Server device, server device control method and program

Abstract

Provided is a server device through which a guest room of a hotel is sold at an appropriate amount. The server device comprises an acquisition means and an execution control means. The acquisition means acquires a bid amount of each of a plurality of bidders who participate in an auction of a guest room fee of the hotel. The execution control means executes the auction by using the lowest successful bid amount, which is output by an artificial intelligence (AI) model and can be obtained by machine-learning using successful bid amount influence information which affects the guest room fee of the hotel, and the bid amount of each of the plurality of bidders.

Description

Server device, server device control method and storage medium

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device, a control method for a server device, and a storage medium.

[0002] There is technology in setting hotel room rates.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 states that it provides an optimal room rate setting system that can set optimal room rates that reflect the market demand and supply of customers and hotels, as well as customer satisfaction.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-172082

[0005] There are several ways for customers to reserve hotel rooms, including through the hotel's own website, through a travel agency, or through an OTA (Online Travel Agent) site. Customers want to stay in hotel rooms as cheaply as possible, while hotels want to sell rooms at the highest possible price. In this situation, there is a need for methods and means to balance supply and demand regarding hotel room rates.

[0006] To balance supply and demand, hotel rooms could be sold through an auction system. However, simply adopting an auction system makes it difficult to reflect the hotel's requests in the room rate, as the room rate desired by a hotel often changes depending on the situation of its own hotel and other hotels.

[0007] However, the above problems cannot be solved by applying the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 merely discloses setting optimal room rates based on hotel ratings.

[0008] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a server device, a method for controlling a server device, and a storage medium that contribute to selling hotel rooms at appropriate prices.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring bid amounts from each of a plurality of bidders participating in an auction for hotel room rates; and an execution control means for executing the auction using the minimum bid amount and the bid amounts from each of the plurality of bidders, which are output by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) model obtained by machine learning using successful bid amount influence information that influences the hotel room rates.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for a server device, including: an acquisition step in a server device of acquiring bid amounts from each of a plurality of bidders who participate in an auction for hotel room rates; and an execution control step of executing the auction using the minimum bid amount and the bid amounts from each of the plurality of bidders, which are output by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) model obtained by machine learning using information on influence of winning bid amount that influences the hotel room rates.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium that stores a program for causing a computer mounted on a server device to execute an acquisition process for acquiring the bid amounts of each of a plurality of bidders who participate in an auction for hotel room rates, and an execution control process for executing the auction using the minimum bid amount and the bid amounts of each of the plurality of bidders that are output by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) model obtained by machine learning using successful bid amount influence information that influences the hotel room rates.

[0012] According to each aspect of the present invention, a server device, a control method for a server device, and a storage medium are provided that contribute to selling hotel rooms at an appropriate price. Note that the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above. The present invention may achieve other effects instead of or in addition to the effects described above.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an overview of the operation of an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a reservation management server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reservation status management database according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of reservation status information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a hotel server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing configuration of a control server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of an auction implementation control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a terminal according to the first embodiment. Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to a modification of Embodiment 1. Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a control server according to the present disclosure.

[0014] First, an overview of one embodiment will be described. Note that the reference numerals in the drawings are added to each element for convenience as an example to facilitate understanding, and the description of this overview is not intended to be limiting in any way. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the blocks shown in each drawing represent functional units, not hardware units. Connection lines between blocks in each drawing include both bidirectional and unidirectional lines. Unidirectional arrows are used to schematically indicate the flow of the main signal (data) and do not exclude bidirectionality. Note that in this specification and drawings, elements that can be similarly described may be assigned the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation.

[0015] A server device 100 according to one embodiment includes an acquisition unit 101 and an execution control unit 102 (see FIG. 1 ). The acquisition unit 101 acquires the bid amounts of each of a plurality of bidders participating in an auction for hotel room rates (step S1 in FIG. 2 ). The execution control unit 102 executes the auction using the minimum bid amount and the bid amounts of each of the plurality of bidders, which are output by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) model obtained by machine learning using information on the influence of winning bid amounts that affects hotel room rates (step S2).

[0016] The server device 100 conducts an auction for hotel rooms. In this case, the server device 100 conducts the auction using an AI model generated based on information that affects the hotel's room rates. For example, the server device 100 conducts the auction so that a higher room rate is awarded when the hotel is short-staffed. Alternatively, the server device 100 allows a lower room rate to be awarded when a larger number of reservations are secured, such as during an off-season. In this way, the server device 100 takes into account various information inside and outside the hotel that affects room rates, and sells rooms at the most appropriate price for the hotel. In other words, the hotel can sell its rooms at an appropriate price.

[0017] Specific embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0018] First Embodiment The first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0019] [System Configuration] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system (hotel reservation system) according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the information processing system includes a hotel server 10, a travel agency server 11, multiple OTA (Online Travel Agent) servers 20-1 to 20-3, a reservation management server 30, and a control server 40.

[0020] In the following description, unless there is a particular reason to distinguish between the OTA servers 20-1 to 20-3, they will simply be referred to as the "OTA server 20." Similarly, for other elements, the symbol to the left of the hyphen will represent that element.

[0021] The information processing system includes a server that handles hotel reservations, etc. A hotel server 10, a travel agency server 11, and an OTA server 20 accept reservations for rooms from users. In the following description, the hotel server 10, the travel agency server 11, and the OTA server 20 that accept hotel room reservations will be collectively referred to as the "reservation server."

[0022] The information processing system includes a plurality of reservation servers, including a plurality of OTA (Online Travel Agent) servers 20 operated by a plurality of OTA operators.

[0023] The hotel server 10 is a server that allows a hotel to directly sell rooms to customers, and realizes a hotel reservation site that handles rooms in the hotel itself.

