JP2021022090A - Calling device and calling system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a calling device for supplying visual and intuitive feedback to users that pertains to a wait situation until a requested service is provided.SOLUTION: A calling device 2 comprises: an operation unit 22 (200) for accepting a user operation; a signal generation unit 24a for generating a request signal that indicates a request for a prescribed service on the basis of the accepted user operation; a communication unit 21 for wirelessly transmitting the request signal to a server 4 and wirelessly receiving a feedback signal from the server 4 that includes status information based on a required time until the prescribed service is provided; a light emitting unit 23 (300) composed so as to emit light with a variable pattern; and a light emission control unit 24b for controlling a light emission pattern in accordance with the status information included in the feedback signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a calling device and a calling system using the calling device.

Patent Document 1 discloses a remote calling system for stores. In this system, a call signal by operating an order button switch or an accounting button switch is transmitted from a transmitter arranged in a guest room to a receiving side device, and a response signal is transmitted from the receiving side device to the transmitter accordingly. In response to this response signal, a voice message of a confirmation response regarding order acceptance or accounting acceptance is output from the speaker of the transmitter.

Patent Document 2 discloses an ordering system. In this system, the calling device sends the calling information to the receiving device, and the receiving device that receives the calling information sends the calling completion information to the calling device. The calling device lights or blinks the light emitting device of the notification unit in response to the transmission of the calling information or the reception of the calling completion information.

JP-A-2009-157695 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-113389

However, in the configuration of Patent Documents 1 and 2, the customer (user) who requested the service can know that the service has been accepted, but can know how long the service should be provided. You may not be able to do it, and you may feel anxious and frustrated. On the other hand, it is difficult to quantify the exact time required from requesting to providing a service in the ever-changing situation inside the store. Even if such a quantified time display (for example, countdown) is performed, if the service is not provided according to the time display, the user will still feel anxious and frustrated. .. In addition, when the general waiting time, that is, the waiting status is displayed or spoken in a language, multilingual support is required in consideration of recent globalization and an increase in inbound, which complicates devices and systems. Therefore, it is desired that the user can visually and intuitively grasp the waiting status until the requested service is provided regardless of the language.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a calling device capable of giving a user visual and intuitive feedback on the waiting status until the requested service is provided, and a calling system using the calling device. ..

The calling device according to the present disclosure includes an operation unit that accepts user operations, a signal generation unit that generates a request signal indicating a request for a predetermined service based on the received user operation, and a predetermined user operation that wirelessly transmits the request signal to the server. A communication unit that wirelessly receives a feedback signal including status information based on the time required until the service is provided from the server, a light emitting unit configured to emit light in a variable light emission pattern, and status information included in the feedback signal. It is provided with a light emission control unit that controls a light emission pattern according to the above.

The calling system according to the present disclosure includes the above-mentioned calling device, a server, and a response terminal that transmits a feedback signal to the server in response to a request signal received from the server, and the status information can be selected by the user at the response terminal. It is included in the feedback signal accordingly, or it is included in the feedback signal according to the prediction processing in the server.

It is a block diagram of the calling system by embodiment of this invention. It is an external view of an example of the calling device according to the embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the response terminal by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the response terminal by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the response terminal by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the response terminal by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the response terminal by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the response terminal by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the response terminal by embodiment of this invention. It is a signal flow diagram of an example of the calling system by embodiment of this invention. It is a signal flow diagram of another example of the calling system by embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is an external view of another example of a calling device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a calling system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The calling system 1 is applied to, for example, a restaurant (store) R such as a restaurant or a pub, where a customer (requesting user) requests a service from a clerk (responding user), and the requesting user provides the service to the responding user. It is a system used in the situation of providing. When the requesting user and the responding user are not distinguished, the requesting user or the responding user is simply referred to as a "user".

The calling system 1 includes a calling device 2-1 to 2-m, a response terminal 3 to 1-3-n, and a server 4. In this embodiment, it is assumed that each of the calling devices 2-1 to 2-m has the same configuration, and each of the response terminals 3-1 to 3-n has the same configuration. Further, in the present disclosure, the calling devices 2-1 to 2-m are collectively referred to as a calling device 2 or one of them is collectively referred to as a response terminal 3 to 1-3-n. As a representative, it is referred to as a response terminal 3. Each calling device 2 is a device placed on each table in the store R. Each response terminal 3 is a communication terminal carried by each clerk, and is, for example, a watch-type wearable terminal, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. The server 4 may be a server such as a cloud server that can be located remotely from the store R, or may be a local server located in the store R. Although FIG. 1 shows one store R, the calling system 1 may include a plurality of stores R.

The schematic operation of the calling system 1 is as follows. First, the calling device 2 transmits a request signal indicating a request for a predetermined service to the server 4 in response to an operation of the requesting user. The server 4 transmits the received request signal to the response terminal 3 (usually, a plurality of response terminals 3). A part or all of the response terminals 3 transmit a feedback signal to the server 4 in response to the operation of the response user. The server 4 transmits a task signal for instructing the provision of the request service to one of the response terminals 3 that has transmitted the feedback signal. Further, the server 4 transmits the feedback signal to the calling device 2 which is the source of the request signal. The feedback signal includes status information regarding the time required to provide the requesting service (waiting time). The calling device 2 that has received the feedback signal emits light in a pattern corresponding to the status information included in the feedback signal. After that, the response user of the response terminal 3 that receives the task signal provides the request service to the request user. Then, when the provision of the request service is completed, the calling device 2 returns the light emitting state to the default state (for example, extinguished) according to the operation of the responding user, and transmits a cancel signal to the server 4. Further, the requesting user can evaluate the provision of the service by the responding user, and the calling device 2 can transmit the evaluation signal to the server 4 in response to the operation of the requesting user.

The calling device 2 includes a communication unit 21, an operation unit 22, a light emitting unit 23, a control unit 24, and a power supply unit 25, and the control unit 24 includes a signal generation unit 24a and a light emission control unit 24b. Further, the calling device 2 may further include an auxiliary output unit 26 such as a liquid crystal display unit and a speaker, if necessary. The communication unit 21, the operation unit 22, the light emitting unit 23, the signal generation unit 24a, the light emission control unit 24b, the power supply unit 25, and the auxiliary output unit 26 are connected by a bus so that appropriate voltage, signal, or data can be exchanged. Will be done.

The communication unit 21 may be any general communication means capable of communicating with the server 4 (communication network N and communication unit 41) according to an appropriate communication standard. This communication is, for example, Wi-Fi® communication via a Wi-Fi spot or a Wi-Fi router, or wireless communication according to standards such as 3G, 4G, and LTE. As will be described in detail later, the communication unit 21 transmits a request signal, an evaluation signal, or a cancel signal to the server 4 and receives a feedback signal from the server 4 under the control of the control unit 24. In the present disclosure, the request signal, the evaluation signal, and the cancel signal are collectively referred to as an operation signal.

The operation unit 22 includes a request button 22a, an evaluation button 22b, and a cancel button 22c. As can be seen from the explanation described later, FIG. 1 shows each one request button 22a, evaluation button 22b, and cancel button 22c, but each of the request button 22a, the evaluation button 22b, and the cancel button 22c is composed of a plurality of buttons. obtain.

The request button 22a is a button for accepting a service request, and generates a request acceptance signal in response to an operation (contact, pressing, etc.) of the requesting user. Here, the services include serving requests for certain foods and drinks (water (cold), tea, beer, food, etc.), accounting requests, calling requests, tableware (chopsticks, spoons, forks, knives, tongs, glasses). , Plates, bowls, etc.) Requests for serving. The request acceptance signal generated by the request button 22a is output to the control unit 24.

The evaluation button 22b is a button for receiving an evaluation (particularly high evaluation) for the service, and generates an evaluation acceptance signal in response to an operation by the requesting user. This high evaluation corresponds to what means so-called "like". The evaluation reception signal generated by the evaluation button 22b is output to the control unit 24.

The cancel button 22c is a button for canceling the effect caused by the request button 22a, and generates a cancellation acceptance signal according to the operation of the user. The request button 22a and the evaluation button 22b can be used by the requesting user, while the cancel button 22c can be used by the requesting user or the responding user. That is, the cancel button 22c can be used when the responding user completes the provision of the activated request service or when the requesting user voluntarily cancels the activated request service. However, in the present disclosure, it is assumed that the former (used by the responding user) is mainly assumed to be the latter (used by the requesting user). The cancellation acceptance signal generated by the cancel button 22c is output to the control unit 24.

The light emitting unit 23 is a light emitting body such as an LED lamp. The light emitting unit 23 includes an LED array (not shown) and a drive circuit thereof. The drive circuit includes a DC / DC converter for generating a direct current suitable for driving the LED array from the direct current voltage supplied from the power supply unit 25 described later. The LED array includes a large number of red LED elements, green LED elements, and blue LED elements, and is driven by a DC / DC converter of a drive circuit so as to be capable of emitting multiple colors. The operating state of the drive circuit is determined by the light emission control unit 24b. The light emitting unit 23 may be composed of a light emitting body (OLED) using an organic EL.

