JP2019095923A - Vacant seat detection device, vacant seat detection system, and seat - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve detection accuracy for detecting whether a seat is available for a user or not.SOLUTION: A vacant seat detection device 2 comprises a detection unit 20 for detecting vacant seat information related to availability of a seat. The detection unit 20 has a sensor 21 for detecting the existence of a person in a detection object range in a non-contact manner. The sensor 21 is fixed to a seat. The detection unit 20 detects the vacant seat information on the basis of the detection result of the sensor 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a vacant seat detection device, a vacant seat detection system, and a seat. In particular, the present invention relates to a vacant seat detection device, a vacant seat detection system, and a seat that detect the presence or absence of a seat that can be provided to a user.

  Conventionally, there has been a congestion status presentation device that detects congestion status in a predetermined space such as a store or a facility and presents the detection result (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The congestion status presentation device of Patent Document 1 detects where a person is in a predetermined space. The congestion state presentation device creates a congestion state diagram by overwriting a symbol indicating a person at a position corresponding to the detection position of the person in the plan view of the predetermined space. The congestion status presentation device presents the created congestion status diagram to the user.

JP 2007-133847 A

  The congestion state presentation device of Patent Document 1 only detects where in the predetermined space there is a person, and the user can not confirm whether there is a seat available in the predetermined space. When the seat is being used at a place other than the home position, the detection position of the person displayed in the congestion situation diagram may not indicate that the seat is being used.

  An object of the present disclosure is to provide a vacant seat detection device, a vacant seat detection system, and a seat capable of improving detection accuracy for detecting whether or not a seat can be provided to a user.

  The vacant seat detection device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a detection unit that detects vacant seat information related to whether or not a seat is vacant. The said detection part has a sensor which detects the presence or absence of the person in a detection object range contactlessly. The sensor is fixed to the seat. The detection unit detects the vacant seat information based on the detection result of the sensor.

  The vacant seat detection system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of vacant seat detection devices. The vacant seat detection system further includes a processing unit that processes the vacant seat information of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices. The plurality of vacant seat detection devices correspond one-to-one to the plurality of seats, and each of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices is attached to a corresponding one of the plurality of seats. Each of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices repeatedly detects the vacant seat information for the corresponding seat among the plurality of seats. The processing unit calculates seat use information including at least one of a use time, a use frequency, a rotation rate, and a congestion degree of the seat based on the vacant seat information of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices. The processing unit stores date and time information, schedule information including event information of the area where the seat is located, rushing related information including at least one of weather information, and the seat usage information in the storage unit in association with each other. . The processing unit predicts the availability of the plurality of seats based on the rush related information and the seat use information stored in the storage unit, and outputs prediction information indicating a prediction result to a display unit. .

  The vacant seat detection system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of vacant seat detection devices. The vacant seat detection system further includes a processing unit that processes the vacant seat information of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices. The plurality of vacant seat detection devices correspond one-to-one to the plurality of seats, and each of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices is attached to a corresponding one of the plurality of seats. Each of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices repeatedly detects the vacant seat information for the corresponding seat among the plurality of seats. There are multiple types of the plurality of seats. The processing unit is configured to, based on the detection results of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices, seat usage information including at least one of usage time of the seat, usage frequency, rotation rate, and congestion degree of the plurality of seats. Calculate for each type. The processing unit outputs the seat usage information calculated for each of the plurality of seat types to a display unit.

  The vacant seat detection system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of vacant seat detection devices. The vacant seat detection system further includes a processing unit that processes the vacant seat information of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices. The plurality of vacant seat detection devices correspond one-to-one to the plurality of seats, and each of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices is attached to a corresponding one of the plurality of seats. Each of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices repeatedly detects the vacant seat information for the corresponding seat among the plurality of seats. There are multiple types of the plurality of seats. The plurality of seats are arranged at two or more facilities. The processing unit stores the vacant seat information on the plurality of seats in the storage unit in association with the types of the plurality of seats. When the processing unit receives a search request signal from the user terminal, the processing unit outputs, to the user terminal, information on the facility which can provide a seat of the type specified by the search request signal among the plurality of types.

  A seat according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes the vacant seat detection device, a seat plate, and a leg supporting the seat plate. The vacant seat detection device is fixed to at least one of the seat plate and the leg.

  According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve detection accuracy for detecting whether a seat can be provided to a user.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vacant seat detection system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a seat attached with the vacant seat detection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3A is an explanatory view of the detection target range of the vacant seat detection device according to the embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 3B is an explanatory view of the detection target range of the vacant seat detection device according to the embodiment as viewed from the front side. FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the above-mentioned vacant seat detection system. FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the above-mentioned vacant seat detection system. FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the above-mentioned vacant seat detection system. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of a screen showing the detection result of the vacant seat state displayed on the shop side terminal by the vacant seat detection system of the same. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of a screen showing the crowded rate prediction result which is displayed on the shop side terminal by the vacant seat detection system of the same. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of a screen showing the past index information, which is displayed on the shop side terminal by the vacant seat detection system of the same. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of a search condition input screen displayed on the user side terminal by the vacant seat detection system of the same. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a search result display screen displayed on the user side terminal by the vacant seat detection system of the same. FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of a display screen of the vacant seat status displayed on the user side terminal by the vacant seat detection system of the same. FIG. 13 is an explanatory view of a display screen of the vacant seat condition (when fully occupied), which the vacant seat detection system of the same embodiment displays on the user side terminal. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a seat to which the vacant seat detection device according to the first variation of the first embodiment of the present disclosure is attached. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a seat to which a vacant seat detection device according to a second modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure is attached. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a seat to which a vacant seat detection device according to a third modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure is attached.

(Embodiment 1)
(1) Outline An outline of the vacant seat detection device 2 and the vacant seat detection system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

  The vacant seat detection device 2 and the vacant seat detection system 1 according to the present embodiment are used in a facility 100 in which one or more seats that can be provided to a user are placed. The vacant seat detection device 2 detects whether the seat 50 placed in the facility 100 can be provided to the user. The facilities 100 of this type include stores such as restaurants, libraries, and public facilities such as halls. The space in which the seat 50 is placed may be indoor or outdoor. In addition, the seat 50 is not limited to the seat in the pay facility 100, and may be a public park, an amusement park, a station, an airport facility, a bench placed in a dock, or the like. In the following, the case where the facility 100 is a store such as a restaurant providing food and drink to customers is described as an example.

  The vacant seat detection device 2 includes a detection unit 20 that detects vacant seat information related to whether or not the seat 50 is vacant.

  The detection unit 20 includes a sensor 21 that detects the presence or absence of a person in a detection target range (R1 in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B) without contact.

  The sensor 21 is fixed to the seat 50 (see FIG. 2).

  The detection unit 20 detects vacant seat information based on the detection result of the sensor 21. Here, if the detection unit 20 detects that a person is seated on the detection target seat 50, the detection target seat outputs vacant seat information indicating that the seat is not vacant (that is, in the presence status). If the detection unit 20 does not detect that a person is seated on the detection target seat 50, it outputs vacant seat information indicating that the detection target seat is vacant.

  In this vacant seat detection device 2, since the sensor 21 fixed to the seat 50 detects the presence or absence of a person in the detection target range R1, it is detected whether a person is sitting on the seat 50 to which the sensor 21 is fixed. it can. Therefore, it is possible to improve detection accuracy of vacant seat information related to whether or not the seat 50 is vacant. Also, when the seat 50 is used in combination with a desk, even if the seat 50 is moved away from the desk, it is reliably detected whether a person is sitting in the seat 50 to which the sensor 21 is fixed. it can.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the seat 50 of the present embodiment includes the vacant seat detection device 2, a seat plate 51, and a leg 55 for supporting the seat plate 51. The vacant seat detection device 2 is fixed to at least one of the seat plate 51 and the leg 55. Since the vacant seat detection device 2 fixed to the seat 50 detects the presence or absence of a person in the detection target range R1, it is possible to detect whether a person is sitting on the seat 50 to which the vacant seat detection device 2 is fixed. Therefore, it is possible to improve detection accuracy of vacant seat information related to whether or not the seat 50 is vacant.

  Further, the vacant seat detection system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2 and a processing unit 30 that processes vacant seat information of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2.

  The plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2 are attached to the plurality of seats 50 respectively.

  Each of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2 repeatedly detects vacant seat information for the corresponding seat 50 among the plurality of seats 50.

  The processing unit 30 calculates seat usage information based on the vacant seat information of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2. The seat use information includes at least one of the use time of the seat 50, the use frequency, the rotation rate, and the congestion degree. The use time is a total value of the times when the seat 50 is used within a unit period (for example, a period such as one day, one week, one month, etc.). The frequency of use is the number of times each of the plurality of seats 50 has been used within the unit period. The rotation rate is an index indicating how many users were in one seat in a unit period. The degree of congestion is the ratio of the number of seats 50 being used to the total number of seats 50 at a certain point in time, also referred to as the seat occupancy rate.