[0024] The travel agency server 11 is a server device managed and operated by a travel agency operating in a brick-and-mortar store or the like.

[0025] The OTA server 20 is managed and operated by an OTA operator that sells rooms online. The OTA server 20 implements a hotel reservation site for selling rooms to customers. The OTA operator sells rooms at multiple hotels. In the example of FIG. 3 , the OTA server 20 sells (accepts reservations for) rooms at multiple hotels, including hotels managed and operated by the hotel server 10.

[0026] The reservation servers (hotel server 10, travel agency server 11, OTA server 20) are connected to the reservation management server 30 and the like via a network.

[0027] The reservation management server 30 is also called a site controller. The reservation management server 30 collectively manages the reservation status from each reservation server. Specifically, the reservation management server 30 manages the room availability (room inventory) of each hotel.

[0028] The control server 40 is a server managed and operated by the hotel. The control server 40 performs the main operations of the hotel. Specifically, the control server 40 stores reservation information of guests (e.g., name, gender, address, stay dates (stay length: check-in date, check-out date), room type, etc.). The control server 40 uses the reservation information to perform check-in and check-out procedures for guests.

[0029] A user, a hotel employee, or the like possesses a terminal 50. For example, a user makes a hotel reservation or the like using the terminal 50. Examples of the terminal 50 include a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet.

[0030] The configuration of the information processing system shown in Figure 3 is an example and is not intended to be limiting. For example, one hotel may include multiple hotel servers 10. Alternatively, the information processing system may include multiple travel agency servers 11.

[0031] Although FIG. 3 illustrates the hotel server 10 and control server 40 corresponding to one hotel, in reality the information processing system includes hotel servers 10 and control servers 40 corresponding to multiple hotels.

[0032] [Overall Operation] Next, an overall operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0033] <Room Reservation> Here, a case where a user makes a hotel reservation using the OTA server 20 will be described.

[0034] The reservation management server 30 manages the status (reservation status) of hotel rooms. The reservation management server 30 stores the total number of rooms available for sale and the number of rooms already sold (reserved) for each hotel. The reservation status is also shared with the reservation servers (hotel server 10, travel agency server 11, OTA server 20).

[0035] The user operates the terminal 50 to access the accommodation reservation site provided by the reservation server (here, as described above, the OTA server 20). In response to the user's access, the OTA server 20 presents the user with rooms available for sale (reservable by the user) based on the reservation status notified by the reservation management server 30.

[0036] When a user operates the terminal 50 to apply for a reservation, the OTA server 20 notifies the reservation management server 30 of the user's reservation information (e.g., the user's name, gender, address, accommodation date (length of stay), room type, etc.). Specifically, the OTA server 20 transmits a "room reservation notification" including the reservation information and the hotel ID to the reservation management server 30 (step S01 in FIG. 4).

[0037] The hotel ID is an ID for identifying each hotel. Examples of the hotel ID include the name of the hotel and a predetermined code. The hotel ID is shared by any method among the entities participating in the system. For example, the system administrator determines the hotel ID and sets the determined hotel ID in the reservation management server 30. The system administrator also notifies the OTA operator of the determined hotel ID. Each OTA operator sets the notified hotel ID in its own OTA server 20.

[0038] In response to receiving the room reservation notification, the reservation management server 30 updates the hotel reservation status. After updating the reservation status, the reservation management server 30 notifies the reservation servers of the updated reservation status. Specifically, the reservation management server 30 generates reservation status information based on the latest reservation status. The reservation management server 30 sends a "reservation status notification" including the generated reservation status information to each reservation server (step S02).

[0039] Upon receiving the reservation status notification, each reservation server updates the hotel reservation status (room availability, inventory status) held by the server itself.

[0040] Furthermore, upon receiving the room reservation notification, the reservation management server 30 transfers the received room reservation notification to the control server 40 (step S03).

[0041] The control server 40 stores the reservation information included in the room reservation notice. As described above, the reservation information is used for the check-in procedure of the guest.

[0042] <Auction for Rooms> An auction for rooms (room rates) is held on a hotel's own website, which is one of the multiple reservation sites. Specifically, the room auction is held on the accommodation reservation site provided by the hotel server 10.

[0043] The rooms to be auctioned may be rooms that can be sold by OTA companies, etc., or may be rooms that cannot be sold by OTA companies, etc. (rooms that the hotel has reserved for the auction). Here, the rooms to be auctioned are rooms that can also be sold by OTA companies, etc.

[0044] For example, a hotel employee operates terminal 50 to access control server 40. The hotel employee inputs detailed information about the auction to be held into control server 40. Specifically, the hotel employee selects rooms for the auction from among unreserved rooms (unsold rooms). The hotel employee also inputs the auction start date (start date and time), end date (end date and time), etc. into control server 40. Note that when the auction start date and end date are input into control server 40, predetermined times are used as the auction start time and end time.

[0045] The control server 40 acquires information such as the target rooms for the auction (the target date and room type of the auction), the start date and end date of the auction, etc. as auction information (step S11 in FIG. 5). Upon acquiring the auction information, the control server 40 generates an auction ID for identifying the auction to be held.

[0046] The control server 40 notifies the reservation management server 30 of the generated auction ID and auction information. The control server 40 then sends an "auction information notification" to the reservation management server 30, which includes the hotel ID corresponding to its own hotel, the auction ID, and the auction information (information about the guest room to be auctioned, and the start and end dates of the auction) (step S12).

[0047] Upon receiving the auction information notification, the reservation management server 30 excludes the rooms that are the subject of the auction from being sold by travel agencies and OTAs. The reservation management server 30 stops the sales of the rooms that are the subject of the auction by OTAs, etc.