The control unit 24 includes a CPU and a memory, and the CPU includes a signal generation unit 24a and a light emission control unit 24b. The control unit 24 controls the overall operation of the calling device 2, and can execute various functions other than the functions of the signal generation unit 24a and the light emission control unit 24b.

The signal generation unit 24a generates frames for the request signal, the evaluation signal, and the cancellation signal (operation signal) based on the request reception signal, the evaluation reception signal, and the cancellation reception signal, and transmits the generated frames from the communication unit 21 to the server 4. Send it. The request signal includes at least a code indicating the content of the request service and an identifier of the calling device 2 (an identifier that specifies a store, an identifier that specifies a table position, and the like). In addition, the evaluation signal includes at least a code indicating evaluation and an identifier of the calling device 2. Further, the cancellation signal includes at least a code indicating the completion of provision (or request cancellation) of the request service and an identifier of the calling device 2.

The light emitting control unit 24b controls the light emitting pattern of the light emitting unit 23 based on the feedback signal received by the communication unit 21. More specifically, the light emitting control unit 24b controls the operating state of the drive circuit of the light emitting unit 23 based on the status information included in the feedback signal. Details of the status information and the light emission pattern will be described later. Further, the light emitting control unit 24b returns the light emitting state of the light emitting unit 23 to the default state (for example, extinguished) in response to the cancellation acceptance signal input from the operation unit 22. Further, the light emitting control unit 24b can also return the light emitting state of the light emitting unit 23 to the default state in response to the remote cancel signal received from the response terminal 3 via the server 4. In other words, the light emission control unit 24b invalidates the output operation caused by the feedback signal in response to the generation of the cancellation signal or the reception of the remote cancellation signal.

The power supply unit 25 is an AC / DC converter that generates a predetermined DC voltage from an AC power supply (for example, a commercial power supply) that is supplied from the outside, or a DC power supply that is supplied from the outside (for example, via an AC / DC adapter). A DC / DC converter that generates a predetermined DC voltage from, or a primary battery or a secondary battery built in the calling device 2. The power supply unit 25 supplies the generated DC voltage to the communication unit 21, the light emitting unit 23, the control unit 24, and the auxiliary output unit 26 (further, if necessary, the operation unit 22).

When the auxiliary output unit 26 is a liquid crystal display unit, the auxiliary output unit 26 may display various information such as a recommended menu, an operation method of the calling device 2, and an advertisement for a store or a product. Further, when the auxiliary output unit 26 is a speaker, BGM can be played. The operating state (display or voice) of the auxiliary output unit 26 is controlled by the control unit 24 according to various signals received from the server 4 or according to a program stored in the memory of the control unit 24. Further, the control unit 24 can return the operating state of the auxiliary output unit 26 to the default state (for example, no output state) in response to the remote cancel signal described later.

FIG. 2 is an external view of the calling device 2 of the present embodiment. The calling device 2 has a base unit 100, an operation unit 200, and a light emitting unit 300. The base unit 100 includes a control unit 24 and a power supply unit 25 (not shown) inside. The operation unit 200 corresponds to the above-mentioned operation unit 22 and is connected to the signal generation unit 24a (not shown). The light emitting unit 300 corresponds to the above-mentioned light emitting unit 23 and is controlled by a light emitting control unit 24b (not shown). The outer diameter of the calling device 2 of the present embodiment is, for example, about 10 cm to 20 cm, and the height is, for example, about 3 cm to 6 cm, but the size is not limited thereto.

The base portion 100 has a bottom surface 101, a top surface 102, and a side surface 103 continuous with the bottom surface 101 and the top surface 102, and the bottom surface 101 is arranged on a mounting surface such as a table. For convenience of explanation, in the calling device 2, the bottom surface 101 side is defined as the downward direction or the lower side, and the upper surface 102 side is defined as the upward direction or the upper side. The base portion 100 has a truncated cone shape in which the area of the upper surface 102 is smaller than the area of the bottom surface 101, that is, the side surface 103 is inclined toward the center of the base portion 100 from the bottom surface 101 side to the top surface 102 side. Therefore, the shape of the calling device 2 is circular in the plan view (viewing direction from the upper part to the lower part) and trapezoidal in which the upper side is shorter than the bottom side in the side view (viewing direction perpendicular to the plan view).

The operation unit 200 is arranged so as to form the outer circumference of the base unit 100 at the upper end of the base unit 100. The light emitting portion 300 has a ring shape forming the outer circumference (preferably the entire circumference) of the base portion 100 on the upper side of the side surface 103. In other words, the side surface 103 of the base portion 100, the light emitting portion 300, and the operation portion 200 form a series of inclined outer surfaces. Further, the operating portion 200 projects upward from the upper surface 102 of the base portion 100 to form an annular upper end portion. By projecting the operation unit 200 upward from the upper surface 102, the user can easily operate the operation unit 200 even at a portion other than the fingertip, and the operability (easiness of contact or pressing) of the operation unit 200 is increased. .. Further, when the calling device 2 is arranged near the center of the table by forming the upper end portion of the ring shape by the operation unit 200, the button operation by the user in one direction (for example, the direction at 0 o'clock) is performed in another direction (for example, the direction at 0 o'clock). It is easily visible to the user in the direction of 6 o'clock). As a result, information sharing between users of the calling device 2 is enhanced. In this embodiment, the lower end of the operation unit 200 and the upper end of the light emitting unit 300 are arranged adjacent to each other, but the operation unit 200 and the light emitting unit 300 may be separated from each other. Since the calling device 2 has a truncated cone shape, a sense of stability in its installation and visibility of the light emitting unit 300 are compatible.

The operation unit 200 includes request buttons 201-203 and 206-208, evaluation buttons 204 and 209, and cancel buttons 205 and 210. The request buttons 201-203 and 206-208 correspond to the above-mentioned request button 22a, the evaluation buttons 204 and 209 correspond to the above-mentioned evaluation button 22b, and the cancel buttons 205 and 210 correspond to the above-mentioned cancel button 22c.

In this embodiment, the request buttons 201 and 206 correspond to the accounting request, the request buttons 202 and 207 correspond to the water (cold) request, and the request buttons 203 and 208 correspond to the call (call of the responding user) request. Corresponds to. The relationship between the request button and the content of the request service is not limited to that shown in the present embodiment. For example, the request button may be associated with a tea request, a menu request, and the like. Further, the request button may be associated with a request for a paid service such as an order for beer or an order for recommended food, in addition to the request for the free service as described above. The request service is, for example, the characters written on the request button (for example, "Check" (accounting), "Water" (water), "Call" (call), "Tea" (tea), "Menu" (menu). ), "Beer" (beer), "Recommended" (recommended)). Alternatively, instead of or with the text display, a picture showing the requested service (for example, a picture of a currency symbol (accounting), a picture of a glass with water (water), a picture of a bell (calling), and steam A picture of a standing hot water drink (tea), a picture of a menu booklet (menu), a picture of a jug (beer), a picture of cooking (recommended)) may be drawn on the request button. The pictorial display in this case preferably has a universal design that does not depend on the language.

Similarly, for the evaluation buttons 204 and 209, characters expressing high evaluation (for example, "Good", "Like", etc.) may be written on the evaluation button, or a picture expressing high evaluation. (For example, a picture of a hand with a thumbs up) may be displayed on the evaluation button. Similarly, for the cancel buttons 205 and 210, characters expressing cancellation or completion (for example, "Cancel", "Stop", "Complete", etc.) may be written on the cancel button.

The content of the request service for the request buttons 201-203 and 206-208 can be appropriately customized by the manager of the store R, the manager of the calling system 1, the owner of the calling device 2, and the like. Further, a request button may be provided instead of the evaluation buttons 204 and 209. That is, the settings of the buttons 201 to 204 and 206 to 209 can be appropriately customized by the manager of the store R, the manager of the calling system 1, the owner of the calling device 2, and the like. In addition, one or both of the buttons 205 and 210 may be assigned to the request button or the evaluation button, or any one or more of the buttons 201 to 204 and 206 to 209 may be assigned to the cancel button. The customizable buttons 201-210 allow for flexible design of the calling system 1. These customized settings, that is, the assignment of the request button, the evaluation button or the cancel button to the buttons 201 to 210, and the content of the request service when the request button is assigned are stored in the server 4 (storage unit 42). obtain.

