Accommodation Procedure Support Device, System and Method, and Accommodation Procedure Support Program

Abstract

A lodging procedure assistance device (1) comprises: an acquisition unit (11) that acquires identification information for identifying lodging reservation information from a check-in terminal of a lodging facility when a person who has made the lodging reservation performs a lodging reservation information retrieval operation on the check-in terminal; a identification unit (12) that identifies a list of service coupons resulting from the lodging corresponding to the lodging reservation information identified on the basis of the identification information; and a transmission unit (13) that transmits, to the check-in terminal, a check-in input screen based on the identified lodging reservation information and transmits the identified list of service coupons to a staff terminal installed at a location where the service coupons are to be handed from staff of the lodging facility to the person who has made the lodging reservation.

Description

Accommodation procedure support device, system, method, and computer-readable medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an accommodation procedure assistance device, system, method, and program.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology relating to a check-in system that includes a customer display device for hotel customers (those who have booked a stay) to input and view accommodation information, and a management screen for hotel staff. In the check-in system described in Patent Document 1, the customer display device and the management screen are installed adjacent to each other so that customers and staff can input and view information face-to-face.

[0003] JP 2014-235540 A

[0004] In recent years, accommodation facilities have tended to minimize face-to-face customer service, and are increasingly installing check-in terminals for guests to automatically check in and staff terminals for the accommodation facility's staff in separate locations. The staff may then hand over service vouchers (paper or plastic tickets) such as meal vouchers to be used within the accommodation facility depending on the details of the stay to the guest. This requires the staff to prepare an appropriate set of service vouchers for each guest depending on the details of the reservation, which takes a certain amount of time. Particularly during times when many guests are checking in, a queue of guests may form in front of the staff terminal. This can result in long check-in procedures.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an accommodation procedure assistance device, system, method, and program for shortening the time required for check-in procedures at accommodation facilities.

[0006] The accommodation procedure support device according to the present disclosure comprises: an acquisition means for acquiring specific information for identifying accommodation reservation information from a check-in terminal of an accommodation facility when a person who has made a reservation searches for accommodation reservation information at the check-in terminal; an identification means for identifying a list of service vouchers resulting from the accommodation corresponding to the identified accommodation reservation information based on the specific information; and a transmission means for transmitting a check-in input screen based on the identified accommodation reservation information to the check-in terminal, and transmitting the list of identified service vouchers to a staff terminal installed at a location where staff at the accommodation facility will hand over the service vouchers to the person who has made the reservation.

[0007] The accommodation procedure support system according to the present disclosure comprises a check-in terminal installed at an accommodation facility, a staff terminal installed at a transfer location for transferring service vouchers resulting from an accommodation stay from staff of the accommodation facility to a person who has made a reservation, and an accommodation procedure support device, wherein the accommodation procedure support device comprises: an acquisition means for acquiring specific information for identifying the accommodation reservation information from the check-in terminal when the person who has made a reservation searches for the accommodation reservation information on the check-in terminal; an identification means for identifying a list of the service vouchers corresponding to the identified accommodation reservation information based on the specific information; and a transmission means for transmitting a check-in input screen based on the identified accommodation reservation information to the check-in terminal and transmitting the list of the identified service vouchers to the staff terminal.

[0008] The accommodation procedure support method disclosed herein involves a computer acquiring specific information for identifying the accommodation reservation information from a check-in terminal at an accommodation facility when a guest searches for accommodation reservation information at the check-in terminal, identifying a list of service vouchers resulting from the stay corresponding to the identified accommodation reservation information based on the specific information, transmitting a check-in input screen based on the identified accommodation reservation information to the check-in terminal, and transmitting the list of identified service vouchers to a staff terminal installed at a location where the service vouchers are handed over from staff at the accommodation facility to the guest.

[0009] The accommodation procedure support program disclosed herein causes a computer to execute the following processes: an acquisition process for acquiring specific information for identifying accommodation reservation information from a check-in terminal at an accommodation facility when a guest who has made a reservation searches for accommodation reservation information at the check-in terminal; an identification process for identifying a list of service vouchers resulting from the accommodation corresponding to the identified accommodation reservation information based on the specific information; and a transmission process for sending a check-in input screen based on the identified accommodation reservation information to the check-in terminal and transmitting the list of identified service vouchers to a staff terminal installed at a location where staff at the accommodation facility will hand over the service vouchers to the guest who has made the reservation.

[0010] The present disclosure makes it possible to provide an accommodation procedure assistance device, system, method, and program for reducing the time required for check-in procedures at accommodation facilities.

[0011] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an accommodation procedure support device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of accommodation procedure support processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an accommodation procedure support system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an authentication device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an accommodation procedure support device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of accommodation reservation processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of face information registration processing by the authentication device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an accommodation reservation information search screen displayed on a check-in terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of check-in processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of accommodation procedure support processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of accommodation procedure support processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of face authentication processing by the authentication device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a check-in procedure start notification screen displayed on a staff terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a check-in input screen displayed on a check-in terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a check-in approval screen displayed on a staff terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a check-in completion screen displayed on a check-in terminal according to the second embodiment.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and for clarity of explanation, duplicate explanations will be omitted as necessary.

[0013] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an accommodation procedure support device 1 according to the first embodiment. The accommodation procedure support device 1 is an information processing device connected to a check-in terminal (not shown) and a staff terminal (not shown) installed at an accommodation facility, and supports check-in procedures (accommodation procedures) at the accommodation facility. Here, the check-in terminal is an information processing device used by a person making a reservation to check in. It is assumed that the person making a reservation has made a reservation in advance to stay at the accommodation facility. The accommodation reservation information is registered in a database (not shown) that manages reservation information for the accommodation facility. The database is assumed to be communicably connected to the accommodation procedure support device 1 or to be built into the accommodation procedure support device 1. The person making a reservation visits the accommodation facility on the day of their stay and searches for accommodation reservation information on the check-in terminal to complete the check-in procedure. The staff terminal is an information processing device used by staff at the accommodation facility to complete check-in procedures (such as approving check-in) for the person making the reservation. It is assumed that the staff is required to hand over a service voucher related to the stay to the person making the reservation, depending on the details of the stay. The staff terminal is installed at a location where the staff member hands over the service voucher to the guest who has made a reservation.

[0014] The accommodation procedure assistance device 1 includes an acquisition unit 11, an identification unit 12, and a transmission unit 13. When a guest makes a reservation to a check-in terminal of an accommodation facility and searches for accommodation reservation information, the acquisition unit 11 acquires identification information for identifying the accommodation reservation information from the check-in terminal. Here, the identification information may be identification information of the accommodation reservation information (e.g., a reservation number), identification information of the guest associated with the reservation number (e.g., a user ID), or personal authentication information associated with the accommodation reservation information. Alternatively, the identification information may be a combination of the name and telephone number registered by the guest when making the reservation. The personal authentication information may be associated with the "user ID associated with the accommodation reservation information." Here, the "personal authentication information" refers to identification information, biometric information, or the like for identifying the guest through personal authentication. "Personal authentication" refers to information processing in which pre-registered personal authentication information is compared with information acquired or input from the guest during authentication, and the authenticity of the guest is confirmed if the degree of match is equal to or exceeds a threshold. Examples of identity authentication include, but are not limited to, biometric authentication such as facial recognition, and matching of code information (such as an ID or password) presented or entered by an individual. The identity authentication process is performed internally by the accommodation procedure support device 1 or by an authentication device connected to the accommodation procedure support device 1. The "identity authentication information" for registration is registered in either a storage device internal to the accommodation procedure support device 1 or a storage device connected to the accommodation procedure support device 1.

[0015] The identification unit 12 identifies a list of service vouchers resulting from the stay corresponding to the identified accommodation reservation information based on the identification information. For example, the identification unit 12 may identify, for example, search, the accommodation reservation information of the person making the reservation from the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. It is assumed that a list of service vouchers is associated with the accommodation reservation information. Here, a "service" refers to a service provided within the accommodation facility that the user applied for when making the reservation or a service included in the accommodation reservation information. Examples of services provided within the accommodation facility include, but are not limited to, the provision of food and beverages in the dining room (food and beverage service), access to common spaces such as the dining room or bath, use of massage machines, and purchases from vending machines. It is assumed that a "service voucher" is a physical ticket (paper or plastic) such as a meal ticket or coupon to be used within the accommodation facility. It is also assumed that a "service voucher" may be a ticket that can be used outside the accommodation facility or in the surrounding area of ​​the accommodation facility. It is assumed that information (service information) regarding services that can be used as a result of the stay is written, printed, displayed, etc. on the "service voucher." Furthermore, "service information" refers to information used to receive the service, such as permission to enter the restaurant, reservations for dinner or breakfast, available time slots or meal contents (course meal or optional meal), seating in the restaurant, the user's gender, whether adult or child, and length of stay. However, examples of services, service vouchers, and service information are not limited to these. Furthermore, a "list of service vouchers" is a collection of information such as the names of service vouchers. The list of service vouchers may also include the number of service vouchers, their types, the number of each type, and storage locations.

