JP7780076B2 - Information processing system, information processing method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing system, information processing method, and program that can control the process of issuing bonus information that can be used by users at service establishments such as restaurants.

Traditionally, restaurants and other service establishments have been distributing coupons and other special offer information to users as appropriate based on the reservation status on each business day.

For example, Patent Document 1 below describes a system in which, when a waiter selects a reservation slot on a restaurant's reservation ledger screen, an advertising distribution button is displayed for that reservation slot to distribute advertising information including special offer information to the customer, and when the advertising distribution button is pressed, advertising information is distributed to the user's terminal in quantities corresponding to the table capacity or time slot corresponding to that reservation slot.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-131789

However, with the above-mentioned conventional technology, the decision as to whether or not to issue bonus information is left to the discretion of the store clerk, placing a burden on the clerk in issuing the bonus information. Furthermore, with the above-mentioned conventional technology, there is no limit to the number of bonus information items that can be issued, so if too many are issued, there is a risk that customers will be inundated with bonus information, causing the store to become overcrowded.

In light of the above circumstances, the object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system, information processing method, and program that can automatically issue special offer information to encourage users to visit a service store during times when reservations are available, while thereby preventing the store from becoming overly crowded.

To solve the above-mentioned problems, an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention has a control unit that acquires first congestion information regarding the congestion status of a store during a first time period, which is one of multiple time periods within a day and corresponds to the current time; acquires second congestion information regarding the congestion status of the store during a second time period, which is one of the multiple time periods and corresponds to a time period that follows the first time period; and determines whether or not to issue bonus information that can be used at the store after the first time period, based on the first congestion information and the second congestion information.

With this configuration, the information processing system automatically issues special offer information to encourage users to visit the service store during times when there are available reservations, while preventing the store from becoming overly crowded. Special offer information may be, for example, coupons or memberships. The time period may be set in two-hour or three-hour increments, but is not limited to this. The second congestion information may be, for example, reservation information for the store during the second time period, or congestion information predicted using a predetermined algorithm from the first congestion information. The information processing system may be made up of one or more information processing devices.

The first congestion information may be obtained via a sensor installed in the store during the first time period, and the second congestion information may be reservation information indicating the reservation status of the store during the second time period.

This allows the information processing system to determine whether or not to issue special offer information using information from different sources: current store congestion information and reservation information for later time slots, thereby more effectively preventing the store from becoming overly crowded during the second time slot due to the issuance of special offer information. Examples of sensors include, but are not limited to, cameras that take pictures inside the store and motion detection (infrared, ultrasonic, visible light) sensors installed on tables inside the store.

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

Here, the specified number of reservations may be the average number of reservations made during the second time slot during a specified period in the past or on the same day of the week in the past, the total number of seats at the store (maximum number of reservations), or, if the store has a set number of seats that can be reserved separately from the total number of seats, this may be the maximum number of reservations. By using a threshold based on the number of seats or tables for the congestion rate, while using a threshold based on past reservation performance rather than the number of seats or tables for the reservation rate, the information processing system can decide whether to issue a bonus information in a way that better reflects the actual situation of the store, and issuing bonus information can more effectively prevent the store from becoming too crowded during the second time slot.

The first congestion information may indicate a congestion rate based on the number of seats or tables detected by the sensor at the store during the first time period, and the second congestion information may indicate a reservation rate based on a predetermined number of reservations at the store during the second time period. The second time period may include the third time period and a fourth time period thereafter, and the reservation rates may include a first reservation rate for the third time period and a second reservation rate for the fourth time period. In this case, the control unit may decide to issue the bonus information if the congestion rate is less than a first threshold, the first reservation rate is less than a second threshold, and the second reservation rate is less than a third threshold that is higher than the second threshold.

This allows the information processing system to prioritize reservation status closer to the current time, and set a stricter threshold for the reservation rate for time slots closer to the current time when deciding whether to issue special offer information. By issuing special offer information, the store can be more effectively prevented from becoming overly crowded during time slots closer to the current time within the second time slot. Here, the third time slot is, for example, 30 minutes or 1 hour after the start of the first time slot, and the fourth time slot is, for example, 30 minutes or 1 hour after the start of the third time slot, but is not limited to these.