  The processing unit 30 stores the seat usage information and the crowd related information in the storage unit 32 in association with each other. The rushing related information is information indicating a factor that affects the rushing of the facility 100 and its surroundings. For example, date and time information such as date, day, holiday, and time, schedule information including event information performed in the area where the seat 50 (that is, the facility 100) is present, and the seat 50 (the facility 100) It contains at least one of the weather information of a certain area. Here, event information includes concerts, sporting events (including competitions for various games such as baseball, soccer and athletics, and international competitions such as the Olympics) held in the area where the seat 50 (facility 100) is located, exhibitions, etc. Information on events such as the World Expo and various events (festivals, Valentine's Day, Halloween), etc. The weather information is information including at least one of weather, temperature, wind speed, wind direction, and precipitation in the area where the seat 50 (facility 100) is located.

  Then, the processing unit 30 predicts the availability of the seat 50 based on the rush related information and the seat usage information stored in the storage unit 32, and outputs prediction information indicating the prediction result to the display unit. Here, the display unit is, for example, the display unit 71 of the facility terminal 7, the display unit 81 of the user terminal 8, and the like. The facility side terminal 7 is a computer provided in the facility 100, and is used by a business operator who operates the facility 100 (e.g., an employee of a store if the facility 100 is a store). The user side terminal 8 is a terminal (a smartphone, a tablet personal computer, a laptop computer, etc.) possessed by a user who uses the facility 100 or wants to use the facility 100.

  In the vacant seat detection system 1, since the sensor 21 fixed to the seat 50 detects the presence or absence of a person in the detection target range R1, it is possible to detect whether a person is sitting on the seat 50 to which the sensor 21 is fixed. . Therefore, it is possible to improve detection accuracy of vacant seat information related to whether or not the seat 50 is vacant.

  In the present embodiment, the vacant seat detection device 2 detects whether or not the seat 50 can be provided to the user based on the vacant seat information (that is, whether or not the seat is vacant). Based on the vacant seat information of the device 2, it may be detected whether the seat 50 can be provided to the user.

  Although only one facility 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1, the processing device 3 acquires detection results (vacant seat information) of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2 in each facility 100 from the plurality of facilities 100, It is appropriately detected whether a plurality of seats 50 in each facility 100 are vacant.

(2) Details Hereinafter, the vacant seat detection system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(2.1) Configuration The vacant seat detection system 1 includes a plurality of vacant seat detectors 2 fixed to the plurality of seats 50 in the facility 100 and the processing device 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the seat 50 includes a seat plate 51 on which a person sits, a back plate 54, and four legs 55 for supporting the seat plate 51. The four legs 55 include two front legs 52R and 52L and two rear legs 53.

  The facility 100 is provided with a plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2 and a gateway 4. In addition, a facility side terminal 7 is provided in the facility 100.

  The gateway 4 relays communication between the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2 and the facility terminal 7 in the facility 100 and the network 5 such as the Internet.

  The plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2 are fixed to the plurality of seats 50 respectively.

  The vacant seat detection device 2 includes a detection unit 20 having a sensor 21 and a communication unit 22.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the housing of the vacant seat detection device 2 is constituted by a first case 23 accommodating the sensor 21, and a second case 24 accommodating the communication unit 22, a battery as a power source, and the like. The second case 24 is fixed to the lower surface of the seat plate 51. The first case 22 is fixed to the upper portion of the right front leg 52R. The first case 23 is fixed to the surface facing the left front leg 52L at the upper portion of the front leg 52R. The sensor 21 housed in the first case 23 and a circuit such as a battery housed in the second case 24 are electrically connected via the electric wire 25. Moreover, below, the back board 54 side in the seat 50 is demonstrated as a back side, and the back board 54 and the opposite side are made into the front side (refer FIG. 3A). Also, in the following description, it is assumed that the upper and lower sides and the left and right sides as viewed from the person sitting on the seat plate 51 with the back toward the back plate 54 are respectively vertical and lateral directions (see FIGS. 3A and 3B). Also, in the following, the front of the seat 50 (the front viewed from the person sitting on the seat plate 51 with the back toward the back plate 54) is also referred to as the front direction.

  The detection unit 20 includes a sensor 21 that detects the presence or absence of a person in a non-contact manner in the detection target range R1 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B). The sensor 21 includes, for example, a light emitting element 21a that emits light (for example, infrared light) toward the detection target range R1 and a light receiving element 21b that receives light (for example, infrared light) incident from the detection target range R1. Include (see Figure 2). The sensor 21 detects the presence or absence of a person in the detection target range R1 based on the amount of light received by the light receiving element 21b. The light emitting element 21a intermittently outputs infrared light toward the detection target range R1, for example, at fixed time intervals (for example, intervals of several seconds to several minutes). Here, the detection target range R1 of the sensor 21 is set to a desired range by an optical system such as a lens provided in the sensor 21. The sensor 21 can detect the presence or absence of a person in the detection target range R1 without contact, using the light emitting element 21a and the light receiving element 21b.

  When a person is sitting on the seat 50, a part of the infrared light emitted from the light emitting element 21a is reflected by the body of the person sitting on the seat 50 (for example, a part of the foot), and the light receiving element 21b receives light. Quantity increases. For example, when the light receiving amount of the light receiving element 21b exceeds the threshold value, the detecting unit 20 determines that a person is present in the detection target range R1, and outputs an attendance signal indicating that the communication unit 22 is occupied as vacant seat information. Let The threshold can be changed to an appropriate value by, for example, a switch provided in the vacant seat detection device 2 or the like.

  Although the sensor 21 includes the light emitting element 21 a that outputs infrared light and the light receiving element 21 b that receives infrared light, the light emitting element 21 a is not essential, and only the light receiving element 21 b that receives infrared light May be provided. The sensor 21 only needs to detect the presence or absence of a person without contact, and detects the presence or absence of a person without contact using light such as infrared light, sound waves such as ultrasonic waves, or radio waves such as millimeter waves and microwaves. It may be

  The communication unit 22 can communicate bi-directionally with the gateway 4 provided in the facility 100. The communication method of the communication unit 22 is, for example, wireless communication compliant with Bluetooth (registered trademark), WiFi (registered trademark) or the like. When the presence signal is input from the detection unit 20, the communication unit 22 transmits the presence signal to the processing device 3 via the gateway 4 and the network 5. That is, the object detection device 2 is a sensor using IoT (Internet of Things).

  The processing device 3 includes a processing unit 30, a communication unit 31, and a storage unit 32. In addition, the processing unit 30 includes the functions of an acquisition unit 301, an index calculation unit 302, a prediction unit 303, and an output unit 304.

  The processing unit 30 is configured of, for example, a microcomputer having a processor and a memory. That is, the processing unit 30 is realized by a computer system having a processor and a memory. Then, when the processor executes a predetermined program, the computer system functions as the processing unit 30. The program may be recorded in advance in the memory or the storage unit 32, or may be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card through a telecommunication line such as the Internet.

  The acquisition unit 301 acquires vacant seat information based on the detection results of the sensor 21 from the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2 via the network 5 and the gateway 4. In addition, the acquisition unit 301 acquires, from the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2 or the facility-side terminal 7, the seat information on the plurality of seats 50 to which the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2 are fixed via the network 5 and the gateway 4. . The seat information includes information indicating the type of the seat 50 and information on the facility 100 where the seat 50 is located (for example, the location of the facility 100, the type of business, etc.). Here, as the type of the seat 50, for example, when the facility 100 is a restaurant, it is near a charging device capable of charging portable terminals such as table seats, counter seats, two seats, four seats, and smartphones. There are chargeable, non-smoking and smoking seats. The information on the seat 50 may be set in advance in the vacant seat detection device 2 or information on the plurality of seat types in which the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2 are fixed to the facility side terminal 7 of the facility 100 where the seat 50 is located. May be set in advance. Further, the acquisition unit 301 acquires crawling related information from the server 6 or the like via the network 5.

  Based on the vacant seat information of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2 acquired by the acquisition unit 301, the index calculation unit 302 uses seat utilization information including at least one of utilization time, utilization frequency, rotation rate, and congestion degree of the seat 50. Calculate

  The prediction unit 303 predicts the availability of the seat 50 based on the rushing related information and the seat usage information. For example, when a plurality of seats 50 in the facility 100 are full, or the desired type of seat 50 is full, the prediction unit 303 waits for the time until a vacant seat occurs (hereinafter, this time Predict time). Further, when there are vacant seats in the facility 100 or there are vacant seats in the desired type of seat 50, the prediction unit 303 predicts a time zone in which the congestion state occurs. The congested state is a state in which the above-described degree of congestion exceeds a threshold (for example, 80%). The threshold value of the degree of congestion can be changed as appropriate for each type of facility 100 or seat 50.

  The output unit 304 creates screen data of a screen including information such as seat usage information calculated by the index calculation unit 302 and the availability status predicted by the prediction unit 303, and the created screen data is transmitted from the communication unit 31 through the network 5. To the facility terminal 7 or the user terminal 8. When the facility side terminal 7 and the user side terminal 8 receive the screen data from the processing device 3, the facility side terminal 7 and the user side terminal 8 display the screen created by the output unit 304 on the display units 71 and 81.