[0048] Specifically, the reservation management server 30 treats the rooms in the auction as reserved and updates the reservation status of the corresponding hotel. The reservation management server 30 then sends a reservation status notification in response to the updated reservation status to the travel agency server 11 and the OTA server 20 (step S13).

[0049] Furthermore, upon receiving the auction information notification, the reservation management server 30 notifies the hotel server 10 of the auction information. The reservation management server 30 then transmits an "auction start instruction" including the auction ID and the auction information to the hotel server 10 corresponding to the hotel ID included in the auction information notification (step S14).

[0050] Upon receiving the instruction to start the auction, the hotel server 10 publishes details of the auction on its own accommodation reservation site. The hotel server 10 publishes information about the rooms subject to the auction (auction date, room type, etc.), the auction period (start date, end date), etc. on the accommodation reservation site.

[0051] Once the auction start date has passed, the hotel server 10 accepts bids from users. At that time, the hotel server 10 acquires bidder information (e.g., name, gender, address, date of birth, telephone number, email address) and bid amount.

[0052] The hotel server 10 periodically or at a predetermined timing notifies the control server 40 of the acquired bidder information and bid amount. For example, each time a bid is made, the hotel server 10 sends a "bidder information notice" including the auction ID, bidder information, and bid amount to the control server 40 (see FIG. 6). The control server 40 stores the bidder information and bid amount included in the received bidder information notice.

[0053] The control server 40 conducts the auction on a predetermined auction closing date. At that time, the control server 40 comprehensively evaluates various information and conducts the auction. Specifically, the control server 40 conducts the auction using information that will affect the successful bid price for the guest room (hereinafter referred to as successful bid price influence information). For example, the control server 40 conducts the auction taking into consideration the work status of the hotel's own employees on the day the auction is held.

[0054] The control server 40 executes the auction using an AI (Artificial Intelligence) model. For example, the control server 40 executes the auction using an AI model that, when it receives successful bid price influence information, outputs the minimum successful bid price for the guest room that is the subject of the auction.

[0055] If there is a bid amount higher than the minimum bid amount output by the AI ​​model, the control server 40 determines that the user (auction bidder) who submitted the highest bid amount is the successful bidder. If there is no bid amount higher than the minimum bid amount output by the AI ​​model, the control server 40 determines that there is no successful bidder in the auction.

[0056] The control server 40 notifies the auction participants (bidders) of the auction results. The control server 40 sends an "auction result notification" containing the auction results to the terminals 50 of the bidders. The control server 40 notifies the auction bidders of the auction results (whether or not the reservation for the target room was successful).

[0057] If there is no successful bidder, the control server 40 notifies the reservation management server 30 that the auction has ended in failure. In this case, the control server 40 sends to the reservation management server 30 an "auction failure notification" that includes the auction ID corresponding to the failed auction.

[0058] The reservation management server 30 identifies the target rooms for the auction (hotel, target auction date, room type) based on the auction ID included in the auction failure notice. The reservation management server 30 reduces the number of reservations for the identified rooms, making the rooms available for reservation by OTA operators and the like.

[0059] The reservation management server 30 also notifies the reservation servers that the number of rooms available for reservation has increased. The reservation management server 30 notifies the reservation servers (hotel server 10, travel agency server 11, OTA server 20) of a reservation status notification including the latest room availability.

[0060] Next, details of each device included in the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0061] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the processing configuration (processing modules) of the reservation management server 30 according to the first embodiment. Referring to Fig. 7, the reservation management server 30 includes a communication control unit 201, a reservation status control unit 202, and a storage unit 203.

[0062] The communication control unit 201 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 201 receives data (packets) from the OTA server 20. The communication control unit 201 also transmits data to the OTA server 20. The communication control unit 201 passes data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 201 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 201. The communication control unit 201 has a function as a receiving unit that receives data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit that transmits data to other devices.

[0063] The reservation status control unit 202 is a means for controlling the reservation status (vacant room status) of each hotel.

[0064] The reservation status control unit 202 obtains the total number of rooms available for sale at each hotel using any means. For example, the reservation status control unit 202 provides an interface that enables employees of each hotel to register the total number of rooms (total number of rooms for each room type) in the reservation management server 30. Alternatively, the reservation status control unit 202 obtains the total number of rooms available for sale from the control server 40.

[0065] The reservation status control unit 202 manages the reservation status of each hotel using a reservation status management database (see FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 8, the reservation status management database stores the total number of rooms and the number of reservations for each hotel's business day and room type. Note that the reservation status management database shown in FIG. 8 is an example and is not intended to limit the items stored therein.

[0066] The reservation status control unit 202 receives a room reservation notification from the reservation server. In response to receiving the room reservation notification, the reservation status control unit 202 updates the reservation status management database. The reservation status control unit 202 identifies an entry (entry in the reservation status management database) corresponding to the user's reservation using the hotel ID, accommodation date (stay period), and room type included in the room reservation notification. The reservation status control unit 202 increments the setting value in the reservation quantity field of the identified entry to update the reservation status management database.

[0067] When the reservation status is updated, the reservation status control unit 202 notifies each reservation server of the updated reservation status. Specifically, the reservation status control unit 202 generates reservation status information based on the information stored in the reservation status management database. The reservation status information is information about rooms available for sale by each reservation server (room inventory status).

[0068] The reservation status control unit 202 generates reservation status information for a hotel where there has been a change in inventory (a hotel corresponding to the hotel ID included in the room reservation notification). For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the reservation status control unit 202 generates reservation status information including the hotel ID of the hotel where there has been a change in inventory, the business day on which there has been a change in inventory (business days on which accommodation is available), and the number of room types in stock (the number of rooms available for sale).

