Management computers, management systems and management applications

Abstract

To provide a management computer that enables a plurality of user terminals present at a predetermined venue to share information including the names of a plurality of subjects and the order in which the subjects are lined up while the subjects are moving from a waiting position to a target position at the predetermined venue. [Solution] A management computer 11 connected to multiple user terminals 13 via a communication network 12, having a processor 14, the multiple user terminals 13 including a user terminal 13 into which a first person in charge 40A inputs information at a first position Y1, a user terminal 13 into which a second person in charge 40B inputs information confirmed at a second position Y2, and a user terminal 13 used by a third person in charge 40D who reads out the names of the prize winners A2 in turn as they reach the target position X1, and the processor 14 enables information to be shared among the multiple user terminals 13.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management computer, a management system, and a management application that manage information input to multiple user terminals used at a specific venue. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of a queue management system that manages information at an event venue is described in Patent Document 1. The queue management system described in Patent Document 1 is a system that manages visitors' waiting in line at an event venue. The queue management system described in Patent Document 1 aims to provide a queue management system that can reliably collect visitor information and efficiently manage waiting in line for both exhibitors and visitors.

[0003] The queue management system described in Patent Document 1 comprises a management computer that manages the entire system, and multiple entrance reception terminals, multiple exit reception terminals, multiple booth terminals, multiple stage terminals, and multiple customer terminals connected to the management computer via a communication network. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6105118 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The inventor of the present application recognized that in the queue management system described in Patent Document 1, as subjects move from a waiting position to a target position at a designated venue, information including the names of multiple subjects and the order in which the multiple subjects are lined up cannot be shared among multiple user terminals at the designated venue, and there is still room for improvement.

[0006] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a management computer, a management system, and a management application that can share information including the names of multiple subjects and the order in which the multiple subjects are lined up among multiple user terminals present at a specified venue as the subjects move from a waiting position to a target position at the specified venue. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This embodiment discloses a management computer connected to a plurality of user terminals via a communication network, the management computer having a processor that manages information input to the plurality of user terminals, the plurality of user terminals including: a first user terminal into which a first person inputs information confirmed at a first position on a route along which a plurality of subjects who are in a waiting area at a specified venue will move sequentially to a target position that is different from the waiting area at the specified venue, the names and order of the subjects; a second user terminal into which a second person inputs information confirmed at a second position at the specified venue between the first position and the target position, the names and order of the subjects who will move along the route from the first position to the target position; and a third user terminal used by a third person that reads out the names of the plurality of subjects in order when the plurality of subjects each reach the target position after passing through the second position, the processor being configured to transmit the information input to the first user terminal and the information input to the second user terminal to the third user terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the management computer of this embodiment, while a subject moves from a waiting position to a target position at a designated venue, information including the names of multiple subjects and the order in which the multiple subjects are lined up can be shared among multiple user terminals at the designated venue. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overview of a management system. [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view of an event venue that is an example of a management target of a management system. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the progression of an event. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the management system. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an initial screen displayed on a display device of a user terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a usage screen displayed on a display device of a user terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (overview) In this embodiment, a management system 10, a management computer 11, and an application are disclosed, as shown in Fig. 1. The management system 10 includes a management computer 11 and a plurality of user terminals 13 connected to the management computer 11 via a communication network 12. The communication network 12 includes one or more networks selected from the Internet, a local area network, an intranet, and a wide area network.

[0011] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the communication network 12 is mainly the Internet. The communication network 12 is composed of one or more communication systems, either a wireless communication system or a wired communication system. The communication system is composed of communication cables, antennas, repeaters, routers, access points, etc. When an application is started, that is, executed, on a user terminal 13, the user terminals 13 can share information with each other via the management computer 11. The multiple user terminals 13 are each used and operated by multiple staff members 40 who, for example, manage and administer an event.

[0012] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the event is an award ceremony held at a company. At the event, a presenter 41, for example, a company representative, presents an award to a recipient A2, for example, an employee with excellent performance, a long-term employee, or a distinguished contributor. Note that the event embodiment is merely an example, and this embodiment is not limited to a company award ceremony. In addition, the same components are assigned the same reference numerals throughout the drawings used to explain the embodiment.

[0013] (Event venue overview) FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of an event venue B1. The event venue B1 is equipped with a stage 33, a waiting area 34, an intermediate area 35, participant seats 36, and an administrator's seat 37. In the vertical direction of FIG. 2, the participant seats 36 are located between the stage 33 and the administrator's seat 37. The waiting area 34 is located between the stage 33 and the participant seats 36. The intermediate area 35 is located between the stage 33 and the waiting area 34. For convenience, the vertical direction in FIG. 2 may be considered as the front-to-back direction C1. In this way, the stage 33 is located at the forefront in the front-to-back direction C1, and the administrator's seat 37 is located at the rearmost in the front-to-back direction C1.

[0014] (Example of event progress) 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the progression of an event held at event venue B1. In step S10, a large number of prize recipients A2 are seated in chairs in waiting area 34. A first person in charge 40A is located at a first position Y1 near waiting area 34 within event venue B1. In step S11, based on the prize recipient information acquired by user terminal 13, first person in charge 40A confirms the names and order of prize recipients A2 who will appear on stage 33, and guides them to the end of intermediate area 35. Upon receiving the guidance, prize recipients A2 stand up from their chairs in step S11, move through event venue B1, and head to the end of intermediate area 35.

