JP2024054912A - Facility Systems - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To enable users of private rooms in a facility to use their smartphones to perform multiple processes such as ordering food and drink. [Solution] When a facility management server 6 receives an entry signal from an accounting processing device 7 after a user enters a private room 2, an authentication code unique to that private room 2 is generated and displayed in advance on a display unit 10a of a private room control device 10 for that private room 2, and when a first QR code (registered trademark) is read by the smartphone 3 of the user who has entered, the smartphone 3 is connected to a Wi-Fi access point 4, and when a second QR code (registered trademark) is subsequently read, an authentication page screen is displayed on the smartphone 3, and when the authentication code is input, a process of linking the private room 2 and the smartphone 3 is performed, and an operation menu screen is displayed on the smartphone 3. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

This invention relates to a facility system for accommodation facilities such as hotels, karaoke booths, and entertainment facilities such as internet cafes, as well as facilities with private rooms, such as welfare facilities and hospitals with inpatient facilities, that allows users of the private rooms in the facility to use their smartphones for various operations within the private rooms.

Conventionally, lodging reservation systems have been developed that allow guests at lodging facilities with private rooms, such as hotels, to make reservations, check-in, check-out, and other procedures using their mobile terminals (see Patent Document 1). It has also been proposed to enable restaurants and other establishments to use mobile terminals to order food and drink and pay for food and drink, and such systems are being introduced in lodging facilities.

JP 2021-196772 A

However, conventional hotel reservation systems require the downloading of a dedicated application to a mobile device, and it is very difficult for general users to verify whether the security of the application is guaranteed. In some cases, the application cannot be downloaded successfully, so users often hesitate to download the application, which causes inconvenience to users and makes it difficult for the system to become widespread. This type of problem is not limited to hotels, but is common to entertainment facilities such as karaoke booths and internet cafes, welfare facilities, and facilities with private rooms such as hospitals with inpatient facilities.

In addition, when using a mobile device to order food and drink, it is necessary to link the table number to the user, and generally, the user's personal information is registered via the mobile device to link the number, which creates resistance among users and is a factor preventing the system from becoming widespread.

This invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to enable users of private rooms in facilities such as accommodation facilities and entertainment establishments to use their smartphones for various operations within the private room, eliminating the inconvenience felt by private room users, and enabling users of private rooms at accommodation facilities to use their smartphones to order food and drink, control the audiovisual equipment in the private room, and settle usage fees, with a simple configuration.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the facility system of the present invention is a facility system that enables a smartphone owned by a user of a private room in a facility such as an accommodation facility, an entertainment facility, a welfare facility, or a hospital to be used for various operations in the private room, and includes a smartphone owned by the private room user, a WiFi access point for a wireless LAN installed in each private room of the facility, a facility management server installed in the accommodation facility and capable of connecting to external sites via the Internet, a private room control device installed in each private room of the facility, multiple types of audiovisual equipment installed in each private room of the facility, an accounting processing device that processes calculations, billing, and settlement of usage fees such as private room fees and food and beverage fees for the private room user, and a wired LAN that connects the facility management server, the WiFi access point, the private room control device, and the accounting processing device, and the facility management server receives an entry signal sent from the accounting processing device after the private room user enters the private room, generates an authentication code unique to the private room and displays it on the display unit of the private room control device for the private room, and allows the private room user to enter the private room using the smartphone of the private room user who has entered. When a first two-dimensional barcode provided for the private room is read, the smartphone is connected to the Wi-Fi access point, and when a second two-dimensional barcode provided in advance in the private room is further read, display data for an authentication page screen for inputting the authentication code specific to the private room is sent to the smartphone, causing the smartphone to display the authentication page screen, and when the private room user inputs the authentication code into the smartphone, the private room and the smartphone are linked until the private room user leaves the room, and an operation menu screen for using the smartphone as various operation devices is displayed, and the operation menu screen includes at least various food and drink ordering buttons that can be operated by the private room user, a device control button that can control the audiovisual device, and a button for payment of the usage fee, and the facility management server performs the process corresponding to the operated button among the food and drink ordering process, the device control process for the audiovisual device, and the usage fee payment process that correspond to each of the buttons displayed on the operation menu screen.

According to this configuration, after the private room user enters the private room, the facility management server receives the entry signal sent from the accounting processing device, generates an authentication code specific to the private room and displays it on the display of the private room control device of the private room, and the smartphone of the private room user who has entered the private room reads a first two-dimensional barcode that has been provided in advance in the private room, connecting the smartphone to a Wi-Fi access point, and further reading a second two-dimensional barcode that has been provided in advance in the private room, causing an authentication page screen for inputting the authentication code specific to the private room to be displayed on the smartphone, and the private room user inputs the authentication code specific to the private room into the smartphone, linking the private room to the smartphone until the private room user leaves the room, and sending display data for an operation menu screen for using the smartphone as various operation devices together with the room number data of the private room to the smartphone, and displaying the operation menu screen on the smartphone, so that the private room user can use his or her own smartphone to order food and drink, control the audiovisual equipment in the private room, and settle the usage fee, without installing a dedicated app on the smartphone or entering personal information.

The facility also includes a remote control light emitter consisting of an LED installed in close contact with the remote control signal receiver of the multiple types of audiovisual equipment installed in each private room, and the private room control device has a function of storing in advance in a memory unit a remote control light emission code for each manufacturer for remotely operating each of the multiple types of audiovisual equipment installed in the private room, and as the equipment control process, the facility management server stores in advance in a memory unit the manufacturer name and model name of each of the multiple types of audiovisual equipment installed in all private rooms, and transmits display data for the multiple types of audiovisual equipment installed in the private room and a device control menu including the control contents, and displays the device control menu on the smartphone, and notifies the private room user. The private room control device determines the audiovisual device and control content selected by the operation of the device control menu operated by the private room control device, and controls the private room control device to identify the remote control light emission code required to control the selected audiovisual device to the selected control content from the stored data in the storage unit of the private room control device, causes the private room control device to transmit the identified remote control light emission code, and causes the private room control device to transmit the remote control light emission code to the remote control light emitter provided corresponding to the audiovisual device to be controlled, thereby causing the remote control light emitter to emit light and control the selected audiovisual device to be controlled according to the selected control content.