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

By limiting the display of the special offer information until the end of the first time slot, the information processing system can more effectively prevent the store from becoming overly crowded during the second time slot. The special offer information may be displayed in two-dimensional barcode format on a display terminal (digital signage terminal) installed at stations, roads, buildings, etc. around the store, and when the two-dimensional barcode is read by a user terminal, the information may be downloaded to the user terminal and made available for use in the store. Alternatively, a button for downloading the special offer information may be displayed on a web page corresponding to the store, and the user may download the information and use it by tapping on the user's terminal (smartphone, etc.).

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

By displaying the bonus information for at least a predetermined period of time, the information processing system can expose the bonus information to the user's eyes for at least a predetermined period of time, encouraging the user to visit the store during the second time period.

An information processing method according to another aspect of the present invention includes:
acquire first congestion information regarding the congestion state of the store in a first time slot to which the current time belongs among a plurality of time slots in a day;
acquiring second congestion information regarding a congestion state of the store during a second time period that is after the first time period among the plurality of time periods;
The method includes determining whether or not to issue special benefit information that can be used at the store after the first time period, based on the first congestion information and the second congestion information.

A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program for executing the following on an information processing device:
acquiring first congestion information regarding the congestion state of the store in a first time slot to which the current time belongs, among a plurality of time slots in a day;
acquiring second congestion information regarding a congestion state of the store during a second time period that is after the first time period among the plurality of time periods;
and a step of determining whether or not to issue special benefit information that can be used in the store after the first time period, based on the first congestion information and the second congestion information.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to automatically issue special offer information to encourage users to visit a service store during times when there are available reservations, while preventing the store from becoming overly crowded. However, this effect does not limit the present invention.

1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a restaurant information providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a restaurant information providing server according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a database included in a restaurant information providing server according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a privilege information issuing process performed by the restaurant information providing server according to one embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a table conceptually showing conditions for issuing special benefit information issued by a restaurant information providing server in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a digital signage terminal in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of benefit information displayed on a web page corresponding to each restaurant in one embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

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

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

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

The restaurant information providing server 100 provides a restaurant information providing system for users of user terminals 200 on the portal site. Specifically, the restaurant information providing server 100 searches for restaurant information that matches the search criteria based on a search request from the user terminal 200, generates a web page listing the search results, and transmits it to the user terminal 200. The restaurant information providing server 100 also handles the reservation process for any restaurant from the user terminal 200 of the user who viewed the restaurant information.

User terminal 200 (200A, 200B, 200C, etc.) is a terminal used by a user, such as a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet PC (Personal Computer), notebook PC, or desktop PC. User terminal 200 accesses restaurant information providing server 100, receives the web page, and displays it on a screen using a browser or the like.

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

Furthermore, on the portal site, a button for downloading special offer information (coupons) may be displayed on the web page corresponding to each restaurant, and the user may download and use the coupons by tapping the user's terminal 200.

On the other hand, the restaurant information providing server 100 provides a restaurant information management screen (webpage) for restaurants (affiliated restaurants) listed on the portal site. Through this management screen, users of the restaurant terminal 300 can edit and update the restaurant information (content) on the webpage provided to general users as the search results, and upload the webpage to the portal site.

The restaurant terminal 300 is a terminal installed in each restaurant, and may be a tablet PC, notebook PC, desktop PC, or the like. Based on the administrator's operation, the restaurant terminal 300 can execute processes related to its own restaurant information, such as editing and updating the restaurant information, by communicating with the restaurant information providing server 100. While the diagram shows only one restaurant and one restaurant terminal 300, there may be multiple restaurants, each with its own restaurant terminal 300.

As shown in the figure, a camera C capable of capturing images of the interior of the restaurant is installed inside, and a human presence sensor M that detects human movement is installed, for example, on the underside of the top surface of each table T.

The camera C and human presence sensor M are sensors for detecting the level of congestion inside the restaurant, and these captured images and detection data are transmitted to the restaurant terminal 300 via a wireless relay terminal W installed in the restaurant, and then transmitted from the restaurant terminal 300 to the restaurant information providing server 100. The images and detection data may also be transmitted from the camera C and human presence sensor M to the restaurant information providing server 100 without going through the restaurant terminal 300. The images and detection data may also be transmitted to the restaurant information providing server 100 via a terminal other than the restaurant terminal 300 (for example, a terminal carried by a restaurant employee) or server (for example, a server managing the camera C and human presence sensor M).

