JPH0944570A - Method for supporting procedure for receiving service, system for same, and information processor used for same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the method and system for automating inquiries about various guidances and a vacant state, purchase application, etc., when a ticket is purchased or when a seat is booked. SOLUTION: Fixed information (e.g. seat arrangement diagram, guidance information, etc.) which is reduced so that time variation of contents can be ignored within a previously set period is previously recorded on a recording medium 400 and supplied to a terminal 200. Variation information (e.g. vacant seat information) whose time variation of contents can not be ignored in the previously set period is stored in one of main systems 100 while variation contents are updated. When a terminal 200 provides information regarding a specific item included in information to be provided, variation information regarding the specific item is received from the main system 100 and a terminal 200 reads the fixed information regarding the specific item out of the recording medium 400 and adds the variation information to the fixed information, thereby outputting them.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for supporting execution of a procedure for applying to occupy one of a plurality of occupied spaces prepared in advance for receiving a service, and an information processing system therefor. , Especially theaters, cinemas,
A method for supporting the execution of procedures for occupying an occupied space such as a concert hall, a sports facility, a seat for transportation such as a railway, a private room of an accommodation facility such as a hotel,
The present invention relates to a system therefor and an information processing device used therefor.

[0002]

[Prior Art] When purchasing advance tickets for concerts, seat reservation tickets for trains, hotel accommodation reservations, etc., go to a play guide, travel agency, etc. to purchase at the counter, make a reservation by telephone. If you can, you can make a reservation by phone, or make a purchase locally on the day.

[0003] In addition, it is general that the information about these contents is provided by a ticket information magazine, a specialized magazine, a pamphlet for advertisement, and an advertisement by broadcasting, respectively. When making further detailed inquiries or inquiring about the reservation status, it is general to make inquiries by telephone or inquiries at the counter of the agency.

Further, for example, in the case of a theater, when it is desired to know the position of the seat, if the seating chart of the theater is prepared at the counter, it can be known by looking at it. it can.

[0005]

By the way, the management of vacant seats in the above-described conventional ticket sales, facility reservations, etc. is often performed by a computer. However, responses to ticket sales, reservations, inquiries, etc. are made manually. This is often inconvenient from both the viewpoint of the ticket seller and the viewpoint of the user. For example, since the business hours of the agency are limited, it is difficult for the purchaser to choose a time that is convenient for him / her, depending on the business hours. Even for inquiries, it is difficult for the staff to wait at all times, and there is a limit to the response. Moreover, responding to the individual questions of the purchaser makes other customers wait, which is not preferable.

Further, in the conventional ticket sales, for example,
Purchasing a ticket for a desired seat at home while observing the availability of seats has not been realized at this stage. This has not been realized even at the agent's window. The reason for this is that it takes time and effort for the staff member, and that the staff member must have considerable experience and knowledge in order to be able to answer various questions. It is actually difficult to arrange such staff member. It is believed that

On the other hand, in the case of a concert or a theater, the stage scenery, that is, what the stage looks like from a certain seat is an important consideration point when deciding the seat. However, this is difficult to know from the seating chart. It's possible to imagine a theater that has been admitted several times, but it is generally difficult. This is because it is difficult to know the scenery from the map alone when using the route for the first time, even when deciding whether the train seat should be on the left side or the right side in the traveling direction, depending on the scenery seen from the train window. In such a case, it is desirable to be able to know how an object is viewed from a certain seat. However, as described above, it is difficult to ask a staff member of a ticket store or a travel agency for this.

[0008] Therefore, when purchasing or making a reservation for such a ticket, various information, inquiry about availability, purchase application, etc. are needed at the convenience of the purchaser at any time and at the level of an experienced clerk. It is hoped that sufficient information will be collected on such matters until they are satisfied. And a system that can be obtained while staying in the latest situation is desired.

The first object of the present invention is to purchase a ticket,
A method for supporting execution of procedures for applying for occupancy of one of the occupied spaces, a system for that, which can be used for automating various types of information, inquiry of availability, purchase application, etc. when making a reservation To provide an information processing device.

A second object of the present invention is, for example, a method for supporting execution of a procedure for applying for occupancy of any of the occupied spaces, which can automatically realize provision of information regarding the view from the seat. , A system for that, and
It is to provide an information processing device used for it.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above first object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, any one of a plurality of occupied spaces prepared in advance for receiving a service is occupied. In a system that supports execution of a procedure for applying for occupation of space, at least one terminal system that performs a procedure for accepting an application for occupation of one of the occupied spaces from a user, and a terminal system Has at least one main system for processing the procedure for accepting an exclusive application and sending the result to the terminal system of the original application, and
The terminal system and the main system can communicate with each other via a communication line, and the terminal system can be loaded with a recording medium on which at least occupied space layout map data for visually indicating the layout of occupied space can be loaded. Read-out means for reading out data from the loaded recording medium, display means for displaying image data, image processing means for processing image data to be displayed on the display means, and input for receiving an instruction operation from the outside. Means and a communication means for performing communication with the main system, the main system comprising: a free information storage means for storing free information indicating a free state of the occupied space for each service; The terminal system is provided with a vacant information management means for managing and a communication means for communicating with the terminal system. The input means receives at least an instruction to inquire about vacant information and an instruction to determine the application, and the reading means inquires about the vacant information in the input means with the recording medium loaded. In response to the instruction, the occupied space layout map data is read from the recording medium, and the communication means sends one of the request for transmitting the vacant information about the instructed specific service and the instruction for deciding the application for occupation to the above In response to the instruction of the input means, the empty information is transmitted to the main system, and the free space information sent from the main system is received. Using the information and the occupied space layout map data, occupied space layout map data for highlighting an empty occupied space is generated and displayed on the display means. In the main system, the communication means displays the occupancy space layout diagram with the vacant occupancy space highlighted, and the communication means requests the transmission of vacant information about the specific service from the terminal system and the occupancy application. Upon receiving the determination instruction and transmitting the vacant information to the terminal system, the vacant information management means receives the vacant information transmission request for the specific service and reads the vacant information about the specific service from the vacant information storage means. However, regarding the vacant information stored in the vacant information storage means when the communication unit transmits it to the requesting terminal system and the occupancy application is determined, the information regarding the determined occupied space is vacant. A system that supports execution of a procedure for applying for occupation of an occupied space, which is characterized by performing processing for updating free information after removing it from information. A stem is provided.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the execution of the procedure for applying for occupancy of any one of the occupied spaces prepared in advance for receiving the service is supported. In the method, from the user,
A plurality of terminal systems for processing procedures related to acceptance of an occupancy application for any of the occupied spaces;
At least one main system that processes the procedure for accepting an occupancy application from each terminal system and sends the result to the terminal system of the application source is provided so that they can communicate with each other via a communication line. In the terminal system, a recording medium on which at least occupied space layout map data for visually indicating the arrangement of the occupied space is recorded is prepared in advance, and in the main system, vacant information indicating the vacant state of the occupied space is serviced. Correspondingly stored, in each of the terminal systems, the user receives an inquiry instruction for vacant information about a specific service, and reads the occupied space layout map data for the instructed specific service from the recording medium. , Sends a request to the main system to send available information about the specified service. And, in the main system, it receives a request for transmission of free information about a specific service, stored in advance, and read the free information about the specific service, and sends to the requesting terminal system,
In the requesting terminal system, when receiving free information,
Using this vacant information and the occupied space layout map data, an occupied space layout drawing that highlights the empty occupied space is generated and displayed, and the input of the occupancy application decision instruction for the specific occupied space is accepted. When the decision instruction is input, the occupancy application decision regarding the accepted specific occupancy space is transmitted to the main system, and when the occupancy application decision is received in the main system, the stored empty information is The information regarding the determined occupied space is removed from the free space information, updated, and the information indicating that acceptance of the exclusive application is confirmed is sent to the terminal system that is the sender of the exclusive application decision. In the terminal system that is the sender of the sending and determination of the exclusive application, the user who receives the information indicating that the acceptance of the exclusive application is confirmed How to support the execution of a procedure for applying for occupation of space occupation, characterized in that the output is provided.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, one of a plurality of occupied spaces which is connected to one or more terminals through a communication line and which is prepared in advance for receiving a service is occupied space. Is an information processing apparatus that receives an occupancy application for a device via a terminal and supports execution of an occupancy space occupancy application procedure, and includes a storage device, a communication unit, and a control unit. The vacant information indicating the vacant state of the occupied space is stored for each service, the communication unit communicates with the terminal, and the control unit sends a vacant information transmission request for a specific service via the communication unit. When received, the vacant information about the specific service is read from the storage device and is transmitted to the requesting terminal via the communication unit, and the specific occupied space for the specific service. When the determination of the occupancy application regarding the occupancy is received through the communication unit, the vacant information stored in the storage device is updated by removing the information regarding the determined occupied space from the vacant information. It is characterized by comprising a vacant information updating means for performing processing, and means for sending information indicating that acceptance of the occupancy application has been confirmed to the terminal system which is the transmission source of the occupancy application decision, via the communication section. An information processing device is provided.

Further, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, one or more main units which manage free information indicating free states of a plurality of occupied spaces prepared in advance for receiving services for each service. An information processing apparatus that can be connected to each of the systems via a communication line and supports execution of a procedure for applying for occupancy of any one of a plurality of occupied spaces prepared in advance for receiving a service. In an information reproducing apparatus for reproducing data recorded on a recording medium and for displaying data sent from the main system, an input apparatus for receiving an instruction operation from the outside, and a display apparatus for displaying image data. ,
The information reproducing apparatus can be loaded with a recording medium on which at least occupied space layout map data for visually indicating the arrangement of occupied space is loaded, and a reading means for reading data from the loaded recording medium, and an input device. When a free information inquiry instruction is input via the communication unit, the communication unit transmits a request for transmitting the free information about the specified specific service to the corresponding main system, and also, via the communication unit, the main system. It is provided with a means for receiving empty information from the device and an image processing means for generating image data to be displayed on the display device, and the reading means is loaded when an inquiry instruction for empty information is input through the input device. The data is read from the recording medium in response to the inquiry instruction for the vacant information, and the image processing means is vacant by the means for receiving the vacant information. Using the information and the occupied space layout map data, occupied space layout map data for highlighting the occupied space is generated, and the occupied space layout map is highlighted on the display device. There is provided an information processing device characterized in that the information is displayed.