[0069] The reservation status control unit 202 transmits a "reservation status notification" including the generated reservation status information to each reservation server.

[0070] Furthermore, upon receiving a room reservation notification, the reservation status control unit 202 transfers the received room reservation notification to the control server 40. The reservation status control unit 202 notifies the control server 40 of the reservation information.

[0071] Furthermore, the reservation status control unit 202 processes the “auction information notification” and the “auction failure notification” received from the control server 40 .

[0072] Upon receiving the auction information notification, the reservation status control unit 202 excludes the rooms subject to the auction from being sold by travel agencies and OTAs. Specifically, the reservation status control unit 202 increments the set value in the reservation quantity field of the entry (entry in the reservation status management database) corresponding to the hotel ID, the auction date, and the room type included in the auction information notification.

[0073] When the sale of the target room for auction is prohibited (stopped) in response to receiving the auction information notification, the reservation status control unit 202 notifies the travel agency server 11 and the OTA server 20 of a reservation status notification in response to the update of the reservation status.

[0074] Furthermore, upon receiving the auction information notification, the reservation status control unit 202 stores the hotel ID, auction ID, and auction information (information on the target guest room, auction start date, auction end date) contained in the notification in association with each other.

[0075] Furthermore, upon receiving the auction information notification, the reservation status control unit 202 notifies the hotel server 10 of the auction information. The reservation status control unit 202 transmits an "auction start instruction" including the auction ID and the auction information to the hotel server 10 corresponding to the hotel ID included in the auction information notification.

[0076] When receiving the notification that the auction was not successful, the reservation status control unit 202 resets the status of the rooms reserved for the auction so that they are available for sale by the OTA operator or the like.

[0077] Specifically, upon receiving a notice that the auction has failed, the reservation status control unit 202 identifies the target guest rooms (hotel, target auction date, room type) for the auction corresponding to the auction ID included in the notice. The reservation status control unit 202 accesses the reservation status management database and decrements the setting value in the reservation quantity field of the identified guest room (entry in the reservation status management database).

[0078] The storage unit 203 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the reservation management server 30 .

[0079] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the processing configuration (processing modules) of the hotel server 10 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 10, the hotel server 10 includes a communication control unit 301, a reservation control unit 302, an auction holding control unit 303, and a storage unit 304.

[0080] The communication control unit 301 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 301 receives data (packets) from the reservation management server 30. The communication control unit 301 also transmits data to the reservation management server 30. The communication control unit 301 passes data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 301 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 301. The communication control unit 301 has a function as a receiving unit that receives data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit that transmits data to other devices.

[0081] The reservation control unit 302 is a means for controlling hotel (guest room) reservations made by users. The reservation control unit 302 realizes the functions of an accommodation reservation site, etc. The reservation control unit 302 generates guest room information, etc. to be presented to users on the accommodation reservation site using the reservation status of its own hotel.

[0082] When the reservation control unit 302 accepts a reservation from a user, it sends a room reservation notification including reservation information to the reservation management server 30. Note that hotel room reservations by the hotel server 10 are not within the scope of the present disclosure, and therefore further explanation will be omitted.

[0083] The auction holding control unit 303 is a means for controlling the holding of the guest room auction, and processes an auction start instruction received from the reservation management server 30.

[0084] Upon receiving the instruction to start the auction, the auction hosting control unit 303 publishes details of the auction on a hotel reservation site for normal room reservations and on a dedicated site for room auctions. The auction hosting control unit 303 publishes information about the rooms subject to the auction (target date, room type, etc.), the auction period (start date, end date), etc.

[0085] After the auction start date has passed, the auction holding control unit 303 accepts bids from users. Specifically, the auction holding control unit 303 accepts bids from users (auction participants) using a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the like as shown in FIG.

[0086] Once the bid amount is obtained (when the "Next" button in FIG. 11 is pressed), the auction holding control unit 303 obtains bidder information (for example, name, gender, address, date of birth, telephone number, and email address).

[0087] After acquiring the bid amount and bidder information, the auction hosting control unit 303 periodically or at a predetermined timing notifies the control server 40 of the acquired bidder information and bid amount. For example, each time a bid is made, the auction hosting control unit 303 sends a "bidder information notification" including the auction ID, bidder information, and bid amount to the control server 40.

[0088] Alternatively, the auction holding control unit 303 may collectively notify the control server 40 of the bidder information and bid amounts for multiple bidders for each time period or each day. The auction holding control unit 303 may also send a bidder information notification to the control server 40, which includes the bidder information and bid amounts for multiple bidders.

[0089] The storage unit 304 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the hotel server 10 .

[0090] 12 is a diagram showing an example of the processing configuration (processing modules) of the control server 40 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 12, the control server 40 includes a communication control unit 401, a reservation information control unit 402, an auction execution control unit 403, and a storage unit 404.

[0091] The communication control unit 401 is a means for controlling communication with other devices. For example, the communication control unit 401 receives data (packets) from the reservation management server 30. The communication control unit 401 also transmits data to the reservation management server 30. The communication control unit 401 passes data received from other devices to other processing modules. The communication control unit 401 transmits data acquired from other processing modules to other devices. In this way, other processing modules transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication control unit 401. The communication control unit 401 has a function as a receiving unit that receives data from other devices and a function as a transmitting unit that transmits data to other devices.

[0092] The reservation information control unit 402 is a means for controlling room reservations at the hotel itself. The reservation information control unit 402 processes room reservation notifications received from the reservation management server 30. The reservation information control unit 402 stores reservation information (e.g., name, gender, address, date of birth, etc. of the person making the reservation) included in the room reservation notification. The reservation information is used for the check-in procedure of the guest, etc.

