Information processing system, information processing method, and recording medium

Abstract

An information processing system (10) comprises: a possession information acquisition means (110) for acquiring, from a portable terminal (21) used by a first user, possession state information indicating the possession state of the portable terminal; and an output means (120) for outputting the possession state information to an information processing terminal (22) used by a second user different from the first user. With such an information processing device, the possession state of the portable terminal by the first user can be appropriately outputted to the second user different from the first user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the technical fields of information processing systems, information processing methods, and recording media.

Background Art

[0002] As this type of system, there is known one that performs predetermined reservation processing using a terminal device. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that makes a reservation for a conference room using a wearable PC. Patent Document 2 discloses a system that reserves music for karaoke. Patent Document 3 discloses that a wearable terminal may be used as a terminal device for making a reservation for a store.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] This disclosure aims to improve the technologies disclosed in the prior art documents.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the information processing system of this disclosure includes possession information acquisition means for acquiring possession state information indicating the possession state of the portable terminal from the portable terminal used by the first user, and output means for outputting the possession state information to an information processing terminal used by a second user different from the first user.

[0006] One aspect of the information processing method disclosed herein involves using at least one computer to acquire ownership status information indicating the ownership status of a mobile terminal used by a first user, and outputting the ownership status information to an information processing terminal used by a second user different from the first user.

[0007] One aspect of the recording medium of this disclosure includes a computer program recorded on at least one computer that causes the computer to execute an information processing method that acquires ownership status information indicating the ownership status of a mobile terminal used by a first user from the mobile terminal, and outputs the ownership status information to an information processing terminal used by a second user different from the first user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the flow of information output operations by the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This block diagram shows the functional configuration of the information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the flow of information output operations by the information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the flow of information output operations by the information processing system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram showing a modified example of the functional configuration of the information processing system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10]It is a flowchart showing the flow of the reservation cancellation operation by the information processing system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the reservation cancellation operation by the information processing system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing system according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the reservation information generation operation by the information processing system according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the reservation cancellation operation by the information processing system according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tag terminal and a tag type terminal in the information processing system according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing system according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the reservation handling operation by the information processing system according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing an example of the display of reservation information in the information processing system according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing system according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 21] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the information output operation by the information processing system according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 22] It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing system according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 23] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the reservation handling operation by the information processing system according to the ninth embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of an information processing system, an information processing method, and a recording medium will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <First Embodiment> The information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0011] (Hardware Configuration) First, the hardware configuration of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing system according to the first embodiment.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 10 according to the first embodiment includes a processor 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, and a storage device 14. The information processing system 10 may further include an input device 15 and an output device 16. Also, the information processing system 10 includes a mobile terminal 21 and an information processing terminal 22. The above-described processor 11, RAM 12, ROM 13, storage device 14, input device 15, output device 16, mobile terminal 21, and information processing terminal 22 are connected via a data bus 17.

[0013] The processor 11 reads a computer program. For example, the processor 11 is configured to read a computer program stored in at least one of the RAM 12, ROM 13, and storage device 14. Alternatively, the processor 11 may read a computer program stored in a computer-readable storage medium using a storage medium reading device (not shown). The processor 11 may also obtain (i.e., read) a computer program from a device (not shown) located outside the information processing system 10 via a network interface. By executing the read computer program, the processor 11 controls the RAM 12, storage device 14, input device 15, and output device 16. In this embodiment in particular, when the processor 11 executes the read computer program, a functional block for outputting information indicating the ownership status of the mobile terminal is realized within the processor 11. That is, the processor 11 may function as a controller that executes each control in the information processing system 10.

[0014] The processor 11 may be configured as, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), a DSP (Demand-Side Platform), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The processor 11 may consist of one of these, or it may be configured to use multiple of them in parallel.

[0015] RAM12 temporarily stores computer programs executed by processor 11. RAM12 also temporarily stores data that processor 11 uses temporarily while executing computer programs. RAM12 may be, for example, D-RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or SRAM (Static Random Access Memory). Alternatively, other types of volatile memory may be used instead of RAM12.

[0016] ROM 13 stores computer programs executed by processor 11. ROM 13 may also store other static data. ROM 13 may be, for example, P-ROM (Programmable Read Only Memory) or EPROM (Erasable Read Only Memory). Alternatively, other types of non-volatile memory may be used instead of ROM 13.

[0017] The storage device 14 stores data that the information processing system 10 will save for the long term. The storage device 14 may also operate as a temporary storage device for the processor 11. The storage device 14 may include, for example, at least one of a hard disk drive, a magneto-optical disk drive, an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a disk array device.

[0018] The input device 15 is a device that receives input instructions from the user of the information processing system 10. The input device 15 may include, for example, at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel. The input device 15 may be configured as a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet. The input device 15 may also be a device capable of voice input, for example, including a microphone.

[0019] The output device 16 is a device that outputs information related to the information processing system 10 to the outside. For example, the output device 16 may be a display device (e.g., a display) capable of displaying information related to the information processing system 10. Alternatively, the output device 16 may be a speaker or the like capable of outputting information related to the information processing system 10 as sound. The output device 16 may be configured as a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet. Furthermore, the output device 16 may be a device that outputs information in a format other than an image. For example, the output device 16 may be a speaker that outputs information related to the information processing system 10 as sound.

[0020] The mobile terminal 21 is configured as a terminal used by the first user. The mobile terminal 21 may be owned by the first user or it may be a terminal lent to the first user. The mobile terminal 21 is configured as a terminal that can be carried by the first user, but it may also be a wearable terminal (i.e., a terminal that can be attached to a part of the body). The more specific configuration and functions of the mobile terminal 21 will be described in detail later.

[0021] The information processing terminal 22 is configured as a terminal used by a second user (i.e., a user different from the first user). The information processing terminal 22 is configured as an output destination for information indicating the ownership status of the mobile terminal 21 (hereinafter referred to as "ownership status information" as appropriate). The information processing terminal 22 may be configured to execute various processes based on the ownership status information of the mobile terminal 21. The more specific configuration and functions of the information processing terminal 22 will be described in detail later.

[0022] In Figure 1, an example of an information processing system 10 comprising multiple devices is shown, but all or some of these functions may be implemented as a single device (information processing device). In that case, the information processing device may be configured to include only the processor 11, RAM 12, and ROM 13 described above, and the other components (i.e., storage device 14, input device 15, output device 16, mobile terminal 21, and information processing terminal 22) may be provided by external devices connected to the information processing device. Furthermore, the information processing device may implement some of its computational functions through external devices (e.g., external servers or cloud services).

[0023] (Functional configuration) Next, the functional configuration of the information processing system 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing system according to the first embodiment.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the information processing system 10 according to the first embodiment is configured to include, as components for realizing its functions, a possessed information acquisition unit 110, an output unit 120, and an information processing terminal 22, which has already been described. Each of the possessed information acquisition unit 110 and the output unit 120 may be a processing block realized by, for example, the processor 11 (see Figure 1) described above. Alternatively, each of the possessed information acquisition unit 110 and the output unit 120 may be provided by the portable terminal 21 described above.