According to this configuration, the private room control device stores in advance in the storage unit remote control light emission codes for each manufacturer for remotely controlling each of the multiple types of audiovisual equipment installed in the private room, and the facility management server stores in advance in the storage unit the manufacturer names and model names of each of the multiple types of audiovisual equipment installed in all private rooms, and determines the audiovisual equipment to be controlled and the control content selected by the user of the private room through the operation of the equipment control menu operated by the user of the private room, and controls the private room control device to identify the remote control light emission code required to control the selected audiovisual equipment to the selected control content from the stored data in the storage unit of the private room control device, and transmits the identified remote control light emission code from the private room control device to a remote control light emitter provided corresponding to the audiovisual equipment to be controlled, causing the remote control light emitter to emit light, thereby controlling the audiovisual equipment, thereby reliably preventing the audiovisual equipment from malfunctioning due to noise caused by the surrounding environment. Here, the private room user does not need to install a dedicated app on his/her smartphone or enter personal information, and can use the user's smartphone as a remote controller for the audiovisual equipment in the private room, which is very convenient. Furthermore, if the audiovisual equipment or its operating device that was prepared in advance at the accommodation facility breaks down, various processes cannot be performed and the manager of the accommodation facility must bear the extra costs of repairing and replacing the equipment. However, even if the audiovisual equipment is replaced, there is no need to replace the operating device as well, and private room users can perform various processes by operating their own smartphones, which allows the facility manager to improve reliability without incurring extra costs.

In addition, as part of the order processing, the facility management server may send display data for an order menu, including the type of food and drink and its price, along with the room number of the private room, to the smartphone of the private room user, causing the smartphone to display the order menu, determine the food and drink ordered by the private room user through operation of the order menu, notify the accounting processing device of the determined type and price of the food and drink, and cause the accounting processing device to perform processing to charge the usage fee.

This way, private room users will not be forced to install a special app on their smartphones or enter personal information, and they can simply use their smartphones to order food and drinks.

The facility management server can also connect to an external payment site via the Internet, and as part of the payment process, the facility management server acquires usage fee data for the private room user from the accounting processing device along with usage details, displays the usage fee and usage details based on the acquired usage fee data on the smartphone of the private room user along with a cashless payment image, and when the private room user operates the cashless payment image displayed on the smartphone, connects to the external payment site and notifies the user of the usage fee, waits for completion of input of the payment procedure according to the payment information notified to the smartphone from the external payment site via the Internet, and, when the input of the payment procedure is completed, notifies the smartphone of the completion of the payment.

In this case, private room users can easily pay for accommodation fees using their smartphones without having to install a dedicated payment app on their smartphones or enter personal information.

The facility further includes a member management device that manages the member numbers of registered members, and a reading unit that reads the member number recorded on a member card issued to the private room user who is a registered member is provided in the private room control device. The facility management server acquires the member number of the member card read by the reading unit and checks whether it matches any of a number of registered member numbers. If it determines that the member number is registered, it notifies the member management device and the accounting processing device to accept the registered member. The private room user who has been accepted as a registered member is allowed to select cardless member authentication by operating the smartphone. When the cardless member authentication is not selected, and when the cardless member authentication is selected for the first time, the facility management server determines whether the member number obtained by reading the member card determined to be registered by checking the member number is a possible change to a member discount on the usage fee. The information for receiving benefits, such as the availability of special discounts, points held by the private room user depending on the frequency of use, and member rank, is sent to the accounting processing device to enable the user to enjoy the benefits. When the cardless member authentication is selected for the first time, an authentication code unique to the private room user corresponding to the member number, which is the member information, is set and stored in the smartphone. When the cardless member authentication is selected next time, the authentication code stored in the smartphone is obtained from the smartphone and the member number corresponding to the authentication code is searched for among multiple registered member numbers. Based on the searched member number, information for receiving benefits, such as the possibility of changing the usage fee to a member discount, the availability of special discounts, points held by the private room user depending on the frequency of use, and member rank, is sent to the accounting processing device to enable the user to enjoy the benefits.

In this case, if the private room user is a registered member, they can easily receive benefits such as member discounts by using their member card, or by using cardless member authentication without using a member card, which is very convenient.

The operation menu screen may also include a code input button for inputting a discount code for a discount voucher for the facility or a coupon code for a coupon ticket, and when the private room user inputs a discount code written on a discount voucher issued by the facility or a coupon code written on a coupon by operating the smartphone, the facility management server may determine the expiration date and discount conditions of the discount voucher or coupon, and if it determines that the voucher or coupon is genuine, cause the accounting processing device to perform discount processing to calculate the usage fee based on the discount conditions. This makes it convenient for users to easily receive discount services, etc.

The facility may also include a lighting control unit for controlling the lighting in the private room, and the operation menu screen may include a lighting button for controlling the on/off and brightness of the lighting in the private room, and when the lighting button is operated, the facility management server may perform lighting processing that causes the lighting control unit to control the on/off and brightness of the lighting in the private room based on the operation of the lighting button.

This allows private room occupants to easily control the brightness of lighting and other settings using their smartphones without the need to install a dedicated app, such as a control app for smart home appliances, or enter personal information.

The present invention eliminates the need to install (download) a dedicated application or input personal information as in the past, preventing inconvenience to private room users, and with a simple configuration, private room users at the facility can use their smartphones to order food and drink, control the audiovisual equipment in the private room, and pay for usage fees. In addition, since private room users can use their own smartphones to perform various processes rather than using operating devices prepared in advance by the facility, there is no need to touch operating devices that have been touched by others, which is hygienic.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of one embodiment of a facility system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of FIG. 1; 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a front view of a portion of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of FIG. 1 and shows an operation menu screen. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of FIG. 1 and shows a food and drink ordering menu screen. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of FIG. 1 and shows a food and drink ordering menu screen. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of FIG. 1 and shows a food and drink ordering menu screen. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of FIG. 1 and shows a food and drink ordering menu screen. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the audiovisual device shown in FIG. 1 and shows a control menu screen of the audiovisual device. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the audiovisual device shown in FIG. 1 and shows a control menu screen of the audiovisual device. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of FIG. 1 and shows a menu screen for lighting control.

