JP7430491B2 - Room key collection box and checkout system using it - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a room key collection box and a checkout system using the same, and more particularly to a room key collection box that allows easy checkout processing and a checkout system using the same.

BACKGROUND ART In accommodation facilities such as hotels and inns, check-in and check-out operations for guests are performed. In recent years, front desk operation support systems and the like have been proposed in order to efficiently perform check-in and check-out operations.

For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-105808) discloses a checkout system using a room key, which includes a room key attached with a tag embedded with a contactless IC component that performs contactless data communication, and a checkout system that uses a room key. A checkout system is proposed that includes a contactless communication means that reads data stored in an IC component in a contactless manner, and a payment processing means that performs payment of the usage amount based on the read data.

Furthermore, in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 09-106482), the user is automatically identified when paying the usage fee for a facility or service, and the usage amount for the facility is calculated in order to streamline the processing related to payment. The payment system to be presented includes an identification means having an identifier used by a facility user, and a user identification means for identifying the facility user based on the identifier upon collection of the identification means. BACKGROUND ART A payment system has been proposed which is characterized by comprising a bill amount output means for outputting a bill amount to a facility user.

In accommodation facilities such as hotels and inns, guest rooms are cleaned after guests check out, and it is desired that the guest rooms be cleaned efficiently.

Therefore, Patent Document 3 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-067509) proposes a cleaning plan creation device for improving the cleaning efficiency of the entire accommodation facility as well as improving the turnover efficiency of vacant rooms. That is, in a cleaning plan creation device that creates a cleaning plan for cleaning multiple rooms in an accommodation facility, the work status of the cleaning staff who cleans the multiple rooms, the check-out time of the guests staying in each room, and the information for each room. a data table for managing the cleaning status of the accommodation facility and the cleaning work time for each room; a means for instructing the creation of a cleaning plan for the accommodation facility; Determine the first room to be cleaned by each cleaning staff and the cleaning start time, and calculate the point value for determining the cleaning order for all rooms that are not occupied by guests and have not yet been cleaned. A cleaning plan creation device is proposed, which includes means for creating a cleaning plan for each room for each cleaner based on the calculated point values.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-105808 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-106482 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-067509

As mentioned above, systems have been provided in the past to support front desk operations at accommodation facilities, and they also read information from the non-contact IC component attached to the room key and use it to perform tasks such as payment of usage fees. A system for use in business has been proposed.

However, in recent years, when using accommodation facilities, there are many cases where the facility usage fee is not attached to the room, and if the payment process for all usage fees is done in such cases, the check-out process will become more complicated. . Particularly during times when check-outs are concentrated, a queue forms waiting for check-out processing, which places a heavy burden on users (namely, "guests"; the same applies hereinafter).

Therefore, the present invention provides a room key collection box that can collect the room key without having to process the payment of usage fees in cases where payment of facility usage fees is not required at the time of checkout, such as when the facility usage fee is assigned to the room. This will be the first issue.

Furthermore, after the user has checked out, the accommodation facility is required to clean the room in which the user has stayed. It is desirable that this cleaning work be done quickly for the next guest.

Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a checkout system that not only collects room keys, but also acquires room information based on the collected room keys and can quickly start cleaning the room. This is the second issue.

Furthermore, the third objective is to provide a room key collection box and a checkout system using the same, which improves the accuracy of acquiring room information based on the collected room key and makes it possible to acquire room information with higher accuracy. Take it as a challenge.

In order to solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems, the present inventor conducted intensive research and created a method for acquiring room information in a box for collecting room keys at check-out, thereby completing the present invention. It is.
That is, the present invention provides a room key collection box for collecting room keys at an accommodation facility, which includes a room information reading section for reading room information held by the room key, and outputting the room information to a front desk business device of the accommodation facility. To provide a room key collection box, which is equipped with a room information output unit that displays a room key.

The room key may be any of the currently used room keys, and a card-type room key is particularly desirable. The card-type room key is preferably a card-type room key on which room information consisting of a room number and a code or symbol that can identify the room is printed or recorded on a magnetic recording section or an IC circuit.