[0025] The possession information acquisition unit 110 is configured to acquire possession status information indicating the possession status of the mobile terminal 21 used by the first user. Here, "possession status" may indicate not only whether the first user possesses the mobile terminal 21, but also how the first user possesses the mobile terminal 21. For example, the possession status information may indicate whether the first user is holding the mobile terminal 21 in their hand. Alternatively, the possession status information may indicate whether the first user is wearing the mobile terminal 21 in a usable state (for example, whether they are wearing a wearable device on a part of their body). The possession information acquisition unit 110 may acquire the possession status information at a predetermined timing. For example, the possession information acquisition unit 110 may repeatedly acquire the possession status information at predetermined intervals. Alternatively, the possession information acquisition unit 110 may acquire the possession status information when there is a change in the possession status. Alternatively, the possession information acquisition unit 110 may acquire the possession status information when the first user possesses the mobile terminal 21. Alternatively, the ownership information acquisition unit 110 may acquire ownership status information at the time when the first user no longer possesses (gives up) the mobile terminal 21. The method by which the ownership information acquisition unit 110 acquires ownership status information is not particularly limited. The ownership information acquisition unit 110 may acquire ownership status information from, for example, the detection results of various sensors, or it may acquire ownership status information by other methods.

[0026] The output unit 120 is configured to output the ownership status information acquired by the ownership information acquisition unit 110 to an information processing terminal 22 used by a second user. The output unit 120 may output the ownership status information to the information processing terminal 22, for example, via wireless communication. The output unit 120 may output the latest ownership status information to the information processing terminal 22 each time ownership status information is acquired by the ownership information acquisition unit 110. The output unit 120 may also be configured to output information other than ownership status information. Specific examples of information other than ownership status information will be explained in detail in other embodiments described later.

[0027] (Information output operation) Next, with reference to Figure 3, the flow of information output operations by the information processing system 10 according to the first embodiment (i.e., operations when outputting held status information) will be explained. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of information output operations by the information processing system according to the first embodiment.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, in the information output operation by the information processing system 10 according to the first embodiment, the mobile terminal 21 first detects whether the mobile terminal 21 is owned by the first user (step S101). Then, the ownership information acquisition unit 110 acquires ownership status information from the detection result in the mobile terminal 21 (step S102). The ownership status information acquired by the ownership information acquisition unit 110 is output to the output unit 120.

[0029] Next, the output unit 120 outputs the ownership status information acquired by the ownership information acquisition unit 110 to the information processing terminal 22 used by the second user (step S103). The information processing terminal 22 then performs various processes using the ownership status information, for example. The above series of operations may be repeated. That is, the acquisition and output of ownership status information may be repeated.

[0030] (Technical effects) Next, the technical effects obtained by the information processing system 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0031] As explained in Figures 1 to 3, in the information processing system 10 according to the first embodiment, ownership status information indicating the ownership status of the mobile terminal 21 by the first user is acquired, and this ownership status information is output to the information processing terminal 22 used by the second user. In this way, the ownership status of the mobile terminal 21 by the first user can be appropriately output to the second user. As a result, for example, the second user can execute various processes on the information processing terminal 22 based on the ownership status of the mobile terminal 21. The various processes executed on the information processing terminal 22 will be explained in detail in other embodiments described later.

[0032] <Second Embodiment> The information processing system 10 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Note that the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above only in some configurations and operations; other parts may be identical to the first embodiment. Therefore, the following will describe in detail the parts that differ from the first embodiment already described, and will omit explanations of other overlapping parts as appropriate.

[0033] (Functional configuration) First, the functional configuration of the information processing system 10 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing system according to the second embodiment. Note that in Figure 4, the same reference numerals are used for elements similar to those shown in Figure 2.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, the information processing system 10 according to the second embodiment is configured to include a possessed information acquisition unit 110, an output unit 120, an authentication information acquisition unit 130, and an information processing terminal 22 as components for realizing its functions. That is, the information processing system 10 according to the second embodiment further includes an authentication information acquisition unit 130 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment (see Figure 2). The authentication information acquisition unit 130 may be, for example, a processing block realized by the processor 11 (see Figure 1) described above. Alternatively, the authentication information acquisition unit 130 may be provided by the mobile terminal 21 described above.

[0035] The authentication information acquisition unit 130 is configured to acquire authentication result information indicating the result of biometric authentication performed by the mobile terminal. The biometric authentication method here is not particularly limited, and existing technologies can be adopted as appropriate. For example, the biometric authentication may be ear acoustic authentication, facial authentication, iris authentication, fingerprint authentication, palm print authentication, voice authentication, vein pattern authentication, etc. Biometric authentication may be performed again if authentication fails. Also, even if authentication is successful once, authentication may be performed again after a predetermined period of time. In this case, the authentication information acquisition unit 130 may acquire new authentication result information each time biometric authentication is performed.

[0036] (Information output operation) Next, the flow of information output operations by the information processing system 10 according to the second embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of information output operations by the information processing system according to the second embodiment. Note that in Figure 5, the same reference numerals are used for the same processes as shown in Figure 3.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, in the information output operation by the information processing system 10 according to the second embodiment, first the mobile terminal 21 detects whether the mobile terminal 21 is owned by the first user (step S101). Then, the ownership information acquisition unit 110 acquires ownership status information from the detection result in the mobile terminal 21 (step S102). The ownership status information acquired by the ownership information acquisition unit 110 is output to the output unit 120.

[0038] Next, biometric authentication of the first user is performed on the mobile terminal 21 (step S201). Then, the authentication information acquisition unit 130 acquires authentication result information indicating the result of biometric authentication on the mobile terminal 21 (step S202). The authentication result information acquired by the authentication information acquisition unit 130 is output to the output unit 120.

[0039] In this example, the ownership status information is obtained before the authentication result information, but the ownership status information may also be obtained after the authentication result information. Alternatively, the ownership status information and the authentication result information may be obtained simultaneously and in parallel.

[0040] Next, the output unit 120 outputs the ownership status information acquired by the ownership information acquisition unit 110 and the authentication result information acquired by the authentication information acquisition unit 130 to the information processing terminal 22 used by the second user (step S203). The output unit 120 may output the ownership status information and the authentication result information simultaneously. In this case, the output unit 120 may output the ownership status information and the authentication result information linked together. Alternatively, the output unit 120 may output the ownership status information and the authentication result information at different times.

[0041] (Technical effects) Next, the technical effects obtained by the information processing system 10 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0042] As explained in Figures 4 and 5, in the information processing system 10 according to the second embodiment, in addition to the ownership status information, authentication result information indicating the result of biometric authentication performed by the mobile terminal 21 is output to the information processing terminal 22 used by the second user. In this way, it is possible to identify the user of the mobile terminal 21 based on the authentication result information. Specifically, it is possible to determine whether the first user owns the mobile terminal 21 (in other words, whether another user owns the mobile terminal 21). This makes it possible to prevent fraud, such as "impersonation".

[0043] <Third Embodiment> The information processing system 10 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Note that the third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments described above only in some configurations and operations; other parts may be identical to those of the first and second embodiments. Therefore, the following will provide a detailed explanation of the parts that differ from the embodiments already described, while other overlapping parts will be omitted as appropriate.