Further, according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, one or more main units which manage free information indicating a free state of a plurality of occupied spaces prepared in advance for receiving a service for each service. An information processing apparatus that can be connected to each of the systems via a communication line and supports execution of a procedure for applying for occupancy of any one of a plurality of occupied spaces prepared in advance for receiving a service. In a recording medium that stores information to be read, which is loaded in a storage medium, manages a guidance data area that stores a video for guiding each content of a plurality of services for each service, and a vacant information about each service. ,
Each main system, a communication data area for storing communication data for the information processing apparatus to communicate, and an occupied space layout diagram data for visually showing the arrangement of the occupied space in the space where the service is provided. And a display data area in which is recorded.

Next, to achieve the second object of the present invention, according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, a view from a plurality of occupied spaces prepared in advance for receiving a service is displayed. In the view display method, when an output instruction for view data regarding a specific occupied space is externally input from a recording medium on which view data for displaying a view from the occupied space is recorded, in response thereto, A view display method is provided, which is characterized in that view data relating to a specific occupied space is read out, and a view from the specified occupied space is displayed on a display device based on the read-out view data.

Further, according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus for displaying the view from the plurality of occupied spaces prepared in advance for receiving the service, the view from the occupied space is displayed. From a recording medium on which at least view data is recorded, an information reproducing device for reproducing recorded data, an input device for receiving an instruction operation from the outside, and a display device for displaying image data, The information reproducing apparatus, when an output instruction for the view data relating to the specific occupied space is input from the input device, reads out the view data relating to the specific occupied space from the recording medium in response to the output instruction, and reads out the view data. Based on the above, there is provided an information processing device characterized by displaying a view from the specific occupied space on a display device.

In addition to the above, according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, as a mode that contributes to achieving the above-mentioned first and second objects, the present invention provides a terminal with one or more main terminals. In an information providing method for providing desired information from the terminal by connecting to any of the systems by communication, the temporal variation of the content of the information to be provided can be ignored within a preset period. Fixed information that is too small is pre-recorded on a recording medium and supplied to a terminal, and temporal information of its contents cannot be ignored within a preset period. In the case of, while accumulating the change contents while updating, and when the terminal provides information on a specific item included in the information to be provided, (EN) An information providing method characterized by receiving dynamic information from a host device, and reading fixed information on the specific item from the recording medium at the terminal, and adding variable information to the fixed information and outputting the fixed information. It

[0019]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention provides a method for supporting execution of a procedure for applying for occupation of any of a plurality of occupation spaces prepared in advance for receiving a service, and an information processing system therefor. Hereinafter, the present invention will be described first with reference to operation and then with reference to specific examples.

A plurality of occupied spaces prepared in advance for receiving services, which may be the subject of application of the present invention, are, for example, seats in various facilities such as theaters, movie theaters, concert halls, sports facilities, accommodations in hotels, etc. There are private rooms such as facilities. In addition, seats, sleepers, private rooms, etc. for transportation such as railroads, aircrafts, buses, ships, etc. can be mentioned. Further, there may be a combination of various accommodation facilities and transportation in a travel service such as a package tour. These occupy a certain space in the facility or the like for the user to receive the service. Therefore, it is necessary to make a reservation to occupy the space for a certain period of time, inquire about the vacant state of the occupied space, purchase a ticket, and the like. Therefore, the present invention can be applied even if it is not illustrated, as long as the service having such a property is received. In addition, the occupied space includes a seat, a bed, a private room, and the like. In addition, hereinafter, in this specification, with respect to a space to be occupied such as a seat, a bed, and a private room, unless otherwise mentioned, simply,
I will call it a seat.

Execution of procedures supported by the present invention includes, for example, requesting guidance information regarding service content,
Examples include inquiry of vacant information indicating the vacant state of the occupied space, ticket purchase application, and ticket change. It also includes requesting the provision of various information incidental to the application for the occupied space. For example, the provision of a visual display of empty seats, information indicating a view, such as an image of a stage landscape and an image of a landscape of a car window can be cited.

According to the present invention, the guide information composed of video information and audio information is used to explain the explanations that were conventionally given by the staff members and, if necessary, the explanations that were presented by presenting paper materials. It is realized by reproducing.
Moreover, the information can be appropriately selected according to the user's request, and necessary information can be obtained in a short time.

Therefore, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, a main system (main computer) 100 functioning as a host device or a server for performing processing relating to inquiries, purchases, etc., an inquiry for vacant seats and acceptance of ticket purchase, A terminal system (terminal) 200 for providing guidance information to a user is provided. These are connected by a communication line 300 to exchange information. Although only one main computer 100 is shown in FIG. 1, it is not limited to one. It may be installed depending on the information source. For example, a computer of a dealer handling ticket sales in theaters,
There may be a computer of a travel agency, a computer of a transportation facility such as a railway, a computer of an event planning company, a computer of a ticket dealer who sells these tickets, a computer of a mail-order dealer, and the like. A large number of terminals 200 are installed so that the user can use them as easily as possible. In addition, the terminal 20
0 means, for example, home, workplace, convenience store,
A small computer is used so that it can be installed in a station, a shopping district, or the like. If possible, it may be a portable computer. Furthermore, the terminal 200 may be mounted on a train, a car, a ship, an aircraft, or the like.

The main computer 100 is a terminal 200
A mass storage device 120 and its storage device control unit 130, which functions as a means for storing various data such as data indicating the vacant seat status, as well as processing a request from the system and controlling the entire system. , A compression / decompression unit 140 that functions as an image processing unit that compresses / decompresses data, and vacant image data based on the data read from the mass storage device 120, and determines the performance of the terminal to be transmitted. A video processing device 150 that converts the combined image data, a communication unit 160 that functions as a means for communicating with each terminal 200, and a ticket issuing unit 170 that issues a ticket when a ticket purchase application is made. Prepare The system control unit 110 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 111 and a memory 112.
The main computer 100 also includes a display device, an input device, a printing device, etc., which are not shown in the figure.

The communication unit 160 has, for example, a structure capable of simultaneously connecting to a plurality of lines.

The ticket issuing section 170 is basically composed of a printer and issues a ticket for receiving a service. Therefore, although not shown in the drawings, a ticket paper stocker, a paper feed mechanism, and a paper printing mechanism are provided. In addition, in order to mail the printed ticket to the applicant, a device for automatically enclosing it in a windowed envelope or the like may be added together with the invoice including the destination. In addition, it is preferable that the ticket issuing unit 170 of the present invention can print a seat map in which the purchased (or reserved) seat is highlighted for the convenience of the ticket purchaser. Further, it is preferable that a map such as a hole can be printed together.

The terminal 200 has an optical disc information reproducing device 210 for reading out data from the optical disc 400 and using it, and a video / audio output device 220 for transmitting information to the user by using video and audio.
It has an input device 230 and a printer 240 for operating the terminal 200.

The optical disc information reproducing apparatus 210 responds to a user's request via the input device 230 while communicating with the main computer 100, and at the same time, a system control section 211 for controlling the system and a hard disk drive 212. , An optical disk drive 213 that reads data from the optical disk 400, a drive control device 214 that controls the operation of the optical disk drive 213, a compression / expansion unit 215 that performs data compression / expansion processing, and communication with the main computer 100. And a video processing device 217 that generates a video from the data read from the optical disc 400 and the data received by the communication unit 216 and sends the video to the video / audio output device 220. The system control unit 211 has a central processing unit (CPU) 2111 and a memory 2112. The video processing device 217
Displays the image generated by the system control unit 211 in addition to the above-mentioned video.

The optical disk drive 213 comprises an attaching / detaching mechanism for attaching / detaching an optical disc, a drive mechanism for rotationally driving the optical disc, a read head and a drive mechanism therefor. The drive control device 214 controls the rotation driving mechanism of the optical disc, the head driving mechanism, and the reading of the head. That is, the control for reading the data in the area designated by the system control unit 211 is performed. Therefore, the optical disc drive 213 and the drive control device 214 constitute a data reading unit including the control function of the system control unit.

As shown in FIG. 1, the video / audio output device 220 is provided with a display device 221 having a vise for display such as a CRT display and a liquid crystal display, and an audio reproducing device 222 having an amplifier, a speaker and the like. . It is desirable that the display device 221 be capable of color display. The display device 221 is more preferable as long as it can display a high-definition screen. However, it is not limited to that. For example, a home-use television receiver may be used. Further, the display device 221 may have a horizontally long screen. In this case, it is suitable for introducing movies and the like.

The input device 230 can be composed of a keyboard, a mouse, etc., which a computer system generally has. A remote control device and a touch panel device may be used together with these or instead of them. In the system shown in FIG. 1, a remote control device is used. In FIG. 1, a remote control device is shown as a typical example of the input device. However, it is merely an example, and is not intended to exclude a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. Further, the remote control device needs a device for receiving a command from the remote control device.
The illustration is omitted.

An example of the remote control device is shown in FIG. That is, the remote control device 231 shown in FIG.
It has a cursor key 2320, an enter key 2330, a return key 2340, a player control key 2350, and a case 2360 which requires them. In FIG. 8, only the appearance is shown, and the internal structure is not shown. However, inside the case 2360, a signal generation circuit for generating signals corresponding to the operation of these keys and a transmission circuit for transmitting these signals to the optical disc video reproducing apparatus are provided.

Here, the ten-key pad 2310 is composed of numeric keys from 0 to 9 and is used for inputting numbers such as menu selection, seat number input and card ID number input. The cursor key 2320 is used for operations such as moving the cursor displayed on the display screen and moving pages. The enter key 2330 is used to input an intention to confirm an operation such as a menu decision or a seat number decision.
The return key 2340 is used for inputting an instruction to return to the previous screen, an instruction to return to the main menu, and the like. The player control key 2350 is used when issuing a reproduction instruction or a stop instruction to the optical disc drive 213.

On the other hand, in the case of inputting with the touch panel, the touch panel and the touch position detecting device are provided on the screen of the display device, and the system control section 211 is provided.
The means for displaying the image of the button for operation on the display screen of the display device 221 and the means for defining and storing the correspondence relationship between the display address of the button and the function, option, etc. are detected by the touch panel. Software is implemented to acquire a signal indicating a touch position to be stored and to realize a stored function and a determination unit that detects selection of an option based on the position.