The room information reading unit acquires room information that can identify the room used by the user, such as a room number and a code or symbol that can identify the room, from the room key. The room information reading section can acquire room information by reading information stored in the magnetic recording section or IC circuit, and can also acquire room information by scanning the room information displayed on the room key. .

Further, the room information output section can function to output the room information read by the room information reading section to a front desk business device used at the accommodation facility. The room information output unit transmits the room information acquired by the room information reading unit to the front desk equipment of the accommodation facility by wired or wireless communication, and also transmits the room information acquired by the room information reading unit to a USB memory or SD card. It is also possible to hold the information in a portable storage device such as a card, and to move or copy it to the front desk business device of the accommodation facility using the portable storage device at a predetermined timing.

The front office business device can be configured by a computer installed with an existing program capable of executing at least a checkout process, or a computer provided with a program via a network.

Further, it is preferable that the room key collection box further includes a room information holding section that holds the room information read by the room information reading section. It is desirable to output the room information held by the room information holding unit to the front desk business device of the accommodation facility at predetermined intervals or every predetermined amount of information. In addition to the room information acquired by the room information reading unit, the room information holding unit stores time information such as the reading time when the room information reading unit read the room information and the acquisition time when the room information holding unit acquired the room information. can be retained. Such room information and time information (reading time and acquisition time) can be held as text data. Then, the room information output unit outputs the room information and time information (reading time and acquisition time) held by the room information holding unit at predetermined time intervals or for each predetermined amount of information as text data for the front desk operations of the accommodation facility. can be sent to the device.

Further, the room key collection box of the present invention can further include a housing provided with a collection port for room keys provided by the accommodation facility. The collection port can be formed according to the shape of the room key, and if the room key is a card key, it can be formed as a slit-shaped opening into which the card key can be inserted. In addition to forming the collection port in the shape of a simple slit, it can also be configured with a drive roller for feeding the inserted card key. The room information reading section is provided on the downstream side in the moving direction of the room key inserted from the collection port, and the room information reading section reads the collected room key inserted into the room key collection port. It can be configured to read room information.

Further, the room key collection box of the present invention can further include a guide path for guiding the room key inserted through the collection port. The guide path may be provided with the room information reading section and a speed control section that changes the moving speed of the room key guided by the guide path. Such a speed control section can be formed to accelerate or decelerate an arbitrary region on the guide path. In particular, it is desirable that the speed control section be formed to reduce the moving speed of the room key inserted into the guide path in the area where the room information reading section is provided. Such a speed control section can be realized by using a conveyor driven by a power such as a motor, adjusting the frictional resistance with the room key, or adjusting the inclination angle.

Further, the guide path may be provided with a room key holding section (or stopper) that holds the guided room key at an arbitrary position for a predetermined period of time. For example, at the installation position of the room information reading section on the guide path, the room key may be held for the time it takes for the room information reading section to read the room information.

Further, the casing may be provided with a light emitting section provided at or around the collection port. The light emitting section can be configured to emit light when a user approaches, or can be configured to emit light at all times. Such a light emitting part can function to make the user aware of the collection port, and therefore can notify the user of the collection port not only by lighting but also by blinking.

Further, the housing may include a collection box for collecting a room key that is inserted through the collection port and whose room information has been read by the room information reading section, and further includes the room information reading section and the room information output section. Alternatively, a portable power supply section that supplies power to the room information holding section can be provided. In addition to a battery such as a storage battery, the power supply section can also use a solar power generation panel, a generator, or the like.

In order to solve at least one of the above problems, the present invention provides a checkout system configured using the room key collection box.
That is, the present invention provides a checkout system comprising the room key collection box according to the present invention and a front desk business device that performs checkout processing at an accommodation facility, wherein the front business device collects output from the room key collection box. To provide a checkout system that outputs room cleaning information that can at least identify whether or not to start room cleaning work by acquiring room information that has been cleaned.

The front business device can be configured by a computer installed with an existing program capable of executing at least a checkout process, or a computer provided with a program via a network. Naturally, the front desk business device may further execute programs such as check-in processing and guest room management processing.