[0044] (Functional configuration) First, the functional configuration of the information processing system 10 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing system according to the third embodiment. Note that in Figure 6, the same reference numerals are used for elements similar to those shown in Figure 2.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6, the information processing system 10 according to the third embodiment is configured to include a retained information acquisition unit 110, an output unit 120, a reservation information generation unit 140, and an information processing terminal 22 as components for realizing its functions. That is, the information processing system 10 according to the third embodiment further includes a reservation information generation unit 140 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment (see Figure 2). The reservation information generation unit 140 may be a processing block realized by the processor 11 (see Figure 1) described above. Alternatively, the reservation information generation unit 140 may be provided by the mobile terminal 21 described above. Furthermore, the information processing terminal 22 according to the third embodiment includes a reservation information management unit 221.

[0046] The reservation information generation unit 140 is configured to generate reservation information relating to a reservation made by a first user. Here, "reservation" refers to a reservation for a service related to a second user. For example, the reservation information may be a reservation for a facility to which the second user belongs. The reservation information generation unit 140 may generate reservation information in response to an operation by the first user. For example, the reservation information generation unit 140 may generate reservation information when a reservation operation is made by the first user. Alternatively, the reservation information generation unit 140 may generate reservation information by recognizing the first user's voice. Alternatively, the reservation information generation unit 140 may generate reservation information when ownership status information is detected. For example, the reservation information generation unit 140 may generate reservation information when the first user possesses or wears the mobile terminal 21. Alternatively, the reservation information generation unit 140 may generate reservation information based on the authentication result information described in the second embodiment. For example, the reservation information generation unit 140 may generate reservation information when biometric authentication is successful.

[0047] The reservation information management unit 221 is configured to manage the reservation information generated by the reservation information generation unit 140. The reservation information management unit 221 may have a function to store multiple reservation information, for example. The reservation information management unit 221 may also have a function to delete unnecessary reservation information from the stored information. The reservation information management unit 221 may also have a function to output reservation information to a second user. An example of reservation information output will be explained in detail in another embodiment described later.

[0048] (Information output operation) Next, the flow of information output operations by the information processing system 10 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of information output operations by the information processing system according to the third embodiment. Note that in Figure 7, the same reference numerals are used for the same processes as shown in Figure 3.

[0049] As shown in Figure 7, in the information output operation by the information processing system 10 according to the second embodiment, first the mobile terminal 21 detects whether the mobile terminal 21 is owned by the first user (step S101). Then, the ownership information acquisition unit 110 acquires ownership status information from the detection result in the mobile terminal 21 (step S102). The ownership status information acquired by the ownership information acquisition unit 110 is output to the output unit 120.

[0050] Next, the reservation information generation unit 140 determines whether or not a reservation operation by the second user has been detected (step S301). If no reservation operation is detected (step S301: NO), the output unit 120 outputs only the ownership status information acquired by the ownership information acquisition unit 110 (step S103), and the series of processes ends.

[0051] On the other hand, if a reservation operation is detected (step S301: YES), the reservation information generation unit 140 generates reservation information for the first user (step S302). Then, the output unit 120 outputs the ownership status information acquired by the ownership information acquisition unit 110 and the reservation information generated by the reservation information generation unit 140 to the information processing terminal 22 used by the second user (step S303). The output unit 120 may output the ownership status information and the reservation information simultaneously. In this case, the output unit 120 may output the ownership status information and the authentication result information linked together. Alternatively, the output unit 120 may output the ownership status information and the reservation information at different times.

[0052] (Technical effects) Next, the technical effects obtained by the information processing system 10 according to the third embodiment will be described.

[0053] As explained in Figures 6 and 7, in the information processing system 10 according to the third embodiment, in addition to the ownership status information, reservation information generated by the reservation information generation unit 140 is output to the information processing terminal 22 used by the second user. In this way, reservation information related to the first user's reservation can be appropriately output to the second user (for example, the staff of the facility that made the reservation). Furthermore, by linking the ownership status information and the reservation information, it becomes possible to appropriately manage the first user's reservation information.

[0054] <Fourth Embodiment> The information processing system 10 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10. Note that the fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment described above only in some configurations and operations; other parts may be the same as those of the first to third embodiments. Therefore, the following will describe in detail the parts that differ from each embodiment already described, while omitting explanations of other overlapping parts as appropriate.

[0055] (Functional configuration) First, the functional configuration of the information processing system 10 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing system according to the fourth embodiment. Note that in Figure 8, the same reference numerals are used for elements similar to those shown in Figure 6.

[0056] As shown in Figure 8, the information processing system 10 according to the fourth embodiment is configured to include, as components for realizing its functions, a possessed information acquisition unit 110, an output unit 120, a reservation information generation unit 140, a reservation cancellation unit 150, and an information processing terminal 22. That is, the information processing system 10 according to the fourth embodiment further includes a reservation cancellation unit 150 in addition to the configuration of the third embodiment (see Figure 6). The reservation cancellation unit 150 may be, for example, a processing block realized by the processor 11 (see Figure 1) described above. Alternatively, the reservation cancellation unit 150 may be provided by the mobile terminal 21 described above.

[0057] The reservation cancellation unit 150 is configured to cancel the reservation of the first user indicated by the reservation information generated by the reservation information generation unit 140. Specifically, the reservation cancellation unit 150 cancels the reservation of the first user if the ownership status information acquired by the ownership information acquisition unit 110 indicates that the mobile terminal 21 is not owned by the first user. Here, "not owned" is a broad concept that includes not only the state in which the first user has given up the mobile terminal 21, but also the state in which the first user has unattached (removed) the mobile terminal 21. When the reservation cancellation unit 150 cancels a reservation, it outputs the reservation cancellation information to the information processing terminal 22 via the output unit 120. As a result, the corresponding reservation information is deleted from the reservation information management unit 221, and the reservation is canceled.

[0058] (modified version) Next, with reference to Figure 9, a modified example of the functional configuration of the information processing system 10 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing a modified example of the functional configuration of the information processing system according to the fourth embodiment. Note that in Figure 9, the same reference numerals are used for elements similar to those shown in Figure 8.

[0059] As shown in Figure 9, a modified version of the information processing system 10 according to the fourth embodiment is configured to include a retained information acquisition unit 110, an output unit 120, a reservation information generation unit 140, and an information processing terminal 22 as components for realizing its functions. In particular, the information processing terminal 22 according to the fourth embodiment is configured to further include a reservation cancellation unit 222 in addition to the reservation information management unit 221. That is, in the modified version of the information processing system 10 according to the fourth embodiment, the reservation cancellation unit 222 is provided in the information processing terminal 22 instead of the reservation cancellation unit 150 that was provided on the first user side in Figure 8 described above.

[0060] The reservation cancellation unit 222 is configured to cancel the reservation of the first user indicated by the reservation information generated by the reservation information generation unit 140, similar to the reservation cancellation unit 150 shown in Figure 8. In the configuration of Figure 9, the output unit 120 outputs only the ownership status information to the information processing terminal 22 (i.e., as explained in Figure 8, the reservation cancellation information is not output). Upon receiving the ownership status information, the reservation cancellation unit 222 determines whether the mobile terminal 21 is owned by the first user, and if it is not owned, it deletes the corresponding reservation information from the reservation information management unit.

