JP2010087944A - Waiting time information notification system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a waiting time information notification system for users 41-43, which provides the users with waiting time information, and notifies the users of the waiting time information, without going to terminal devices A1-An, or individually. <P>SOLUTION: An identification information receiving means 11 receives identification information sent from receiving terminals 21 and 22 that has one-segment broadcast reception function used by users 42 and 43, and a waiting time information acquisition means 2 acquires the waiting time information of the users. Association means 1 and 2 associate the identification information of the reception terminal device with the waiting time information, and a one-segment broadcasting means 3 transmits the waiting time information to a reception terminal device by using the data broadcast of the one-segment broadcasting, on the basis of the association contents. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a system for notifying waiting time information, and in particular, for example, waiting time information can be obtained even when a user does not go to the location of the display terminal device, and waiting time information is individually notified. The present invention relates to a waiting time information notification system.

Conventionally, in a facility such as a bank or a post office where waiting time occurs for a user, waiting time information is displayed on a display terminal device such as an electric bulletin board.
FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of a waiting time information notification system according to a conventional example.
The waiting time information notification system of this example includes a waiting order issuing device 101, a waiting time information input device 102, a plurality (in this example, n) of display terminal devices B1 to Bn for displaying waiting time information, A communication line 103 is provided for transmitting and receiving information among the waiting order issuing device 101, the input device 102, and the display terminal devices B1 to Bn. In addition, there is a user (person) 111.

An example of the operation performed in the waiting time information notification system of this example is shown.
The waiting order issuing device 101 issues a paper on which a waiting order number is written to the user 111, and transmits the issued waiting order information to the input device 102 through the communication line 103 for notification.
When the waiting time information is input, the input device 102 transmits the input waiting time data to the display terminal devices B1 to Bn through the communication line 103.
When the display terminal devices B1 to Bn receive the waiting time information data through the communication line 103, the display terminal devices B1 to Bn distribute the waiting time information by updating the display contents.
The user 111 acquires (understands) information on the waiting time by referring to the display contents of the display terminal devices B1 to Bn.

JP 2001-167307 A

  However, in the conventional technology as described above, the waiting time information is displayed only on the display terminal devices B1 to Bn such as an electric bulletin board. Therefore, in order for the user 111 to obtain the waiting time information, the display terminal devices B1 to Bn are used. Had to go to where it was installed. In addition, since the waiting time information is updated irregularly, it is necessary to always check the waiting time information.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional situation. For example, it is possible to obtain waiting time information even if the user does not go to the place of the display terminal device. It aims at providing the waiting time information information system which can be notified.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows in a waiting time information notification system that notifies waiting time information to a user.
That is, the identification information receiving unit receives the identification information of the receiving terminal device transmitted from the receiving terminal device having a one-segment broadcast receiving function used by the user (for example, by wireless communication). The waiting time information acquisition means acquires the waiting time information of the user. The associating means includes the identification information of the receiving terminal apparatus received by the identification information receiving means, and the waiting time information of the user of the receiving terminal apparatus acquired by the waiting time information acquiring means (for example, Store it in memory) Based on the contents of the association by the association means, the one-seg broadcasting means uses the data broadcast of the one-seg broadcasting to send the waiting time information corresponding to the identification information of the receiving terminal apparatus to the receiving terminal apparatus ( (E.g. by radio).

  Accordingly, by transmitting information on the waiting time of the user to the receiving terminal device used by the user using the one-segment broadcasting data broadcasting, for example, the user does not go to the place of the display terminal device. However, the waiting time information can be obtained, and the waiting time information can be notified individually.

Here, various receiving terminal devices having a one-segment broadcasting reception function may be used, and for example, a mobile phone device or the like can be used.
Various types of identification information for the receiving terminal device may be used. For example, identification information used for designating the receiving terminal device in the data communication of the one-segment broadcasting is used.