  The communication unit 31 is connected to the network 5 and can communicate with the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2 and the facility-side terminal 7 in the facility 100 via the network 5 and the gateway 4. The communication unit 31 can also communicate with the server 6 and the user terminal 8 via the network 5.

  The storage unit 32 includes, for example, a primary storage device, a secondary storage device, and the like. The primary storage device is an electrically rewritable non-volatile memory, volatile memory or the like. The non-volatile memory is, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The volatile memory is, for example, a random access memory (RAM). The secondary storage device is a hard disk drive, a flash memory or the like. The storage unit 32 stores vacant seat information acquired by the processing device 3 from the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2. In addition, the storage unit 32 stores the extraction related information acquired by the processing device 3 from the external server 6 or the like.

(2.2) Description of operation (2.2.1) Description of operation of vacant seat detection device The vacant seat detection device 2 detects the presence or absence of a person in the detection target range R1 at a certain time interval (for example, an interval of several seconds to several minutes) . That is, the light emitting element 21a of the sensor 21 emits infrared light to the detection target range R1 at certain time intervals. The light receiving element 21b of the sensor 21 receives infrared light incident from the detection target range R1. When the light reception amount of the light receiving element 21b exceeds the threshold, the detection unit 20 determines that a person is present in the detection target range R1, and the detection unit 20 transmits a presence signal indicating the presence status to the processing device 3 from the communication unit 22. Let If the light reception amount of the light receiving element 21b is equal to or less than the threshold, the detection unit 20 determines that there is no person in the detection target range R1, and the detection unit 20 does not transmit a signal from the communication unit 22 to the processing device 3. Accordingly, when the acquisition unit 301 of the processing device 3 acquires the presence signal from the vacant seat detection device 2, the processing unit 30 of the processing device 3 determines that the seat 50 to be detected is in the presence state. In addition, when the acquisition unit 301 of the processing device 3 does not acquire the presence signal from the vacant seat detection device 2, the processing unit 30 of the processing device 3 detects if the vacant seat detection device 2 continues for more than the time interval for detecting the presence or absence of a person. It is determined that the target seat 50 is vacant. Although the vacant seat detection device 2 periodically detects the presence or absence of a person in the detection target range R1, the vacant seat detection device 2 may irregularly detect the presence or absence of a person in the detection target range R1, For example, the presence or absence of a person may be detected in response to a trigger from the processing device 3.

  In the present embodiment, the communication unit 22 detects the processing unit 3 only when the vacant seat detection device 2 detects the presence of a person in the detection target range R1, that is, only when a person is present at the detection target seat 50. You are sending information. Thereby, the number of times of communication can be reduced to reduce the power consumption of the vacant seat detection device 2.

  The communication unit 22 may transmit the detection result of the detection unit 20 to the processing device 3 when the detection result (vacant seat information) of the detection unit 20 changes. That is, when the detection result of the detection unit 20 changes from the presence state to the vacant seat state, or when the detection result of the detection unit 20 changes from the vacant seat state to the occupied seat state, the detection result of the detection unit 20 (vacant seat information ) May be sent to the processing device 3. Thereby, the number of times of communication of the communication unit 22 can be reduced, and the power consumption of the vacant seat detection device 2 can be reduced.

  The vacant seat detection device 2 of the present embodiment is fixed to the seat 50 as shown in FIG. 2 and is below the seating surface of the seat 50 (the upper surface of the seating plate 51). In the example of FIG. 2, the second case 24 accommodating the communication unit 22, the battery and the like is fixed to the lower surface of the seat plate 51. The first case 23 accommodating the sensor 21 is fixed to the upper portion of the right front leg 52R.

  The detection target range R1 (R1H, R1L) of the sensor 21 includes a region above the seat surface of the seat 50 (the upper surface of the seat plate 51) (see FIG. 3B). In other words, the sensor 21 is fixed to the seat 50 so that the foot of a person enters the detection target range R1 of the sensor 21 and the rear leg 53 of the seat 50 does not enter the detection target range R1. This can reduce the possibility that the sensor 21 erroneously detects the leg 55 of the seat 50 below the seat surface.

  Here, the optical axes of the light emitting element 21a and the light receiving element 21b of the sensor 21 (that is, the central directions D1H and D1L of the detection target range R1 (R1H, R1L)) are 5 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less with respect to the horizontal direction Dh. It should be inclined at an angle of (see FIGS. 2 and 3B). More preferably, the central directions D1H and D1L of the detection target range R1 (R1H, R1L) of the sensor 21 may be inclined at an angle of 10 degrees to 25 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction Dh. The detection target range R1L is a detection target range when the light axes of the light emitting element 21a and the light receiving element 21b of the sensor 21 (the central direction of the detection target range) intersect at an angle of 10 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction. It is. The detection target range R1H is a detection target range when the light axes of the light emitting element 21a and the light receiving element 21b of the sensor 21 (the central direction of the detection target range) intersect with the horizontal direction at an angle of 25 degrees. It is. When the optical axes of the light emitting element 21a and the light receiving element 21b of the sensor 21 are set between 10 degrees and 25 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction, the detection target range R1 of the sensor 21 is the detection target range R1H and the detection target It is in the range R1L. As described above, since the central directions D1H and D1L of the detection target range R1 (R1H, R1L) of the sensor 21 obliquely intersect with the horizontal direction Dh, the thighs of the person sitting on the seat 50 detect The possibility of entering the target range R1 is high (see FIGS. 3A and 3B). The thigh has a smaller range of movement compared to the calf because the number of joints from the base of the foot 210 is smaller than that of the calf. In FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the open leg angle of the left and right legs 210 is illustrated by a solid line in a state of about 55 degrees. Further, a state in which the opening angle is about 60 degrees and a state in which the opening angle is 25 degrees are respectively illustrated by alternate long and short dashed lines. As shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, when the open angle of the foot 210 is 25 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less with the person 200 sitting on the seat 50 with the back facing the back plate, The possibility that the thigh of the foot 210 falls within the detection target range R1 is high. Therefore, when the detection unit 20 detects the presence or absence of a person at the thigh, the presence or absence of the person can be detected more reliably, and the detection accuracy of the presence or absence of the person can be improved. In the present embodiment, the angle between the central directions D1H and D1L of the detection target range R1 (R1H, R1L) of the sensor 21 and the horizontal direction Dh is the shape of the seat 50, the height from the floor of the seat plate 51, It can be suitably changed according to conditions, such as the width of seat plate 51, the mounting position of vacant seat detection device 2, and the like.

  Moreover, as shown to FIG. 3A, the sensor 21 is arrange | positioned so that the optical axis of the light emitting element 21a of the sensor 21 and the light receiving element 21b may turn diagonally forward with respect to the left-right direction. Thus, the detection target range R1 of the sensor 21 is set outside the projection area obtained by projecting the seat surface of the seat 50 in the vertical direction. As a result, the possibility that the sensor 21 erroneously detects the leg 55 of the seat 50 can be reduced, and the human foot can be detected more reliably.

  Further, the central direction of the detection target range R1 of the sensor 21 (that is, the direction parallel to the optical axes of the light emitting element 21a and the light receiving element 21b) is the front direction of the seat 50 and the seat surface of the seat 50 (upper surface of the seat plate 51) Are inclined with respect to at least one of the and the parallel direction. Thus, with the detection target range R1 of the sensor 21 as a desired range, it is possible to more reliably detect the presence or absence of a person in the detection target range R1. Therefore, even if the sensor 21 is disposed in the lower area of the seat plate 51 (that is, the projection area obtained by projecting the seat surface of the seat plate 51 downward), whether or not a person is seated on the seat 50 Can be detected reliably. Further, the vacant seat detection device 2 is disposed in a projection area obtained by projecting the seat surface of the seat plate 51 downward. In other words, since the vacant seat detection device 2 "is fixed to the seat 50 so as to be contained in the projection area obtained by projecting the seat surface of the seat 50 downward, the user of the seat 50 has the vacant seat detection device 2 It becomes difficult to notice.

(2.2.2) Description of Operation of Processing Device Hereinafter, the calculation processing in which the processing device 3 calculates seat utilization information, and the prediction processing in which the processing device 3 predicts the space situation of the seat 50 will be described with reference to FIG. Do.

  Each of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2 detects the presence or absence of a person in the detection target range R1 at a certain time interval (S1). When the vacant seat detection device 2 detects the presence of a person in the detection target range R1, the vacant seat detection device 2 transmits an attendance signal to the processing device 3.

  In the processing device 3, when the communication unit 31 receives the presence signal transmitted from the vacant seat detection device 2, the processing device 3 outputs the presence signal to the processing unit 30. The acquisition unit 301 of the processing unit 30 acquires the presence signal from the vacant seat detection device 2 when the presence signal is input from the communication unit 31 (S2). When the acquisition unit 301 acquires the presence signal from the vacant seat detection device 2, the processing unit 30 stores detection information that the seat 50 to be detected is present in the storage unit 32 in association with time information. When the vacant seat detection device 2 does not detect the presence of a person in the detection target range R1, the vacant seat detection device 2 does not transmit a seating signal to the processing unit 30. Therefore, when acquisition unit 301 can not acquire the presence signal from vacant seat detection device 2 for a period longer than the detection time interval of vacant seat detection device 2, processing unit 30 detects that seat 50 to be detected is vacant. Information is acquired (S2), and the detection information is stored in the storage unit 32 in association with time information. Thereby, the storage unit 32 stores vacant seat information of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2 in the facility 100.

