Information processing system, information processing method and program

Abstract

To automatically issue special offer information for attracting users to visit a shop that provides services, during time periods in which reservations are available in the shop, and also prevent the shop from becoming excessively crowded resulting from it.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes a control unit configured to: obtain first congestion information that is related to a congestion state of a shop for a first time period including a current time point, out of multiple time periods during a day; obtain second congestion information that is related to the congestion state of the shop for a second time period which is subsequent to the first time period, out of the multiple time periods; and determine whether or not to issue special offer information that can be used in the shop during or after the first time period, according to the first congestion information and the second congestion information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that can control the process of issuing privilege information that can be used by users at service establishments such as restaurants. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, service establishments such as restaurants distribute coupons and other special offer information to users as appropriate depending on the reservation status on the day of business.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 below describes a system in which, when a waiter selects one of the reservation slots on a restaurant's reservation register screen, an advertising distribution button is displayed for that reservation slot to distribute advertising information including special offer information to customers, and when the advertising distribution button is pressed, a number of pieces of advertising information corresponding to the capacity of the table corresponding to that reservation slot or the time period is distributed to the user terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-131789 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, whether or not to issue special offer information is left to the discretion of the store clerk, which places a burden on the clerk. Also, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, there is no limit to the number of special offer information that can be issued, so if too many special offer information are issued, there is a risk that the store will be overwhelmed with customers and become too crowded.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that can automatically issue special benefit information to encourage users to visit a service store during times when there are available reservations, thereby preventing the store from becoming overly crowded. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention has a control unit that acquires first congestion information regarding the congestion status of a store during a first time period, which is one of multiple time periods in a day and to which the current time belongs, acquires second congestion information regarding the congestion status of the store during a second time period, which is one of the multiple time periods and is after the first time period, and determines whether or not to issue special benefit information that can be used at the store after the first time period, based on the first congestion information and the second congestion information.

[0008] With this configuration, the information processing system automatically issues special offer information to encourage users to visit the service store during times when there are available reservations, thereby preventing the store from becoming overly crowded. The special offer information may be, for example, coupons or memberships. The time period may be set in two-hour or three-hour increments, but is not limited to this. The second congestion information may be, for example, reservation information for the store during the second time period, or congestion information predicted using a predetermined algorithm based on the first congestion information. The information processing system may be comprised of one or more information processing devices.

[0009] The first congestion information may be obtained via a sensor installed in the store during the first time period, and the second congestion information may be reservation information indicating the reservation status of the store during the second time period.

[0010] This allows the information processing system to determine whether or not to issue special offer information using information from different sources, namely, current congestion information in the store and reservation information for a later time slot, thereby more effectively preventing the store from becoming too crowded during the second time slot due to the issuance of special offer information.The sensor may be, for example, a camera that takes pictures inside the store or a human detection (infrared, ultrasonic, visible light) sensor installed on a table inside the store, but is not limited to these.

[0011] The first congestion information may indicate a congestion rate based on the number of seats or tables detected by the sensor in the store during the first time period, and the second congestion information may indicate a reservation rate based on a predetermined number of reservations for the store during the second time period. In this case, the control unit may determine to issue the special offer information when the congestion rate is less than a first threshold and the reservation rate is less than a second threshold.

[0012] Here, the predetermined number of reservations may be the average number of reservations during the second time slot during a past predetermined period or on the same day of the week in the past, the total number of seats in the store (maximum number of reservations), or, if the store has a set number of seats that can be reserved separately from the total number of seats, the maximum number of reservations.By using a threshold based on the number of seats or tables for the congestion rate, while using a threshold based on past reservation records rather than the number of seats or tables for the reservation rate, the information processing system can determine whether to issue a bonus information in a way that better reflects the actual situation of the store, and issuing bonus information can more effectively prevent the store from becoming too crowded during the second time slot.

[0013] The first congestion information may indicate a congestion rate based on the number of seats or tables detected by the sensor in the store during the first time period, and the second congestion information may indicate a reservation rate based on a predetermined number of reservations for the store during the second time period. The second time period may include the third time period and a fourth time period thereafter, and the reservation rates may include a first reservation rate for the third time period and a second reservation rate for the fourth time period. In this case, the control unit may determine to issue the special offer information when the congestion rate is less than a first threshold, the first reservation rate is less than a second threshold, and the second reservation rate is less than a third threshold higher than the second threshold.

