Information processing device, information processing system, and method of operating the information processing system

Abstract

We provide an information processing device that enables the optimization of user needs and entertainment provider needs. [Solution] In the information processing system 1, the information processing device (server device) 10 includes a communication unit 101 that communicates with terminal devices 12 and 13, and a control unit 103 that receives usage request information from the terminal devices, including the desired time and number of people to use the private rooms of the entertainment facility, and sends permission information to the terminal devices to permit the use of a first private room that is available at the desired time and has a capacity that is equal to or greater than the number of people to use and approximates the number of people to use.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and an operation method of the information processing system.

Background Art

[0002] In entertainment facilities such as karaoke, a form in which a user enjoys entertainment using a private room for a certain period of time is known. In response to the user's need to secure a private room at a desired timing, various technologies for supporting karaoke private room reservations have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an online karaoke reservation system.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Users may want to enjoy karaoke alone or with several people, and their needs are diverse. On the other hand, karaoke stores, that is, entertainment providers, have a need to maximize sales when sales fluctuate according to the number of users.

[0005] In view of the above, an information processing apparatus and the like for optimizing the needs of users and entertainment providers will be disclosed below.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the information processing device in this disclosure includes a communication unit that communicates with a terminal device, and a control unit that receives usage request information from the terminal device, including the desired time and number of people to use a private room in an entertainment facility, and sends permission information to the terminal device to permit the use of a first private room that is available at the desired time and has a capacity of at least the number of people to use and approximately equal to the number of people to use.

[0007] An information processing system in another aspect of this disclosure is a system having an information processing device that communicates with a terminal device, wherein the terminal device sends usage request information, including the desired time and number of people to use a private room in an entertainment facility, to the information processing device, and the information processing device sends permission information to the terminal device to permit the use of a first private room that is available at the desired time and has a capacity of at least the number of people to use and approximately the number of people to use.

[0008] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of operating an information processing system having an information processing device that communicates with a terminal device, the method comprising: the terminal device sending usage request information, including the desired time and number of people to use a private room in an entertainment facility, to the information processing device; and the information processing device sending permission information to the terminal device to permit the use of a first private room that is available at the desired time and has a capacity of at least the number of people to use it, and approximately the number of people to use it. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The information processing device described in this disclosure enables the optimization of user needs and entertainment provider needs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 2] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operating procedure of an information processing system. [Figure 3]This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation procedure of an information processing device. [Figure 4A] This is an example of a display screen from a terminal device. [Figure 4B] This is an example of a display screen from a terminal device. [Figure 4C] This is an example of a display screen from a terminal device. [Figure 5A] This is an example of a display screen from a terminal device. [Figure 5B] This is an example of a display screen from a terminal device. [Figure 5C] This is an example of a display screen from a terminal device. [Figure 6A] This is an example of a display screen from a terminal device. [Figure 6B] This is an example of a display screen from a terminal device. [Figure 7] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation procedure of an information processing system in a modified case. [Figure 8A] This is an example of a display screen on a terminal device in a modified example. [Figure 8B] This is an example of a display screen on a terminal device in a modified example. [Figure 8C] This is an example of a display screen on a terminal device in a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of the present invention. The information processing system 1 is a system for assisting in securing the use of a private room in an entertainment facility, for example, a karaoke room in a karaoke store. The information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 10, terminal devices 12 and 13 that are communicably connected to each other via a network 14. The information processing device 10 is, for example, one or more server computers. The terminal devices 12 and 13 are information processing devices having a communication function. The terminal device 12 is, for example, a portable terminal device used by a karaoke user, and is, for example, a smartphone or the like (hereinafter, the terminal device 12 is referred to as the user terminal device 12). The terminal device 13 is a store terminal installed in a karaoke store and operated by a user who visits the store (hereinafter, the terminal device 13 is referred to as the store terminal device 13). The network 14 is configured to include, for example, one or more of an in-house LAN (Local Area Network) such as an office, the Internet, an ad hoc network, a MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), a mobile communication network, and the like.

