JP2023072138A - Information processing system, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To automatically issue special offer information for attracting users to visit a shop that provides services, during time periods in which reservations are available in the shop, and also prevent the shop from becoming excessively crowded resulting from it.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes a control unit configured to: obtain first congestion information that is related to a congestion state of a shop for a first time period including a current time point, out of multiple time periods during a day; obtain second congestion information that is related to the congestion state of the shop for a second time period which is subsequent to the first time period, out of the multiple time periods; and determine whether or not to issue special offer information that can be used in the shop during or after the first time period, according to the first congestion information and the second congestion information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program capable of controlling issuing processing of privilege information that can be used by users at service stores such as restaurants.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, service stores such as restaurants distribute privilege information such as coupons to users appropriately according to the reservation status on the business day.

For example, in Patent Document 1 below, when any reservation slot in a reservation ledger screen of a restaurant is selected by a store clerk, advertising information including privilege information for customers is delivered to the reservation slot. A system is described in which a button is displayed and, when the advertisement delivery button is pressed, the number of pieces of advertisement information corresponding to the capacity of the table corresponding to the reservation slot or the time slot is delivered to the user terminal.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-131789

However, in the conventional technology as described above, whether or not to issue privilege information is left to the discretion of the store clerk, and the issuance of the privilege information is a burden on the store clerk. In addition, in the conventional technology described above, there is no limit to the number of privilege information to be issued.

In view of the circumstances as described above, an object of the present invention is to prevent the store from becoming too crowded by automatically issuing privilege information for guiding users to visit the store during hours when there are vacancies for reservations. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program capable of doing so.

In order to solve the above-described problems, an information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention provides a first information regarding the congestion situation of a store in a first time zone to which the current time belongs, among a plurality of time zones in a day. Acquiring congestion information, acquiring second congestion information relating to congestion status of the store in a second time slot after the first time slot among the plurality of time slots, and acquiring the first congestion information and a control unit that determines whether or not to issue privilege information that can be used at the store after the first time slot based on the second congestion information.

With this configuration, the information processing system can prevent the store from becoming too crowded while automatically issuing privilege information for guiding the user to visit the store during a time period when there are available reservations at the service store. The privilege information is, for example, coupons, membership rights, and the like. The time period is set, for example, in units of two hours, three hours, or the like, but is not limited to this. The second congestion information may be, for example, store reservation information for the second time slot, or congestion information predicted by a predetermined algorithm from the first congestion information. The information processing system can be configured with one or a plurality of information processing devices.

The first congestion information is acquired via a sensor installed in the store during the first time period, and the second congestion information indicates the reservation status of the store during the second time period. It may be reservation information.

As a result, the information processing system determines whether or not to issue privilege information by using information from different sources, namely, current congestion information in the store and reservation information for later time slots. It is possible to more effectively prevent the store from being too crowded during the second time period. The sensor is, for example, a camera for photographing the interior of the store, a human sensor (infrared, ultrasonic, visible light) installed on a table in the store, or the like, but is not limited to these.

The first congestion information indicates a congestion rate based on the number of seats or tables detected by the sensor of the store in the first time period, and the second congestion information indicates the second time period. may indicate a reservation rate based on a predetermined number of reservations for the above store. In this case, the control unit may decide to issue the privilege information when the congestion rate is less than the first threshold and the reservation rate is less than the second threshold.

Here, the predetermined number of reservations may be the average number of reservations in the past predetermined period or the second time slot on the same day in the past, or the total number of seats at the store (maximum number of seats that can be reserved), If the number of seats that can be reserved is determined separately from the total number of seats at the store, the maximum number of seats that can be reserved may be used. The information processing system uses a threshold based on the number of seats or the number of tables for the congestion rate, while using a threshold based on the past reservation results instead of the number of seats or the number of tables for the reservation rate. It is possible to decide whether or not to issue the privilege information by reflecting the actual state of the store, and to effectively suppress the store from being too crowded during the second time zone by issuing the privilege information.