[0015] The second person in charge 40B is at a second position Y2 near the end of the intermediate location 35. In step S12, the second person in charge 40B confirms the name and lining up order of the prize recipient A2 who has arrived at the end of the intermediate location 35. The stage guide 40C is at a third position Y3, which is the front of the intermediate location 35. In step S13, the stage guide 40C confirms the name and lining up order of the prize recipient A2 and guides them onto the stage 33. The prize recipient A2 who has been guided onto the stage 33 walks onto the stage 33 in step S14. The item preparer 40E is in the backyard of the stage 33 and prepares items for each prize recipient A2 in the order in which they will arrive at the target position X1.

[0016] In step S15, award recipient A2 receives the gift from presenter 41 at target position X1 on stage 33. Target position X1 is a position on stage 33 where award recipient A2 faces presenter 41 across desk 51. Host 40D introduces the name of award recipient A2 by voice. In step S15, presenter 40G explains the profile of award recipient A2. In step S15, display manager 40F also displays the profile of award recipient A2 on display 38. Having received the gift at target position X1, award recipient A2 leaves stage 33 in step S16.

[0017] The first position Y1, the second position Y2, the third position Y3, and the target position X1 are located at different places in the event venue B1. The route taken by the prize recipient A2 from the waiting area 34 to the target position X1 includes the first position Y1, the second position Y2, and the third position Y3, in this order. The second position Y2 and the third position Y3 are located between the first position Y1 and the target position X1.

[0018] (Administrative computer) The management computer 11 is a computer equipped with a main body (casing), a processor 14, a main memory 15, an auxiliary memory 16, a communication device 17, etc. The processor 14 is provided inside the main body and is configured with a hardware circuit including a central processing unit (CPU) that integrates an arithmetic unit (arithmetic circuit) and a control device (control circuit). The processor 14 may be configured with a processing circuit such as a digital signal processor or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) instead of or in addition to the central processing unit.

[0019] The processor 14 is communicatively connected to a main memory 15, an auxiliary memory 16, a communication device 17, etc. via a bus 18. The processor 14 comprehensively controls other devices and circuits provided inside the main body and devices and circuits provided outside the main body.

[0020] The processor 14 executes applications, i.e., executes processes by starting them. The processes executed by the processor 14 include calculations, judgments, comparisons, controls, etc. The processes executed by the processor 14 include reading information from the auxiliary memory 16, processing and judgments on information acquired from the user terminal 13 via the communication network 12, processing and judgments on information to be sent to the user terminal 13, adding, changing, and updating information stored in the auxiliary memory 16, etc.

[0021] The main memory 15 is a volatile storage device that functions as a work area and a buffer area when the processor 14 executes processing. The auxiliary memory 16 is a non-volatile storage device, i.e., a non-transitory storage medium. The capacity of the auxiliary memory 16 exceeds that of the main memory 15, and the auxiliary memory 16 operates in response to input and output commands from the processor 14.

[0022] The auxiliary memory 16 is realized by, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a flash memory, etc. An example of a magnetic disk is a hard disk drive. An example of an optical disk is a compact disk, a digital video disk, a Blu-ray disk, etc. A flash memory is a type of semiconductor memory, and examples of flash memory include an SD memory card, a USB flash drive, a solid state drive, etc. One or more elements included in the auxiliary memory 16 can be defined as a non-transitory storage medium 16A that can be attached to and detached from the main body.

[0023] Non-transient applications are stored in the auxiliary memory 16. The applications include programs, setting files, files for storing data, various libraries, etc. The auxiliary memory 16 also stores information before being processed by the processor 14, information after processing by the processor 14, etc.

[0024] By activating applications stored in auxiliary memory 16, processor 14 is configured to function as an event information processing unit 19, award recipient information processing unit 20, terminal management unit 21, network management unit 22, various information processing unit 23, and artificial intelligence unit 49. Event information processing unit 19 processes event information, such as the event organizer, the location where the event is held, the date and time of the event, etc. Furthermore, event information processing unit 19 stores the results of processing the event information in auxiliary memory 16. Award recipient information processing unit 20 processes award recipient information, which is information about award recipient A2.

[0025] The award recipient information is information about the award recipients A2 who will be awarded by the award giver 41 at the event. The award recipient information includes the award recipients A2's profiles, the status of their attendance and absence at the event, the order in which the award recipients A2 will arrive at the target position X1 on the stage 33, the items each award recipient A2 will receive, etc. The award recipient A2's profiles include, for example, their names, the branch and sales offices to which they belong, the award category and details, their achievements, etc. The award recipient information processing unit 20 stores the results of processing the award recipient information in the auxiliary memory 16. The processor 14 updates the event information and award recipient information stored in the auxiliary memory 16 every time it receives new information from the user terminal 13.

[0026] The terminal management unit 21 has the function of identifying each of the multiple user terminals 13 and processing information exchanged between the management computer 11 and each user terminal 13. When a user terminal 13 connects to a website on the communication network 12 and a procedure for registering the user terminal 13 is carried out, the terminal management unit 21 sets a username and password for each user terminal 13 and stores the set username and password in the auxiliary memory 16. After the user terminal 13 is registered, when an application is launched on the user terminal 13, the terminal management unit 21 compares the username and password registered in the auxiliary memory 16 with the username and password sent from the user terminal 13, and determines whether to permit or prohibit login of the user terminal 13.