[0093] In addition, the reservation information control unit 402 manages the inventory of the hotel in response to receiving a room reservation notification. The reservation information control unit 402 reduces the room inventory for the reserved stay date (scheduled stay date) and room type.

[0094] The auction execution control unit 403 is a means for controlling the execution of the room auction. When a hotel employee or the like operates the terminal 50 to access a predetermined web page or the like, the auction execution control unit 403 displays a GUI or the like on the terminal 50 for the hotel employee to input information about the room auction.

[0095] For example, the auction execution control unit 403 acquires information about the guest rooms to be auctioned (auction date, room type), the auction start date, the auction end date, etc. using a GUI such as that shown in Fig. 13. The auction execution control unit 403 allows the guest rooms to be selected from the guest rooms in stock at the hotel.

[0096] When the auction execution control unit 403 acquires information such as the target guest rooms for the auction, it generates an auction ID for identifying the auction to be held. The auction ID may be any information that can uniquely identify the auction.

[0097] When the auction ID is generated, the auction execution control unit 403 stores the auction ID, the guest room to be auctioned (target date, room type), the auction start date, and the auction end date in association with each other.

[0098] Furthermore, after generating the auction ID, the auction execution control unit 403 transmits an auction information notification including the hotel ID of the hotel, the auction ID, and the auction information to the reservation management server 30 .

[0099] The auction execution control unit 403 receives a bidder information notification from the hotel server 10 of its own hotel. The auction execution control unit 403 stores the auction ID, bidder information, and bid amount included in the received bidder information notification. The auction execution control unit 403 has a function as an acquisition unit that acquires the bid amounts of each of the multiple bidders participating in the auction for hotel room rates.

[0100] When the auction end date (auction end date and time) has passed, the auction execution control unit 403 executes the auction. The auction execution control unit 403 executes the auction using a learning model (AI model) obtained by machine learning. Specifically, the auction execution control unit 403 executes the auction using the minimum winning bid price and the bid prices of each of the multiple bidders, which are output by the AI ​​model obtained by machine learning using the winning bid price influence information.

[0101] The operation of the auction execution control unit 403 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0102] The auction execution control unit 403 acquires information on the successful bid price impact for the target date of the auction using any means (step S101). For example, the auction execution control unit 403 acquires information on the successful bid price impact, such as the availability of rooms at the hotel, the room prices of other hotels, the working conditions of the hotel's employees, the time of the target date of the auction (season), etc.

[0103] For example, regarding the availability of rooms at the hotel, the auction execution control unit 403 reads from the storage unit 404 the number of rooms in stock that are on the same business day and of the same room type as the room being auctioned.

[0104] Alternatively, the auction execution control unit 403 accesses an accommodation reservation site operated by another hotel to obtain the room sales prices of the other hotel (particularly hotels operating in the vicinity of the auction hotel) from the accommodation reservation site. For example, the auction execution control unit 403 obtains the room sales price (room sales price on the auction date) of the same room type as the room being auctioned.

[0105] Alternatively, the auction execution control unit 403 may obtain the work schedule of the hotel employees for the auction date (a business day of the hotel) from a server device (not shown) that manages the attendance of the hotel employees.

[0106] The auction execution control unit 403 inputs the acquired successful bid price influence information into an AI model that outputs the minimum successful bid price, etc., for the guest room to be auctioned (executes the AI ​​model; step S102). The auction execution control unit 403 inputs the successful bid price influence information for the target day of the auction into the AI ​​model to acquire the minimum successful bid price.

[0107] The AI ​​model is obtained by machine learning using a large amount of training data in which labels (minimum bid price) are assigned to combinations of various information (room availability, room sales prices at other hotels, work status of hotel employees, timing of the auction date, etc.). Any algorithm such as a support vector machine, boosting, or neural network can be used to generate the learning model. Note that known technologies can be used for the algorithms such as the support vector machine, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0108] For example, an AI model is prepared that outputs a low reserve price when there are many vacant rooms at the hotel itself, and a high reserve price when there are few vacant rooms. Alternatively, an AI model is prepared that outputs a low reserve price when other hotels' room prices are low, and a high reserve price when other hotels' room prices are high. Alternatively, an AI model is prepared that outputs a low reserve price when there is a sufficient number of employees at the hotel itself, and a high reserve price when there is a shortage of employees at the hotel itself. Alternatively, an AI model is prepared that outputs a low reserve price during off-seasons, and a high reserve price during busy seasons.

[0109] The information used to generate the AI ​​model described above (successful bid price influence information) is merely an example, and other information may be used to generate the AI ​​model. For example, information about events held near the hotel or information about the weather may be used to generate the AI ​​model.

[0110] Furthermore, it is sufficient that at least one piece of successful bid price influence information is used to generate the AI ​​model, and the information used to generate the AI ​​model should be information that the hotel places importance on when determining the room sales price. Furthermore, by generating the AI ​​model using multiple pieces of successful bid price influence information, the AI ​​model can output the optimal room rate price under complex conditions (complex situations).

[0111] The auction execution control unit 403 determines whether there is a successful bidder (step S103). If there is a bid amount higher than the minimum bid amount output by the AI ​​model, the auction execution control unit 403 determines that there is a successful bidder. In this case, the auction execution control unit 403 sets the user who submitted the highest bid amount as the successful bidder.

[0112] If there is no bid higher than the minimum bid price output by the AI ​​model, the auction execution control unit 403 determines that there is no successful bidder (determines that the auction is not successful).

[0113] If there is no successful bidder (step S104, No branch), the auction execution control unit 403 sends an "auction failure notice" including the auction ID corresponding to the failed auction to the reservation management server 30 (step S105).