[0061] (Reservation cancellation action) Next, with reference to Figure 10, the flow of the reservation cancellation operation by the information processing system 10 according to the fourth embodiment (i.e., the operation to confirm the intention to continue the reservation and cancel the reservation as appropriate according to the result) will be explained. Figure 10 is a flowchart of the flow of the reservation cancellation operation by the information processing system according to the fourth embodiment. Note that in Figure 10, the same reference numerals are used for the same processes as shown in Figure 2.

[0062] As shown in Figure 10, in the reservation cancellation operation by the information processing system 10 according to the fourth embodiment, the mobile terminal 21 first detects the ownership status of the mobile terminal 21 by the first user (step S101). Then, the ownership information acquisition unit 110 acquires ownership status information from the detection result on the mobile terminal 21 (step S102).

[0063] Next, the reservation cancellation unit 150 or 222 determines, based on the ownership status information, whether or not the mobile terminal 21 is not owned by the first user (step S401). If the mobile terminal 21 is not owned by the first user (step S401: YES), the reservation cancellation unit 150 or 222 cancels the first user's reservation (step S402). If the mobile terminal 21 is owned by the first user (step S401: NO), the reservation cancellation unit 150 or 222 does not cancel the first user's reservation (i.e., step S402 is skipped).

[0064] Regarding reservation cancellations, a cancellation period may be set, taking into consideration that preparation of goods begins after a reservation is made (for example, actual cooking begins in a restaurant). For example, the cancellation period may be set to 10 minutes after the reservation is made. In this case, if the cancellation is made within 10 minutes of the reservation, the reservation may be automatically canceled based on the holding status information. On the other hand, after 10 minutes have passed since the reservation was made, the reservation may not be able to be canceled regardless of the holding status.

[0065] (Technical effects) Next, the technical effects obtained by the information processing system 10 according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0066] As explained in Figures 9 and 10, in the information processing system 10 according to the fourth embodiment, the first user's reservation is canceled if the mobile terminal 21 is not held by the first user. This makes it possible to cancel reservations appropriately. Specifically, the first user can convey their intention to cancel the reservation by not holding the mobile terminal 21 that they previously possessed. Therefore, the reservation can be canceled without performing any terminal operations to cancel the reservation.

[0067] <Fifth Embodiment> The information processing system 10 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Note that the fifth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment described above only in some configurations and operations; other parts may be the same as those of the first to fourth embodiments. Therefore, the following will describe in detail the parts that differ from each embodiment already described, while omitting explanations of other overlapping parts as appropriate.

[0068] (Functional configuration) First, the functional configuration of the information processing system 10 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing system according to the fifth embodiment. Note that in Figure 11, the same reference numerals are used for elements similar to those shown in Figure 9.

[0069] As shown in Figure 11, the information processing system 10 according to the fifth embodiment is configured to include a wearable terminal 50, an output unit 120, a reservation information generation unit 140, and an information processing terminal 22 as components for realizing its functions. In the configuration shown in Figure 11, the information processing terminal 22 on the second user side is equipped with a reservation cancellation unit 222, as shown in Figure 9, but the first user side may be equipped with a reservation cancellation unit 150, as shown in Figure 8.

[0070] The wearable device 50 is a specific example of the mobile device 21 and is configured as a device that can be attached to a part of the body by the first user. The specific type of wearable device 50 is not particularly limited, but it may be configured as, for example, an earphone type, a watch type (wristband type), or a ring type device. The wearable device 50 is equipped with a wearing state detection unit 115.

[0071] The wearing state detection unit 115 is provided as a specific example of the possession state acquisition unit 110 and is configured to detect whether or not the first user is wearing the wearable terminal 50. The wearing state detection unit 115 may detect that the first user is wearing the wearable terminal 50 using, for example, various sensors. Alternatively, the wearable terminal 50 may detect that the first user is wearing the wearable terminal 50 using the authentication result information (i.e., the result of biometric authentication) described in the second embodiment. Specifically, the wearable terminal 50 may be detected as wearing the wearable terminal 50 when biometric authentication is successful (i.e., when the user is identified as the first user by biometric authentication). For example, if the wearable terminal 50 is configured as an earphone-type terminal, the wearable terminal 50 may be detected as wearing the wearable terminal 50 according to the result of ear acoustic authentication.

[0072] (Reservation cancellation action) Next, with reference to Figure 12, the flow of the reservation cancellation operation by the information processing system 10 according to the fifth embodiment will be explained. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reservation cancellation operation by the information processing system according to the fifth embodiment.

[0073] As shown in Figure 12, in the reservation cancellation operation by the information processing system 10 according to the fifth embodiment, first the wearing state detection unit 115 detects the wearing state of the wearable terminal 50 by the first user (step S501). Then, the wearing state detection unit 115 outputs information indicating the wearing state (wearing state information) to the reservation cancellation unit 222 via the output unit 120 (step S502).

[0074] Next, the reservation cancellation unit 222 determines whether the wearable terminal 50 is being worn by the first user based on the input wearing status information (step S503). If the wearable terminal 50 is being worn by the first user (step S503: YES), the subsequent processing is omitted and the series of operations ends.

[0075] On the other hand, if the wearable device 50 is not attached to the first user (step S503: NO), the reservation cancellation unit 222 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed without the wearable device 50 being attached (step S504). The "predetermined time" here is a threshold for determining the first user's intention to cancel the reservation, and is set to exclude situations such as when the wearable device is unintentionally removed.

[0076] If it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed without the wearable device 50 being worn (step S504: YES), the reservation cancellation unit 222 cancels the reservation made by the first user (step S505). On the other hand, if it is determined that a predetermined time has not elapsed without the wearable device 50 being worn (step S504: NO), the reservation cancellation unit 222 does not cancel the reservation made by the first user (i.e., the process in step S505 is skipped).

[0077] (Variations related to cancellation behavior) In the example described above, a configuration was given in which the reservation is canceled if a predetermined time has elapsed since the wearable device 50 was removed. However, the reservation cancellation operation is not limited to this example. For example, in addition to or instead of the above configuration, the reservation may be canceled if the first user performs a predetermined action after removing the wearable device 50. An example of a predetermined action is, for example, holding the wearable device 50 in one's hand and shaking it. This action may be detected, for example, by an accelerometer or the like provided in the wearable device 50.

[0078] (Variations related to detecting the wearing status) Whether or not the first user has removed the wearable device 50 may be detected in conjunction with other wearable devices. For example, suppose the first user is wearing earphones as the wearable device 50 and a smartwatch as the other wearable device. In this case, it may be detected that the earphones have been removed based on the actions detected by the earphones and the actions detected by the smartwatch.

[0079] For example, first, the actions related to the earphones and the actions related to the smartwatch are detected by gyroscopes, accelerometers, etc., installed in the earphones and smartwatch, respectively. Then, if the detected actions related to the earphones and the actions related to the smartwatch match, it may be detected that the earphones have been removed. For example, if the first user holds the earphones in the hand wearing the smartwatch, the actions related to the earphones and the actions related to the smartwatch will match. Therefore, in such a case, it may be detected that the earphones have been removed.