[0027] The network management unit 22 controls the communication state between the management computer 11 and the communication network 12. Furthermore, if the communication network 12 is an internetwork, the network management unit 22 has a function of managing websites provided on the communication network 12. The network management unit 22 provides websites including various information and applications to the communication network 12. The network management unit 22 has a function of transmitting web pages written in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) or the like to the user terminal 13, and a function of receiving information transmitted from the user terminal 13.

[0028] The various information processing unit 23 is configured to process information and data that is not processed by the event information processing unit 19, the award winner information processing unit 20, the terminal management unit 21, or the network management unit 22. The artificial intelligence unit 49 is an artificial intelligence (AI) equipped with transformers including GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) and BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers), etc., and language models such as recurrent neural networks, and is capable of performing processing as generative artificial intelligence.

[0029] The language model is an example of a learning model based on a machine learning algorithm. Specific examples of machine learning algorithms include nearest neighbor methods, naive Bayes methods, decision trees, support vector machines, and deep learning using neural networks. The artificial intelligence unit 49 can apply the above algorithms as appropriate.

[0030] The artificial intelligence unit 49 may have a trained model constructed by a learning method such as supervised learning, unsupervised learning, or self-supervised learning. In supervised learning, machine learning is performed using training data including training data. The training data is composed of pairs of input data for learning and output data including correct answer data. In addition, the language model includes a model trained for a specific task and a general-purpose model that can be used for a wide range of tasks.

[0031] The artificial intelligence unit 49 has a function of generating a trained model by performing machine learning, for example, deep learning using a neural network, based on various information and data stored in the auxiliary memory 16 and newly acquired information and data. The generated trained model is stored in the auxiliary memory 16. The trained model generated by the artificial intelligence unit 49, that is, for example, an artificial voice, is sent to the user terminal 13.

[0032] The communication device 17 includes devices, equipment, and standards that connect the management computer 11 to the communication network 12. The devices and equipment that connect the management computer 11 to the communication network 12 include communication circuits, communication cables, antennas, and the like.

[0033] (user terminal) The user terminal 13 is a computer used and operated by the person in charge 40. The user terminal 13 is configured, for example, by a portable computer. Portable computers include tablet computers, notebook computers, smartphones, etc. The user terminal 13 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is an example of a tablet computer.

[0034] The user terminal 13 is connected to the management computer 11 via the communication network 12. The user terminal 13 includes a main body (casing) 13A shown in Figures 5 and 6, a processor 24 shown in Figure 1, a main memory 25, an auxiliary memory 26, an operation device 27, a display device 28, an audio output device 29, a communication device 31, etc. The processor 24 is provided inside the main body and is configured by a hardware circuit including a central processing unit (CPU) that integrates an arithmetic device (arithmetic circuit) and a control device (control circuit).

[0035] The processor 24 may be configured with a processing circuit such as a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. instead of or in addition to a central processing unit. The processor 24 is communicably connected to a main memory 25, an auxiliary memory 26, an operation device 27, a display device 28, an audio output device 29, a communication device 31, etc. via a bus 32.

[0036] The main memory 25 is a volatile storage device that functions as a work area and a buffer area when the processor 24 starts an application and executes processing. The auxiliary memory 26 is a non-volatile storage device, i.e., a non-transitory storage medium. The auxiliary memory 26 stores non-transitory applications.

[0037] The capacity of the auxiliary memory 26 exceeds the capacity of the main memory 25, and the auxiliary memory 26 operates in response to input and output instructions from the processor 24. The auxiliary memory 26 may be realized, for example, by a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a flash memory, or the like. An example of a magnetic disk is a hard disk drive. An example of an optical disk is a compact disk, a digital video disk, a Blu-ray disk, or the like. A flash memory is a type of semiconductor memory, and examples of flash memory include an SD memory card, a USB flash drive, and a solid-state drive. The type of auxiliary memory 26 varies depending on the type, shape, and size of the user terminal 13. One or more elements included in the auxiliary memory 26 can be defined as a non-transitory storage medium 26A that can be attached to and detached from the main unit.

[0038] The operation device 27 is operated by the person in charge 40. The operation device 27 is operated when inputting information, signals, etc. to the user terminal 13, when causing the user terminal 13 to execute various processes, when sending various information and data from the user terminal 13 to the management computer 11, when the user terminal 13 obtains various information and data from the management computer 11, etc.

[0039] The operation device 27 includes at least one element selected from the group consisting of a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence display, a keyboard, a touchpad, a mouse, a switch, a lever, an operation button, an operation tab, etc. These elements vary depending on the type, shape, and size of the user terminal 13. The operation device 27 may be structured so as to be directly attached to the main body of the user terminal 13, or may be structured so as to be connected to the main body via a cable.

[0040] The display device 28 is a display viewed by the person in charge 40, and examples of such displays include a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence display, and a plasma display. The display device 28 is provided directly on the main body of the user terminal 13, or is connected to the main body via a cable. FIGS. 5 and 6 show a structure in which the display device 28 is provided directly on the main body of the user terminal 13. The display may also be defined as a monitor. The display device 28 displays various screens, information on websites on the communication network 12, and the like.