Further, the front desk business device may acquire the room information output from the room key collection box, and based on this, output room cleaning information that can identify whether or not to start the room cleaning work. , checkout processing may or may not be performed. In other words, the front desk business device can output only room cleaning information and perform checkout processing such as payment of charges later, or can output room cleaning information and perform checkout processing at the same time by acquiring room information. You can also do it. At that time, the room cleaning information can also be output as checkout information.

In the checkout system of the present invention, the front desk business device includes two or more room information acquisition paths in the checkout process, and at least one of them (i.e., the room information acquisition path) The system includes a first system for acquiring room information output from the room key collection box according to the invention, and a second system for acquiring room information individually for room keys that require payment processing in the checkout process. be able to.

The present invention also provides a usage key collection box for collecting usage keys for facilities other than accommodation facilities, lockers, etc.
In other words, it is a usage key collection box that collects usage keys for using facilities, lockers, etc., and includes an identification information reading section that reads identification information held by the usage key, and a usage key collection box that collects usage keys for using facilities, lockers, etc. This is a usage key collection box that includes an identification information output unit that outputs to a business device.
The usage key collection box further includes an identification information holding section that holds the identification information read by the identification information reading section, and the identification information output section outputs the identification information held by the identification information holding section. It is possible to output the information to a facility or a management device such as a locker at a predetermined time interval or a predetermined amount of information.

The present invention also provides an IC card collection box for collecting cards equipped with IC circuits.
That is, the IC card collection box collects cards equipped with an IC circuit, and includes an IC card information reading section that reads IC card information held by the IC card, and a server provided on a network that reads the IC card information. An IC card collection box is provided, which includes an IC card information output section for outputting to a device.
Such an IC card collection box further includes an IC card information holding section that holds the IC card information read by the IC card information reading section, and the IC card information output section is configured such that the IC card information holding section The held IC card information can be output to the server device at predetermined time intervals or at predetermined amount of information.

According to the room key collection box of the present invention and the checkout system using the same, when settlement is not required at the time of checkout, such as assigning facility usage charges to the room, the room key collection box and the checkout system using the same can be used to collect the room key without having to settle the usage charges. A room key collection box from which keys can be collected can be provided.

Further, the room key collection box according to the present invention includes a room information reading section that reads room information held by a room key in an accommodation facility, and a room information output section that outputs the room information to a front desk business device of the accommodation facility. Therefore, it is possible to provide a checkout system that not only collects room keys, but also acquires room information based on the collected room keys and can quickly start cleaning the room.

According to the room key collection box according to the present invention, since the room key can be transferred at a constant speed along the guide path, etc., the accuracy of acquiring room information based on the collected room key is increased, and the room information is more accurately obtained. It is possible to provide a room key collection box and a checkout system using the same.

(A) Front view, (B) Right side view, (C) Back view, (D) Internal transparent view showing the room key collection box according to this embodiment Internal configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a room information reading section and a guide path according to the first embodiment Internal configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a room information reading section and a guide path according to a second embodiment Internal configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a room information reading section and a guide path according to a third embodiment Internal configuration diagram showing an embodiment with a room key holding section Overall diagram showing checkout system using room key collection box Sequence diagram in checkout system Checkout system block diagram Block diagram of the computer that makes up the room key collection box

Hereinafter, a room key collection box 1 according to the present embodiment and a checkout system using the same will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In particular, this embodiment shows an example in which an IC card with a built-in IC circuit is used as the room key 2, but by changing the room information reading section 32, a magnetic recording section can be provided instead of the IC circuit. You can also use magnetic cards. Furthermore, if the room information reading section 32 that scans and reads the room number and key shape displayed on the room key 2 is used, the room key 2 may be a room key 2 that does not use a magnetic recording section or an IC circuit.