[0014] As a result, the information processing system places emphasis on reservation statuses closer to the current time among reservation statuses, and sets a stricter threshold for the reservation rate for time slots closer to the current time when deciding whether or not to issue special benefit information, thereby more effectively preventing the store from becoming too crowded during time slots closer to the current time within the second time slot by issuing special benefit information.Here, the third time slot is, for example, the time slot 30 minutes or 1 hour after the start of the first time slot, and the fourth time slot is, for example, the time slot 30 minutes or 1 hour after the start of the third time slot, but is not limited to these.

[0015] The control unit may display the issued benefit information or information linked to the benefit information on a display terminal or a web page associated with the store until the end of the first time period.

[0016] This allows the information processing system to limit the display of the special offer information until the end of the first time slot, thereby more effectively preventing the store from becoming overly crowded during the second time slot. The special offer information may be displayed in the form of a two-dimensional barcode on a display terminal (digital signage terminal) installed at stations, roads, buildings, etc. around the store, and downloaded to the user's terminal by reading the two-dimensional barcode, making it available for use in the store. Alternatively, a button for downloading the special offer information may be displayed on a web page corresponding to the store, and the user may tap the button on their device (such as a smartphone) to download and use the information.

[0017] The control unit may display the issued benefit information or information linked to the benefit information on a display terminal or a web page associated with the store for at least a predetermined time.

[0018] In this way, the information processing system can display the special offer information for at least a predetermined time, thereby bringing the special offer information into the user's sight for at least the predetermined time, and encouraging the user to visit the store during the second time period.

[0019] An information processing method according to another aspect of the present invention includes: acquire first congestion information regarding the congestion state of the store in a first time slot to which the current time belongs among a plurality of time slots in a day; acquire second congestion information regarding a congestion state of the store during a second time period that is after the first time period among the plurality of time periods; The method includes determining whether or not to issue special benefit information that can be used at the store after the first time period, based on the first congestion information and the second congestion information.

[0020] A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program for executing the following on an information processing device: acquiring first congestion information regarding the congestion state of the store in a first time slot to which the current time belongs, among a plurality of time slots in a day; acquiring second congestion information regarding a congestion state of the store during a second time period that is after the first time period among the plurality of time periods; and a step of determining whether or not to issue special benefit information that can be used at the store after the first time period, based on the first congestion information and the second congestion information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to automatically issue special benefit information to encourage users to visit a service store during a time slot when reservations are available, thereby preventing the store from becoming overly crowded. However, this effect does not limit the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a restaurant information providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a restaurant information providing server according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a database included in a restaurant information providing server according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a privilege information issuing process performed by the restaurant information providing server according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10 is a table conceptually showing conditions for issuing special benefit information issued by a restaurant information providing server in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a digital signage terminal in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of benefit information displayed on a web page corresponding to each restaurant in one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] [System Configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a restaurant information providing system according to this embodiment.

[0025] As shown in the figure, this system includes a restaurant information providing server 100 on the Internet 50, a plurality of user terminals 200, a restaurant terminal 300, and a digital signage terminal 400.

[0026] Restaurant information providing server 100 is a web server that operates a portal site (restaurant information providing site) that lists information about restaurants. Restaurant information providing server 100 is connected to a plurality of user terminals 200, restaurant terminals 300 of restaurants, and digital signage terminals 400 via the Internet 50.

[0027] The restaurant information providing server 100 provides a restaurant information providing system for users of user terminals 200 on the portal site. Specifically, the restaurant information providing server 100 searches for restaurant information that matches search conditions based on a search request from the user terminal 200, generates a web page listing the search results, and transmits it to the user terminal 200. The restaurant information providing server 100 also handles reservation acceptance processing for any restaurant from the user terminal 200 of the user who viewed the restaurant information.

[0028] User terminal 200 (200A, 200B, 200C...) is a terminal used by a user, such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet PC (Personal Computer), a notebook PC, a desktop PC, etc. User terminal 200 accesses restaurant information providing server 100, receives the web page, and displays it on a screen using a browser or the like.

[0029] The user terminal 200 determines search conditions for restaurants based on user operation, and transmits a restaurant search request based on the search conditions to the restaurant information providing server 100. In this embodiment, the user of the user terminal 200 can transmit a search request by selecting pre-set search conditions such as the restaurant's location area (nearest station), genre, price range, etc. Then, based on user operation, the user terminal 200 can transmit a reservation request for any of the restaurants displayed as the search results to the restaurant information providing server 100.