In this embodiment, the buttons 201 to 210 are arranged counterclockwise in the order of buttons 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209 and 210 in top view. That is, the buttons constituting the operation unit 200 (particularly, the request button and the evaluation button) are rotationally symmetric (twice symmetric) with respect to the center line of the calling device 2 (the diameter connecting the centers of the two cancel buttons 205 and 210). Is placed in. Alternatively, the buttons 201 to 210 may be arranged counterclockwise in the order of buttons 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 209, 208, 207, 206 and 210 in top view. That is, the buttons (particularly, the request button and the evaluation button) constituting the operation unit 200 may be arranged line-symmetrically with respect to the center line of the calling device 2. In this way, a pair of buttons (a pair of buttons 201 to 204 and buttons 206 to 209) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line of the calling device 2, so that each button from both sides of the face-to-face seat can be pressed. Visibility and operability are improved. In other words, in the facing seat table, it is preferable that the calling device 2 is arranged so that the center line of the facing seat and the center line are substantially parallel to each other.

In this embodiment, the size of each of the cancel buttons 205 and 210 is larger than the size of each of the other buttons 201-204 and 206-209. Buttons 201-204 and 206-209 are likely to be operated in a stable position from a relatively close (low) distance by a seated requesting user (customer), whereas cancel buttons 205 and 210 are standing responses. There is a high possibility that the user (clerk) will operate from a relatively distant (high) position in an unstable posture. Therefore, it is desirable that each of the cancel buttons 205 and 210 is larger than the buttons 201-204 and 206-209 and has high accessibility. Further, it is desirable that the cancel buttons 205 and 210 are arranged at diagonal positions. As a result, as will be described in detail later, even when the attachment is mounted on the upper surface 102 of the base portion 100, the responding user can easily use either the cancel button 205 or 210 (the one that is not behind the attachment). Can be operated to.

In the present embodiment, each of the buttons 201 to 210 is a touch sensor type button having no moving portion, and is made of, for example, stainless steel. Further, each of the buttons 201 to 210 may use a switch of a capacitance type, a resistance film type, or the like, or may use a membrane sensor provided on the upper part of the button. In any case, it is preferable that each button is configured to emit light in part or in whole so that the on / off of each button can be identified. In addition, as another embodiment, each of the buttons 201 to 210 may be a push switch for opening and closing a physical contact. In this case, a pressing width corresponding to the pressing movement distance of each button is provided between the operation unit 200 and the light emitting unit 300. As a result, the on / off of each button can be identified by the unevenness. For example, each button may be configured to be in a protruding (convex) position when off and in a depressed (concave) position when on.

In addition, as another embodiment, the buttons 201 to 204 and 206 to 209 may correspond to the contents of up to eight types of services or requirements without being paired. Further, as another embodiment, one or both of the cancel buttons 205 and 210 may not be provided, and in this case, a request button or an evaluation button can be added instead of the cancel button. When both the cancel buttons 205 and 210 are not provided, the cancellation of the request button in the on state (that is, the operation of returning the button to the off state) is performed by retouching or re-pushing the request button. Further, in the present embodiment, six (three pairs) request buttons 201 to 203 and 206 to 208 are provided, but the number of request buttons is not limited to this. However, in order to ensure the symmetry of the operation unit 200 described above, the number of request buttons is preferably an even number (2, 4, 8, etc.).

The light emitting unit 300 is an LED light emitting unit as described above with respect to the light emitting unit 23. Since the light emitting unit 300 is formed in a ring shape on the outer circumference of the base unit 100, the light emitting unit 300 can be easily visually recognized from any direction of the circumferential direction of the calling device 2 (that is, from any direction of 360 degrees). .. That is, regardless of the orientation of the calling device 2, the light emitting unit 300 can be easily visually recognized by any requesting user seated at a position facing the calling device 2 and a responding user who has reached the table. obtain. Further, by forming the light emitting unit 300 on the inclined side surface 103 facing upward, the visibility of the light emitting unit 300 from the requesting user and the responding user who have a viewpoint at a position higher than the table is enhanced.

Further, the calling device 2 may have an appearance as shown in FIG. The calling device 2 has a base unit 100, an operation unit 200, and a light emitting unit 300. The base unit 100 includes a control unit 24 and a power supply unit 25 (not shown) inside. The operation unit 200 corresponds to the above-mentioned operation unit 22 and is connected to the signal generation unit 24a (not shown). The light emitting unit 300 corresponds to the above-mentioned light emitting unit 23 and is controlled by an output control unit 24b (not shown). The outer diameter of the calling device 2 shown in FIG. 7 is, for example, about 10 cm to 20 cm, and the height is, for example, about 3 cm to 6 cm, but the size is not limited thereto.

The base portion 100 has a bottom surface 111, a top surface (not shown), and a side surface 113 continuous with the bottom surface 111 and the top surface, and the bottom surface 111 is arranged on a mounting surface such as a table. For convenience of explanation, in the calling device 2, the bottom surface 111 side is defined as a downward direction or a lower side, and vice versa is defined as an upward direction or an upper side. The base portion 100 has a truncated cone shape in which the area of the upper surface is smaller than the area of the bottom surface 111, that is, the side surface 113 is inclined toward the center of the base portion 100 from the bottom surface 111 side to the top surface side. Therefore, the shape of the calling device 2 is circular in the plan view (viewing direction from the upper part to the lower part) and trapezoidal in which the upper side is shorter than the bottom side in the side view (viewing direction perpendicular to the plan view).

The operation unit 200 is arranged on the upper surface of the base unit 100. By forming the operation unit 200 in a large area on the upper surface of the calling device 2 in this way, the operability (easiness of contact or pressing) of the operation unit 200 is increased. The light emitting portion 300 has a ring shape that forms the outer circumference (preferably the entire circumference) of the base portion 100 on the lower side of the side surface 113 of the base portion 100. Since the calling device 2 has a truncated cone shape, a sense of stability in its installation and visibility of the light emitting unit 300 are compatible.

The operation unit 200 includes request buttons 221 to 223, evaluation button 224, and cancel button 225. The request buttons 221 to 223 correspond to the above-mentioned request button 22a, the evaluation button 224 corresponds to the above-mentioned evaluation button 22b, and the cancel button 225 corresponds to the above-mentioned cancel button 22c. The request buttons 221 to 223, the evaluation button 224, and the cancel button 225 have the same functions as the request buttons 201 to 203, the evaluation button 204, and the cancel button 205 in FIG. 2, respectively, but have different arrangements. The circular cancel button 225 is centrally arranged, and the fan-shaped request buttons 221 to 223 and the evaluation button 224 are arranged around the cancel button 225. In this example, the outer circumferences of the buttons 221 to 224 are configured to be located inside the upper end of the side surface 113 of the base portion 100, but the buttons 221 to 224 completely cover the upper surface of the base portion 100. It may be configured.

Similar to the example shown in FIG. 2, each of the buttons 221 to 225 is a touch sensor type button having no moving portion, and is made of, for example, stainless steel. Further, each of the buttons 221 to 225 may use a switch of a capacitance type, a resistance film type, or the like, or may use a membrane sensor provided on the upper part of the button. In any case, it is preferable that each button is configured to emit light in part or in whole so that the on / off of each button can be identified. In addition, as another embodiment, each of the buttons 221 to 225 may be a push switch for opening and closing a physical contact. As a result, the on / off of each button can be identified by the unevenness. For example, each button may be configured to be in a protruding (convex) position when off and in a depressed (concave) position when on.

The light emitting unit 300 is an LED light emitting unit as described above with respect to the light emitting output unit 23a, and its function is the same as that shown in FIG. In this example, the light emitting portion 300 is formed in an annular shape at the lower end of the outer circumference of the base portion 100 (that is, near the boundary between the bottom portion 111 and the side surface 113). Since the light emitting unit 300 is annular, the light emitting unit 300 can be easily visually recognized from any direction in the circumferential direction of the calling device 2, as in the case of FIG. Further, unlike the case of FIG. 5, by arranging the light emitting portion 300 at the lower end portion of the side surface 113, an indirect lighting effect on the table can be obtained, and the effect and visibility can be improved.

See FIGS. 2 and 3. Here, as for the relationship between the status information included in the feedback signal and the light emission pattern of the light emitting unit 300, various examples as shown below can be given. In the present embodiment, the status information is an immediate response status indicating that the request service can be provided immediately, a delay status indicating that the request service provision is expected to be delayed, or an intermediate status between the immediate response status and the delay status. Can be shown. The specific time corresponding to the above "immediate", "delayed", and "intermediate" operates the store R administrator, the calling system 1, the calling device 2, the owner, and the answering terminal 3. It is appropriately determined by the responding user and the like.

