Information processing method, information processing device, information processing system, and program

Abstract

To suppress deterioration in quality of a service using a communication line at a reserved place compared with a case where a user cannot know the speed condition of a communication line attached to a reservation candidate place.SOLUTION: An information processing method executed by a processor of an information processing device is provided with: a process of receiving a user's request for the speed of a first communication line when the first communication line is attached to a reservation candidate place; and a process of notifying the user of a result of a request for a speed actual measurement value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing method, an information processing device, an information processing system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, there are places that have communication facilities that can be used by users during reserved times, such as routers, wireless routers, and access points. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-012583 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The bandwidth of these communication facilities meets the communication needs of a typical user. However, deterioration or limitations in the network environment used by the communication facilities can lead to a decline in user satisfaction with the communication. One cause of this decline in satisfaction is a slowdown in the communication line speed.

[0005] The present invention aims to suppress deterioration in the quality of services using the communication line of a reserved location compared to when a user cannot know the speed status of the communication line attached to the reservation candidate location. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is an information processing method executed by a processor of an information processing device, the information processing method including: when a first communication line is attached to a reservation candidate location, accepting a user request for the speed of the first communication line; a process of accepting a reservation for setting a switch to a second communication line different from the first communication line when the communication line is in use; and notifying a user of the result of the request for the actual measured value of the speed. Claim 2 The invention described in claim 2 further includes a setting that specifies the timing for inquiring the user about switching to the second communication line. 1 This is an information processing method described in Claim 3 The invention described in claim 2 further includes notifying the inquiry when the actual measurement value does not satisfy the requirement. 2 This is an information processing method described in Claim 4 The invention described in An information processing method executed by a processor of an information processing device, comprising: when a first communication line is attached to a reservation candidate location, determining a user's request for a speed of the first communication line by: The speed is indirectly and notifying the user of the result of the request for the actual speed measurement value. Claim 5 The invention described in claim 2 further includes the step of: when a specific location is designated from the list of locations used by the user in the past, setting the actual measured value of the speed at the time of the previous use of the specific location as the request. 4 This is an information processing method described in Claim 6 The invention described in the item (1) is a method for detecting a specific speed from a list of the actual speed measurements obtained from a plurality of the locations. place If specified, the specific Location The actual measurement value is set as the request. 4 This is an information processing method described in Claim 7 The invention described in the above provides the request as follows: Work to be done with Claims that accept the use of 4 This is an information processing method described in Claim 8 The invention described in claim 1 further includes accepting, as the request, the number of terminals to be connected to the first communication line at the location. 4 This is an information processing method described in Claim 9 The invention described in the item (1) includes a reservation candidate location to which a first communication line available to a user is attached, and an information processing device that controls communication performed at the location, and a processor of the information processing device determines a user's request for the speed of the first communication line. and a setting reservation for switching to a second communication line different from the first communication line when the first communication line is used. Accepted 、 The information processing system notifies the user of the result of the actual measurement value of the speed in response to the request. The invention described in claim 10 is an information processing system comprising a candidate reservation location that has a first communication line available to the user, and an information processing device that controls communication performed at the location, wherein when the candidate reservation location has a first communication line, the processor of the information processing device accepts the user's request for the speed of the first communication line through selection of an option that indirectly represents the speed, and notifies the user of the result of the request for the actual measured value of the speed. Claim 11 The invention described in the item (1) has a processor, and when a first communication line is attached to a location that is a candidate for reservation, the processor calculates a user's request for the speed of the first communication line. and a setting reservation for switching to a second communication line different from the first communication line when the first communication line is used. Accept hair and notifies the user of the result of the request for the actual measured value of the speed. The invention described in claim 12 is an information processing device having a processor that, when a first communication line is attached to a candidate reservation location, accepts a user's request for the speed of the first communication line through selection of an option that indirectly represents the speed, and notifies the user of the result of the request of the actual measured value of the speed. Claim 13 The invention described in the item (1) includes a function in a computer to receive a user's request for the speed of a first communication line when the first communication line is attached to a reservation candidate location; a function of accepting a reservation for setting a switchover to a second communication line different from the first communication line when in use; and a program for realizing the function of notifying the user of the result of the request for the actual measured value of the speed. The invention described in claim 14 is a program for causing a computer to realize the following functions: when a first communication line is attached to a candidate reservation location, accepting a user's request for the speed of the first communication line through selection of an option that indirectly represents the speed; and notifying the user of the result of the actual measured value of the speed in response to the request. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] Claim 1 According to the described invention, it is possible to provide users with an opportunity to prevent degradation in the quality of services using communication lines. Claim 2 According to the described invention, it is possible to inquire about switching of communication lines according to the user's wishes. Claim 3 According to the described invention, inquiries can be deferred until a change in communication line is required. Claim 4 According to the described invention, the user's work can be simplified. Claim 5 According to the described invention, the required speed can be set based on past experience. Claim 6 According to the described invention, the required speed can be set by referring to a plurality of actual measured values. Claim 7 According to the described invention, a speed according to the application can be set as a requirement for the first communication line. Claim 8 According to the described invention, a speed according to the number of devices to be connected can be set as a request for the first communication line. According to the invention as set forth in claim 9, it is possible to provide a user with an opportunity to prevent a decrease in the quality of services using a communication line. According to the invention as set forth in claim 10, the user's work can be simplified. According to the invention of claim 11, it is possible to provide a user with an opportunity to prevent a decline in the quality of services using a communication line. According to the invention as set forth in claim 12, the user's work can be simplified. According to the invention of claim 13, it is possible to provide a user with an opportunity to prevent a decrease in the quality of services using a communication line. According to the invention as set forth in claim 14, the user's work can be simplified. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a reservation management system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a location assumed in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed when reserving a booth. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of a screen for specifying a desired communication speed by inputting or selecting the desired communication speed. (A) is an example of a screen for inputting the desired communication speed numerically, and (B) is an example of a screen for selecting the desired communication speed from a list. [Figure 6] The following figures show examples of screens that allow users to indirectly specify a desired communication speed based on their usage history and current communication speed. (A) is an example of a screen for selecting a booth that they have used in the past, and (B) is an example of a screen for specifying a desired communication speed based on the current communication speed. [Figure 7] The following figures show examples of screens for indirectly specifying the desired communication speed based on the purpose of use and the number of user terminals. (A) is an example of a screen for inputting the purpose of use, and (B) is an example of a screen for specifying the number of user terminals to be connected to the attached line. [Figure 8]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of screens used to input a user's preference for switching communication lines. (A) is an example of a screen used to receive a request for switching communication lines when there is a possibility that the user's preference will not be met from the reservation stage, and (B) is an example of a screen used to receive a request for switching communication lines when the user's preference will no longer be met after the user has started using the booth. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed after starting use of a booth. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data table that records the usage history of a user line. [Figure 11] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating examples of screens for confirming whether or not to switch communication lines. (A) is an example of a screen that presents the communication speed of the user's line as a factor in making a decision, and (B) is an example of a screen that presents the desired speed as a factor in making a decision. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen used to check a usage history. [Figure 13] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of switching of communication lines without using tethering, where (A) shows the connection relationship before switching and (B) shows the connection relationship after switching. [Figure 14] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of switching communication lines using tethering, where (A) shows the connection relationship before switching and (B) shows the connection relationship after switching. [Figure 15] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of switching to an attached line of an adjacent booth, where (A) shows the connection relationship before switching, and (B) shows the connection relationship after switching. [Figure 16] This figure explains an example in which two users are in one booth, each connecting one user terminal to an associated line. (A) shows the connection relationship before switching, and (B) shows the connection relationship after switching. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed after starting use of a booth. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed after starting use of a booth. [Figure 19]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed after starting use of a booth. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed after starting use of a booth. [Figure 21] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of connecting to an attached line of another booth while maintaining the attached line of the booth currently in use. (A) shows the connection relationship before switching, and (B) shows the connection relationship after switching. [Figure 22] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of connecting to a user line while maintaining the attached line of the booth in use. (A) shows the connection relationship before switching, and (B) shows the connection relationship after switching. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed after starting use of a booth. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed after starting use of a booth. [Figure 25] This figure explains how to switch communication lines when a specific line and a basic line are available in a booth. (A) shows the connection relationship before switching, and (B) shows the connection relationship after switching. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed after starting use of a booth. [Figure 27] This figure explains how to switch communication lines when a specific line and a basic line are available in a booth. (A) shows the connection relationship before switching, and (B) shows the connection relationship after switching. [Figure 28] These are diagrams illustrating other examples of the appearance of a location. (A) and (B) show examples where seats surrounded by simple partitions are available for reservation, while (C) and (D) show examples where seats not surrounded by partitions are available for reservation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <First Embodiment> <System example> 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a reservation management system 1 according to Embodiment 1. The reservation management system 1 is an example of an information processing system. The reservation management system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is made up of a plurality of locations 10 that are the targets of reservations, a server 20 that monitors communication speeds at the locations 10, and a network 30.