  Based on the vacant seat information of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2 stored in the storage unit 32, the index calculation unit 302 of the processing device 3 determines the usage time, the usage frequency, the rotation rate, and the crowded degree of the plurality of seats 50. A process of calculating usage information is performed (S3).

  For example, the index calculation unit 302 calculates the usage time in which the seat 50 has been used in a predetermined period (the current day, the previous day, the past one week, one month, and the like) and the use frequency which is the number of times the seat 50 was used. In addition, the index calculation unit 302 obtains a rotation rate indicating how many users are per seat based on the usage frequency of the plurality of seats 50 in a predetermined period. In addition, the index calculation unit 302 calculates the degree of congestion by determining the ratio of the seats 50 in the presence state among the plurality of seats 50 in the facility 100.

  Next, the processing unit 30 determines whether the plurality of seats 50 are full (S4). If the plurality of seats 50 are full (S4: Yes), the prediction unit 303 predicts a waiting time (S5). For example, the prediction unit 303 predicts the shortest waiting time based on the current usage time of the plurality of seats 50 and the average usage time. In addition, if the plurality of seats 50 are not full (S4: No), the prediction unit 303 predicts the congestion time (S6). The prediction unit 303 predicts a congestion time, which is a time until a congestion state occurs, based on the current time, the history of the past congestion degree, and the flood related information. The prediction unit 303 predicts the crowding in the vicinity based on date and time information, schedule information, weather information, etc. included in the rushing related information, and the present availability, the history of the past congestion degree, and the future Congested time is predicted based on the forecasted result of outreach.

  After that, a screen including the detection result of the vacant seat status acquired by the acquisition unit 301, a screen including the seat usage information calculated by the index calculation unit 302, a screen including the prediction result of the prediction unit 303, etc. Create screen data for Then, the output unit 304 causes the communication unit 31 to transmit (output) the created screen data to the terminal (the facility terminal 7 or the user terminal 8) of the display destination (S7).

  When the display destination terminal (facility terminal 7 or user terminal 8) receives the screen data transmitted from the communication unit 31 of the processing device 3, the display unit (display units 71 and 81) displays the screen created by the output unit 304. ) Is displayed (S8).

  To summarize the above operation, in the vacant seat detection system 1, the processing unit 30 of the processing device 3 calculates seat usage information based on vacant seat information of a plurality of vacant seat detectors 2. The processing unit 30 associates the rush-out related information with the seat usage information and stores the association in the storage unit 32. The processing unit 30 predicts the availability of the plurality of seats 50 based on the rush related information and the seat use information stored in the storage unit 32, and outputs prediction information indicating the prediction result to the display units 71 and 81. Do. Here, the processing unit 30 of the processing device 3 may cause the display units 71 and 81 provided outside the processing device 3 to display prediction information indicating the prediction result, or the display unit included in the processing device 3 may perform prediction Prediction information indicating the result may be displayed. Moreover, although the output part 304 displays the prediction information which shows a prediction result on the display parts 71 and 81 in this embodiment, the aspect of the output of a prediction result is not limited to a display. Examples of the output mode of the prediction result include voice output, printout (printing), writing to a non-transitory recording medium, and the like.

  Here, the output unit 304 creates a screen of contents according to the display destination terminal. For example, if the terminal at the display destination is the facility side terminal 7 disposed in the facility 100 such as a restaurant, the output unit 304 creates a screen including information that leads to efficient management of the store and sales increase. Do. If the terminal of the output destination is, for example, the user-side terminal 8 of the user who wants to use the restaurant, the output unit 304 detects, for example, detection information indicating whether the seat 50 desired by the user is vacant or present Create a screen that contains information about

  The screen displayed on the display part 71 of the plant | facility side terminal 7 is illustrated in FIGS. 7-9. Note that, in the explanatory views of the screen of the facility side terminal 7 shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the alternate long and short dash line indicating the region and the like and the reference numerals are illustrated for the sake of explanation, and are not actually displayed.

  FIG. 7 is a screen showing vacant seat information which is a detection result of the plurality of vacant seat detectors 2 in the facility 100. As shown in FIG. In the area F1 of FIG. 7, information such as the current date and time, temperature, and weather are displayed. In the area G1, a time chart indicating the result of detecting empty / present for each of the plurality of seats 50 in a fixed period (for example, about one hour) up to the present is displayed. In the area F2, a symbol indicating whether each of the plurality of seats 50 is vacant or present at the present time is displayed. In the area F3, the number of seats 50 currently present is displayed. This screen allows the business owner and employees who operate the store to check the usage status of the plurality of seats 50 in a certain period up to now. When the number of seats 50 is nine or more and the time chart and the symbol indicating the vacant / in-present status can not be displayed on one screen, the screen is displayed by operating the scroll bar on the right side of the screen. You can scroll the contents.

  FIG. 8 is a screen for displaying the congestion rate prediction result calculated by the prediction unit 303 and the actual data. In the area T1, for example, tabs for selecting a desired period are displayed from four periods of “Today”, “Tomorrow”, “The day after tomorrow” and “One week”. The area G2 displays a graph indicating time-series changes of the congestion rate prediction result and the actual data in a period corresponding to the tab selected in the area T1. In the area F4, the schedule information in the period corresponding to the tab selected in the area T1 and the prediction result of the congestion state are displayed by text sentences. In the example of FIG. 8, in the area F4, a text such as "19:00-21:30 # # # # # # # # Rock concert at # # # # # #" May be crowded at 17:00-18: 00 " Although a sentence is displayed, this content is suitably changed according to the prediction result of congestion state, schedule information, etc. In addition, in the area F5, the work shift of the staff of the store is displayed in the period corresponding to the tab selected in the area T1. If a staff shortage is expected, send a button to send an e-mail requesting work, or send an e-mail requesting staff to be dispatched to other stores in the same line. A button B1 for displaying is displayed. Although the result of predicting the congestion rate for the entire facility 100 is displayed on the screen in FIG. 8, the processing unit 30 displays the seat use information calculated for each type of seat 50 on the display units 71 and 81. You may display it. In addition, the processing unit 30 associates the seat use information calculated for each type of seat 50 with the rush related information and stores them in the storage unit 32, and uses the seat use information stored in the memory unit 32 and the rush related information May be associated with each other and displayed on the display units 71 and 81. For example, the processing unit 30 may display a text sentence indicating the surfacing related information side by side with a graph or the like indicating the seat usage information.

  FIG. 9 is a screen for displaying historical data of one week in the past of the seat usage information calculated by the index calculation unit 302. In the area T2, for example, a tab for selecting each day of the past one week is displayed. In the area F6, data such as the number of visitors, sales, and a rotation rate on the day corresponding to the tab selected in the area T2 is displayed. Here, the processing device 3 can communicate with a POS (Point Of Sale) system provided in the facility 100, and may obtain information such as the number of visitors on the day, sales, etc. from the POS system. Note that the processing device 3 may obtain the total number of users of the seat 50 as the visitor of the day. In the area G3, a graph indicating the seat operating rate (congestion degree) by time zone on the day corresponding to the tab selected in the area T2 is displayed. In the area F7, on the day corresponding to the tab selected in the area T2, the average free time of one day, the total usage time of one day, and the total day are obtained for each seat 50 and each type of seat 50, respectively. The total number of users (rotations), and the average usage time per day are displayed. In the area F10, the tendency inferred based on the seat use information is displayed as a text sentence. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the region F10 has a long use time for the charging seat (average 60 minutes), a slightly long use time for the smoking seat (average 40 minutes), and a short use time next to the smoking seat Although the text portion such as "is displayed, this content is changed suitably.

  As described above, the processing unit 30 of the vacant seat detection system 1 calculates seat usage information for each type of the plurality of seats 50 based on the vacant seat information of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2. Then, the processing unit 30 outputs, to the display unit 71, seat use information calculated for each of the plurality of types of seats 50.

  Since the processing unit 30 displays the seat use information calculated for each type of the plurality of seats 50 on the display unit 71 of the facility side terminal 7, the person in charge of the facility 100 considers the number and arrangement of the seats 50. can do. In addition, the person in charge of the facility 100 can consider the operation policy, the marketing, and the like of the facility 100 for the seat usage information for each type of seat 50. Further, when the processing unit 30 displays the seat use information calculated for each type of the plurality of seats 50 on the display unit 81 of the user side terminal 8, the user can make a desired display based on the display on the display unit 81. The seat usage information of the seat 50 of the type can be confirmed. The processing unit 30 of the processing device 3 may display the seat use information calculated for each type of the plurality of seats 50 on the display portions 71 and 81 provided outside the processing device 3. The seat use information calculated for each type of the plurality of seats 50 may be displayed on the display unit included in

  Further, the processing unit 30 of the vacant seat detection system 1 may store the rush related information and the seat use information in the storage unit 32 in association with each other for each type of the plurality of seats 50. Then, the processing unit 30 may associate the feeding related information stored in the storage unit 32 with the seat usage information and output the display unit 71 or 81 for each type of the plurality of seats 50.