[0030] Furthermore, on the portal site, a button for downloading special offer information (coupons) may be displayed on the web page corresponding to each restaurant, and the user may download and use the coupons by tapping the user terminal 200.

[0031] Meanwhile, restaurant information providing server 100 provides a management screen (web page) of restaurant information for restaurants (affiliated restaurants) listed on the portal site. Through the management screen, users of restaurant terminals 300 can edit and update restaurant information (content) on a web page provided to general users as the search results, and upload the web page to the portal site.

[0032] Restaurant terminal 300 is a terminal installed in each restaurant, and may be a tablet PC, notebook PC, desktop PC, etc. Restaurant terminal 300 can execute processes related to its own restaurant information, such as editing and updating the restaurant information, based on the operation of an administrator, by communicating with restaurant information providing server 100. Although only one restaurant and one restaurant terminal 300 are shown in the figure, there may be multiple restaurants, and each restaurant may have its own restaurant terminal 300.

[0033] As shown in the figure, a camera C capable of capturing images of the interior of the restaurant is installed inside the restaurant, and a human presence sensor M for detecting human movement is installed, for example, on the underside of the top surface of each table T.

[0034] The camera C and the motion sensor M are sensors for detecting the congestion level inside the restaurant, and these captured images and detection data are transmitted to the restaurant terminal 300 via a wireless relay terminal W installed inside the restaurant, and then transmitted from the restaurant terminal 300 to the restaurant information providing server 100. The images and detection data may also be transmitted from the camera C and the motion sensor M to the restaurant information providing server 100 without going through the restaurant terminal 300. The images and detection data may also be transmitted to the restaurant information providing server 100 via a terminal (for example, a terminal carried by a restaurant staff member) or server (for example, a server managing the camera C and the motion sensor M) other than the restaurant terminal 300.

[0035] Not all restaurants are equipped with both the camera C and the human presence sensor M, and some restaurants may only have one of them.

[0036] The restaurant information providing server 100 can calculate the degree of congestion (customer density) inside the restaurant by analyzing the video from the camera C, and can determine the occupancy status of each table T from the detection data from the human presence sensor M.

[0037] The digital signage terminal 400 is a display terminal installed, for example, at stations, roads, or buildings (such as entrances or elevator halls) around a restaurant, and receives and displays information about nearby restaurants from the restaurant information server 100.

[0038] The information about the restaurant may include a map of nearby restaurants, detailed information about each restaurant, and special offer information (coupons) that can be used at the restaurant. The special offer information may be displayed in the form of a two-dimensional barcode, for example, and downloaded to the user terminal 200 when the two-dimensional barcode is read by the user terminal 200, so that the special offer information can be used at the restaurant. In addition, the special offer information has a finite number of issues, and the remaining number may be reduced when the two-dimensional barcode is read by the user terminal 200.

[0039] In this embodiment, the restaurant information providing server 100 determines whether to issue special information available to the user during a second time period, based on congestion status information for a first time period of the day to which the current time belongs and reservation status information for the restaurant during a second time period after the first time period, both of which are received from the restaurant terminal 300 of the restaurant. Here, the second time period may be 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or 2 hours after the current time, as long as it is after the first time period. Details of the specific information issuing process will be described later.

[0040] [Hardware configuration of restaurant information server] 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the restaurant information providing server 100. As shown in the figure, the restaurant information providing server 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, an input / output interface 15, and a bus 14 connecting these components to one another.

[0041] The CPU 11 accesses the RAM 13 etc. as needed, and performs various arithmetic processing while controlling all blocks of the restaurant information providing server 100. The ROM 12 is a non-volatile memory that permanently stores firmware such as the OS, programs, and various parameters to be executed by the CPU 11. The RAM 13 is used as a working area for the CPU 11, and temporarily stores the OS, various applications currently being executed, and various data currently being processed.

[0042] The input / output interface 15 is connected to a display unit 16, an operation reception unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and the like.

[0043] The display unit 16 is a display device that uses, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an OLED (Organic ElectroLuminescence Display), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), or the like.

[0044] The operation reception unit 17 is, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, or other input device. When the operation reception unit 17 is a touch panel, the touch panel can be integrated with the display unit 16.

[0045] The storage unit 18 is a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a flash memory (solid state drive (SSD)), or other solid-state memory. The storage unit 18 stores the OS, various applications, and various data.