FIG. 1 shows (A) a front view, (B) a right side view, (C) a rear view, and (D) an internal perspective view of a room key collection box 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIGS. 2 to 5 show a room key collection box 1. FIG. 6 is a side view of the internal configuration showing some embodiments around the key collection port 30, FIG. 6 is an overall schematic diagram showing a checkout system using the room key collection box 1, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the checkout system using the room key collection box 1. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the checkout system, and FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the computer 500 that constitutes the room key collection box 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the room key collection box 1 according to the present embodiment includes a pedestal 10 equipped with casters and a casing 20 that stands up from the pedestal 10. A collection port 30 for the room key 2 is provided. Inside the housing 20, there is a collection box 40 for the room key 2, an IC card reader as a room information reading section 32 that reads the room information held by the room key 2, and the room information read by the IC card reader. A computer 500 for acquiring the information, and a battery 70 for supplying power to the computer 500 are provided. In particular, the computer 500 includes a room information output section 51 that outputs the room information read by the room information reading section 32 to the front business device 3 of the accommodation facility, and a room information output section 51 that stores the room information read by the room information reading section 32. It can function as the room information holding section 52.

Since the pedestal 10 is equipped with casters, it can be easily moved, and as a result, the room key collection box 1 can be installed at any location. That is, it can be installed around the front desk of an accommodation facility, or in an elevator hall or near an exit. In particular, the room key collection box 1 according to the present embodiment is formed as a stand-alone device independent from the counter used in front desk operations, so it can be installed at any location, and this solves the problem of congestion around the front desk. can be resolved. However, the pedestal 10 may not require casters or the like when the room key collection box 1 is installed on a desk.

Further, the casing 20 is necessary in order to accommodate the necessary equipment inside, and is also necessary in order to place the collection port 30 provided on the top surface 21 at a height that is easy for the user to use. Become. In this embodiment, the housing 20 is formed into a rectangular tube shape, but the corners may be chamfered, or it may be formed into various rectangular tube shapes such as a pentagonal tube shape, a hexagonal tube shape, or a cylindrical shape. can do. That is, the shape of the casing 20 can be formed into any shape with consideration to the design. The housing 20 in this embodiment is formed so that its upper surface 21 is inclined downwardly toward the front side, thereby making it easier for the user to recognize the collection port 30. Furthermore, a light emitting section 22 is provided around the collection port 30 provided on the upper surface 21 . The light emitting unit 22 can be configured to light up when a user approaches by a sensor provided on the front side, thereby informing the user of the existence of the collection port 30.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, as the room key 2, FeliCa (registered trademark) such as "FeliCa Standard" or "FeliCa Lite-S" and IC cards such as Mifere (registered trademark) are used. , the collection port 30 can be formed in the shape of a slit into which the IC card can be inserted. Here, it is preferable that the collection port 30 is not provided with a protrusion such as a card guide plate on the front side thereof. When a protrusion is provided to place a card, such as on a card guide board, there may be cases where the card is inserted forcefully, such as by flipping the card placed on the protrusion and throwing it into the collection slot 30. This is because there is a fear that it will be difficult for the room information reading section 32 (IC card reader) to read the room information. The room key 2, which is made of an IC card or the like, holds room information, and the room information may be a unique identification symbol or code in addition to the room number.

Further, on the back side of the housing 20, two upper and lower opening/closing doors 23 and 24 are provided. The upper opening/closing door 23 can be used when taking out the collection box 40 in which the room key 2 has been collected, and the lower opening/closing door 24 can be opened/closed when setting equipment such as the computer 500.

A battery, particularly a storage battery 70, for supplying power to the computer 500, an IC card reader, etc. is provided in the interior space of the housing 20. A charger for charging the storage battery 70 is also provided. Therefore, outside the check-out time period, the storage battery 70 is charged via the outlet, and during the check-out time period, the room key collection box 1 is moved to an arbitrary location, and the power supply from the storage battery 70 is used to charge the storage battery 70. It is possible to perform operations such as reading the room key 2. Therefore, the room key collection box 1 can be installed at any location without requiring a power source such as an outlet.

A guide path 31 for guiding the room key 2 inserted from the collection port 30 is provided inside the housing 20, and an IC card reader as a room information reading section 32 is provided in the guide path 31. ing. This IC card reader is connected to a computer 500 housed in the housing 20, and the computer 500 acquires the room information acquired by the IC card reader. Power for this computer 500 can be supplied from the storage battery 70 via an A/C converter 60 or the like.