[0080] Furthermore, whether the actions related to the earphones and the actions related to the smartwatch match can be determined by sending the detection results from the earphones to the smartwatch and having the smartwatch make the determination, or by sending the detection results from the smartwatch to the earphones and having the earphones make the determination. In addition, although an example of detecting when the wearable device 50 has been removed has been given here, the same method can be used to detect when the wearable device 50 has been put on.

[0081] (Technical effects) Next, the technical effects obtained by the information processing system 10 according to the fifth embodiment will be described.

[0082] As explained in Figures 11 and 12, in the information processing system 10 according to the fifth embodiment, the reservation of the first user is canceled if the wearable terminal is not worn for a predetermined period of time or longer. In this way, the first user can cancel the reservation simply by removing the wearable terminal 50. Furthermore, since the reservation is canceled after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the wearable terminal 50 was removed, it is possible to prevent the reservation from being canceled if the wearable terminal 50 is removed by mistake (i.e., without the intention to cancel the reservation).

[0083] <Sixth Embodiment> The information processing system 10 according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 16. Note that the sixth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment described above only in some configurations and operations; other parts may be the same as those of the first to fifth embodiments. Therefore, the following will describe in detail the parts that differ from the embodiments already described, while omitting explanations of other overlapping parts as appropriate.

[0084] (Functional configuration) First, the functional configuration of the information processing system 10 according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 13. Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing system according to the sixth embodiment. Note that in Figure 13, the same reference numerals are used for elements similar to those shown in Figure 9.

[0085] As shown in Figure 13, the information processing system 10 according to the sixth embodiment is configured to include a tag-type terminal 60, an output unit 120, a reservation information generation unit 140, and an information processing terminal 22 as components for realizing its functions. In the configuration shown in Figure 13, the information processing terminal 22 on the second user side is equipped with a reservation cancellation unit 222, as shown in Figure 9, but the first user side may be equipped with a reservation cancellation unit 150, as shown in Figure 8.

[0086] The tag-type terminal 60 is a specific example of the mobile terminal 21 and is configured as a terminal that can be carried by the first user. The tag-type terminal 60 may be installed in a tag terminal and become available for possession when it is pulled out (removed) from the tag terminal. The tag-type terminal 60 may be assigned an identification number. This identification number may be assigned in advance or may be assigned when it becomes available for possession. The tag-type terminal 60 is equipped with an installation status detection unit 116.

[0087] The installation status detection unit 116 is provided as a specific example of the possession status acquisition unit 110 and is configured to detect the installation status of the tag-type terminal 60. Specifically, the installation status detection unit 116 is configured to detect whether the tag-type terminal 60 is installed in the tag terminal or has been removed. In other words, the installation status detection unit 116 is configured to detect whether the first user possesses the tag-type terminal 60 (whether or not it has been removed from the tag terminal). The installation status of the tag-type terminal 60 may be detected by the tag-type terminal 60 or by the tag terminal in which the tag-type terminal 60 is installed.

[0088] (Reservation information generation process) Next, with reference to Figure 14, the flow of the reservation information generation operation by the information processing system 10 according to the sixth embodiment (i.e., the operation when generating reservation information) will be described. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reservation information generation operation by the information processing system according to the sixth embodiment.

[0089] As shown in Figure 14, in the reservation information generation operation by the information processing system 10 according to the sixth embodiment, first the installation status detection unit 116 detects the installation status of the tag terminal 60 in the tag terminal (step S601). Then, the installation status detection unit 116 outputs information indicating the installation status (installation status information) to the reservation information generation unit 140 (step S602).

[0090] Next, the reservation information generation unit 140 determines whether the tag terminal 60 has been removed from the tag terminal based on the input installation status information (step S603). If the tag terminal 60 has not been removed from the tag terminal (step S603: NO), the subsequent processing is omitted and the series of operations ends.

[0091] On the other hand, if the tag terminal 60 is removed from the tag terminal (step S603: YES / NO), the reservation information generation unit 140 generates reservation information for the first user (step S604). That is, it is determined that the first user removed the tag terminal 60 with the intention of making a reservation, and new reservation information is generated. The generated reservation information may be output to the information processing terminal 22 via the output unit 120 along with the installation status information.

[0092] (Reservation cancellation action) Next, with reference to Figure 15, the flow of the reservation cancellation operation by the information processing system 10 according to the sixth embodiment will be explained. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reservation cancellation operation by the information processing system according to the sixth embodiment.

[0093] As shown in Figure 15, in the reservation cancellation operation by the information processing system 10 according to the sixth embodiment, first the installation status detection unit 116 detects the installation status of the tag terminal 60 in the tag terminal (step S611). Then, the installation status detection unit 116 outputs information indicating the installation status (installation status information) to the reservation cancellation unit 222 (step S612).

[0094] Next, the reservation cancellation unit 222 determines whether the tag terminal 60 has been returned to the tag terminal based on the input installation status information (step S613). If the tag terminal 60 has not been returned to the tag terminal (step S613: NO), the subsequent processing is omitted and the series of operations ends.

[0095] On the other hand, if the tag terminal 60 is returned to the tag terminal (step S613: YES), the reservation cancellation unit 222 cancels the reservation made by the first user (step S614). In other words, the system determines that the first user returned the tag terminal 60 to the tag terminal with the intention of canceling the reservation, and executes the process to cancel the reservation.

[0096] (Specific example configuration) Next, with reference to Figure 16, a specific example of the configuration of the information processing system 10 according to the sixth embodiment will be described. Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tag terminal and a tag-type terminal in the information processing system according to the sixth embodiment.

[0097] As shown in Figure 16, the tag terminal 70 may be configured to accommodate multiple tag-type terminals 60. Specifically, the tag terminal 70 may have multiple tag docks 72 into which tag-type terminals 60 can be inserted. Each of the multiple tag docks 72 may be provided with a terminal display unit 71 that displays an identification number or the like.

[0098] The tag terminal 60 may include a connection terminal 61 for connecting to the tag dog 72, a tag display unit 62 for displaying an identification number, etc., and a speaker 63. When the first user removes the tag terminal 60 from the tag dog 72, reservation information is generated as described above. At this time, the tag display unit 62 of the tag terminal 60 and the terminal display unit 71 of the tag terminal 70 display an identification number, etc., associated with the reservation information. The speaker 63 of the tag terminal 60 may output, for example, an audio message indicating that preparations for providing the reserved service are complete. After the first user removes the tag terminal 60 from the tag dog 72 and returns the tag terminal 60 to the tag dog 72, the reservation is canceled as described above. The tag terminal 60 may be returned to one of the multiple tag dogs 72 from which it was removed, or to a different tag dog 72.

[0099] (Technical effects) Next, the technical effects obtained by the information processing system 10 according to the sixth embodiment will be described.

[0100] As explained in Figures 13 to 16, in the information processing system 10 according to the sixth embodiment, reservation information is generated when the tag terminal 60 is withdrawn from the tag terminal, and the reservation is canceled when it is returned to the tag terminal. In this way, the first user can make a reservation with a simple action of withdrawing the tag terminal 60 from the tag terminal 70. Furthermore, the reservation can be canceled with a simple action of returning the tag terminal 60 to the tag terminal 70.

