transports) the room key C1 set in the waiting area 244 to the collection unit 243. However, in another embodiment, the control unit 21 may retreat the room key C1 set in the waiting area 244 to the storage unit 242. That is, the control unit 21 may return the room key C1 set in the waiting area 244 to its original position in the storage unit 242. In another embodiment, the control unit 21 may retreat the room key C1 set in the waiting area 244 to a temporary retreat unit provided in the periphery of the waiting area 244. In this case, the control unit 21 may set the room key C1 retreated to the temporary retreat unit back to the waiting area 244 when check-in becomes possible.

[0118] The guest room (room) of the accommodation facility according to this embodiment is an example of a target of use of the present invention. The target of use of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the target of use of the present invention may be a private room or table in a restaurant, or may be equipment in an entertainment facility. Also, the room key (card key) according to this embodiment is an example of a usage key of the present invention.

[0119] In addition, as another embodiment of the present invention, one or more of the processing units (reception processing unit 211, display processing unit 212, check-in processing unit 213, waiting processing unit 214, issuance processing unit 215, collection processing unit 216, check-out processing unit 217) included in the control unit 21 of the operation terminal 20 may be included in the control unit 11 of the management device 10.

[0120] Furthermore, the facility management system according to the present invention may have a configuration in which the above-described embodiments are combined.

[0121] Furthermore, the facility management system of the present invention may be configured with the management device 10 and the operation terminal 20, or may be configured with either the management device 10 or the operation terminal 20 alone.

[0122] [Notes on the invention] The following will provide an overview of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiment. Note that the configurations and processing functions described in the following supplementary notes can be selected and combined as desired.

[0123] <Appendix 1> an operation terminal including a storage unit capable of storing a usage key to be used, an insertion / removal unit capable of inserting and ejecting the usage key, and a waiting area provided between the storage unit and the insertion / removal unit, the operation terminal comprising: a waiting processing unit that causes the usage key stored in the storage unit to wait in the waiting area; an ejection processing unit that ejects the usage key waiting in the waiting area from the insertion / ejection unit based on a check-in procedure of a user for the usage object; a recovery processing unit that, when a check-out procedure for the usage object by the user becomes possible, saves the usage key that is waiting in the waiting area to a save area in the operation terminal, and enables the recovery of the usage key that is inserted into the insertion / removal unit by the user; A facility management system equipped with:

[0124] <Appendix 2> the standby processing unit causes the usage key stored in the storage unit to wait in the standby area when the operation terminal becomes capable of accepting a check-in procedure of the user for the usage object. 6. A facility management system as described in Appendix 1.

[0125] <Appendix 3> the standby processing unit causes the usage key stored in the storage unit to wait in the standby area when a preset time arrives. 2. A facility management system as described in Appendix 2.

[0126] <Appendix 4> the ejection processing unit ejects the usage key waiting in the waiting area from the insertion / ejection unit when the check-in procedure of the user is completed. 4. A facility management system according to any one of appendix 1 to 3.

[0127] <Appendix 5> updating management information of the usage object based on information of the usage key collected by the collection processing unit; 5. A facility management system according to any one of appendix 1 to 4.

[0128] <Appendix 6> the recovery processing unit, when a preset time arrives, recovers the usage key waiting in the waiting area to the recovery area, thereby enabling recovery of the usage key inserted into the insertion / removal unit by the user. 6. A facility management system according to any one of appendix 1 to 5.

[0129] <Appendix 7> the recovery processing unit, when the status of the check-in procedure on the day satisfies a predetermined condition, retreats the usage key waiting in the waiting area to the retreat area, and enables the recovery of the usage key inserted into the insertion / removal unit by the user. 7. A facility management system according to any one of appendix 1 to 6.

[0130] <Appendix 8> the recovery processing unit, when receiving an instruction for a check-out procedure from the user, retreats the usage key waiting in the standby area to the retreat area, and enables the recovery of the usage key inserted into the insertion / removal unit from the user. 8. A facility management system according to any one of appendix 1 to 7.

[0131] <Appendix 9> the recovery processing unit, when the user inserts the usage key into the insertion / removal unit, retreats the usage key waiting in the standby area to the retreat area, thereby enabling the usage key to be recovered. 9. A facility management system according to any one of appendix 1 to 8.

[0132] <Appendix 10> when the user inserts the usage key into the insertion / removal section, the collection processing section transports the usage key through the waiting area to the evacuation area. 10. A facility management system according to any one of appendix 1 to 9.