An embodiment in which the facility system according to the present invention is applied to a lodging facility such as a hotel with private rooms, and allows users of the private rooms who do not meet facility staff to use their own smartphones for various operations within the private rooms, will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 12.

(System Configuration)
The facility system in this embodiment is an accommodation system, and is configured as shown in Fig. 1. That is, as shown in Fig. 1, the accommodation system 1 includes a smartphone 3 owned by a private room user who uses a private room 2 in an accommodation facility such as a hotel, a WiFi access point 4 such as a WiFi router for wireless LAN installed in each private room 2, a facility management server 6 configured as a microcomputer that is installed in the accommodation facility and can connect to an external site such as a payment site 5 via the Internet N, an accounting processing device 7 configured as a microcomputer that performs processes such as calculation, billing, and settlement of usage fees such as a private room fee and food and drink charges for the private room user, and a member management device 8 configured as a microcomputer that manages member information such as a member number.

As shown in FIG. 1, the accommodation system 1 further includes a microcomputer-based private room control device 10, which is installed in each private room 2 of the accommodation facility and has a display unit 10a that displays a one-time code (e.g., a six-digit number) of authentication page data described later on the front of the housing, and a reading unit 10c that reads the recorded information of a member card inserted through a card insertion hole 10b described later, and a digital terrestrial television (hereinafter also referred to as a digital terrestrial TV) 11a, a VOD (Video On Demand/electronic rental video) 11b, and audio equipment 11c such as cable broadcasting and radio, which are audiovisual equipment installed in each private room 2 of the accommodation facility, a lighting control unit 12 that controls the on/off and brightness of the lighting in the private room 2, and a wired LAN hub 13 that connects the facility management server 6, the Wi-Fi access point 4, the private room control device 10, the accounting processing device 7, and the member management device 8 with a LAN cable K.

In FIG. 1, 14a, 14b, and 14c are remote control light emitters, such as infrared LEDs, installed in the remote control signal receivers of the terrestrial digital TV 11a, VOD 11b, and audio equipment 11c, respectively, and are placed in close contact with the remote control signal receivers to block external noise light and electromagnetic waves. As will be described in detail later, the private room control device 10 receives a remote control light emission code sent from the facility management server 6, and these remote control light emitters 14a, 14b, and 14c emit light based on the remote control light emission code, and the terrestrial digital TV 11a, VOD 11b, and audio equipment 11c are controlled according to the control content corresponding to the remote control light emission code.

(motion)
<Linking process>
The facility management server 6 performs a linking process that links the private room 2 with the smartphone 3 of the user who uses the private room 2, enabling the smartphone 3 to be used as an operating tool for food and drink ordering, device control, payment processing, etc. This linking process by the facility management server 6 is performed as follows.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the private room user enters the private room 2, an entry signal is sent from the accounting processing device 7 to the facility management server 6, and when the facility management server 6 receives this entry signal, it generates authentication codes for all private rooms, including an authentication code (hereinafter also referred to as a one-time code) similar to a one-time password that is unique to the private room 2, and stores it in the memory, which is the storage unit, and when the private room user enters the room, the one-time code is displayed on the display unit 10a of the private room control device 10 for that private room 2. When the smartphone 3 of the private room user who has entered the room reads the first QR code (registered trademark), which is the first two-dimensional barcode set for the room number of the private room 2 and displayed in the private room 2, the smartphone 3 is connected to the facility management server 6 via the Wi-Fi access point 4, and the private room user then reads the second QR code (registered trademark), which is the second two-dimensional barcode, with the smartphone 3, and the facility management server 6 displays on the smartphone 3 an authentication page screen for inputting the one-time code displayed on the display unit 10a of the private room control device 10 of the private room 2.

Next, when the user of the private room 2 checks the one-time code displayed on the display unit 10a of the private room control device 10, enters the one-time code on the authentication page screen of the smartphone 3, and taps the decision button on the authentication page screen, an authentication request is made from the smartphone 3 to the facility management server 6, and the facility management server 6 compares the one-time code entered into the smartphone 3 with the one-time code of the private room 2 stored in the memory unit. If the comparison shows that the two codes match, the facility management server 6 stores the one-time code in the cookie of the smartphone 3 that identified the private room 2, and determines that the process of linking the private room 2 with the smartphone 3 of the user is complete. This linked state is maintained until the private room user leaves the room, and display data for a specified operation menu screen is sent to the smartphone 3 to display the operation menu screen, which is the top menu.

Once the above-mentioned linking process is completed, the private room 2 is identified by the contents of the cookie on the smartphone 3, and a predetermined process is executed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, when the "Order Meals and Drinks" button is tapped (tapped in step S1) among the buttons on the operation menu screen displayed on the smartphone 3, which will be described later, the facility management server 6 performs ordering processing for food and drink such as meals and drinks (step S2), when the "Smart Remote Control" button is tapped (tapped in step S3), it performs device control processing for audiovisual devices such as terrestrial digital TV 11a and VOD 11b in the private room 2 (step S4), and when the "Accept Discount/Coupon Code" button is tapped (tapped in step S5), it performs device control processing for the user of the private room 2. A discount process is performed based on the discount code or coupon code entered on the smartphone 3 (step S6), and when the "Confirm and pay usage fee" button is tapped (tapped in step S7), a payment process is performed that allows the user of the private room 2 to confirm the usage fee (step S8), when the "Display member information" button is tapped (tapped in step S9), a display process of registered member information is performed (step S10), and when the "Call other screens" button is tapped (tapped in step S11), a call process is performed to call other screens (step S12).