[0010] In this embodiment, the place 10 is assumed to be used by a person. The place 10 is a space that the user who made the reservation is permitted to use within the reserved time. In this embodiment, reservations are made in units of, for example, 15 minutes. However, the length of the reserved time does not have to be a multiple of the unit time. When making a reservation, the user specifies the start date and time of use and the end date and time of use, although the user may also reserve use of the location 10 by specifying the start date and time of use and the duration of use. The place 10 may be, for example, a booth, a seat in a shared office, a seat in a restaurant, or a section or entirety of a building. The place 10 may be indoors or outdoors. The place 10 may be permanent or temporary. The place 10 does not have to be a so-called living room, but may be a hallway or passageway.

[0011] The server 20 communicates with a terminal 10A, which is an accessory facility of the location 10, and a terminal used by a user (hereinafter also referred to as a "user terminal") via the network 30, and monitors the communication speed at the location 10. The server 20 is an example of an information processing device. Terminal 10A, which is an attached facility of location 10, is, for example, a router or an access point. In the case of FIG. 1, terminal 10A is assumed to be an access point that wirelessly connects to a user terminal. In this embodiment, the communication line that uses terminal 10A is called an "attached line." The attached line is an example of a first communication line.

[0012] The terminal 10A and the network 30 may be connected via a LAN (=Local Area Network) cable or via a wireless line. In this embodiment, one terminal 10A is provided for the location 10. That is, one terminal 10A is assigned to the user who has reserved the location 10. However, only one terminal 10A that provides communication services associated with the location 10 may be provided for multiple locations 10. For example, one access point may be shared by multiple locations 10. Furthermore, the terminal 10A does not need to be dedicated to the user who has reserved the location 10, and may be an access point or the like that can be used by people located in the space including the location 10.

[0013] The user terminal 40 shown in FIG. 1 is a notebook computer, and the user terminal 50 is a smartphone. 1, a notebook computer is assumed as the user terminal 40, but it may also be a tablet computer or a wearable terminal such as smart glasses or a smart watch. The same applies to the user terminal 50. 1, two user terminals are depicted as being present at location 10, but the number of user terminals may be one, or three or more. However, the number of user terminals connected to the associated line does not necessarily match the number of user terminals present at location 10.

[0014] The network 30 is, for example, a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, the Internet, or a mobile communication system such as 4G or 5G. The network 30 in this embodiment has at least the communication bandwidth necessary for browsing websites and making voice calls. However, the network 30 may also have the communication bandwidth necessary for web conferences or for communicating images with a resolution of 4K (=3840 × 2160) or higher. Generally, the wider the communication bandwidth, the faster the communication speed. However, even if the communication bandwidth is wide, the communication speed may decrease due to changes in the environment on the communication line, communication restrictions due to excessive communication volume, etc.

[0015] In particular, when the communication line is a wireless line, the communication speed may be reduced due to the influence of the surroundings of location 10. For example, if there is an obstruction that impedes the passage of radio waves around location 10, if location 10 is located in a passageway with poor visibility, if construction work is being carried out around location 10, or if there is interference with other radio waves, the actual communication speed may be reduced compared to the communication speed expected from the bandwidth.

[0016] <Example of location> FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the location 10 assumed in the first embodiment. In the case of Figure 2, a booth is assumed as location 10. The booth shown in Figure 2 is a small room surrounded by walls and a ceiling. The booth shown in Figure 2 can be installed after the fact. Adjusters and casters may also be provided on the bottom of the booth to make it movable. 2 has a sliding door, but it may also have a hinged door that opens and closes in an arc. Note that the booth may also be configured without a door in the space where users enter and exit.

[0017] The booth door shown in Fig. 2 is fitted with a key that can be electronically locked and unlocked. If the user is successfully authenticated, the key is unlocked, allowing the user to enter and exit. Also, if the user is successfully authenticated, the lights in the booth are turned on, allowing the user terminal 40 and the like to connect to the terminal 10A. The booth used in this embodiment is equipped with the following equipment: desks, chairs, monitors, lighting, wireless LAN equipment (e.g., terminal 10A), air conditioners, power outlets, motion sensors, authentication modules, fire extinguishing equipment, security cameras, etc.

[0018] <Server configuration example> FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the server 20. As shown in FIG. The server 20 includes a control unit 21, a hard disk drive 22, and a communication module . The control unit 21 includes a processor 211, a ROM 212, and a RAM 213. The processor 211 is configured by, for example, a CPU.

[0019] The processor 211 realizes various functions through the execution of programs. For example, the processor 211 provides a function for monitoring the communication speed via the terminal 10A (see FIG. 1) attached to the booth through the execution of a program. Furthermore, for example, the processor 211 provides a function of instructing the user terminal 40 or the like (see FIG. 1) to switch the communication line used for communication when the user does not satisfy a predetermined request through the execution of a program. For example, the processor 211 instructs the user terminal 40 or the like to switch to a communication line subscribed to by the user. The communication line subscribed to by the user (hereinafter also referred to as "user line") is an example of a second communication line.

[0020] The ROM 212 stores a BIOS (Basic Input Output System) and the like. The RAM 213, which is a main storage device, is used as a work area for programs. The hard disk drive 22 is an auxiliary storage device that stores an operating system, application programs, data relating to booth management (hereinafter referred to as "management data"), etc. The operating system and application programs are examples of programs. In this embodiment, the hard disk drive 22 is used as the auxiliary storage device, but a semiconductor memory may also be used.

[0021] In this embodiment, the hard disk drive 22 stores booth data 221, which is booth management data, user data 222, which is data related to users reserving booths, booth reservation data 223, attached line speed 224, which is a history of the communication speed measured for the attached line of each booth, attached line speed 225, which is the current value of the communication speed measured for the attached line of each booth, user line speed 226, which is the current value of the communication speed measured for the user line, and a resolution-specific bandwidth table 227, which records an estimate of the required bandwidth depending on the image resolution.

[0022] The booth data 221 records, for example, an identifier (=IDentifier) ​​for identifying each booth, the name, location, business hours, installer, manager, type, size, equipment information, and maintenance history. User data 222 includes, for example, an identifier for identifying the user, account, email address, affiliation, whether or not there is a corporate contract, payment information records, payment special terms, payment account, points, past usage history, and whether or not the communication speed for the user's line can be obtained. The reservation data 223 includes, for example, an identifier for identifying the reservation, an identifier for identifying the booth, the start date and time of the reservation, the end date and time of the reservation, an identifier for identifying the user who made the reservation, the user's desired conditions regarding switching of the communication line, the usage amount, and whether or not there is a special agreement.

[0023] For example, the history of communication speeds of the attached lines measured in the past at each booth is recorded in the attached line speed 224. The communication speed record is associated with, for example, an identifier that identifies the booth, an identifier that identifies the user who made the reservation, and the date and time of measurement. The latest communication speed of the attached line measured at each booth is recorded in the attached line speed 225. The communication speed record is associated with, for example, an identifier for identifying the booth, an identifier for identifying the user who made the reservation, and the date and time of measurement. In this embodiment, the history and current value of the communication speed of the attached line are managed separately, but they do not necessarily have to be managed separately.

[0024] The user line speed 226 is recorded as the current value of the communication speed of the user line measured by the user terminal 40 or the like connected to the attached line at the booth, for example. The resolution-specific bandwidth table 227 records, for example, a guide to the required bandwidth associated with the resolution of a moving image. For example, in the case of progressive video, 360p (640*360) video is recorded at 1Mbps, 720p (1280*720) video is recorded at approximately 4Mbps, 1080p (1920*1080) video is recorded at approximately 6Mbps, and 2160p (3840*2160) video is recorded at approximately 22Mbps. Incidentally, the numbers in parentheses represent (number of horizontal pixels * number of vertical pixels). The communication module 23 is used for communication with the network 30. The communication module 23 may be a device for wired communication or a device for wireless communication.