[0013] The information processing device 10 in the present embodiment includes a communication unit 101 and a control unit 103. The communication unit 101 communicates with the user terminal device 12 and the store terminal device 13. The control unit 103 receives usage request information including the desired usage time and the desired number of users of a private room in an entertainment facility from the user terminal device 12, and sends permission information for permitting the use of a first private room (hereinafter, referred to as the used private room) that is available at the desired usage time and has a capacity that approximates the desired number of users and is not less than the desired number of users. Note that the case where the control unit 103 receives the usage request information from the store terminal device 13 and sends the permission information to the store terminal device 13 is also included in the present embodiment. According to the present embodiment, by allocating a private room having a capacity that approximates and is not less than the desired number of users as the used private room, the desired number of users of the user can be satisfied, the excess of the capacity of the private room over the desired number of users can be minimized, and the operating rate for the capacity of the private room can be increased. Therefore, even when the sales vary according to the number of users, the sales can be maximized. That is, it is possible to optimize the needs of users and the needs of entertainment providers.

[0014] Next, the configuration of the information processing apparatus 10 will be described. The information processing apparatus 10 includes a storage unit 102 in addition to a communication unit 101 and a control unit 103. These components are appropriately arranged in two or more server computers when the information processing apparatus 10 is composed of two or more server computers capable of communicating with each other.

[0015] The communication unit 101 includes one or more communication interfaces. The communication interface is, for example, a LAN interface. The communication unit 101 receives information used for the operation of the information processing apparatus 10 and transmits information obtained by the operation of the information processing apparatus 10. The information processing apparatus 10 is connected to the network 14 by the communication unit 101 and performs information communication with the vending apparatus 11 and the user terminal apparatus 12 via the network 14.

[0016] The storage unit 102 includes, for example, one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these, which function as a main memory, auxiliary memory, or cache memory. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory). The RAM is, for example, SRAM (Static RAM) or DRAM (Dynamic RAM). The ROM is, for example, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM). The storage unit 102 stores information used for the operation of the control unit 103 and information obtained by the operation of the control unit 103. In this embodiment, the storage unit 102 stores user information for each user, store information for the karaoke store, information on the usage status of private rooms in each store, etc. User information is registered member information, including the user's name, telephone number, email address, etc. Store information includes store identification information, location, business hours, number of available private rooms and the number of people that can be accommodated in each private room, ancillary equipment, type, etc. The capacity of each private room is an arbitrary discrete value such as 2, 4, 8, 12, etc. (in people). Ancillary facilities include projectors, special sound systems, etc. Room types include family-friendly, party-friendly, etc. Information on the usage status of each private room includes whether it is in use or not for the time period from the current time onward, and if in use, the number of people using it.

[0017] The control unit 103 includes one or more processors, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The processors are, for example, general-purpose processors such as CPUs (Central Processing Units) or dedicated processors such as GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) specialized for specific processing. The dedicated circuits are, for example, FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits). The control unit 103 controls each part of the information processing device 10 and executes information processing related to the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0018] The functions of the information processing device 10 are realized by the processor included in the control unit 103 executing a control program. The control program is a program that causes the processor to function as the control unit 103. In addition, some or all of the functions of the information processing device 10 may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 103. Furthermore, the control program may be stored in a non-transient recording / storage medium readable by the control unit 103, and the control unit 103 may read it from the medium.

[0019] Next, the configuration of the user terminal device 12 will be described. The user terminal device 12 has a communication unit 121, a storage unit 122, a control unit 123, an input unit 125, and an output unit 126.

[0020] The communication unit 121 includes a communication module compatible with wired or wireless LAN standards, a module compatible with mobile communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation), and a module compatible with short-range wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and NFC (Near Field Communication). The user terminal device 12 is connected to the network 14 via the communication unit 121 through a nearby router device or mobile communication base station, and communicates information with the information processing device 10 or sales device 11 via the network 14, or communicates information with the sales device 11 via short-range wireless communication.

[0021] The storage unit 122 includes one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM or ROM. The RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. The ROM is, for example, EEPROM. The storage unit 122 functions, for example, as a main memory, auxiliary memory, or cache memory. The storage unit 122 stores information used in the operation of the control unit 123 and information obtained by the operation of the control unit 123. In this embodiment, the storage unit 122 stores user information of the user using the user terminal device 12.

[0022] The control unit 123 has, for example, one or more general-purpose processors such as a CPU or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or one or more dedicated processors such as a GPU specialized for specific processing. Alternatively, the control unit 123 may have one or more dedicated circuits such as FPGAs or ASICs. The control unit 123 comprehensively controls the operation of the user terminal device 12 by operating according to a control and processing program, or by operating according to an operating procedure implemented as a circuit. The control unit 123 then sends and receives various information with the information processing device 10, etc., via the communication unit 121 and executes the operations according to this embodiment.