  As a result, the person in charge of the facility 100 having the seat 50 associates the dispatch related information with the seat usage information based on the display on the display unit 71, and examines the number and arrangement of the seats 50, etc. It is possible to consider 100 management policies and marketing. Further, based on the display on the display unit 81, the user can confirm the seat usage information of the seat 50 in association with the rushing related information. Note that the processing unit 30 of the processing device 3 may display (output) the appearance related information and the seat usage information on the display units 71 and 81 provided outside the processing device 3 or the processing device The rushing related information and the seat use information may be associated with each other and displayed (outputted) on the display unit of the third embodiment.

(2.2.3) Explanation of search processing of vacant seat by the user side terminal Hereinafter, the user accesses the processing device 3 using the user side terminal 8 and a facility (for example, a vacant seat 50 which meets the desired condition) A process of searching a store) will be described based on FIG. 10 to 13 illustrate screens displayed on the display unit 81 of the user terminal 8. In the explanatory views of the screen of the user side terminal 8 shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, a dashed dotted line indicating an area and the like and a reference numeral are illustrated for the sake of explanation, and are not actually displayed.

  The user operates the user-side terminal 8 to start application software for checking the space information of the seat 50 and the like, and causes the display unit 81 to display a screen (see FIG. 10) for selecting the seat 50. In the area F11 of FIG. 10, a text sentence (for example, "search from a store search condition") for explaining the operation content is displayed. In the area F12, a check box for inputting (selecting) a search condition for searching the seat 50 is displayed. In the example of FIG. 10, a check box for selecting the area of the seat 50 (around the current location, area designation, station designation, etc.) and the type of seat 50 (chargeable seat, counter seat, smoking seat, double seat, A check box for selecting four seats etc. is displayed. In the lower part of the screen of FIG. 10, a clear button B3 for clearing the selected condition and an execution button B4 for executing the search under the selected condition are displayed.

  While the screen of FIG. 10 is displayed on the display unit 81 of the user terminal 8, the user operates the execution button B4 after inputting the search condition for selecting the seat 50 (S11). When the execution button B4 is operated, the user terminal 8 transmits the search condition input on the screen of FIG. 10 to the processing device 3 via the network 5 (S12).

  When receiving the search condition sent from the user terminal 8, the communication unit 31 of the processing device 3 outputs the received search condition to the processing unit 30 (S13).

  When the processing unit 30 receives the search condition transmitted from the user terminal 8, the processing unit 30 selects the seat 50 that matches the search condition among the plurality of seats 50 corresponding to the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2 in the plurality of facilities 100. Extract. The processing unit 30 obtains detection information indicating whether the seat 50 that matches the search condition is currently vacant or present. In addition, the index calculation unit 302 of the processing unit 30 is seat use information including at least one of the use time, the use frequency, the rotation rate, and the congestion degree of the seat 50 for a store where the seat 50 matches the search condition. Calculate Then, the output unit 304 of the processing unit 30 creates screen data for displaying a store where the seat 50 that matches the search condition is present (S14), and the created screen data is transmitted to the user from the communication unit 31 via the network 5. It is transmitted to the side terminal 8 (S15). When the user terminal 8 receives screen data from the processing device 3, the user terminal 8 displays the screen (see FIG. 11) created by the output unit 304 on the display unit 81 (S16).

  The screen of FIG. 11 is a screen showing a search result under the search condition input by the user. In the area F13, a text sentence (for example, "three search searches") for explaining the display content is displayed. Also, in the areas F14, F15, and F16, information on stores where the seat 50 that matches the search condition is present is displayed. In the areas F14, F15, and F16, as store information, the name of the store (for example, store A, store B, store C), the number of seats, and the remaining seats of the specified type of seat 50 are displayed. In the areas F14, F15, and F16, confirmation buttons B5, B6, and B7 for confirming details of the vacant seat status are displayed, respectively.

  Here, when the user wants to confirm details of the vacant seat status of the A store, the user operates the confirmation button B5. When the user terminal 8 receives the operation of the confirmation button B5 by the user, the user terminal 8 transmits a request signal for requesting details of the vacant seat status of the A store to the processing device 3 via the network 5. When the communication unit 31 of the processing device 3 receives a request signal from the user terminal 8, the communication unit 31 outputs the request signal to the processing unit 30. In response to the request signal from the user terminal 8, the processing unit 30 performs A based on the vacant seat information which is the detection result of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2 in A shop and information such as the in-store map of A shop. Screen data of a screen (see FIG. 12) including detailed information on the availability of the store is created. Then, the processing unit 30 (output unit 304) transmits the created screen data from the communication unit 31 to the user terminal 8 of the request source via the network 5. When the user terminal 8 receives screen data from the processing device 3, the user terminal 8 displays a screen including detailed information on the availability of the shop A on the display unit 81. The screen of FIG. 12 is a screen showing detailed information of the vacant seat status of the A store. In the area F17, a text sentence (for example, "Available Seat Detail Details A Store") for explaining the contents of the screen is displayed. In the area T3, tabs for selecting the first floor portion, the second floor portion, and the third floor portion of the store are displayed. In the area F19, an in-store map of the floor selected in the area T3 is displayed. The position of the seat 50 is displayed as a circle icon, for example, on the in-store map. In the present embodiment, in the case of a vacant seat, a white circle “○” is displayed, and in the presence (seated), a black circle “●” is displayed. The in-store map also displays icons indicating chargeable seats and smokeable seats. Further, in the area F20, the total number of seats 50 in the store A, the number of vacant seats, and the number of vacant seats for each type of seat 50 are displayed. In addition, the screen may be configured so that the congestion time until the congestion state predicted by the prediction unit 303 occurs is displayed in the area F <b> 20. Thereby, the user can search for a store having a vacant seat 50 by checking the display unit 81 of the user terminal 8. In addition, if the crowded time is displayed in the area F20, it is possible to check the predicted time until the store A is in the crowded state, and to find a store in consideration of the traveling time to the store A and the like.

  Here, the vacant seat search system 1 may receive, from the user terminal 8, reservation information for booking a seat of a store where vacant seats are available. When the user inputs reservation information for reserving a seat of a desired store using the user terminal 8, the user terminal 8 transmits reservation information to the server 3. When the communication unit 31 of the server 3 receives the reservation information from the user terminal 8, the processing unit 30 transmits the reservation information from the communication unit 31 to the facility terminal 7 in the store (the facility 100) of the reservation destination. When the facility side terminal 7 receives the reservation information from the server 3, the facility terminal 7 causes the display unit 71 to display the content of the reservation information. When the employee of the facility 100 confirms the reservation information displayed on the display unit 71, it is better if the employee takes measures such as placing a reservation tag on a seat 50 used in combination with the reserved seat 50 or the seat 50. The user can reserve a desired seat 50. When the facility-side terminal 7 receives the reservation information, the display 50 provided on the desk 50 used in combination with the reserved seat 50 or the seat 50 may be used to display a reserved display or the like.

  By the way, the screen of FIG. 12 is a screen when there are vacant seats, and when there are no vacant seats in the store to be displayed, that is, when there are full seats, a screen as shown in FIG. Is displayed. The screen of FIG. 13 is different from the screen of FIG. 12 in the contents displayed in the area F20. In the area F20, the waiting time (estimated time until the seat 50 becomes vacant) predicted by the prediction unit 303 is displayed together with the text sentence of "I am just full."

  Thereby, the user can confirm the waiting time until the vacancy occurs in the desired seat 50 by checking the display unit 81 of the user side terminal 8, and can search for the store in consideration of the waiting time. .

  As described above, when the processing unit 30 of the vacant seat detection system 1 acquires detection information indicating whether or not the plurality of seats 50 can be provided to the user from the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2, types of the plurality of seats 50 are obtained. And in the storage unit 32 in association with When receiving the search request signal from the user terminal 8, the processing unit 30 outputs, to the user terminal 8, information of the facility 100 that can provide the seat 50 of the type specified by the search request signal among the plurality of types. Since the user can receive information on the facility 100 that can provide the desired type of seat 50 from the processing device 3 (processing unit 30) using the user side terminal 8, there is an available seat 50 The facility 100 can be grasped and convenience is improved.

  In addition, the processing unit 30 of the vacant seat detection system 1 sends information on the facility 100 that can provide the seat 50 of the type specified by the search request signal and information on the number of seats that can be provided to the user terminal 8 Output. The user can receive information on the number of available seats 50 from the processing device 3 (processing unit 30) using the user side terminal 8, and the convenience is further improved.

  Further, the processing unit 30 of the vacant seat detection system 1 of the present embodiment calculates the seat utilization information based on the vacant seat information of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2 and associates the crowd related information with the seat utilization information. It is stored in the storage unit 32. When the processing unit 30 outputs the search result of the seat 50 to the display unit 81 of the user terminal 8, the processing unit 30 may output the search related information and the seat usage information in association with each other to the user terminal 8. Since the user can also obtain rush-related information from the processing device 3 (processing unit 30) using the user-side terminal 8, the user can determine the action schedule in consideration of the rush-related information, and the convenience is improved.