[0025] <Reservation procedure> 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed when reserving a booth. Note that the symbol S in the diagram represents a step. It should be noted that the communication at the reservation stage does not use the line attached to the booth that is a candidate for reservation, but uses, for example, a user line or wireless LAN that can be used by the user terminal 40 or the like.

[0026] A user accesses a reservation site using a user terminal 40 or the like (step 1). In the case of FIG. 4, the reservation site is provided on a server 20. The server 20 as the reservation site transmits a reservation screen to the user terminal 40 or the like that is the access source (step 2). The user terminal 40 that has received the reservation screen accepts the conditions desired by the user (hereinafter referred to as "desired conditions") (step 3). The desired conditions include the location of the booth, the reservation date and time, the communication speed, etc. The desired communication speed varies from user to user, and may also vary for the same user depending on the reservation.

[0027] The speed also depends on how the user uses the booth. For example, the required communication speed differs depending on whether the booth is used for browsing websites or making voice calls or for web conferences or transmitting video images with a resolution of 4K or higher. The user inputs their desired conditions according to the reservation screen received from the server 20. When the input of the desired conditions is completed, the user terminal 40 or the like uploads the desired conditions to the server 20.

[0028] The server 20, which has received the desired conditions, searches for candidate booths that can be reserved based on the desired conditions (step 4), and notifies the search results to the user terminal 40, etc. (step 5). The search results include candidate booths that meet the desired conditions. Thereafter, the user terminal 40 or the like accepts requests for switching communication lines when using the booth (step 6). In the case of Fig. 4, requests for switching communication lines when using the booth are uploaded to the server 20 each time a request is accepted. Next, when the user terminal 40 or the like receives the decision on the reservation destination (step 7), it notifies the server 20 of the received reservation destination.

[0029] The decision on the reservation destination may include the request for switching the communication line accepted in step 6. After this, the server 20 confirms the acceptance of the reservation (step 8). That is, the user who made the reservation is linked to the booth corresponding to the reservation destination accepted in step 7. The server 20 also registers the booth to be reserved, the date and time of the reservation, the user, and requests for switching communication lines during use in the reservation data 223 (see FIG. 3). Incidentally, the request for switching the communication line in step 6 may be registered after the reservation is confirmed.

[0030] <Enter desired conditions 1> An example of a reservation screen used to input the user's desired communication speed for the attached line will be described below with reference to Figures 5 to 7. The reservation screens shown in Figures 5 to 7 are displayed at step 3 (see Figure 4). 5 to 7, a case will be described in which a reservation screen is displayed on the display 51 of the user terminal 50 which is a smartphone, but the reservation screen may also be displayed on the display 51 of the user terminal 40 which is a notebook computer.

[0031] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing examples of a screen for specifying a desired communication speed by inputting or selecting the desired communication speed. (A) is an example of a screen for inputting the desired communication speed numerically, and (B) is an example of a screen for selecting the desired communication speed from a list. The screen shown in Figure 5(A) has an information field 52 for the amount of use, an input field 53 for inputting the desired speed, a list of approximate speeds 54, and a button 55 for instructing the user to perform a search.

[0032] The input field 53 includes an explanatory text saying "Please enter the desired speed" and a box for entering a numerical value. The numerical value is in Mbps. In the case of the reservation screen shown in FIG. 5(A), the user can input any numerical value into the box regardless of the numerical values ​​exemplified in the list 54 of guide speeds.

[0033] The screen shown in FIG. 5(B) has arranged thereon a usage fee information field 52, a selection field 56 for selecting a desired speed, and a button 55 that is operated when executing a search. The selection field 56 includes a description that reads, "Please select the desired speed," and a number of check boxes corresponding to the selectable speeds. In the case of the screen shown in Fig. 5(B), the user can select the required communication speed based on the resolution of the video images to be used.

[0034] The screens illustrated in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B) are intended to display progressive moving images, but screens intended to display interlaced moving images may also be prepared. Furthermore, a screen may be prepared that is designed to display not moving images but still images such as web images or business software. Business software includes, for example, spreadsheet software, accounting software, word processing software, and drawing software.

[0035] Figure 6 shows an example of a screen that allows a user to indirectly specify a desired communication speed based on the user's usage history and current communication speed. (A) is an example of a screen for selecting a booth that the user has used in the past, and (B) is an example of a screen for specifying a desired communication speed based on the current communication speed. In Figure 6, parts corresponding to those in Figure 5 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0036] The screen shown in FIG. 6(A) has arranged thereon an information field 52 for the amount of money used, a selection field 57 for selecting a booth that has been used in the past, and a button 55 for instructing to execute a search. The selection field 57 includes an explanation that reads, "Please select the desired speed from your most recent usage history (multiple options are possible)," and a list of the most recent usage dates and booths used. Check boxes are associated with the most recent usage dates and booths used.

[0037] Incidentally, the most recent date of use is the date of use for the user who is making the reservation. The same applies to the booth used. If there is a history of using the same booth at a different time on the same day, the time of use may also be displayed. This is because users may evaluate communication quality differently depending on the time of use.

[0038] In the screen shown in FIG. 6(A), the checkbox for "equivalent to Booth C" used on January 1st is checked. The actual measured value of the communication speed of the attached line when the user used Booth C on January 1st is recorded in the server 20 (see FIG. 1) as attached line speed 224 (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the user does not need to know the actual communication speed.

[0039] Even if you do not know the actual communication speed, you can specify the desired communication speed by specifying a combination of a date and a booth where communication quality was good during previous use. If multiple checkboxes are checked, the server 20 uses the usage history of the date and time when the communication speed was slowest as the desired communication speed.

[0040] The screen shown in FIG. 6(B) has a usage fee information column 52, a list 58 of the current values ​​of communication speeds measured at each booth, and a button 55 for instructing to execute a search. In Figure 6(B), the booth name, a symbol representing the radio wave strength, and the actual measured value are displayed linked to a check box. In Figure 6(B), there is no actual measured value data for the second booth from the top, so the symbol and actual measured value are not displayed.

[0041] In the case of Figure 6(B), it is possible to specify the desired communication speed by selecting a booth with a relatively fast communication speed from the list of actual measured values, a booth with a relatively slow communication speed, or a booth with an average speed. In this selection example, the actual communication speed is referenced, so a realistic communication speed can be specified. It is also possible to predict whether there are few booth candidates at the desired communication speed.

[0042] Figure 7 shows examples of screens for indirectly specifying the desired communication speed based on the purpose of use and the number of user terminals. (A) is an example of a screen for inputting the purpose of use, and (B) is an example of a screen for specifying the number of user terminals to be connected to the attached line. In Figure 7, the parts corresponding to those in Figure 5 are assigned the same reference numerals. The screen shown in FIG. 7(A) has arranged thereon a usage amount information field 52, a selection field 59 for specifying the purpose, and a button 55 for instructing execution of a search.

[0043] The selection field 59 includes an explanatory text saying "Please specify the purpose of the work to be performed in the booth" and a list of example uses. Check boxes are associated with the example uses. In the case of Figure 7(A), two types of video conferences can be selected: one-to-one and group. This is because the communication data for a video conference with a large number of participants tends to be greater than that for a video conference with two participants.

[0044] In addition, Figure 7(A) shows examples of "two-way communication" as a voice call, "viewing moving images" which involves a large amount of downstream data, "distribution of moving images" which involves a large amount of upstream data, "web browsing" which mainly involves still images, "office work, etc." and "access to external servers" which involve almost no communication. This is because different uses require different communication speeds. Therefore, it is possible to indirectly specify the required communication speed by specifying the use. Of course, these are just examples, and the use examples displayed on the screen may be only a part of these, or other uses may be added. Furthermore, the combination of use examples is not limited to the example screen shown in FIG. 7(A).

[0045] The screen shown in Figure 7(B) has an information field 52 for the usage amount, a selection field 60 for specifying the number of terminals to be used in the booth, and a button 55 for instructing the user to perform a search. The selection field 60 includes an explanation that reads, "Please check the number of devices you will be using in your booth," and a list of the numbers. In the case of Figure 7(B), the options are "1 device," "2 devices," and "3 or more devices." The required communication speed varies depending on the number of terminals connected to the attached line. Therefore, it is possible to indirectly specify the required communication speed by specifying the number of terminals.