The compression / decompression unit 215 and the video processing device 217 operate under the control of the system control unit 211, and function as an image processing means for performing various image processes. Note that, of course, no processing is performed on data that does not require image processing. The compression / expansion unit 215 can also perform compression / expansion on data other than images. For example, the communication data with the main computer 100, the data read from the optical disc 400, and the like can be compressed / decompressed.

The communication section 216, including the control function of the system control section 211, transmits a means for requesting transmission of free information on the main computer 100, a means for transmitting an application instruction, and an instruction for deciding / destroying an application. It functions as a means, a means for receiving empty information, a means for receiving information indicating that the decision of the application has been confirmed, and the like.

A general public network can be used as the communication line 300 for connecting the main computer 100 and the terminal 200. Of course, when the terminal 200 is placed in an agency or the like, it may be connected to a dedicated line. The communication line 300 does not need to be a digital line, but a digital line is preferable for data transmission.

According to the present invention, when exchanging information between the main computer 100 and the terminal 200, the amount of data is reduced as much as possible to reduce the time required for communication, and
In order to reduce communication costs and response times, we are devising ways of holding information to be provided. That is, information that does not fluctuate over a certain period of time, such as service content, seat arrangement in halls, seat arrangements in vehicles, guest room arrangements in hotels, etc., is stored in advance in a storage medium as fixed information. It is provided to the terminal 200, and the content is reproduced on the terminal. On the other hand, information such as vacant seats whose contents fluctuate within a period shorter than the fixed period is managed by the main computer 100 as fluctuation information. The fixed period can be, for example, a cycle of issuing an optical disc. Specifically, when it is assumed that the optical disc is issued every month, the standard for this fixed period is one month. As will be described later,
In the main computer 100, additional information can be collected, and this can be transmitted to each terminal 200 at any time to make up for it. Therefore, it is possible to deal with the fluctuation of fixed information as well.

By the way, when purchasing a ticket for a concert, a theater, a movie, an aircraft, a ship, a railroad, etc. or making a reservation, the user particularly wants to know (1)
What kind of position the available seats (vacant seats) are in the whole, that is, information on seat arrangements, and (2) View from the available seats, for example, stage scenery, transportation window There is information about what the view looks like, that is, the view. These information are written in text,
Since it is difficult to comprehend in the explanation by voice, it is preferable to display it in an image so that it can be visually comprehended.

In order to show the seat arrangement of (1) above, a seat map is displayed in the present invention. There are, for example, two methods for displaying the seat map. The first is a method of preparing a table of information for linking services such as performances and seating charts of venues used for the services for various services. Secondly, the main computer 10
0 is a method of designating which seat map should be used. In this method, since the seat map to be displayed is directly specified by the main computer 100, the terminal does not need a table showing the correspondence between the event and the seat map data, unlike the first method. Therefore, the storage capacity of the terminal can be reduced accordingly. Below, the example by the 1st method is demonstrated.

As the storage medium for storing the fixed information used on the terminal 200 side, an optical disk, a magnetic storage medium or the like can be considered. In the embodiment described below, the optical disc 400 is used. Examples of this include DVD (digital video disc), VIDEO-CD, and CD-ROM. Here, the reason why the optical disc is used is that it is preferable to use one having a large storage capacity in order to store video data having a large amount of data.

Another reason for using the optical disk is that it can be easily replaced. The data stored on the optical disc is fixed information, but it does not mean that it does not change at all. For example, it is possible that the seating arrangement in the theater may change or the timetable of transportation may be revised. In addition, data necessary for communication with the information providing source may be changed, for example, a telephone number may be changed, or the number of information sources may be increased or decreased. In particular, the contents of the performance schedule, concert schedule, movie screening schedule, sports game schedule schedule, transportation schedule, travel tour schedule, various service schedules, etc., change sequentially. Therefore, it may be updated in units of several months, for example, in accordance with these changes. Therefore, it can be manufactured at low cost,
A recording medium that can be easily replaced is preferable. In this respect, optical disks are used.

On such an optical disc 400, a display including guide data composed of moving images, still images, voices, etc. for introducing service contents and the like, and image data such as seat layout drawings, stage scenery, etc. Data and communication data necessary for communication between the main computer and the terminal are recorded. In addition, information for supporting the use of the information stored in the optical disc 400, such as an opening screen, a menu screen, and an operation guide screen, is recorded. All or part of the data stored on the optical disc 400 is compressed and stored. Of course, depending on the amount of data, it may be stored without compression.

These data are stored by dividing the area, for example, as shown in FIG. That is, in the optical disc 400 shown in FIG. 2, a main track (guidance data track) 410, which is an area in which guide data for various services described above is stored, and a communication data track, which is an area in which data necessary for communication is stored. 420 and a display data track 430 which is an area for storing display data used for displaying a seat map, stage scenery, and the like.
And a related data table track 440, which is an area for storing a related data table containing related data for indicating the mutual relationship between the guide data, the communication data, and the display data. Such an area division is
This is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.

The optical disc 400 is
It can be plural. In that case, for example, it can be appropriately divided and issued, for example, for each entity that provides the service or for each content of the service. For example,
Examples include optical discs containing theater-related events such as plays, movies and concerts, and optical discs issued by travel agencies. In the following description, for convenience, the first optical disc that stores information for receiving services that use fixed facilities such as theaters, concerts, and movies, and facilities such as tourist information that have good relations, services such as transportation facilities, etc. It is assumed that a second optical disc storing information for receiving the information is prepared respectively.

Next, the data stored on the optical disc 400 will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, the first optical disc will be described with reference to FIG. Next, the second optical disc will be described.

Guide data track 4 of the first optical disk
In FIG. 3, as shown in FIG. 3, data including video and audio relating to the introduction of various service contents is stored as an event 1-event n (hereinafter, each service will be referred to as an event). Has been done. As described above, as the event 1 to the event n, for example, there are performances, games, works, etc. for plays, concerts, sports games, movies, and the like. As guidance data therefor, data for introducing these is stored. Furthermore, specifically, movie trailers, concert promotion videos, theater rehearsal scenes,
A past battle scene in a sports game, an explanation of the outline of the contents regarding the event, and the like are stored for each event. In addition to the above, the guide data track 410 also stores information for supporting the use of the optical disc, as described above. The information on the guide data track 410 is stored according to a general standard for a video CD.

Here, the event is, for example, one event for each performance in the case of theater, and one event in the case of movie.
One event for each work, and one event for each performer if it is a concert. Therefore, it is possible for the same hole for different events. For example, in FIG. 3, the same A hole is used for event 1 and event 3. Of course, the events may be organized by venue.

In the communication data track 420, as shown in FIG. 3, the telephone number of the communication destination and the identifier (I
D) and information indicating the type, storing communication data 421 prepared for each communication destination, for example, each communication destination X, Y, Z, and protocol data 425 storing communication protocol data indicating a communication protocol. There is. Although not shown, in addition to this, there is data for billing.
For example, it includes data to allow credit cards to be used. The communication destination here is mainly assumed to be one or more main computers.

The display data track 430 stores the display data related to the event stored in the guide data track 410. That is, in the case of the first optical disc, as shown in FIG. 3, the seat chart data 431 for each hall of a theater, a movie theater, a concert hall, a gymnasium, etc. Corresponding stage scenery data 435 and map data of the location of each hall (not shown) are stored. The hall seating diagram 431 is image data for displaying a plan view showing the seating arrangement in the hall as shown in FIG. 5, for example. On the other hand, in the stage scenery data, the audience seats in the hall are divided into a plurality of blocks, for example, as shown in FIG.
Divided into 16 blocks from A to P, each block A
A representative seat in P, for example, image data showing a stage scenery viewed from the seat position at the center of each block. A list of seat numbers belonging to each block is also stored. Therefore, the block can be known by using the seat number as a key. In FIG.
Although only A, B, C, D, M, N, O, and P are illustrated, stage landscape data is similarly prepared for the other blocks from E to L. It should be noted that the number of blocks may be reduced and the scenery between the blocks may be obtained by interpolation.

In the related data table track 440,
For each event, an event name 441, a seat map data pointer 442 indicating the storage position of seat map data in the hall where the event is held, a communication data pointer 443 indicating the storage position of communication data, and a storage position of protocol data Protocol data pointer 4 indicating
44 and. The event name 441 may be information that can correspond to the event. Therefore, along with the event name,
Alternatively, an identifier indicating an event may be used instead of the event name.

Next, the second optical disc will be described with reference to FIG. On the guide data track 410 of the second optical disc, various information such as tourist information,
Introduction of accommodation, introduction of events in transportation, aviation,
There are timetables of trains, ships, buses, etc., route maps, various maps, various tour guides, etc., and data including video and audio for introducing these are stored in the guide data track 410.

The communication data track 420 includes the first
Similarly to the optical disc, the communication data 421 and the communication protocol data 425 are stored.

The display data track 430 stores seat layout diagrams of trains, buses, aircrafts, ships, etc., and sketches of guest rooms of accommodation facilities such as hotels, instead of the hall seat map data 431. Also, the stage scenery data 435
Instead, landscape data such as car windows, image data showing a view from each guest room of the accommodation facility, image data showing a state inside the hotel guest room, and the like are stored. If landscape data or the like cannot be prepared, information indicating that is stored.

In the related data table track 440,
A pointer indicating each storage position of seat chart data, communication data, and protocol data is stored for each event.

On the other hand, in the present invention, the main computer 1
Information is also stored in 00. Main computer 10
At 0, various data is stored in the mass storage device 120. As shown in FIG. 6, the stored data includes an event name information section 1210 indicating event name data, a vacant seat information section 1220 storing vacant seat information data corresponding to the event name, and hall seat plan data. Hall seating chart data unit 1230, terminal information unit 1240 that stores data regarding the performance of terminal information, and additional information unit 125.
It is stored corresponding to 0 and 0, respectively.