[0133] <Appendix 11> The target of use is a guest room of an accommodation facility, The usage key is a room key for the guest room. 11. A facility management system according to any one of appendix 1 to 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 100: Facility Management System 10: Management device 11: Control section 12: Storage section 13: Operation display section 111: Reservation processing unit 112: Management department 121: Reservation information 122: Check-in information 123: Check-out information 20: Operation terminal 21: Control section 22: Storage section 23: Operation display section 24: Room Key Issuance and Collection Department 25: Reading unit 211: Reception department 212: Display processing unit 213: Check-in processing unit 214: Waiting processing unit 215: Issuance processing unit 216: Collection and Processing Department 217: Checkout processing unit 241: Insertion / removal part 242: Storage unit 243: Recovery Department 244 :Standby area 245: Reader / writer 246: Regulatory Department C1: Room key C2: Room key D1: Menu screen D2: Check-in screen D3: Checkout screen

Claims

1. An operation terminal that accepts check-in and check-out procedures from a user, a storage unit capable of storing the usage key to be used; a waiting area in which the utilization key taken out from the storage unit is kept waiting; a writing unit that writes key information corresponding to the user to the usage key waiting in the waiting area based on a check-in procedure of the user; an insertion / removal section into which the usage key can be inserted and ejected; an ejection processing unit that ejects the usage key, in which the key information is written, from the insertion / ejection unit based on a check-in procedure of the user; a recovery processing unit that recovers the usage key inserted into the insertion / removal unit from the user based on a check-out procedure of the user; An operation terminal comprising:

2. before accepting a check-in procedure from the user, the usage key is removed from the storage unit and made to wait in the waiting area; The operation terminal according to claim 1.

3. The waiting area is disposed between the storage section and the insertion / removal section. The operation terminal according to claim 2.

4. The writing unit is disposed at a position facing the waiting area. The operation terminal according to claim 3.

5. When the check-out procedure becomes possible, the usage key waiting in the waiting area is evacuated. The operation terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The insertion / removal section is configured with an ejection port for ejecting the usage key and an insertion port for inserting the usage key. The operation terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. A reading unit for reading the code displayed on the user terminal of the user is further provided, accepting the check-in procedure by acquiring information included in the code read by the reader; The operation terminal does not have a payment function. The operation terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. a restriction unit that is driven to permit or prohibit the passage of the usage key through a passage that connects the waiting area and the insertion / removal unit, the restriction unit prohibits passage of the usage key through the passage when a check-in procedure of the user can be accepted, and permits passage of the usage key through the passage when a check-out procedure of the user can be accepted. The operation terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. A system for accepting check-in and check-out procedures for a target to be used from a user at an operation terminal, The operation terminal includes: a storage unit capable of storing the usage key to be used; a waiting area in which the utilization key taken out from the storage unit is kept waiting; a writing unit that writes key information corresponding to the user to the usage key waiting in the waiting area based on a check-in procedure of the user; an insertion / removal section into which the usage key can be inserted and ejected; Equipped with The system comprises: an ejection processing unit that ejects the usage key, in which the key information is written, from the insertion / ejection unit based on a check-in procedure of the user; a recovery processing unit that recovers the usage key inserted into the insertion / removal unit from the user based on a check-out procedure of the user; A system comprising:

10. An operation terminal that accepts a check-in procedure for a user, a storage unit capable of storing the usage key to be used; a waiting area in which the utilization key taken out from the storage unit is kept waiting; a writing unit that writes key information corresponding to the user to the usage key waiting in the waiting area based on a check-in procedure of the user; an outlet through which the usage key can be ejected; an ejection processing unit that ejects the usage key, on which the key information is written, from the ejection port based on a check-in procedure of the user; An operation terminal comprising:

11. before accepting a check-in procedure from the user, the usage key is removed from the storage unit and made to wait in the waiting area; The operation terminal according to claim 10.

12. The waiting area is disposed between the storage section and the discharge port. The operation terminal according to claim 11.

13. The writing unit is disposed at a position facing the waiting area. The operation terminal according to claim 12.

14. A reading unit for reading the code displayed on the user terminal of the user is further provided, accepting the check-in procedure by acquiring information included in the code read by the reader; The operation terminal does not have a payment function. The operation terminal according to any one of claims 10 to 13.

15. a restriction unit that is driven to permit or prohibit the passage of the usage key through a passage that connects the waiting area and the discharge outlet, the restriction unit prohibits the passage of the usage key through the passage when the check-in procedure of the user can be accepted. The operation terminal according to any one of claims 10 to 13.

16. A system for accepting a check-in procedure for a target to be used from a user at an operation terminal, The operation terminal includes: a storage unit capable of storing the usage key to be used; a waiting area in which the utilization key taken out from the storage unit is kept waiting; a writing unit that writes key information corresponding to the user to the usage key waiting in the waiting area based on a check-in procedure of the user; an outlet through which the usage key can be ejected; Equipped with the system further comprises an ejection processing unit that ejects the usage key, in which the key information is written, from the ejection port based on a check-in procedure of the user. system.

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