  Further, the processing unit 30 of the processing device 3 determines that the vacancy rate (the value obtained by subtracting the congestion rate from 100%) of the store where the seat 50 matches the search condition received from the user terminal 8 is less than the determination value The information for promoting the use of takeout sales may be output to the user terminal 8. The operation of the processing device 3 in this case will be described according to FIG. Since the process to S21-S23 of FIG. 6 is the same as the process to S11-S13 of FIG. 5, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  When the processing unit 30 receives the search condition transmitted from the user terminal 8 in step S23, the processing unit 30 matches the search condition among the plurality of seats 50 corresponding to the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2 in the plurality of facilities 100. Extract the seat 50. Further, the processing unit 30 obtains detection information indicating whether the seat 50 that matches the search condition is currently vacant or present. In addition, the index calculation unit 302 of the processing unit 30 is seat use information including at least one of the use time, the use frequency, the rotation rate, and the congestion degree of the seat 50 for a store where the seat 50 matches the search condition. Is calculated (S24).

  Here, the processing unit 30 determines whether the vacancy rate of the store where the seat 50 matching the search condition is is equal to or less than the determination value (S25). This determination value can be appropriately changed according to the number of seats 50 in the store, the rotation rate, and the like.

  If the vacancy rate is larger than the determination value (S25: No), the processing unit 30 creates screen data of a screen including presentation information to be presented to the user side terminal 8, and this screen data is used as the user side terminal 8 of the request source. Send to When receiving the screen data from the processing device 3, the user terminal 8 displays a screen including presentation information on the display unit 81 based on the screen data. This process is similar to the process of steps S14 to S16 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the vacancy rate is equal to or less than the determination value (S25: Yes), the processing unit 30 creates presentation information for promoting use of takeout sales, and the output unit 304 communicates the screen data of the screen including the presentation information 31 is sent to the user terminal 8 of the request source (S26). When the user terminal 8 receives screen data from the processing device 3, the user terminal 8 displays a screen including presentation information on the display unit 81 (S27).

  Thus, the facility 100 has a store that provides food and drink within the facility 100 and takes out and sells food and drink. When the processing unit 30 of the processing device 3 receives a search request signal requesting the detection information of the seat 50 in the store among the plurality of seats 50 from the user side terminal 8, the vacancy rate of the seat 50 in the store is the determination value If it is the following, information to urge use of takeout sales is output to the user side terminal 8.

  Thereby, when the vacancy rate of the store with the desired seat 50 is lower than the judgment value, it is possible to urge the user to use takeout sales, and the store side can reduce the loss of sales opportunity, and Unnecessary waiting time can also be reduced by the user.

(3) Modifications The above embodiment is only one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiment can be variously modified according to the design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. The same function as the vacant seat detection system may be embodied by a vacant seat detection method, a computer program, or a non-temporary recording medium recording the program.

  The vacant seat detection method according to an aspect includes an acquisition process, a calculation process, a prediction process, and an output process. Each of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2 repeatedly detects vacant seat information for the corresponding seat 50 among the plurality of seats 50. In the acquisition process, vacant seat information is acquired from the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2. In the calculation process, seat utilization information is calculated based on the vacant seat information of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2. The dispatch related information and the seat use information are stored in the storage unit 32 in association with each other. In the prediction process, the availability of the plurality of seats 50 is predicted based on the rush-related information and the seat usage information stored in the storage unit 32. In the output process, the prediction results are displayed on the display units 71 and 81.

  The vacant seat detection method according to an aspect includes a calculation process and an output process. Each of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2 repeatedly detects vacant seat information for the corresponding seat 50 among the plurality of seats 50. In the calculation process, seat usage information is calculated for each type of the plurality of seats 50 based on the vacant seat information of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2. In the output process, the seat use information calculated for each type of the plurality of seats 50 is displayed on the display unit 71, 81.

  The vacant seat detection method according to an aspect includes an acquisition process and an output process. Each of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices 2 repeatedly detects vacant seat information for the corresponding seat 50 among the plurality of seats 50. In the acquisition process, vacant seat information is acquired for a plurality of seats 50, and the acquired detection information is stored in the storage unit 32 in association with the types of the plurality of seats 50. In the output process, when the search request signal is received from the user terminal 8, the information of the facility 100 which can provide the seat 50 of the type specified by the search request signal among the plurality of types is output to the user terminal 8.

  A (computer) program according to one aspect is a program for causing a computer system to execute the above-described vacant seat detection method.

  Hereinafter, modifications of the above embodiment will be listed. The modifications described below can be applied in combination as appropriate.

  An execution subject of the vacant seat detection system or vacant seat detection method in the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system mainly includes a processor and memory as hardware. The processor executes the program recorded in the memory of the computer system to implement a function as an execution subject of the vacant seat detection system or vacant seat detection method in the present disclosure. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, but may be provided through a telecommunication line or may be recorded and provided in a non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer system. Non-transitory recording media readable by the computer system are memory cards, optical disks, hard disk drives and the like. A processor of a computer system is configured of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large scale integrated circuit (LSI). The plurality of electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip or may be distributed to a plurality of chips. The plurality of chips may be integrated into one device or may be distributed to a plurality of devices.

  In the above embodiment, the vacant seat detection system 1 is realized by the plurality of vacant seat detectors 2 and the processing device 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the processing device 3 includes two or more It may be realized by a system. The processing device 3 is realized by one device that fits in one case, but the processing device 3 includes two or more functions such as an acquisition unit 301, an index calculation unit 302, a prediction unit 303, and an output unit 304. It may be distributed to the system of Also, at least part of the functions of the vacant seat detection system 1 may be realized by, for example, a cloud (cloud computing). Further, it is not essential that the processing device 3 includes the storage unit 32 for storing the appearance related information, the seat usage information, and the like, and the storage unit 32 may be outside the processing device 3 and connected to the network 5 Server may store the attendance related information and the seat use information.

  In the first embodiment, the vacancy rate is larger than the determination value in the comparison between the vacancy rate and the determination value, but the vacancy rate may be equal to or more than the determination value. That is, there is no technical difference between the vacancy rate being greater than the determination value and the vacancy rate being greater than the determination value.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the first case 23 accommodating the sensor 21 of the vacant seat detection device 2 is attached to the front leg 52R on the right side, but as shown in FIG. (Modification 1).

  Although the detection target range of the sensor 21 is one, a plurality of detection target ranges of the sensor 21 may be provided by an optical system such as a lens. By setting plural detection target ranges of the sensor 21 of the vacant seat detection device 2, it is more reliable whether the seat 50 is vacant or occupied, in other words, whether or not the seat 50 can be provided to the user Can be detected.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the vacant seat detection device 2 may be provided with two first cases 23a and 23b that respectively accommodate the sensors 21 (Modification 2). The vacant seat detection device 2 is fixed to the lower side of the seat plate 51. The two first cases 23a and 23b are respectively disposed on the left and right of the second case 24 so that the left and right feet of the person sitting on the seat 50 can be measured. Here, in the sensor 21 accommodated in the right first case 23a, the central direction D1a of the detection target range is inclined to the right with respect to the front direction Df (forward direction). Further, in the sensor 21 accommodated in the left first case 23b, the central direction D1b of the detection target range is inclined to the left with respect to the front direction Df (forward direction). As described above, since the human foot is detected by the two sensors 21, it is possible to more reliably detect whether the seat 50 is vacant.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the vacant seat detection device 2 may be provided with two first cases 23 a and 23 b that respectively accommodate the sensors 21 (Modification 3). The first case 23a is fixed to the upper portion of the right front leg 52R, and the first case 23b is fixed to the upper portion of the left front leg 52L.

  Here, in the sensor 21 accommodated in the first case 23a, the central direction D1a of the detection target range faces obliquely left forward and obliquely upward. Further, in the sensor 21 accommodated in the first case 23b, the central direction D1b of the detection target range faces obliquely forward to the right, and is obliquely upward. That is, the central direction D1a of the detection target range of the sensor 21 accommodated in the first case 23a and the central direction D1b of the detection target range of the sensor 21 accommodated in the first case 23b face each other inward. The central direction D1a of the detection target range of the sensor 21 housed in the first case 23a and the central direction D1b of the detection target range of the sensor 21 housed in the first case 23b correspond to the front direction of the seat 50 and the seat It is inclined with respect to both the bearing surface and the parallel direction. As a result, the sensor 21 fixed on the upper part of the right front leg 52R can detect the left foot of the person sitting on the seat 50, and the sensor 21 fixed on the upper part of the left front leg 52L Since the right foot can be detected, it can be more reliably detected whether the seat 50 is empty.

  It is not essential that the central direction D1a and the central direction D1b be inclined in both the front direction of the seat 50 and the direction parallel to the seat surface of the seat, but the front direction of the seat 50 and the seat surface It may be inclined with respect to at least one of the parallel directions.