The event name information section 1210 is a list of event names of events handled by the main computer 100, and stores a pointer indicating the storage position of the corresponding vacant seat information section 1220. The event name may be an identifier other than the name of the event stored on the optical disc 400 described above. Since the content of the event is stored in the optical disc 400, it is not stored here. Therefore, the amount of data can be small. As for the event name, if there are multiple schedules, multiple time zones, multiple venues, etc. for the same event, use different event names for each,
In the same event name, information indicating certification, time zone, venue, etc. may be added as information to be classified.
Since the vacant seat information exists for each, of course, it is provided for each.

As the vacant seat information data stored in the vacant seat information section 1220, information indicating vacant seats among the seats such as halls used in the event and a pointer indicating the storage position of the corresponding hall seat diagram data are provided. It is stored. As information to indicate an empty seat, here,
It simply stores the data that identifies the seat.

In the vacant seat information section 1220, a flag area can be provided for each seat number. By providing the flag area, as will be described later, it is possible to set a flag for indicating the temporary purchase state of the seat and prevent double purchase. In addition, a seat can be reserved in advance for a specific customer by using this flag. For example, it can be a means for giving special treatment to members of the event provider. It can also be used when making a group purchase.

On the other hand, the hall seat map data section 1230
Image data for showing the seating arrangement in the hall in the drawing, address information indicating the position of each seat on the drawing by the image data, pixel address information indicating the address of the pixel displaying each seat, and filling of empty seats, It has attribute information such as seat class. Filling an empty seat is composed of information of a specific color for indicating that the seat is empty. Also,
The seat class, which is the attribute information, is information added to the seat address information, and can be data that specifies the display color of the pixel that displays the seat. Also,
For example, letters indicating grades such as S, A, B, and C may be written. Of course, a specific color may be displayed together with the characters.

The pixel address information may be a relative address with respect to the address information indicating the position of the seat. Further, instead of the address indicating the position of each seat, pixel address information, which is a set of addresses of each pixel used when displaying the seat, may be used.

The additional information section 1250 stores the information generated after the optical disc is issued, which is information to be notified to the user without waiting until the next optical disc is issued. This additional information includes, for example, a message that there are still vacant seats for a certain event, a message that an additional performance will be held, a message that changes the schedule of the performance, a change of time, etc., a message that informs the cancellation of the performance. Event-related information 1251, such as the above, and performance announcements, performer trends, and other various news 1255 not related to a specific event are stored. This Additional Information 125
0 indicates each terminal 200 from the main computer 100.
Can be sent at any time. Further, when the terminal makes an access, the latest additional information may be transmitted at that time.

By the way, what is stored as the data of the hall seating chart portion 1230 changes depending on the relationship with the hall seating chart data 431 stored in the optical disc 400. In the example described above, as shown in FIG. 7, the vacant seat map data 123, which is image data for displaying vacant seats in a map form.
1 is sent to the terminal 200. In this case, the terminal 200 need only have the image data of the hall seat map 431. What is sent as vacant seat information also differs depending on how the main computer 100 and the terminal 200 store data. For example, the following modifications are possible.

The first is a case where pixel address information is sent together with address information indicating the position of each seat on the seat diagram. In this case, it is necessary to store attribute information in the terminal 200, that is, the optical disc 400, in addition to the hall seat chart data which is image data showing the seat arrangement of the hall in the drawing.

The second is a case where address information indicating the position of each seat on the seat diagram is sent to the terminal. In this case, it is necessary to store pixel address information on the optical disc 400 in addition to the data in the first case.

The third is a case where only the data for identifying the seat is sent to the terminal. In this case, the optical disc 40
In addition to the data in the second case, address information needs to be stored in 0.

In these cases, the main computer 100
Then, it is necessary to store at least the data to be sent to the terminal 200. However, even in the main computer 100, in order to be able to see the seat arrangement,
All the data needed to display the seating arrangement at the terminal 200 is needed. Of course, although not shown, a display device is required.

As the terminal information stored in the terminal information section 1240, the capabilities of the terminals that can be connected to the main computer 100 are stored for each type of terminal. Therefore, if there are four types of terminals to be connected, there are four types of α, β, γ and δ as shown in FIG. This terminal information includes information 124 indicating the type of terminal, as shown in FIG.
1, information 1242 indicating the screen size, information 1243 indicating the screen resolution, and information 1244 indicating the number of colors are stored.

Next, an outline of the operation in the above-described embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The present invention is premised on that the optical disc 400 is manufactured. The optical disc 400 is manufactured based on the master data generated by collecting data of various planned events. On the other hand, the main computer 100 is connected to the main computer 10 from a system (not shown) for managing the master data.
Data about various events handled by 0 is taken in.
That is, the main computer 100 takes in data so as to form a data structure as shown in FIG.
Note that this is an example, and various modifications are possible.
For example, an event is planned, master data is produced for each main computer, and an optical disc is issued based on the master data.

The main computer 100 forms a file of the vacant seat information section 1220 for each event with respect to data relating to various events. This vacant seat information section 1
In 220, vacant seat data is written for all seats to be sold. Further, the pointer of the hall seat diagram portion 1230 in which the corresponding hall seat diagram is stored is written.

Further, when the number of connectable terminals is newly increased, the main computer 100 registers the terminal information regarding the terminals in the terminal information section 1240. That is, information regarding the terminal 200 that is a new connection target, that is, the type of terminal, screen size,
It receives information about the screen resolution and the number of colors that can be used and registers it as terminal information. If the same terminal information is already registered, this registration can be omitted. As described above, the reason for registering the terminal information is that various computers are allowed to be used as the terminal, and therefore, depending on the terminal, the information sent from the main computer 100, particularly the image information, can be used. This is because the main computer 100 may generate image data according to the performance of each terminal and send the image data to the terminal in consideration of the fact that the image cannot be displayed as it is. Therefore, such a registration is not necessary when only terminals having the same performance are connected. In addition, the terminal side may convert the sent image so as to be suitable for the terminal itself. Also in this case, registration of the terminal information is unnecessary.

Furthermore, the main computer 100 registers the additional information 1250 in the file of the additional information 1250, if there is additional information or the like.

On the other hand, in each terminal 200, the optical disc 400 is loaded into the optical disc drive 213 and the reproduction is performed. The optical disc drive 213 is driven under the control of the drive control unit 214 to read out necessary information from the target track. The read data is subjected to data decompression processing by the compression / decompression unit 215 for the compressed data, and then conversion necessary for display is performed by the video processing device 217, and the data is displayed on the display device 221 and the audio device 222. Each sent. Normally, first, the data of the opening screen is read from the guidance data track 410, displayed, and in response to the user's instruction / selection input from the input device 230, the system control unit 21.
1 determines the data to be displayed next and instructs the drive control unit 214. According to this instruction, the drive control unit 214 drives the optical disc drive 213, reads out necessary data from the target track, and sends it to the compression processing unit 215. For example, when a request for guidance data regarding an event is accepted, the data is read from the optical disc 400 and displayed.

A start screen is provided for each event data, and whether or not an introduction regarding the event is opened on this screen, whether vacant seat information is required (vacant seat inquiry), and whether to return to the menu. The options for selecting are also displayed. Further, when a video for introducing the event is displayed, options for giving an instruction to end, vacant seat information, and each menu are also displayed. In order to display these options, an image is prepared in advance so as to be arranged at a specific position on the screen.

Further, in the main computer 100, since additional information may be prepared, the terminal 20
At this stage, 0 may be connected to the main computer 100 to receive additional information, and display the additional information together with the event guidance data or separately.

Next, when an inquiry request for a vacant seat regarding the event is input from the input device 230, the system control unit 211 reads the related data table 440 of the optical disc 400 via the drive control unit 214 and the optical disc drive 213. A search is performed using the event name 441 as a key, and the seating chart data storage pointer 442, the communication data pointer 443, and the protocol data pointer 444 are read out. Note that an event usually has a plurality of schedules, and there may be a plurality of time zones on the same day, so that there are cases where the date and time are designated. In that case, the date and / or time is also considered, and the corresponding event is searched. Unless otherwise specified, any of them is treated as acceptable. In addition, in some cases, it is necessary to specify the venue because it may be held at a plurality of venues.

Then, from the display data track 430 of the optical disc 400, the seat chart data 4 relating to the event is displayed.
31 is read out, and the data necessary for communication with the main computer 100 holding the vacant seat data is read from the communication data track 420, that is, as shown in FIG. 3, the telephone number of the communication destination, the ID of the own terminal and the terminal The communication data 421 indicating the type and the communication protocol data 425 defining the communication procedure and the like are read and connected to the corresponding main computer 100 via the communication line 300 to request transmission of vacant seat information. On the other hand, the system control unit 211 reads the seat map data from the optical disc 400, causes the compression / decompression unit 215 to decompress the data, and performs conversion necessary in the video processing device 217, for example, to match display colors, screen size, and the like. Is converted and sent to the display device 221. Of course, if conversion is necessary, this process can be omitted. In this state, a hall seat diagram is shown on the display device 221. As will be described later, after the vacant seat data is sent from the main computer 100, the vacant seat data may be overlapped and displayed.

On the other hand, in the main computer 100, the control unit 110 controls the arbitrary terminal 20 via the communication unit 160.
A request for transmitting vacant seat information regarding various events, which is sent from time 0, is accepted. In addition, ticket purchase processing or reservation processing for empty seats is executed. The system control unit 120 of the main computer 100 has a communication line 300.
For inquiry about the vacant seat information regarding the event requested via, the vacant seat information section 1220 is searched from the mass storage device 120 using the event name as a key. In addition, the corresponding hall seat diagram section 12 from the pointer included in the vacant seat information
Read the data from 30. Then, the seat map data is expanded by the compression / expansion unit to restore the original seat map data and sent to the video processing device 150. The vacant seat information is also sent to the video processing device 150.

The image processing device 150 fills the pixel indicating the seat at the seat position indicated by the vacant seat information in the seat diagram data on the basis of predetermined fill information indicating the vacant seat. As a result, a seat map 1232 (see FIG. 7) is created with highlighting so that which seat is vacant can be visually and easily grasped. And
The image processing device 150 creates vacant seat map data 1231 (see FIG. 7) which is data only for a portion displaying vacant seats from this seat diagram. Furthermore, the system control unit 120
Reads the terminal information from the information indicating the type of terminal,
It is sent to the image processing device 150. The video processing device 150 converts the vacant seat map data according to the performance of the terminal indicated by the terminal information. The vacant seat map data created in this way is compressed by the compression / expansion unit 140, and the communication unit 170
To the terminal 200 of the inquiry source via the communication line 300. At this time, the identifier included in the communication data is sent to confirm the terminal 200.