The first congestion information indicates a congestion rate based on the number of seats or tables detected by the sensor of the store in the first time period, and the second congestion information indicates the second time period. may indicate a reservation rate based on a predetermined number of reservations for the above store. The second time slot includes the third time slot and a fourth time slot thereafter, and the reservation rates are the first reservation rate in the third time slot and the fourth time slot. It may have a second booking rate for the time period. In this case, the control unit determines that the congestion rate is less than the first threshold, the first reservation rate is less than the second threshold, and the second reservation rate is the second threshold. It may be determined to issue the privilege information when the value is less than a third threshold higher than the value.

As a result, the information processing system emphasizes the reservation status closer to the current time among the reservation statuses, sets a stricter threshold for the reservation rate of the time zone closer to the current time, and determines whether or not to issue privilege information. By issuing privilege information, it is possible to more effectively prevent the store from being too crowded during the second time period closer to the current time. Here, the third time slot is, for example, 30 minutes or 1 hour after the start of the first time slot, and the fourth time slot is, for example, 30 minutes or 1 hour after the start of the third time slot. However, it is not limited to this.

The control unit displays the issued privilege information or information linked to the privilege information on the display terminal or web page associated with the store until the end of the first time period. good.

As a result, the information processing system limits the display of privilege information until the end of the first time slot, thereby effectively suppressing the store from being too crowded during the second time slot. The privilege information is displayed in a two-dimensional barcode format on display terminals (digital signage terminals) installed, for example, in stations, roads, buildings, etc. It may be downloaded to the user terminal and made available at the store. Also, a button for downloading privilege information may be displayed on the web page corresponding to the store, and the user terminal (smartphone, etc.) may be able to download and use the privilege information by a user's tap operation or the like.

The control unit may display the issued privilege information or information linked to the privilege information on a display terminal or a web page associated with the store for at least a predetermined period of time.

Thus, the information processing system displays the privilege information for at least a predetermined period of time, so that the user can see the privilege information for at least the predetermined period of time, and can encourage the user to visit the store during the second time period.

An information processing method according to another aspect of the present invention comprises:
Acquiring first congestion information regarding the congestion status of the store in a first time zone to which the current time belongs among a plurality of time zones in a day,
Acquiring second congestion information regarding the congestion status of the store in a second time zone after the first time zone among the plurality of time zones,
Based on the first congestion information and the second congestion information, determining whether or not to issue privilege information that can be used at the store after the first time slot.

A program according to another aspect of the present invention is provided in an information processing device,
a step of acquiring first congestion information relating to the congestion status of the store in a first time zone to which the current time belongs, out of a plurality of time zones in a day;
a step of acquiring second congestion information regarding congestion status of the store in a second time slot after the first time slot among the plurality of time slots;
and determining whether or not to issue privilege information that can be used at the store after the first time slot based on the first congestion information and the second congestion information.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to automatically issue privilege information for guiding a user to visit a service store during a time period when there are available reservations, thereby preventing the store from becoming too crowded. can. However, this effect does not limit the invention.

It is a figure showing composition of a restaurant information offer system concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing hardware constitutions of a restaurant information offer server concerning one embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a database of a restaurant information providing server according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of privilege information issue processing by the restaurant information provision server which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 4 is a table conceptually showing issuing conditions for privilege information issued by a restaurant information providing server in one embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which showed the example of the screen displayed on a digital signage terminal in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing an example of privilege information displayed on a web page corresponding to each restaurant in one embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[System configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a restaurant information providing system according to this embodiment.

As shown in the figure, this system includes a restaurant information providing server 100 on the Internet 50 , a plurality of user terminals 200 , a restaurant terminal 300 and a digital signage terminal 400 .

The restaurant information providing server 100 is a web server that operates a portal site (restaurant information providing site) on which information on restaurants is posted. The restaurant information providing server 100 is connected to a plurality of user terminals 200 , restaurant terminals 300 of restaurants, and digital signage terminals 400 via the Internet 50 .

The restaurant information providing server 100 provides a restaurant information providing system for users of the user terminals 200 on the portal site. Specifically, the restaurant information providing server 100 searches for restaurant information that matches the search conditions based on a search request from the user terminal 200, generates a web page on which the search results are posted, and sends it to the user terminal 200. Send. Also, the restaurant information providing server 100 acts as a proxy for accepting reservations for any restaurant from the user terminal 200 of the user who browsed the restaurant information.