[0016] The transmitting unit 13 transmits a check-in input screen based on the identified accommodation reservation information to the check-in terminal, and also transmits a list of service vouchers identified by the identifying unit 12 to the staff terminal. As described above, the staff terminal is an information processing device installed at the location where the service vouchers are handed over from the accommodation staff to the person who made the accommodation reservation.

[0017] 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the accommodation procedure support process according to the first embodiment. First, when a guest makes a reservation at the accommodation facility's check-in terminal to search for accommodation reservation information, the acquisition unit 11 acquires, from the check-in terminal, identification information for identifying the accommodation reservation information (S11). Next, the identification unit 12 identifies a list of service vouchers resulting from the stay corresponding to the identified accommodation reservation information based on the identification information (S12). Then, the transmission unit 13 transmits a check-in input screen based on the identified accommodation reservation information to the check-in terminal (S13). Additionally, the transmission unit 13 transmits the list of identified service vouchers to a staff terminal installed at a location where the accommodation facility staff will hand over the service vouchers to the guest (S14).

[0018] The staff terminal then displays a list of service vouchers received from the accommodation procedure support device 1, and the check-in terminal displays a check-in input screen received from the accommodation procedure support device 1. The guest who has made a reservation performs input operations and check-in request operations on the check-in input screen. Meanwhile, the staff member visually checks the list of service vouchers displayed on the staff terminal and can begin preparing the service vouchers to hand over to the guest who has made a reservation during the check-in procedure. The staff member then performs a check-in approval operation for the guest who has made a reservation on the staff terminal in response to the check-in request from the check-in terminal via the accommodation procedure support device 1. In response, the check-in terminal displays a check-in completion screen, and the guest who has made a reservation moves to the pick-up location. At this time, the staff member can quickly hand over the service vouchers that have already been prepared to the guest who has arrived at the pick-up location. In other words, the staff member does not start preparing the service vouchers after the guest who has made a reservation arrives at the pick-up location, but rather starts preparing the service vouchers when the guest who has made a reservation performs a search operation. In other words, the staff can use the time from when the hotel reservation holder starts searching for accommodation reservation information on the check-in terminal until they arrive at the pick-up location as the time to prepare a collection of service vouchers for each group of hotel reservation holders and according to the accommodation details. Therefore, when the hotel reservation holders who have completed check-in arrive at the pick-up location, the staff can shorten the waiting time for the hotel reservation holders and hand over the service vouchers. Therefore, this embodiment can shorten the time required for the check-in procedure at an accommodation facility.

[0019] The accommodation procedure assistance device 1 includes a processor, memory, and storage device (not shown). The storage device stores a computer program that implements the processing of the accommodation procedure assistance method according to this embodiment. The processor then loads the computer program from the storage device into the memory and executes the computer program. This allows the processor to implement the functions of an acquisition unit 11, an identification unit 12, and a transmission unit 13.

[0020] Alternatively, each component of the accommodation procedure assistance device 1 may be realized by dedicated hardware. Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by general-purpose or dedicated circuits, processors, etc., or a combination of these. These may be configured by a single chip, or by multiple chips connected via a bus. Some or all of the components of each device may be realized by a combination of the above-mentioned circuits, etc., and a program. Furthermore, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), a quantum processor (quantum computer control chip), etc., may be used as the processor.

[0021] Furthermore, when some or all of the components of the accommodation procedure assistance device 1 are realized by multiple information processing devices, circuits, etc., the multiple information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be centrally or decentralized. For example, the information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be realized as a client-server system, a cloud computing system, or the like, each connected via a communication network. Furthermore, the functions of the accommodation procedure assistance device 1 may be provided in the form of SaaS (Software as a Service).

[0022] <Embodiment 2> Embodiment 2 is a specific example of the above-described embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an accommodation procedure support system 1000 according to embodiment 2. The accommodation procedure support system 1000 is an information system for supporting reservations and check-in procedures for accommodation at a specified accommodation facility 4. The accommodation procedure support system 1000 includes a user terminal 10, check-in terminals 100-1, 100-2, ... 100-n (n is a natural number equal to or greater than 2), an authentication device 200, an accommodation procedure support device 300, and a staff terminal 400. The user terminal 10, the check-in terminals 100-1, etc., the authentication device 200, the accommodation procedure support device 300, and the staff terminal 400 are each connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network N. Here, the network N is a communication network including a wireless communication line, such as the Internet, a wireless communication network, or a mobile phone network. The network N may use any type of communication protocol.

[0023] User U0 (accommodation reservation holder) is a user who carries and operates a user terminal 10 to make a reservation for a specific accommodation plan at the accommodation facility 4. The user terminal 10 is an information processing terminal with which user U0 registers accommodation reservation information including a facial image in advance to the accommodation procedure assistance device 300. Note that user U0 may also register accommodation reservation information using an information processing device other than the user terminal 10.

[0024] The accommodation facility 4 has check-in terminals 100-1 to 100-n installed in the lobby, and a counter 410 and a staff terminal 400 installed at the front desk 41. At the front desk 41, where service vouchers are handed over, there is a staff member U2 who operates the staff terminal 400, and service vouchers 5-1, 5-2, ..., 5-m (m is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) are stored. Note that there may be one or more check-in terminals 100-1, etc., and there may be two or more staff terminals 400. Note that because each of the check-in terminals 100-1 to 100-n has the same function, they may be collectively referred to as "check-in terminal 100" in the following description. Furthermore, each of users U1-1, U1-2, ..., U1-n is an example of a person who registers reservation information in advance, arrives at the accommodation facility 4 on the day of their stay, and checks in. In the following description, they may be collectively referred to as "user U1."

[0025] The check-in terminal 100 is an information terminal operated by a user U1, a guest at the accommodation facility 4, to perform check-in procedures. The check-in terminal 100 displays a search screen for accommodation reservation information, accepts input of specific information for the accommodation reservation information from the user U1, and transmits a search request including the specific information to the accommodation procedure support device 300. The check-in terminal 100 displays a check-in input screen including the search results, and accepts input of missing information, a signature operation, and a check-in request operation from the user U1. The check-in terminal 100 then transmits the check-in request to the accommodation procedure support device 300, and if approved by staff member U2, displays a check-in completion screen.

[0026] The staff terminal 400 receives and displays a check-in procedure start notification screen from the accommodation procedure support device 300 in response to a search operation by user U1 on the check-in terminal 100. Staff member U2 checks the list of service vouchers displayed on the check-in procedure start notification screen and begins preparing the relevant service voucher 5-1, etc. The staff terminal 400 receives and displays a check-in approval screen from the accommodation procedure support device 300 in response to a check-in request operation by user U1 on the check-in terminal 100. If staff member U2 approves user U1's stay, he or she performs an approval operation on the check-in approval screen. In response to the approval operation, the staff terminal 400 transmits check-in approval to the accommodation procedure support device 300.

[0027] Furthermore, the front desk 41, where the service voucher is handed over, is a location where it takes a predetermined time for the user U1 who has made the reservation to travel from the check-in terminal 100. The predetermined time is, for example, but is not limited to, a few seconds to a few minutes. In other words, the front desk 41 and the check-in terminal 100 are separated by a predetermined distance or more.

[0028] Furthermore, the number of staff terminals 400 installed at the front desk 41, where the service vouchers are handed over, is assumed to be equal to or less than the number of check-in terminals 100 installed at the accommodation facility 4. Alternatively, the number of staff members who hand over the service vouchers is assumed to be equal to or less than the number of users U1. In other words, if it takes a long time for staff member U2 to prepare the service vouchers at the counter 410 and hand them over to users U1, a queue of users U1 may form.

[0029] The authentication device 200 is an information processing device that manages facial feature information of users and performs facial authentication. In response to a facial authentication request received from an external device, the authentication device 200 compares the facial image or facial feature information included in the request with the facial feature information of each user and returns the comparison result (authentication result) to the request source.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an authentication device 200 according to the second embodiment. The authentication device 200 includes a face information database (DB) 210, a face detection unit 220, a feature point extraction unit 230, a registration unit 240, and an authentication unit 250. The face information DB 210 stores a user ID 211 and facial feature information 212 for the user ID in association with each other. The facial feature information 212 is a feature vector indicating a set of feature quantities, such as the distance between feature points corresponding to the positions of a person's eyes, nose, mouth, etc. The authentication device 200 may delete the facial feature information 212 from the face information DB 210 in response to a request from a user or the like corresponding to the facial feature information 212. Alternatively, the authentication device 200 may delete the facial feature information 212 after a certain period of time has elapsed since registration.