[0046] As will be described later, particularly in this embodiment, the memory unit 18 has a restaurant information database, a user information database, and a bonus information database, in addition to programs such as applications necessary for the bonus information issuing process based on the restaurant's congestion status and reservation status, as will be described later.

[0047] Communication unit 19 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) for Ethernet or various modules for wireless communication such as wireless LAN, and is responsible for communication processing between user terminal 200, restaurant terminal 300, and digital signage terminal 400.

[0048] Although not shown, the basic hardware configuration of user terminal 200 and restaurant terminal 300 is also substantially the same as the hardware configuration of restaurant information providing server 100 described above.

[0049] [Database configuration of restaurant information server] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a database included in the restaurant information providing server 100. As shown in FIG.

[0050] As shown in the figure, the restaurant information providing server 100 has a restaurant information database 31, a user information database 32, and a benefit information database 33 in the storage unit .

[0051] The restaurant information database 31 stores, for each restaurant, the restaurant's name, location information (address or latitude and longitude), area information, access information (nearest station information, walking distance information from the nearest station), telephone number, an ID (store ID) identifying the restaurant, information about the restaurant's business type and service category, information introducing the restaurant (information indicating the restaurant's characteristics such as promotional text for the restaurant, information about events held by the restaurant, etc.), image data related to the restaurant (introducing the restaurant), menu information related to the menus offered by the restaurant, average budget information, business hours, website URL, etc. This information is input from the restaurant terminal 300 of each restaurant via a management screen provided by the restaurant information providing server 100. The restaurant information database 31 also stores reservation ledger information for each restaurant.

[0052] The menu information corresponds to the menus posted on the website of each restaurant on the portal site, and stores the names of multiple menu items that each restaurant can offer for each restaurant. The menu information may be stored for each menu category, such as appetizer / main course, lunch / dinner / course, etc. The menu information may also include text information indicating the menu name, price, description, etc., as well as image information such as a photograph of the menu item, in association with the menu item.

[0053] The area information includes information about multiple areas with different units of size. Large areas include prefectures and municipalities, small areas include areas within a few hundred meters of a station (e.g., the "Ginza area"), and areas in between include, but are not limited to, areas within 1 km of a station or areas surrounding multiple stations (e.g., the "Ginza-Shinbashi-Yurakucho area"). This means that the same restaurant can be linked to multiple areas depending on its size.

[0054] Furthermore, information (such as a terminal ID) about the digital signage terminal 400 installed in that area is associated with that area (for example, the smallest area among multiple areas), and the digital signage terminal 400 and each restaurant are associated via that area. However, apart from the area information, the terminal ID of the digital signage terminal 400 may also be directly associated with the store ID of the restaurant.

[0055] The category information may include main categories such as Japanese, Chinese, Italian, French, and yakiniku, as well as more detailed subcategories such as yakitori and tempura in Japanese cuisine and pasta and pizza in Italian cuisine.

[0056] The reservation ledger information is reservation information received from user terminal 200 (or by telephone) via the restaurant information providing site, and includes, for example, information about each restaurant such as reservation date and time, reservation user name, number of people reserved, reserved table, reserved course, etc. The reservation ledger information stores not only reservation information for users who will be coming, but also past reservation record information for at least several months. The reservation ledger information can also be accessed from restaurant terminal 300.

[0057] The user information database 32 stores information about users who own user terminals 200 and are users (members) of the restaurant information service provided by the restaurant information providing server 100 via the portal site. Specifically, the user information database 32 stores information such as a user ID, password, name, email address (information to which other messages will be sent), telephone number, address, age (group), gender, and birthday for each user.

[0058] The privilege information database 33 stores privilege information (coupon information) that can be issued by each restaurant. Specifically, information such as text and images indicating the content of each privilege information is stored in association with a privilege information ID.

[0059] Each restaurant can select from multiple types of bonus information via the restaurant terminal 300, for example, to set what type of bonus information to issue for each period, and the bonus information database 33 also stores the bonus information currently set by each restaurant, as well as information (flag) indicating whether the information has been issued and whether the user has used it.

[0060] The benefit information may be something that can be used at multiple restaurants (for example, a coupon that provides a certain percentage off the bill), or it may be something that can be set independently for each restaurant (for example, a coupon for a discount or free provision of a specific menu item at the restaurant).

[0061] These databases are mutually referenced and used as needed in the benefit information issuing process by the restaurant information providing server 100, which will be described later.