The vacant seats may be highlighted as long as the vacant seats can be distinguished from the vacant seats. For example, changing the display color, changing the brightness, blinking, erasing the display of seats that are not vacant, etc. may be mentioned.

When there are a plurality of schedules, a plurality of time zones, etc., vacant seat map data is created for each schedule and sent to the terminal 200, unless a specific schedule or a specific time zone is designated. .

Further, when the main computer 100 receives a request for inquiry of a vacant seat, the main computer 100 creates a reception file in the memory 112 for each request and temporarily stores various data that may be necessary for issuing a ticket. This kind of data is information such as the inquiry source terminal ID, event name, schedule, time zone, venue, and seat number for which a purchase instruction has been issued. It is deleted when the purchase procedure is terminated, the purchase procedure is canceled, or the inquiry procedure is terminated without proceeding to the purchase procedure.

Further, the main computer 100 creates a ticket exchange number list on the memory 112. This list includes the exchange number assigned to each purchase unit, the event name, date, time, venue, and seat number that were purchased at that time. Then, it is deleted when the date of the event has passed.

The terminal 200 confirms the sent identifier and returns a message to that effect. In response to this, the main computer 100 transmits the created vacant seat map data. At this time, the system control unit 211 also transmits the vacant seat information itself.

When the communication section 216 of the terminal 200 receives this vacant seat map data, the compression / decompression section 215 decompresses it and sends it to the video processing device 217. Video processing device 21
In step 7, an image obtained by superimposing the vacant seat map data on the previously read seat map data is synthesized. For example, the same image as the seat map 1232 synthesized in the main computer 100 shown in FIG. 7 is obtained from this image. The seat map 1232 is sent to the display device 221 and displayed. When a plurality of vacant seat map data is received, a part of the received data is stored in the hard disk device 212, and when a page switching instruction is given from the input device 230, the next vacant seat map data is sequentially received. With respect to, display is performed by performing the above-described processing.

At the time of displaying the vacant seats, for example, an option for inputting a seat number for accepting designation of the stage scenery and an option for returning to the menu are displayed together. By inputting an instruction to return to the menu, the system ends the processing of the inquiry and returns to the basic menu. On the other hand, when the seat number is input by the input device 230, the system control unit 211 receives the seat number and performs the stage scenery display processing.

First, the system control unit 211 searches for a block including the seat number from the display data track 430 of the optical disc using the input seat number as a key and the input seat number as a key. The optical disc control unit 214 is instructed to read out an image showing a stage scenery prepared in advance for each block. In response to this, the optical disc control unit 214 causes the optical disc drive 213 to read the corresponding stage scenery image data and send it to the compression / decompression unit 215. The stage landscape image data decompressed by the compression / decompression unit 215 is sent into the video processing, and after the necessary conversion processing, the display device 2
21 is displayed. As the display, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the stage scenery given to the representative position of the block including the seat is displayed.

In this stage scenery, the difference between each of the stage scenery at the representative position is obtained from the positional relationship between the designated seat and the representative position around the seat, and the differences are linearly interpolated to make the designation. It is also possible to obtain the stage scenery in the selected seat and display it. Specifically, a conversion formula having a seat position as a variable is prepared in advance.

Further, in the example of FIG. 5, each block is divided so as to have a substantially equal size. However, the blocks may not be divided evenly. For example, it can be changed according to the grade of the seat. Specifically, the blocks of the advanced seats may be divided more finely, and the blocks of the lower class seats may be enlarged.

When the image of the stage scenery is displayed, for example, options for instructing purchase, options for instructing another seat, and options for returning to the menu are also displayed on the screen. Therefore, if another seat is selected, the stage scenery from the seat is displayed in the same manner as above by inputting the seat number.

On the other hand, when the purchase is selected, the system control unit 211 accepts the seat number input from the input device 230, and the seat number data is transmitted from the communication unit 216 to the main computer that handles the ticket for the event. Send to 100. At this time, if necessary, the date,
The time zone may be sent together. Further, when purchasing a plurality of sheets, the designation of seat numbers corresponding to the number is accepted. At this time, if the purchase number limit is set, it is checked whether or not the purchase number limit is exceeded. If the number of purchased seats exceeds the limit, input of seat numbers for the excess will not be accepted. Then, a display indicating that the purchase limit is exceeded is displayed on the display device. Then, the display device 221 displays for confirmation the event name, schedule, time zone, venue and seat number to be purchased. Then, the confirmation input from the input device 230 is accepted. When the confirmation input is made, the purchase decision information is sent to the main computer 100.

The terminal 200 also performs a procedure for collecting the ticket price. For example, in the case of a credit card, it accepts data such as selection of the type of card to be used and transaction such as ID number and personal identification number, and transmits the data to the main computer 100 together with the seat number. On the other hand, when paying the price,
The payment method and payment destination are displayed, and the printer 240 outputs these pieces of information. Then, the printer 240 outputs an exchange voucher for exchanging the purchased ticket at the venue or the agency. When the ticket is mailed, the input device 230 accepts the input of the address to which the ticket is sent.

When the main computer 100 receives data such as the seat number for which a ticket should be purchased, the main computer 100 deletes the seat number from the vacant seat information data 1220, and receives the purchase instruction, the event name and its venue, Data such as date and seat number is sent to the ticket issuing section 170 to issue a ticket.

In the present invention, it is assumed that there are inquiries, purchases, etc. from a plurality of terminals 200. Therefore, the following processing is performed as a means for preventing double issuance of a ticket, and as a means for preventing the monopoly of the temporary purchase state of a ticket by a specific terminal, which is accompanied therewith.

First, for inquiry about vacant seat information, the latest vacant seat information at that time is sent in response to a request from each terminal. When requests for vacant seat information about the same event are concentrated from a plurality of terminals, the same vacant seat information is transmitted to those terminals. In addition, when there are many such requests, the same vacant seat information is transmitted to all terminals including terminals not requested.

Then, when a purchase is selected for a seat with a certain terminal, the seat is put into a temporary purchase state. For example, a flag for each purchase is set for the seat number in the vacant seat information data 1220. Accordingly, thereafter, this seat is treated as a non-empty seat, and when the purchase selection is made, the main computer 100 checks the state of this flag for the corresponding seat number, and if the flag is set, Sends a message to the terminal that the seat cannot be purchased. In addition, even if a request for a seat availability inquiry is made, seats for which the flag is set are removed from the seat availability. This prevents double purchases.

When the information regarding the purchase decision is input for the seat in the temporary purchase state, that is, the seat for which the flag is set, the seat number itself is deleted as described above. On the other hand, when the purchase procedure is abandoned, the flag for that seat is reset. When the ticket is canceled, the terminal 200 or the main computer 100 that accepts the cancellation inputs the information about the canceled ticket, so that the vacant seat information data 1220 about the ticket is entered. The seat is registered again.

By the way, if the temporary purchase state continues for a long time at a certain specific terminal and then the purchase procedure is abandoned, the purchase procedure from another terminal will be hindered. Particularly in the case of a popular event, purchase applications are flooded, so it is necessary to ensure fair handling among terminals. Therefore, if the purchase decision is not made within a certain period of time after entering the temporary purchase state, it is necessary to enable the temporary purchase state to be released.
Therefore, the timer can be set for each reception file provided for each inquiry request of each terminal of the main computer 100. This timer is activated when a purchase selection is made, and when a preset time has elapsed, it outputs a signal for resetting the flag for the seat for which purchase is selected. As a result, it is possible to prevent monopolization of the provisional purchase state by a specific terminal. It should be noted that when the temporary purchase state is released, information to that effect is sent to the relevant terminal 200. In response to this, the terminal 200 displays a message indicating that the temporary purchase state has been canceled, and returns the display screen to the purchase selection state.

In the above example, the seat information is deleted when the purchase is decided, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a purchase flag area may be provided in the flag area, and when the purchase decision information for a certain seat is received, the purchase flag for the seat may be set. In this case, when the purchase is abandoned, the seat can be returned to the empty state by resetting the purchase flag.

In the above, the case of purchasing a ticket for a hall at an event has been described as an embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the events are music, theater,
It is supposed to be watched or watched in the seats of movies and sports games. However, as described above, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the same can be done when reserving accommodation facilities, applying for package tours, and arranging seats for transportation such as trains. For example, in the case of a train, a seat map of the vehicle as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed to indicate an empty seat. The example of FIG. 9 shows a state in which there are no empty seats, that is, a full seat. In addition to the selection of the tour itself, an event such as a package tour can be processed in the same manner as above when optional tours, accommodations, transportation facilities, etc. can be selected within the tour.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, an example in which a ticket is purchased using an optical disk attached to a monthly information magazine issued by a promoter handling concert tickets (in this embodiment, tentatively PEA TICKET) is described above. This will be described with reference to the respective drawings and the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 to 13 and the flowchart of FIG. In addition, in FIGS. 10 to 13, the optical disk is described as a DVD. Further, in the following embodiments, one main computer is used to simplify the description. However, it goes without saying that it can support multiple units. Further, in the following description of the embodiments, a detailed description of data reading in the main computer 100, image processing and the like, and data reading from the optical disc 400 in the terminal 200 and processing therefor has already been given. As stated, it will not be repeated here.

The flowcharts shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 show the operation procedure of the optical disc information reproducing apparatus 210 executed by the CPU 2111 of the system control unit 211 of the optical disc information reproducing apparatus 210 shown in FIG. A program for realizing this procedure is stored in the memory 2112.
FIG. 14 shows an operation procedure in the main computer executed by the CPU 111 of the system control unit 110 of the main computer 100. A program for executing this procedure is placed in the memory 112.