User terminals 200 (200A, 200B, 200C, . . . ) are terminals used by users, such as smartphones, mobile phones, tablet PCs (Personal Computers), notebook PCs, desktop PCs, and the like. The user terminal 200 accesses the restaurant information providing server 100, receives the web page, and displays it on the screen using a browser or the like.

The user terminal 200 determines search conditions for restaurants based on the user's operation, and transmits a restaurant search request based on the search conditions to the restaurant information providing server 100 . In this embodiment, the user of the user terminal 200 can transmit a search request by selecting preset search conditions such as the location area (nearest station) of the restaurant, genre, price range, and the like. Then, the user terminal 200 can transmit a reservation request for one of the restaurants displayed as the search results to the restaurant information providing server 100 based on the user's operation.

In addition, on the portal site, a button for downloading privilege information (coupon) is displayed on the web page corresponding to each restaurant, and the user terminal 200 can download and use it by the user's tap operation or the like. may be

On the other hand, the restaurant information providing server 100 provides restaurant information management screens (web pages) for restaurants (affiliated restaurants) posted on the portal site. The user of the restaurant terminal 300 edits and updates the restaurant information (contents) on the web page provided to general users as the search result via the management screen, and uploads the web page to the portal site. can be uploaded.

The restaurant terminal 300 is a terminal installed in each restaurant, and is a tablet PC, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, or the like. The restaurant terminal 300 can execute processing related to its own restaurant information, such as editing and updating of the restaurant information, through communication with the restaurant information providing server 100 based on the operation of the administrator. Although only one restaurant and one restaurant terminal 300 are shown in the figure, there are a plurality of restaurants, and each restaurant has a restaurant terminal 300 .

As shown in the figure, a camera C capable of photographing the inside of the restaurant is installed in the restaurant. M is installed.

The camera C and the human sensor M are sensors for detecting the state of congestion in the restaurant, and the imaged images and detection data thereof are transmitted to the restaurant terminal 300 via the wireless relay terminal W installed in the restaurant. , is transmitted from the restaurant terminal 300 to the restaurant information providing server 100 . Also, the video and detection data may be transmitted from the camera C and the motion sensor M to the restaurant information providing server 100 without going through the restaurant terminal 300 . In addition, to the restaurant information providing server 100 via a terminal other than the restaurant terminal 300 (for example, a terminal owned by a restaurant clerk, etc.) or a server (for example, a server that manages the camera C or the human sensor M, etc.) Video and sensory data may be transmitted.

Not all restaurants are equipped with both the camera C and the motion sensor M, and there are cases where only one of them is installed.

The restaurant information providing server 100 can calculate the degree of congestion (customer density) in the store by analyzing the video of the camera C, and can determine the availability of each table T from the detection data of the human sensor M.

The digital signage terminal 400 is, for example, a display terminal installed in a station, road, or building (entrance, elevator hall, etc.) in which the restaurant is located. Receive and display information about nearby restaurants.

The information about the restaurant includes a nearby restaurant map, detailed information for each restaurant, privilege information (coupon) available at the restaurant, and the like. The privilege information may be displayed in, for example, a two-dimensional barcode format, and may be downloaded to the user terminal 200 by reading the two-dimensional barcode with the user terminal 200 and made available at restaurants. Also, the privilege information has a finite number of issues, and the remaining number may be reduced by reading the two-dimensional barcode with the user terminal 200 .

In this embodiment, the restaurant information providing server 100 receives from the restaurant terminal 300 of a certain restaurant, the congestion status information of the first time zone to which the current time belongs in one day, and the congestion status information of the first time period. Based on the reservation status information of the restaurant in the second time period later than the time period, it is determined whether or not to issue privilege information that can be used by the user in the second time period. Here, the second time period may be 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or 2 hours after the current time, as long as it is after the first time period. Details of the specific information issuing process will be described later.

[Hardware configuration of restaurant information providing server]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the restaurant information providing server 100. As shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the restaurant information providing server 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, an input/output interface 15, and these are connected to each other. A bus 14 is provided.