[0046] <Enter desired conditions 2> 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating examples of screens used to input a user's preference for switching communication lines. (A) is an example of a screen used to receive a request for switching communication lines when there is a possibility that the user's preference will not be met from the reservation stage, and (B) is an example of a screen used to receive a request for switching communication lines when the user's preference will no longer be met after the user has started using the booth. In Fig. 8, the same reference numerals are used to denote the parts corresponding to those in Fig. 5. The screen example shown in Fig. 8 is displayed at step 6 (see Fig. 4).

[0047] The screen shown in Figure 8(A) includes an explanatory text 61, a selection field 62, a button 63 for confirming the selection, a button 64 for canceling the selection, and a button 65 for proceeding to the next screen. The explanation 61 includes information such as that the communication speed of the line attached to the booth that is a candidate for reservation may not meet the desired communication speed previously specified by the user, that the user line is available for use, and whether use of the user line is permitted.

[0048] Figure 8(A) shows the following examples of sentences: "The communication speed of the booth you wish to use may not meet your needs.", "You may also use your own smartphone, etc.", and "Would you like to use your own smartphone, etc?" "Will you be using your smartphone or other device?" is a question about whether the user will be using the telephone line provided by the telecommunications carrier with which they have a contract, i.e., the user line.

[0049] One form of communication that uses telephone lines is tethering, which uses a smartphone as a wireless LAN router and connects a laptop computer to the telephone line. If a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) is installed in a laptop computer, it can connect directly to a 4G or 5G network without using tethering. However, in order to use tethering, the smartphone must be a device that supports tethering, and the user must have applied for a tethering option with the telecommunications carrier.

[0050] The selection field 62 in FIG. 8(A) provides four options: "Do not use," "Measure and decide before use," "Measure and decide during use," and "Automatically switch." In Figure 8(A), the second option from the top, i.e., "Measure and decide before use," is selected. However, this selection is not confirmed until button 63 is operated. If this option is selected, the communication speed of the attached line measured at the start time of the reservation, for example, will be presented to the user who begins using the booth.

[0051] However, the excess or deficiency of the communication speed of the attached line measured at the start time of the reservation relative to the desired communication speed may be presented to the user who starts using the booth. The information is presented to the user only when the communication speed of the attached line measured at the start time of the reservation is lower than the desired communication speed, and it is also possible not to present the information to the user when the measured communication speed of the attached line exceeds the desired communication speed.

[0052] If the first option from the top, i.e. "Do not use", is selected, the connection with the attached line will not be switched to the user line even if the communication speed of the attached line is slower than the desired communication speed. Using a user line may require the user to pay additional fees to the carrier or may exceed the communication volume limit set by the contract between the user and the carrier. Therefore, there is an option to not switch to a user line.

[0053] If the third option from the top, "Measure and decide during use," is selected, for example, if the communication speed of the attached line becomes slower than the desired speed while using the booth, the user will be notified. The content of the message will be the same as if "Measure and decide before use." If the fourth option from the top, "Switch automatically," is selected, when the communication speed of the attached line becomes slower than the desired speed while using the booth, the connection with the attached line will be switched to the connection with the user line without the user being asked to switch. In the case of this embodiment, when button 65 is operated, the screen displayed on display 51 switches to the screen shown in FIG. 8(B).

[0054] The screen shown in FIG. 8(B) includes an explanatory text 66, a selection field 67, a button 63 for confirming the selection, a button 64 for canceling the selection, and a button 68 for confirming the desired input. The explanation 66 describes whether or not to permit use of the user's line when the communication speed of the attached line does not satisfy the desired communication speed previously specified by the user while using the booth.

[0055] Figure 8(B) shows the following example sentences: "We would like to ask you what to do if the communication speed drops at the booth you selected." and "If the communication speed at the booth drops while you are using it, would you like to switch the communication line to your smartphone or other device?" In the selection field 67 in FIG. 8(B), three options are provided: "Do not use," "Measure and decide during use," and "Automatically switch." When the button 68 is operated, the input of the conditions for switching the communication line is completed.

[0056] <Procedure after starting use> FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed after starting use of the booth. The server 20, which monitors the communication speed of the attached line in each booth, determines whether it is the timing of measurement set for the booth to be monitored (step 11).

[0057] In this embodiment, the booths to be monitored are those for which reservations will start at the time of determination or for which reservations have already started. The processing procedure shown in Fig. 9 is executed to switch communication lines when a booth is to be used or during use. For this reason, booths for which reservations have not yet started or have finished are excluded from monitoring. The timing of measurement may be, for example, when the user starts using the booth, at regular intervals set on the server side, or at randomly set intervals.

[0058] The time at which a user begins using the booth may include the start time specified at the time of reservation, the time at which the user is successfully authenticated, the time at which a human presence sensor in the booth detects the user, etc. As long as a negative result is obtained in step 11, the server 20 repeats the determination in step 11. If a positive result is obtained in step 11, the server 20 acquires the current communication speed of the attached line from the booth (step 12). The server 20 communicates with the terminal 10A installed in the booth and acquires the communication speed measured by the terminal 10A. The measurement of the communication speed of the terminal 10A is executed in response to an instruction from the server 20.

[0059] Next, the server 20 determines whether the communication speed of the attached line is slower than a desired communication speed (hereinafter referred to as "desired speed") (step 13). The desired speed here is an example of a user's request for the communication speed of the attached line. If a negative result is obtained in step 13, the server 20 returns to step 11. If a positive result is obtained in step 13, the server 20 determines whether or not there is a desire to switch the communication line (step 14). If a negative result is obtained in step 14, the server 20 returns to step 11. This is because if the user does not wish to switch the communication line, communication using the attached line will continue even if the communication speed of the attached line is slower than the desired speed.

[0060] If step 14 returns a positive result, the server 20 determines whether user permission is required before switching (step 15). If "Measure and decide before use" or "Measure and decide during use" is selected on the screen of FIG. 8(A) or FIG. 8(B), a positive result is obtained in step 15. If a positive result is obtained in step 15, the server 20 notifies the user terminal 40 or the like of a decrease in the speed of the communication line attached to the booth (i.e., the attached line) (step 16). Basically, the notification is sent to the user terminal 40 connected to the terminal 10A, which is an attached facility.

[0061] Thereafter, the server 20 acquires a user instruction for switching the communication line from the user terminal 40 or the like (step 17). Next, the server 20 determines whether or not the instruction is to switch (step 18). If step 18 gives a negative result, the server 20 returns to step 11. If a positive result is obtained in step 18, the server 20 instructs the user terminal 40 or the like to switch the communication line (step 19). If a negative result is obtained in step 15, the server 20 skips steps 16 to 18 and proceeds to step 19. Incidentally, if a negative result is obtained in step 15, this is the case when "Switch automatically" is selected on the screen of FIG. 8(A) or FIG. 8(B).

[0062] The user terminal 40 or the like that has received the notification follows the instruction and switches the communication line (step 20). Specifically, the attached line is disconnected and a connection is made to the user line or the like. The communication line to which the switching is made includes not only the user line, but also wireless LANs of other booths in the vicinity and wireless LANs provided by the building or facility where the booth is installed. Incidentally, wireless LAN provided in buildings and facilities may include so-called free WiFi.

[0063] Alternatively, if the booth is installed in an office, the wireless LAN may be provided by a multi-function printer that has multiple functions such as a printer, scanner, fax, etc. This type of printer is also called a multi-function device. After this switching, the server 20 records the length of time the user line was used and the amount of communication (step 21).The server 20 also updates the billing information based on the agreement with the user (step 22).

[0064] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data table for recording the history of user line usage. This data table is recorded in the hard disk drive 22 (see FIG. 3) of the server 20 (see FIG. 1). The data table shown in Fig. 10 records the history of the booth ID, reservation ID, date of use, user ID, usage time of the user line, communication volume of the user line, whether or not there is a special contract, etc. Note that usage time does not have to be in minutes, but can be in seconds or even subseconds. Incidentally, the history on the first line from the top shows that the user line was not used, so the usage time is 0 minutes and the communication volume is 0 bytes.

[0065] The second line from the top shows that 1 GB of data was transmitted during 20 minutes of use of the user line. It is recorded that this reservation or user has a discount agreement. Discount special agreements include special agreements that deduct a predetermined fixed amount from the booth usage fee, and special agreements that determine the discount amount on a pay-as-you-go basis according to the usage time and communication volume of the user's line.