First, according to the flowchart of FIG.
In the terminal 200, the optical disc drive 213 receives the loading of the optical disc (DVD) 400. Then, an operation from the remote control device (hereinafter, abbreviated as a remote controller) shown in FIG. 8 is accepted. That is, when the operation of the reproduction key 2351 of the player control key 2350 of the remote controller is accepted, the system control unit 211 causes the drive control unit 214 to reproduce an optical disc, an opening screen from the optical disc, and a main menu (basic menu) as an event. It is instructed to read from the guidance data track 410 (steps 101 and 102). Then, as described above, the read data of the screen of the opening menu is compressed and expanded by the compression / expansion unit 215 and the video processing device 217.
And display it on the display device 221 (step 1
03). At this time, the display device 211 displays, for example, a moving image and a sound like the screen 1. Then, subsequently to this, for example, a main menu as shown in the screen 2 is displayed (step 104). This eye input is displayed as a still image. Also, according to the display of this menu, at the bottom of the screen, "Please select the number"
Message 2a is displayed. In addition, in this embodiment, the message is displayed and the message is read aloud.

When there are few items in the main menu,
Display on one screen, and if there are many, display on multiple screens.
In this embodiment, when a menu is hierarchically structured and an upper layer is selected, the middle layer connected to it is displayed next, and when any option is selected in that layer, that option is selected. The menu of the lower hierarchy to be connected is displayed. In this example, for example, concerts, plays, movies, and the like are prepared as upper layers. Therefore, for example, when a concert is selected, although not shown, middle-class options such as "Western music" and "Japanese music" are displayed. Here, for example, "Western music"
When is selected, although not shown, for example, lower-level options such as “classic”, “jazz”, “rock”, “folk music”, and “pops” are displayed. here,
The system control unit 211 receives an instruction input from the remote controller 231. Here, the menu is selected as described above (steps 105 and 106).

Next, in FIG. 11, when an option for which there is no subordinate option exists, for example, an option such as "lock" is selected, the system control unit 210 causes the guide information of the event indicated by the option to be displayed. The drive control unit 214 is instructed to read out, the guide information of the selected event is read from the guide information track 410 of the optical disc 400, and the compression / decompression unit 215 and the video processing device 217 are read.
To perform the required processing respectively (Step 11
0). In addition, the system control unit 211 uses the optical disc 40.
For the selected event, the pointer indicating the storage position of the communication data and the communication protocol data is read from the related data table 440 of 0, and the corresponding data is read from the communication data track 420. Instruct the communication unit 216 to connect the computer 100 to the line (step 11).
1). At this time, the communication unit 216 also transmits information indicating the selected event name to the main computer 100 related to the event.

In this embodiment, as an option, the genre such as "rock" is set as the lower hierarchy.
Furthermore, more specifically, the titles of the events may be listed.

When the communication unit 216 receives the latest additional information from the main computer 100, the system control unit 211 causes the compression / expansion unit 215 and the video processing device 217 to perform the necessary processing on the information (step S1). 112). Then, the event guide information is displayed on the display device 221, and the additional information is added and displayed (steps 113 and 114).

In this state, as shown in screens 3 and 4 in FIG. 11, the display device 221 displays various events prepared as event guide information in a moving image in sequence, and makes a sound such as music or narration. Is added,
Be introduced. Specifically, guide information such as performers, venues, dates, ticket prices, etc., and a message 3b indicating that there are vacant seats are displayed and explained. Then, depending on the guidance information, a display of a part of the previous concert is included. At this time, option 3 is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
a and 4a are displayed. Here, all are "3:
Four options are displayed: "next", "2: previous", "1: vacant seat information", and "0: menu".
In this state, the 11 waits for an instruction from the remote controller 231 (steps 115 and 116). Then, if there is no remote control operation, it is checked whether or not the reproduction of the currently reproduced event information is completed (step 117), and if it is not completed, it is continued (step 113). And
If it has ended, the guidance information for the next event is cued (step 119), and step 110 is executed.
Return to

When the remote controller 231 is operated, specifically, any one of the numbers 3-0 is selected by the ten-key 2310, the system control unit 211 performs the following processing in accordance with the selection. For example, when “3: next” is selected, the process proceeds to the reproduction process (step 119) of the event next to the currently reproduced event. When "2: previous" is selected, the process proceeds to the event reproduction process (step 118) before the event currently being reproduced. When "1: vacant seat information" is selected, the process proceeds to step 120 shown in FIG. Further, when "0: menu" is selected, the process proceeds to step 104 shown in FIG.

Here, the operation of the main computer 100 corresponding to the operation of the terminal 200 described above will be described with reference to FIG.

The system control unit 110 of the main computer 100 is connected to one of the terminals 2 via the communication unit 160.
When the line connection request is received from 00, the communication data such as the ID sent from the terminal 200 is confirmed, the line connection is permitted, and the line is connected (steps 141 and 14).
2). The system control unit 110 receives the information on the event name sent from the terminal 200, reads additional information related to the event from the additional information unit 1250, and sends it to the requesting terminal 200 (step 143). The additional information may be sent regardless of the contents of the options on the menu.

The main computer 100 maintains the line connection in this state. In addition, in this embodiment, the communication unit 216 has a configuration capable of controlling communication on a plurality of lines at the same time, so that communication with one terminal can be performed with communication with another terminal.

Next, the processing on the terminal side will be described with reference to FIG. The system control unit 211 uses the remote controller 2
When the selection of vacant seat information for a certain event is accepted by 31, the seat map of the venue of the event is read via the drive control unit 214 and the optical disk drive 213 (step 120). Therefore, the related data table 440 is searched, the pointer indicating the place where the seat map of the target venue is stored is read, and the corresponding seat map 431 is read. Then, it is sent to the video processing device 217 via the compression / expansion unit 215. Further, the system control unit 211 requests the main computer 100 to which the communication is connected to transfer the vacant seat information, and receives the vacant seat information (step 121). Vacant seat information received, specifically,
As shown in FIG. 7, the vacant seat map data 1231 is transmitted from the communication unit 216 via the compression / decompression unit 215 to the video processing device 21.
Send to 7. Then, the image processing device 217 is made to synthesize the seat map and the vacant seat map data to create a seat map in which the vacant seat is highlighted (step 122). Created image,
For example, an image as shown on the screen 5 is displayed on the display device 221 (step 123). In addition, the example of screen 5 is
The part shown in black on the drawing indicates that the seat is vacant. Further, in the example of the screen 5, the display is omitted for the blocks having no vacant seats at all. of course.
All seats may be displayed. Note that the block may be the same as the block in which an image of the stage scenery described later is prepared.

In this state, the system control section 211 waits for a seat designating operation of the remote controller 231 (step 12).
4). Then, when a numeric value other than 0 and a number and a symbol indicating a predetermined seat number are input from the remote controller 231, each block stored in the display data track 430 of the optical disc 400 is used as a key. Search the seat number list for the block to which the seat belongs. Then, the image of the stage scenery seen from the representative position of the block including the seat is read from the display data track 430 of the optical disc 400 (step 125). Regarding this stage image, in this embodiment,
Further, it is converted into a stage scenery viewed from a specific seat (step 126). Specifically, it is performed by inputting the seat number in a conversion formula prepared in advance. The result is displayed on the display device 221 via the video processing device 217 (step 127). The screen 6 shows the stage scenery from the seat G-20 as an example.

It should be noted that the screen 6 also displays options below it. That is, each option of "2: purchase", "1: other seat" and "0: menu" is displayed. Individually, the system control unit 211 waits for remote control operation (step 128). Then, when "1: other seat" is selected, the process returns to step 123. On the other hand, when "2: purchase" is selected, information indicating the ticket purchase decision is transmitted to the main computer 100 (step 12).
9a, 129b). Then, the system control unit 211
Proceeding to step 130 shown in FIG. 13, the purchase procedure is executed.

Here, the operation of the main computer 100 at this stage will be described with reference to FIG.

When the terminal 200 inquires about vacant seat information, the system control unit 110 creates a reception file from the terminal on the memory 112 (step 143).
a). As described above, the reception file specifies the inquired event and stores the terminal ID and the like.

Regarding the event for which the vacant seat information is inquired, the vacant seat information is read from the vacant seat information section 1220, and the corresponding hall seat chart is displayed based on the pointer stored in the vacant seat information section 1220. Read from section 1230. Others, vacant seat information section 122
When the vacant seat information is read from 0, the seat in which the flag indicating the temporary purchase is set is removed as described later. And
A position on the seat map is obtained from the vacant seat information, and an image showing the seat is filled in to create vacant seat map data 1231 as shown in FIG. 7 (step 14).
4). The system control unit 110 transmits the created vacant seat map data 1231 to the requesting terminal 200 together with the vacant seat information (step 145). Main computer 10
0 maintains the line connection in this state.

In this state, the main computer 100
When there is an inquiry about vacant seat information from another terminal, the latest vacant seat map data can be transmitted to the terminal of the inquiry source. Then, when the purchase decision information is transmitted from the terminal 200, the vacant seat information data unit 1220 receives it and sets a temporary purchase flag for the seat indicated by the purchase decision information (step 146). The seat is now in the tentative purchase state and is not treated as an empty seat. That is, when there is an inquiry about vacant seat information, the system control unit 11
For 0, when reading vacant seat information, seats for which this flag is set are removed. That is, the seat with the flag set is not read out.

On the other hand, in the terminal 200, as shown in FIG. 13, the procedure for purchasing the ticket starts. In this embodiment,
The purchase procedure will be described by taking the case of making payment using a credit card as an example. Further, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the communication data of the optical disc 400 and the rack 420 store the data regarding the use of the credit card as the data for billing.

The system controller 211 controls the optical disk 40.
The data regarding the use of the credit card is read from the communication data track 420 of 0, and the type of the usable card is displayed, and it is displayed on the display device 221 in a selectable manner (steps 130 and 131). An example is shown on the screen 7. It should be noted that options for canceling are prepared on the screen.

When the selection of any credit card is accepted from the remote controller 231 in this state, it is transmitted to the main computer 100 via the communication section 216 (step 132). And the main computer 1
The check result of 00 is received and it is determined whether or not it is usable (step 133). When the credit card cannot be used, a message to that effect is displayed on the display device 221 as shown on the screen 8 (step 134).