[0031] The face detection unit 220 detects a face region included in a registration image for registering face information and outputs the detected region to the feature point extraction unit 230. The feature point extraction unit 230 extracts feature points from the face region detected by the face detection unit 220, calculates the distance between each of the extracted feature points as a feature amount, and generates a feature vector including a set of the calculated feature points as face feature information. In other words, the feature point extraction unit 230 can be said to extract the feature vector calculated from the face image as face feature information. The feature point extraction unit 230 outputs the generated face feature information to the registration unit 240 or the authentication unit 250.

[0032] When registering facial feature information, the registration unit 240 issues a new user ID 211. The registration unit 240 associates the issued user ID 211 with facial feature information 212 extracted from the registration image and registers them in the face information DB 210.

[0033] The authentication unit 250 performs face authentication using the facial feature information 212. Specifically, the authentication unit 250 calculates a degree of match between each piece of master biometric information by performing one-to-N matching between facial feature information (query biometric information) extracted from a face image and the facial feature information 212 (master biometric information) in the face information DB 210. For example, the authentication unit 250 may calculate the degree of match as the similarity between the feature amounts of the query biometric information and the feature amounts of the master biometric information. For example, the authentication unit 250 may calculate a higher degree of match as the distance between the feature vectors is shorter. If the degree of match is equal to or greater than a threshold, the authentication unit 250 determines that authentication is successful. If the degree of match is less than the threshold, the authentication unit 250 determines that authentication is unsuccessful. If authentication is successful, the authentication unit 250 identifies the user ID 211 associated with the successfully authenticated facial feature information 212 from the face information DB 210 and returns a message indicating successful authentication and the facial authentication result including the user ID 211 to the source of the face authentication request. On the other hand, if the authentication fails, the authentication unit 250 returns the face authentication result including the fact that the authentication failed to the request source.

[0034] Returning to Figure 3, the explanation will continue. The accommodation procedure support device 300 is an example of the accommodation procedure support device 1 described above. The accommodation procedure support device 300 is an information processing device for supporting reservations for accommodation at the accommodation facility 4, check-in procedures, etc. The accommodation procedure support device 300 also serves as a device that relays data exchange between the check-in terminal 100 and the staff terminal 400. The accommodation procedure support device 300 may be configured redundantly with multiple servers, and each functional block may be realized by multiple computers.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the accommodation procedure assistance device 300 according to the second embodiment. The accommodation procedure assistance device 300 includes a storage unit 310, a memory 320, a communication unit 330, and a control unit 340. The storage unit 310 is an example of a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory. The storage unit 310 stores a program 311, reservation management information 312, and check-in management information 313. The storage unit 310 and the face information DB 210 of the authentication device 200 may be collectively considered as the storage unit. Furthermore, some or all of the information stored in the storage unit 310 may be stored in an external storage device. The program 311 is a computer program (accommodation procedure assistance program) that implements accommodation procedure assistance processes, including accommodation reservation processing and check-in processing, according to the second embodiment.

[0036] The reservation management information 312 is information for managing reservation details of an accommodation plan at the accommodation facility 4. The reservation management information 312 is information that associates a user ID 3121, a reservation number 3122, and accommodation reservation information 3123. The user ID 3121 is identification information of the user who has made the accommodation reservation. The user ID 3121 is information that is identical to or uniquely corresponds to the user ID 211 that is managed in association with the facial feature information 212 in the face information DB 210 of the authentication device 200. Therefore, the reservation management information 312 can be said to be information that is associated with the user's personal authentication information for registration via the user ID 3121.

[0037] The reservation number 3122 is an example of identification information of the accommodation reservation information 3123. Note that the identification information of the accommodation reservation information 3123 is not limited to the reservation number 3122 (numbers), and may be any one of letters, symbols, numbers, or a combination of these.

[0038] The accommodation reservation information 3123 is information indicating the reservation details made by the accommodation reservationr corresponding to the user ID 3121. The accommodation reservation information 3123 is, for example, information that associates reservationr information 31231, accommodation details 31232, and service voucher information 31233. The reservationr information 31231 is information about the user (accommodation reservationr) corresponding to the user ID 3121. The reservationr information 31231 is, for example, personal information of the accommodation reservationr, such as the name, address, telephone number, date of birth, and gender. The reservationr information 31231 may also be associated with attribute information indicating attributes of the accommodation reservationr corresponding to the user ID 3121. The attribute information may include, for example, the family composition staying in the same room as the accommodation reservationr. The attribute information may include, for example, information such as a couple with one infant, where two beds are possible because the infant sleeps with the reservationr. Note that some or all of the reservationr information 31231 may be left blank (unregistered) at the time of reservation.

[0039] The accommodation details 31232 are information indicating the details of the reservation made by the accommodation reservationr corresponding to the user ID 3121. The accommodation details 31232 include, for example, the length of stay, room information, number of guests, meal information, and price. The length of stay is the length of stay at the accommodation facility 4. The length of stay may also be expressed in terms of the number of days of stay. For example, in the case of a two-day, one-night stay, the length of stay may be the year, month, and day of the day of stay. The room information (room type) is information indicating the type of reserved room, such as the floor, layout, and location within the building (corner room, south-facing, near the elevator, etc.). The number of guests is the number of guests who have made a reservation, including the number of guests by gender, the number of adults and children, etc. The number of guests may also include the ages of children. The meal information is information indicating whether or not dinner or breakfast has been reserved, the menu, course, price, etc. of the reserved meal. The price is the price for the accommodation details.

[0040] The service voucher information 31233 is information about one or more service vouchers issued according to the accommodation details 31232 and handed over to a group of people who have made a reservation after check-in is complete. The service voucher information 31233 includes the number and type of service vouchers. The service voucher information 31233 may also include information about the location of the service vouchers to be handed over to the corresponding people who have made a reservation. The location information may be, for example, information about the location of each type of undistributed service voucher inside the counter 410 of the front desk (handover location) 41 (the space on the staff U2 side) or an illustration of the location. Alternatively, the location information may be the location of a shelf where bundles of issued service vouchers for people who have made a reservation are stored. Note that, depending on the accommodation details 31232, there may be cases where no data exists in the service voucher information 31233.

[0041] The check-in management information 313 is information for managing guests (guests who have booked accommodation, users) who have checked in on the day, the details of their stay, etc. The check-in management information 313 may include, for example, a user ID, a room number, and service information. The service information is information used to receive various services within the accommodation facility 4. The service information includes, for example, a service ID, available time periods, and service details. The service details are the details of whether the corresponding service can be used (provided). Examples of service details include, but are not limited to, the meal details (course meals and optional meals) provided at restaurants within the accommodation facility 4, whether it is dinner or breakfast, restaurant seating, entry to shared spaces such as a bath, use of massage machines, and purchases from vending machines.

[0042] The memory 320 is a volatile storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), and is a storage area for temporarily storing information during operation of the control unit 340. The communication unit 330 is a communication interface with the network N.

[0043] The control unit 340 is a processor, i.e., a control device, that controls each component of the accommodation procedure assistance device 300. The control unit 340 loads the program 311 from the storage unit 310 into the memory 320 and executes the program 311. In this way, the control unit 340 realizes the functions of a registration unit 341, a transmission / reception unit 342, an authentication control unit 343, an identification unit 344, and a generation unit 345.

[0044] The registration unit 341 performs registration processing (reservation processing) of accommodation reservation information. Specifically, the registration unit 341 receives a registration request including a facial image of the user U0, reservation user information, and reservation details (accommodation details) from the user terminal 10 or the like, and registers the reservation management information 312. At this time, the registration unit 341 registers facial feature information based on the facial image included in the registration request in the authentication device 200 and acquires the user ID issued at the time of registration. The registration unit 341 then generates accommodation reservation information and issues a reservation number corresponding to the accommodation reservation information. The registration unit 341 associates the acquired user ID, the issued reservation number, and the generated accommodation reservation information, and registers them in the storage unit 310 as the reservation management information 312. The registration unit 341 also generates an information code corresponding to the accommodation reservation information together with or instead of the reservation number. The information code may be information including the reservation number. The information code may be a two-dimensional code or the like.

[0045] The transmitting / receiving unit 342 is an example of the acquiring unit 11 and the transmitting unit 13 described above. The transmitting / receiving unit 342 may receive the registration request described above and output the received registration request to the registration unit 341. The transmitting / receiving unit 342 may also transmit the reservation number, user ID, or information code such as a two-dimensional code issued by the registration process to the user terminal 10 that is the sender of the registration request. The transmitting / receiving unit 342 may also transmit a search screen for accommodation reservation information generated by the generating unit 345 to the check-in terminal 100.

[0046] The transceiver 342 also receives a search request for accommodation reservation information, including identifying information of user U1, from the check-in terminal 100. Here, the identifying information may be, for example, biometric information such as a facial image of user U1, a user ID, a reservation number issued at the time of the accommodation reservation, an information code, or a combination of user U1's name and phone number registered at the time of the accommodation reservation. However, the identifying information is not limited to these, as long as it can identify the accommodation reservation information. For example, the transceiver 342 may further acquire an image of the person making the reservation taken by the check-in terminal 100. In this case, the acquired image may be a facial image or identifying information used for facial authentication. Alternatively, the acquired image may not be identifying information. Furthermore, the acquired image may be included in a check-in procedure start notification screen (described later) and displayed on the staff terminal 400 as a facial image of the person making the reservation who will check in. In other words, the transceiver 342 may transmit the acquired image to the staff terminal 400.