[0041] Furthermore, the display device 28 can display operation buttons, operation tabs, etc. on the screen. In other words, the display device 28 can also function as part of the operation device 27. The display device 28 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is an example that also functions as part of the operation device 27. By using and operating the operation device 27 and the display device 28, the person in charge 40 can perform various operations, input and change various information, obtain various information, connect the user terminal 13 to the management computer 11, etc.

[0042] The audio output device 47 is an electronic device that converts an electrical signal into sound and outputs the sound. The audio output device 47 includes earphones, headphones, etc. The audio output device 47 may have a structure in which it is directly provided on the main body 13A, or a structure in which it is connected to the main body 13A via a cable. The microphone 48 is an electronic component that converts acquired sound into an electrical signal and outputs the electrical signal. The microphone 48 may have a structure in which it is directly provided on the main body 13A, or a structure in which it is connected to the main body 13A via a cable. The signal output from the microphone 48 is processed by the processor 24.

[0043] The communication device 31 includes devices, equipment, and standards that connect the user terminal 13 to the management computer 11 via the communication network 12. The devices and equipment that connect the user terminal 13 to the management computer 11 include communication circuits, communication cables, antennas, routers, etc. The communication device 31 is further communicatively connected to a camera 50. The camera 50 is installed in the event venue B1, for example, on a stage 33. The camera 50 captures video of the route from the beginning of the intermediate location 35 to the target position X1, and the video captured by the camera 50 is sent to the processor 24 via the communication device 31.

[0044] The processor 24 is configured to execute various processes and make decisions by executing, that is, launching, applications. The applications executed by the processor 24 may be native applications, web applications, or hybrid applications. Native applications are downloaded to the auxiliary memory 26 of the user terminal 13, installed, and made operational. Applications installed on the user terminal 13 are stored in the auxiliary memory 26. Web applications run on a web browser that connects the user terminal 13 to the communication network 12. Hybrid applications have the properties of both native applications and web applications.

[0045] Information processed and determined by the processor 24 includes data, voice, text, barcodes, images, videos, moving images, still images, signals, etc. The processing performed by the processor 24 includes calculation, judgment, comparison, control, etc. The processing performed by the processor 24 includes reading information from the auxiliary memory 26, changing and updating the information and data stored in the auxiliary memory 26, determining the operation of the operation device 27, processing information to be displayed on the display device 28, processing audio to be output from the speaker 42, processing audio to be output from the audio output device 47, processing audio acquired by the microphone 48, processing information to be displayed on the display 38, processing video acquired by the camera 50, processing information and data acquired from the management computer 11, processing information and data to be sent to the management computer 11, etc. Each user terminal 13 can share information with other user terminals 13 by connecting to a website provided by the management computer 110 to the communication network 12.

[0046] (Example of an event venue) Stage 33 is a place where prize recipient A2 who reaches target position X1 is presented with an item, such as a certificate of commendation, a letter of appreciation, a trophy, or a plaque. The item presented to prize recipient A2 is inscribed with the name of prize recipient A2, the award category, the details of the award, the date of award, etc. The path connecting the floor of event venue B1 and the stage 33 is made up of stairs, slopes, etc. On stage 33, a desk 51, a display 38, a speaker 42, etc. are installed. Desk 51 is used as a place to temporarily place items.

[0047] The display 38 may include a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence display, a plasma display, or the like. The display 38 displays the profile of the award recipient A2 as visual information. The visual information may include text, video, still images, illustrations, photographs, and the like. The display 38 may be configured to be either communicatively connected to the user terminal 13 or not connected to the user terminal 13. The speaker 42 outputs the profile of the award recipient input to the microphone 43 as audio information. The speaker 42 is also installed in a location separate from the stage 33 within the event venue B1. The speaker 42 may be configured to be either communicatively connected to the user terminal 13 or not connected to the microphone 43.

[0048] The waiting area 34 is where many people gather before the award recipients A2 appear on the stage 33, and the waiting area 34 is divided into multiple blocks 34A. In each block 34A, many chairs (seats) are arranged vertically and horizontally. The vertical direction is the same as the front-to-back direction C1. The position of each block 34A where each award recipient A2 sits, and the position of each chair in each block 34A where each award recipient A2 sits, are determined according to a predetermined standard. Examples of the predetermined standard include alphabetical order of the award recipients A2's names, age order, branch office order, sales office order, or order of appearance on the stage 33. After each award recipient A2 leaves the stage 33, they either return to their original position in the waiting area 34 or exit the event venue B1.

[0049] The intermediate location 35 is where the award recipients A2 in the waiting location 34 wait just before going up to the stage 33. At the intermediate location 35, multiple award recipients A2 wait in a line from the front to the back in the order in which they will appear on the stage 33. The order in which the award recipients A2 line up is determined by the award recipient information. The number of award recipients A2 waiting at the intermediate location 35 is set to be less than 20, for example.

[0050] The participant seats 36 are a location where multiple members of the public are located. Members of the public are those who are not scheduled to appear on stage 33 at the event. Members of the public include company employees who are not award recipient A1, and people related to award recipient A1. The participant seats 36 are divided into multiple blocks 36A. Each block 36A has a large number of chairs (seats) arranged vertically and horizontally. The positions in the blocks 36A where the public will be seated and the positions within the blocks 36A where the public will be seated may be determined in advance, or the public may freely select the position in each block 36A and the position within the blocks 36A.