The display unit 10a of the private room control device 10 is configured as shown in FIG. 4, with the display unit 10a having six 7-segment LED displays that display a one-time code of six digits (for example, "123456") lined up on the front of the housing, and the card insertion hole 10b arranged side by side above and below, and the recorded information of the member card inserted into the card insertion hole 10b is read by the reading unit 10c of the private room control device 10. Note that on the left side of the display unit 10a, there is a read completion indicator and an error indicator that show whether the member card has been read successfully or not.

At this time, the screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed as an operation menu screen displayed on the smartphone 3. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of button images are displayed, such as a button 17a labeled "Order Food and Drinks" for ordering food and drink, a button 17b labeled "Smart Remote Control" for controlling audiovisual devices such as the terrestrial digital TV 11a and VOD 11b in the private room 2, a button 17c labeled "Accept Discount and Coupon Code" for accepting discount codes and coupon codes entered by the user of the private room 2 on the smartphone 3 and executing discount processing, a button 17d labeled "Confirm and Pay Usage Fee" for enabling the user of the private room 2 to confirm the usage fee and executing payment processing, a button 17e labeled "Display Member Information" for displaying registered member information for a user who is a registered member, and a button 17f labeled "Call Other Screens" for calling other screens. In response to the tapped button among these buttons 17a to 17f, the facility management server 6 executes the above-mentioned processing.

Next, we will explain in detail the processes that occur when each of the buttons 17a to 17f on the operation menu screen shown in Figure 5 is tapped.

<Food and drink order processing>
Now, when the button 17a labeled "Order food and drink" on the operation menu screen (see FIG. 5) displayed on the smartphone 3 is tapped, an order process is executed by the facility management server 6. That is, the facility management server 6 transmits display data for an order menu screen including the room number of the private room 2 linked to the smartphone 3 of the user of the private room 2, the types of food and drink, and their prices, and causes the smartphone 3 to display an order menu screen including a button 18a labeled "Order food" and a button 18b labeled "Order drink" as shown in FIG.

When the user of the private room 2 taps the "Order a meal" button 18a while viewing the order menu screen, a meal menu screen including a "Noodles" button 19a, a "Japanese food" button 19b, a "Chinese food" button 19c, a "Western food" button 19d, and a "Light meal" button 19e is displayed on the smartphone 3, as shown in FIG. 7. At this time, when the "Noodles" button 19aa is tapped, for example, a noodle menu screen including a number of noodle menu names and their prices including a "Shoyu ramen 800 yen" button 19a1, a "Tonkotsu ramen 850 yen" button 19a2, a "Miso ramen 800 yen" button 19a3, a "Kitsune don 650 yen" button 19a4, a "Meat udon 850 yen" button 19a5, a "Zaru soba 600 yen" button 19a6, and a "Tempura soba 1000 yen" button 19a7 is displayed on the smartphone 3, as shown in FIG. 8.

When the user taps the button for the noodle menu of their choice, as shown in FIG. 9, an order confirmation screen is displayed on the smartphone 3, which includes a quantity input button 20a for inputting the number of items to be ordered, for example in a drop-down format, a "Confirm" button 20b for confirming the inputted number, and a "Back" button 20c for returning to the previous operation. When the number is input and the "Confirm" button 20b is tapped, the facility management server 6 determines the type of food and drink for which the order has been confirmed, and notifies the accounting processor 7 of the determined type of food and drink and the price, and causes the accounting processor 7 to perform processing to charge the usage fee. The ordered meal is processed and cooked at the facility and served to the private room 2 by facility staff.

Incidentally, when the user of the private room 2 taps the "Order Drinks" button 18b while viewing the order menu screen, the same process is carried out as when the user taps the "Order Food" button 18a described above. For example, a drink menu screen including drink menu items and prices for alcoholic beverages such as various brands of beer, chuhai, and highballs, as well as non-alcoholic beer and soft drinks such as orange juice and oolong tea, is displayed on the smartphone 3, and when the user inputs the name and number of drinks and performs a confirm operation, the facility management server 6 determines the type of drink ordered and notifies the accounting processor 7 of the determined type and price of the drink, causing the accounting processor 7 to perform processing to charge the usage fee. The ordered drinks are provided to the private room 2 by a facility staff member.

<Device control processing>
Next, when the "smart remote control" button 17b on the operation menu screen (see FIG. 5) displayed on the smartphone 3 is tapped, the facility management server 6 executes device control processing of the audiovisual devices such as the terrestrial digital TV 11a installed in the private room 2. That is, the private room control device 10 of each private room 2 stores in advance in a memory serving as a storage unit a remote control light emission code for each manufacturer for remotely controlling each of the audiovisual devices such as the terrestrial digital TV 11a installed in the private room 2, while the facility management server 6 stores in advance in a memory serving as a storage unit a manufacturer name and a model name of each of the audiovisual devices such as the terrestrial digital TV 11a installed in the private room 2. At this time, when a certain device is replaced with a product of a different manufacturer due to a breakdown, the manufacturer name and model name of the replaced device are newly stored, and the replaced device is associated with the remote control light emission code for each manufacturer stored in the memory of the private room control device 10 in which the replaced device is installed. Then, display data for a device control menu screen including the audiovisual devices and control contents in the private room 2 is sent, and for example, as shown in Fig. 10, a device control menu screen including a "power" button 21a1, a "TV" button 21a2, a "VOD" button 21a3, a "BD (Blu-ray Disc)" button 21a4, a "4K broadcast" button 21a5, a "radio" button 21a6, and a "karaoke" button 21a7 is displayed on the smartphone 3.