Not all restaurants have both the camera C and the motion sensor M installed; some may only have one of them.

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

The digital signage terminal 400 is a display terminal installed, for example, at stations, roads, or buildings (such as entrances or elevator halls) near restaurants, and receives and displays information about nearby restaurants from the restaurant information server 100.

The information about the restaurant may include a map of nearby restaurants, detailed information about each restaurant, and special offer information (coupons) that can be used at the restaurant. The special offer information may be displayed in the form of a two-dimensional barcode, for example, and downloaded to the user terminal 200 when the two-dimensional barcode is read by the user terminal 200, making it available for use at the restaurant. In addition, special offer information may be issued in limited quantities, and the remaining number may decrease when the two-dimensional barcode is read by the user terminal 200.

In this embodiment, the restaurant information providing server 100 determines whether or not to issue special offer information available to the user during a second time period, based on congestion status information for a first time period of the day to which the current time belongs, and reservation status information for the restaurant during a second time period that follows the first time period, both received from the restaurant terminal 300 of the restaurant. Here, the second time period may be 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 2 hours, etc., after the current time, as long as it is after the first time period. Details of the specific information issuance process will be described later.

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

The CPU 11 accesses the RAM 13 and other memory as needed, and performs various calculation processes while providing overall control over each block of the restaurant information providing server 100. The ROM 12 is a non-volatile memory that permanently stores firmware such as the OS, programs, and various parameters executed by the CPU 11. The RAM 13 is used as a working area for the CPU 11, and temporarily stores the OS, various applications currently being executed, and various data being processed.

The input/output interface 15 is connected to a display unit 16, an operation reception unit 17, a memory unit 18, a communication unit 19, etc.

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

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

The storage unit 18 is a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD), flash memory (SSD; solid state drive), or other solid-state memory. The storage unit 18 stores the OS, various applications, and various data.

As will be described later, in this embodiment in particular, the memory unit 18 includes a restaurant information database, a user information database, and a reward information database, in addition to programs such as applications necessary for the reward information issuing process based on the restaurant's congestion status and reservation status, as described below.

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

Although not shown, the basic hardware configuration of the user terminal 200 and restaurant terminal 300 is also substantially the same as the hardware configuration of the restaurant information providing server 100 described above.

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

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

For each restaurant, the restaurant information database 31 stores the restaurant's name, location (address or latitude and longitude), area information, access information (nearest station information, walking distance from the nearest station), telephone number, an ID identifying the restaurant (store ID), information about the restaurant's business type and service category, information introducing the restaurant (information indicating the restaurant's characteristics such as store promotional material, information about events held by the restaurant, etc.), image data related to the restaurant (introducing the restaurant), menu information related to the menu offered by the restaurant, average budget information, business hours, website URL, and other information. This information is entered from each restaurant's restaurant terminal 300 via a management screen provided by the restaurant information providing server 100. The restaurant information database 31 also stores reservation ledger information for each restaurant.

The menu information corresponds to the menus posted on the websites of each restaurant on the portal site, and stores the names of multiple menu items that each restaurant can offer for each restaurant. The menu information may be stored by menu category, such as appetizer/main course, lunch/dinner/course, etc. The menu information may also include text information indicating the menu name, price, description, etc., as well as image information such as photographs of the menu, which are stored in association with the menu.

The area information includes information about multiple areas with different units of size. Large areas include prefectures and municipalities, small areas include areas within a few hundred meters of a station (e.g., the "Ginza area"), and areas of intermediate size include, but are not limited to, areas within 1 km of a station or areas surrounding multiple stations (e.g., the "Ginza-Shinbashi-Yurakucho area"). This means that the same restaurant can be linked to multiple areas depending on its size.

In addition, information (such as a terminal ID) about the digital signage terminal 400 installed in that area is associated with that area (for example, the smallest area among multiple areas), and the digital signage terminal 400 and each restaurant are associated via that area. However, separate from the area information, the terminal ID of the digital signage terminal 400 may also be directly associated with the restaurant's store ID.