[0051] The administrator's seat 37 is where the event management personnel 40 are located. The personnel 40 include a first person 40A, a second person 40B, a stage guide 40C, a master of ceremonies (MC) 40D, an item preparer 40E, a display manager 40F, a presenter 40G, and a general director 40H. The personnel 40 are not always present at the administrator's seat 37; they are located or move around within the event venue B1 according to the tasks they are responsible for. Each person 40 operates and uses a user terminal 13. Each user terminal 13 is configured to share award recipient information by launching an application. The award recipient information includes the status of attendance or absence of each award recipient A2 at the event, the order in which each award recipient A2 will receive their award at the target position X1, each award recipient A2's profile, the type and number of items each award recipient A2 will receive, and so on.

[0052] The first person in charge 40A is located near the waiting area 34. The first person in charge 40A checks the prize winner information obtained from the user terminal 13 and guides the prize winner A2 in the waiting area 34 to the end of the intermediate area 35 in a predetermined order and at a predetermined timing. The first person in charge 40A also compares the prize winner information obtained from the user terminal 13 with the prize winner A2 heading from the waiting area 34 to the intermediate area 35, and if there is a match, inputs that fact into the user terminal 13. Furthermore, if the prize winner A2 obtained from the user terminal 13 is absent on the day of the event, the first person in charge 40A can delete the absent (absent) prize winner A2 from the prize winner information. Furthermore, if the first person in charge 40A learns that the award recipient A2 is attending the event but has temporarily left the event venue B1, the first person in charge 40A can use the user terminal 13 to change the order in which the award recipient A2 travels from the waiting location 34 to the intermediate location 35 in the award recipient information stored in the user terminal 13.

[0053] The second person in charge 40B is located near the end of the intermediate location 35. The second person in charge 40B checks whether the prize winner information obtained from the user terminal 13 matches the order of the prize winners A2 at the end of the intermediate location 35. If the order of the prize winners A2 listed in the prize winner information stored in the user terminal 13 does not match the order of the prize winners A2 at the intermediate location 35, the second person in charge 40B prompts each prize winner A2 to adjust the order of the prize winners A2 at the intermediate location 35 to match the order in the prize winner information. If the second person in charge 40B confirms that the order of the prize winners A2 stored in the user terminal 13 matches the order of the prize winners A2 at the end of the intermediate location 35, the second person in charge 40B inputs this fact into the user terminal 13.

[0054] The stage guide 40C is located near the front of the intermediate location 35. The stage guide 40C checks the prize winner information obtained from the user terminal 13 and guides the prize winner A2, who is at the front of the intermediate location 35, to the stage 33 at a predetermined timing. Furthermore, when the stage guide 40C learns from the user terminal 13 that the prize winner A2 has temporarily disappeared after being guided to the end of the intermediate location 35, the stage guide 40C performs an operation on the user terminal 13 to change the order in which the prize winner A2 will appear on the stage 33, based on the prize winner information.

[0055] Furthermore, if the order of the prize winners A2 included in the prize winner information does not match the order of the prize winners A2 at the intermediate location 35, the stage guide 40C prompts each prize winner A2 to make the order of the prize winners A2 at the intermediate location 35 match the order of the prize winners A2 included in the prize winner information, and inputs into the user terminal 13 a confirmation that the order of the prize winners A2 in the prize winner information matches the order of the prize winners A2 at the intermediate location 35. This situation occurs when a prize winner A2 who was at the intermediate location 35 temporarily goes to another location and then returns to the intermediate location 35.

[0056] The host 40D is primarily seated at the administrator's seat 37. The host 40D checks the names of the multiple prize winners A2 and the order in which the multiple prize winners A2 will appear on the stage 33 from the prize winner information stored in the user terminal 13. The host 40D then uses the microphone 43 to introduce the names of the prize winners A2 in order at predetermined intervals. The voices emitted by the host 40D are output from a speaker 42 located in the event venue B1. The microphone 43 and the speaker 42 may be either not connected to the user terminal 13 or connected to the user terminal 13. If the microphone 43 and the speaker 42 are connected to the user terminal 13, the processor 24 processes the voices input to the microphone 43 and controls the voices output from the speaker 42. Each time the host 40D completes the introduction of a prize winner A2 included in the prize winner information, the host 40D inputs this fact into the user terminal 13.

[0057] The item preparer 40E is on stage 33 and prepares the items to be handed over to the award recipients A2. Because the item preparer 40E is in the backyard on stage 33, the item preparer 40E is not visible from the waiting area 34 or the participant seats 36. The item preparer 40E checks the award recipient information to confirm the items to be handed over to each award recipient A2, and then arranges the items in the order in which each award recipient A2 will appear on stage 33. Then, the presenter 41 hands over the items to the award recipients A2 on stage 33.

[0058] The display manager 40F is located in the backyard of the stage 33 or in the manager's seat 37, and manages the display content of the display 38. The display manager 40F is located in the backyard of the stage 33 or in the manager's seat 37. The display manager 40F displays on the display 38, from the award recipient information of the user terminal 13, the profile of the award recipient A2 who will appear on the stage 33 in the order in which the award recipient A2 will appear on the stage 33.