When the computer 500 acquires room information consisting of a room number or a unique identification symbol or code from the room information reading section 32 (IC card reader), the computer 500 receives the room information from the room information holding section provided in the recording device of the computer 500. 52 to create a data file of room information. Note that when recording such room information, time information such as the reading time of the room information and the acquisition time of the room information can also be held together with the room information. It is also desirable to create the data file in text format. This is done in consideration of the convenience of using the data after it is output to the front business device 3, so that it can be used in various front business devices 3.

A room information output unit 51 is connected to the computer 500 for outputting a data file in which the acquired room information is recorded to the front desk business device 3 of the accommodation facility. In this embodiment, a transmitter is connected to the computer 500 in order to transmit the data file recording the room information using a wireless method such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or infrared communication. . However, the data file recording the room information can also be output to the front office equipment 3 via a wired connection such as a LAN cable, and may also be output to the front office equipment 3 via a portable storage device such as a USB memory or an SD card connected to the computer 500. You can also move to 3.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the information read by the room information reading section 32 (IC card reader) is taken into the computer 500 that constitutes the room key collection box 1; The read information may be directly transmitted to the front office equipment 3 by wire or wirelessly. However, in this case, it is also necessary to change the program in the front desk business device 3, so when linking with the existing front business device 3, the information read by the room information reading section 32 (IC card reader) must be changed once. , it is desirable to record it in the computer 500 that constitutes the room key collection box 1.

Next, some embodiments around the collection port 30 of the room key 2 (ie, the room information reading section 32 and the guide path 31) will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. In particular, in these embodiments, the room information is acquired from the card-shaped room key 2, but the basic idea is that the room key 2 of other shapes, such as the rod-shaped room key 2, may be used. can also be applied.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a card-shaped room key 2 inserted through a slit-shaped collection port 30 is inserted into a guide path 31 provided inside the housing 20 at the collection port 30. In this embodiment, the guide path 31 extends obliquely toward the collection box 40 inside the housing, and the card-shaped room key 2 falls while sliding along this guide path 31. The "inclination angle" of this guide path 31 is the angle at which the room key 2 inserted into the collection port 30 quickly falls, and "falling quickly" refers to the angle at which the room key 2 inserted into the collection port 30 This refers to the extent to which the key 2 is allowed to fall into the collection port 30 before the key 2 is pushed in further. As a result, the room key 2 inserted into the collection port 30 can slide down the guide path 31 by falling naturally. The guide path 31 is provided with a room information reading section 32 (IC card reader) for reading room information from the room key 2 that slides down the guide path 31. In this embodiment, the IC card is preferably a non-contact type IC card so that the room information can be acquired while the room key 2 is being moved. However, if the room key 2 inserted into the collection port 30 is configured to be held in a predetermined position as in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 described later, the room key 2 can be a contact type IC card. It's okay.