(1) Emission color change 1 (standard emission pattern)
The light emitting unit 300 is lit in blue in the immediate response status, lit in yellow in the intermediate status, and lit or blinked in red in the delayed status. In other words, in the intermediate status, the light emitting unit 300 is lit with an intermediate color between the emission color for the immediate response status and the emission color for the delay status. In the present disclosure, blue light is an expression that may include green light, and is light having a wavelength of 560 nm or less, preferably about 435 nm to 560 nm. The yellow light is light having a wavelength of about 560 nm to 595 nm, preferably light having a wavelength of about 580 nm to 595 nm. The red light is light having a wavelength of 595 nm or more, preferably a wavelength of about 610 nm to 750 nm. In the standard light emission pattern, the immediate response status can express a feeling of non-congestion or smoothness, the delayed status can express a feeling of congestion or trouble, and the intermediate status can express an intermediate feeling.

(2) Emission color change 2 (reverse standard emission pattern)
The light emitting unit 300 may be lit or blinked in red in the immediate response status, lit in yellow in the intermediate status, and lit in blue in the delayed status. In other words, in the intermediate status, the light emitting unit 300 is lit with an intermediate color between the emission color for the immediate response status and the emission color for the delay status. In the reverse standard light emission pattern, a sense of speed can be expressed in the immediate response status, a sense of slowness can be expressed in the delayed status, and an intermediate feeling can be expressed in the intermediate status.

(3) Blinking change 1
The light emitting unit 300 may be continuously lit or blinked at frequency f1 in the immediate response status, blinked at frequency f2 in the intermediate status, and blinked at frequency f3 in the delayed status in any emission color. Here, f1 <f2 <f3. With such a light emission pattern, it is possible to express a feeling of leeway or smoothness in the immediate response status, a feeling of busyness or trouble in the delayed status, and an intermediate feeling in the intermediate status.

(4) Blinking change 2
Contrary to the blinking change 2, the light emitting unit 300 blinks at the frequency f6 in the immediate response status, blinks at the frequency f5 in the intermediate status, and continuously lights or blinks at the frequency f4 in the delay status in any emission color. You may do so. Here, f4 <f5 <f6. With such a light emission pattern, it is possible to express a sense of speed in the immediate response status, a sense of slowness in the delayed status, and an intermediate feeling in the intermediate status.

(5) Orbital movement 1
Since the light emitting unit 300 has a ring shape, the light emitting portion forming a part of the light emitting unit 300 may be configured to orbit around the light emitting unit 300. An arbitrary number of light emitting portions may be provided. That is, to the user, the light emitting portion of the light emitting unit 300 appears to rotate around the outer circumference of the calling device 2. This visually enhances the impression that the service request has been accepted, or reduces the tedious feeling of waiting time due to the dynamic operation. In this case, the above standard emission pattern or reverse standard emission pattern is applied to the emission color of the emission portion.

(6) Orbital movement 2
The light emitting portion of the light emitting unit 300 may be rotated at a speed v1 in the immediate response status, rotated at a speed v2 in the intermediate status, and rotated at a speed v3 in the delayed status in any light emitting color. Here, 0 ≦ v1 <v2 <v3. As a result, it is possible to express a feeling of leeway or smoothness in the immediate response status, a feeling of busyness or trouble in the delayed status, and an intermediate feeling in the intermediate status.

(7) Orbital movement 3
The light emitting portion of the light emitting unit 300 may be rotated at a speed v6 in the immediate response status, rotated at a speed v5 in the intermediate status, and rotated at a speed v4 in the delayed status in any light emitting color. Here, 0 ≦ v4 <v5 <v6. As a result, it is possible to express a sense of speed in the immediate response status, a sense of slowness in the delayed status, and an intermediate in the intermediate status.

In any of the above light emission patterns, the light emission control unit 24b may change the light emission state according to the elapsed time after the calling device 2 receives the feedback signal. For example, the light emission control unit 24b has a light emission state for delay status → a light emission state for intermediate status → a light emission state for immediate response status (or a light emission state for intermediate status → a light emission state for immediate response status) according to the elapsed time. The light emitting state may be changed in the order of. In this case, the change in the light emitting state may be gradual or continuous.

In any of the above cases, the responding user can easily visually recognize the status of the calling device 2, and the customer service attitude toward the requesting user can be made appropriate according to the status. The responding user can, for example, take a confident attitude when serving customers at the table of the calling device 2 with the immediate response status, and can take a terrifying attitude when serving customers at the table of the calling device 2 with the delayed status. As a result, smooth communication between the requesting user and the responding user can be established.

Further, when there are possible combinations (consistent combinations) with respect to the light emission patterns (1) to (7), they may be appropriately combined. Further, in the same calling device 2, any of the above light emission patterns (1) to (7) may be selected depending on the situation. For example, a light emitting pattern may be selected for the type of request button (type of service) of the operation unit 200, or a light emitting pattern may be randomly selected each time any of the request buttons is activated. However, contradictory combinations (for example, combinations of (1) and (2), combinations of (3) and (4), combinations of (6) and (7), etc.) are used to avoid confusion in the user. It is desirable that it is not adopted in the same calling device 2.

Hereinafter, FIG. 2 will be referred to. The upper surface 102 of the base portion 100 can be used in various aspects. For example, the upper surface 102 is provided with an adapter capable of attaching various attachments (hereinafter, also referred to as "external devices") such as a lighting lamp, a candle, a seasoning container, a menu table, and a wireless charger (non-contact charger). May be done. As a result, the usefulness of the calling device 2 is enhanced for various usage situations. It is preferable that the adapter is provided with a connection terminal that enables power supply from the power supply unit 25 inside the base unit 100 to the external device. Further, it is preferable that the adapter is provided with a connection control terminal that enables signal supply from the control unit 24 inside the base unit 100 to an external device by using a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter) or the like. As a result, lighting lamps, wireless chargers, and the like corresponding to the connection terminal or the connection control terminal can be connected or controlled without using a power cord. In this case, it is desirable that the power supply unit 25 is not a battery but an externally supplied power source from the viewpoint of power supply capacity.

Further, the upper surface 102 of the base portion 100 may constitute a display. On such a display, various information or images such as a recommended menu, an operation method of the calling device 2, an advertisement of a store or a product, a fortune-telling, and a seasonal landscape can be displayed. This display corresponds to the auxiliary output unit 26 described above, and the display content of the display is controlled by the control unit 24. Alternatively, the display may be configured to emit light in a light emitting pattern similar to that of the light emitting unit 300. In this case, the light emitting pattern of the display can be controlled by the light emitting control unit 24b in the same manner as the light emitting unit 300.

Further, the liquid crystal display unit 350 may be selectively provided on the side surface 103 of the base unit 100. The liquid crystal display unit 350 corresponds to the auxiliary output unit 26 described above. Various information such as a recommended menu, an operation method of the calling device 2, and an advertisement of a store or a product can be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 350. The display content of the liquid crystal display unit 350 is controlled by the control unit 24.

Returning to FIG. 1, the response terminal 3 includes a communication unit 31, a CPU 32, a memory 33, and an input / output interface (I / F) 34. The communication unit 31 may be any general communication means capable of wireless communication with the server 4 (communication network N and communication unit 41) according to communication standards such as WiFi, 3G, 4G, and LTE. It is assumed that the CPU 32 and the memory 33 are the processor and the memory constituting the computer, and the program of the necessary application is already installed in the memory 33, and the CPU 32 can execute the program. In other words, unless otherwise specified, the operation of the response terminal 3 is mainly executed by the CPU 32. The input / output I / F 34 is a touch panel (and a speaker if necessary). Hereinafter, the input / output I / F 34 is also referred to as a touch panel 34.

The CPU 32 generates a response signal in response to an operation by the responding user (for example, a touch operation such as tapping a predetermined icon on the touch panel 34). The response signal includes an identifier of the response terminal 3 and the like. Further, the CPU 32 generates status information in response to an operation by the responding user (for example, a touch operation such as tapping a predetermined icon on the touch panel 34). The CPU 32 adds status information to the response signal to generate a feedback signal (in other words, the status information is included in the feedback signal). The feedback signal (or response signal) also includes the identifier of the response terminal 3. The CPU 32 causes the communication unit 31 to transmit the feedback signal to the server 4 (communication unit 41).

Further, the CPU 32 generates a remote cancel signal for remotely controlling the cancel button 22c (205 or 210) in response to an operation by the responding user (for example, a touch operation such as tapping a predetermined icon on the touch panel 34). The CPU 32 causes the communication unit 31 to transmit the remote cancellation signal to the server 4 (communication unit 41). As a result, when it is difficult for the responding user to directly operate the calling device 2 (for example, the calling device 2 is arranged in the back of the table, and it is difficult for the responding user to operate the cancel button 22c (205 or 210). In the case), the operation of the activated light emitting unit 23 (300) can be easily disabled.

3A to 3G are used to show an example of a screen on the touch panel 34 of the response terminal 3 which is a watch-type wearable device. The screens shown in FIGS. 3A to 3G are examples, and there may be many other screen examples.