[0066] The third line from the top shows that 1.5GB of data was transmitted during 30 minutes of user line usage. It is recorded that there is no special agreement for this reservation or user. Therefore, there is no deduction from the booth usage fee even if the user line is used. In the history on the fourth line from the top, 0.8 GB of data was transmitted during 15 minutes of use of the user line. It is recorded that this reservation or user has a coupon special agreement.

[0067] Coupon specials include issuing a coupon to reduce the usage fee for the next or subsequent booth use, issuing a free coupon for the minimum amount of time that can be used for the next or subsequent reservation, etc. Discounts and coupons may be given at a fixed value for each reservation, calculated according to the length of time the user line is used, or calculated according to the amount of communication using the user line.

[0068] <Example of the switch confirmation screen> 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating examples of screens that prompt the user to confirm whether to switch communication lines. (A) is an example of a screen that presents the communication speed of the user's line as a factor in the decision, and (B) is an example of a screen that presents the desired speed as a factor in the decision. 11 also shows an example in which a screen is displayed on the display 51 of the user terminal 50, which is a smartphone. However, the screen may also be displayed on the display 51 of the user terminal 40, which is a notebook computer.

[0069] The screen shown in Figure 11(A) has a display field 71 showing the communication speed of the booth's attached line, a display field 72 showing the communication speed of the user line, an explanation 73 inquiring about switching communication lines, a button 74 to be operated if switching to the user line, and a button 75 to be operated if not switching to the user line. In the example of Figure 11(A), display field 71 displays "The communication speed of this booth is 200 kbps," and display field 72 displays "The communication speed of your smartphone is 1 Mbps." In this example, it can be seen that the communication speed of the user's line is five times faster than the communication speed of the attached line. In the example screen of Figure 11(A), it is possible to confirm the difference in communication speed before and after switching, and to predict the change in communication quality due to the switching.

[0070] The screen shown in Figure 11(B) has a display field 71 showing the communication speed of the booth's attached line, a display field 76 showing the desired speed specified in advance by the user, an explanation 73 inquiring about switching the communication line, a button 74 to be operated if switching to the user line, and a button 75 to be operated if not switching to the user line. In the case of Figure 11(B), display field 71 displays "The communication speed of this booth is 900 kbps," and display field 76 displays "The customer's desired communication speed is 1 Mbps." In this example, it can be seen that there is only a small difference between the communication speed of the attached line and the desired speed. In the example screen of Figure 11(B), it is possible to confirm the difference between the current communication speed and the desired speed, and to determine whether or not a switch is necessary.

[0071] <Example of usage history confirmation screen> Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen used to check usage history. Fig. 12 also shows an example in which the screen is displayed on the display 51 of the user terminal 50, which is a smartphone. However, the screen may also be displayed on the display 51 of the user terminal 40, which is a notebook computer. The screen shown in FIG. 12 has an input field 81 for the month of use, a display field 82 for the usage fee, and fields 83 and 84 for recording each usage.

[0072] In the case of Figure 12, the number of uses in September is four, and the total amount of use is 925 yen excluding tax. In the display field 82, the number of uses is displayed as "number of slots." Recording columns 83 and 84 contain information such as the location of the booth used, the date of use, the time of use, and the discount amount. The discount amount for the use shown in record column 83 is 50 yen, while the discount amount for the use shown in record column 84 is 100 yen. These discount amounts are calculated based on the data table shown in FIG.

[0073] <Example of switching communication lines> An example of switching to a communication line will be described below with reference to FIGS. <Example 1> Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of switching communication lines without using tethering. (A) shows the connection relationship before the switching, and (B) shows the connection relationship after the switching. Note that in Fig. 13, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals. 13A, user terminal 40, which is a notebook computer, is connected to terminal 10A, which is an accessory facility of the booth. In other words, user terminal 40 is connected to a wireless LAN attached to the booth.

[0074] In Fig. 13(B), the communication line is switched from the attached line to the user line because the communication speed of the attached line is slow. In the case of Fig. 13(B), a SIM card is inserted into the user terminal 40, or an embedded SIM (i.e., eSIM) is installed. Therefore, the user terminal 40 can use the telephone line, and the connection is switched to a base station 35 of a mobile communication system such as 4G or 5G, and communication is performed. In the case of FIG. 13(B), tethering is not used, so there is no communication between the user terminal 40 and the user terminal 50.

[0075] <Example 2> Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of switching communication lines using tethering. (A) shows the connection relationship before switching, and (B) shows the connection relationship after switching. Note that in Fig. 14, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 13 are assigned the same reference numerals. 14A, user terminal 40, which is a notebook computer, is connected to terminal 10A, which is an accessory facility of the booth. That is, user terminal 40 is connected to the wireless LAN attached to the booth.

[0076] In FIG. 14(B), the communication line is switched from the attached line to the user line because the communication speed of the attached line is slow. 14(B), the user terminal 40 does not have a SIM card installed, nor does it have an embedded SIM (i.e., eSIM) attached. Therefore, the user terminal 40 cannot communicate with the base station 35. Therefore, in FIG. 14(B), the user terminal 40 is connected to the base station 35 by tethering with the user terminal 50, which is a smartphone.

[0077] <Example 3> Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of switching to an attached line of an adjacent booth. (A) shows the connection relationship before switching, and (B) shows the connection relationship after switching. Note that in Figure 15, parts corresponding to those in Figure 1 are assigned the same reference numerals. In the example shown in Figure 15, two booths are located nearby. For example, the two booths are installed next to each other. It is assumed that the two booths are managed by the same operator, but the two booths may be managed by different operators as long as they are permitted to share a wireless LAN, as described below. Being permitted to share a wireless LAN means that an ID and password for accessing the wireless LAN have been given.

[0078] In the case of Figure 15(A), one booth is in use by a user, while the other booth is not in use by a user. In the booth in use, a user terminal 40, which is a notebook computer, is connected to terminal 10A, which is an accessory device of the booth. In other words, user terminal 40 is connected to the wireless LAN attached to the booth. 15A, the communication speed of the attached line to which the user terminal 40 is connected is 200 kbps. On the other hand, the communication speed of the attached line of the adjacent booth that is not being used by the user is 1 Mbps.

[0079] 15(B), the user terminal 50 achieves a higher communication speed by switching the wireless LAN connection destination to the attached line of the adjacent vacant booth. The attached line of the adjacent vacant booth is an example of a second communication line. 15(B), the feature is that no user line is used, and therefore there is no need to offer discounts on usage fees or issue coupons. In the switching example shown in Figure 15(B), the booth to which the user switches is vacant, and the communication speed after the switch is faster than that of the booth currently in use, but switching to the wireless LAN of another booth does not necessarily result in a faster communication speed. In such cases, it is desirable to switch to a user line, as in Examples 1 and 2.

[0080] Before switching to the wireless LAN of an adjacent booth, the communication speed of the line attached to the booth to which the connection is made may be compared with the communication speed of the line attached to the booth currently in use, and the communication line may be switched only if the speed is faster. In other words, if the communication speed slows down even after switching the communication line or if the increase in communication speed does not meet a predetermined standard, the communication line may not be switched. The standard may include, for example, the ratio of the communication speed before and after the switch exceeding a threshold value such as 1.2 times, or meeting the desired speed.

[0081] In the switching example shown in Figure 15(B), the booth to which the switch is made is vacant, but the adjacent booth may be in use by another user. It is necessary to avoid a decrease in the communication quality of the other user using the adjacent booth due to the switch. Therefore, if the communication speed of the other user decreases, control is adopted to disconnect the connection to the adjacent booth's attached line. In this case, it is desirable to switch to the user line, as in Example 1 or Example 2.

[0082] <Example 4> Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example in which two users are present in one booth, each connecting one user terminal 40 to an associated line. (A) shows the connection relationship before switching, and (B) shows the connection relationship after switching. Note that Fig. 16 uses the same reference numerals to indicate parts corresponding to those in Fig. 13.

[0083] 16(A), two users are connected via wireless LAN to one terminal 10A, which is ancillary equipment of the booth. When two users participate in the same web conference using separate user terminals 40, the amount of communication required is roughly twice as much as when one user participates in the web conference using one user terminal 40. This may result in a decrease in the communication speed of the user terminal 40.