The above category information may include main categories such as Japanese, Chinese, Italian, French, and yakiniku, as well as more detailed subcategories such as yakitori and tempura in Japanese cuisine, and pasta and pizza in Italian cuisine.

The reservation ledger information is reservation information received from the user terminal 200 (or by telephone) via the restaurant information site, and includes, for example, information about each restaurant such as the reservation date and time, the reservation user's name, the number of people making the reservation, the reserved table, and the reserved course. This reservation ledger information not only stores reservation information for upcoming users, but also information about past reservations for at least several months. This reservation ledger information can also be accessed from the restaurant terminal 300.

The user information database 32 stores information about users who own user terminals 200 and are users (members) of the restaurant information service provided by the restaurant information providing server 100 via the portal site. Specifically, the user information database 32 stores information for each user, such as user ID, password, name, email address (information to which other messages will be sent), telephone number, address, age (group), gender, and birthday.

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

Each restaurant can select from multiple types of bonus information via the restaurant terminal 300, for example, to set the type of bonus information to be issued for each period, and the bonus information database 33 also stores the bonus information currently set by each restaurant, as well as information (flag) indicating whether the bonus information has been issued and whether the user has used it.

The benefit information may be something that can be used at multiple restaurants (for example, a coupon that offers a certain percentage off the bill), or it may be something that can be set independently for each restaurant (for example, a coupon for a discount or free provision of a specific menu item at a restaurant).

These databases are mutually referenced and used as needed during the bonus information issuance process by the restaurant information provider server 100, which will be described later.

[Operation of Restaurant Information Providing Server]
Next, we will explain the operation of the restaurant information providing server 100 configured as above. This operation is executed by the cooperation of hardware such as the CPU 11 and communication unit 19 of the restaurant information providing server 100 and software stored in the storage unit 18. For convenience, in the following explanation, the CPU 11 is the subject of operation.

Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the bonus information issuance process by the restaurant information providing server 100.

As shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 11 of the restaurant information providing server 100 first determines whether current congestion rate information has been received from the restaurant terminal 300 (step 41).

If the congestion rate information is data from camera C, it may be the video data from camera C itself, or it may be received as congestion rate data calculated by the restaurant terminal 300 based on the video data (for example, the number of people detected relative to the number of seats/tables detected in the video). If the congestion rate information is the video data from camera C itself, the CPU 11 detects seats or tables and people from the video data and calculates the congestion rate as the number of people detected relative to the number of seats/tables detected.

Furthermore, if the congestion rate information is data derived from a human presence sensor M, it may be detection data from that human presence sensor M (data indicating whether or not each human presence sensor M has detected a person), or it may be received as congestion rate data calculated by the restaurant terminal 300 (for example, the number of human presence sensors M that have detected a person relative to the total number of human presence sensors M installed in the restaurant). If the congestion rate information is data indicating whether or not each human presence sensor M has detected a person, the CPU 11 calculates the congestion rate as the number of human presence sensors M that have detected a person relative to the number of human presence sensors M that are the source of the data.

If it is determined that congestion rate information for the current time has been received (step 41: Yes), the CPU 11 calculates the reservation rate for the corresponding restaurant for the second time slot that follows the first time slot to which the current time belongs, based on past reservation records (step 42). If it is determined that congestion rate information for the current time has not been received (step 41: No), the process returns to step 41, and is repeated until congestion rate information for the current time is received.

Specifically, the CPU 11 calculates the reservation rate as the ratio of the number of reservations for the second time slot on the current day to the number of reservations for the corresponding restaurant for the same day and the same time slot for the past four weeks. Each time slot is divided into increments of, for example, 30 minutes or 1 hour, but is not limited to this.

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

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

In this case, the threshold value T2 is, for example, 90% when the reservation rate is calculated as the ratio of the number of reservations for the second time slot on the same day to the number of reservations for the same day and second time slot over the past four weeks, as described above, but is not limited to this.

Furthermore, if the congestion rate is set to a lower value (e.g., threshold T1 when the congestion rate is derived from camera C is 34%, and threshold T1 when the congestion rate is derived from human presence sensor M is 60%), threshold T2 can be set to a higher value (e.g., 110%).