FIG. 3A is a schematic view of an example of the home screen 500. The home screen 500 displays icons 501 to 503. The icon 501 indicates a table number in which the calling device 2 that outputs the operation signal (request signal) is arranged. For example, in FIG. 3A, it is shown that the request signal is transmitted from "Table 05". The icon 502 indicates the content of the requested service. For example, FIG. 3A shows that a "water (cold)" waitperson was requested. The icon 503 indicates a response option (whether or not the requested service can be provided). For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the response signal can be generated by the CPU 32 when the response user touches (for example, taps) the “OK” icon. Here, the number of taps may correspond to the designated status information. For example, one tap may correspond to an immediate response status, two taps may correspond to an intermediate status, and three taps may correspond to a delayed status.

Alternatively, the status input screen 510 shown in FIG. 3B may be expanded in response to the touch of "OK" on the icon 503. As shown in FIG. 3B, the status input screen 510 has the above-mentioned icon 511 for specifying the immediate response status (“immediate response”), the icon 512 for specifying the intermediate status (“normal”), and the icon 513 for specifying the delay status (“normal”). "Delayed"). When the responding user touches (for example, taps) any of the icons 511 to 513, the CPU 32 includes the status information corresponding to the icon in the response signal to generate a feedback signal. The CPU 32 causes the communication unit 31 to transmit the feedback signal to the server 4. When the response terminal 3 is a smartphone, the icons 501 and 502 and the icons 511, 512 and 513 may be displayed side by side on a predetermined screen.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3C, on the home screen 500, instead of the icon 503, an icon 504 (“immediate”) that specifies the immediate response status, an icon 505 (“normal”) that specifies the intermediate status, and a delay status are specified. Icon 506 (“slow”) may be displayed. When the responding user touches (for example, taps) any of the icons 504 to 506, the CPU 32 generates a feedback signal including the response signal and the status information corresponding to the touched icon. The CPU 32 causes the communication unit 31 to transmit the feedback signal to the server 4.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3D, when the feedback signal transmitted via the home screen 500 or the status designation screen 510 is adopted by the server 4 and the task signal is received, the task instruction instructing the provision of the request service is performed. Screen 520 may be displayed. The task instruction screen 520 displays the same icons 501 and 502 as above, and the icon 523 (“Go!”) Showing the service provision instruction. When the feedback signal transmitted via the home screen 500 or the status designation screen 510 is not adopted by the server 4, it is no longer necessary to provide the request service instead of the icon 523 on the task screen 520. The character "NoNeed" or the like indicating the above may be displayed, or the task screen 520 may not be displayed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3E, when one response terminal 3 is in charge of a plurality of tasks (service provision instructions corresponding to the adopted feedback signals), a task instruction screen 520 corresponding to the plurality of tasks is predetermined. The rotation may be displayed at the time interval (for example, about 1 second interval). For example, as shown in FIG. 3E, the task display screen 520a (table 05, water) → task display screen 520b (table 07, call) → task display screen 520c (table 03, accounting) can be repeatedly displayed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3F, when the responding user completes the provision of the service or when the requesting user voluntarily cancels the request for the service, that is, when the cancellation signal is transmitted, the service provision is completed or requested. The request cancellation screen 530 indicating cancellation may be displayed. The request cancellation screen 530 displays icons 501 and 502 similar to the above, and icons 533 indicating service request cancellation. For example, the icon 533 indicates the character "Cancelled" indicating the activation of the cancellation signal. The request cancellation screen 530 may be hidden after being displayed for a predetermined time.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3G, when an evaluation signal indicating a high evaluation for the provided service is obtained, the home screen 500 or the like is switched to the evaluation screen 540, and the table number (“table 05”) and “like” are obtained. A notation such as "Get!" May be displayed. Further, a mode switching button (not shown) may be provided on the touch panel 34, and the cumulative number of evaluations (“likes”) obtained by operating the mode switching button is displayed on the evaluation screen 530. It may be displayed.

Returning to FIG. 1, the server 4 includes a communication unit 41, a storage unit 42, a processing unit 43, a request signal processing unit 44, a feedback (FB) signal processing unit 45, a cancel signal processing unit 46, and an evaluation signal processing unit 47. Further, the server 4 further includes a required time prediction unit 48 as needed. It is assumed that each of these parts is connected in such a manner that signals and data can be exchanged with each other.

The communication unit 41 may be a general communication device, and may be capable of wireless communication with the calling device 2 (communication unit 21) and the answering terminal 3 (communication unit 31) via the communication network N. In the present disclosure, the processing unit 43, the request signal processing unit 44, the FB signal processing unit 45, the cancel signal processing unit 46, the evaluation signal processing unit 47, or the required time prediction unit 48 transmit, receive, or transfer the signal. Means that each unit transmits, receives, or transfers a signal to the communication unit 41.

The storage unit 42 stores in advance the correspondence between the identifier of the calling device 2 and the identifier of the answering terminal 3 (hereinafter, referred to as “device-terminal correspondence”). The device-terminal correspondence relationship is, for example, a grouping of all calling devices 2 included in the same store R and all answering terminals 3, and a grouping of a specific calling device 2 included in the same store R and a specific answering terminal 3. And so on. In addition, the storage unit 42 functions as a database and can store a large amount of data as big data. This big data may include all records (ie logs) of operation signals, task signals and feedback signals.

The processing unit 43 is composed of a CPU or the like, and can execute general cloud server processing functions such as integrated control of each unit in the server 4 and communication control of the communication unit 41. In other words, the processing unit 43 can execute various functions other than the functions of the request signal processing unit 44, the FB signal processing unit 45, the cancel signal processing unit 46, the evaluation signal processing unit 47, and the required time prediction unit 48. In addition, the processing unit 43 can perform statistical processing such as processing the number of big data stored in the storage unit 42.

The request signal processing unit 44 determines the response terminal 3 to which the request signal is transferred, referring to the device-terminal correspondence relationship stored in the storage unit 42 with respect to the request signal received from the calling device 2. For example, when a request signal from a certain calling device 2 is received, the request signal processing unit 44 sends a request signal to all the answering terminals 3 belonging to the same store as the calling device 2 based on the device-terminal correspondence relationship. You may decide to transfer. Alternatively, when a request signal from a certain calling device 2 is received, the request signal processing unit 44 determines a specific section of the answering terminal 3 belonging to the same store as the calling device 2 based on the device-terminal correspondence relationship. It may be decided to transfer the request signal to the response terminal 3 belonging to (for example, a specific floor, a specific area). Alternatively, when a request signal from a certain calling device 2 is received, the request signal processing unit 44 determines the request signal among the answering terminals 3 belonging to the same store as the calling device 2 based on the device-terminal correspondence relationship. It may be determined to transfer the request signal to the response terminal 3 related to (for example, the response terminal 3 of a predetermined person in charge). The request signal processing unit 44 transfers the request signal to the response terminal 3 of the determined transfer destination.

The FB signal processing unit 45 determines whether or not to adopt the feedback signal received from the response terminal 3, or whether to adopt the feedback signal received from the plurality of response terminals 3. For example, the FB signal processing unit 45 may be configured to adopt the first received feedback signal (hereinafter, referred to as “first feedback signal”). Alternatively, the FB signal processing unit 45 may be configured to adopt the optimum feedback signal (hereinafter, referred to as “optimal feedback signal”) among the plurality of received feedback signals. The optimum feedback signal can be, for example, a feedback signal indicating that the earliest request service can be provided. Specifically, when a feedback signal indicating an immediate response status and a feedback signal indicating an intermediate status or a delay status are received, the feedback signal indicating the immediate response status becomes the optimum feedback signal. Further, when the feedback signal indicating the intermediate status and the feedback signal indicating the delay status are received, the feedback signal indicating the intermediate status becomes the optimum feedback signal.

The FB signal processing unit 45 transmits the adopted feedback signal (first feedback signal or optimum feedback signal) to the calling device 2 that is the source of the request signal. Further, the FB signal processing unit 45 stores information about the feedback signal, information about the request signal corresponding to the feedback signal, information about the response terminal 3 (or its user) that outputs the feedback signal, and the like in the storage unit 42. Further, the FB signal processing unit 45 may be configured to transmit at least a task signal indicating whether or not the feedback signal has been adopted to the response terminal 3 which is the source of the adopted feedback signal.

The cancellation signal processing unit 46 transmits the cancellation signal received from the calling device 2 to a predetermined response terminal 3. Here, the predetermined response terminal 3 may be all the response terminals 3 that are the transfer destinations of the request signal, or may be all the response terminals 3 that are the source of the feedback signal, and may be adopted. It may be one response terminal 3 that is the source of the feedback signal. Further, the cancel signal processing unit 46 may be configured to perform an aggregation process for accumulating data such as an identifier of the response terminal 3, the type of requested service, and the actual required time for providing the service in the storage unit 42. The actual required time is the time from the reception of the request signal to the reception of the cancellation signal or the time from the reception of the feedback signal to the reception of the cancellation signal. Further, the cancellation signal processing unit 46 calls the remote cancellation signal received from the response terminal 3 and transmits it to the device 2. In this case, the actual required time is the time from the reception of the request signal to the reception or transmission of the remote cancellation signal or the time from the reception of the feedback signal to the reception or transmission of the remote cancellation signal.