[0062] [Operation of the restaurant information server] Next, we will explain the operation of the restaurant information providing server 100 configured as above. The operation is performed by cooperation between hardware such as the CPU 11 and communication unit 19 of the restaurant information providing server 100 and software stored in the storage unit 18. For convenience, in the following explanation, the CPU 11 is the subject of operation.

[0063] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the privilege information issuing process performed by the restaurant information providing server 100.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 11 of the restaurant information providing server 100 first determines whether or not current congestion rate information has been received from the restaurant terminal 300 (step 41).

[0065] When the congestion rate information is data derived from camera C, it may be the video data of camera C itself, or may be received as congestion rate data calculated by restaurant terminal 300 based on the video data (for example, the number of people detected relative to the number of seats / tables detected in the video). When the congestion rate information is the video data of camera C itself, CPU 11 detects seats or tables and people from the video data, and calculates the congestion rate as the number of people detected relative to the number of seats / tables detected.

[0066] Furthermore, in the case where the congestion rate information is data derived from a human presence sensor M, it may be detection data of the human presence sensor M (data indicating whether or not each human presence sensor M has detected a person), or may be received as congestion rate data (for example, the number of human presence sensors M that have detected a person relative to the total number of human presence sensors M installed in the restaurant) calculated by the eating and drinking establishment terminal 300. In the case where the congestion rate information is data indicating whether or not each human presence sensor M has detected a person, CPU 11 calculates the congestion rate as the number of human presence sensors M that have detected a person relative to the number of human presence sensors M that are the source of the data.

[0067] If it is determined that the congestion rate information for the current time has been received (Yes in step 41), the CPU 11 calculates the reservation rate for the corresponding restaurant for the second time slot that follows the first time slot to which the current time belongs, based on the past reservation record (step 42).If it is determined that the congestion rate information for the current time has not been received (No in step 41), the process returns to step 41, and is repeated until the congestion rate information for the current time is received.

[0068] Specifically, the CPU 11 calculates the reservation rate as the ratio of the number of reservations for the second time slot on the current day to the number of reservations for the corresponding restaurant for the same day and the same time slot for the past four weeks. Each time slot is divided into, for example, 30 minutes, 1 hour, etc., within a day, but is not limited to this.

[0069] Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the calculated congestion rate is less than a predetermined threshold T1 and the calculated reservation rate is less than a predetermined threshold T2 (step 43).

[0070] Here, the threshold value T1 is, for example, 50% when the congestion rate is derived from camera C and calculated as the number of people detected relative to the number of seats / tables detected in the video as described above, and is, for example, 80% when the congestion rate is derived from human presence sensor M and calculated as the number of human presence sensors M that detected people relative to the total number of human presence sensors M installed in the store as described above, but is not limited to this.

[0071] In this case, the threshold value T2 is, for example, 90% when the reservation rate is calculated as the ratio of the number of reservations for the second time slot on the same day to the number of reservations for the same day and time slot as the second time slot for the past four weeks, as described above, but is not limited to this.

[0072] Furthermore, if the congestion rate is set to a lower value (for example, the threshold T1 when the congestion rate is derived from camera C is 34%, and the threshold T1 when the congestion rate is derived from human presence sensor M is 60%), the threshold T2 can be set to a higher value (for example, 110%).

[0073] If it is determined that the congestion rate is less than the threshold T1 and the reservation rate is less than the threshold T2 (Yes in step 43), the CPU 11 sets the issuance flag of the privilege information in the privilege information database 33 to ON for the corresponding restaurant (step 44).

[0074] 5 is a table conceptually showing the conditions for issuing the above-mentioned special information (ON / OFF of the issue flag). In the figure, a circle in each box indicates that the issue flag is ON, and an × indicates that the issue flag is OFF.

[0075] As shown in the figure, the threshold value T1 is set for the congestion rate, and if the congestion rate is divided into three levels: empty, slightly crowded, and crowded, this threshold value T1 becomes a value that falls into the "slightly crowded" category.

[0076] Furthermore, the threshold value T2 is set for the reservation rate, and when the reservation rate is divided into three stages, lower than usual / normal / higher than usual, the threshold value T2 is a value that falls into the "lower than usual" category.

[0077] Also, if the threshold T1 is set to a lower value (a value belonging to "empty"; threshold T1'), the threshold T2 can be set to a higher value (a value belonging to "usual"; threshold T2').