[0047] The transmission / reception unit 342 transmits the check-in input screen generated by the generation unit 345 to the check-in terminal 100, and also transmits the check-in procedure start notification screen generated by the generation unit 345 to the staff terminal 400. Here, the check-in procedure start notification screen preferably includes content that highlights the list of service use vouchers. Therefore, the transmission / reception unit 342 preferably transmits the list of service use vouchers to the staff terminal 400 so that the list is highlighted. Furthermore, the check-in procedure start notification screen preferably includes content that highlights the number, type, or location of the service use vouchers in the list. Therefore, the transmission / reception unit 342 preferably transmits the list to the staff terminal 400 so that the number of service use vouchers in the list is highlighted. Furthermore, the transmission / reception unit 342 preferably transmits the list to the staff terminal 400 so that the type of service use voucher in the list is highlighted. Furthermore, the transmission / reception unit 342 preferably transmits the list to the staff terminal 400 so that the location of the service use voucher in the list is highlighted.

[0048] The transmitting / receiving unit 342 also receives a check-in request from user U1 from the check-in terminal 100, and transmits the check-in approval screen generated by the generating unit 345 to the staff terminal 400. Here, the check-in request is an example of a check-in input by the person who has booked the stay on the check-in input screen. Therefore, the transmitting / receiving unit 342 may transmit a check-in approval screen for the person who has booked the stay to the staff terminal 400 in response to the check-in input.

[0049] The transmitting / receiving unit 342 receives check-in approval approved by staff member U2 from the staff terminal 400, and transmits the check-in completion screen generated by the generating unit 345 to the check-in terminal 100. Here, the check-in approval is an example of approval input by staff member U2 to the check-in approval screen. The check-in completion screen may include information guiding movement to the delivery location (front desk 41 or counter 410). Therefore, the transmitting / receiving unit 342 may transmit information guiding movement to the delivery location to the check-in terminal 100 in response to the approval input.

[0050] The authentication control unit 343 controls user identity authentication using the authentication device 200. In particular, the authentication control unit 343 according to this embodiment controls user biometric authentication using biometric information extracted from an image captured of the user. Specifically, the authentication control unit 343 controls user face authentication using facial feature information extracted from the user's face image. That is, the authentication control unit 343 controls user identity authentication by having the authentication device 200 compare the user's identity authentication information (query biometric information) with the facial feature information 212 (master biometric information) in the face information DB 210. For example, when the authentication control unit 343 receives a search request including a face image from the check-in terminal 100, it controls face authentication.

[0051] The identification unit 344 is an example of the identification unit 12 described above. The identification unit 344 refers to the reservation management information 312 and identifies the accommodation reservation information 3123 based on the identification information included in the search request. Specifically, the identification unit 344 identifies the accommodation reservation information 3123 associated with the identification information. For example, the identification information is a facial image of user U1. If facial authentication in response to the search request is successful, the identification unit 344 identifies a user ID included in the facial authentication result and identifies the accommodation reservation information 3123 associated with the identified user ID 3121. Furthermore, if the identification information is a reservation number, the identification unit 344 identifies the accommodation reservation information 3123 associated with the reservation number 3122 from the reservation management information 312. Furthermore, if the identification information is an information code, the identification unit 344 analyzes the information code to identify the reservation number or the user ID. Then, the identification unit 344 identifies the accommodation reservation information 3123 associated with the identified reservation number 3122 or user ID 3121 from the reservation management information 312. If the information code includes a pair of a name and a telephone number, the identification unit 344 analyzes the information code to identify the pair of a name and a telephone number. Alternatively, even if the identification information is the pair of a name and a telephone number itself, the identification unit 344 identifies the identification information as the pair of a name and a telephone number. Then, the identification unit 344 identifies, from the reservation management information 312, accommodation reservation information 3123 whose reservation party information 31231 includes the identified pair of a name and a telephone number.

[0052] The identification unit 344 identifies a list of service vouchers from the service voucher information 31233 included in the identified accommodation reservation information 3123 .

[0053] The authentication control unit 343 may be a part of the identification unit 344 described later. That is, the authentication control unit 343 may control biometric authentication of the person who has made the reservation using an image captured by the check-in terminal 100, and the identification unit 344 may identify the reservation information if the biometric authentication is successful. In particular, the authentication control unit 343 controls face authentication as biometric authentication using a facial area of ​​the person who has made the reservation that is included in the image.

[0054] The generation unit 345 generates a search screen for accommodation reservation information. For example, the generation unit 345 may generate a search screen that allows selection of multiple pieces of specific information. The generation unit 345 also generates a check-in input screen that includes the searched accommodation reservation information, input fields for unfilled items, a signature input field, a check-in request button, and the like. The generation unit 345 also generates a check-in procedure start notification screen that includes the searched accommodation reservation information, particularly a list of identified service vouchers. Specifically, the generation unit 345 generates the check-in procedure start notification screen by highlighting the list of identified service vouchers. Furthermore, the generation unit 345 may generate the check-in procedure start notification screen by highlighting the number, type, and location of the service vouchers in the list of identified service vouchers.

[0055] The generation unit 345 generates a check-in approval screen for the staff member U2 to approve the check-in request made by the person who made the reservation. The generation unit 345 also generates a check-in completion screen indicating that the check-in request has been approved and check-in has been completed. At this time, the generation unit 345 generates the check-in completion screen by including information guiding travel to the delivery location (front desk 41 or counter 410).

[0056] 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of accommodation reservation processing according to the second embodiment. For example, assume that user U0 (a person making a reservation) operates the user terminal 10 to make a reservation for a stay at accommodation facility 4. First, the user terminal 10 accepts input or selection of reservation details (accommodation, dates, number of people, accommodation plan, etc.) for accommodation facility 4 and some of user U0's personal information in response to user U0's operation. Then, in response to a registration operation from user U0, the user terminal 10 controls its built-in camera (not shown) to photograph user U0's face and acquire the captured facial image. Then, the user terminal 10 transmits a registration request for the facial image, personal information, and reservation details to the accommodation procedure assistance device 300 via the network N.

[0057] In response to this, the accommodation procedure assistance device 300 receives a registration request including the facial image of the user U0, personal information (reservation information), and reservation details from the user terminal 10 via the network N (S111). Next, the accommodation procedure assistance device 300 transmits a facial information registration request including the facial image to the authentication device 200 via the network N (S112). In response to this, the authentication device 200 performs a facial information registration process.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the facial information registration process by the authentication device 200 according to the second embodiment. First, the authentication device 200 receives a facial information registration request from the accommodation procedure assistance device 300 via the network N (S201). Next, the face detection unit 220 of the authentication device 200 detects a facial region from the facial image included in the facial information registration request (S202). Then, the feature point extraction unit 230 of the authentication device 200 extracts facial feature information from the facial region detected in step S202 (S203). Next, the registration unit 240 of the authentication device 200 issues a user ID 211 (S204). Next, the registration unit 240 associates the extracted facial feature information 212 with the issued user ID 211 and registers them in the facial information DB 210 (S205). Thereafter, the registration unit 240 returns the issued user ID 211 to the requesting accommodation procedure assistance device 300 via the network N (S206). The authentication device 200 may perform the face information registration process in response to a face information registration request received from an arbitrary information registration terminal. For example, the information registration terminal is an information processing device such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal.

[0059] Returning to FIG. 6 , the explanation continues. The accommodation procedure support device 300 receives a facial information registration result from the authentication device 200 (S113). The facial information registration result includes a user ID issued by the authentication device 200. The accommodation procedure support device 300 then generates accommodation reservation information according to the reservation user information and reservation details included in the registration request received in step S111 (S114). Specifically, the accommodation procedure support device 300 identifies the stay period, room information, number of guests, and meal information from the reservation details included in the registration request, and generates these as accommodation details 31232. The accommodation procedure support device 300 also identifies meal tickets, coupons, etc. provided by the identified meal information and accommodation plan, and generates these as service voucher information 31233. Note that if the accommodation facility 4 does not have any available rooms, etc., corresponding to the reservation dates or accommodation plan, the accommodation procedure support device 300 replies to the user terminal 10 that the reservation is not possible. Then, the accommodation procedure support device 300 generates accommodation reservation information 3123, including the reservation user information 31231 included in the registration request, the generated accommodation details 31232, and the service voucher information 31233. Then, the accommodation procedure support device 300 issues a reservation number 3122 corresponding to the generated accommodation reservation information 3123 (S115). Then, the accommodation procedure support device 300 associates the user ID 3121 included in the face information registration result received in step S113, the reservation number 3122 issued in step S115, and the accommodation reservation information 3123 generated in step S114, and registers them in the storage unit 310 as reservation management information 312 (S116).