The CPU 11 appropriately accesses the RAM 13 or the like as necessary, and performs overall control of each block of the restaurant information providing server 100 while performing various kinds of arithmetic processing. The ROM 12 is a non-volatile memory that permanently stores firmware such as an OS, programs, and various parameters to be executed by the CPU 11 . The RAM 13 is used as a work area for the CPU 11, and temporarily holds the OS, various applications being executed, and various data being processed.

The input/output interface 15 is connected to a display unit 16, an operation reception unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and the like.

The display unit 16 is a display device using, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an OELD (Organic ElectroLuminescence Display), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), or the like.

The operation reception unit 17 is, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, or other input device. When the operation reception unit 17 is a touch panel, the touch panel can be integrated with the display unit 16 .

The storage unit 18 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory (SSD; Solid State Drive), or other solid state memory. The storage unit 18 stores the OS, various applications, and various data.

As will be described later, particularly in the present embodiment, the storage unit 18 stores programs such as applications required for privilege information issuance processing based on the restaurant congestion status and reservation status, which will be described later, as well as a restaurant information database, a user information database, and a privilege information database.

The communication unit 19 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) for Ethernet, various modules for wireless communication such as a wireless LAN, and performs communication processing between the user terminal 200, the restaurant terminal 300, and the digital signage terminal 400. bear.

Although not shown, the basic hardware configurations of the user terminal 200 and the restaurant terminal 300 are substantially the same as the hardware configuration of the restaurant information providing server 100 .

[Database configuration of restaurant information providing server]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of the database of the restaurant information providing server 100. As shown in FIG.

As shown in the figure, the restaurant information providing server 100 has a restaurant information database 31 , a user information database 32 and a privilege information database 33 in the storage unit 18 .

The restaurant information database 31 stores, for each restaurant, the name of the restaurant, location (address or latitude and longitude) information, area information, access information (nearest station information, walking distance information from the nearest station), telephone number, ID that identifies the restaurant (store ID), category information of the restaurant's business type and service, information introducing the restaurant (information indicating the characteristics of the restaurant such as PR text of the restaurant, event information held by the restaurant, etc.) ), image data relating to restaurants (introducing restaurants), menu information relating to menus provided by restaurants, average budget information, business hours, website URLs, and other information. These pieces of information are input from the restaurant terminal 300 of each restaurant through the management screen provided by the restaurant information providing server 100 . The restaurant information database 31 also stores reservation ledger information for each restaurant.

The menu information is information corresponding to the menu posted on the site of each restaurant on the portal site, and stores the menu names of a plurality of menus that each restaurant can provide for each restaurant. . The menu information may be stored for each menu category such as appetizer/main dish and lunch/dinner/course. As the menu information, in addition to character information indicating menu names, prices, explanations, etc., image information such as photographs taken of the menu is also stored in association with the menu information.

The area information includes information on a plurality of areas with different size units. A wide area is, for example, a prefecture or municipality, a narrow area is, for example, within several hundred meters from a station (for example, the "Ginza area"), and an area between them is, for example, an area within 1 km from a station. , an area where a plurality of station surrounding areas are grouped together (for example, “Ginza/Shimbashi/Yurakucho area”), etc., but not limited to these. As a result, even the same restaurant is linked to multiple areas depending on its size.

Further, information (terminal ID, etc.) related to the digital signage terminal 400 installed in the area is associated with the area (for example, the narrowest area among a plurality of areas), and the digital signage is connected via the area. The terminal 400 and each restaurant are associated with each other. However, apart from the area information, the terminal ID of the digital signage terminal 400 and the store ID of the restaurant may be directly associated.

The category information may include, for example, main categories such as Japanese food, Chinese food, Italian food, French food, and yakiniku meat, and more detailed sub-categories such as yakitori/tempura in Japanese food and pasta/pizza in Italian food.

The reservation ledger information is reservation information received from the user terminal 200 (or by telephone) via the restaurant information providing site. It has information such as tables and reserved courses. As the reservation ledger information, not only the reservation information of the user who will visit the customer but also the past reservation record information for at least several months are stored. The reservation ledger information can also be accessed from the restaurant terminal 300 .