  Various methods may be used as a method for acquiring information about the waiting time of the user. For example, various methods conventionally known may be used. As a specific example, a method of predicting (or specifying) a waiting time by a person based on information such as a waiting order, or a method of automatically calculating a waiting time by an apparatus can be used. In addition to initial determination of the waiting time, the waiting time is updated every certain period or whenever the number of waiting people changes based on a decrease in waiting order or other situations. It is also preferable.

  In addition, various timings may be used as the timing for transmitting the waiting time information to the receiving terminal device. For example, the timing at which the waiting time information is initially determined or the waiting time information may be used. The timing for each update can be used, and the timing for each predetermined period can also be used as another example.

  As described above, according to the waiting time information notification system according to the present invention, for example, the waiting time information can be obtained without the user going to the place of the display terminal device, and the waiting time information can be individually obtained. It is also possible to notify.

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a waiting time information notification system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The waiting time information notification system of this example includes a waiting order issuing device 1 having a terminal identification information receiving unit 11, a waiting time information input device 2, and a plurality (n in this example) of displaying waiting time information. A communication line 4 for transmitting and receiving information between the display terminal devices A1 to An, the one-segment broadcasting distribution device 3, the waiting order issuing device 1, the input device 2, the display terminal devices A1 to An, and the one-segment broadcasting distribution device 3. A one-segment broadcasting receiving terminal device 21 having an infrared communication unit (infrared communication function) 31 for transmitting terminal identification information, and a one-segment broadcasting having a non-contact IC chip 32 for transmitting terminal identification information. A receiving terminal device 22 is provided. In addition, there are users (people) 41 to 43.
The plurality of users 41 to 43 shown in FIG. 1 may be the same user, for example.

An example of the operation performed in the waiting time information notification system of this example is shown.
The waiting order issuing device 1 issues a paper on which a waiting order number is written to the user 41, and transmits the issued waiting order information to the input device 2 through the communication line 4 for notification. The user 41 receives the paper on which the waiting order number is written from the waiting order issuing device 1.

  In addition, users 42 and 43 who own the one-seg broadcast receiving terminal devices 21 and 22 can perform non-contact communication using the infrared communication unit 31 of the one-seg broadcast receiving terminal device 21 or the non-contact IC chip 32 of the one-seg broadcast receiving terminal device 22 ( Wireless communication) to the terminal identification information receiving unit 11 of the waiting order issuing device 1 by transmitting the terminal identification information stored in the memory of the own one-seg broadcast receiving terminal device 21 or 22 to You can also receive a number. In this case, the waiting order issuing device 1 issues a waiting order number in response to the terminal identification information receiving unit 11 receiving the terminal identification information.

  Here, when the waiting order issuing device 1 issues the waiting order number in response to the terminal identification information receiving unit 11 receiving the terminal identification information, the waiting order issuing apparatus 1 displays the issued waiting order information and the terminal identification information. These are linked (associated) and transmitted together to the input device 2 through the communication line 4 for notification.

  When the waiting time information is input, the input device 2 transmits the input waiting time data to the display terminal devices A <b> 1 to An and the one-segment broadcasting distribution device 3 through the communication line 4. In addition, when the input device 2 receives the waiting order information and the terminal identification information in association with the waiting order issuing device 1, at least the one-segment broadcasting distribution device 3 receives the input waiting time information data. And the received terminal identification information are linked and transmitted.

  Here, in this example, a provider (person) who provides services to the users 41 to 43 such as a bank or a post office is based on the number of people waiting for the turn, the calculation or the rule of thumb, A configuration is shown in which a waiting time corresponding to each waiting order is predicted (or specified), and information on the waiting time is input to the input device 2 by operating the operation unit of the input device 2. As another configuration example, a configuration in which the input device 2 calculates and obtains information on a waiting time (usually an expected waiting time) corresponding to the waiting order information according to a preset arithmetic expression. It can also be used. As such an arithmetic expression, for example, an expression in which a waiting time is obtained by multiplying a waiting time (for example, the value of the number of people who are presently in front of yourself) by a certain time can be used. More complicated equations can also be used.