On the other hand, when the credit card can be used, the system control unit 211 causes the display device 221 to operate.
Then, for example, as shown in screen 9, a screen for inputting the credit card ID number and personal identification number and designation of the payment method for repayment is displayed (step 135).
When these inputs are received from the remote controller 231, the system control unit 211 accepts these inputs and sends them to the main computer 100 via the communication unit 216 to determine whether the ID number, personal identification number, etc. are valid. Credit status,
Then, the payment method is examined for validity and the result is received (step 136).

Upon receiving the information that the personal identification number is valid and the credit status is not a problem, the system control unit 211
A screen requesting confirmation of the contents of the ticket to be purchased is displayed on the display device 221 (step 137). Things to check include event name, schedule, time,
There are venues, seats, number of sheets, etc. The screen 10 is an example of requesting confirmation of the number of purchases. For confirmation, for example, the remote controller 23
This can be performed using the 1 decision key 2330 (see FIG. 8). Upon accepting that the enter key 2330 has been pressed, the system control unit 211 first causes the communication unit 216 to transmit information indicating the purchase decision for the ticket to the main computer 100. Then, the exchange number data for redeeming the ticket sent from the main computer is received. In addition, the system control unit 211 causes the display device 221 to display the exchange number, and causes the printer 240 to print the exchange ticket including the exchange number (step 140). Further, as other necessary information, the printer 240 is caused to print a map of the venue and a seat layout diagram. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, below each of the screens 7-10,
The option to cancel is displayed. When this option is selected, the purchase procedure is canceled (step 141).

With the above, a series of processes of the ticket purchasing procedure in the terminal 200 is completed. Then, the terminal 200
It returns to the state of step 104 shown in FIG. It should be noted that in terminal 200, when return key 2340 of remote control 231 is pressed, the state returns to a state in which a higher-order option of the options currently selected in the menu is selected. When the stop key 2352 of the remote controller 231 is pressed, a stop command is sent to the optical disk drive 213.

Here, the operation of the main computer 100 at this stage will be described with reference to FIG.

Upon receiving the information indicating the type of credit card from the terminal 200, the system control unit 110 checks whether the card can be used and sends the result to the terminal (step 147). Main computer 100
Stores a usable card in the memory 112 in advance.

Next, the information indicating the ID and the personal identification number,
Upon receipt of the payment method designation, the data is transferred to the card issuer system (not shown) for examination of the credit status of the card and whether the payment method designation is accepted, The result is received (step 148). Then, the result is sent to the terminal 200.

Next, when the purchase confirmation information is input from the terminal, the system control unit 110 adds a new exchange number to the exchange data list provided in the memory 112, and a new purchase is made. Copy the data required for ticket exchange from the reception file. Then, the exchange number and the data related thereto are transmitted to the terminal 200 that has decided to purchase. In addition, post-processing of purchase procedures is performed. That is, specifically, the reception file is deleted, and the corresponding vacant seat is deleted from the vacant seat information section 1220. On the other hand, when the information for discarding the purchase is sent from the terminal 200, the purchase procedure up to that point is canceled (step 149). Specifically, the reception file is deleted and the temporary purchase flag of the vacant seat information section 1220 is reset.

In the exchange list, the items for which the day of the event has passed are deleted one after another.

In the above embodiment, the case of purchasing a ticket has been described, but the present invention can be applied to the case of making a reservation. For example, instead of paying the purchase price, the reservation money can be paid with, for example, a credit card, and the reservation voucher can be issued instead of the exchange voucher. The hardware systems to implement may be substantially the same.

In the above embodiments, it is assumed that the optical disc stores information on a plurality of events. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example,
Use a disc with a smaller diameter than a normal compact disc,
It is possible to store only one event in one disk.

[0134]

According to the present invention, the procedure for applying to occupy one of the occupied spaces, for example, the purchase of a ticket,
When making reservations, it is possible to automate various information, inquiries about availability, purchase applications, etc. In addition, it is possible to automatically provide information regarding the view from the seat.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of an information storage area in an optical disc used in the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a data structure of data stored in an optical disc.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of a hall seating diagram.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the relationship between the positions of the passenger seats and the data showing the stage scenery viewed from there.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a data structure of data stored in a mass storage device of a main computer.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of vacant seat information data sent from the main computer to the terminal.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the appearance of an example of a remote control device used as an input device.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing an example of a display screen for displaying a seat map of a vehicle.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a part of an operation flow of a terminal in an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to ticket purchase.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a part of an operation flow of a terminal in an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to ticket purchase.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation flow of the terminal in the embodiment in which the present invention is applied to ticket purchase.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation flow of the terminal in the embodiment in which the present invention is applied to ticket purchase.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a part of an operation flow of the main computer in the embodiment in which the present invention is applied to ticket purchase.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 ... Main computer, 110 ... System control unit, 120 ... Mass storage device, 130 ... Storage device control unit, 140 ... Compression / expansion unit, 150 ... Video processing device, 16
0 ... communication section, 170 ... ticketing section, 200 ... terminal, 210 ...
Optical disc information reproducing apparatus, 211 ... System control unit, 2
12 ... Hard disk device, 213 ... Optical disk drive, 214 ... Drive control unit, 215 ... Compression / decompression unit, 2
16 ... Communication unit, 217 ... Video processing device, 220 ... Video /
Sound output device, 221 ... Display device, 222 ... Sound reproduction device, 230 ... Input device, 231 ... Remote control device (remote control), 240 ... Printer, 300 ... Communication line, 400 ... Optical disk, 410 ... Guidance data track (main data) Track), 420 ... communication data track, 430 ... display data track, 440 ... related data table track.

Claims (27)