[0078] As shown in the figure, the restaurant information providing server 100 issues special privilege information when both the congestion rate and reservation rate are lower than normal (average), but refrains from issuing special privilege information when both the congestion rate and reservation rate are relatively high or normal (average), thereby preventing the restaurant from becoming overly crowded due to the issuance of special privilege information.

[0079] In addition, while a threshold based on the number of seats or tables is used for the congestion rate, a threshold based on past reservation records rather than the number of seats or tables is used for the reservation rate, allowing the decision on whether to issue a ticket to be more reflective of the actual situation of the store.

[0080] As shown in the figure, threshold T1 is set so that if the congestion rate is a value that corresponds to "busy," special offer information will not be issued even if the reservation rate for the next time slot (i.e., the target time slot for which special offer information is used) is a value that corresponds to "less than usual." This is because if the store is very crowded at the current time, there is a high possibility that at least some of the customers will remain in the store at a later time slot, and even if the customers leave the crowded situation, time will be needed to reset the situation and restore store operations.

[0081] Returning to Figure 4, when it is decided to issue the bonus information, the CPU 11 sends a request to display a two-dimensional code indicating the bonus information of the corresponding restaurant to the digital signage terminal 400 associated with the area information of the restaurant in the restaurant information database 31 (step 45).

[0082] The CPU 11 also posts the benefit information on the web page of the corresponding restaurant on the portal site (step 46). After that, the process is repeated from step 41.

[0083] In this case, the CPU 11 completes the transmission of the special information to the digital signage terminal 400 and the posting of the special information on the web page by the end of the first time period.

[0084] Furthermore, CPU 11 displays the bonus information or information linked thereto (such as a two-dimensional barcode) on the digital signage terminal 400 and on the web page until step 47, which will be described later, is performed. Furthermore, CPU 11 may control digital signage terminal 400 and the web page so that the bonus information or information linked thereto (such as a two-dimensional barcode) is displayed on the digital signage terminal 400 and on the web page for at least a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, etc.). If the number of pieces of bonus information to be issued is finite and the predetermined number has been issued before the predetermined time has elapsed, CPU 11 hides the bonus information even before the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0085] This allows the restaurant information providing server 100 to expose the special offer information to the user for at least a predetermined time, encouraging the user to visit the restaurant during the second time period. Also, it is possible to prevent the special offer information from being frequently displayed or hidden when the congestion rate of the restaurant fluctuates around the threshold T1.

[0086] On the other hand, if it is determined in step 43 that the congestion rate is equal to or greater than the threshold T1 or the reservation rate is equal to or greater than the threshold T2 (No in step 43), and if the issuance flag for the current special information is ON, the CPU 11 cancels the issuance of the special information and sets the issuance flag to OFF (step 47). Thereafter, the process is repeated from step 41.

[0087] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on digital signage terminal 400. As shown in FIG.

[0088] As shown in the figure, digital signage terminal 400 displays current images 61 from cameras C of, for example, a nearby restaurant, along with the restaurant name and congestion status information 62 as the real-time state of the restaurant.

[0089] For restaurants that have been issued special offer information through the above process, a coupon mark 63 is also displayed. Also, at the bottom of the screen, for example, a two-dimensional barcode 64 linked to the special offer information of each restaurant is displayed, and the user can check the current availability of each restaurant and download and use the special offer information of the desired restaurant by reading the two-dimensional barcode with the user terminal 200.

[0090] FIG. 7 shows an example of special offer information displayed on a web page corresponding to each restaurant on the portal site.

[0091] An application corresponding to the system provided by the restaurant information providing server 100 is installed on each user terminal 200, and the application can display map data of the area around the current location of the user terminal 200 as a web page, as shown in Fig. 1A, and can display an icon 71 on the map data at the location of each restaurant where the camera C is installed. Restaurants for which the benefit information has been issued can be identified by superimposing the word "coupon" on the icon 71, for example.

[0092] When the user taps on the icon 71 of any restaurant for which special offer information has been issued, a pop-up appears with a current image 72 from camera C of the corresponding restaurant, along with a coupon acquisition button 73 for downloading the special offer information, as shown in Figure B. This allows the user to check the current availability of each restaurant.

[0093] When the user taps the coupon acquisition button 73, benefit information 74 is downloaded and displayed as shown in C of the same figure. The user can use the benefit by presenting this to a staff member at the restaurant.