[0114] If a successful bidder exists (step S104, Yes branch), the auction execution control unit 403 does not send a notice that the auction was not successful.

[0115] Furthermore, the auction execution control unit 403 notifies the auction participants (bidders) of the results of the auction (step S106). For example, the auction execution control unit 403 transmits the results of the auction to the terminal 50 held by the successful bidder.

[0116] If there is no successful bidder, the auction execution control unit 403 sends an "auction result notice" including the information "no successful bidder" to the terminal 50 of each bidder.

[0117] If there is a successful bidder, the auction execution control unit 403 sends an "auction result notification" including information about the successful room (planned stay date, room type) and the successful bid amount (bid amount of the successful bidder) to the terminal 50 of the successful bidder. The auction execution control unit 403 also sends an "auction result notification" including information that "another person has successfully won the bid" to the terminals 50 of bidders (non-successful bidders) who participated in the auction but were unsuccessful in winning the room.

[0118] If a successful bidder is found, the auction execution control unit 403 stores the bidder information of the successful bidder along with the reservation information of other guests. The auction execution control unit 403 also updates the inventory of the room for which the auction was successful.

[0119] The storage unit 404 is a means for storing information necessary for the operation of the control server 40 .

[0120] [Travel Agency Server] Detailed description of the configuration and operation of the travel agency server 11 will be omitted, as the operation of the travel agency server 11 is obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0121] [OTA Server] A detailed description of the configuration and operation of the OTA server 20 will be omitted because the operation of the OTA server 20 is clear to those skilled in the art.

[0122] [Terminal] Examples of the terminal 50 include a smartphone, a mobile phone, a game console, a mobile terminal device such as a tablet, a computer (personal computer, laptop computer), etc. The terminal 50 can be any equipment or device that can accept user operations and communicate with the hotel server 10, etc. Furthermore, the configuration of the terminal 50 is clear to those skilled in the art, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0123] [System Operation] Next, the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0124] The operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0125] When a bid is made for the auction, the hotel server 10 transmits a bidder information notification to the control server 40 (step S21).

[0126] Control server 40 receives the bidder information notification and stores the bidder information, bid amount, etc. (step S22).

[0127] When the auction end date (end date and time) arrives, the control server 40 executes the auction (step S23).

[0128] Control server 40 transmits the auction result notification to the bidder's terminal 50 (step S24).

[0129] The terminal 50 outputs a message or the like according to the information contained in the received auction result notice (step S25). For example, the terminal 50 of the successful bidder displays a message as shown in FIG.

[0130] Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described.

[0131] <Variation 1> In the above embodiment, the case where the site controller (reservation management server 30) is included in the information processing system has been described. The information processing system does not have to include the reservation management server 30. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 17, the functions of the reservation management server 30 described above may be implemented in a control server 40 that handles hotel operations.

[0132] That is, the control server 40 may have a function to control reservations made by the OTA server 20, etc., in addition to controlling the check-in procedures of guests and the conduct of auctions.

[0133] Alternatively, the control server 40 may have the functions of the hotel server 10. In this case, the control server 40 only needs to have the functions of controlling the holding of auctions and selling rooms in its own hotel (the functions of implementing an accommodation reservation site).

[0134] <Variation 2> The guest rooms to be auctioned may be auctioned on a daily basis or may be auctioned over multiple days. The auction execution control unit 403 of the control server 40 may select a bidder who has submitted bids over multiple days as the successful bidder.

[0135] Specifically, the auction execution control unit 403 may select as the successful bidder a bidder who has a longer stay period than other bidders, even if the bid amount per day is low. For example, the auction execution control unit 403 may set as the successful bidder the bidder who pays the highest total amount of hotel fees. In this case, it is necessary that the bid amount of the bidder on each day (each business day) of the auction exceeds the minimum bid amount (the bid amount for each day) output by the AI ​​model.

[0136] <Modification 3> The control server 40 may notify the hotel staff of the results of the auction. The control server 40 may send the auction result notification to the terminal 50 carried by the hotel staff.

[0137] As described above, in the information processing system according to the first embodiment, the control server 40 conducts an auction using the minimum bid price output by an AI model that has learned various information that affects hotel room rates. For example, when the control server 40 is unable to secure enough employees, the control server 40 sets a high minimum bid price. Conversely, during off-peak periods, the control server 40 prioritizes securing more guests (room reservations) by setting a lower minimum bid price. In this way, the control server 40 considers various information inside and outside the hotel that affects room rates and sells rooms at the optimal price for the hotel. In other words, the hotel will not sell rooms at unprofitable room rates, nor will it attempt to sell rooms at rates far from the market price. In this way, the control server 40 sells hotel rooms in an auction format and uses the AI ​​model to calculate the minimum bid price (whether or not the auction will be accepted). The AI ​​model considers the hotel's own information, surrounding information, and other factors to output a room price that maximizes the hotel's profits. Furthermore, since the auction is automatically conducted by the control server 40, there is no increase in the workload of hotel staff.

[0138] Next, the hardware of each device constituting the information processing system will be described. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control server 40.

[0139] The control server 40 can be configured using an information processing device (a so-called computer), and has the configuration shown in Fig. 18. For example, the control server 40 includes a processor 311, a memory 312, an input / output interface 313, and a communication interface 314. The components such as the processor 311 are connected by an internal bus or the like, and are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0140] However, the configuration shown in Fig. 18 is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of the control server 40. The control server 40 may include hardware not shown, and may not include the input / output interface 313 as necessary. Furthermore, the number of processors 311 and the like included in the control server 40 is not intended to be limited to the example shown in Fig. 18; for example, the control server 40 may include multiple processors 311.