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a speed control section 33 is provided for adjusting the moving speed of the room key 2 sliding down the guide path 31. Specifically, frictional resistance with the room key 2 is provided near the room information reading section 32 (IC card reader) in the guide path 31, preferably on the downstream side of the room information reading section 32 (IC card reader). A speed control member such as silicone resin or rubber is provided to increase the size. As a result, the room key 2 sliding down the guide path 31 is decelerated by the speed control section 33 in the room information reading section 32 (IC card reader), and the reading time in the room information reading section 32 (IC card reader) is sufficient. can be secured. As a result, a room key collection box 1 that can more accurately acquire room information is realized.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the card-shaped room key 2 inserted into the collection port 30 is configured to be conveyed by a rotationally driven feed roller 35. The feed roller 35 can also be configured to be driven when it detects that the room key 2 is inserted. A room information reading section 32 (IC card reader) for acquiring room information from the room key 2 is provided on the guide path 31 of the room key 2 conveyed by the feed roller 35. When the room key 2 inserted from the collection port 30 is transported and guided by the feed roller 35 in this way, the moving speed of the room key 2 can be controlled by the rotation speed of the feed roller 35. The feed roller 35 itself can function as the speed control section 33. Since the room key 2 can be held in a predetermined position by stopping the feed roller 35 at an arbitrary position or timing, a contact type IC card can also be used as the room key 2.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the moving speed of the room key 2 is changed by changing the inclination angle of the guide path 31. That is, in this embodiment, the guide path 31 has a large inclination angle in the vicinity of the collection port 30 as a first guide path 31a, so that the room key 2 can quickly slide down the guide path 31. This eliminates the fear that the user will forcefully insert (or forcefully insert) the room key 2. The downstream side of the guide path 31 is formed as a second guide path 31b with a smaller inclination angle, thereby decelerating the room key 2 sliding down with great force. Therefore, in this embodiment, the guide path whose inclination angle is changed functions as the speed control section 33. If the room information reading unit 32 (IC card reader) is installed in the area where the inclination angle is gentle, sufficient time for reading the room information can be secured, thereby allowing the room key 2 (IC card) to be read. A room key collection box 1 with improved reading accuracy can be realized.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which the guide path 31 is provided with a room key holding section 34 that holds or stops the room key 2 moving along the guide path 31. That is, in this embodiment, a room key holding section 34 driven by a solenoid or a motor is provided in the guide path 31, and this holds the room key 2 in the room information reading section 32 (IC card reader). The room key 2 is sometimes held, and the room key 2 is released after the room information reading section 32 (IC card reader) reads the room information. The holding portion 34 may be formed as a swingable rod member as shown in FIG. 5, or may be formed as a rod member that can move forward and backward in the guide path 31. That is, the room key holding section 34 may be formed in any way to temporarily stop the room key 2 sliding down the guide path 31.

By providing such a room key holding section 34, the room key 2 inserted into the collection port 30 can be held in a predetermined position, and therefore, the room key 2 may be a contact type IC card.

The room key collection box 1 configured as described above can realize a checkout system capable of outputting at least room cleaning information by linking with the front desk business device 3 installed in an accommodation facility.

FIG. 6 is an overall schematic diagram showing a checkout system comprising the room key collection box 1 and the front desk business device 3 of the accommodation facility. The embodiment shown in this figure consists of a front desk business device 3 installed at the front desk of an accommodation facility, and a room key collection box 1 installed at a location away from the front desk. It is configured to transmit room information, particularly a data file containing room information, to the front office equipment 3 by wireless method. At this time, it is desirable that the front desk business device 3 performs at least checkout processing, and if the data file containing the room information can be saved in a predetermined location, the front desk business device 3 can be used as an existing front desk device already installed in the accommodation facility. The business device 3 can be used. Note that, as a matter of course, the room key collection box 1 may be installed near the front desk. Further, the network is not limited to a wireless system, and a wired network may be configured using a LAN cable or the like.

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram in the checkout system. In particular, the sequence diagram of FIG. 7 describes the collection of room key 2 and the output process of room information. When starting these processes, it is necessary for the user of the accommodation facility to return the room key 2 when leaving the facility. When the user approaches the room key collection box 1, the sensor provided in the room key collection box 1 detects the user's approach (S1), and lights up the light emitting unit 22 provided around the collection port 30 ( S2). This allows the user to clearly recognize the collection port 30, and inserts the room key 2 into the collection port 30 (S3). The room key 2 inserted from the collection port 30 is transported along the guide path 31 (S4) and reaches the room information reading section 32 (IC card reader) provided on the guide path 31 (S5). At this time, the room information reading section 32 (IC card reader) reads room information from the transported room key 2 (S6). If the room information can be read accurately, the room information is recorded in the room information holding section 52 provided in the recording device of the computer 500 (S7). Then, a reading sound is emitted by recording the room information or moving the room key 2 along the guide path 31 (S8), and the room key 2 guided along the guide path 31 is finally collected in the collection box 40 (S9). . On the other hand, if the room information is not accurately read by the room information reading unit 32 (IC card reader), reading failure information, and more preferably cause information of the reading failure (error code, etc.) is recorded in a log file. (S10). Then, a reading sound is emitted by recording the reading failure information or moving the room key 2 along the guide path 31 (S11), and the room key 2 guided along the guide path 31 is finally collected in the collection box 40 (S9). ).