In addition, the waiting time information for each waiting order is, for example, every predetermined time period or waiting time even when being input to the input device 2 by a person or when being calculated (automatically) by the input device 2. The information is updated every time the number of people changes, and information on waiting time after the update is transmitted from the input device 2 to the display terminal devices A1 to An and the one-segment broadcasting distribution device 3 each time. A configuration in which an initial value of waiting time information for each waiting order is input to the input device 2 by a person, and thereafter, waiting time information is updated by the input device 2 may be used. In the input device 2, for example, the waiting time for each waiting order is determined based on a preset arithmetic expression or the current waiting order cancellation status (for example, input by a person or automatically detected). Information can be updated.
There is no particular limitation on the method for initially determining the waiting time by the apparatus and the method for updating the waiting time, and any method may be used.

  When each display terminal device A <b> 1 to An receives data of waiting time information through the communication line 4, it distributes waiting time information by updating display contents. The user 41 acquires (understands) information on the waiting time by referring to the display contents of the display terminal devices A1 to An.

When the one-segment broadcasting distribution apparatus 3 receives the waiting time information data through the communication line 4, the one-segment broadcasting distribution device 3 distributes (wirelessly transmits) the waiting time information as a one-segment data broadcast. Each one-seg broadcast receiving terminal device 21, 22 receives the radio wave of the one-seg broadcast distributed from the one-seg broadcast distribution device 3, and displays the received waiting time information on the screen.
In addition, when the one-segment broadcasting distribution device 3 receives the terminal identification information associated with the waiting time information, the one-segment broadcasting distribution device 3 individually receives the waiting time information for the one-segment broadcasting receiving terminal devices 21 and 22 corresponding to the terminal identification information. Notification of. When the one-segment broadcasting distribution apparatus 3 receives the terminal identification information associated with the waiting time information, the one-seg broadcast distribution apparatus 3 stores the terminal identification information in the memory and stores it.
When the one-segment broadcasting receiving terminal devices 21 and 22 receive the individually notified waiting time information, the one-seg broadcast receiving terminal devices 21 and 22 notify the users 42 and 43 of the reception by sound or vibration.

  As described above, in the waiting time information notification system of this example, a configuration in which waiting time information is distributed by the one-segment broadcasting distribution device 3 is added to the configuration for displaying waiting time information. When the waiting time information is distributed, the waiting time information is displayed by the display terminal devices A1 to An, and at the same time, the waiting time information is distributed as a data broadcast from the distribution device 3 of the one seg broadcasting, so that the one seg The waiting time information can be obtained by the receiving terminal devices 21 and 22 capable of receiving the broadcast.

  The waiting order issuing device 1 has a function (terminal identification information receiving unit 11) for receiving the terminal identification information from the one-segment broadcast receiving terminal devices 21 and 22 by communication using infrared rays or a non-contact type IC chip 32. The one-seg broadcast distribution device 3 has a function of receiving the terminal identification information of the one-seg broadcast receiving terminal devices 21 and 22 (in this example, from the input device 2). When the one-segment broadcasting distribution device 3 receives the terminal identification information, the one-segment broadcasting receiving device 21 searches the waiting time information corresponding to the terminal identification information and updates the waiting time information. , The corresponding waiting time information is notified (distributed) every 22. The one-seg broadcast receiving terminal devices 21 and 22 have a function of notifying by sound or vibration when receiving the waiting time information individually notified by designating their own terminal identification information. In this case, the user 42 and 43 can save the trouble of constantly checking the waiting time information (that is, when there is no sound or vibration).