The user information database 32 stores information about users who own the user terminals 200 and are users (members) of the restaurant information service through the portal site provided by the restaurant information providing server 100 . Specifically, the user information database 32 stores information such as user IDs, passwords, names, e-mail addresses (other information that serves as destinations for messages), telephone numbers, addresses, ages (groups), genders, and birthdays. I remember each time.

The privilege information database 33 stores privilege information (coupon information) that can be issued by each restaurant. Specifically, information such as text and images indicating the content of each privilege information is stored in association with the privilege information ID.

Each restaurant can set, for example, what kind of privilege information is to be issued for each period by selecting from a plurality of types of privilege information via the restaurant terminal 300. It also stores privilege information currently set by the store, information (flag) indicating whether or not it has been issued, and information such as whether or not the user has used it.

The privilege information may be information that can be used in common for a plurality of restaurants (for example, a coupon that discounts a predetermined percentage of the billing amount), or information that can be set independently for each restaurant (for example, It may be a coupon for a discount or free offer of a specific menu).

These databases are mutually referenced and used as necessary in the privilege information issuing process by the restaurant information providing server 100, which will be described later.

[Operation of restaurant information providing server]
Next, the operation of the restaurant information providing server 100 configured as above will be described. The operation is executed by cooperation between hardware such as the CPU 11 and the communication unit 19 of the restaurant information providing server 100 and software stored in the storage unit 18 . In the following description, for convenience, the CPU 11 is assumed to be the operating entity.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of privilege information issuing processing by the restaurant information providing server 100. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 11 of the restaurant information providing server 100 first determines whether or not the current congestion rate information has been received from the restaurant terminal 300 (step 41).

In the case of data derived from camera C, the congestion rate information may be the video data of camera C itself, or the congestion rate data calculated by restaurant terminal 300 based on the video data (for example, number of seats/tables detected to number of people detected). If the congestion rate information is the image data of the camera C itself, the CPU 11 detects seats or tables and persons from the image data, and calculates the congestion rate as the number of detected persons with respect to the number of detected seats/tables. Calculate

In the case of data derived from the human sensor M, the congestion rate information may be detection data of the human sensor M (data indicating whether or not each human sensor M has been detected). may be received as congestion rate data calculated by (for example, the number of human sensors M that have detected a person with respect to the total number of human sensors M installed in the store). If the congestion rate information is data indicating whether or not each human sensor M has been detected, the CPU 11 calculates the congestion rate as the number of detected human sensors M with respect to the number of human sensors M that are the source of the data. .

When it is determined that the congestion rate information of the current time has been received (Yes in step 41), the CPU 11 retrieves the past congestion rate information of the corresponding restaurant in the second time zone next to the first time zone to which the current time belongs. A reservation rate is calculated for the actual reservation performance (step 42). If it is determined that the congestion rate information at the current time has not been received (No at step 41), the process returns to step 41 and is repeated until the congestion rate information at the current time is received.

Specifically, the CPU 11 calculates the reservation rate as a ratio of the number of reservations for the second time slot of the current day to the number of reservations for the past four weeks on the same day of the week and the second time slot of the corresponding restaurant. calculate. Each time period is divided into units such as 30 minutes, 1 hour, or the like in one day, but is not limited to this.

Subsequently, the CPU 11 determines whether the calculated congestion rate is less than a predetermined threshold T1 and the calculated reservation rate is less than a predetermined threshold T2 (step 43).

Here, the threshold T1 is, for example, 50% when the congestion rate is derived from camera C and is calculated as the number of detected people with respect to the number of seats/tables detected in the video as described above. When calculated as the number of human sensors M that detect a person with respect to the total number of human sensors M installed in the store as described above, it is, for example, 80%, but is not limited to this. .

In this case, the threshold T2 is calculated as the ratio of the number of reservations for the second time slot on the current day to the number of reservations for the past four weeks on the same day of the week and the second time slot as described above. For example, it is 90%, but it is not limited to this.

Further, when the above-mentioned congestion rate is set to a lower value (threshold T1 for camera C-derived, for example 34%, and congestion rate for human sensor M-derived, threshold T1 for example 60%), Threshold T2 may be set to a higher value (eg, 110%).