For example, when the "Power" 21a1 and "TV" buttons 21a2 are tapped, the power of the digital terrestrial TV 11a is turned on, the facility management server 6 determines that the "TV" button 21a2 has been tapped, and display data for the control menu screen of the digital terrestrial TV 11a is sent from the facility management server 6 to the smartphone 3, and the digital terrestrial TV operation menu screen as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the smartphone 3. The digital terrestrial TV operation menu shown in FIG. 11 includes buttons 22a1, 22a2, 22a3, and 22a4 for selecting digital terrestrial broadcasting, BS broadcasting, CS broadcasting, and pay broadcasting, button 22a5 for channel up/down operation, button 22a6 for volume up/down operation, and numeric keypad button 22a7.

When, for example, the "BS" button among the buttons in FIG. 11 is tapped, the facility management server 6 requests the private room control device 10 to send a remote control light emitting code for the terrestrial digital TV 11a to receive BS broadcasts, so that the terrestrial digital TV 11a can switch to receiving BS broadcasts. The private room control device 10 sends the requested remote control light emitting code to the remote control light emitter 14a provided on the terrestrial digital TV 11a, which controls the remote control light emitter 14a to emit light and controls the terrestrial digital TV 11a to receive BS broadcasts. Note that the same control is performed when any other button on the terrestrial digital TV operation menu screen shown in FIG. 11 is tapped, and the same control is performed when any other button on the device control menu screen shown in FIG. 10 is tapped.

In this case, if the operating device such as a remote control prepared in advance at the accommodation facility is broken, various processes cannot be performed, and the manager of the accommodation facility must bear the extra costs of repairing and replacing the operating device. In contrast, in this embodiment, even if a device in a private room 2 is replaced with a product from a different manufacturer due to a breakdown, the manufacturer name and model name of the replaced device are simply re-stored, and the remote control light emission code for each manufacturer stored in the memory of the private room control device 10 in which the replaced device is installed is newly associated with the remote control light emission code for the replaced device, and the remote control light emission code for the replaced device can be sent from the private room control device 10. Therefore, the private room user can operate his or her own smartphone 3 to perform various processes, and there is no need to prepare a new operating device corresponding to the device from the replaced manufacturer as in the past, and no extra costs are incurred.

<Discount Processing>
Next, when the "Discount/Coupon Code Acceptance" button 17c on the operation menu screen (see FIG. 5) displayed on the smartphone 3 is tapped, the facility management server 6 executes a discount process on the usage fee under the discount conditions based on the legitimate discount coupon or coupon. That is, when the facility management server 6 confirms that the user of the private room 2 has entered a discount code written on a discount coupon issued by the accommodation facility or a coupon code written on a coupon by operating the smartphone 3, it determines the expiration date and discount conditions of the discount coupon or coupon, determines whether it is a legitimate discount coupon or coupon, and if it determines that it is legitimate, causes the accounting processor 7 to execute a discount process to calculate the usage fee under the discount conditions. This makes it convenient for the user to easily receive discount services, etc.

<Payment Processing>
Furthermore, when the "Check and Pay Usage Fee" button 17d on the operation menu screen (see FIG. 5) displayed on the smartphone 3 is tapped, the facility management server 6 executes a payment process that allows the user of the private room 2 to check the usage fee. That is, when the "Check and Pay Usage Fee" button 17d is tapped, the facility management server 6 connects to the external payment site 5 via the Internet N and notifies the payment site 5 of the usage fee, waits until a notification of payment completion is received from the payment site 5 by completing input of the payment procedure by, for example, tapping the "Pay" button in accordance with the payment information notified to the smartphone 3 from the payment site 5 via the Internet N, and when the notification of payment completion is received, the facility management server 6 sends message data such as "Check-out is complete" to the smartphone 3 to display it.

<Member information display process>
Next, when the "display member information" button 17e on the operation menu screen (see FIG. 5) displayed on the smartphone 3 is tapped, a display process is executed to display information such as the registered member number by the facility management server 6. That is, if the user of the private room 2 is a registered member, a member card issued to the member is inserted into the card insertion hole 10b (see FIG. 4), and the member number (e.g., an eight-digit number "01234567"), which is the member information recorded on the member card, is read by the reading unit 10c of the private room control device 10. The facility management server 6 acquires the member number read by the reading unit 10c and checks whether it matches any of the multiple registered member numbers stored in the memory unit.

If the member numbers match as a result of the comparison and it is determined that the user is registered, the member number is notified to the member management device 8 and the accounting processing device 7, and the user is accepted as a registered member. The facility management server 6 then displays a cardless member authentication screen on the smartphone 3 of the private room user who has been accepted as a registered member, allowing the user to select cardless member authentication.

At this time, when the cardless member authentication screen is operated to select "not to perform" cardless member authentication, or when the initial cardless member authentication is selected to perform "to perform" cardless member authentication, information for receiving benefits such as the possibility of changing the usage fee to a member discount, the presence or absence of special discounts, points granted to the user of the private room 2 according to frequency of use, and member rank is sent to the accounting processing device 7 via the facility management server 6 based on the member number (e.g., an eight-digit number "01234567") read by the reading unit 10c of the private room control device 10 and acquired by the facility management server 6, and the private room user is allowed to receive the benefits. At the same time, the member number and other information read by the facility management server 6 is sent to the private room user's smartphone 3 and displayed on the smartphone 3.

In addition, when the option to "perform" cardless member authentication is selected for the first time, the facility management server 6 sets an authentication code unique to that user (e.g., "ABCDEFGH") corresponding to that private room user's member number (e.g., an eight-digit number "01234567") to be stored in the cookie of the private room user's smartphone 3, and the authentication code ("ABCDEFGH") is stored in the cookie of the smartphone 3. When a user having the authentication code (for example, "ABCDEFGH") enters a certain private room 2, as described above, the unique authentication code ("123456") of the private room 2 is input into the smartphone 3 displaying the approval page screen, whereby the private room 2 and the smartphone 3 are linked together. The facility management server 6 then reads out the authentication code ("ABCDEFGH") stored in the cookie from the smartphone 3, and transmits the member number ("0123456") corresponding to the read authentication code ("ABCDEFGH"). 567") is searched for in the memory of the facility management server 6, and based on the member number found, information for receiving benefits such as the possibility of changing the usage fee to a member discount, the presence or absence of special discounts, points awarded to the user of the private room 2 according to frequency of use, and member rank is sent to the accounting processing device 7 via the facility management server 6, allowing the private room user to receive benefits, and the member number and other information read by the facility management server 6 is sent to the smartphone 3 of the private room user and displayed on the smartphone 3.