[0101] <Seventh Embodiment> The information processing system 10 according to the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 19. Note that the seventh embodiment differs from the third to sixth embodiments described above only in some configurations and operations; other parts may be identical to the first to sixth embodiments. Therefore, the following will describe in detail the parts that differ from the embodiments already described, while omitting explanations of other overlapping parts as appropriate.

[0102] (Functional configuration) First, the functional configuration of the information processing system 10 according to the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 17. Figure 17 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing system according to the seventh embodiment. Note that in Figure 17, the same reference numerals are used for elements similar to those shown in Figure 6.

[0103] As shown in Figure 17, the information processing system 10 according to the seventh embodiment is configured to include, as components for realizing its functions, a possessed information acquisition unit 110, an output unit 120, a reservation information generation unit 140, a voice call unit 160, and an information processing terminal 22. In other words, the information processing system 10 according to the seventh embodiment further includes a voice call unit 160 in addition to the configuration of the third embodiment (see Figure 6). Furthermore, the information processing terminal 22 according to the seventh embodiment includes a reservation information display unit 223 and a voice call unit 224 in addition to the reservation information management unit 221. In other words, the information processing terminal 22 according to the seventh embodiment further includes a reservation information display unit 223 and a voice call unit 224 in addition to the configuration of the third embodiment (see Figure 6).

[0104] The reservation information display unit 223 is configured to display reservation information on a display or the like. The reservation information display unit 223 may display multiple currently valid reservation information in a list format. The reservation information display unit 223 is also configured to allow selection of the displayed reservation information. For example, a second user may select a reservation by touching the portion of the display where the reservation information is shown. Alternatively, the second user may select a reservation using an input device such as a mouse or keyboard.

[0105] The voice call unit 224 is configured to enable two-way voice communication with the first user associated with the selected reservation information. For example, when the second user selects the reservation information, the voice call unit 224 first receives voice input via a microphone or the like. Then, the voice call unit 224 outputs the input voice to the first user's voice call unit 160. The voice call unit 224 is also configured to output the voice input received by the first user's voice call unit 160.

[0106] The voice call unit 160 is configured to output audio output from the second user's voice call unit 224. Furthermore, the voice call unit 160 is configured to receive audio input from the first user and output it to the second user's voice call unit 224.

[0107] The first user's voice call unit 160 and the second user's voice call unit 224 described above may each include, for example, a microphone and speaker provided as the input device 15 and output device 16 (see Figure 1) described above. Alternatively, the voice call units 160 and 224 may include a microphone and speaker provided by the mobile terminal 21.

[0108] In the example described above, a configuration was explained in which two-way voice communication is possible between the first user and the second user. However, the system may also be configured to output audio only from the second user to the first user. In other words, two-way voice communication is not a mandatory component. In this case, the first user may be configured to communicate their intentions to the second user by means other than voice communication. For example, the first user may communicate their intentions to the second user by operating the mobile terminal 21 (for example, by selecting either "yes" or "no," or by sending a text message).

[0109] (Reservation-based operation) Next, with reference to Figure 18, the flow of the reservation response operation by the information processing system 10 according to the seventh embodiment (i.e., the operation when the second user's information processing terminal 22 acquires reservation information and executes various processes) will be explained. Figure 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reservation response operation by the information processing system according to the seventh embodiment.

[0110] As shown in Figure 18, in the reservation handling operation by the information processing system 10 according to the seventh embodiment, the information processing terminal 22 first acquires the reservation information output from the output unit 120 on the first user side (step S701). The reservation information acquired here will be managed by the reservation information management unit 221.

[0111] Next, the reservation information display unit 223 displays the reservation information to the second user (step S702). After that, the reservation information display unit 223 determines whether the displayed reservation information has been selected or not (step S703). If no reservation information is selected (step S703: NO), the subsequent processing may be omitted.

[0112] On the other hand, if reservation information is selected (step S703: YES), the voice call unit 224 accepts voice input (step S704). The voice call unit 224 then outputs the input voice to the first user's voice call unit 160 (step S705). The voice call unit 160 then plays back the voice received by the second user's voice call unit 224 (step S706). Although not shown in the diagram here, after step S706, the voice call unit 160 may accept voice input from the first user and the second user's voice call unit 224 may play back that voice. In other words, if reservation information is selected (step S703: YES), a two-way voice call may be initiated via the voice call units 160 and 224.

[0113] (Example of reservation information display) Next, with reference to Figure 19, a specific example of how reservation information is displayed by the information processing system 10 according to the seventh embodiment will be described. Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of how reservation information is displayed in the information processing system according to the seventh embodiment.

[0114] As shown in Figure 19, in the information processing system 10 according to the seventh embodiment, the reservation information display unit 223 displays multiple reservation information. In the example shown in the figure, four reservation information items are displayed, showing the reservation number, name, and number of people in the reservation, respectively. Note that the information displayed here is not particularly limited, and it may display less information or more information.

[0115] Each reservation entry also displays a call button. Pressing this button allows the first user to receive an audio message. For example, the second user may send an audio message to the first user informing them that their reserved item is ready. Alternatively, the second user may send an audio message to confirm if the first user wants to cancel their reservation (for example, by removing the wearable device mentioned above). In this case, the reservation may not be automatically canceled, but rather canceled only after confirmation by the second user.

[0116] (Technical effects) Next, the technical effects obtained by the information processing system 10 according to the seventh embodiment will be described.

[0117] As explained in Figures 17 to 19, in the information processing system 10 according to the seventh embodiment, reservation information is displayed on the information processing terminal 22 on the second user's side. When the second user selects the displayed reservation information, it becomes possible to output voice to the first user who made the selection. In this way, the second user can understand the current reservation status and then easily make voice contact with the first user who has the reservation.

[0118] <Eighth Embodiment> The information processing system 10 according to the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 20 and 21. Note that the eighth embodiment differs from the first to seventh embodiments described above only in some configurations and operations; other parts may be identical to the first to seventh embodiments. Therefore, the following will describe in detail the parts that differ from the embodiments already described, while omitting explanations of other overlapping parts as appropriate.

[0119] (Functional configuration) First, the functional configuration of the information processing system 10 according to the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 20. Figure 20 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing system according to the eighth embodiment. Note that in Figure 20, the same reference numerals are used for elements similar to those shown in Figure 2.

[0120] As shown in Figure 20, the information processing system 10 according to the eighth embodiment is configured to include a possessed information acquisition unit 110, an output unit 120, a location information acquisition unit 170, and an information processing terminal 22 as components for realizing its functions. That is, the information processing system 10 according to the eighth embodiment further includes a location information acquisition unit 170 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment (see Figure 2). The location information acquisition unit 170 may be, for example, a processing block realized by the processor 11 (see Figure 1) described above. Alternatively, the location information acquisition unit 170 may be provided by the mobile terminal 21 described above.

[0121] The location information acquisition unit 170 is configured to acquire location information indicating the location of the mobile terminal 21 (in other words, location information of the first user who possesses the mobile terminal 21). The method for acquiring location information is not particularly limited, but for example, the location information acquisition unit 170 may acquire location information using GPS (Global Positioning System) attached to the mobile terminal 21. The location information acquisition unit 170 may acquire location information based on the possession status information acquired by the possession information acquisition unit 110, for example. For example, the location information acquisition unit 170 may acquire location information at the time it is determined that the first user possesses the mobile terminal 21 based on the possession status information. Furthermore, the location information acquisition unit 170 may continue to acquire location information as long as the first user continues to possess the mobile terminal 21. That is, it may perform processing to track the location of the first user. The location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 170 is output to the second user's information processing terminal 22 via the output unit 120.