[0084] In FIG. 16(B), only one of the two user terminals 40 used in the booth is disconnected from the attached line and switched to the user line. This switching increases the communication speed of the user terminal 40 that remains connected to the attached line. Furthermore, the communication speed of the user terminal 40 that has been switched to the user line also increases by using the user line. Note that although tethering is used in FIG. 16(B), if a SIM card is inserted in the user terminal 40, communication without using tethering is also possible, as in Example 1. In the example of FIG. 16, two users each have one user terminal 40 connected to an associated line, but similar control is possible when one user has two user terminals 40 connected to an associated line.

[0085] <Embodiment 2> In this embodiment, a function added to the reservation management system 1 (see FIG. 1) in the first embodiment will be described. For this reason, the system configuration assumed in this embodiment is common to the reservation management system 1 described in embodiment 1. Therefore, the hardware and software configurations of the location 10, server 20, network 30, and user terminals 40 and 50 that make up the system are basically the same as those in embodiment 1.

[0086] 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed after starting to use the booth. In FIG. 17, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 9 are assigned the same reference numerals. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that even if the communication speed of the attached line actually measured in the booth is faster than the desired speed, the process does not necessarily return to step 11. That is, if a negative result is obtained in step 13, the server 20 determines whether or not there is a possibility that communication restrictions will be imposed while the attached line is being used (step 31). The communication restriction here is mainly assumed to be a speed restriction. In other words, the server 20 determines whether or not the difference between the current communication amount and the upper limit is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value.

[0087] The reference value here may be given as a fixed value, for example. Alternatively, for example, the reference value may be a value calculated as the amount of communication that an average user uses within a reserved time period. Furthermore, for example, the reference value may be a value calculated based on the user's purpose and the length of the reserved time. Furthermore, for example, the reference value may be a communication volume calculated based on the user's past usage record and the length of the reserved time. In either case, if the difference value is smaller than the reference value, it is determined that there is a possibility that communication restrictions will be imposed on the new user during his / her use.

[0088] If the contract for the line attached to the booth specifies a data usage limit, a user who starts using the booth while already approaching the data usage limit may be subject to data restrictions. Therefore, if a positive result is obtained in step 31, the server 20 proceeds to step 14 to determine the possibility of switching the communication line. If a negative result is obtained in step 31, the server 20 returns to step 11. If a positive result is obtained in step 13 or if a positive result is obtained in step 31, the server 20 determines whether or not there is a desire to switch the communication line (step 14).

[0089] If a negative result is obtained in step 14, the server 20 returns to step 11. This is because if switching of the communication line is not desired, the execution of the subsequent processing is not necessary. If a positive result is obtained in step 14, the server 20 determines whether the communication speed of the destination of the switch is faster than the desired speed (step 32). The destination of the switch can be, for example, an attached line of another booth located nearby or a user line. In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, a process is adopted in which the communication line is not switched if the communication speed after switching is slower than the desired speed.

[0090] If step 32 gives a negative result, the server 20 returns to step 11. If a positive result is obtained in step 32, the server 20 proceeds to step 15, and thereafter executes the same processing as in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, there is a contractual upper limit on the communication volume of the booth's attached line, and it is possible to prepare for a decrease in communication speed when the communication volume is approaching the contractual upper limit, i.e., a decrease in communication speed due to booth circumstances.

[0091] Specifically, even if the communication speed of the attached line at the time of measurement is faster than the desired speed, it is possible to execute the processing from step 14 onwards to prepare for switching of the communication line. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the communication speed of the communication line after switching is slower than the desired speed, it is possible to skip switching of the communication line. It is also possible to add the processing of step 32 to the first embodiment.

[0092] <Third Embodiment> Next, functions added to the reservation management system 1 (see FIG. 1) in the first embodiment will be described. Therefore, the system configuration assumed in this embodiment is common to the reservation management system 1 described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the hardware and software configurations of the location 10, server 20, network 30, and user terminals 40 and 50 that make up the system are basically the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0093] Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed after starting to use the booth. In Fig. 18, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 17 are assigned the same reference numerals. In the case of FIG. 18, the determination in step 33 is executed instead of step 32 (see FIG. 17). That is, if a positive result is obtained in step 14, the server 20 determines whether the communication speed of the switching destination is faster than the communication speed of the attached line (step 33).

[0094] In this embodiment, if switching the communication line will increase the communication speed, a positive result is obtained in step 33. That is, the server 20 proceeds to step 15 even if the communication speed after switching is slower than the desired speed. This is because there is a possibility that the communication quality will be improved compared to continuing to use the attached line. However, if user permission is required to switch the communication line, the communication line will not necessarily be switched. If a negative result is obtained in step 33, the server 20 returns to step 11. It is also possible to add the processing of step 33 to the first embodiment.

[0095] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, functions added to the reservation management system 1 (see FIG. 1) in the first embodiment will be described. Therefore, the system configuration assumed in this embodiment is common to the reservation management system 1 described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the hardware and software configurations of the location 10, server 20, network 30, and user terminals 40 and 50 that make up the system are basically the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0096] Fig. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed after starting use of the booth. In Fig. 19, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 17 are assigned the same reference numerals. In the case of FIG. 19, the determination of step 34 is executed between step 32 (see FIG. 17) and step 15. That is, if a positive result is obtained in step 32, the server 20 determines whether or not there is a possibility that communication restrictions will be imposed on the destination of the switch (step 34).

[0097] The determination in step 34 differs from that in the second embodiment in that it determines the possibility of communication restrictions after switching, rather than the communication restrictions on the attached line of the booth currently in use. If a positive result is obtained in step 32, it means that the communication speed of the destination is faster than the desired speed. However, if the contract for the destination communication line stipulates a communication volume limit and the communication volume limit is already approaching, even if the communication line is switched, communication restrictions may be imposed while using the destination communication line.

[0098] When a communication restriction is imposed, the communication speed is likely to be slower than a communication line that does not have a communication restriction imposed. Therefore, in this embodiment, if a positive result is obtained in step 34, the process returns to step 11 so that the communication line is not switched. Incidentally, if the communication line to be switched to is a user line, the contractual upper limit and current communication volume of the user line must be acquired from the user terminal 40 or the like. For example, if the user gives permission to acquire the contractual upper limit of the user line and the current communication volume when reserving the booth, the server 20 acquires the information from the user terminal 40 or the like.

[0099] For example, if the user has registered the contractual upper limit and the communication volume at the time of reservation when reserving a booth, the server 20 makes the determination in step 34 using the registered information. In step 34, the user may be requested to provide the contractual upper limit of the user line and the current communication volume. In addition, when notifying the user terminal of a decrease in communication speed in step 16, the user may inquire about the contractual upper limit of the user line and the current communication volume, or if a positive result is obtained in step 15, the user may inquire about the contractual upper limit of the user line and the current communication volume before executing step 16. In these cases, step 34 may be performed once the information has been acquired.

[0100] Incidentally, if the destination of the switch is a user line and the contractual limit or current communication volume of the user line cannot be obtained, the process may select to proceed to step 15. The same applies when the destination of the switch is an attached line of another booth located nearby. Furthermore, the execution of the process of step 34 may be limited to cases where, when switching communication lines, a user or a business requests that communication restrictions on the communication line to be switched to be determined.

[0101] <Fifth Embodiment> Next, functions added to the reservation management system 1 (see FIG. 1) in the first embodiment will be described. Therefore, the system configuration assumed in this embodiment is common to the reservation management system 1 described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the hardware and software configurations of the location 10, server 20, network 30, and user terminals 40 and 50 that make up the system are basically the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0102] 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed after starting to use the booth. In FIG. 20, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals. 20 differs from the first embodiment in that if a negative result is obtained in step 15, the user terminal 40 or the like is instructed to communicate using simultaneous connections with multiple communication lines. That is, if a negative result is obtained in step 15, the server 20 instructs the user terminal 40 etc. to perform communication using both the attached line and a communication line other than the currently connected attached line (step 35).

[0103] The other communication lines may include, for example, the attached lines of other booths installed in the vicinity or user lines, and may also include a wireless LAN provided by the building or facility where the booth is installed. In this embodiment, the server 20 instructs the user terminal 40 to perform communication using, for example, the wireless LAN of the booth in use and the user line simultaneously, or the wireless LAN of the booth in use and the wireless LANs of other booths installed nearby simultaneously. The number of other communication lines is not limited to one, and may be multiple.

[0104] Furthermore, when using the wireless LAN of the booth you are using and the wireless LAN of another booth, selecting different frequency bands will improve communication speed and stability. After executing step 35, the server 20 proceeds to step 21. In the processing procedure shown in FIG. 20, the simultaneous connection between the currently used attached line and another communication line is switched only when the user's permission is not required before switching the communication line, but the simultaneous connection may also be possible when the user's permission is required before switching the communication line.