[Claims] 1. A system for supporting execution of a procedure for applying for occupancy of any one of a plurality of occupied spaces prepared in advance for receiving a service, wherein At least one terminal system that processes the procedure for accepting the occupancy application for any one of them, and processes the procedure for accepting the occupancy application from the terminal system and sends the result to the terminal system of the application source. 1 has a main system, and the terminal system and the main system can communicate with each other via a communication line, and the terminal system has at least the occupied space layout data for visually indicating the layout of the occupied space. You can load the recorded recording medium,
Read-out means for reading out data from the loaded recording medium, display means for displaying image data, image processing means for processing the image data to be displayed on the display means, and input for receiving an instruction operation from the outside. Means and a communication means for performing communication with the main system, wherein the main system stores free information indicating free space information of the occupied space corresponding to a service, and free space storage means. The terminal system is provided with a vacant information managing means for managing information, and a communication means for communicating with the terminal system, wherein the input means has an inquiry instruction for vacant information and determination of the application. Is received, and the read-out means, in the state that the recording medium is loaded, In response to an inquiry instruction for vacant information, the occupied space layout map data is read from the recording medium, and the communication means transmits a vacant information transmission request for the instructed specific service and an instruction for determining the occupancy application. One of them is transmitted to the main system in response to the instruction of the input means, and the free information transmitted from the main system is received. The image processing means, as a part of the processing of the image data,
When the vacant information is received, the occupancy space layout map data for highlighting the vacant occupancy space is generated by using the vacancy information and the occupancy space layout map data, and the occupancy space layout map is displayed on the display means. In the main system, the communication means receives a request for transmission of vacant information about a specific service and an instruction to determine the application for occupancy, by displaying the vacant occupied space in an emphasized manner. , The vacant information is transmitted to the terminal system, and the vacant information management means receives the transmission request for the vacant information about the specific service, reads the vacant information about the specific service from the vacant information storage means, and sends it to the communication unit. ,
With respect to the vacant information stored in the vacant information storage means when the request is made to be transmitted to the requesting terminal system and the occupancy application is determined, the information regarding the determined occupied space is excluded from the vacant information, and the vacant information A system for supporting execution of a procedure for applying for occupancy of an occupied space, which is characterized by performing processing for updating. 2. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium further stores view data for displaying a view from the occupied space, and the input means further outputs an instruction to output view data regarding a specific occupied space. Receiving, the reading means reads out the view data concerning the specific occupied space from the recording medium according to the output instruction for the view data concerning the specific occupied space, and the image processing means is based on the read-out view data. A system for supporting execution of a procedure for applying for occupancy of an occupied space, characterized by displaying a view from the specific occupied space on display means. 3. The recording medium according to claim 1, further comprising guide data for introducing service content, wherein the input means further receives an output instruction for the guide data regarding a specific occupied space, The reading means reads the guidance data from the recording medium in response to an instruction to output the guidance data, and the image processing means displays the read guidance data on the display means. A system that supports the execution of procedures for applying for occupancy. 4. The terminal system according to claim 1, further comprising a printout unit, and the vacant information management unit receives the instruction to determine the occupancy application via the communication unit. Information indicating that acceptance of the occupancy application is confirmed is sent to the terminal system of the transmission source of the occupancy application decision via the communication means, and the display means receives the occupancy application's information received via the communication means. The procedure for applying for occupancy of an occupied space is characterized in that information indicating that acceptance has been confirmed is displayed, and the print output means prints out information indicating that acceptance of the occupancy application has been confirmed. A system that supports execution. 5. A view display method for displaying views from a plurality of occupied spaces prepared in advance for receiving a service, wherein at least view data for displaying views from the occupied space is recorded. When an output instruction for view data regarding a specific occupied space is input from the medium from the outside, the view data regarding the specified occupied space is read out accordingly, and based on the read-out view data,
A view display method comprising displaying a view from the specific occupied space on a display device. 6. The view data according to claim 5, wherein the view data is image data showing a view from the position of each block that divides the set of occupied space into a predetermined range with reference to a typical position of the block. A view display method characterized by being configured. 7. A method for supporting execution of a procedure for applying for occupancy of any one of a plurality of occupied spaces prepared in advance for receiving a service, comprising: At least one of a plurality of terminal systems that processes the procedure for accepting an occupancy application and a procedure for accepting an occupancy application from each terminal system, and sends the result to the terminal system of the application source. A recording medium in which at least the occupied space layout map data for visually showing the layout of the occupied space is recorded in each terminal system so that they can communicate with each other via a communication line. Prepared in advance, and in the main system, the free information indicating the free status of the occupied space is provided for the service. In each of the above-mentioned terminal systems, in response to a user's inquiry instruction for vacant information about a specific service, the occupied space layout map data for the instructed specific service is read from the recording medium, and A vacant information transmission request for the specified specific service is transmitted to the system, and the main system receives the vacant information transmission request for the specific service and stores in advance the memorized information about the specific service. After reading the vacant information and transmitting it to the requesting terminal system, and receiving the vacant information at the requesting terminal system,
Using this vacant information and the occupied space layout map data, an occupied space layout drawing that highlights the empty occupied space is generated and displayed, and the input of the occupancy application decision instruction for the specific occupied space is accepted. When the determination instruction is input, the accepted occupancy application decision regarding the specific occupancy space is transmitted to the main system. When the occupancy application decision is received by the main system, the vacant information stored above is The information regarding the determined occupied space is removed from the free space information, updated, and the information indicating that acceptance of the exclusive application is confirmed is sent to the terminal system that is the sender of the exclusive application decision. Send and use the terminal system that is the sender of the occupancy application decision by receiving the information indicating that acceptance of the occupancy application has been confirmed How to support the execution of a procedure for applying for occupation of occupied space and outputting the. 8. The view medium according to claim 7, wherein the recording medium further stores view data for displaying a view from the occupied space, and the view data regarding a specific occupied space from a user in the terminal system. According to the output instruction of
Supports the execution of the procedure for applying for occupancy of the occupied space, which is characterized in that the view data regarding the specific occupied space is read from the recording medium and the view from the specified occupied space is displayed based on the view data. Method. 9. The recording medium according to claim 7, further comprising guide data for introducing service content, wherein the terminal system responds to an output instruction for the guide data from a user. A method for supporting execution of a procedure for applying for occupancy of an occupied space, characterized by reading guidance data from the recording medium and displaying the guidance data. 10. An application for occupancy of any one of a plurality of occupied spaces, which is connected to one or more terminals via a communication line and prepared in advance for receiving a service, is accepted through the terminal. And an information processing apparatus for supporting execution of an application procedure for occupation of an occupied space, comprising a storage device, a communication unit, and a control unit, and the storage device stores empty information indicating the empty state of the occupied space. Corresponding to the service, the communication unit communicates with the terminal, and the control unit receives from the storage device when a request for transmitting free information about a specific service is received via the communication unit. , A vacant information providing means for reading out vacant information about the specific service and transmitting it to the requesting terminal via the communication unit, and a decision on an application for occupation regarding a specific occupied space for the specific service. When the setting information is received via the communication unit, the empty information stored in the storage device is removed from the empty information, which is related to the determined occupied space,
Free space information updating means for updating free space information and information indicating that acceptance of the occupancy application is confirmed,
An information processing apparatus, comprising means for sending to a terminal system which is a transmission source of an occupancy application decision via a communication unit. 11. The storage device according to claim 10, further storing occupancy space layout map data for visually indicating an occupancy space allocation, and the control unit vacant information and occupancy space allocation for the specific service. The figure data and read from the storage device, further comprising means for generating vacant seat map data showing an arrangement of vacant occupancy corresponding to the arrangement of the occupied space indicated by the occupied space arrangement diagram data, the vacant information providing means, An information processing device, characterized in that the vacant seat map data generated as described above is further transmitted as vacant information. 12. The temporary application information storage area according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the storage device adds temporary application information indicating a temporary application state to each occupied space included in the empty information. Further, the control unit, when receiving the provisional occupation request regarding the specific occupation space for the specific service via the communication unit,
When provisional application information is set in the provisional application information storage area related to the corresponding specific occupied space and an application determination instruction is input for the specific occupied space, or
An information processing apparatus, further comprising means for resetting provisional application information in the provisional application storage area when an instruction for discarding an application is received via the communication unit. 13. The vacant information providing means according to claim 12, when the vacant information about the specific service is read from the storage device in response to a request for transmitting the vacant information about the specific service, the provisional application is stored. An information processing device, which reads out data except for an occupied space in which temporary application information of a region is set. 14. The ticket issuing unit according to claim 10, 11, 12 or 13, further comprising: a ticket issuing unit for issuing a ticket indicating that the occupied space can be occupied, and the control unit receives the instruction to determine the application for occupation. An information processing apparatus, characterized in that information on an occupied space determined to be occupied for a specific service is sent to the ticket issuing unit to issue a ticket. 15. Connected via a communication line to each of one or more main systems that manage free information indicating a free state of a plurality of occupied spaces prepared in advance for receiving a service for each service. In the information processing device that supports the execution of the procedure for applying for occupancy of one of the occupied spaces prepared in advance to receive the service, the reproduction of the data recorded in the recording medium , An information reproducing device for displaying the data sent from the main system, an input device for receiving an instruction operation from the outside, and a display device for displaying the image data. A recording medium on which at least occupied space layout map data for visual indication is recorded can be loaded,
When a reading means for reading data from the loaded recording medium and an inquiry instruction for vacant information are input through the input device,
A means for receiving a request to send the vacant information about the instructed specific service to the corresponding main system via the communication section, and a means for receiving the vacant information from the main system via the communication section, and displaying it on the display device. Image reading means for generating image data, and the read-out means, when an inquiry instruction for vacant information is input through an input device, reads data from a loaded recording medium in response to the inquiry instruction for vacant information. The image processing means performs reading, and uses the free space information and the occupied space layout map data received by the means for receiving the free space information to generate the occupied space layout map data for highlighting the empty space. An information processing apparatus for displaying the occupied space layout diagram on the display device while emphasizing a vacant occupied space. 16. The view medium according to claim 15, wherein the recording medium further stores view data for displaying a view from the occupied space, and the reading means reads the view data regarding the specific occupied space from the input device. When the output instruction is input,
Accordingly, the view data regarding the specific occupied space is read from the recording medium, and the image processing means displays the view from the specified occupied space on the display device based on the read view data. A characteristic information processing device. 17. The recording medium according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the recording medium further stores communication data necessary for communicating with the main system corresponding to a main system to be communicated, and the reading means is a main unit. An information processing device, characterized in that, when communicating with a system, the communication data relating to the main system is read out and the communication section is made to communicate according to the communication data. 18. The recording medium according to claim 15, 16 or 17, further comprising guide data for introducing a service content, wherein the reading means receives the guide data regarding a specific occupied space from the input device. When the output instruction is input, the guide data is read from the recording medium in response to the input, and the image processing unit causes the display device to display the read guide data. 19. The information reproducing apparatus according to claim 15, 16, 17 or 18, further comprising: a printing device, wherein the information reproducing device occupies an occupied space when an instruction to determine an application for occupying the space is input from the input device. A means for transmitting an instruction to determine the application to the corresponding main computer via the communication unit, and the information indicating that acceptance of the occupancy application is confirmed from the main computer via the communication unit, the information is received. An information processing apparatus, further comprising: a unit for displaying the image on a display device through an image processing unit, and sending the image to the printing device for printing output. 20. In an information processing device for displaying views from a plurality of occupied spaces prepared in advance for receiving services, at least view data for displaying views from the occupied spaces is recorded. The information reproducing apparatus includes an information reproducing apparatus for reproducing recorded data from a medium, an input apparatus for receiving an instruction operation from the outside, and a display apparatus for displaying image data. When the output instruction for the view data on the occupied space of is input,
Accordingly, the view data regarding the specific occupied space is read from the recording medium, and the view from the specified occupied space is displayed on the display device based on the read view data. 21. The view data according to claim 20,
An information processing apparatus, characterized in that, for each block that divides the set of occupied space into a predetermined range, it is composed of image data showing a view from the position based on a typical position of the block. 22. An information providing method for connecting a terminal to any one or more main systems by communication to provide intended information from the terminal, wherein the content of the information to be provided is For fixed information whose temporal fluctuation is negligibly small within a preset period, it is recorded in a recording medium in advance and supplied to the terminal.
For the fluctuation information whose temporal fluctuations cannot be ignored within a preset period, in any one or more of the above main systems, the fluctuation contents are updated and accumulated, and the information in the information to be provided is provided in the terminal. When providing information about a specific item included in the information, change information about the specific item is received from the main system, and
A method for providing information, characterized in that the terminal reads fixed information relating to the specific item from the recording medium, adds variable information to the fixed information, and outputs the fixed information. 23. The recording medium according to claim 22, further storing communication data necessary for communicating with a main system corresponding to a main system to be communicated, and the terminal communicating with a certain main system. When performing, an information providing method characterized by reading communication data regarding the main system and performing communication according to the communication data. 24. Connected via a communication line to each of one or more main systems that manage, for each service, vacant information indicating the vacant state of a plurality of occupied spaces prepared in advance for receiving the service Information that should be read by being loaded into an information processing device that supports execution of a procedure for applying for occupancy of any one of a plurality of occupied spaces prepared in advance for receiving services In a recording medium for storing information, a guidance data area for storing a video for guiding each content of a plurality of services, each main system for managing free information about each service, and the information processing apparatus Communication data area for storing communication data for communication by the user and the occupied space in the space where services are provided. A storage medium having a display data area in which at least occupied space layout map data for visually indicating the layout is recorded. 25. The recording medium according to claim 24, wherein view data for displaying a view from the occupied space is further stored in the display data area. 26. The view data according to claim 25,
A storage medium characterized in that, for each block that divides the set of occupied space into a predetermined range, it is composed of image data showing a view from that position on the basis of a typical position of the block. 27. A method for inquiring from a terminal about the availability of a seat (including a sleeping room and a private room) of a facility (including a moving body), which has a host device and a terminal connected to each other by communication, The terminal has a recording medium that stores facility information including at least information that identifies a plurality of facilities that can be the target of, and information that indicates the seating arrangement of those facilities, and at least vacant seat information that indicates a vacant seat in those facilities. The information is stored in the storage device of the host device, and the terminal reads the information identifying the facility to be inquired from the recording medium, displays it on the display screen of the display device, and displays the information for inquiring about the specific facility. It accepts the input of information, sends the received inquiry information to the host device, and the host device receives the inquiry information sent from the terminal and displays the information. The vacant seat information about the facility is read from the storage device and sent to the terminal of the inquiry source, and the terminal reads the information indicating the seat arrangement of the facility for which the inquiry is received from the recording medium, and generates the seat arrangement diagram, and
A vacant seat inquiry method characterized in that, based on vacant seat information sent from a host device, a vacant seat among the seats displayed therein is relatively highlighted and displayed on a display device.