[0023] The functions of the user terminal device 12 are realized by the execution of a control program by the processor included in the control unit 123. The control program is a program that causes the processor to function as the control unit 123. In addition, some or all of the functions of the user terminal device 12 may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 123. Furthermore, the control program may be stored in a non-transient recording / storage medium readable by the control unit 123, and the control unit 123 may read it from the medium.

[0024] The input unit 125 includes one or more input interfaces. The input interfaces include, for example, physical keys, capacitive keys, pointing devices, and touch panels integrated with the display. The input interfaces also include microphones, cameras, etc., that accept voice input. The input unit 125 accepts operations to input information used for the operation of the control unit 123, and accepts input of information in the form of voice or images, and sends the input information to the control unit 123.

[0025] The output unit 126 includes one or more output interfaces. The output interfaces are, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The output unit 126 outputs information obtained by the operation of the control unit 123.

[0026] The store terminal device 13 includes a communication unit 131, a storage unit 132, a control unit 133, an input unit 135, and an output unit 136. The communication unit 131, storage unit 132, control unit 133, input unit 135, and output unit 136 have the same configuration as the communication unit 121, storage unit 122, control unit 123, input unit 125, and output unit 126 of the user terminal device 12, respectively. Therefore, the descriptions of the communication unit 121, storage unit 122, control unit 123, input unit 125, and output unit 126 apply to the communication unit 131, storage unit 132, control unit 133, input unit 135, and output unit 136, respectively. In this embodiment, the storage unit 132 stores store information of the store where the store terminal device 13 is installed, and information on the operating status of private rooms in that store. As described later, information on the occupancy status of private rooms is managed in a manner that synchronizes with the information on the occupancy status of private rooms for each store, which is managed by the information processing device 10.

[0027] Figure 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation procedure of the information processing system 1 in this embodiment. The procedure in Figure 2 is the operation procedure of the information processing system 1 when a user reserves the use of a private room in a karaoke establishment using the user terminal device 12.

[0028] Figure 2 shows the procedure for the coordinated operation of the information processing device 10, the user terminal device 12, and the store terminal device 13. The steps related to various information processing of the information processing device 10, the user terminal device 12, and the store terminal device 13 in Figure 2 are executed by their respective control units 103, 123, and 133. Furthermore, the steps related to the sending and receiving of various information of the information processing device 10, the user terminal device 12, and the store terminal device 13 are executed by their respective control units 103, 123, and 133 sending and receiving information to each other via their respective communication units 101, 121, and 131. In the information processing device 10, the user terminal device 12, and the store terminal device 13, their respective control units 103, 123, and 133 appropriately store the information they send, receive, or process in their respective storage units 102, 122, and 132. Furthermore, the user terminal device 12 and the store terminal device 13 receive various types of information from the user via their input units 125 and 135, respectively, and output various types of information to the user via their output units 126 and 136, respectively.

[0029] In step S200, the user terminal device 12 acquires user information and usage request information. The user terminal device 12 acquires user information and usage request information by accepting input operations from the user. User information is membership information including, for example, the user's name, telephone number, and email address. Usage request information includes store specification information specifying the store, the desired period for using the private room, and the desired number of people. The desired period for use includes the date the user wishes to use the private room, the start time of use, and the duration of use. The desired period for use is defined by the duration of use, starting from the start time. The user terminal device 12 accepts input operations from the user, such as tapping, by displaying an input screen for user information and usage request information on a touch panel display. User information may be registered in advance during past store use and stored in the storage unit 102.