[0122] (Information output operation) Next, the flow of information output operations by the information processing system 10 according to the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 21. Figure 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of information output operations by the information processing system according to the eighth embodiment. Note that in Figure 21, the same reference numerals are used for the same processes as shown in Figure 3.

[0123] As shown in Figure 21, in the information output operation by the information processing system 10 according to the eighth embodiment, first, the mobile terminal 21 is detected to be in possession of the mobile terminal 21 by the first user (step S101). Then, the possession information acquisition unit 110 acquires possession status information from the detection result in the mobile terminal 21 (step S102). The possession status information acquired by the possession information acquisition unit 110 is output to the output unit 120.

[0124] Next, the location information acquisition unit 170 acquires the location information of the first user who possesses the mobile terminal 21 (step S801). The location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 170 is output to the output unit 120.

[0125] In this example, location information is obtained after ownership status information, but ownership status information may be obtained after location information. Alternatively, ownership status information and location information may be obtained simultaneously and in parallel.

[0126] Next, the output unit 120 outputs the ownership status information acquired by the ownership information acquisition unit 110 and the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 170 to the information processing terminal 22 used by the second user (step S802). The output unit 120 may output the ownership status information and location information simultaneously. In this case, the output unit 120 may output the ownership status information and location information linked together. Alternatively, the output unit 120 may output the ownership status information and location information at different times.

[0127] (Technical effects) Next, the technical effects obtained by the information processing system 10 according to the eighth embodiment will be described.

[0128] As explained in Figures 20 and 21, in the information processing system 10 according to the eighth embodiment, in addition to the ownership status information, the location information of the first user is output to the information processing terminal 22 used by the second user. In this way, the second user can know where the first user who owns the mobile terminal 21 is located. This allows the second user to perform various processes using the location information of the first user. The specific processes performed by the second user using the location information will be explained in detail in other embodiments described later.

[0129] <Ninth Embodiment> The information processing system 10 according to the ninth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 22 and 23. Note that the ninth embodiment differs from the eighth embodiment described above only in some configurations and operations; other parts may be identical to the first to eighth embodiments. Therefore, the following will describe in detail the parts that differ from each embodiment already described, while omitting explanations of other overlapping parts as appropriate.

[0130] (Functional configuration) First, the functional configuration of the information processing system 10 according to the ninth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 22. Figure 22 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing system according to the ninth embodiment. Note that in Figure 22, the same reference numerals are used for elements similar to those shown in Figure 20.

[0131] As shown in Figure 22, the information processing system 10 according to the ninth embodiment is configured to include, as components for realizing its functions, a possessed information acquisition unit 110, an output unit 120, a reservation information generation unit 140, a reservation cancellation unit 150, a location information acquisition unit 170, and an information processing terminal 22. That is, the information processing system 10 according to the ninth embodiment further includes a reservation information generation unit 140 and a reservation cancellation unit 150 in addition to the configuration of the eighth embodiment (see Figure 20). The reservation information generation unit 140 and the reservation cancellation unit 150 may be the same as those described in the fourth embodiment above. Furthermore, although the configuration shown in Figure 22 includes a reservation cancellation unit on the first user side as shown in Figure 8, the information processing terminal 22 on the second user side may also include a reservation cancellation unit 222 as shown in Figure 9.

[0132] The information processing terminal 22 according to the ninth embodiment includes, in addition to the reservation information management unit 221 and reservation information display unit 223 already described, an arrival time estimation unit 226. The arrival time estimation unit 226 is configured to estimate the arrival time of the first user (for example, the time to arrive at the facility to which the second user belongs) using location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 170. The method for estimating the arrival time is not particularly limited, but for example, it may be estimated using an existing navigation device. The arrival time may be estimated as a value with a range, for example, "arriving between 12:00 and 12:30". The arrival time estimated by the arrival time estimation unit 226 may be displayed on the reservation information display unit 223. Alternatively, the arrival time estimated by the arrival time estimation unit 226 may be output as audio using a speaker or the like.

[0133] (Reservation-based operation) Next, with reference to Figure 23, the flow of the reservation handling operation by the information processing system 10 according to the ninth embodiment will be explained. Figure 23 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reservation handling operation by the information processing system according to the ninth embodiment.

[0134] As shown in Figure 23, in the reservation handling operation by the information processing system 10 according to the ninth embodiment, the information processing terminal 22 first acquires the reservation information of the first user generated by the reservation information generation unit 140 and the location information of the first user acquired by the location information acquisition unit 170 (step S901).

[0135] Next, the arrival time estimation unit 226 estimates the arrival time of the first user based on the location information (step S902). Then, the reservation information display unit 223 displays the reservation information, location information, and estimated arrival time to the second user (step S903).

[0136] Next, the arrival time estimation unit 226 determines whether the current time is the estimated arrival time (step S904). If the arrival time has not yet arrived (step S904: NO), the location information acquisition unit 170 acquires location information again (step S905), and then the process from step S902 onwards is repeated. That is, the estimated time is estimated based on the newly acquired location information, and the reservation information, location information, and estimated arrival time are displayed (updated).

[0137] On the other hand, when the arrival time arrives, the location information acquisition unit 170 acquires location information again (step S905), and the reservation information display unit 223 displays the current location of the first user to the second user (step S907). That is, the reservation information display unit 223 displays information indicating where the arriving first user is actually located. As a result, the second user will take action according to the location where the first user has arrived. For example, if the first user has made a takeout reservation at a restaurant to which the second user belongs, the second user may deliver the product to the location where the first user has arrived (e.g., a parking lot). If the exact location of the first user cannot be determined by location information alone, the location of the first user may be determined by two-way voice communication via voice calls 160 and 224 (see Figure 17) as described in the seventh embodiment.

[0138] (Technical effects) Next, the technical effects obtained by the information processing system 10 according to the ninth embodiment will be described.

[0139] As explained in Figures 20 and 21, in the information processing system 10 according to the eighth embodiment, the arrival time is estimated using location information. In this way, the second user can know the arrival time of the first user, and thus the service reserved by the first user can be provided appropriately. For example, the second user can prepare according to the first user's arrival time (for example, a restaurant can prepare the food according to the arrival time), making it possible to provide more appropriate service to the first user.

[0140] The processing method of recording a program that operates the configuration of each embodiment in order to realize the functions of each embodiment described above on a recording medium, reading the program recorded on the recording medium as code, and executing it on a computer is also included in the scope of each embodiment. In other words, a computer-readable recording medium is also included in the scope of each embodiment. Furthermore, not only the recording medium on which the above-mentioned program is recorded, but also the program itself is included in each embodiment.

[0141] Examples of recording media that can be used include floppy disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, and ROMs. Furthermore, the scope of each embodiment is not limited to programs that perform processing on the recording media alone, but also includes programs that operate on the OS and perform processing in cooperation with other software and the functions of expansion boards. In addition, the program itself may be stored on a server, and part or all of the program may be made available for download from the server to the user terminal.