  Moreover, although the number of the sensors 21 was two in the example of FIG.15 and FIG.16, three or more sensors 21 may be sufficient and the detection object range of the sensor 21 may be three or more.

  That is, when there are a plurality of sensors 21, the center direction of the detection target range of some of the plurality of sensors 21 and the center direction of the detection target range of the remaining sensors 21 of the plurality of sensors 21 are It is only necessary to face each other. The center direction of the detection range of some of the sensors 21 and the center direction of the detection range of the remaining sensors 21 of the plurality of sensors 21 are the front direction of the seat 50 and the seat 50. It may be inclined with respect to at least one of the bearing surface and the parallel direction. Thereby, the plurality of sensors 21 can more reliably detect whether the seat 50 is vacant.

  In addition, in the facility 100 to which the vacant seat detection system 1 is applied, a position detection system may be provided which detects the position of the seat 50 and the fixture such as a desk or tray that the user uses in combination with the seat 50. . The position detection system includes, for example, transmitters of beacon signals respectively provided to the cabinet and the seat 50, and a receiver of beacon signals provided to the facility 100, and the received radio wave intensity of the beacon signal received by the receiver is The positions of the furniture and the seat 50 are respectively detected. Then, the server 3 combines the position of the seat 50 detected by the position detection system with the position of the furniture to determine whether the seat 50 can be provided to the user. For example, the server 3 may determine that the seat 50 can not be provided to the user when one of the four seats 50 combined with the table for four seats is vacant. Thus, based on the position of the seat 50 and the position of the furniture used in combination with the seat 50, the server 3 determines to determine whether the seat 50 can be provided to the user. This makes it possible to make more detailed decisions. In this case, the communication unit 22 provided in the seat 50 may double as a beacon signal transmitter.

(Summary)
The vacant seat detection device (2) according to the first aspect includes a detection unit (20) that detects vacant seat information related to whether or not the seat (50) is vacant. The detection unit (20) has a sensor (21) that detects the presence or absence of a person in the detection target range (R1, R1H, R1L) without contact. The sensor (21) is fixed to the seat (50). The detection unit (20) detects vacant seat information based on the detection result of the sensor (21).

  According to this aspect, since the sensor (21) fixed to the seat (50) detects the presence or absence of a person in the detection target range (R1, R1H, R1L), the seat to which the sensor (21) is fixed Whether or not a person is sitting at (50) can be detected. Therefore, it is possible to improve detection accuracy for detecting vacant seat information related to whether or not the seat (50) is vacant.

  In the vacant seat detection device (2) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the sensor (21) is below the seat surface of the seat (50).

  According to this aspect, since the sensor (21) is below the seat surface of the seat (50), there is an advantage that the presence of the sensor (21) is less noticeable.

  In the vacant seat detection device (2) according to the third aspect, in the second aspect, the detection target range (R1, R1H, R1L) of the sensor (21) is an area above the seat surface of the seat (50). Including.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the possibility of false detection of the leg (55) of the seat (50) below the seat surface.

  In the vacant seat detection device (2) according to the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the detection target range (R1, R1H, R1L) of the sensor (21) is a seat of the seat (50) It is outside the projection area where the plane is projected in the vertical direction.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the possibility of false detection of the leg (55) of the seat (50) below the seat surface.

  In the vacant seat detection device (2) according to the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, there are a plurality of detection target ranges (R1, R1H, R1L) of the sensor (21).

  According to this aspect, it is possible to more reliably detect whether the seat (50) can be provided to the user.

  In the vacant seat detection device (2) according to the sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the central direction (D1, D1a,) of the detection target range (R1, R1H, R1L) of the sensor (21) D1b, D1H, D1L) are inclined relative to at least one of the front direction (Df) of the seat (50) and the direction (Dh) parallel to the seating surface of the seat (50).

  According to this aspect, with the detection target range (R1, R1H, R1L) of the sensor (21) as a desired range, the presence or absence of a person in the detection target range (R1, R1H, R1L) can be detected more reliably.

  In the vacant seat detection device (2) according to the seventh aspect, there are a plurality of sensors (21) in any one of the first to sixth aspects. Detection of the center direction (D1, D1a, D1b) of the detection target range (R1) of some sensors (21) among the plurality of sensors (21) and detection of the remaining sensors (21) among the plurality of sensors (21) The central directions of the target range (R1, R1H, R1L) face each other and at least the front direction (Df) of the seat (50) and the direction (Dh) parallel to the seat surface of the seat (50). It inclines to one side.

  According to this aspect, the presence or absence of a person can be more reliably detected by the plurality of sensors (21).

  In the vacant seat detection device (2) according to the eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the sensor (21) includes a light emitting element (21a) and a light receiving element (21b). The light emitting element (21a) emits light toward the detection target range (R1, R1H, R1L). The light receiving element (21b) receives light incident from the detection target range (R1, R1H, R1L). The sensor (21) detects the presence or absence of a person in the detection target range (R1, R1H, R1L) based on the amount of light received by the light receiving element (21b).

  According to this aspect, the presence or absence of a person in the detection target range (R1, R1H, R1L) can be detected without contact.

  The vacant seat detection system (1) according to the ninth aspect includes a plurality of vacant seat detection devices (2) according to any one of the first to eighth aspects. The vacant seat detection system (1) further includes a processing unit (30) that processes the vacant seat information of the plurality of vacant seat detectors (2). The plurality of vacant seat detection devices (2) correspond one-to-one to the plurality of seats (50), and each of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices (2) is a corresponding seat (50) among the plurality of seats (50). Attached to). Each of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices (2) repeatedly detects vacant seat information for the corresponding seat (50) among the plurality of seats (50). The processing unit (30) calculates seat usage information based on the vacant seat information of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices (2). The seat use information includes at least one of the use time of the seat (50), the use frequency, the rotation rate, and the congestion degree. The processing unit (30) associates the rush-out related information and the seat usage information and stores them in the storage unit (32). The rushing related information includes at least one of date and time information, schedule information including event information of an area where the seat (50) is present, and weather information. The processing unit (30) predicts the availability of a plurality of seats (50) based on the displacement related information and the seat usage information stored in the storage unit (32), and displays the prediction information indicating the prediction result Output to (71, 81).

  According to this aspect, it is possible to confirm the prediction result of the availability based on the output of the display unit (71, 81). Therefore, the user can make an action schedule in consideration of the prediction result of the availability, and the convenience improves. In addition, at the facility (100) side where the seat (50) is placed, staff shift in work is considered in consideration of the prediction result of the availability of the seat (50), and efficient operation of the facility (100) Can be

  The vacant seat detection system (1) according to the tenth aspect includes a plurality of vacant seat detection devices (2) according to any one of the first to eighth aspects. The vacant seat detection system (1) further includes a processing unit (30) that processes vacant seat information of the plurality of vacant seat detectors (2). The plurality of vacant seat detection devices (2) correspond one-to-one to the plurality of seats (50), and each of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices (2) is a corresponding seat (50) among the plurality of seats (50). Attached to). Each of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices (2) repeatedly detects vacant seat information for the corresponding seat (50) among the plurality of seats (50). There are multiple types of multiple seats (50). The processing unit (30) calculates seat usage information for each type of the plurality of seats (50) based on the detection results of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices (2). The seat use information includes at least one of the use time of the seat (50), the use frequency, the rotation rate, and the congestion degree. The processing unit (30) outputs, to the display unit (71, 81), the seat usage information calculated for each type of the plurality of seats (50).

  According to this aspect, since the seat usage information is output to the display unit (71, 81) for each type of seat (50), the user can confirm the seat usage information for the desired type of seat (50). In addition, the person in charge of the facility (100) having the seat (50) can consider the number and arrangement of the seats (50) based on the seat usage information for each type of seat (50). 100) management policy and marketing can be considered.

  In the vacant seat detection system (1) according to the eleventh aspect, in the tenth aspect, the processing unit (30) associates the dispatch related information with the seat usage information for each type of the plurality of seats (50). It stores in the storage unit (32). The rushing related information includes at least one of date and time information, schedule information including event information of an area where the seat (50) is present, and weather information. The processing unit (30) associates the rush-out related information stored in the storage unit (32) with the seat usage information calculated by the processing unit (30) for each type of the plurality of seats (50), and displays the unit Output to (71, 81).

  According to this aspect, the surrendering related information and the seat use information are output to the display unit (71, 81) for each type of seat (50), so that the user can find a seat of the desired type of seat (50). You can check the usage information. In addition, the person in charge of the facility (100) with the seat (50) associates the dispatch related information with the seat usage information, and examines the number and arrangement of the seats (50), etc., and operates the facility (100). You can consider policies and marketing.

  The vacant seat detection system (1) according to the twelfth aspect includes a plurality of vacant seat detection devices (2) according to any one of the first to eighth aspects. The vacant seat detection system (1) further includes a processing unit (30) that processes vacant seat information of the plurality of vacant seat detectors (2). The plurality of vacant seat detection devices (2) correspond one-to-one to the plurality of seats (50), and each of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices (2) is a corresponding seat (50) among the plurality of seats (50). Attached to). Each of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices (2) repeatedly detects vacant seat information for the corresponding seat (50) among the plurality of seats (50). There are multiple types of multiple seats (50). The plurality of seats (50) are arranged in two or more facilities (100). The processing unit (30) stores vacant seat information on the plurality of seats (50) in the storage unit (32) in association with the types of the plurality of seats (50). When the processing unit (30) receives the search request signal from the user side terminal (8), the information of the facility (100) which can provide the seat (50) of the type specified by the search request signal among the plurality of types Output to the user terminal (8).