[0030] The user terminal device 12 displays an input screen for desired usage information, such as those shown in Figures 4A to 4C, using a touch panel display, and accepts input operations from the user, such as tapping. The screen 40 in Figure 4A is a screen for accepting store selection, and includes a list of store options 401 and information 402 indicating the location of the store selected in list 401. When the user selects a store by tapping on screen 40, the user terminal device 12 obtains the number of users for each age group and transitions to the screen 41 in Figure 4B. The screen 41 in Figure 4B is a screen for accepting input of the desired number of users, and includes an input screen 411 for entering the number of users aged 20 or older, for example, the number of users in age groups such as general, student, and senior, and an input screen 412 for entering the number of users under 20 years old, for example, the number of users in age groups such as general, university student, high school student, elementary / junior high school student, and pre-elementary school student. On input screens 411 and 412, the user inputs the number of people for each category by tapping the "+" icon to increase the number or the "-" icon to decrease it. This allows the user terminal device 12 to obtain the number of users for each age category. Once the user inputs the desired number of users on screen 41, the user terminal device 12 transitions to screen 42 in Figure 4C. Screen 42 in Figure 4C is a screen for receiving input regarding the desired usage period, and includes an input screen 421 for inputting the desired date of use, and dropdown list-style input screens 422 and 423 for selecting the start time and duration of use, respectively. The user inputs the desired usage period by tapping on input screens 421, 422, and 423.

[0031] Returning to Figure 2, in step S201, the user terminal device 12 sends user information and desired usage information to the information processing device 10.

[0032] In step S202, the information processing device 10 confirms communication with the store terminal device 13 of the store selected by the user. For example, the information processing device 10 confirms communication by sending a confirmation signal to the store terminal device 13 at arbitrary intervals and determining whether or not a response signal has been returned within a predetermined time. Once communication is confirmed, the information processing device 10 may request information on the operating status of the private rooms from the store terminal device 13. When the store terminal device 13 responds to the request and sends information on the operating status to the information processing device 10, the information on the operating status of the private rooms for each store held by the information processing device 10 and the information on the operating status of the private rooms in the store terminal device 13 are synchronized.

[0033] In step S203, the information processing device 10 determines the private room to be used. The information processing device 10 determines the private room to be used based on the availability of private rooms in the store selected by the user. A detailed procedure for step S203 is shown in Figure 3.

[0034] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation procedure of the information processing device 10. Each step in Figure 3 is performed by the control unit 103.

[0035] In step S31, the control unit 103 determines whether the age requirements of the ordinance are met. Based on the number of people wishing to use the facility and the desired usage period obtained for each age group, the control unit 103 determines whether the age requirements of the Youth Development Ordinance in the prefecture where the store is located are met. Information on the Youth Development Ordinance is stored in the storage unit 102 in advance, for example, associated with the store's location information. Using this information, the control unit 103 can determine whether the age requirements are met. If the Youth Development Ordinance prohibits entry to amusement facilities during late-night hours, for example, after 10 p.m. or 11 p.m., the control unit 103 determines that the age requirements are not met if there is one or more people wishing to use the facility in an age group that falls under the category of minors, and the start date of use falls within the late-night hours. Otherwise, the control unit 103 determines that the age requirements are met. If the control unit 103 determines that the age requirement of the ordinance is met (Yes in step S31), it proceeds to step S32; if it determines that the age requirement of the ordinance is not met (No in step S31), it proceeds to step S37.

[0036] In step S32, the control unit 103 determines whether the desired usage period is within the time range in which the private room is available. The control unit 103 determines whether the desired usage period, defined by the usage time starting from the start time, falls within the store's business hours. Information on the business hours for each store is stored in the storage unit 102 in advance as part of the store information. Using this information, the control unit 103 can determine whether the desired usage period is within the time range in which the private room is available. If the desired usage period is within the business hours, the control unit 103 determines that the desired usage period is within the time range in which the private room is available (Yes in step S32) and proceeds to step S33. If the desired usage period is not within the business hours, the control unit 103 determines that the desired usage period is not within the time range in which the private room is available (No in step S32) and proceeds to step S37.

[0037] In step S33, the control unit 103 determines whether the reservation slot is appropriate or not. The control unit 103 checks for existing reservations corresponding to the member information, i.e., whether a private room has been reserved. For example, if there is one or more existing reservations, the control unit 103 determines that the reservation slot has reached its limit and is therefore inappropriate. If there are no existing reservations, the control unit 103 determines that the reservation slot is appropriate. Information on existing reservations is stored in the storage unit 102 as information on the reservation of a private room. Using this information, the control unit 103 determines whether there are existing reservations. The upper limit of the reservation slots is set to one or more arbitrary numbers. If the control unit 103 determines that the reservation slot is appropriate (Yes in step S33), it proceeds to step S34. If it determines that the reservation slot is inappropriate (No in step S33), it proceeds to step S37.