[0094] [summary] As described above, according to this embodiment, the restaurant information providing server 100 automatically issues special offer information (coupons) to encourage users to visit restaurants during times when reservations are available, thereby preventing the restaurant from becoming overly crowded.

[0095] Furthermore, the restaurant information server 100 determines whether or not to issue special privilege information using information from different sources, namely, current congestion information within the restaurant and reservation information for the restaurant for a later time period, thereby more effectively preventing the restaurant from becoming overly crowded at a later time period due to the issuance of special privilege information than when special privilege information is issued based on only one of the sources.

[0096] Furthermore, the restaurant information server 100 issues special privilege information when both the congestion rate and reservation rate are lower than normal (average), but by setting each threshold value so as to suppress the issuance of special privilege information when both the congestion rate and reservation rate are relatively high or normal (average), it is possible to prevent the restaurant from becoming overly crowded due to the issuance of special privilege information.

[0097] [Variations] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0098] In the above-described embodiment, the second time slot may be divided into the third time slot and a subsequent fourth time slot. For example, the third time slot may be from the start of the second time slot until 30 minutes later, and the remaining 30 minutes may be the fourth time slot. In this case, the restaurant information providing server 100 may calculate a first reservation rate for the third time slot and a second reservation rate for the fourth time slot, and may decide to issue the special offer information if the congestion rate is less than a first threshold, the first reservation rate is less than a second threshold (T2-1; for example, 85%), and the second reservation rate is less than a third threshold (T2-2; for example, 95%) that is higher than the second threshold.

[0099] As a result, the restaurant information providing server 100 places emphasis on the reservation status for the second time period that is closest to the current time, and sets a stricter threshold for the reservation rate for the time period that is closest to the current time when deciding whether or not to issue special privilege information. By issuing special privilege information, the restaurant information can more effectively prevent the restaurant from becoming too crowded during the time period that is closest to the current time within the second time period.

[0100] In the above-described embodiment, the restaurant information providing server 100 determines whether to issue coupon information based on the congestion status information of the store in the first time slot to which the current time belongs (first congestion information) and the reservation status information of the store in the second time slot following the first time slot (second congestion information). However, the restaurant information providing server 100 may use information other than the reservation information for the second time slot as the second congestion information.

[0101] For example, the restaurant information providing server 100 may use congestion information for a second time period predicted using a predetermined algorithm from congestion information for a first time period, or may use congestion information around the store collected during the first time period from cameras or sensors installed at stations, roads, or buildings (entrances, elevator halls, etc.) around the store.

[0102] In this case, the restaurant information providing server 100 may receive and use as the second congestion information the number of users per unit time who are detected by a camera installed on the digital signage terminal 400 to be within a predetermined distance from the signage terminal 400 or who are detected to be looking at the signage terminal 400.

[0103] In the above-described embodiment, the restaurant information providing server 100 calculated the reservation rate for the second time slot as the ratio of the number of reservations for the second time slot on the current day to the number of reservations for the same day and time slot over the past four weeks. However, the reservation rate may also be the ratio of the number of reservations for the second time slot on the current day to the average number of reservations for the second time slot over a predetermined past period, or the ratio of the number of reservations for the second time slot on the current day to the total number of seats at the restaurant (maximum number of seats that can be reserved), or, if the restaurant has a set number of seats that can be reserved separately from the total number of seats, the ratio of the number of reservations for the second time slot on the current day to the maximum number of seats that can be reserved.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the special offer information is displayed on both the signage terminal 400 and the web page corresponding to each store on the portal site for providing restaurant information. However, the special offer information may be displayed on either the signage terminal 400 or the web page corresponding to each store on the portal site for providing restaurant information.

[0105] In the above-described embodiment, the benefit information is displayed on the signage terminal 400 and on the web page corresponding to each store on the portal site for providing restaurant information. However, the coupon information may be sent as a push notification or an email to the user terminal (smartphone or PC) of the member user who uses the portal site.

[0106] In the above-described embodiment, coupon information (discount coupons, etc.) is issued as the special benefit information, but instead of or in addition to this, other special benefit information such as membership or reservation tickets may be issued.

[0107] In the above embodiment, only one restaurant information providing server 100 is shown, but the processing executed by the restaurant information providing server 100 may be distributed and executed by a plurality of servers.