[0105] For example, if a switching instruction is received from the user terminal in step 18, the connection may be switched to a simultaneous connection to the attached line and another communication line without confirmation from the user. Also, when notifying of a speed decrease in step 16, permission to simultaneously connect to multiple communication lines may be requested, and if permission is granted, the device may switch to simultaneously connecting to multiple communication lines, and if permission is not granted, the device may switch to another communication line.

[0106] <Example of communication line connection> An example of connections in the fifth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. <Example 1> Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of connecting to an attached line of another booth while maintaining the attached line of the booth currently in use. (A) shows the connection relationship before switching, and (B) shows the connection relationship after switching. Note that in Figure 21, parts corresponding to those in Figure 1 are assigned the same reference numerals. 21(A), user terminal 40, which is a notebook computer, is connected to terminal 10A, which is an accessory facility of the booth. In other words, user terminal 40 is connected to a wireless LAN attached to the booth.

[0107] In Fig. 21(B), the communication speed of the attached line of the booth in use is slow, so the connection is switched to a simultaneous connection with an attached line of another booth. Therefore, the user terminal 40 in Fig. 21(B) is connected to both the terminal 10A of the booth in use and the terminal 10A of the other booth. As a result, multiple attached lines are treated as a single communication line, making it possible to increase the effective communication speed compared to communicating using only the attached line of the booth in use.

[0108] <Example 2> Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of connecting to a user line while maintaining the attached line of the booth in use. (A) shows the connection relationship before switching, and (B) shows the connection relationship after switching. Note that in Figure 22, the same symbols are used to indicate parts that correspond to those in Figure 1. 22A, user terminal 40, which is a notebook computer, is connected to terminal 10A, which is an accessory facility of the booth. In other words, user terminal 40 is connected to a wireless LAN attached to the booth.

[0109] In Fig. 22(B), the communication speed of the attached line is slow, so the connection is switched to a simultaneous connection with the user line. Note that the user terminal 40 shown in Fig. 22(B) has a SIM card inserted or an embedded SIM (i.e., eSIM) attached. Therefore, the user terminal 40 is simultaneously connected to the terminal 10A that provides the wireless LAN, as well as to a base station 35 of a mobile communication system such as 4G or 5G. In the case of FIG. 22(B), tethering is not used, so there is no communication between the user terminal 40 and the user terminal 50. When tethering is used when using a user line, the user terminal 40 connects to the base station 35 via the user terminal 50 such as a smartphone, as described with reference to FIG.

[0110] <Sixth Embodiment> In this embodiment, a modification of embodiment 5 will be described. In the case of embodiment 5, switching is performed to simultaneously connect to multiple communication lines regardless of whether the communication speed of the switching destination is slower than the desired speed. However, if the communication speed of the new connection is faster than the desired speed, communication quality can be maintained even by simply switching the communication line. Therefore, in this embodiment, this viewpoint is added to the processing procedure.

[0111] Fig. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed after starting use of the booth. In Fig. 23, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 20 are assigned the same reference numerals. In the case of FIG. 23, if a positive result is obtained in step 14, step 36 is executed. That is, if a positive result is obtained in step 14, the server 20 determines whether the communication speed of the switched-to connection is slower than the desired speed (step 36).

[0112] If a negative result is obtained in step 36, that is, if the communication speed of the switching destination is faster than the desired speed, the server 20 executes steps 15 to 22, as in embodiment 1. That is, the server 20 instructs switching to a user line or the like that has a higher speed than the desired speed. In this case, the switching is an exclusive switch from the attached line to another communication line.

[0113] On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 36, that is, if the communication speed of the switched-to destination is slower than the desired speed, the server 20 executes the processes of steps 15 to 18. If a negative result is obtained in step 15 or a positive result is obtained in step 18, the server 20 instructs the user terminal to communicate using both the attached line and a communication line other than the currently connected attached line (step 35).

[0114] In this embodiment, only when the communication speed of not only the attached line of the booth in use but also the communication speed of the candidate communication line to switch to is slow, the system switches to simultaneous connection of multiple communication lines including the attached line in use. Therefore, simultaneous connections that place a load on the communication processing of the user terminal 40 or the like can be limited to when necessary. If there are multiple candidates for the switching destination, a negative result is obtained in step 36 if any one of the communication lines has a speed faster than the desired speed.

[0115] <Seventh Embodiment> Depending on the booth, different communication lines may be provided depending on the classification of the users to whom the service is provided. For example, an additional line (hereinafter referred to as a "special line") that only high-priority users are allowed to connect may be provided separately from an additional line (hereinafter referred to as a "basic line") for low-priority users. In this embodiment, the specific line has a wider communication bandwidth and a faster communication speed than the basic line. For example, the specific line is a communication line with a high QoS (Quality of Service) setting or a communication line connected to a dedicated line.

[0116] Fig. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed after starting to use the booth. In Fig. 24, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 20 are assigned the same reference numerals. In the case of FIG. 24, if a positive result is obtained in step 14, step 37 is executed. That is, if a positive result is obtained in step 14, the server 20 determines whether or not the user is a specific user (step 37).

[0117] In this embodiment, a specific user is a user who has a higher priority than other users. The specific user may be, for example, a user who has subscribed to a paid service or option other than the basic service, a user who has a corporate contract, or a user who uses the service frequently, or who meets predetermined criteria. In this embodiment, when the booth is first used, no distinction is made between the specific user and other users, so that when the booth is used, the specific user is also connected to the basic line.

[0118] If a negative result is obtained in step 37, i.e., if the user is not a specific user, the server 20 executes steps 15 to 22, as in the first embodiment. That is, the server 20 instructs switching to a communication line other than the specific line. The communication line to which the user is switched can be, for example, a user line, a basic line of another booth, or a communication line provided by the building or facility in which the booth is installed. Hereinafter, a user who is not a specific user will be referred to as a "general user."

[0119] If a positive result is obtained in step 37, that is, if the user is a specific user, the server 20 executes the processes of steps 15 to 18. If a negative result is obtained in step 15 or a positive result is obtained in step 18, the server 20 instructs the user terminal to switch to the specific line (step 38).

[0120] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating switching of communication lines when a specific line and a basic line are provided in a booth. (A) shows the connection relationship before switching, and (B) shows the connection relationship after switching. Note that in FIG. 25, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals. The booth shown in FIG. 25 is provided with a terminal 10A1 for connection with the specific line and a terminal 10A2 for connection with the basic line. In FIG. 25, terminal 10A1 is labeled "for specific users," and terminal 10A2 is labeled "for general users."

[0121] 25(A), a specific user is using a booth, but user terminal 40, which is a notebook computer, is connected to terminal 10A2 for general users. In other words, user terminal 40 is connected to a wireless LAN for general users. In this embodiment, this connection mode continues until the communication speed of the basic line becomes slower than the desired speed. FIG. 25(B) shows the state after the communication line is switched to a specific line when the communication speed of the basic line in use is slower than the desired speed and the user is a specific user.

[0122] In the case of a general user, switching to a user line or the like is performed, but in the case of a specific user, switching to a specific line is performed. As a result, a specific user can communicate at a higher speed than desired without switching to a different user line. However, if the user is a specific user, the basic line may be switched to a specific line regardless of the speed of the basic line.

[0123] <Embodiment 8> In the seventh embodiment, only specific users were able to use the specific line, but in this embodiment, the specific line is provided as a paid line, and any user who pays an additional fee can switch over. Fig. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure that is executed after starting to use the booth. In Fig. 26, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 9 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0124] In the case of FIG. 26, the processing up to step 14 is the same as in the first embodiment. In the case of FIG. 26, if a positive result is obtained in step 14, the server 20 determines whether or not user permission is required before switching (step 15). If a positive result is obtained in step 15, server 20 executes steps 16 to 18, and determines whether to switch to a pay line, provided that a positive result is obtained in step 18 (step 39). The pay line here is the specific line in embodiment 7, as described above.

[0125] If a positive result is obtained in step 39, the server 20 instructs the user terminal 40 etc. to switch to a paid line (step 40). After this switch, the server 20 executes steps 21 and 22. If a negative result is obtained in step 39, the server 20 proceeds to step 19 and instructs the user terminal to switch the communication line. As in the seventh embodiment, the destination of the switch does not include a communication line for a specific user.