When it is determined that the congestion rate is less than the threshold T1 and the reservation rate is less than the threshold T2 (Yes in step 43), the CPU 11 sets the privilege information issuance flag in the privilege information database 33 for the corresponding restaurant. is set to ON (step 44).

FIG. 5 is a table conceptually showing conditions for issuing the privilege information (ON/OFF of the issuing flag). ◯ in each square in the figure indicates that the issue flag is ON, and x indicates that the issue flag is OFF.

As shown in the figure, the above threshold T1 is set for the congestion rate. When the congestion rate is divided into three levels of vacant/slightly congested/congested, the threshold T1 is "slightly congested". ”.

Regarding the reservation rate, the above threshold T2 is set, and when the reservation rate is divided into three stages of less than usual/as usual/more than usual, the threshold T2 is a value belonging to "less than usual". Become.

In addition, when the threshold T1 is set to a lower value (value belonging to "empty"; threshold T1'), the threshold T2 is set to a higher value (value belonging to "as usual"; threshold T2'). can be set to

As shown in the figure, the restaurant information providing server 100 issues privilege information when both the congestion rate and the reservation rate are lower than normal (average), but both the congestion rate and the reservation rate are relatively low. By suppressing the issuance of privilege information when the price is high or normal (about average), it is possible to prevent the store from becoming too crowded due to the issuance of privilege information.

For the congestion rate, we use a threshold based on the number of seats or tables. It is possible to decide whether or not to issue the certificate by reflecting the actual situation.

Also, as shown in the figure, when the congestion rate is a value corresponding to "crowded", the reservation rate for the next time period (that is, the target time period for which privilege information is used) is "lower than usual." , the threshold value T1 is set so as not to issue privilege information. This is because if the store is extremely crowded at the current time, there is a high possibility that at least some of the customers will remain at a later time. This is because in-store operations require time to reset the situation and rebuild.

Returning to FIG. 4, when it decides to issue privilege information, the CPU 11 sends a display request for a two-dimensional code indicating the privilege information of the corresponding restaurant, which is associated with the area information of the restaurant information database 31 of the restaurant. It is transmitted to the digital signage terminal 400 (step 45).

The CPU 11 also posts privilege information on the web page of the corresponding restaurant on the portal site (step 46). After that, the process is repeated from step 41 again.

In this case, the CPU 11 completes transmission of the privilege information to the digital signage terminal 400 and posting on the web page by the end of the first time slot.

In addition, the CPU 11 displays privilege information or information associated therewith (two-dimensional bar code, etc.) on the digital signage terminal 400 and the web page until step 47, which will be described later, is performed. Furthermore, the CPU 11 displays privilege information or information linked thereto (two-dimensional bar code, etc.) on the digital signage terminal 400 and on the web page for at least a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, etc.). As such, the digital signage terminal 400 and web pages may be controlled. When the number of issued privilege information is finite and a predetermined number of issues are issued before the elapse of a predetermined time, the CPU 11 hides the privilege information even before the elapse of the predetermined time.

As a result, the restaurant information providing server 100 can make the privilege information visible to the user for at least a predetermined period of time, and can encourage the user to visit the restaurant during the second time slot. In addition, it is possible to prevent privilege information from being frequently displayed or hidden when the congestion rate of restaurants comes and goes near the threshold value T1.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 43 that the congestion rate is equal to or greater than the threshold value T1 or the reservation rate is equal to or greater than the threshold value T2 (No in step 43), the CPU 11 turns on the issuance flag of the current privilege information. If so, the issue of the privilege information is stopped, and the issue flag is set to OFF (step 47). After that, the process is repeated from step 41 again.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the digital signage terminal 400. As shown in FIG.

As shown in the figure, on the digital signage terminal 400, for example, a current image 61 captured by each camera C of a nearby restaurant is displayed together with store name and congestion status information 62 as a real-time state of the store.

Coupon marks 63 are also displayed for restaurants for which privilege information has been issued by the above-described processing. In addition, for example, at the bottom of the screen, a two-dimensional barcode 64 linked to the privilege information of each restaurant displayed is also displayed. By reading the two-dimensional bar code with the terminal 200, privilege information of a desired restaurant can be downloaded and used.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of privilege information displayed on a web page corresponding to each restaurant on the portal site.