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

Figure 5 is a table conceptually illustrating the conditions for issuing the above-mentioned bonus information (ON/OFF of the issuance flag). In the figure, a circle in each box indicates that the issuance flag is ON, and an × indicates that the issuance flag is OFF.

As shown in the figure, the above threshold T1 is set for the congestion rate, and when the congestion rate is divided into three levels - empty, slightly crowded, and crowded - this threshold T1 is a value that falls into the "slightly crowded" category.

The above-mentioned threshold T2 is also set for the reservation rate, but if the reservation rate is divided into three levels - less than usual, normal, and more than usual - this threshold T2 is a value that falls into the "less than usual" category.

Furthermore, if the threshold T1 is set to a lower value (a value belonging to "empty"; threshold T1'), the threshold T2 can be set to a higher value (a value belonging to "usual"; threshold T2').

As shown in the figure, the restaurant information providing server 100 issues special offer information when both the congestion rate and reservation rate are lower than normal (average), but refrains from issuing special offer information when both the congestion rate and reservation rate are relatively high or normal (around average), thereby preventing the restaurant from becoming overly crowded due to the issuance of special offer information.

In addition, while the occupancy rate uses a threshold based on the number of seats or tables, the reservation rate uses a threshold based on past reservation records rather than the number of seats or tables, allowing the decision on whether to issue a ticket to be more reflective of the actual situation of the store.

Also, as shown in the figure, threshold T1 is set so that if the congestion rate is a value that corresponds to "busy," special offer information will not be issued even if the reservation rate for the next time slot (i.e., the target time slot for which special offer information is used) is a value that corresponds to "lower than usual." This is because if the store is currently very crowded, there is a high probability that at least some of those customers will remain in the store at a later time slot, and even if customers leave the crowded situation, time will be needed to reset the situation and restore store operations.

Returning to Figure 4, when it is decided to issue special offer information, the CPU 11 sends a request to display a two-dimensional code indicating the special offer information of the corresponding restaurant to the digital signage terminal 400 associated with the area information of the restaurant in the restaurant information database 31 (step 45).

The CPU 11 also posts the special offer information on the corresponding restaurant's web page on the portal site (step 46). The process then repeats from step 41.

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

The CPU 11 also displays the bonus information or information linked thereto (such as a two-dimensional barcode) on the digital signage terminal 400 and on the web page until step 47, described below, is performed. Furthermore, the CPU 11 may control the digital signage terminal 400 and the web page to display the bonus information or information linked thereto (such as a two-dimensional barcode) on the digital signage terminal 400 and on the web page for at least a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, etc.). If the number of bonus information pieces that can be issued is finite and the predetermined number of pieces are issued before the predetermined time has elapsed, the CPU 11 will hide the bonus information even before the predetermined time has elapsed.

This allows the restaurant information providing server 100 to expose the special offer information to the user for at least a specified period of time, encouraging the user to visit the restaurant during the second time period. It also prevents the special offer information from being frequently displayed and hidden when the restaurant's congestion rate fluctuates around the threshold T1.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 43 above that the congestion rate is equal to or greater than threshold T1 or the reservation rate is equal to or greater than threshold T2 (No in step 43), and the issuance flag for the current bonus information is ON, the CPU 11 cancels the issuance of that bonus information and sets the issuance flag to OFF (step 47). The process then repeats from step 41.

Figure 6 shows an example of a screen displayed on the digital signage terminal 400.

As shown in the figure, the digital signage terminal 400 displays, for example, current images 61 from each camera C of a nearby restaurant, along with the restaurant's name and congestion status information 62, as a real-time view of the restaurant's interior.

For restaurants that have been issued special offer information through the above process, a coupon mark 63 is also displayed. Also, at the bottom of the screen, for example, a two-dimensional barcode 64 linked to the special offer information for each restaurant is displayed. The user can check the current availability of each restaurant and download and use the special offer information for the desired restaurant by scanning the two-dimensional barcode with the user terminal 200.

Figure 7 shows an example of special offer information displayed on the web page corresponding to each restaurant on the portal site.