  According to this aspect, the user can receive information of the facility (100) that can provide the desired type of seat (50) from the processing unit (30) using the user side terminal (8) Therefore, the facility (100) having available seats (50) can be grasped, and the convenience is improved.

  In the vacant seat detection system (1) according to the thirteenth aspect, in the twelfth aspect, the processing unit (30) is information of the facility (100) capable of providing the seat (50) of the type designated by the search request signal. And information on the number of available seats (50) to the user terminal (8).

  According to this aspect, the user can receive information on the number of available seats (50) from the processing unit (30) using the user side terminal (8), and the convenience is further improved. .

  In the vacant seat detection system (1) according to the fourteenth aspect, in the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, the processing unit (30) calculates seat usage information based on the detection results of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices (2). . The seat use information includes at least one of the use time of the seat (50), the use frequency, the rotation rate, and the congestion degree. The processing unit (30) associates the rush-out related information with the seat usage information and stores it in the storage unit (32). The rushing related information includes at least one of date and time information, schedule information including event information of an area where the seat (50) is present, and weather information.

  According to this aspect, the user can also acquire the surfacing related information from the processing unit (30) using the user side terminal (8).

  In the vacant seat detection system (1) according to the fifteenth aspect, in any one of the ninth to fourteenth aspects, the plurality of seats (50) are arranged in two or more facilities (100). Facility (100) is a store that provides food and drink within facility (100) and takes out and sells food and drink. When the processing unit (30) receives from the user terminal (8) a search request signal for requesting detection information of the seat (50) in the store among the plurality of seats (50), the seat (50) in the store If the vacancy rate is lower than the determination value, the information for promoting the use of takeout sales is output to the user terminal (8).

  According to this aspect, the store side can reduce the loss of sales opportunity by urging the user to use takeout sales.

  A seat (50) according to a sixteenth aspect includes the vacant seat detection device (2) according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, a seat plate (51), and a leg (55) supporting the seat plate (51) And. An empty seat detection device (2) is fixed to at least one of the seat plate (51) and the leg (55).

  According to this aspect, since the sensor (21) fixed to the seat (50) detects the presence or absence of a person in the detection target range (R1, R1H, R1L), a person sits in the seat (50) It can detect if it is Therefore, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy for detecting whether the seat (50) can be provided to the user.

  The ninth to fifteenth aspects are aspects that can be practiced alone, and it is not essential to assume any of the first to eighth aspects. That is, in the vacant seat detection system (1) according to the ninth to fifteenth aspects, it is not essential to adopt the configuration of the vacant seat detection device (2) described in any of the first to eighth aspects. That is, the vacant seat detection system (1) according to the ninth to fifteenth aspects includes the vacant seat detection device for detecting whether or not the vacant seat is by a method other than the vacant seat detection device (2) described in the above embodiment. Good. For example, the vacant seat detection device has a load sensor provided on the seat plate to detect whether or not the seat is vacant by detecting a load applied to the seat surface, or a thermal image of a space where the seat exists. The thermal image sensor may be used to detect whether the seat is vacant or not.

  The configurations according to the second to ninth aspects are not essential to the vacant seat detection device (2), and can be omitted as appropriate. The configurations according to the eleventh and thirteenth to fifteenth aspects are not essential for the vacant seat detection system (1), and can be omitted as appropriate.

Reference Signs List 1 vacant seat detection system 2 vacant seat detection device 3 processing device 7 facility terminal 8 user terminal 20 detection unit 21 sensor 30 processing unit 32 storage unit 50 seat 51 seat plate 52L, 52R front leg (leg)
53 back leg (leg)
55 leg 71, 81 display unit 100 facility 301 acquisition unit 302 index calculation unit 303 prediction unit 304 output unit D1, D1a, D1b, D1H, D1L Center direction of detection target range R1, R1H, R1L detection target range

Claims (16)

A detection unit for detecting vacant seat information related to whether or not the seat is vacant,
The detection unit includes a sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person in a detection target range without contact.
The sensor is fixed to the seat,
The detection unit detects the vacant seat information based on the detection result of the sensor. The vacant seat detection device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is lower than a seat surface of the seat. The vacant seat detection device according to claim 2, wherein the detection target range of the sensor includes an area above the seat surface of the seat. The vacant seat detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the detection target range of the sensor is outside a projection area obtained by projecting the seat surface of the seat in the vertical direction. The vacant seat detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein there are a plurality of detection target ranges of the sensor. The vacant seat according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a central direction of the detection target range of the sensor is inclined with respect to at least one of a front direction of the seat and a direction parallel to a seat surface of the seat. Detection device. There are multiple said sensors,
The center direction of the detection target range of a part of the plurality of sensors and the center direction of the detection target range of the remaining sensors of the plurality of sensors face inward to each other and of the seat The vacant seat detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which is inclined with respect to at least one of a front direction and a direction parallel to the seat surface of the seat. The sensor includes a light emitting element for emitting light toward the detection target range, and a light receiving element for receiving light incident from the detection target range.
The vacant seat detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sensor detects the presence or absence of a person in the detection target range based on the amount of light received by the light receiving element. A plurality of vacant seat detection devices according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A processing unit configured to process the vacant seat information of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices;
The plurality of vacant seat detection devices correspond one-to-one to the plurality of seats,
Each of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices is attached to a corresponding one of the plurality of seats,
Each of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices repeatedly detects the vacant seat information for the corresponding seat among the plurality of seats,
The processing unit calculates, based on the vacant seat information of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices, seat utilization information including at least one of utilization time, frequency of use, rotation rate, and degree of congestion of the seat,
The processing unit stores date and time information, schedule information including event information of the area where the seat is located, rushing related information including at least one of weather information, and the seat use information in association with each other in the storage unit ,
The processing unit predicts the availability of the plurality of seats based on the rush related information and the seat use information stored in the storage unit, and outputs prediction information indicating a prediction result to a display unit. Vacancy detection system. A plurality of vacant seat detection devices according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A processing unit configured to process the vacant seat information of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices;
The plurality of vacant seat detection devices correspond one-to-one to the plurality of seats,
Each of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices is attached to a corresponding one of the plurality of seats,
Each of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices repeatedly detects the vacant seat information for the corresponding seat among the plurality of seats,
There are multiple types of seats,
The processing unit is configured to, based on the detection results of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices, seat usage information including at least one of usage time of the seat, usage frequency, rotation rate, and congestion degree of the plurality of seats. Calculated for each type,
The vacant seat detection system, wherein the processing unit outputs, to a display unit, the seat usage information calculated for each of the plurality of seat types. The processing unit includes date and time information, schedule information including event information of the area where the seat is located, and appearance related information including at least one of weather information for each of the plurality of seat types; Are associated and stored in the storage unit,
The processing unit associates, for each type of the plurality of seats, the surfacing related information stored in the storage unit and the seat usage information calculated by the processing unit, and outputs the information to the display unit. Vacant seat detection system according to 10. A plurality of vacant seat detection devices according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A processing unit configured to process the vacant seat information of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices;
The plurality of vacant seat detection devices correspond one-to-one to the plurality of seats,
Each of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices is attached to a corresponding one of the plurality of seats,
Each of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices repeatedly detects the vacant seat information for the corresponding seat among the plurality of seats,
There are multiple types of seats,
The plurality of seats are located at two or more facilities,
The processing unit stores the vacant seat information on the plurality of seats in the storage unit in association with the types of the plurality of seats.
When the processing unit receives a search request signal from the user terminal, the processing unit outputs, to the user terminal, information on the facility capable of providing a seat of the type specified by the search request signal among the plurality of types. Detection system. The processing unit outputs information on the facility capable of providing a seat of the type specified by the search request signal and information on the number of available seats on the seat to the user side terminal. Vacancy detection system. The processing unit calculates, based on the vacant seat information of the plurality of vacant seat detection devices, seat utilization information including at least one of utilization time, frequency of use, rotation rate, and degree of congestion of the seat,
The processing unit stores date and time information, schedule information including event information of the area where the seat is located, rushing related information including at least one of weather information, and the seat usage information in the storage unit in association with each other. The vacant seat detection system according to claim 12 or 13. The plurality of seats are located at two or more facilities,
The facility is a store that provides food and drink within the facility and take-out sales of food and drink.
When the processing unit receives, from the user terminal, a search request signal requesting the vacant seat information of a seat in the store among the plurality of seats, the vacant seat rate of the seat in the store is less than or equal to the determination value The vacant seat detection system according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein information for promoting use of takeout sales at the store is output to the user side terminal. The vacant seat detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a seat plate, and a leg supporting the seat plate,
A seat, wherein the vacant seat detection device is fixed to at least one of the seat plate and the leg.