An application corresponding to the system provided by the restaurant information providing server 100 is installed in each user terminal 200. The application, as shown in FIG. can be displayed, and an icon 71 can be displayed at the location of each restaurant where the camera C is installed on the map data. Of the restaurants, restaurants that have already issued the privilege information are superimposed on the icon 71 with characters such as "coupon" so that they can be identified.

Then, when the user taps the icon 71 of one of the restaurants for which privilege information has already been issued, as shown in FIG. An Acquisition button 73 is popped up. This allows the user to check the current availability of each restaurant.

When the user taps the coupon acquisition button 73, privilege information 74 is downloaded and displayed as shown in FIG. The user can use it by presenting it to the restaurant clerk.

[summary]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the restaurant information providing server 100 automatically issues privilege information (coupons) for guiding users to visit the restaurant during a time period when there are available reservations at the restaurant. This will prevent the store from getting too crowded.

In addition, the restaurant information providing server 100 determines whether or not to issue privilege information using information from different sources, ie, current congestion information in the restaurant and reservation information for the restaurant in a later time zone. , it is possible to more effectively suppress the store from being too crowded in later hours due to the issuance of the privilege information, as compared with the case where the privilege information is issued based on either one of them.

Furthermore, the restaurant information providing server 100 issues privilege information when both the congestion rate and the reservation rate are lower than normal (average), but both the congestion rate and the reservation rate are relatively high or normal ( By setting each threshold value so as to suppress the issuance of privilege information in the case of about average), it is possible to prevent the store from becoming too crowded due to the issuance of privilege information.

[Modification]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

In the above-described embodiment, the second time slot may be divided into the third time slot and a subsequent fourth time slot. For example, 30 minutes after the start of the second time period may be the third time period, and the remaining 30 minutes may be the fourth time period. In this case, the restaurant information providing server 100 calculates the first reservation rate in the third time period and the second reservation rate in the fourth time period, and if the congestion rate is less than the first threshold, In addition, the first reservation rate is less than the second threshold (T2-1; for example, 85%), and the second reservation rate is higher than the second threshold A third threshold (T2 −2; for example, 95%), it may be decided to issue the privilege information.

As a result, the restaurant information providing server 100 emphasizes the reservation status closer to the current time among the reservation statuses in the second time period, sets a stricter threshold for the reservation rate in the time period closer to the current time, and sets the privilege information. By determining whether or not to issue the privilege information, it is possible to more effectively prevent the store from being too crowded during the second time period, which is closer to the current time.

In the above-described embodiment, the restaurant information providing server 100 stores the store congestion information (first congestion information) in the first time period to which the current time belongs, and the second time period following the first time period. Whether or not to issue coupon information is determined based on reservation status information (second congestion information) of stores in the band. However, the restaurant information providing server 100 may use information other than the reservation information for the second time slot as the second congestion information.

For example, the restaurant information providing server 100 may use congestion information in a second time period predicted by a predetermined algorithm from congestion information in the first time period, or may use congestion information in a second time period, Congestion status information around stores collected from cameras, sensors, and the like installed in nearby stations, roads, and buildings (entrances, elevator halls, etc.) in which stores are located may be used.

In this case, the restaurant information providing server 100 is directed to the user detected by the camera installed in the digital signage terminal 400 as existing within a predetermined distance range from the signage terminal 400 or to the signage terminal 400. The number of users per unit time for which is detected may be received and used as the second congestion information.

In the above-described embodiment, the restaurant information providing server 100 calculates the reservation rate for the second time slot as the number of reservations for the second time slot on the current day compared to the number of reservations for the past four weeks on the same day of the week and the same time slot. The reservation rate was calculated as a percentage of However, the reservation rate may be the ratio of the number of reservations for the second time slot on the current day to the average number of reservations for the second time slot for a predetermined period in the past, or the total number of seats at the store (maximum number) to the number of reservations for the second time slot on the day, or if the number of seats that can be reserved is determined separately from the total number of seats at the store, may be the ratio of the number of reservations in the second time period.

In the above-described embodiment, the privilege information is displayed both on the signage terminal 400 and on the web page corresponding to each store on the portal site for providing restaurant information. However, the privilege information may be displayed on either the signage terminal 400 or the web page corresponding to each store on the portal site for providing restaurant information.