<Lighting processing>
In particular, when a lighting control menu screen is called up and displayed on the smartphone 3 and a user of the private room 2 taps a lighting button on the lighting control menu screen, the facility management server 6 performs lighting processing for the lighting control unit 12 to control the on/off and brightness of the lighting in the private room 2 based on the operation of the lighting button. That is, the facility management server 6 transmits display data of a lighting control menu screen including lighting buttons 23a1 to 23a6 as shown in FIG. 12 to the smartphone 3 of the user of the private room, and causes the lighting control menu screen to be displayed on the smartphone 3. The "room light" button 23a1 is set to be dimmable to, for example, 10 levels of brightness from "dark" to "light" in order to set the dimming degree (brightness), and the other "foot light", "spot light", and "bed light" buttons 23a2 to 23a4 are also set to be dimmable to 10 levels of brightness.

When the user of the private room 2 operates the "all lights" and "all off" buttons 23a5 and 23a6, for example, the lighting control unit 12 turns all the lights in the private room 2 on and off, and when the user taps the "room light" button 23a1 to set the dimming level, the lighting control unit 12 dims the room light to the set brightness. Other lights are controlled in the same way.

Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, after the private room user enters the private room, the facility management server 6 receives the entry signal sent from the accounting processing device 7, generates an authentication code specific to the private room 2, and displays it on the display unit 10a of the private room control device 10 of the private room 2. The smartphone 3 of the private room user who has entered the room reads the first QR code (registered trademark) pre-installed in the private room 2, causing the smartphone 3 to connect to the Wi-Fi access point 4, and the second QR code (registered trademark) pre-installed in the private room 2 is further read, causing an authentication page screen for inputting the authentication code specific to the private room 2 to be displayed on the smartphone 3. The private room user inputs the authentication code specific to the private room 2 into the smartphone 3, and the private room 2 and the smartphone 3 are linked together until the private room user leaves the room. The display data for the operation menu screen for using the smartphone 3 as various operation devices is sent to the smartphone 3 together with the room number data of the private room, and the operation menu screen is displayed on the smartphone 3.

This eliminates the need to install dedicated applications or input personal information as in the past, preventing inconvenience to users of the private room 2, and the simple configuration allows users of the private room 2 at the accommodation facility to easily use their smartphone 3 to order food and drink, control the audiovisual equipment in the private room 2, and pay for usage fees.

In addition, instead of using operating devices prepared in advance at the accommodation facility to perform various processes, private room occupants can perform various processes using their own smartphones 3, which means there is no need to touch operating devices that have been touched by others, making it hygienic.

In addition, the private room control device 10 of each private room 2 pre-stores in a storage unit (memory) a remote control light emission code for each manufacturer for remotely controlling each of the multiple types of audiovisual equipment installed in the private room 2, and the facility management server 6 pre-stores in a storage unit (memory) the manufacturer name and model name of each of the multiple types of audiovisual equipment installed in all private rooms, and determines the audiovisual equipment to be controlled and the control content selected by the user of the private room 2 through the operation of the equipment control menu, and transmits the remote control light emission code required to control the selected audiovisual equipment to be controlled according to the selected control content to the private room control device 10. The facility management server 6 controls the private room control device 10 to identify the audiovisual device from the data stored in the storage unit, and the identified remote control light emission code is sent from the private room control device 10 to one of the remote control light emitters 14a-14c provided corresponding to the audiovisual device to be controlled, causing one of the remote control light emitters 14a-14c to emit light and control the audiovisual device. This reliably prevents the audiovisual device from malfunctioning due to noise caused by the surrounding environment, and allows the user to easily control audiovisual devices such as terrestrial digital TV 11a and VOD 11b using their smartphone 3.

In addition, even if a device in a private room 2 breaks down and is replaced with a product from a different manufacturer, the facility management server 6 can simply re-store the manufacturer name and model name of the replaced device, and associate it with the remote control light emission code for each manufacturer that is already stored in the memory of the private room control device 10 in which the replaced device is installed.The remote control light emission code for the replaced device can then be sent from the private room control device 10, allowing the private room user to operate their own smartphone 3 to perform various processes.There is no need to prepare an operating device that is compatible with the replaced device from the manufacturer, as was the case in the past, and the facility manager does not incur any extra costs.

In addition, the user of the private room 2 can easily order food and drink using the smartphone 3 without being forced to install a dedicated app or input personal information on the smartphone 3.

In addition, by connecting the facility management server 6 to the external payment site 5, payment processing can be performed using the user's smartphone 3, which is convenient as it eliminates the need for the user to install a personal payment app for credit card payments.

In addition, if the user of the private room is a registered member, they can easily receive benefits such as member discounts by using their member card, or by using cardless member authentication without using a member card, which is very convenient.

In addition, private room users do not need to install a dedicated app, such as a control app for smart home appliances, on their smartphones 3 or enter personal information, and can easily control the brightness of lighting, etc. using their smartphones 3.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

For example, the accommodation facility system 1 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, but rather may be configured to link the private room 2 with the smartphone 3 owned by the user, and to use the linked smartphone 3 to process food and drink orders, control the audiovisual equipment in the private room 2, and process payment of usage fees.

In addition, the operation menu screen shown in FIG. 5 and other menu screens are not limited to those described in the above embodiment, and may be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the first and second two-dimensional barcodes are not limited to the QR code (registered trademark) described above.

In the above embodiment, the facility system according to the present invention is applied to a hotel or other accommodation facility, allowing users of private rooms who do not meet with facility staff to use their smartphones for various operations within the private room. However, in addition to hotels and other accommodation facilities, the system can also be applied to karaoke booths, entertainment facilities such as internet cafes, welfare facilities, and hospitals with hospitalization facilities, and other facilities with private rooms, and can achieve the same effects as the above embodiment.