[0059] Presenter 40G is located in the backyard of stage 33 or in the administrator's seat 37. Presenter 40G explains the profile of award winner A2, which is part of the award winner information and will appear on stage 33, using microphone 43 in event venue B1 in the order that award winner A2 appears on stage 33, and also outputs the information from speaker 42 in event venue B1. Note that the same person may serve as both facilitator 40D and presenter 40G, or facilitator 40D and presenter 40G may be separate individuals.

[0060] The general director 40H is seated at the manager's desk 37 and supervises and manages the other staff members 40 based on information obtained from the user terminal 13, and issues instructions to the other staff members 40.

[0061] (Example of management system operation) An example of operation of the management system 10 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4. This example assumes that a user terminal 13 accesses a website on the communication network 12 and that the user terminal 13 is registered with the management computer 11. After the user terminal 13 is registered with the management computer 11, an application for managing the event is downloaded to the user terminal 13 and installed. Once the application is installed on the user terminal 13, an icon for launching the application is displayed on the display device 28. While the event is in progress, each person in charge 40 operates the user terminal 13 to perform their own tasks, such as checking or operating. The operations include audio input, audio output, video output, etc.

[0062] When the person in charge 40 operates the user terminal 13 in step S20 to select an icon displayed on the display device 28, a login screen is displayed on the display device 28. When the person in charge 40 enters a user name and password on the login screen and performs a login operation, an application is launched in step S21, and a confirmation screen is displayed on the display device 28 asking whether the user is "registered." "Registered" means that the event information and award recipient information have been registered in the management computer 11. If the management computer 11 determines "No" in step S22, a registration screen is displayed on the display device 28 in step S23.

[0063] The person in charge 40 operates the user terminal 13 to input the event information and the prize winner information and sends it to the management computer 11. In step S24, the processor 14 of the management computer 11 processes the event information and the prize winner information acquired from the user terminal 13, stores (registers) them in the auxiliary memory 16, and ends the control routine of FIG.

[0064] If the management computer 11 determines Yes in step S22, in step S25, the initial screen 28A shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display device 28. A plurality of mode buttons 44 are displayed on the initial screen 28A. The plurality of mode buttons 44 correspond to, for example, a call confirmation mode, a queue confirmation mode, a host mode, a backstage mode, a director confirmation mode, a status mode, and the like. For example, the call confirmation mode is selected by the first person in charge 40A. The queue confirmation mode is selected by the second person in charge 40B. The final confirmation mode is selected by the stage guide 40C. The host mode is selected by the host 40D and the presenter 40G. The backstage mode is selected by the item preparer 40E and the display manager 40F. The director confirmation mode is selected by the general director 40H. Note that each mode may be selected by any of the above-mentioned persons in charge 40.

[0065] In step S25, when person in charge 40 operates one of mode buttons 44 on initial screen 28A to select a mode, a usage screen corresponding to the selected mode is displayed on display device 28. In step S26, each person in charge 40 can change or confirm the award recipient information included in the usage screen, input audio, output video, etc. The award recipient information changed by person in charge 40 in step S26 is transmitted to management computer 11 in step S27, and the process proceeds to step S24.

[0066] The processes and operations of steps S25, S26, and S27 in FIG. 4, and the routine proceeding from step S27 to step S24, are performed during the execution of the event shown in FIG.

[0067] FIG. 6 is an example of the usage screen 28B. A list 45 and an operation menu 46 are displayed on the usage screen 28B. The list 45 displays items such as "Order," "Name," "Branch," "Office," "Item," and "Confirmation," arranged horizontally, i.e., left and right, on the initial screen 28A. Here, the items "Order," "Name," "Branch," and "Office" represent award recipient information. In other words, the award recipient information for each award recipient A2 is displayed vertically on the initial screen 28A. The vertical direction of the initial screen 28A corresponds to the up-down direction in FIG. 6. "Order" refers to the order in which each award recipient A2 will appear on stage 33. The lower the display position in FIG. 6, the lower the order. "Name" refers to the name of each award recipient A2. "Branch" refers to the branch office to which each award recipient A2 belongs within the company. "Office" refers to which of the offices within the branch office the award recipient A2 belongs to.

[0068] The items indicate the type and number of items to be handed over to the award recipient A2. The confirmation includes whether the first person in charge 40A, the second person in charge 40B, and the stage guide 40C confirmed the name and order of the award recipient A2. The confirmation also includes whether the host 40D read out the name of the award recipient A2 who reached the target position X1. The confirmation also includes whether the item preparer 40E confirmed that the name and order of the award recipient A2 matched in the backstage area before awarding the items to the award recipient A2. The confirmation also includes whether the display manager 40F performed an operation to display the profile of the award recipient A2 on the display 38. The confirmation also includes whether the presenter 40G performed an operation (task) to input the profile of the award recipient A2 into the microphone 43 and output it as audio from the speaker 42. A "◯" mark indicates that a confirmation or operation has been performed, and a "X" mark indicates that a confirmation or operation has not been performed. Note that the items displayed on usage screen 28B may differ depending on the mode button 44 selected.