In the above-described embodiment, the privilege information is displayed on the signage terminal 400 and the web page corresponding to each store on the portal site for providing restaurant information. However, the coupon information may be sent as a push notification or as an e-mail to the user terminal (smartphone or PC) of the member user who uses the portal site, for example.

In the above-described embodiment, coupon information (discount coupons, etc.) is issued as privilege information, but other privilege information such as membership rights and reservation tickets may be issued instead or in addition.

In the above embodiment, only one restaurant information providing server 100 is shown, but the processing executed by the restaurant information providing server 100 may be distributed and executed by a plurality of servers.

In the above-described embodiment, a restaurant was exemplified as a service store, but the service store is not limited to a restaurant. The present invention is similarly applicable to reservation ledger screens in various service stores such as various sports facilities such as basketball, golf, etc., hospitals, medical and treatment facilities such as beauty salons, barber shops, massage salons, and esthetic salons.

Among the inventions described in the claims of the present application, the invention described as "information processing method" automatically performs each step by at least one device such as a computer by information processing by software. It is not performed by humans using devices such as computers. That is, the "information processing method" is an information processing method using computer software, and is not a method of manipulating a computing tool such as a computer.

11 CPU
18... Storage unit 19... Communication unit 31... Restaurant information database 32... User information database 33... Benefit information database 64... Two-dimensional code 73... Coupon acquisition button 100... Restaurant information providing server 200... User terminal 300... Restaurant terminal 400 Digital signage terminal

Claims (8)

Acquiring first congestion information regarding the congestion status of the store in a first time zone to which the current time belongs among a plurality of time zones in a day,
Acquiring second congestion information regarding the congestion status of the store in a second time slot after the first time slot among the plurality of time slots,
Based on the first congestion information and the second congestion information, determining whether or not to issue privilege information that can be used at the store after the first time period;
An information processing system comprising a controller. The information processing system according to claim 1,
The first congestion information is acquired via a sensor installed in the store in the first time period,
Said 2nd congestion information is reservation information which shows the reservation status of said shop in said 2nd time zone. Information processing system. The information processing system according to claim 2,
The first congestion information indicates a congestion rate based on the number of seats or the number of tables to be detected by the sensor of the store in the first time period,
The second congestion information indicates a reservation rate based on a predetermined number of reservations for the store in the second time period,
The information processing system, wherein the control unit decides to issue the privilege information when the congestion rate is less than a first threshold and the reservation rate is less than a second threshold. The information processing system according to claim 2 or 3,
The first congestion information indicates a congestion rate based on the number of seats or the number of tables to be detected by the sensor of the store in the first time period,
The second congestion information indicates a reservation rate based on a predetermined number of reservations for the store in the second time period,
The second time period has the third time period and a subsequent fourth time period,
The reservation rate has a first reservation rate in the third time slot and a second reservation rate in the fourth time slot,
The control unit determines that the congestion rate is less than a first threshold, the first reservation rate is less than a second threshold, and the second reservation rate is higher than the second threshold. An information processing system that decides to issue the privilege information if it is less than a high third threshold. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The control unit displays the issued privilege information or information linked to the privilege information on a display terminal or a web page associated with the store until the end of the first time period. system. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The information processing system, wherein the control unit displays the issued privilege information or information linked to the privilege information on a display terminal or a web page associated with the store for at least a predetermined period of time. Acquiring first congestion information regarding the congestion status of the store in a first time zone to which the current time belongs among a plurality of time zones in a day,
Acquiring second congestion information regarding the congestion status of the store in a second time slot after the first time slot among the plurality of time slots,
An information processing method for determining whether or not to issue privilege information that can be used at the store after the first time slot based on the first congestion information and the second congestion information. information processing equipment,
a step of acquiring first congestion information relating to the congestion status of the store in a first time zone to which the current time belongs, out of a plurality of time zones in a day;
a step of acquiring second congestion information regarding congestion status of the store in a second time slot after the first time slot among the plurality of time slots;
and determining whether or not to issue privilege information that can be used at the store after the first time period based on the first congestion information and the second congestion information.

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