[0108] In the above-described embodiment, a restaurant is given as an example of a service store, but the service store is not limited to a restaurant. For example, the present invention can also be applied to reservation register screens at various service stores such as entertainment facilities such as karaoke and bowling, amusement parks, accommodation facilities such as hotels and inns, various sports facilities such as tennis, basketball and golf, hospitals, medical and treatment facilities such as beauty salons, barber shops, massage parlors and beauty salons.

[0109] Among the inventions described in the claims of this application, the invention described as an "information processing method" is one in which each step is automatically performed by at least one device such as a computer through software-based information processing, and is not performed by a human using a device such as a computer. In other words, the "information processing method" is an information processing method using computer software, and is not a method in which a human operates a computing tool called a computer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 11...CPU 18...Storage section 19…Communications Department 31...Restaurant information database 32...User information database 33...Benefits information database 64...2D code 73...Coupon acquisition button 100...Restaurant information server 200...User terminal 300...Restaurant terminal 400...Digital signage terminal

Claims

1. acquire first congestion information regarding a congestion state of the restaurant in a first time slot to which the current time belongs among a plurality of time slots in a day; acquire second congestion information regarding a congestion state of the restaurant in a second time period that is after the first time period among the plurality of time periods; determining whether to issue special benefit information that can be used by users who have not made a reservation at the restaurant after the first time slot based on the first congestion information and the second congestion information; Control unit Equipped with The control unit The first congestion information is calculated based on information acquired via a sensor installed in the restaurant during the first time period; The second congestion information is calculated based on reservation information indicating a reservation status of the restaurant during the second time period. Information processing system.

2. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, The control unit calculating the first congestion information as a congestion rate based on the number of seats or tables detected by the sensor in the restaurant during the first time period; The second congestion information is calculated as a reservation rate based on a predetermined number of reservations for the restaurant during the second time period; When the congestion rate is less than a first threshold value indicating an average congestion rate at the restaurant, and the reservation rate is less than a second threshold value indicating an average reservation rate at the restaurant, the issuing of the special offer information is decided. Information processing system.

3. An information processing system according to claim 2, The control unit calculating the first congestion information as the number of people detected by the sensors relative to the number of seats or tables detected by the sensors, or as the number of the sensors that detected people relative to the total number of the sensors installed in the restaurant; The second congestion information is calculated as the ratio of the number of reservations for the second time slot on the current day to the number of reservations for the same day and time slot for a predetermined period in the past, or as the ratio of the number of reservations for the second time slot on the current day to the average number of reservations for the second time slot for a predetermined period in the past, or as the ratio of the number of reservations for the second time slot on the current day to the total number of seats or the maximum number of seats available for reservations at the restaurant. Information processing system.

4. 3. The information processing system according to claim 1, the first congestion information indicates a congestion rate based on the number of seats or tables detected by the sensor in the restaurant during the first time period; the second congestion information indicates a reservation rate based on a predetermined number of reservations for the restaurant during the second time period, the second time period includes a third time period and a subsequent fourth time period; the reservation rate includes a first reservation rate in the third time slot and a second reservation rate in the fourth time slot; The control unit determines to issue the privilege information when the congestion rate is less than a first threshold, the first reservation rate is less than a second threshold, and the second reservation rate is less than a third threshold that is higher than the second threshold. Information processing system.

5. acquire first congestion information regarding a congestion state of the restaurant in a first time slot to which the current time belongs among a plurality of time slots in a day; acquire second congestion information regarding a congestion state of the restaurant in a second time period that is after the first time period among the plurality of time periods; Based on the first congestion information and the second congestion information, it is determined whether or not to issue special benefit information that can be used by users who have not made a reservation at the restaurant after the first time period. An information processing method, comprising: The first congestion information is calculated based on information acquired via a sensor installed in the restaurant during the first time period; The second congestion information is calculated based on reservation information indicating a reservation status of the restaurant during the second time period. Information processing methods.

6. In the information processing device, acquiring first congestion information regarding a congestion state of the restaurant in a first time slot to which the current time belongs, among a plurality of time slots in a day; acquiring second congestion information regarding a congestion state of the restaurant during a second time period that is after the first time period among the plurality of time periods; determining whether to issue special benefit information that can be used by users who have not made a reservation at the restaurant after the first time slot, based on the first congestion information and the second congestion information; Calculating the first congestion information based on information acquired via a sensor installed in the restaurant during the first time period; calculating the second congestion information based on reservation information indicating a reservation status of the restaurant during the second time period; A program that executes the following.

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