The evaluation signal processing unit 47 performs evaluation processing for enhancing the evaluation of the response user of the response terminal 3 of the source of the adopted feedback signal with respect to the latest request signal (service) transmitted by the calling device 2 of the source of the evaluation signal. Configured to do. As a part of the evaluation process, the evaluation for the user of each response terminal 3 is stored in the storage unit 42. This memorized evaluation for each user can be reflected in the reward, treatment, etc. for the user. Further, as a part of the evaluation process, the evaluation signal processing unit 47 may notify the response terminal 3 of the response user who is the evaluation target of the evaluation. The evaluation process may be related to the evaluation for each response terminal 3, the evaluation for each store R, the evaluation for each service, or a combination thereof.

The required time prediction unit 48 performs prediction processing for predicting the required time for providing each service based on the data of the actual required time stored and accumulated in the storage unit 42 by the cancellation signal processing unit 46. NPS (Net Promoter Score) can be used for this prediction process. Further, the status determination unit 48, based on the data stored in the storage unit 42, applies each application environment of the calling device 2 or the answering terminal 3, the content of each request service, a specific period, each answering terminal 3, and each answering user. Alternatively, the required time can be learned and predicted for these combinations. The above-mentioned applicable environment includes the type, business type, rank (luxury store / popular store) of store R, and the like. The above specific period includes seasons, months, days (day of the week, holidays), time zones, and the like. Well-known artificial intelligence (AI) (eg, machine learning (ML) (eg, deep learning (DL))) can be used for the learning. The prediction process can be performed when the status is not determined in the response terminal 3. When a response signal that does not include status information is received from the response terminal 3, the required time prediction unit 48 determines the status information (quick response status, intermediate status, or delayed status) based on the predicted required time. The required time prediction unit 48 outputs the determined status information to the FB signal processing unit 45. The FB signal processing unit 45 adds status information to the response signal to generate a feedback signal, and transmits the feedback signal to the calling device 2 that is the source of the request signal.

In the database of the storage unit 42, a threshold value (time threshold value) for associating the predicted required time with each status is stored. The required time prediction unit 48 determines the immediate response status when the predicted required time is less than the first threshold value, and determines the intermediate status when the predicted required time is equal to or more than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value. The delay status is determined when the estimated required time is equal to or greater than the second threshold value. The first threshold value <the second threshold value. Each threshold value can be customized by the manager of the store R, the manager of the calling system 1, the owner of the calling device 2, and the like, and is stored in the database of the storage unit 42.

FIG. 4 is a signal flow diagram according to an example of the calling system 1 of the present embodiment. In this example, the status information is selected in the response terminal 3 and a feedback signal is generated (the required time prediction unit 48 is not used). In addition, as the response terminal 3, the response terminals 3a, 3b and 3c are exemplified.

In step S10, the calling device 2 (signal generation unit 24a) transmits the request signal to the server 4 in response to the operation of the request button 22a (201 to 203, 206 to 208) by the request user.

In steps S12a, 12b and 12c, the server 4 (request signal processing unit 44) transmits the request signal to the response terminals 3a, 3b and 3c, respectively.

It is assumed that the response terminal 3a in step S14a and the response terminal 3c in step S14c each transmit a feedback signal (including status information) to the server 4 in accordance with steps S12a, 12b and 12c. It is assumed that the response terminal 3b does not transmit the feedback signal. Here, it is assumed that the response terminal 3c has transmitted the above-mentioned first feedback signal or optimum feedback signal.

In step S16c, the server 4 (FB signal processing unit 45) transmits a task signal indicating that the feedback signal has been adopted (that is, a service provision instruction) to the response terminal 3c. The server 4 (FB signal processing unit 45) may transmit a task signal indicating that the feedback signal has not been adopted to only the response terminals 3a or to the response terminals 3a and 3b. In step S18, the server 4 (FB signal processing unit 45) calls the feedback signal and transmits it to the device 2.

In step S20, the calling device 2 (light emission control unit 24b) controls the light emission of the light emitting unit 23 (300) according to the status information included in the received feedback signal.

After that, the response user of the response terminal 3c provides the request service (broken line). At this time, in step S30, when the responding user activates the cancel button 22c (205 or 210) of the calling device 2, the calling device 2 (light emitting control unit 24b) invalidates the operation of the light emitting unit 23 (300). Alternatively, the response terminal 3c (CPU 32) transmits a remote cancellation signal to the server 4, the server 4 (cancellation signal processing unit 46) calls the remote cancellation signal and transmits it to the device 2, in response to the operation of the response user, and the light emission control unit 24b can also disable the operation of the light emitting unit 23. In either case, the responding user only needs to make one round trip between his place and the requesting user's table for one service request. In step S32, the calling device 2 transmits a cancel signal to the server 4. The server 4 (cancellation signal processing unit 46) may transmit the cancellation signal to a predetermined response terminal 3 including at least the response terminal 3c. In step S34, if necessary, the server 4 (cancellation signal processing unit 46) aggregates data related to service provision (identifier of response terminal 3c, type of requested service, actual required time, etc.).

In step S40, it is assumed that the calling device 2 transmits the evaluation signal to the server 4 in response to the operation of the evaluation button 22b (204 or 209) by the requesting user. In response to this, in step S42, the server 4 (evaluation signal processing unit 47) performs necessary evaluation processing.

FIG. 5 is a signal flow diagram according to another example of the calling system 1 of the present embodiment. In this example, the status information is selected by the server 4 (required time prediction unit 48) and included in the feedback signal. Also in this example, the response terminals 3a, 3b, and 3c are exemplified as the response terminals 3.

In step S10, the calling device 2 (signal generation unit 24a) transmits the request signal to the server 4 in response to the operation of the request button 22a (201 to 203, 206 to 208) by the request user.

In step S11, the required time prediction unit 48 performs prediction processing based on the actual required time stored in the storage unit 42. As a result, the time required to provide the request service is predicted, and the status information is determined based on the predicted time required.

In steps S12a, 12b and 12c, the server 4 (request signal processing unit 44) transmits the request signal to the response terminals 3a, 3b and 3c, respectively.

It is assumed that in step S15b, the response terminal 3b first transmits a response signal (feedback signal not including status information) to the server 4 in accordance with steps S12a, 12b and 12c. That is, the feedback signal transmitted in step S15b becomes the first feedback signal.

In step S16b, the server 4 (FB signal processing unit 45) transmits a task signal indicating that the feedback signal has been adopted (that is, a service provision instruction) to the response terminal 3b.

In step S19, the server 4 (required time prediction unit 48) includes the status information determined in step S11 in the feedback signal. The server 4 (FB signal processing unit 45) calls the feedback signal and transmits the feedback signal to the device 2.

In step S20, the calling device 2 (light emission control unit 24b) controls the light emission of the light emitting unit 23 (300) according to the status information included in the received feedback signal.

After that, the response user of the response terminal 3b provides the request service (broken line). Steps S30 to S42 are substantially the same as steps S30 to S42 in FIG. 4 (however, the response terminal 3c is read as the response terminal 3b).

As described above, the calling device 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an operation unit 22 (200) that accepts user operations and a signal generation unit that generates a request signal indicating a predetermined service request based on the received user operations. 24a, a communication unit 21 that wirelessly transmits a request signal to the server 4 and wirelessly receives a feedback signal including status information based on the time required until a predetermined service is provided from the server 4, and emits light in a variable light emission pattern. A light emitting unit 23 (300) configured to perform the above, and a light emitting control unit 24b that controls a light emitting pattern according to status information included in the feedback signal are provided.

In this way, the light emitting pattern of the light emitting unit 23 (300) of the calling device 2 is controlled based on the status information according to the time required to provide the requested service. As a result, the calling device 2 that can give the user visual and intuitive feedback on the waiting status until the requested service is provided is realized. In other words, since the feedback mode by light emission does not depend on the language, multilingual support is not required, and the adaptability and versatility of the calling device 2 in the global expansion or inbound support are enhanced.

In one aspect of the above embodiment, the status information is configured to indicate a quick response status having a relatively short required time or a delayed status having a relatively long required time, and the light emission control unit 24b has the status information set to a quick response status. When indicated, the light emitting unit 23 (300) is made to emit light with the first emission color, and when the status information indicates a delayed status, the light emitting unit 23 (300) is made to emit a second emission color different from the first emission color. It is configured to emit light with. As a result, the user can intuitively identify the length of the required time (waiting time). For example, the first emission color is blue and the second emission color is red.