[0060] In the accommodation reservation process, the accommodation procedure support device 300 may include the user ID (issued by the authentication device 200) and the reservation number issued in step S115 in the accommodation reservation information registration result and return it to the user terminal 10. Alternatively, as described above, the accommodation procedure support device 300 may generate an information code corresponding to the accommodation reservation information together with or instead of the reservation number, and return the information code to the user terminal 10 by including it in the accommodation reservation information registration result. In these cases, the user terminal 10 internally stores the user ID, reservation number, or information code included in the registration result received from the accommodation procedure support device 300. In this case, the accommodation reservation holder can check in using the user ID, reservation number, or information code. Alternatively, the accommodation procedure support device 300 may not issue a reservation number or information code, but may instead associate biometric information (the user ID associated with the biometric information) with the accommodation reservation information and register it as reservation management information. In this case, the accommodation reservation holder can check in using biometric authentication.

[0061] In the above-described accommodation reservation process, an example has been described in which reservation user information (personal information) and biometric information such as facial feature information of user U0 are registered. However, the registration of personal information and biometric information is not required for the accommodation reservation process. For example, user U0 may register personal information and biometric information (user registration) in a user information management DB that can be used to reserve accommodation facilities 4 prior to the accommodation reservation process. In this case, the user terminal 10 may transmit a registration request including a facial image and reservation details to the accommodation procedure assistance device 300, and the accommodation procedure assistance device 300 may obtain the user ID of user U0 by performing facial authentication using the facial image. In other words, steps S112 and S113 may be replaced with biometric authentication processing with the authentication device 200. Alternatively, the accommodation procedure assistance device 300 may not require prior user registration, and the accommodation reservation process may not require the registration of personal information and biometric information. In this case, the user terminal 10 may send a registration request including the reservation details to the accommodation procedure support device 300, and the accommodation procedure support device 300 may issue a new user ID for the user U0. Alternatively, issuing a user ID may be omitted. In these cases, the accommodation procedure support device 300 issues a reservation number or an information code including the reservation number and returns the reservation number or information code to the user terminal 10. Therefore, the person making the reservation may check in using the reservation number or information code without performing biometric authentication. Then, personal information of the group of the person making the reservation may be entered on a check-in input screen described below. Alternatively, the person making the reservation may check in using personal information (such as name, address, telephone number, date of birth, etc.) registered at the time of reservation or in the user information management DB, without using biometric authentication, a user ID, a reservation number, or an information code.

[0062] Next, the check-in process at the accommodation facility 4 will be described. First, the check-in terminal 100 detects a person (e.g., user U1) entering the accommodation facility 4 using a human presence sensor (not shown) or the like, and displays a search screen for accommodation reservation information. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a search screen 61 for accommodation reservation information displayed on the check-in terminal according to the second embodiment. The search screen 61 for accommodation reservation information includes a face authentication button 611, a two-dimensional code button 612, a name and phone number button 613, and a reservation number button 614. Note that an operation by user U1 to press any of the face authentication button 611, the two-dimensional code button 612, the name and phone number button 613, and the reservation number button 614 is an example of a search operation for accommodation reservation information by a person who has made a reservation at the check-in terminal 100.

[0063] The face authentication button 611 is a button for using face authentication to search for accommodation reservation information. When the face authentication button 611 is pressed by the user U1, the check-in terminal 100 takes a picture of the face of the user U1 and transmits a search request including the taken face image to the accommodation procedure assistance device 300.

[0064] The two-dimensional code button 612 is a button for using a two-dimensional code (information code) issued when making a reservation to search for accommodation reservation information. When user U1 presses the two-dimensional code button 612, the check-in terminal 100 displays a message instructing the user to hold up the two-dimensional code. User U1 displays the two-dimensional code (information code) issued when making a reservation on a user terminal (not shown) they carry and holds up the user terminal so that the code reading unit of the check-in terminal 100 can read the two-dimensional code. Alternatively, user U1 may hold up a piece of paper on which a two-dimensional code is printed so that the code reading unit can read the two-dimensional code. In response, the check-in terminal 100 analyzes the two-dimensional code read by the code reading unit and extracts personal information such as the reservation number, user ID, name, and telephone number. The check-in terminal 100 then transmits a search request including the extracted reservation number to the accommodation procedure assistance device 300.

[0065] The Name and Phone Number button 613 is a button for using a set of name and phone number as personal information of the person making the reservation when searching for accommodation reservation information. When user U1 presses the Name and Phone Number button 613, the check-in terminal 100 displays input fields for the name and phone number. User U1 enters their own name and phone number in the input fields. In response, the check-in terminal 100 transmits a search request including the entered set of name and phone number to the accommodation procedure assistance device 300.

[0066] The reservation number button 614 is a button for using the reservation number to search for accommodation reservation information. When user U1 presses the reservation number button 614, the check-in terminal 100 displays an input field for the reservation number. User U1 performs an operation to input the reservation number into the input field. In response, the check-in terminal 100 transmits a search request including the input reservation number to the accommodation procedure assistance device 300.

[0067] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of check-in processing according to the second embodiment. FIGS. 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing the flow of accommodation procedure assistance processing according to the second embodiment. Here, a case where the specific information is a facial image will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11 as appropriate. First, the check-in terminal 100 accepts a search operation from user U1 while displaying the accommodation reservation information search screen described above (S120). Here, it is assumed that the check-in terminal 100 accepts a search operation in which user U1 presses the face authentication button 611. Then, the check-in terminal 100 photographs the face of user U1 (S121) and transmits a search request for accommodation reservation information including the photographed facial image to the accommodation procedure assistance device 300 via the network N (S122). In response to this, the accommodation procedure assistance device 300 starts the accommodation procedure assistance processing (S123).

[0068] Specifically, the accommodation procedure assistance device 300 receives a search request for accommodation reservation information, including a facial image, from the check-in terminal 100 via the network N (S301). Next, the accommodation procedure assistance device 300 transmits a face recognition request, including the facial image included in the received search request, to the authentication device 200 via the network N (S302, S124). In response to this, the authentication device 200 performs face recognition processing (S125).

[0069] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of face authentication processing by the authentication device 200 according to the second embodiment. First, the authentication device 200 receives a face authentication request from the accommodation procedure assistance device 300 via the network N (S211). Next, the authentication device 200 extracts facial feature information from the face image included in the face authentication request, similar to steps S202 and S203 described above. Then, the authentication unit 250 of the authentication device 200 compares the facial feature information extracted from the face image included in the face authentication request with the facial feature information 212 in the face information DB 210 (S212) and calculates a degree of match. Then, the authentication unit 250 determines whether the degree of match is equal to or greater than a threshold (S213). If the facial feature information matches, that is, if the degree of match is equal to or greater than the threshold, the authentication unit 250 identifies the user ID 211 associated with the facial feature information 212 (S214). Then, the authentication unit 250 returns the face authentication result, including the fact that the face authentication was successful and the identified user ID 211, to the accommodation procedure assistance device 300 via the network N (S215). If the degree of match is less than the threshold in step S213, the authentication unit 250 returns the face authentication result, including the fact that the face authentication was unsuccessful, to the accommodation procedure assistance device 300 via the network N (S216).

[0070] 9 and 10 , the explanation will be continued. The accommodation procedure assistance device 300 receives the face authentication result from the authentication device 200 via the network N (S303). Then, the accommodation procedure assistance device 300 determines whether the face authentication was successful (S304). Specifically, the accommodation procedure assistance device 300 refers to the face authentication result, and if the face authentication result includes a user ID, determines that the face authentication was successful (YES in S304).

[0071] If the facial authentication is successful, the accommodation procedure support device 300 determines whether or not the accommodation reservation information 3123 associated with the user ID 3121 included in the facial authentication result can be identified (S305). Specifically, the accommodation procedure support device 300 searches for the accommodation reservation information 3123 associated with the user ID 3121 from the reservation management information 312. If it is determined in step S304 that the facial authentication has failed, or if it is determined in step S305 that the accommodation reservation information cannot be identified, the accommodation procedure support device 300 returns a message to the check-in terminal 100 via the network N indicating that no search results for accommodation reservation information were found (S311).

[0072] If the accommodation reservation information 3123 can be identified in step S305, the accommodation procedure assistance device 300 identifies a list of service vouchers from the service voucher information 31233 included in the identified accommodation reservation information 3123 (S306).