An application corresponding to the system provided by the restaurant information providing server 100 is installed on each user terminal 200, and as shown in Figure A, this application can display map data of the area around the current location of the user terminal 200 as a web page, and can display an icon 71 on the map data at the location of each restaurant where the camera C is installed. Restaurants for which the special offer information has been issued can be identified by having the word "coupon" superimposed on the icon 71, for example.

When the user taps on the icon 71 of any restaurant for which special offer information has been issued, a pop-up appears, as shown in Figure B, displaying current video 72 from camera C of the corresponding restaurant, along with a coupon acquisition button 73 for downloading the special offer information. This allows the user to check the current availability of each restaurant.

When the user taps the coupon acquisition button 73, special offer information 74 is downloaded and displayed, as shown in Figure C. The user can then use the coupon by presenting it to a restaurant staff member.

[summary]
As described above, according to this embodiment, the restaurant information providing server 100 automatically issues special offer information (coupons) to encourage users to visit restaurants during times when reservations are available, thereby preventing the restaurant from becoming overly crowded.

Furthermore, the restaurant information providing server 100 determines whether or not to issue special offer information using information from different sources: current congestion information within the restaurant and reservation information for that restaurant for a later time period. This more effectively prevents the restaurant from becoming overly crowded during later time periods due to the issuance of special offer information than if the special offer information were issued based on only one of these sources.

Furthermore, the restaurant information providing server 100 issues special offer information when both the occupancy rate and reservation rate are lower than normal (average), but by setting each threshold value to suppress the issuance of special offer information when both the occupancy rate and reservation rate are relatively high or normal (around average), it is possible to prevent the restaurant from becoming overly crowded due to the issuance of special offer information.

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

In the above-described embodiment, the second time period may be divided into the third time period and a subsequent fourth time period. For example, the third time period may be 30 minutes from the start of the second time period, and the remaining 30 minutes may be the fourth time period. In this case, the restaurant information providing server 100 may calculate a first reservation rate for the third time period and a second reservation rate for the fourth time period, and may decide to issue the bonus information if the congestion rate is less than a first threshold, the first reservation rate is less than a second threshold (T2-1; for example, 85%), and the second reservation rate is less than a third threshold (T2-2; for example, 95%) that is higher than the second threshold.

As a result, the restaurant information providing server 100 places emphasis on the reservation status for the second time period that is closest to the current time, and sets a stricter threshold for the reservation rate for the time period that is closest to the current time when deciding whether to issue special offer information. By issuing special offer information, the restaurant can more effectively prevent the restaurant from becoming too crowded during the time period that is closest to the current time within the second time period.

In the above-described embodiment, the restaurant information providing server 100 determined whether to issue coupon information based on store congestion information for a first time period to which the current time belongs (first congestion information) and store reservation status information for a second time period following the first time period (second congestion information). However, the restaurant information providing server 100 may use information other than reservation information for the second time period as the second congestion information.

For example, the restaurant information providing server 100 may use congestion information for a second time period predicted using a predetermined algorithm from congestion information for a first time period, or may use congestion information around the store collected during the first time period from cameras or sensors installed at stations, roads, or buildings (such as entrances or elevator halls) around the store.

In this case, the restaurant information providing server 100 may receive and use, as the second congestion information, the number of users per unit time who are detected by a camera installed on the digital signage terminal 400 to be within a predetermined distance from the signage terminal 400 or who are detected to be looking at the signage terminal 400.

In the above-described embodiment, the restaurant information providing server 100 calculated the reservation rate for the second time slot as the ratio of the number of reservations for that second time slot on the current day to the number of reservations for that same day and time slot over the past four weeks. However, this reservation rate may also be the ratio of the number of reservations for that second time slot on the current day to the average number of reservations for that second time slot over a specified past period, or the ratio of the number of reservations for that second time slot on the current day to the total number of seats at the restaurant (maximum number of seats that can be reserved), or, if the restaurant has a set number of seats that can be reserved separately from the total number of seats, it may be the ratio of the number of reservations for the second time slot on the current day to that maximum number of seats that can be reserved.

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

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

In the above-described embodiment, coupon information (discount vouchers, etc.) was issued as the benefit information, but other benefit information, such as memberships or reservation tickets, may be issued instead of or in addition to this.