[0038] In step S34, the control unit 103 searches for candidate rooms. Candidate rooms are rooms that are candidates for use, are available (i.e., unused) during the desired time period, and have a capacity that exceeds the desired number of users. The control unit 103 searches for candidate rooms based on the room usage status information and the room capacity information stored in the memory unit 102. At this time, the control unit 103 can exclude rooms that meet predetermined conditions from the candidate rooms. For example, if the desired period of use falls within a period of a peak season which can be set arbitrarily, the control unit 103 excludes rooms whose capacity exceeds the desired number of users by an arbitrarily set difference or rooms of a type suitable for parties from the candidate rooms. Also, if the desired number of users is an arbitrary standard number, for example, one person, the control unit 103 excludes all rooms from the candidate rooms. Alternatively, if the length of the desired period of use exceeds an arbitrary standard time, for example, two hours, the control unit 103 excludes all rooms from the candidate rooms. By doing so, private rooms with a relatively large capacity can be prevented from being used by relatively small groups, and can be reserved for large groups that tend to use them during peak seasons.

[0039] In step S35, the control unit 103 determines whether or not there are candidate private rooms. If the control unit 103 finds one or more candidate private rooms (Yes in step S35), it proceeds to step S36; otherwise (No in step S33), it proceeds to step S37.

[0040] In step S36, the control unit 103 determines the candidate private room with the smallest capacity to be used. The control unit 103 compares the capacity of each candidate private room and determines the candidate private room with the smallest capacity to be used. Since the capacity of the private rooms found as candidate rooms is equal to or greater than the number of people who wish to use them, the smallest capacity among the candidate private rooms corresponds to a capacity that is equal to or greater than the number of people who wish to use them and approximates the number of people who wish to use them.

[0041] Meanwhile, in step S37, the control unit 103 sends unavailability information to the user terminal device 12. This procedure corresponds to step S205 in Figure 2, which will be described later. The unavailability information includes information such as a string of characters indicating that there are no private rooms that match the desired usage information, that is, the use of a private room cannot be secured.

[0042] Returning to Figure 2, in step S204, the information processing device 10 performs a duplicate check. The information processing device 10 checks whether the private room used, determined in step S203, overlaps with the private room used, determined in communication with other user terminal devices 12. If an overlap occurs, the information processing device 10 may make adjustments to eliminate the overlap among the secured private rooms as appropriate.

[0043] In step S205, the information processing device 10 sends result information to the user terminal device 12. If a private room is determined, the result information includes permission information for using the private room. The permission information includes information identifying the private room, information on the type of private room, and usage request information corresponding to the private room. The user can recognize that the use of a private room is secured by the permission information output by the user terminal device 12. The user terminal device 12 displays a screen 50, for example, as shown in Figure 5A, to inform the user that a private room has been determined. Screen 50 includes confirmation information indicating that the usage request information entered by the user has been associated with a private room. Alternatively, if no private room is found or is excluded, the result information includes unavailable information. In this case, step S205 corresponds to step S37 in Figure 3. The user can recognize that the use of a private room is not secured by the unavailable information output by the user terminal device 12. In this case, steps S206 and beyond are omitted.

[0044] In step S206, the user terminal device 12 sends a usage reservation request to the information processing device 10. The usage reservation request is information requesting the use of a private room. For example, when a user taps the operation button 501 included in the screen 50 of Figure 5A, the user terminal device 12 sends a usage reservation request in response to that operation.

[0045] Furthermore, if multiple private rooms are determined to be used, that is, if multiple candidate private rooms among the searched candidate rooms have the same minimum capacity, the permission information may include information on multiple private rooms, and when the user terminal device 12 displays the permission information in step S205, it may present the user with a selection of private rooms and accept the user's selection. Then, a request to secure the use of the selected private room may be made in step S206.

[0046] In step S207, the information processing device 10 processes the reservation of a private room. As a result, the reserved private room will no longer be searched as a candidate room in processing based on usage request information from other user terminal devices 12.

[0047] In step S208, the information processing device 10 sends a usage reservation notification to the user terminal device 12. The usage reservation notification includes information indicating that the use of the private room has been reserved. The user terminal device 12 presents the usage reservation notification to the user by displaying a screen 51, for example, as shown in Figure 5B.

[0048] In step S209, the information processing device 10 sends the information on the private room in use to the store terminal device 13. The information on the private room in use includes information that identifies the private room in use and information on the desired use.