[0073] The accommodation procedure support device 300 then generates a check-in procedure start notification screen including a list of the identified service vouchers based on the identified accommodation reservation information 3123 (S309). At this time, the accommodation procedure support device 300 may generate the check-in procedure start notification screen so as to highlight the list of service vouchers, for example, by highlighting the number, type, and location of the service vouchers, as described above. The accommodation procedure support device 300 may also include a facial image included in the search request received in step S301 as a reservation user image in the check-in procedure start notification screen. The accommodation procedure support device 300 then transmits the generated check-in procedure start notification screen to the staff terminal 400 via the network N (S310, S128). In response, the staff terminal 400 displays the check-in procedure start notification screen received from the accommodation procedure support device 300 via the network N (S129). Then, staff member U2 visually checks the check-in procedure start notification screen displayed on staff terminal 400 and starts preparing a collection of service vouchers to hand over to user U1, who is performing a search operation for accommodation reservation information on check-in terminal 100 for the check-in procedure.

[0074] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a check-in procedure start notification screen 62 displayed on the staff terminal 400 according to the second embodiment. The check-in procedure start notification screen 62 includes reservation user information 621, a reservation user face image 622, accommodation details 623, and a list of service vouchers 624. The reservation user information 621 is information including reservation user information 31231 and a user ID 3121 for which facial authentication was successful, among the accommodation reservation information 3123 identified in response to the search request. Note that this example indicates that the date of birth of the accommodation reservation user has not been entered. The reservation user face image 622 is a facial image of user U1-1, who performed a search operation for accommodation reservation information in front of the check-in terminal 100-1, captured by the check-in terminal 100-1, or a facial image registered in advance at the time of user registration. The accommodation details 623 is information including accommodation details 31232 and a reservation number 3122, among the accommodation reservation information 3123 identified in response to the search request. The service voucher list 624 includes a schematic image of each service voucher listed in step S306, along with information such as the available time period, type of service voucher, number of each type, total number, and the location where the service vouchers are stored. In this example, the service vouchers include two dinner vouchers and two breakfast vouchers, for a total of four. The display indicates that the dinner vouchers are available for use on the accommodation date, MM month, D1, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. The display indicates that the breakfast vouchers are available for use on the following day, MM month, D2, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. This allows staff member U2 to easily grasp the type and number of service vouchers to be handed over to user U1-1, facilitating preparation. Furthermore, the service voucher location indicates that the collection of service vouchers to be handed over to user U1-1 has been stored on "shelf: A003." This allows staff member U2 to easily retrieve the service vouchers to be handed over to user U1-1, further shortening preparation time. The highlighting 6241 is an example of highlighting the type of service voucher, the number of each type, the total number, and also the location where the service vouchers are placed. This makes it easier for staff member U2 to grasp the list of service vouchers that should be prepared for handing over to user U1-1. Note that the highlighting is not limited to this.

[0075] 9 and 10, the explanation will be continued. In parallel with steps S309 and S310, the accommodation procedure support device 300 generates a check-in input screen based on the identified accommodation reservation information 3123 (S307), as described above, and transmits the generated check-in input screen to the check-in terminal 100 via the network N (S308, S127). In response to this, the check-in terminal 100 displays the check-in input screen received from the accommodation procedure support device 300 via the network N (S130).

[0076] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a check-in input screen 63 displayed on the check-in terminal 100-1 according to the second embodiment. The check-in input screen 63 includes reservation user information 631, roommate information 635, accommodation details 633, a signature input field 636, and a check-in button 637. The reservation user information 631 indicates that an input field 6311 has been provided because the date of birth was not entered in the reservation user information 621 of FIG. 13 described above. The input field 6311 indicates that user U1-1 has entered the date of birth of "XXXX year, XX month, XX day." The roommate information 635 indicates that input fields have been provided for the name and date of birth of the roommate, which were not entered at the time of reservation. The roommate information 635 indicates that user U1-1 (or the roommate) has entered the name "YYY WWW" and the date of birth of "XXWW year, WW month, WW day." The accommodation details 633 are displayed so that various changes can be accepted among the accommodation details 623 in FIG. 13 described above. Specifically, the accommodation details 633 are shown with an upgrade button 6331 and change buttons 6332 and 6333. The upgrade button 6331 is displayed when the room type selected at the time of reservation can be upgraded on the day of the stay. When the upgrade button 6331 is pressed, a screen is displayed that displays a list of upgradeable rooms, additional fees, etc., and accepts selection and confirmation operations for these. The change button 6332 is a button for changing the number of guests, and the change button 6333 is a button for changing the meal plan. When either the change button 6332 or 6333 is pressed, a screen is displayed that displays a field for changing the number of guests, a field for selecting a list of changeable meal plans, the additional fees for each, and accepts confirmation operations. The accommodation procedure assistance device 300 may determine whether or not an upgrade or change to the accommodation reservation information can be accepted at check-in based on the reservation status and check-in status for the day at the accommodation facility 4. If an upgrade or the like can be accepted at check-in, the accommodation procedure support device 300 may generate a check-in input screen to display the upgrade button 6331, change buttons 6332 and 6333, and display these buttons on the check-in terminal 100.The signature input field 636 is a field for accepting input of a signature by the user U1-1, who has confirmed the details of the accommodation reservation, using a finger or the like. The check-in button 637 is a button for accepting an indication of the user U1-1's intention to request check-in after confirming the details of the accommodation reservation displayed on the check-in input screen 63.

[0077] 9 and 11 , the explanation will be continued. The check-in terminal 100 accepts check-in input from user U1 on the check-in input screen 63 (S131). For example, user U1 performs various input operations in the input field 6311, roommate information 635, and signature input field 636 of the check-in input screen 63. User U1 may also upgrade the room type, change the number of guests, or change the meal plan. After these operations, user U1 presses the check-in button 637. The check-in input includes these input operations and pressing the check-in button 637. When the check-in button 637 is pressed, the check-in terminal 100 transmits a check-in request to the accommodation procedure assistance device 300 via the network N (S132). Here, the check-in terminal 100 includes, in addition to the reservation number, the input field 6311, roommate information 635, changes to the accommodation details 633, and signature input field 636 of the check-in input screen 63 in the check-in request.

[0078] In response to this, the accommodation procedure support device 300 receives a check-in request from the check-in terminal 100 via the network N (S312). Then, the accommodation procedure support device 300 generates a check-in approval screen using information included in the received check-in request (S313), and transmits the generated check-in approval screen to the staff terminal 400 via the network N (S314, S133). In response to this, the staff terminal 400 displays the check-in approval screen received from the accommodation procedure support device 300 via the network N (S134).

[0079] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a check-in approval screen 64 displayed on the staff terminal 400 according to the second embodiment. The check-in approval screen 64 includes reservation user information 641, a reservation user face image 642, accommodation details 643, roommate information 645, an input signature display field 646, and a check-in approval button 647. The reservation user information 641 is the confirmed content of the reservation user information 631 in FIG. 14 described above. The reservation user face image 642 is an image similar to the reservation user face image 622 in FIG. 13 described above. The accommodation details 643 is the confirmed content of the accommodation details 633 in FIG. 14 described above. The roommate information 645 is the confirmed content of the roommate information 635 in FIG. 14 described above. The input signature display field 646 is the input content in the signature input field 636 in FIG. 14 described above. The check-in approval button 647 is a button used by staff member U2 to confirm the accommodation reservation details displayed on the check-in approval screen 64 and then accept approval for check-in.

[0080] 9 and 11, the explanation will be continued. The staff terminal 400 accepts check-in approval from staff member U2 on the check-in approval screen 64 (S135). Specifically, staff member U2 presses the check-in approval button 647. In response, the staff terminal 400 transmits check-in approval to the accommodation procedure support device 300 via the network N (S136). Here, the staff terminal 400 may include, in addition to the reservation number, information in the reservation person information 641, accommodation details 643, roommate information 645, and input signature display field 646 on the check-in approval screen 64.

[0081] In response, the accommodation procedure support device 300 receives check-in approval from the staff terminal 400 via the network N (S315). The accommodation procedure support device 300 then generates a check-in completion screen including the approved accommodation information and travel guidance information to the service voucher delivery location (S316). At this time, the accommodation procedure support device 300 may, for example, issue a check-in number, generate accommodation information based on the information included in the received check-in approval, associate the check-in number with the accommodation information, and register the associated information in the storage unit 310 as check-in management information 313. The accommodation procedure support device 300 also generates travel guidance information, including graphics and text information indicating route guidance from the check-in terminal 100, which is the sender of the check-in request, to the counter 410. The accommodation procedure support device 300 then generates a check-in completion screen including the registered check-in management information 313 and the generated travel guidance information. The accommodation procedure support device 300 then transmits the generated check-in completion screen to the check-in terminal 100 via the network N (S317, S137). In response to this, the check-in terminal 100 displays the check-in completion screen received from the accommodation procedure assistance device 300 via the network N (S138).