[0142] <Note> The embodiments described above may also be described in the following appendix, but are not limited to these.

[0143] (Note 1) The information processing system described in Appendix 1 is an information processing system comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring ownership status information indicating the ownership status of a mobile terminal used by a first user from the mobile terminal used by the first user; and an output means for outputting the ownership status information to an information processing terminal used by a second user different from the first user.

[0144] (Note 2) The information processing system described in Appendix 2 further comprises authentication information acquisition means for acquiring authentication result information indicating the result of biometric authentication performed by the mobile terminal from the mobile terminal, and the output means outputs the possession status information and the authentication result information to the information processing terminal used by the second user, as described in Appendix 1.

[0145] (Note 3) The information processing system described in Appendix 3 further comprises reservation information generation means for generating reservation information relating to the first user's reservation, and the output means outputs the ownership status information and the reservation information to the information processing terminal used by the second user, as described in Appendix 1 or 2.

[0146] (Note 4) The information processing system described in Appendix 4 is the information processing system described in Appendix 3, further comprising a cancellation means for canceling the reservation of the first user indicated by the reservation information when the ownership status information indicates that the mobile terminal is not owned by the first user.

[0147] (Note 5) The information processing system described in Appendix 5 is the information processing system described in Appendix 4, wherein the mobile terminal is a wearable terminal, the information acquisition means acquires information indicating whether or not the first user is wearing the wearable terminal as the information being held, and the cancellation means cancels the first user's reservation if the wearable terminal is not being worn for a predetermined period of time or longer.

[0148] (Note 6) The information processing system described in Appendix 6 is the information processing system described in Appendix 4, wherein the mobile terminal is a tag-type terminal installed in a tag terminal, the possession information acquisition means acquires information indicating whether or not the tag-type terminal has been withdrawn from the tag terminal as possession status information, the reservation information generation means generates the reservation information when the tag-type terminal is withdrawn from the tag terminal, and the cancellation means cancels the reservation when the tag-type terminal is returned to the tag terminal.

[0149] (Note 7) The information processing system described in Appendix 7 is the information processing system described in any one of Appendix 3 to 6, further comprising: a display means for displaying the reservation information to the second user; and an audio output means for outputting audio to the first user associated with the selected reservation information when the second user selects the reservation information displayed on the display means.

[0150] (Note 8) The information processing system described in Appendix 8 further comprises a location information acquisition means for acquiring location information indicating the location of the first user, and the output means outputs the possession status information and the location information to the information processing terminal used by the second user, as described in any one of Appendix 1 to 7.

[0151] (Note 9) The information processing method described in Appendix 9 is an information processing method that uses at least one computer to acquire ownership status information indicating the ownership status of a mobile terminal used by a first user, and outputs the ownership status information to an information processing terminal used by a second user different from the first user.

[0152] (Note 10) The recording medium described in Appendix 10 is a recording medium on which a computer program is recorded that causes at least one computer to execute an information processing method that acquires ownership status information indicating the ownership status of a mobile terminal used by a first user from the mobile terminal, and outputs the ownership status information to an information processing terminal used by a second user different from the first user.

[0153] (Note 11) The computer program described in Appendix 11 is a computer program that causes at least one computer to execute an information processing method that acquires ownership status information indicating the ownership status of a mobile terminal used by a first user from the mobile terminal used by the first user, and outputs the ownership status information to an information processing terminal used by a second user different from the first user.

[0154] (Note 12) The information processing device described in Appendix 12 is an information processing device comprising: an information acquisition means for acquiring information on ownership status indicating the ownership status of a mobile terminal used by a first user; and an output means for outputting the information on ownership status to an information processing terminal used by a second user different from the first user.

[0155] This disclosure may be modified as appropriate, insofar as it does not contradict the gist or idea of ​​the invention as can be inferred from the claims and the specification as a whole, and information processing systems, information processing methods, and recording media that include such modifications are also included in the technical idea of ​​this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 10. Information Processing Systems 11 processors 16 Output device 21 Mobile devices 22 Information Processing Terminals 50 wearable devices 60 tag-type devices 61 Connection terminals 62 Tag display section 63 speakers 70 Tag Terminal 71 Terminal display section 72 Tag Dogs 110 Information Acquisition Department 115 Installation status detection unit 116 Installation status detection unit 120 Output section 130 Authentication Information Acquisition Section 140 Reservation Information Generation Unit 150 Reservation Cancellation Department 160 Voice Call Section 170 Location information acquisition unit 221 Reservation Information Management Department 222 Reservation Cancellation Department 223 Reservation Information Display Section 224 Voice Call Department 226 Arrival Time Estimation Section

Claims

1. A means for acquiring ownership status information that indicates whether or not a first user possesses a mobile terminal, from a mobile terminal used by a first user who uses the service, The first user generates reservation information that indicates the details of the reservation for the service to be used, Output means for outputting the aforementioned ownership status information and the aforementioned reservation information to an information processing terminal used by the second user that provides the service used by the first user, An information processing system equipped with the following features.

2. The system further includes authentication information acquisition means for acquiring authentication result information indicating the result of biometric authentication performed by the mobile terminal from the mobile terminal, The output means outputs the ownership status information, the reservation information, and the authentication result information to the information processing terminal used by the second user. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes a cancellation means for canceling the reservation of the first user indicated by the reservation information when the ownership status information indicates that the mobile terminal is not owned by the first user. The information processing system according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned mobile device is a wearable device. The aforementioned information acquisition means includes a wearing status detection means for detecting whether the first user is wearing the wearable device, and acquires the information based on the detection result of the wearing status detection means. The cancellation means cancels the first user's reservation if the wearable device is not worn for a predetermined period of time or longer. The information processing system according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned mobile terminal is a tag-type terminal installed on a tag terminal, The means for acquiring the possessed information includes an installation status detection unit that detects whether or not the tag-type terminal has been removed from the tag terminal by the first user, and acquires the possessed status information based on the detection result of the installation status detection unit. The reservation information generation means generates the reservation information when the possession status information indicates that the tag-type terminal has been removed from the tag terminal. The cancellation means cancels the reservation when the ownership status information indicates that the tag-type terminal has been returned to the tag terminal. The information processing system according to claim 3.

6. A display means for displaying the reservation information to the second user, When the second user performs an operation to select the reservation information displayed on the display means, the audio output means outputs audio to the first user who made the reservation indicated by the selected reservation information, The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

7. The mobile terminal further comprises location information acquisition means for acquiring location information indicating the location of the first user, The output means outputs the ownership status information, the reservation information, and the location information to the information processing terminal used by the second user. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. By at least one computer, From the mobile terminal used by the first user of the service, ownership status information indicating whether or not the first user possesses the mobile terminal is obtained. The system generates reservation information that shows the details of the reservation for the service used by the first user, The ownership status information and the reservation information are output to an information processing terminal used by the second user, which provides the service used by the first user. Information processing methods.

9. On at least one computer, From the mobile terminal used by the first user of the service, ownership status information indicating whether or not the first user possesses the mobile terminal is obtained. The system generates reservation information that shows the details of the reservation for the service used by the first user, The ownership status information and the reservation information are output to an information processing terminal used by the second user, which provides the service used by the first user. A computer program that executes information processing methods.

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