The present invention can also be widely applied to facility systems that enable users of private rooms in facilities such as accommodation facilities, entertainment facilities, welfare facilities, and hospitals to use their smartphones for various operations within the private rooms.

1. Accommodation system (facility system)
Reference Signs List 2: Private room 3: Smartphone 4: Wi-Fi access point 5: Payment site 6: Facility management server 7: Accounting processing device 8: Member management device 10: Private room control device 11a: Digital terrestrial TV (audio-visual device)
11b...VOD (audio-visual equipment)
11c...Audio equipment (audio-visual equipment)
12 ... Lighting control unit 13 ... Hub K ... LAN cable N ... Internet

This invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to enable a smartphone owned by a user of a private room in a facility such as an accommodation facility or an entertainment facility to be used for various operations within the private room, thereby eliminating the inconvenience felt by the private room user, and enabling a simple configuration to enable a private room user at the facility to use their smartphone to order food and drink, control the audio-visual equipment in the private room, and pay for usage fees.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a facility system according to the present invention enables a user of a private room in a facility such as an accommodation facility, an entertainment facility, a welfare facility, or a hospital to use a smartphone owned by the user of the private room for various operations within the private room, the facility system comprising: a smartphone owned by the private room user; a WiFi access point for a wireless LAN installed in each private room of the facility; a facility management server installed in the facility and capable of connecting to external sites via the Internet; a private room control device installed in each private room of the facility; multiple types of audio-visual equipment installed in each private room of the facility; an accounting processing device that processes calculations, billing, and settlement of usage fees such as private room fees and food and drink fees for the private room user; and a wired LAN connecting the facility management server, the WiFi access point, the private room control device, and the accounting processing device, the facility management server receiving an entrance signal sent from the accounting processing device after the private room user enters the private room, generating an authentication code unique to the private room and displaying it on a display unit of the private room control device for the private room, and When a first two-dimensional barcode provided in the private room is read, the smartphone is connected to the Wi-Fi access point, and when a second two-dimensional barcode provided in advance in the private room is further read, display data for an authentication page screen for inputting the authentication code unique to the private room is sent to the smartphone, causing the smartphone to display the authentication page screen, and when the private room user inputs the authentication code into the smartphone, the private room and the smartphone are linked until the private room user leaves the room, and an operation menu screen for using the smartphone as various operating devices is displayed, the operation menu screen including at least buttons for ordering various types of food and beverages that can be operated by the private room user, a device control button for controlling the audio-visual equipment, and a button for paying the usage fee, and the facility management server performs the process corresponding to the operated button out of the food and beverage ordering process, the device control process for the audio-visual equipment, and the usage fee payment process corresponding to each of the buttons displayed on the operation menu screen.

According to this configuration, the private room control device stores in advance in a storage unit a remote control light emission code for each manufacturer for remotely controlling each of the multiple types of audiovisual devices installed in the private room, and the facility management server stores in advance in a storage unit a manufacturer name and a model name for each of the multiple types of audiovisual devices installed in all private rooms, and the private room control device determines the audiovisual device to be controlled and the control content selected by the operation of the device control menu operated by the user of the private room, and controls the private room control device to specify the remote control light emission code required to control the selected audiovisual device to the selected control content from the stored data in the storage unit of the private room control device, and transmits the specified remote control light emission code from the private room control device to a remote control light emitter provided corresponding to the audiovisual device to be controlled, causing the remote control light emitter to emit light, thereby controlling the audiovisual device, thereby reliably preventing the audiovisual device from malfunctioning due to noise caused by the surrounding environment. Here, the private room user does not need to install a dedicated app on his/her smartphone or enter personal information, and can use the user's smartphone as a remote controller for the audiovisual devices in the private room, which is very convenient. Furthermore, if the audio-visual equipment or its operating devices prepared in advance at the facility are broken, various processes cannot be performed and the facility manager must bear the extra costs of repairing or replacing the equipment. However, even if the audio-visual equipment is replaced, there is no need to replace the operating devices as well, and private room users can perform various processes by operating their own smartphones, allowing the facility manager to improve reliability without incurring extra costs.

In this case, private room users can easily pay for facility usage fees using their smartphones without having to install a dedicated payment app on their smartphones or enter personal information.

The facility further includes a member management device that manages the member numbers of registered members, and a reading unit that reads the member number recorded on a member card issued to the private room user who is a registered member is provided in the private room control device, and the facility management server acquires the member number of the member card read by the reading unit and checks whether it matches any of a plurality of registered member numbers, and if it is determined that the member number is registered, notifies the member management device and the accounting processing device to accept the registered member, and allows the private room user who has been accepted as a registered member to select cardless member authentication by operating the smartphone, and when the cardless member authentication is not selected and when the cardless member authentication is selected for the first time, allows the user to change the usage fee to a member discount based on the member number acquired by reading the member card determined to be registered by the check. The information for receiving benefits, such as the possibility of changing the usage fee to a member discount, the presence or absence of special discounts, the points held by the private room user depending on the frequency of use, and the member rank, may be sent to the accounting processing device to enable the user to enjoy the benefits. When the cardless member authentication is selected for the first time , an authentication code unique to the private room user corresponding to the member number, which is member information, may be set and stored in the smartphone. When the cardless member authentication is selected next time, the authentication code stored in the smartphone may be obtained from the smartphone and the member number corresponding to the authentication code may be searched for among multiple registered member numbers. Based on the searched member number, information for receiving benefits, such as the possibility of changing the usage fee to a member discount, the presence or absence of special discounts, the points held by the private room user depending on the frequency of use, and the member rank, may be sent to the accounting processing device to enable the user to enjoy the benefits.