[0082] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a check-in completion screen 65 displayed on the check-in terminal 100-1 according to the second embodiment. The check-in completion screen 65 includes check-in information 651 and movement guidance information 652. The check-in information 651 includes information about accommodation for which check-in has been approved, a portion of the check-in management information 313, and the like. The movement guidance information 652 is information for guiding the user U1-1 to move from the check-in terminal 100-1 to the counter 410. This allows user U1-1, who has made a reservation for accommodation, to easily move to the counter 410 by visually checking the check-in completion screen 65 displayed on the check-in terminal 100-1. After user U1-1 arrives at the counter 410, staff member U2 hands over a set of service vouchers for user U1-1. Here, staff member U2 begins preparing the set of service vouchers to be handed over, referring to the list of service vouchers 624 notified when user U1-1 performed a search operation on the check-in terminal 100-1. Because the list 624 of service vouchers is based on the details of user U1-1's accommodation reservation, staff member U2 can accurately grasp the details and quickly prepare the service vouchers by referring to the type, number, and location of the service vouchers. Therefore, when user U1-1 arrives at counter 410, staff member U2 can quickly hand over the collection of service vouchers that have already been prepared to user U1-1. Therefore, this embodiment also reduces the time required for the check-in procedure at an accommodation facility.

[0083] Here, the problem to be solved by this embodiment will be explained again. In recent years, the introduction of automatic check-in terminals has been increasing in hotels and other accommodation facilities. In some cases, a guest who makes a reservation has already entered some necessary information when making a reservation. If the check-in process can be completed by operating the automatic check-in terminal, the guest can use the accommodation facility without moving to a staff terminal. Therefore, the number of staff and the number of staff terminals are often smaller than the number of check-in terminals. Meanwhile, staff must also appropriately hand over service vouchers, such as meal vouchers, to guests who have made a reservation, depending on the details of their stay. Here, service vouchers are physical tickets with economic value, and multiple types and multiple vouchers must be prepared for each group of guests who have made a reservation, depending on the details of their stay. Therefore, it takes a certain amount of time for staff to prepare an appropriate set of service vouchers for each guest based on the details of their stay. Furthermore, a large number of guests may check in at the same time, which can result in a queue of guests waiting at the staff terminal. Therefore, after completing the check-in procedure, guests may have to wait a long time to receive the service vouchers associated with their stay from the accommodation staff.

[0084] Therefore, this embodiment solves the above-mentioned problem by notifying the staff terminal of a list of service vouchers from the time of searching for accommodation reservation information until before check-in is approved, thereby reducing the workload of accommodation staff and shortening the time required for check-in for guests who have made a reservation.

[0085] For example, while a guest searches for reservation information and enters the necessary information, hotel staff can view a list of service vouchers corresponding to the reservation information, allowing them to prepare additional services such as coupons and meal vouchers before the check-in procedure is complete. Since the service vouchers are already prepared, hotel staff can focus on assisting guests after check-in, allowing for smoother customer service. This also reduces the waiting time for guests to receive the service vouchers.

[0086] Furthermore, by visually checking the reservation user's facial image 642 displayed on the check-in approval screen 64 described above, staff can easily verify the identity of user U1 who arrives at the counter 410 after completing check-in. In particular, if facial recognition is used in the check-in procedure (e.g., searching for hotel reservation information), the facial image of the user to whom the service voucher will be handed over has already been acquired, and facial authentication has already been successful, making it easy to display the facial image for identity verification on the check-in approval screen 64. Therefore, after completing check-in, the guest does not need to present reservation information or identity verification information to staff U2 to receive the service voucher at the counter 410, thereby improving convenience. In other words, if the identification information is the facial image of the guest who made the reservation, and the guest and reservation information are identified through facial recognition, the facial image whose facial authentication was successful is displayed on the staff terminal 400. Therefore, staff U2 can obtain confirmation of the identity of the guest who made the reservation to whom the service voucher will be handed over.

[0087] Although the check-in process of FIG. 9 and the accommodation procedure assistance process of FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate examples of searching for accommodation reservation information using facial recognition, this is not limiting. That is, to identify the accommodation reservation holder and accommodation reservation information, not only a facial image but also a combination of an information code, a reservation number, a name, and a telephone number may be used. For example, when the two-dimensional code button 612, the name and telephone number button 613, or the reservation number button 614 is pressed on the accommodation reservation information search screen 61, the check-in terminal 100 extracts or acquires the reservation number, user ID, name, telephone number, etc. as identification information as described above. The check-in terminal 100 then transmits a search request including this identification information to the accommodation procedure assistance device 300. In these cases, instead of steps S302 to S305 of FIG. 10 , the accommodation procedure assistance device 300 may search the reservation management information 312 based on the received identification information, such as the reservation number, user ID, name, and telephone number, to identify the corresponding accommodation reservation information 3123. That is, the accommodation procedure assistance device 300 may perform identity authentication and identify accommodation reservation information by comparing the user ID 3121, reservation number 3122, reservation person information 31231, etc. in the reservation management information 312 with the received reservation number, user ID, name, telephone number, etc. Therefore, the person making the accommodation reservation can perform the check-in procedure in various ways, which can improve convenience.

[0088] Although the above description is based on an example in which the accommodation details 31232 and the service voucher information 31233 are determined during the accommodation reservation process, this is not limiting. In other words, the details of the service voucher, the available time slots, and the accommodation plan do not necessarily have to be determined in advance, and may be determined at check-in. For example, if the room number and meal time slots are not determined at the time of reservation, staff member U2 may assign a room number and a meal time slot (such as the first half or second half) based on the availability of the accommodation facility 4 on that day via the check-in procedure start notification screen 62. Alternatively, the accommodation procedure support device 300 may assign room numbers and meal time slots based on the availability of the accommodation facility 4 on that day, regardless of the assignment by staff member U2. The accommodation procedure support device 300 then identifies a list of service vouchers based on the assignment results. The accommodation procedure support device 300 then generates a check-in input screen 63 reflecting the assignment results and transmits the screen to the check-in terminal 100, as well as the assignment results to the staff terminal 400. This allows staff member U2 to check the list of service vouchers assigned to the guest before they enter their check-in information and begin preparations, even if there is incomplete information at the time of reservation.

[0089] If user U1 changes part of the accommodation plan on the check-in input screen 63, the accommodation procedure assistance device 300 may identify the list of service vouchers again in accordance with the changes and transmit the changes to the staff terminal 400. Even in this case, staff U2 can start preparing the service vouchers in advance compared to when the staff U2 prepares the service vouchers after user U1 arrives at the counter 410 after check-in is complete, thereby reducing the time required for the accommodation facility check-in procedure.

[0090] <Other Embodiments> In the above-described embodiment, the identity authentication (identification of identity confirmation, identity identification processing, etc.) has been described as face authentication. However, other biometric authentication methods using biometric information may be used. Other technologies using captured images of a person may be applied to the biometric authentication and biometric information. For example, biometric information may be data (features) calculated from physical characteristics unique to an individual, such as fingerprints, voiceprints, veins, retinas, irises, and palm patterns. Furthermore, biometric authentication may involve extracting feature information indicating a person's physical characteristics from a captured image of a portion of the user's body, comparing the extracted feature information with pre-registered feature information, and determining that authentication is successful if the degree of match is equal to or greater than a threshold. For example, biometric authentication may be based on a person's external shape. In this case, the feature information may be information related to the person's external shape, such as information indicating characteristics such as body shape, height, and clothing. Furthermore, other identity authentication methods may be applied instead of biometric authentication, and the biometric information may also be other identity authentication information. For example, the personal authentication information may include, but is not limited to, a user ID, a combination of ID and password, the contents of an identification card such as a My Number or a driver's license (identification number or password), an electronic certificate, code information, etc. The code information may be a two-dimensional code, for example, a QR code (registered trademark).

[0091] In the above-described second embodiment and the like, the authentication device 200 and the accommodation procedure assistance device 300 have been described as separate information processing devices, but they may be the same device. For example, the accommodation procedure assistance device 300 may further associate and register facial feature information with the user ID 3121 of the reservation management information 312. In this case, the control unit 340 may further include the functions of the face detection unit 220, the feature point extraction unit 230, the registration unit 240, and the authentication unit 250 in FIG. 4 .

[0092] In the above examples, the program includes instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The program may also be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals.

[0093] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the present disclosure may be implemented by appropriately combining the respective embodiments.