[0049] In step S210, the information processing device 10 sends authorization information to the store terminal device 13. At this time, the user visits the store and operates the user terminal device 12 to send authorization information to the store terminal device 13. The authorization information may be sent by short-range wireless communication or by reading a displayed two-dimensional code. The user terminal device 12 displays a screen 52, for example, as shown in Figure 5C. The screen 52 contains authorization information encoded in two dimensions. The authorization information is passed to the terminal device 13 by having the camera of the store terminal device 13 capture and read the two-dimensional code on the screen 52.

[0050] In step S211, the store terminal device 13 performs authentication by comparing the permission information with the information of the private room in use.

[0051] In step S212, the store terminal device 13 displays the menu and accepts the customer. For example, if the store terminal device 13 determines that the user includes adults based on the usage request information included in the permission information, it displays a screen 50 as shown in Figure 6A to present the menu. Screen 60 includes a selection of all-you-can-drink menu options 601. The user can input their desired menu into the store terminal device 13 by tapping one of the options 601. The store terminal device 13 also accepts the customer by displaying a screen 61 as shown in Figure 6B and printing an entry slip. The entry slip includes information about the private room to be used, the usage time, etc. The user receives the entry slip and begins their entertainment in the private room.

[0052] Following the procedure described above, the information processing device 10 receives usage request information from the user terminal device 12 operated by the user and secures the use of a private room with a capacity approximately equal to the number of people who requested to use it. Meanwhile, the user uses the private room by coordinating the user terminal device 12 with the store terminal device 13.

[0053] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation procedure of the information processing system 1 in a different embodiment. The procedure in Figure 7 is the operation procedure of the information processing system 1 when a user visits a karaoke establishment without reserving a private room in advance using the user terminal device 12, and then reserves a private room using the store terminal device 13.

[0054] Figure 7 shows the procedure for the coordinated operation of the information processing device 10 and the store terminal device 13. The steps related to various information processing of the information processing device 10 and the store terminal device 13 in Figure 7 are executed by their respective control units 103 and 133. Furthermore, the steps related to the sending and receiving of various information between the information processing device 10 and the store terminal device 13 are executed by their respective control units 103 and 133 sending and receiving information to each other via their respective communication units 101 and 131. In the information processing device 10 and the store terminal device 13, the control units 103 and 133 respectively store the information they send, receive, or process in their respective storage units 102 and 132 as appropriate. In addition, the store terminal device 13 receives various information input from the user via its input unit 135 and outputs various information to the user via its output unit 136. Steps identical to those in Figure 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 2, and their explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0055] In step S200', the store terminal device 13 acquires user information and usage request information. The store terminal device 13 acquires user information and usage request information by accepting input operations of the user for usage request information. The store terminal device 13 accepts input operations such as tapping from the user by displaying an input screen for usage request information on a touch panel display, for example, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B. Screen 81 in Figure 8A is a screen for accepting input of the number of people who wish to use the service, and includes an input screen 811 for inputting the number of users aged 20 or older, for example, the number of people in age categories such as general, student, and senior, and an input screen 812 for inputting the number of users under 20 years old, for example, the number of people in age categories such as general, university student, high school student, elementary / junior high school student, and under elementary school student. The user inputs the number of people for each age category on input screens 811 and 812. As a result, the store terminal device 13 acquires the number of people for each age category. When the user inputs the number of people who wish to use the service on screen 81, the store terminal device 13 transitions to screen 42 in Figure 8B. Screen 82 in Figure 8B includes an input screen 821 for inputting the usage time by increasing or decreasing it from the initial value using a spin box. Here, the start time of use is either the current time or a few minutes after the current time. The user inputs the desired usage period by interacting with input screen 821.

[0056] Returning to Figure 7, in step S201', the store terminal device 13 performs a communication check with the information processing device 10. Once communication is confirmed, the information processing device 10 may obtain information on the operating status of the private rooms from the store terminal device 13. By doing so, the information on the operating status of the private rooms for each store held in the information processing device 10 and the information on the operating status of the private rooms in the store terminal device 13 are synchronized.

[0057] In step S202', the store terminal device 13 sends the desired usage information to the information processing device 10.

[0058] In step S203, the information processing device 10 determines the available private room in the same manner as described in Figures 2 and 3. However, in step S37, the control unit 103 sends unavailable information to the store terminal device 13. This procedure corresponds to step S205', which will be described later.