[0126] On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step 15, the server 20 determines whether or not to switch to a paid line (step 39A). If a positive result is obtained in step 39A, the server 20 proceeds to step 40. On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step 39A, the server 20 proceeds to step 19 and instructs the user terminal to switch to a communication line other than a pay line.

[0127] Figure 27 is a diagram illustrating switching of communication lines when a specific line and a basic line are prepared in a booth. (A) shows the connection relationship before switching, and (B) shows the connection relationship after switching. Note that in Figure 27, parts corresponding to those in Figure 1 are assigned the same reference numerals. The booth shown in Figure 27 is provided with terminal 10A1 for connection with the specific line and terminal 10A2 for connection with the basic line. 27, terminal 10A1 is labeled "paid" and terminal 10A2 is labeled "free." Here, "free" means that it is attached to the booth reservation, and if a fee is charged for the use of a communication service separately from the booth reservation, a label such as "low price" or "standard" is attached.

[0128] 27(A), user terminal 40, which is a notebook computer, is connected to terminal 10A2. In other words, user terminal 40 is connected to a free wireless LAN. In this embodiment, this connection continues until the communication speed of the basic line becomes slower than the desired speed. FIG. 27(B) shows the connection state when the communication speed of the basic line in use is slower than the desired speed and the user wishes to switch to a pay line.

[0129] If the user does not wish to switch to a pay line, the line is switched to a user line or the like, as in the first embodiment. As a result, users who wish to use high-speed communication even if it requires a fee can use the fee-based line provided at the booth and communicate at a speed higher than their desired speed.

[0130] <Other embodiments> (1) Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope of the above-described embodiments. It is clear from the claims that various modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0131] (2) In the above-described embodiment, the screens shown in Figures 5(A), 5(B), 6(A), 6(B), 7(A), and 7(B) are shown as examples of reservation screens used to specify a desired communication speed, but it is also possible to select in advance which of these screens to use. Also, it is also possible to switch to another screen after the screen is displayed.

[0132] (3) In the above-described embodiment, the process of switching from an attached line of the booth in use to another communication line or the process of switching to simultaneous connection with multiple communication lines including the attached line of the booth in use was described. However, if the speed of the communication line to which the switch is made slows down, the process of switching to the original attached line or yet another communication line may be executed. In this case, before switching, a determination similar to that in the above-described embodiment may be made, such as whether the communication speed of the original attached line is faster than the desired speed.

[0133] (4) In the above-described embodiment, a wireless LAN is assumed to be provided in the booth as an auxiliary line, but the auxiliary line may be a wired LAN. In this case, an outlet for connecting a communication cable connected to the user terminal 40, etc., such as a LAN outlet or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) outlet, may be installed as auxiliary equipment in the booth.

[0134] (5) In the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that one SIM card or one eSIM is provided in the user terminal 40, etc., but multiple SIM cards or multiple eSIMs may be provided. In this case, multiple user lines corresponding to each SIM or eSIM are assumed as candidates for the communication line to switch to. When multiple user lines are available, priority may be given to a user line with a faster communication speed, or a user line with a lower possibility of communication restrictions, based on predetermined rules or the user's wishes.

[0135] (6) In the above embodiment, a booth was given as an example of the location 10 (see FIG. 1). However, the appearance of the location 10 is not limited to a booth surrounded by a ceiling and walls, as long as it is subject to reservation. 28 is a diagram illustrating another example of the appearance of the location 10. (A) and (B) show examples in which seats surrounded by simple partitions are available for reservation, while (C) and (D) show examples in which seats not surrounded by partitions are available for reservation.

[0136] The seat in Figure 28(A) is surrounded by partitions on three sides, while the seat in Figure 28(B) is surrounded by partitions on only two sides. In this type of seating, a dedicated wireless LAN access point may be installed on the chair or table, or a wireless LAN access point shared by multiple seats may be installed on the wall or ceiling of the facility. The seat in Figure 28(C) only has a desk and chair. In this case, too, a dedicated wireless LAN access point may be installed on the chair or table, or a wireless LAN access point shared by multiple seats may be installed on the wall or ceiling of the facility.

[0137] The seats in Fig. 28(D) are defined by one table shared by multiple users and a chair used by each user. However, the seats occupied by the users are provided with tabletop simple booths 11 that can be attached or detached. In this case, in addition to the chairs and tables at each seat, a dedicated wireless LAN access point or the like may be installed in the tabletop simple booths 11 for each seat. Of course, the wireless LAN access point or the like shared by multiple seats may also be installed on the wall or ceiling of the facility.

[0138] (7) In the above embodiment, the server 20 controls the switching of communication lines, but the terminal 10A or the like, which is ancillary equipment of the booth, may be provided with a function for controlling the switching of communication lines.

[0139] (8) The processor in each of the above-mentioned embodiments refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPUs, etc.) as well as dedicated processors (e.g., GPUs (Graphical Processing Units), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), programmable logic devices, etc.). Furthermore, the operations of the processor in each of the above-described embodiments may be performed by a single processor alone, or may be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations in cooperation with each other. Furthermore, the order in which the operations of the processors are performed is not limited to the order described in each of the above-described embodiments, and may be changed individually. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 1... reservation management system, 10... location, 11... simple booth, 20... server, 21... control unit, 22... hard disk drive, 23... communication module, 30... network, 35... base station, 40, 50... user terminal

Claims

1. An information processing method executed by a processor of an information processing device, a process of accepting a user's request for the speed of a first communication line when the first communication line is attached to a reservation candidate location; a process of accepting a reservation for setting a switchover to a second communication line different from the first communication line when the communication line is in use; notifying a user of the result of the request for the actual speed measurement value; An information processing method comprising:

2. the setting specifies a timing for inquiring a user about switching to the second communication line; The information processing method according to claim 1 .

3. If the actual measurement value does not satisfy the requirement, notify the inquiry. The information processing method according to claim 2 .

4. An information processing method executed by a processor of an information processing device, When a first communication line is attached to a reservation candidate location, a process of accepting a user's request for the speed of the first communication line through selection of an option indirectly representing the speed; notifying a user of the result of the request for the actual speed measurement value; An information processing method comprising:

5. When a specific location is designated from the list of locations used by the user in the past, the actual measured value of the speed at the time of the previous use of the specific location is set as the request. The information processing method according to claim 4.

6. When a specific location is designated from a list of the actual speed measurement values ​​acquired from the plurality of locations, the actual speed measurement value of the specific location is set as the request. The information processing method according to claim 4.

7. Accepting, as the request, a purpose for the work to be performed at the location; The information processing method according to claim 4.

8. Accepting the request for the number of terminals to be connected to the first communication line at the location; The information processing method according to claim 4.

9. a candidate reservation location associated with a first communication line available to the user; an information processing device that controls communications performed at the location; and The processor of the information processing device accepting a user request for the speed of the first communication line and a reservation for setting for switching to a second communication line different from the first communication line during use, and notifying the user of the result of the actual measurement value of the speed in response to the request; Information processing system.

10. a candidate reservation location associated with a first communication line available to the user; an information processing device that controls communications performed at the location; and The processor of the information processing device When a first communication line is attached to a location that is a candidate for reservation, a user's request for the speed of the first communication line is accepted through selection of an option that indirectly represents the speed, and the result of the actual measurement value of the speed is notified to the user. Information processing system.

11. a processor; The processor: When a first communication line is attached to a location that is a candidate for reservation, a user request for the speed of the first communication line and a reservation for a setting for switching to a second communication line different from the first communication line at the time of use are accepted, and the result of the request for the actual measured value of the speed is notified to the user. Information processing device.

12. a processor; The processor: When a first communication line is attached to a candidate location for reservation, a user's request for the speed of the first communication line is accepted through selection of an option indirectly representing the speed, and the result of the actual measurement value of the speed is notified to the user. Information processing device.

13. On the computer, a function of accepting a user's request for the speed of a first communication line when the first communication line is attached to a reservation candidate location; a function of accepting a reservation for setting a switchover to a second communication line different from the first communication line when the communication line is in use; a function of notifying a user of the result of the request for the actual speed measurement value; A program to achieve this.

14. On the computer, a function of accepting a user's request for the speed of a first communication line when the first communication line is attached to a location that is a candidate for reservation, through selection of an option that indirectly represents the speed; a function of notifying a user of the result of the request for the actual speed measurement value; A program to achieve this.

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