[0094] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. (Supplementary Note A1) An accommodation procedure support device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring, from a check-in terminal of an accommodation facility when a guest who has made a reservation searches for accommodation reservation information at the check-in terminal, identification information for identifying the accommodation reservation information; an identification means for identifying a list of service vouchers attributable to the accommodation corresponding to the identified accommodation reservation information based on the identification information; and a transmission means for transmitting a check-in input screen based on the identified accommodation reservation information to the check-in terminal and for transmitting the list of identified service vouchers to a staff terminal installed at a location where staff of the accommodation facility will hand over the service vouchers to the guest. (Supplementary Note A2) The accommodation procedure support device described in Supplementary Note A1, wherein the transmission means transmits the list of service vouchers to the staff terminal so as to highlight the list. (Supplementary Note A3) The accommodation procedure support device described in Supplementary Note A2, wherein the transmission means transmits the list of service vouchers to the staff terminal so as to highlight the number of service vouchers in the list. (Appendix A4) The accommodation procedure support device according to Appendix A2 or A3, wherein the transmitting means transmits to the staff terminal the type of the service voucher in the list so as to highlight it. (Appendix A5) The accommodation procedure support device according to any one of Appendix A2 to Appendix A4, wherein the transmitting means transmits to the staff terminal the location in the list of the service voucher so as to highlight it. (Appendix A6) The accommodation procedure support device according to any one of Appendix A1 to Appendix A5, wherein the acquiring means further acquires an image taken of the person making the reservation by the check-in terminal, and the transmitting means further transmits the image to the staff terminal. (Appendix A7) The accommodation procedure support device according to Appendix A6, wherein the identifying means controls biometric authentication for the person making the reservation using the image, and identifies the accommodation reservation information if the biometric authentication is successful. (Appendix A8) The accommodation procedure support device according to Appendix A7, wherein the identifying means controls face recognition as the biometric authentication using a facial area of ​​the person making the reservation included in the image.(Appendix A9) The accommodation procedure support device described in any one of Appendices A1 to A8, wherein the transmission means: in response to a check-in input by the hotel reservation holder on the check-in input screen, transmits a check-in approval screen for the hotel reservation holder to the staff terminal, and in response to an approval input by the staff member on the check-in approval screen, transmits movement guidance information to the delivery location to the check-in terminal. (Appendix A10) The accommodation procedure support device described in any one of Appendices A1 to A9, wherein the delivery location is a location from which the hotel reservation holder requires a predetermined time to move from the check-in terminal. (Appendix A11) The accommodation procedure support device described in any one of Appendices A1 to A10, wherein the number of staff terminals installed at the delivery locations is equal to or less than the number of check-in terminals installed at the accommodation facility. (Appendix B1) An accommodation procedure support system comprising: a check-in terminal installed at an accommodation facility, a staff terminal installed at a delivery location for delivering service vouchers resulting from an accommodation stay from staff of the accommodation facility to a person who has made a reservation, and an accommodation procedure support device, wherein the accommodation procedure support device comprises: acquisition means for acquiring specification information for identifying the accommodation reservation information from the check-in terminal when the person who has made a reservation at the check-in terminal performs a search for the accommodation reservation information, specification means for identifying a list of the service vouchers corresponding to the identified accommodation reservation information based on the specification information, and transmission means for transmitting a check-in input screen based on the identified accommodation reservation information to the check-in terminal and transmitting the list of the identified service vouchers to the staff terminal. (Appendix B2) The accommodation procedure support system described in Appendix B1, wherein the transmission means transmits the list of service vouchers to the staff terminal so as to highlight the list.(Appendix C1) A method for assisting accommodation procedures, in which a computer, when a guest makes a reservation at a check-in terminal of an accommodation facility and searches for accommodation reservation information, acquires specific information for identifying the accommodation reservation information from the check-in terminal, identifies a list of service vouchers attributable to the stay corresponding to the identified accommodation reservation information based on the specific information, sends a check-in input screen based on the identified accommodation reservation information to the check-in terminal, and also sends the list of identified service vouchers to a staff terminal installed at a location where staff at the accommodation facility will hand over the service vouchers to the guest. (Appendix D1) A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing an accommodation procedure support program that causes a computer to execute the following steps: an acquisition process that acquires specific information for identifying accommodation reservation information from a check-in terminal at an accommodation facility when a guest who has made a reservation searches for accommodation reservation information at the check-in terminal; an identification process that identifies a list of service vouchers resulting from the stay corresponding to the identified accommodation reservation information based on the specific information; and a transmission process that sends a check-in input screen based on the identified accommodation reservation information to the check-in terminal and also sends the list of identified service vouchers to a staff terminal installed at a location where staff at the accommodation facility will hand over the service vouchers to the guest who has made the reservation.

[0095] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments (and examples), the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments (and examples). Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention.

[0096] 1 Accommodation procedure support device 11 Acquisition unit 12 Identification unit 13 Transmission unit 1000 Accommodation procedure support system N Network U User U0 User U1 User U1-1 to U1-n User U2 Staff 10 User terminal 100 Check-in terminal 200 Authentication device 210 Face information DB 211 User ID 212 Face feature information 220 Face detection unit 230 Feature point extraction unit 240 Registration unit 250 Authentication unit 300 Accommodation procedure support device 310 Storage unit 311 Program 312 Reservation management information 3121 User ID 3122 Reservation number 3123 Accommodation reservation information 31231 Reservation person information 31232 Accommodation details 31233 Service use ticket information 313 Check-in management information 320 Memory 330 Communication unit 340 Control unit 341 Registration unit 342 Transmitting / receiving unit 343 Authentication control unit 344 Identification unit 345 Generation unit 4 Accommodation facility 41 Front desk (handover location) 410 Counter 400 Staff terminal 5 Service voucher 5-1 to 5-m Service voucher 61 Accommodation reservation information search screen 611 Face recognition button 612 Two-dimensional code button 613 Name / telephone number button 614 Reservation number button 62 Check-in procedure start notification screen 621 Reservation person information 622 Reservation person face image 623 Accommodation details 624 List of service vouchers 6241 Highlighted display 63 Check-in input screen 631 Reservation person information 6311 Input field 633 Accommodation details 6331 Upgrade button 6332 Change button 6333 Change button 635 Roommate information 636 Signature input field 637 Check-in button 64 Check-in approval screen 641 Reservation person information 642 Reservation person face image 643 Accommodation details 645 Roommate information 646 Input signature display field 647 Check-in approval button 65 Check-in completion screen 651 Check-in information 652 Travel guidance information

Claims

1. an acquisition means for acquiring, when a person who has made a reservation for accommodation performs a search operation for the accommodation reservation information at a check-in terminal of the accommodation facility, specific information for identifying the accommodation reservation information from the check-in terminal; A specifying means for specifying a list of service vouchers attributable to a stay corresponding to the accommodation reservation information specified based on the specified information; a transmission means for transmitting a check-in input screen based on the specified accommodation reservation information to the check-in terminal, and transmitting a list of the specified service use vouchers to a staff terminal installed at a location where the service use vouchers are handed over from the accommodation facility staff to the accommodation reservation holder; An accommodation procedure support device comprising:

2. The transmitting means transmits the list of the service vouchers to the staff terminal so as to highlight the list. The accommodation procedure support device according to claim 1.

3. The transmitting means transmits to the staff terminal the number of the service coupons in the list so as to be highlighted. The accommodation procedure support device according to claim 2.

4. The transmitting means transmits to the staff terminal a message indicating the type of the service voucher in the list so as to be highlighted. The accommodation procedure support device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The transmitting means transmits to the staff terminal a display of the location of the service coupon in the list in a highlighted manner. The accommodation procedure support device according to claim 4.

6. The acquisition means further acquires an image taken by the check-in terminal of the guest making the reservation, The transmitting means further transmits the image to the staff terminal. The accommodation procedure support device according to claim 5.

7. The identification means controls biometric authentication of the person making the reservation by using the image, and identifies the reservation information according to success of the biometric authentication. The accommodation procedure support device according to claim 6.

8. Check-in terminals installed at accommodation facilities, A staff terminal is provided at a delivery location for delivering a service voucher resulting from the stay from the accommodation staff to the person making the reservation; An accommodation procedure support device; The accommodation procedure support device includes: an acquisition means for acquiring, when the person making the reservation performs a search operation for the accommodation reservation information at the check-in terminal, specific information for identifying the accommodation reservation information from the check-in terminal; a specifying means for specifying a list of the service vouchers corresponding to the accommodation reservation information specified based on the specifying information; a transmission means for transmitting a check-in input screen based on the specified accommodation reservation information to the check-in terminal and transmitting a list of the specified service vouchers to the staff terminal; An accommodation procedure support system equipped with:

9. The computer When a person making a reservation searches for accommodation reservation information at a check-in terminal of the accommodation facility, specific information for identifying the accommodation reservation information is obtained from the check-in terminal; Identifying a list of service vouchers attributable to the stay corresponding to the accommodation reservation information identified based on the identification information; transmitting a check-in input screen based on the specified accommodation reservation information to the check-in terminal, and transmitting a list of the specified service vouchers to a staff terminal installed at a location where the service vouchers are handed over from a staff member of the accommodation facility to the person reserving the accommodation; How to assist with accommodation procedures.

10. an acquisition process for acquiring specific information for identifying the accommodation reservation information from the check-in terminal when a person who has made a reservation searches for the accommodation reservation information at the check-in terminal of the accommodation facility; A process of identifying a list of service vouchers attributable to a stay corresponding to the accommodation reservation information identified based on the identification information; a transmission process for transmitting a check-in input screen based on the specified accommodation reservation information to the check-in terminal, and transmitting a list of the specified service use vouchers to a staff terminal installed at a location where the service use vouchers are handed over from the accommodation facility staff to the accommodation reservation customer; A hotel procedure support program that causes a computer to execute the above.