[0069] When an operation to select one of the award recipients A2 is performed, a details screen containing more specific information about the selected award recipient A2 is displayed on the display device 28. The details screen includes items such as the pitch, emphasis, and cutoff points to use when reading out the award recipient A2's name, the award category and award details, a message for the award recipient A2, and an indication that this is the last award category. Furthermore, when the details screen is displayed, the operations that can be performed, such as entering, changing, deleting, and updating, may differ depending on the mode. Here, when the operations that can be performed on the usage screen 28B differ depending on the mode, it means that one or more operations are different.

[0070] Furthermore, by selecting any one of the award recipients A2 on the displayed usage screen 28B, it is possible to perform operations such as deleting the selected award recipient A2 from the list or changing the order of the selected award recipients A2. The operation of deleting any one of the award recipients A2 from the list is performed when it is discovered that an award recipient A2 who was scheduled to participate in the event will be absent for some reason. The operation of changing the order of the award recipients A2 is performed when it is discovered that an award recipient A2 has temporarily moved to another location after lining up at the back of the intermediate location 35 and is therefore absent. The operation of selecting whether or not to confirm is performed by the first person in charge 40A, the second person in charge 40B, and the stage guide 40C depending on the progress of each confirmation item.

[0071] The operation menu 46 includes menus such as a lock menu, a dominant hand menu, and a home menu. When unlock is selected in the lock menu, the content of the usage screen 28B can be changed. When lock is selected in the lock menu, the content of the usage screen 28B cannot be changed. When the dominant hand menu is selected, the position of each item included in the award winner information can be changed in the left-right direction of the usage screen 28B.

[0072] For example, if the confirmation item is located on the rightmost side of the usage screen 28B, a person in charge 40 who is right-handed can easily operate the confirmation item with their right hand. On the other hand, if the confirmation item is located on the leftmost side of the usage screen 28B, a person in charge 40 who is left-handed can easily operate the confirmation item with their left hand. The person in charge 40 can change the layout of the usage screen 28B depending on their dominant hand. When the home menu is selected, the initial screen 28A of FIG. 5 is displayed on the display device 28.

[0073] Furthermore, the processor 24 of the user terminal 13 has a function of displaying the remaining number of players / total number of players in numerical form for each award category while the usage screen 28B is displayed on the display device 28 as shown in FIG. The total number of people is the total number of award recipients A2 who will appear on stage 33 and receive their awards. The remaining number of people is the total number of people minus the number of award recipients A2 who have been awarded on stage 33. Furthermore, when the status mode is selected on the initial screen 28A shown in FIG. 5, the person in charge 40 can check the event information, award recipient information, event progress, etc. on the usage screen 28B. In the status mode, the event information, award recipient information, event progress, etc. cannot be input, deleted, or changed.

[0074] (Effects of the embodiment) In this embodiment, multiple user terminals 13 can share award recipient information via the management computer 11 during the event. Furthermore, during the event, each person in charge 40 can change and confirm the names of each award recipient A2 and the order in which each award recipient A2 will appear on the stage 33. Therefore, the order and timing in which a specific award recipient A2 among multiple award recipients A2 arrives at the target position X1 on the stage 33 and the award recipient 41 hands over a gift to the award recipient A2 can be matched with the order and timing in which the host 40D reads out the name of the specific award recipient A2 and displays the profile of the award recipient A2 on the display 38. Therefore, the host 40D can correctly read out the name of each award recipient A2 and correctly award gifts to the award recipient A2, ensuring smooth progress of the event and preventing the award recipient A2 from feeling uncomfortable.

[0075] (Other Controls and Effects) Other controls executed by the management system 10 are as follows: In step S14 of Fig. 3, the processor 24 of the user terminal 13 may determine the timing at which the prize recipient A2 reaches the target position X1, and in step S15, transmit the prize recipient information of the prize recipient A2 to the display 38, thereby automatically displaying the prize recipient information on the display 38. The processor 24 can estimate the timing at which the prize recipient A2 reaches the target position X1 based on the elapsed time from the point at which the stage guide 40C performed the confirmation operation for the prize recipient A2.

[0076] When the processor 24 performs the above control, it is assumed that the standard required time from the time when the stage guide 40C confirms the award recipient A2 until the award recipient A2 steps onto the stage 33 has been input in advance into one of the user terminals 13 and shared with all user terminals 13 via the management computer 11. The processor 24 can then compare the standard required time with the elapsed time to determine the timing at which the award recipient A2 will reach the target position X1. The processor 24 may also determine the timing at which the award recipient A2 will reach the target position X1 by processing the video captured by the camera 50. When the processor 24 performs the above control, the workload of the display manager 40F is reduced.

[0077] 3, the processor 24 of the user terminal 13 can also perform control to automatically output the name of the prize winner A2 in an artificial voice (AI voice) from the speaker 42 at the timing when the prize winner A2 reaches the target position X1. When the processor 24 performs this control, the workload of the facilitator 40D is reduced.

[0078] Furthermore, the processor 24 of the user terminal 13 can also control the voice output device 47 to automatically read out the name of the prize winner A2 who will next reach the target position X1, that is, the prize winner A2 who is at the head of the intermediate location 35, in an artificial voice. When the processor 24 performs this control, the host 40D can accurately read out the name of the prize winner A2 with the correct intonation and stress.