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

In the above-described embodiment, restaurants were used as an example of a service store, but service stores are not limited to restaurants. The present invention can also be applied to reservation ledger screens at a variety of service stores, such as entertainment facilities such as karaoke and bowling, amusement parks, accommodation facilities such as hotels and inns, various sports facilities such as tennis, basketball, and golf, hospitals, and medical and treatment facilities such as beauty salons, barber shops, massage parlors, and aesthetic salons.

Among the inventions described in the claims of this application, the invention described as an "information processing method" has each step performed automatically by at least one device such as a computer through software-based information processing, and is not performed by a human using a device such as a computer. In other words, the "information processing method" is an information processing method using computer software, and is not a method in which a human operates a computing tool called a computer.

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

Claims (6)

acquire first congestion information regarding a congestion state of the restaurant in a first time slot to which the current time belongs among a plurality of time slots in a day;
acquire second congestion information regarding a congestion state of the restaurant in a second time period that is after the first time period among the plurality of time periods;
determining whether to issue special benefit information that can be used by users who have not made a reservation at the restaurant after the first time slot based on the first congestion information and the second congestion information;
A control unit is provided ,
The control unit
The first congestion information is calculated based on information acquired via a sensor installed in the restaurant during the first time period;
The second congestion information is calculated based on reservation information indicating a reservation status of the restaurant during the second time period.
Information processing system. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1 ,
The control unit
calculating the first congestion information as a congestion rate based on the number of seats or tables detected by the sensor in the restaurant during the first time period;
The second congestion information is calculated as a reservation rate based on a predetermined number of reservations for the restaurant during the second time period;
An information processing system that determines to issue the special offer information when the congestion rate is less than a first threshold value that indicates an average congestion rate at the restaurant and the reservation rate is less than a second threshold value that indicates an average reservation rate at the restaurant . 3. The information processing system according to claim 2,
The control unit
calculating the first congestion information as the number of people detected by the sensor relative to the number of seats or tables detected by the sensor, or as the number of the sensors that detected people relative to the total number of the sensors installed in the restaurant;
The second congestion information is calculated as the ratio of the number of reservations for the second time slot on the current day to the number of reservations for the same day and time slot for a predetermined period in the past, or as the ratio of the number of reservations for the second time slot on the current day to the average number of reservations for the second time slot for a predetermined period in the past, or as the ratio of the number of reservations for the second time slot on the current day to the total number of seats or the maximum number of seats available for reservations at the restaurant.
Information processing system. 3. The information processing system according to claim 1 ,
the first congestion information indicates a congestion rate based on the number of seats or tables detected by the sensor in the restaurant during the first time period;
the second congestion information indicates a reservation rate based on a predetermined number of reservations for the restaurant during the second time period,
the second time period includes a third time period and a subsequent fourth time period;
the reservation rate includes a first reservation rate in the third time slot and a second reservation rate in the fourth time slot;
The control unit determines to issue the bonus information when the congestion rate is less than a first threshold, the first reservation rate is less than a second threshold, and the second reservation rate is less than a third threshold that is higher than the second threshold. acquire first congestion information regarding a congestion state of the restaurant in a first time slot to which the current time belongs among a plurality of time slots in a day;
acquire second congestion information regarding a congestion state of the restaurant in a second time period that is after the first time period among the plurality of time periods;
determining whether to issue special offer information that can be used by users who have not made a reservation at the restaurant after the first time slot based on the first congestion information and the second congestion information ,
The first congestion information is calculated based on information acquired via a sensor installed in the restaurant during the first time period;
The second congestion information is calculated based on reservation information indicating a reservation status of the restaurant during the second time period.
Information processing methods. In the information processing device,
acquiring first congestion information regarding a congestion state of the restaurant in a first time slot to which the current time belongs, among a plurality of time slots in a day;
acquiring second congestion information regarding a congestion state of the restaurant during a second time period that is after the first time period among the plurality of time periods;
determining whether to issue special benefit information that can be used by users who have not made a reservation at the restaurant after the first time slot, based on the first congestion information and the second congestion information;
Calculating the first congestion information based on information acquired via a sensor installed in the restaurant during the first time period;
calculating the second congestion information based on reservation information indicating a reservation status of the restaurant during the second time period;
A program that executes the following.