[0059] In step S204, the information processing device 10 performs a duplicate check in the same manner as described in Figure 2.

[0060] In step S205', the information processing device 10 sends result information to the store terminal device 13. If a private room is determined, the result information includes permission information for using the private room. The user can recognize that the use of a private room is secured by the permission information output by the user terminal device 12. If no private room is found or is excluded, the result information includes unavailable information. In this case, step S205' corresponds to step S37 in Figure 3. The user can recognize that the use of a private room is not secured by the unavailable information output by the store terminal device 13. In this case, steps S206' and beyond are omitted.

[0061] In step S206', the store terminal device 13 sends a usage reservation request to the information processing device 10. The usage reservation request is information requesting the reservation of the use of a private room. For example, a user who has confirmed the permission information performs an operation to reserve the use of the store terminal device 13, and in response to that operation, the store terminal device 13 sends out a usage reservation request.

[0062] Furthermore, if multiple private rooms are determined for use, that is, if multiple candidate private rooms among the searched candidate rooms have the same minimum capacity, the permission information will include information on multiple private rooms for use. In step S205', when the store terminal device 13 displays the permission information, it may present the user with a selection of private rooms and accept the user's selection. For example, the store terminal device 13 may display a screen 83 as shown in Figure 8C to prompt the user to make a selection. Screen 83 includes selection icons 831 that indicate the room number, capacity, ancillary facilities, or type for each candidate private room. The user can select one of the selection icons 831 to choose the desired determined private room and request its reservation.

[0063] Returning to Figure 7, in step S207, the information processing device 10 performs the process of securing the use of the private room, in the same manner as described in Figure 2.

[0064] In step S209, the information processing device 10 sends the information on the private room in use to the store terminal device 13. The information on the private room in use includes information that identifies the private room in use and information on the desired use.

[0065] In step S212, the store terminal device 13 displays the menu and accepts the user. For example, based on the usage request information included in the permission information, if the user group includes adults, the store terminal device 13 displays screen 50 in Figure 6A and presents the menu. The user can input their desired menu into the store terminal device 13 by tapping one of the options 601. The store terminal device 13 also accepts the user by displaying screen 61 in Figure 6B and printing an entry slip. The entry slip contains information such as the name of the private room to be used and the usage time. The user receives the entry slip and begins entertainment in the private room.

[0066] Thus, this embodiment also applies when a user visits the store without reserving a private room in advance using the user terminal device 12, and then reserves a private room by operating the store terminal device 13 on the spot.

[0067] According to this embodiment, whether a user reserves a private room in advance using the user terminal device 12, or a user reserves a private room by operating the store terminal device 13 upon arriving at the store, a private room with a capacity close to the number of people the user wishes to use is assigned as the room to be used. This satisfies the number of people the user wishes to use, minimizes the surplus of the room's capacity relative to the number of people the user wishes to use, and increases the utilization rate of the room's capacity. Therefore, it becomes possible to optimize the needs of both the user and the entertainment provider.

[0068] In the foregoing, the processing and control program that defines the operation of the information processing device 10 may be stored on a cloud server or the like and downloaded to the information processing device 10 via the network 14, or it may be stored on a computer-readable, non-transient recording and storage medium and read by the information processing device 10 from the medium.

[0069] The above-described operating procedure is included in the scope of this embodiment whether it is performed by a single information processing device or whether some or all of the steps are performed by multiple information processing devices. Furthermore, when multiple information processing devices are used, they may or may not be connected to each other in a way that allows them to communicate with one another. If the multiple information processing devices are not connected to each other in a way that allows them to communicate with one other information processing device, the results of the information processing performed by one information processing device may be shared with the other information processing devices, for example, by being stored on a storage medium and read by the other information processing devices.