  As described above, in the waiting time information notification system of this example, not only the waiting time information is displayed by the display terminal devices A1 to An such as an electric bulletin board, but also the waiting time information is used by one-segment broadcasting data broadcasting. To distribute the waiting time information to the users 42 and 43 (one-seg broadcast receiving terminal devices 21 and 22) existing in places where the display terminal devices A1 to An do not exist, By registering the terminal identification information, the waiting time information can be individually notified for each one-seg broadcast receiving terminal device 21 and 22 corresponding to each terminal identification information.

Here, in this example, as a preferable example, the configuration in which both the notification of the waiting time information by the display terminal devices A1 to An and the notification of the waiting time information by the one-segment broadcasting is shown. A configuration in which only time information is notified may be used.
Further, in this example, the configuration in which the communication of the terminal identification information by the one-seg broadcast receiving terminal devices 21 and 22 is performed using infrared rays or a non-contact type IC chip, but any other communication means may be used. .
In addition, the system like this example can be applied to various facilities where waiting time occurs, for example, a theme park such as a bank, a post office, a government office, a hospital, a restaurant, etc., an amusement park, etc. It can be applied to driving schools.

  In the waiting time information notification system of this example, identification information is received by the function of receiving terminal identification information (identification information) from the one-segment broadcast receiving terminal devices 21 and 22 by the terminal identification information receiving unit 11 of the waiting order issuing device 1. The waiting time information acquisition means is configured by a function in which the input device 2 acquires waiting time information of each waiting order based on an input from a person or by automatic calculation. The issuing device 1 associates (associates) the waiting order with the terminal identification information, and based on this, the input device 2 associates (associates) the terminal identification information with the waiting time information. The one-seg broadcast distribution device 3 designates the terminal identification information of the one-seg broadcast receiving terminal devices 21 and 22 to the one-seg broadcast receiving terminal devices 21 and 22 Segment broadcasting means is constituted by the function of informing by sending information separately from latency.

Here, the configuration of the system and apparatus according to the present invention is not necessarily limited to the configuration described above, and various configurations may be used. The present invention can also be provided as, for example, a method or method for executing the processing according to the present invention, a program for realizing such a method or method, or a recording medium for recording the program. It is also possible to provide various systems and devices.
The application field of the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described fields, and the present invention can be applied to various fields.
In addition, as various processes performed in the system and apparatus according to the present invention, for example, the processor executes a control program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) in hardware resources including a processor and a memory. A controlled configuration may be used, and for example, each functional unit for executing the processing may be configured as an independent hardware circuit.
The present invention can also be understood as a computer-readable recording medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk or a CD (Compact Disc) -ROM storing the control program, and the program (itself). The processing according to the present invention can be performed by inputting the program from the recording medium to the computer and causing the processor to execute the program.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the waiting time information alerting | reporting system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the waiting time information alerting | reporting system which concerns on a prior art example.

Explanation of symbols

  1. 101 ... Waiting order issuing device 2. 102 ... Input device 3 .... One-segment broadcasting distribution device 4, 103 ... Communication line A1-An, B1-Bn ... Display terminal device 11, ... Terminal identification information receiving unit, 21, 22, one-segment broadcasting receiving terminal device, 31 ... infrared communication unit, 32 ... non-contact IC chip, 41-43, 111 ... user,

Claims (1)

In the waiting time information notification system that notifies the user of waiting time information,
Identification information receiving means for receiving identification information of the receiving terminal device transmitted from the receiving terminal device having a one-segment broadcast receiving function used by the user;
Waiting time information acquisition means for acquiring information on the waiting time of the user;
Association means for associating the identification information of the receiving terminal device received by the identification information receiving means with the information on the waiting time of the user of the receiving terminal device acquired by the waiting time information acquiring means;
One-seg broadcasting means for transmitting waiting time information corresponding to the identification information of the receiving terminal device to the receiving terminal device using data broadcasting of one-seg broadcasting based on the contents of the association by the associating means; ,
A waiting time information notification system comprising:

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