Further, the status information is further configured to indicate the intermediate status when the required time is longer than the required time of the immediate response status and shorter than the required time of the delayed status, and the light emission control unit 24b indicates that the status information indicates the intermediate status. In this case, the light emitting unit is configured to emit light with a third light emitting color which is an intermediate color between the first light emitting color and the second light emitting color. As a result, the length of the required time (waiting time) can be recognized in a more detailed manner. For example, the third emission color is yellow.

In one aspect of the above embodiment, the status information is configured to indicate a quick response status having a relatively short required time or a delayed status having a relatively long required time, and the light emission control unit 24b has the status information set to the prompt response status. When indicated, the light emitting unit 23 (300) is operated while continuously lighting and blinking, and when the status information indicates a delayed status, the light emitting unit 23 (300) is operated while being continuously lit and blinking. Will be done. As a result, the user can intuitively identify the length of the required time (waiting time).

In one aspect of the above embodiment, the status information is configured to indicate a quick response status having a relatively short required time or a delayed status having a relatively long required time, and the light emission control unit 24b has the status information set to a quick response status. When indicated, the light emitting unit 23 (300) is blinked at the first frequency, and when the status information indicates a delayed status, the light emitting unit 23 (300) is blinked at a second frequency different from the first frequency. It is configured as follows. As a result, the user can intuitively identify the length of the required time (waiting time).

In the calling device 2 of one aspect of the above embodiment, the operation unit 22 (200) and the light emitting unit 23 (300) are visibly arranged outside, and the communication unit 21 and the control unit 24 are arranged inside the base unit. The light emitting unit 300 has a ring shape along the outer circumference of the base unit 100. As a result, when the calling device 2 is arranged near the center of the table, the light emitting unit 300 can be easily visually recognized from all directions around the table.

In one aspect of the above embodiment, the status information is configured to indicate a quick response status with a relatively short required time or a delayed status with a relatively long required time, and the light emitting control unit 24b is configured by the light emitting unit 23 (300). The light emitting portion, which is a part of the above, is configured to orbit around the light emitting portion. This visually enhances the impression that the service request has been received by the requesting user, or reduces the tedious feeling of waiting time due to the dynamic operation.

In the calling device 2 of one aspect of the above embodiment, the light emitting control unit 24b orbits the light emitting portion at the first speed when the status information indicates the immediate response status, and when the status information indicates the delayed status. The light emitting portion is configured to orbit at a second speed different from the first speed. As a result, the user can intuitively identify the length of the required time (waiting time).

In the calling device 2 of one aspect of the above embodiment, the operation unit 22 (200) and the light emitting unit 23 (300) are visibly arranged outside, and the communication unit 21 and the control unit 24 are arranged inside the base unit. The operation unit 200 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the base portion 100, and the upper end portion of the operation portion 200 projects upward from the upper end portion of the base portion 100. As a result, the user can easily operate the operation unit 200 even at a portion other than the fingertip, and the operability (easiness of contact or pressing) of the operation unit 200 is increased.

In the calling device 2 of one aspect of the above embodiment, the operation unit 22 (200) and the light emitting unit 23 (300) are visibly arranged outside, and the communication unit 21 and the control unit 24 are arranged inside the base unit. 100, the operation unit 200 includes a plurality of buttons 201-210, each of the plurality of buttons 201-210 is configured to accept a user operation (contact or press), and the plurality of buttons 201-210 are the base unit 100. It is placed on the outer periphery of the upper part of. As a result, when the calling device 2 is arranged near the center of the table, the button operation by the user in one direction is easily visible to the user in the other direction, and the information sharing between the users of the calling device 2 is enhanced.

Further, the plurality of buttons 201 to 210 include a pair of buttons (buttons 201 to 204 and buttons 206 to 209), and the pair of buttons are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line of the base portion 100 in a plan view. As a result, the visibility and operability of each button from both face-to-face directions are improved.

In one aspect of the above embodiment, the predetermined service includes at least a first service and a second service different from the first service, and the operation unit 22 (200) presses a plurality of buttons 201-20 to 210. Each of the plurality of buttons 201-210 is configured to accept a user operation (contact or press), the plurality of buttons 201-210 are request signals indicating at least a request for a first service in response to the contact or press. Includes a request button for causing the signal generation unit 24a to generate a request signal indicating a request for a second service in response to contact or pressing. As a result, calls related to a plurality of services can be set, and the usability of the calling device 2 is enhanced.

In one aspect of the above embodiment, the operation unit 22 (200) includes a plurality of buttons 201 to 210, and each of the plurality of buttons 201 to 210 is configured to receive a user operation (contact or pressing), and the plurality of buttons. 201 to 210 are request buttons 201 to 203 and 206 to 208 for causing the signal generation unit 24a to generate a request signal indicating at least a request for a predetermined service in response to contact or pressing, and a predetermined service in response to contact or pressing. The communication unit 21 is configured to wirelessly transmit the evaluation signal to the server 4, including evaluation buttons 204 and 209 for causing the signal generation unit 24a to generate an evaluation signal indicating the evaluation of the provision of the above. By appropriately using such an evaluation signal, it is possible to evaluate the store R or each response user in a timely manner, and the service quality can be improved by using this evaluation.

In one aspect of the above embodiment, the operation unit 22 (200) includes a plurality of buttons 201 to 210, and each of the plurality of buttons 201 to 210 is configured to receive a user operation (contact or pressing), and the plurality of buttons. 201 to 210 are request buttons 201 to 203 and 206 to 208 for causing the signal generation unit 24a to generate a request signal indicating at least a predetermined service request in response to contact or pressing, and a light emitting unit 23 in response to contact or pressing. (300) includes cancel buttons 205 and 210 for returning the feedback signal to the state before reception. As a result, the responding user can easily indicate the completion of the provision of the requesting service in a manner that is easy for the requesting user to understand.

In one aspect of the above embodiment, when the communication unit 21 receives a predetermined signal from the server 4, the light emission control unit 24b is configured to return the light emission control unit 23 (300) to the state before receiving the feedback signal. .. As a result, even when it is difficult for the responding user to directly operate the calling device 2, the operation of the activated light emitting unit 23 (300) can be easily disabled.

In the calling device 2 of one aspect of the above embodiment, the operation unit 22 (200) and the light emitting unit 23 (300) are visibly arranged outside, and the communication unit 21 and the control unit 24 are arranged inside the base unit. The outer shape defined by the operation unit 200, the light emitting unit 300, and the base unit 100 has a truncated cone shape. As a result, both a sense of stability in the installation of the calling device 2 and visibility of the light emitting unit 300 are achieved.

In the calling device 2 of one aspect of the above embodiment, at least the communication unit 21, the light emitting unit 23 (300), the power supply unit 25 that supplies power to the control unit 24, and the operation unit 22 (200) and the light emitting unit 23 (300) are external. The communication unit 21, the control unit 24, and the power supply unit 25 are arranged so as to be visible in the base unit 100, and the upper surface 102 of the base unit 100 has an adapter for an external device. It has a connection terminal for supplying power to the external device from the unit 25 or a connection control terminal for supplying a signal from the control unit 24 to the external device. As a result, the usefulness of the calling device 2 is enhanced for various usage situations.

The calling system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes any of the above calling devices 2, a server 4, and a response terminal 3 that transmits a feedback signal to the server 4 in response to a request signal received from the server 4. The status information is included in the feedback signal according to the user's selection in the response terminal 3, or is included in the feedback signal according to the prediction processing in the server 4. As a result, the calling system 1 that contributes to each of the above effects is realized.

<Modification example>
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown above, the present invention can be transformed into various aspects as shown below, for example.

(1) Modification of Calling Device 2 Use In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the calling device 2 is used in a store such as a restaurant, but the calling device 2 may be used at a reception desk of a hotel or the like. Especially at the front desks of love hotels, leisure hotels, couples hotels, budick hotels, fashion hotels, etc., where waiting time at the reception desk can be anxious and frustrating for customers who want to avoid the public eye or encounter with others. It can be preferably used. In this case, check-in, check-out, etc. are assumed as the service request contents by the request button.

(2) Deformation of the outer shape (plan view) of the calling device 2 In the above embodiment, the outer shape of the calling device 2 is substantially a conical trapezoid in the bird's-eye view and circular in the plan view, but the outer shape in the plan view is shown. Is not limited to a circle. The outer shape of the calling device 2 may be an oval, an ellipse, a quadrangle (rectangle, square, rhombus, parallelogram, trapezoid, etc.), hexagon, octagon, or the like in a plan view. In particular, in the calling device 2 shown in FIG. 2, when the outer shape is an oval or an ellipse, the cancel button is preferably arranged on the major axis. When the outer shape is rectangular, the cancel button is preferably arranged on the short side. When the outer shape is rhombic, parallelogram or trapezoidal, the cancel button is preferably arranged in the region near the acute angle apex. The arrangement of these cancel buttons is preferable from the viewpoint of visibility and accessibility of the cancel buttons from the responding user. In addition, the arrangement of these cancel buttons increases the visibility of the other buttons (request button or evaluation button) from one direction, and enhances the listability of these buttons by the requesting user.