[0070] As described above, embodiments have been explained based on various drawings and examples, but it should be noted that those skilled in the art will find it easy to make various modifications and alterations based on this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions, etc., included in each means, each step, etc., can be rearranged in a logically consistent manner, and multiple means, steps, etc., can be combined into one or divided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1: Information Processing System 10: Information Processing Devices 12: Terminal device 13: Terminal device 14: Network 101, 121, 131: Communications Department 102, 122, 132: Storage section 103, 123, 133: Control Unit 125, 135: Input section 126, 136: Output section

Claims

1. A communication unit that communicates with the terminal device, The system includes a control unit that receives usage request information from the terminal device, including the desired time and number of people to use a private room in an entertainment facility, and selects a first private room that is available at the desired time and has a minimum capacity that is equal to or greater than the desired number of people, and sends permission information to the terminal device to permit the use of the first private room. The control unit, when the desired usage period falls within a predetermined period, excludes from the private rooms of the entertainment facility any private rooms whose capacity exceeds the desired number of users by a predetermined difference or more, and selects the first private room. Information processing device.

2. In claim 1, The aforementioned request information further includes information specifying the store within the entertainment facility. The control unit is an information processing device that determines the first private room at a store specified by the desired usage information.

3. In claim 1, The control unit sends information to another terminal device for comparison with the permission information output by the terminal device. Information processing device.

4. In claim 1, The control unit sends information indicating a plurality of candidates for the first private room to the terminal device, receives information from the terminal device corresponding to an operation to select the first private room from the plurality of candidates, and outputs the permission information. Information processing device.

5. In claim 1, The aforementioned information regarding the desired usage further includes information about the user's age. The control unit sends information to another terminal device for presenting a menu appropriate to the user's age. Information processing device.

6. In claim 1, The aforementioned information regarding the desired usage further includes information about the user's age. The control unit outputs the permission information on the condition that the user's age is a predetermined age. Information processing device.

7. A system having an information processing device that communicates with a terminal device, The terminal device sends usage request information, including the desired time and number of people to use the private room in the entertainment facility, to the information processing device. The information processing device selects a first private room that is available for use at the desired time and has a minimum capacity that is greater than or equal to the desired number of users, and sends permission information to the terminal device to permit the use of the first private room. The information processing device, when the desired usage period falls within a predetermined period, excludes from the private rooms of the entertainment facility any private rooms whose capacity exceeds the desired number of users by a predetermined difference or more, and selects the first private room. Information processing system.

8. In claim 7, The aforementioned request information further includes information specifying the store within the entertainment facility. The information processing device determines the first private room at the store specified by the desired usage information. Information processing system.

9. In claim 7, The information processing device sends information to another terminal device for comparison with the permission information output by the terminal device. Information processing system.

10. In claim 7, The information processing device sends information indicating a plurality of candidates for the first private room to the terminal device, receives information from the terminal device corresponding to an operation to select the first private room from the plurality of candidates, and outputs the permission information. Information processing system.

11. In claim 7, The aforementioned information regarding the desired usage further includes information about the user's age. The information processing device sends information to another terminal device for presenting a menu appropriate to the user's age. Information processing system.

12. In claim 7, The aforementioned information regarding the desired usage further includes information about the user's age. The information processing device outputs the permission information on the condition that the user's age is a predetermined age. Information processing system.

13. A method for operating a system having an information processing device that communicates with a terminal device, The terminal device sends usage request information, including the desired time and number of people to use the private room in the entertainment facility, to the information processing device. The information processing device includes a second step of selecting a first private room that is available at the desired time of use and has a minimum capacity that is greater than or equal to the desired number of users, and sending permission information to the terminal device to permit the use of the first private room. In the second step, the information processing device, when the desired usage period falls within a predetermined period, excludes from the private rooms of the entertainment facility any private rooms whose capacity exceeds the desired usage number by a predetermined difference or more, and selects the first private room. The operation method of an information processing system.

14. In claim 13, The aforementioned request information further includes information specifying the store within the entertainment facility. The information processing device determines the first private room at the store specified by the desired usage information. The operation method of an information processing system.

15. In claim 13, The information processing device sends information to another terminal device for comparison with the permission information output by the terminal device. The operation method of an information processing system.

16. In claim 13, The information processing device sends information indicating a plurality of candidates for the first private room to the terminal device, receives information from the terminal device corresponding to an operation to select the first private room from the plurality of candidates, and outputs the permission information. The operation method of an information processing system.

17. In claim 13, The aforementioned information regarding the desired usage further includes information about the user's age. The information processing device sends information to another terminal device for presenting a menu appropriate to the user's age. The operation method of an information processing system.

18. In claim 13, The aforementioned information regarding the desired usage further includes information about the user's age. The information processing device outputs the permission information on the condition that the user's age is a predetermined age. The operation method of an information processing system.

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