In this embodiment, the reading sound is emitted when the room information reading unit 32 (IC card reader) reads the room information normally (S8) and when it does not read normally (S11). However, in addition to emitting different sounds (timbre, volume, etc.) on both sides, it is also possible to configure both to emit the same sound.

As described above, according to the room key collection box 1 according to the present embodiment, when a user of an accommodation facility leaves the facility, the collection box provided on the top surface 21 of the casing 20 in the room key collection box 1 By simply inserting the room key 2 into the mouth 30, it is possible not only to simply collect the room key 2 but also to obtain room information of the collected room key 2.

Then, the computer 500 constituting the room key collection box 1 monitors the data file recording the room information in the room information holding unit 52 for a certain period of time (S20), and stores the data file in the room information holding unit 52. If it exists (S21), it is output from the room information output unit 51 to the front desk business device 3 of the accommodation facility (S22). At this time, by deleting the data file output to the front desk business device 3 of the accommodation facility from the room information holding unit 52, it is possible to monitor the newly acquired room information data file. On the other hand, if the result of monitoring the data file in the room information holding unit 52 (S20) is that the data file does not exist (S21), the data file in the room information holding unit 52 is monitored again (S23). .

When the front desk business device 3 acquires the room information data file from the room key collection box 1 (S24), the front business device 3 reads the room information using the program running on the front desk business device 3 (S25), and confirms that the user has left the room. In fact, room cleaning information indicating that room cleaning may be started can be output (S26).

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the checkout system configured as described above. As shown in this figure, the room key collection box 1 according to the present embodiment includes a room information reading section 32 (IC card reader), a room information reading program executed by the computer 500, and a recording device in the computer 500. A room information holding section 52 (room information data file) is provided. The processing of the room information reading program acquires room information from the room information reading section 32 (IC card reader), stores at least the room information in the room information holding section 52 (room information data file), and reads the information at regular intervals. The data is monitored and transmitted or moved to the room information holding unit 52 (room information data file) that constitutes the front office equipment 3 consisting of the computer 500. The front desk business program running on the front desk business device 3 records the acquired room information data file in the storage device 301 of the front business device, refers to it (first system), and performs room cleaning based on this. Information and checkout information can be generated. Further, since the front desk service program acquires room information separately from the room information data file, the front desk service device 3 can include a room information reading section 302 (IC card reader). The room information reading unit 302 (IC card reader) connected to the front desk business device 3 can be used, for example, to acquire room information regarding the room key 2 that needs to be paid at the time of check-out. That is, the checkout system according to this embodiment can provide two or more room information acquisition systems.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a computer 500 constituting the room key collection box 1. As shown in FIG. The computer 500 constituting the room key collection box 1 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU 501, a memory 502, an audio output device 503, a network interface 504, a display controller 505, a display 506, an input device interface 507, a keyboard 508, a mouse 509, It can be configured to include an external storage device 510, an external recording medium drive device 511, and a bus 512 that connects these components to each other.

The CPU 501 controls the operation of each component of the computer 500, controls the execution of each of the above-mentioned processes, and controls the operation under the control of the OS. Memory 502 is typically composed of ROM, which is nonvolatile memory, and RAM, which is volatile memory. The ROM stores programs and the like that are executed when the computer 500 is started. The RAM stores application programs and database programs that are executed by the CPU 501 to execute processing for each device, and data used by these programs during execution (for example, data read from databases and file systems, and scripts). ) is temporarily stored.

The audio output device 503 is a device that outputs audio, such as a speaker, and the network interface 504 is an interface for connecting to a network 520 for exchanging information with various devices. The room information output unit 51 and the like can be connected to the front business device 3 via this network interface 504. It also includes a display controller 505 for processing drawing commands issued by the CPU 501. The input device interface 507 receives signals input from an input/output device such as a keyboard 508, a mouse 509, or a touch pad, and provides a predetermined command to the CPU 501 according to the signal pattern. Furthermore, the room information from the room information reading section 32 (IC card reader) can be acquired via the input device interface 507. External storage device 510 is also included in the category of storage means in this specification. Such external storage device 510 can be configured with a storage device such as a solid state drive or a hard disk drive. The above-mentioned programs and data are recorded in this device, and loaded from there into the RAM of the memory 502 as needed during execution.