(3) Deformation of the outer shape (side view) of the calling device 2 In the above embodiment, the outer shape of the calling device 2 is substantially conical and trapezoidal in the bird's-eye view and trapezoidal in the side view. Is not limited to trapezoids. The outer shape of the calling device 2 may be oval, rectangular, or the like in a side view. Alternatively, the side surface 103 and the side surface of the operation unit 200 may form a discontinuous surface with the light emitting unit 300 as a boundary. That is, the angle of the light emitting unit 300 with respect to the bottom surface 101 may be different from the angle of one or both of the side surface 103 and the side surface of the operation unit 200 with respect to the bottom surface 101. In this case, the light emitting unit 300 preferably faces upward from the viewpoint of visibility. Alternatively, the light emitting unit 300 may project outward from the side surface 103 or the operation unit 200.

(4) Modification of Light Emitting Unit 300 In the above embodiment, the light emitting unit 300 has a series of band-shaped (series of ring-shaped) light emitting units along the outer circumference of the calling device 2 (base unit 100), but the light emitting unit. The shape of 300 is not limited to this. The shape of the light emitting portion 300 may be, for example, a plurality of band-shaped (divided ring-shaped) light emitting portions along the outer circumference of the calling device 2 (base portion 100). In this case and when the above-mentioned emission patterns (5) to (7) are adopted, the above emission pattern may be applied to the entire plurality of band-shaped light emitting portions, or the above-mentioned emission pattern may be applied to each of the plurality of band-shaped light emitting portions. A light emission pattern may be applied. In the latter case, the same emission pattern can be executed synchronously in the plurality of band-shaped emission units. Alternatively, the light emitting unit 300 may be a light emitting unit of a plurality of dots (subdivided ring shape) along the outer circumference of the calling device 2 (base unit 100). The wording "ring shape" in the present disclosure is an expression that may include the series of ring shapes, the divided ring shape, and the subdivided ring shape.

1 Calling system 2, 2-1 to 2-m Calling device 3, 3-1 to 3-n Answering terminal 4 Server 21 Communication unit 22 Operation unit 22a Request button 22b Evaluation button 22c Cancel button 23 Light emitting unit 24 Control unit 24a Signal Generation unit 24b Light emission control unit 25 Power supply unit 100 Base unit 102 Top surface 200 Operation unit 201-203, 206-209, 221-223 Request button 204, 209, 224 Evaluation button 205, 210, 225 Cancel button 300 Light emitting unit

Claims (20)

It ’s a calling device,
An operation unit that accepts user operations
A signal generation unit that generates a request signal indicating a predetermined service request based on the received user operation, and
A communication unit that wirelessly transmits the request signal to the server and wirelessly receives a feedback signal including status information based on the time required until the predetermined service is provided from the server.
A light emitting part configured to emit light with a variable light emission pattern,
A calling device including a light emission control unit that controls the light emission pattern according to the status information included in the feedback signal. The status information is configured to indicate a quick response status with a relatively short duration or a delay status with a relatively long duration.
The light emitting control unit causes the light emitting unit to emit light in the first emission color when the status information indicates the immediate response status, and causes the light emitting unit to emit light in the first emission color when the status information indicates the delayed status. The calling device according to claim 1, wherein the calling device is configured to emit light with a second emission color different from that of the above. The calling device according to claim 2, wherein the first emission color is blue and the second emission color is red. The status information is further configured to indicate an intermediate status when the required time is longer than the required time for the ready status and shorter than the required time for the delayed status.
When the status information indicates the intermediate status, the light emission control unit is configured to emit light with a third light emitting color which is an intermediate color between the first light emitting color and the second light emitting color. The calling device according to claim 2. The calling device according to claim 4, wherein the first emission color is blue, the second emission color is red, and the third emission color is yellow. The status information is configured to indicate a quick response status with a relatively short duration or a delay status with a relatively long duration.
The light emitting control unit operates the light emitting unit while continuously lighting and blinking when the status information indicates the immediate response status, and continuously lights the light emitting unit when the status information indicates the delayed status. The calling device according to claim 1, wherein the calling device is configured to operate on the other side of the flash. The status information is configured to indicate a quick response status with a relatively short duration or a delay status with a relatively long duration.
The light emitting control unit blinks the light emitting unit at the first frequency when the status information indicates the immediate response status, and causes the light emitting unit to blink at the first frequency when the status information indicates the delayed status. The calling device according to claim 1, wherein the calling device is configured to blink at a second frequency different from the frequency. The operation unit and the light emitting unit are arranged so as to be visible to the outside, and the communication unit, the signal generation unit, and the base unit in which the light emitting control unit is arranged are further provided.
The calling device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting portion has a ring shape along the outer circumference of the base portion. The status information is configured to indicate a quick response status with a relatively short duration or a delay status with a relatively long duration.
The calling device according to claim 8, wherein the light emitting control unit is configured to rotate a light emitting portion, which is a part of the light emitting unit, on the light emitting unit. When the status information indicates the immediate response status, the light emitting control unit orbits the light emitting portion at the first speed, and when the status information indicates the delayed status, the light emitting portion moves the light emitting portion to the first. The calling device according to claim 9, wherein the calling device is configured to orbit at a second speed different from the speed of. The operation unit and the light emitting unit are arranged so as to be visible to the outside, and the communication unit, the signal generation unit, and the base unit in which the light emitting control unit is arranged are further provided.
The calling device according to claim 1, wherein the operating portion is arranged on an outer peripheral portion of the base portion, and the upper end portion of the operating portion projects upward from the upper end portion of the base portion. The operation unit and the light emitting unit are arranged so as to be visible to the outside, and the communication unit, the signal generation unit, and the base unit in which the light emitting control unit is arranged are further provided.
The operation unit includes a plurality of buttons, each of the plurality of buttons is configured to receive a contact or a press that is a user operation, and the plurality of buttons are arranged on an upper outer peripheral portion of the base portion. The calling device according to claim 1. The calling device according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of buttons include a pair of buttons, and the pair of buttons are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line of the base portion in a plan view. The predetermined service includes at least a first service and a second service different from the first service.
The operation unit includes a plurality of buttons, each of the plurality of buttons is configured to receive the contact or press that is the user operation, and the plurality of buttons respond to at least the first contact or press. A request button for causing the signal generation unit to generate the request signal indicating the service request of the service, and for causing the signal generation unit to generate the request signal indicating the request for the second service in response to the contact or pressing. The calling device of claim 1, comprising the request button of. The operation unit includes a plurality of buttons, each of the plurality of buttons is configured to receive the contact or press that is the user operation, and the plurality of buttons are at least the predetermined in response to the contact or press. A request button for causing the signal generation unit to generate the request signal indicating a service request, and an evaluation signal for causing the signal generation unit to generate an evaluation signal indicating an evaluation for the provision of the predetermined service in response to the contact or pressing. Including evaluation button
The calling device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit is configured to wirelessly transmit the evaluation signal to the server. The operation unit includes a plurality of buttons, each of the plurality of buttons is configured to receive the contact or press that is the user operation, and the plurality of buttons respond to the contact or press at least the predetermined value. A claim including a request button for causing the signal generator to generate the request signal indicating a service request and a cancel button for returning the light emitting unit to the state before receiving the feedback signal in response to the contact or pressing. Item 1. The calling device according to item 1. The calling device according to claim 1, wherein when the communication unit receives a predetermined signal from the server, the light emitting control unit returns the light emitting unit to a state before receiving the feedback signal. The operation unit and the light emitting unit are arranged so as to be visible to the outside, and the communication unit, the signal generation unit, and the base unit in which the light emitting control unit is arranged are further provided.
The calling device according to claim 1, wherein the outer shape defined by the operating portion, the light emitting portion, and the base portion has a truncated cone shape. At least a power supply unit that supplies power to the communication unit, the light emitting unit, the signal generation unit, and the control unit including the light emission control unit.
The operation unit and the light emitting unit are arranged so as to be visible to the outside, and further include a communication unit, a signal generation unit, a control unit, and a base unit in which the power supply unit is arranged inside.
The upper surface of the base portion has an adapter for an external device, and the adapter has a connection terminal for supplying power from the power supply unit to the external device or a connection control terminal for supplying a signal from the control unit to the external device. The calling device according to claim 1. The calling device according to claim 1 and
With the server
A response terminal that transmits the feedback signal to the server in response to the request signal received from the server is provided, and the status information is included in the feedback signal according to a user's selection at the response terminal, or A calling system that is included in the feedback signal in response to predictive processing at the server.

Images