[0079] (Other explanations) An example of the technical meaning disclosed in this embodiment is as follows: The management system 10 is an example of a management system. The management computer 11 is an example of a management computer. The user terminal 13 is an example of a user terminal, a first user terminal, a second user terminal, a third user terminal, a fourth user terminal, a fifth user terminal, a sixth user terminal, and a seventh user terminal. The communication network 12 is an example of a communication network. The processor 14 is an example of a processor of a management computer. The display 38 is an example of a display. The speaker 42 is an example of a speaker.

[0080] The event venue B1 is an example of a predetermined venue. The waiting area 34 is an example of a waiting area. The award recipient A2 is an example of a recipient. The target position X1 is an example of a target position. The first position Y1 is an example of a first position. The second position Y2 is an example of a second position. The first person in charge 40A is an example of a first person in charge. The second person in charge 40B is an example of a second person in charge. The facilitator 40D is an example of a third person in charge. The item preparer 40E is an example of a fourth person in charge. The display manager 40F is an example of a fifth person in charge. The presenter 40G is an example of a sixth person in charge. The camera 50 is an example of a camera.

[0081] The number of times (number of personnel) the route from the waiting location 34 to the target position X1 is checked may be two, or may be four or more. If the route from the waiting location 34 to the target position X1 is checked twice, it is desirable to select a first personnel 40A who guides the person from the waiting location 34 to the entrance of the intermediate location 35, and a second personnel 40B who is at the entrance of the intermediate location 35. The event may be an entrance ceremony or the like. The predetermined location may be either indoors or outdoors. [Industrial Applicability]

[0082] The present disclosure can be used as a management computer, a management system, and a management application that manage information input to multiple user terminals used at a specific venue. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 10...Management system, 11...Management computer, 12...Communication network, 13...User terminal, 14...Processor, 34...Waiting area, 38...Display, 40A...First person in charge, 40B...Second person in charge, 40C...Third person in charge, 40D...Fourth person in charge, 40E...Fifth person in charge, 40F...Sixth person in charge, 40G...Seventh person in charge, 42...Speaker, 50...Camera, A2...Award recipient, B1...Event venue, X1...Target position, Y1...First position, Y2...Second position

Claims

1. A management system having a plurality of user terminals and a management computer connected to the plurality of user terminals via a communication network, The plurality of user terminals a first user terminal into which a first person in charge confirms the names and order of a plurality of subjects who are in a waiting area at a predetermined venue and who move sequentially to a target location at the predetermined venue that is different from the waiting area, at a first location on a route along which the plurality of subjects will move, and into which the first person in charge inputs information including the confirmed names and order of the plurality of subjects; a second user terminal into which a second person in charge confirms the names and order of the plurality of subjects when the plurality of subjects move from the first position to the target position along the route at a second position between the first position and the target position in the specified venue, and into which the second person in charge inputs information including the confirmed names and order of the plurality of subjects; a third user terminal used by a third person that reads out the names of the plurality of subjects in order at the timing when the plurality of subjects who have passed through the second location reach the target location, respectively; Including, the management computer is configured to transmit information input to the first user terminal and information input to the second user terminal to the third user terminal; A display is further provided that is placed in the predetermined venue and displays a profile of the subject; The management system includes a fourth user terminal used by a fourth person who, when the subject reaches the target position, operates the display to display the profile of the subject who has reached the target position.

2. 2. The management system according to claim 1, The management system includes a fifth user terminal used by a fifth person who, when the target person reaches the target location, arranges items to be handed over to the target person in the order in which the multiple targets reach the target location.

3. 2. The management system according to claim 1, a camera for capturing an image of a path leading to the target position is further provided; The plurality of user terminals determining whether the subject has reached the target position by processing the image of the camera; When it is determined that the subject has reached the target position, a process of displaying a profile of the subject who has reached the target position on the display; a sixth user terminal running the management system.

4. 2. The management system according to claim 1, a camera that is placed in the predetermined venue and captures an image of a route to the target position; a speaker that is placed in the predetermined venue and outputs the profile of the subject by voice; Further provided with The plurality of user terminals determining whether the subject has reached the target position by processing the image of the camera; When it is determined that the subject has reached the target position, a process of outputting a profile of the subject who has reached the target position through the speaker; a seventh user terminal executing the above-mentioned management system.

5. A management system having a plurality of user terminals connected to a management computer via a communication network, comprising: a management application executed on each of the plurality of user terminals, The plurality of user terminals a first user terminal into which a first person in charge confirms the names and order of a plurality of subjects who are in a waiting area at a predetermined venue and who move sequentially to a target location at the predetermined venue that is different from the waiting area, at a first location on a route along which the plurality of subjects will move, and into which the first person in charge inputs information including the confirmed names and order of the plurality of subjects; a second user terminal into which a second person in charge confirms the names and order of the plurality of subjects when the plurality of subjects move from the first position to the target position along the route at a second position between the first position and the target position in the specified venue, and into which the second person in charge inputs information including the confirmed names and order of the plurality of subjects; a third user terminal used by a third person that reads out the names of the plurality of subjects in order at the timing when the plurality of subjects who have passed through the second location reach the target location, respectively; Including, A display is further provided that is placed in the predetermined venue and displays a profile of the subject; the plurality of user terminals include a fourth user terminal used by a fourth person who, when the subject reaches the target position, performs an operation to display on the display a profile of the subject who has reached the target position; A management application configured to transmit information entered into the first user terminal and information entered into the second user terminal to the third user terminal.

Images