The external recording medium drive device 511 is a device that accesses the recording surface of a portable external recording medium 530 such as a CD (Compact Disc) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) and reads data recorded thereon.

Note that in the room key collection box 1 according to the present embodiment, room information is acquired, held, and outputted by the computer 500, and the computer 500 may include a tablet computer 500 or a smartphone. Further, the room key collection box 1 may be configured to directly transmit the room information acquired by the room information reading section 32 to the front desk business device 3 in priority or wireless format without using the computer 500.

The room key collection box of the present invention and the checkout system using the same can be used in accommodation facilities to improve business efficiency. Furthermore, the room key collection box and the checkout system using it are not limited to lodging facilities, but can also be used to collect keys at various leisure facilities and locker facilities, and can even be used to collect IC cards regardless of the facility being used. It can be used for recovery.

1 Room key collection box 2 Room key (IC card)
3 Front office equipment 10 Pedestal 20 Housing 22 Light emitting unit 30 Room key collection port 31 Guidance path 32 Room information reading unit (IC card reader)
33 Speed control section 34 Room key holding section 35 Feed roller 40 Collection box 51 Room information output section 52 Room information holding section 70 Storage battery 500 Computer 501 CPU
502 Memory 504 Network interface 506 Display 507 Input device interface 510 External storage device 512 Bus 520 Network 530 External recording medium

Claims (4)

A room key collection box that can be installed and moved at any location, comprising a housing provided with a room key collection port for collecting room keys at an accommodation facility,
a guide path for guiding the room key inserted from the collection port;
a room information reading unit that reads room information held by the room key;
a room information output unit that outputs the room information to a front desk business device of the accommodation facility;
a light emitting part provided at or around the collection port;
Equipped with a sensor that detects the approach of users,
The sensor detects the approach of the user and lights up the light emitting part,
comprising an audio output device that emits a reading sound when the room information reading section reads the room information normally, when the reading is not performed normally, or when the room key is moved on the guide path;
The casing is a room key collection box in which the top surface is sloped downward toward the front.
Furthermore, it includes a room information holding section that holds the room information read by the room information reading section,
The room key is a card-type room key equipped with an IC circuit, and the room information reading section acquires room information stored in the IC circuit,
The room information holding unit holds the room information acquired by the room information reading unit and a reading time at which the room information reading unit read the room information as text data,
The room key collection box according to claim 1 , wherein the room information output unit transmits the room information and reading time held by the room information holding unit as text data to a front desk business device of the accommodation facility at predetermined intervals. .
The speed control unit is configured to change the moving speed of the room key that guides the guide path, and the speed control unit changes the moving speed of the room key inserted into the guide path in the area where the room information reading unit is provided. By slowing down the speed to secure reading time, the room information reading unit acquires room information,
The casing includes:
a collection box for collecting a room key that is inserted through the collection port and whose room information is read by the room information reading section;
The room key collection box according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a portable power supply unit that supplies power to at least the room information reading unit and the room information output unit.
A checkout system comprising a room key collection box equipped with a housing provided with a room key collection port for collecting room keys at an accommodation facility, and a front desk business device that performs checkout processing at the accommodation facility,
The room key collection box can be installed and moved at any location,
a room information reading unit that reads room information held by the room key;
a room information output unit that outputs the room information to a front desk business device of the accommodation facility;
a light emitting part provided at or around the collection port;
Equipped with a sensor that detects the approach of users,
The sensor detects the approach of the user and lights up the light emitting part,
The front desk business device is
It has two or more paths to obtain room information during the checkout process.
The acquisition route for the room information is a first system that acquires the room information output from the room key collection box, and a second system that acquires room information individually for room keys that require payment processing in the checkout process. and a checkout system.