[0141] The processor 311 is a programmable device such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or a digital signal processor (DSP). Alternatively, the processor 311 may be a device such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor 311 executes various programs including an operating system (OS).

[0142] The memory 312 is a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The memory 312 stores an OS program, application programs, and various data.

[0143] The input / output interface 313 is an interface for a display device and an input device (not shown). The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The input device is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like that accepts user operations.

[0144] The communication interface 314 is a circuit, module, etc. that communicates with other devices. For example, the communication interface 314 includes a network interface card (NIC).

[0145] The functions of the control server 40 are realized by various processing modules. The processing modules are realized, for example, by the processor 311 executing a program stored in the memory 312. The program can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be a non-transitory medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, or an optical recording medium. That is, the present invention can also be embodied as a computer program product. The program can be downloaded via a network or updated using a storage medium storing the program. The processing modules can also be realized by semiconductor chips.

[0146] The hotel server 10, reservation management server 30, etc. can also be configured using information processing devices, just like the control server 40, and their basic hardware configurations are no different from those of the control server 40, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0147] The control server 40 is equipped with a computer, and the functions of the control server 40 can be realized by causing the computer to execute a program. The control server 40 also executes the control method of the control server 40 by means of the program.

[0148] [Modification] The configuration, operation, etc. of the information processing system described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the configuration, etc. of the system.

[0149] In the above embodiment, the case where the OTA server 20 is included in the information processing system has been described. However, the information processing system does not have to include the OTA server 20. Hotel rooms may be sold by the hotel's own accommodation reservation site and a travel agency. In this case, the information processing system realizes a reservation system for rooms in a single hotel. Alternatively, the travel agency server 11 does not have to be included in the information processing system.

[0150] In the above embodiment, the case where the control server 40 executes the room auction has been described. The room auction may also be executed by the hotel server 10. In this case, the hotel server 10 acquires successful bid price influence information such as the hotel's room availability and employee work status when the auction is executed. The hotel server 10 inputs the acquired successful bid price influence information into the AI ​​model and executes the auction.

[0151] In the above embodiment, the hotel server 10 transmits the bidder information directly to the control server 40. However, the hotel server 10 may transmit the bidder information to the control server 40 via the reservation management server 30.

[0152] In the above embodiment, the hotel server 10 transmits bidder information to the control server 40 each time a user submits a bid. At the end of the auction, the hotel server 10 may transmit a bid information notification to the control server 40 limited to the bidder who submitted the highest bid. That is, the hotel server 10 may notify the control server 40 of the highest bid amount at the end of the auction and information about that bidder. The control server 40 may compare the notified bid amount (highest bid amount) with the reserve bid amount output by the AI ​​model and execute the auction.

[0153] In the above embodiment, the control server 40 acquires reservation information (bidder information; for example, name, gender, email address, etc.) of a user via the hotel server 10 when the user participates in an auction. However, the control server 40 may acquire the reservation information of the auction winner when the auction winner is determined, rather than acquiring the reservation information when the user participates in the auction. Specifically, the terminal 50 of the auction winner acquires the reservation information of the auction winner in FIG. 16 or on a screen accessible from FIG. 16 . The terminal 50 transmits the acquired reservation information to the control server 40. By adopting such a configuration, the control server 40 does not need to store the personal information (for example, name, etc.) of numerous auction participants, and the auction winner can smoothly enter reservation information after receiving notification of the auction results.

[0154] In the above embodiment, the reservation status management database is configured inside the reservation management server 30, but the database may also be configured on an external database server, etc. In other words, some of the functions of the reservation management server 30 may be implemented in another device. More specifically, the above-described "reservation status control unit (reservation status control means)" and the like may be implemented in any of the devices included in the system.

[0155] There are no particular restrictions on the format of data transmission between each device (reservation server, reservation management server 30), but data transmitted between these devices may be encrypted. User names and other information are transmitted between these devices, and in order to properly protect this information, it is desirable to transmit and receive encrypted data.

[0156] In the flow charts (flowcharts, sequence diagrams) used in the above explanation, multiple steps (processes) are described in order, but the order of execution of the steps executed in the embodiments is not limited to the order described. In the embodiments, the order of the steps shown in the drawings can be changed to the extent that the content is not affected, such as by executing each process in parallel.

[0157] The above-described embodiments have been described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, and it is not intended that all of the above-described configurations are required. Furthermore, when multiple embodiments are described, each embodiment may be used alone or in combination. For example, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with another configuration.

[0158] From the above explanation, it is clear that the present invention has industrial applicability, and the present invention is suitably applicable to information processing systems relating to hotel reservations, etc.