Claims (7)

A facility system that enables users of private rooms in facilities such as accommodation facilities, entertainment facilities, welfare facilities, and hospitals to use their smartphones for various operations within the private rooms,
A smartphone owned by the private room user;
A WiFi access point for wireless LAN installed in each private room of the facility;
A facility management server installed at the accommodation facility and connectable to an external site via the Internet;
A private room control device installed in each private room of the facility;
A plurality of types of audiovisual equipment installed in each private room of the facility;
an accounting processing device for performing processes such as calculation, billing, and settlement of charges for the private room user, such as private room charges and food and beverage charges;
a wired LAN that connects the facility management server, the Wi-Fi access point, the private room control device, and the accounting processing device;
The facility management server,
the system receives an entry signal sent from the accounting processing device after the private room user enters the private room, generates an authentication code unique to the private room and displays it on the display unit of the private room control device for the private room, a first two-dimensional barcode pre-installed in the private room is read by the smartphone of the private room user who has entered, thereby connecting the smartphone to the Wi-Fi access point, a second two-dimensional barcode pre-installed in the private room is further read, thereby sending display data for an authentication page screen for inputting the authentication code unique to the private room to the smartphone and displaying the authentication page screen on the smartphone, the private room is linked to the smartphone until the private room user leaves the room, and an operation menu screen for using the smartphone as various operation devices is displayed.
The operation menu screen includes at least buttons for ordering various foods and beverages that can be operated by the private room user, a device control button for controlling the audiovisual device, and a button for payment of the usage fee,
The facility management server is a facility system characterized by performing processing corresponding to the button operated, among food and drink ordering processing, device control processing for the audio-visual equipment, and payment processing for usage fees, which correspond to each of the buttons displayed on the operation menu screen. a remote control light emitter including an LED installed in close contact with a remote control signal receiver of the plurality of types of audiovisual devices installed in each private room of the facility;
the private room control device has a function of storing in advance in a storage unit remote control light emission codes for each manufacturer for remotely controlling each of the plurality of types of audiovisual devices installed in the private room;
As the device control process, the facility management server
The manufacturer names and model names of the various types of audiovisual devices installed in all of the private rooms are stored in a storage unit in advance,
Sending display data of a device control menu including the plurality of types of audiovisual devices installed in the private room and control contents, and displaying the device control menu on the smartphone;
determining the audiovisual equipment to be controlled and the control content selected by the operation of the equipment control menu operated by the private room user, controlling the private room control device to specify, from among the stored data in the storage unit of the private room control device, the remote control light emission code required to control the selected audiovisual equipment to be controlled according to the selected control content, and causing the private room control device to transmit the specified remote control light emission code;
The facility system described in claim 1, characterized in that the private room control device sends the remote control light emitting code to the remote control light emitting device provided corresponding to the audio-visual equipment to be controlled, causing the remote control light emitting device to emit light and perform processing to control the selected audio-visual equipment to be controlled in accordance with the selected control content. As the order processing, the facility management server
Sending display data of an order menu including the type of food and drink and its price to the smartphone of the user of the private room together with the room number of the private room, and displaying the order menu on the smartphone;
The facility system described in claim 1, characterized in that the food and drink ordered by the private room user through operation of the order menu is determined, the type and price of the food and drink determined is notified to the accounting processing device, and the accounting processing device is caused to process the charging of the usage fee. the facility management server is connectable to an external payment site via the Internet,
As the payment processing, the facility management server
Obtaining usage fee data for the private room user together with usage details from the accounting processing device;
Displaying the usage fee and details based on the acquired usage fee data on the smartphone of the private room user together with a cashless payment image;
The facility system described in claim 1, characterized in that when the private room user operates the cashless payment image displayed on the smartphone, the system connects to the external payment site and notifies the user of the usage fee, waits for the completion of input of the payment procedure in accordance with the payment information notified to the smartphone via the Internet from the external payment site, and performs a process to notify the smartphone of completion of payment once the input of the payment procedure is completed. A member management device for managing the member numbers of registered members is further provided,
a reading unit for reading a member number recorded on a member card issued to the private room user who is a registered member is provided in the private room control device;
The facility management server,
obtain the member number read from the member card by the reading unit and compare it with any of a number of registered member numbers, and if it is determined that the member number is registered, notify the member management device and the accounting processing device to accept the registered member, and allow the private room user who has been accepted as a registered member to select cardless member authentication by operating the smartphone;
When the cardless member authentication is not selected, or when the cardless member authentication is selected for the first time, information for receiving benefits, such as the possibility of changing the usage fee to a member discount, the presence or absence of special discounts, points granted to the private room user according to frequency of use, and member rank, is sent to the accounting processing device based on the member number obtained by reading the member card determined to be registered by comparison, thereby enabling the user to receive the benefits;
The facility system described in claim 1, characterized in that when the cardless member authentication is selected for the first time, an authentication code unique to the private room user corresponding to the member number, which is the member information, is set and stored in the smartphone, and when the cardless member authentication is selected next time, the authentication code stored in the smartphone is obtained from the smartphone and the member number corresponding to the authentication code is searched for among a plurality of registered member numbers, and based on the searched member number, information for receiving benefits such as the possibility of changing the usage fee to a member discount, the presence or absence of special discounts, points awarded to the private room user according to frequency of use, member rank, etc. is sent to the accounting processing device, enabling the private room user to enjoy the benefits. the operation menu screen includes a button for inputting a discount code for a discount coupon for the facility and a coupon code for a coupon ticket;
The facility management server,
The facility system described in claim 1, characterized in that when a private room user operates the smartphone to input a discount code written on a discount voucher issued by the facility or a coupon code written on a coupon, the expiration date and discount conditions of the discount voucher or coupon are determined, and if it is determined to be a genuine discount voucher or coupon, the accounting processing device performs discount processing to calculate the usage fee based on the discount conditions. A lighting control unit for controlling lighting in the individual room is provided,
the operation menu screen includes a lighting button for controlling the on/off and brightness of the lighting in the private room,
The facility system described in claim 1, characterized in that when the lighting button is operated, the facility management server performs lighting processing on the lighting control unit to control the on/off and brightness of the lighting in the private room based on the operation of the lighting button.

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