[0159] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. [Supplementary Note 1] A server device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring bid amounts from each of a plurality of bidders participating in an auction for hotel room rates; and an execution control means for executing the auction using a clearing bid price and the bid amounts from each of the plurality of bidders, the clearing bid price being output by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) model obtained by machine learning using successful bid price influence information that influences the hotel room rates. [Supplementary Note 2] The server device described in Supplementary Note 1, wherein the successful bid price influence information includes at least the work status of employees of the hotel. [Supplementary Note 3] The server device described in Supplementary Note 2, wherein the execution control means acquires the successful bid price influence information for the auction date and inputs the acquired successful bid price influence information into the AI ​​model to acquire the clearing bid price. [Supplementary Note 4] The server device described in any one of Supplements 1 to 3, wherein the execution control means sets the bidder who offers the highest bid that is equal to or greater than the clearing bid price as the successful bidder. [Supplementary Note 5] The server device according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the execution control means transmits the auction results to a terminal carried by the successful bidder. [Supplementary Note 6] The server device according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the execution control means transmits the auction results to a terminal carried by an employee of the hotel. [Supplementary Note 7] The server device according to any one of Supplements 1 to 3, wherein the execution control means acquires information on rooms to be auctioned, the auction start date, and the auction end date using a GUI (Graphical User Interface). [Supplementary Note 8] A control method for a server device, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring bid amounts of each of a plurality of bidders who will participate in an auction for hotel room rates; and an execution control step of executing the auction using the minimum bid price and the bid amounts of each of the plurality of bidders output by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) model obtained by machine learning using successful bid price influence information that affects the hotel room rates.[Supplementary Note 9] The control method of a server device according to Supplementary Note 8, wherein the successful bid price influence information includes at least the work status of the hotel employees. [Supplementary Note 10] The control method of a server device according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the execution control step acquires the successful bid price influence information for the auction target date and acquires the clearing price by inputting the acquired successful bid price influence information into the AI ​​model. [Supplementary Note 11] The control method of a server device according to any one of Supplements 8 to 10, wherein the execution control step sets the bidder who submitted the highest bid price that is equal to or higher than the clearing price as the successful bidder. [Supplementary Note 12] The control method of a server device according to Supplementary Note 11, wherein the execution control step transmits the execution results of the auction to a terminal carried by the successful bidder. [Supplementary Note 13] The control method of a server device according to Supplementary Note 11, wherein the execution control step transmits the execution results of the auction to a terminal carried by an employee of the hotel. [Supplementary Note 14] The control method for a server device according to any one of Supplements 8 to 10, wherein the execution control step acquires information about rooms to be auctioned, the auction start date, and the auction end date using a GUI (Graphical User Interface). [Supplementary Note 15] A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer mounted on the server device to execute the following: an acquisition process for acquiring bid amounts from each of a plurality of bidders participating in an auction for hotel room rates; and an execution control process for conducting an auction using a clearing bid price and the bid amounts from each of the plurality of bidders, the clearing bid price being output by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) model obtained by machine learning using successful bid price influence information that affects the hotel room rates. [Supplementary Note 16] The storage medium according to Supplementary Note 15, wherein the successful bid price influence information includes at least the work status of employees of the hotel. [Supplementary Note 17] The storage medium according to Supplementary Note 16, wherein the execution control process acquires the successful bid price influence information for a target date of the auction, and acquires the clearing bid price by inputting the acquired successful bid price influence information into the AI ​​model.[Supplementary Note 18] The storage medium of any one of Supplements 15 to 17, wherein the execution control process sets the bidder who submitted the highest bid that is equal to or greater than the reserve bid price as the successful bidder. [Supplementary Note 19] The storage medium of Supplementary Note 18, wherein the execution control process transmits the execution results of the auction to a terminal carried by the successful bidder. [Supplementary Note 20] The storage medium of Supplementary Note 18, wherein the execution control process transmits the execution results of the auction to a terminal carried by an employee of the hotel. [Supplementary Note 21] The storage medium of any one of Supplements 15 to 17, wherein the execution control process obtains information about guest rooms that are the subject of the auction, the auction start date, and the auction end date using a GUI (Graphical User Interface).

[0160] The disclosures of the above-cited prior art documents are incorporated herein by reference. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative and that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In other words, the present invention naturally includes various modifications and alterations that may be made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the entire disclosure, including the claims, and the technical concepts thereof.

[0161] 10 Hotel server 11 Travel agency server 20 OTA server 20-1 OTA server 20-2 OTA server 20-3 OTA server 30 Reservation management server 40 Control server 50 Terminal 100 Server device 101 Acquisition means 102 Execution control means 201 Communication control unit 202 Reservation status control unit 203 Storage unit 301 Communication control unit 302 Reservation control unit 303 Auction holding control unit 304 Storage unit 311 Processor 312 Memory 313 Input / output interface 314 Communication interface 401 Communication control unit 402 Reservation information control unit 403 Auction execution control unit 404 Storage unit

Claims

1. A method for participating in an auction for hotel room rates, acquiring bid amounts from multiple bidders, and an execution control means for executing an auction using the minimum winning bid price and the bid prices of the plurality of bidders, which are output by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) model obtained by machine learning using winning bid price influence information that influences the hotel room rates; A server device comprising:

2. The server device according to claim 1 , wherein the successful bid price influence information includes at least the working status of employees of the hotel.

3. 3. The server device according to claim 2, wherein the execution control means acquires the successful bid price influence information for the auction target date, and acquires the minimum successful bid price by inputting the acquired successful bid price influence information into the AI ​​model.

4. 4. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the execution control means sets the bidder who offers the highest bid that is equal to or greater than the reserve bid price as the successful bidder.

5. 5. The server device according to claim 4, wherein said execution control means transmits the results of said auction to a terminal carried by said successful bidder.

6. 5. The server device according to claim 4, wherein said execution control means transmits the results of said auction to a terminal carried by an employee of said hotel.

7. 4. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the execution control means acquires information about the guest rooms to be auctioned, the auction start date, and the auction end date using a GUI (Graphical User Interface).

8. In the server device, an acquisition step of acquiring bid amounts from each of a plurality of bidders participating in an auction for hotel room rates; an execution control process of executing an auction using the minimum winning bid price and the bid prices of the plurality of bidders, which are output by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) model obtained by machine learning using winning bid price influence information that influences the hotel room rates; A method for controlling a server device, comprising:

9. The computer installed in the server device An acquisition process for participating in a hotel room rate auction and acquiring the bid amounts of each of multiple bidders; an execution control process for executing an auction using the minimum winning bid price and the bid prices of the plurality of bidders, the minimum winning bid price being output by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) model obtained by machine learning using winning bid price influence information that influences the hotel room rates; A program to execute.