Information processing apparatus, information processing system, and non-transitory computer readable medium

An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to acquire reservation information on a rental space and perform, using the reservation information, processing of prompting a user to perform a predetermined task that is to be performed before or after using the rental space.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-090880 filed May 25, 2020.

BACKGROUND

(i) Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and a non-transitory computer readable medium.

(ii) Related Art

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-113896 proposes an information processing apparatus that determines, on the basis of conversation information, whether or not a user has performed a cleaning action and that rewards a predetermined target related to the cleaning action if it is determined that the cleaning action has been performed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-113897 proposes an information processing apparatus that acquires environment information indicating an environment around a user, that determines, on the basis of the environment information, whether the user is to perform cleaning, and that provides the user with information about cleaning on the basis of a determination result.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-113900 proposes an information processing apparatus that acquires environment information indicating an environment around a user and detected by a movable work robot and that estimates a cleaning status of the user in a room on the basis of the environment information.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.2019-113901proposes an information processing apparatus that acquires a result of determination of whether or not a user is to perform cleaning and that performs, if the determination result indicates that the user is to perform cleaning, output control to output information about cleaning to a predetermined position in a room.

SUMMARY

In a space renting service, various tasks such as preparation and cleaning are to be performed by a service provider before renting out a space. Aspects of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and a non-transitory computer readable medium that are capable of reducing tasks to be performed by a service provider compared to the case of performing all tasks by the service provider.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing apparatus including a processor configured to acquire reservation information on a rental space and perform, using the reservation information, processing of prompting a user to perform a predetermined task that is to be performed before or after using the rental space.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.FIG.1is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an information processing system10according to the exemplary embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the information processing system10according to the exemplary embodiment includes a cloud server12serving as an information processing apparatus, a radio base station16, and a communication apparatus22.

The cloud server12, the radio base station16, and the communication apparatus22are connected to a communication link18. The communication apparatus22may be connected to the communication link18via the radio base station16instead of being directly connected to the communication link18, as illustrated inFIG.1.

The cloud server12provides a service related to a rental space20. Examples of the renting service include a service of accepting a reservation for the rental space20and a service of unlocking and renting out the rental space20to a user who has made a reservation.

The radio base station16wirelessly connects to a mobile terminal apparatus14such as a smartphone, connects the mobile terminal apparatus14to the communication link18, and performs communication between apparatuses connected to the communication link18.

The communication apparatus22is provided in the rental space20and transmits various signals to or receives various signals from the cloud server12and an apparatus connected to the communication link18.

Now, the rental space20will be described.FIG.2is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the rental space20.

In the exemplary embodiment, the rental space20provides, for example, an environment to be used for telework. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.2, the rental space20is provided with a desk28, a chair32, a power supply and universal serial bus (USB) outlet30, a display24, an air conditioner34, a camera26, and the communication apparatus22. In addition, the rental space20is provided with stationery, a hook36for a hanger38, and so forth.

Although the camera26for capturing an image of the rental space20is provided in the exemplary embodiment, the camera26may be omitted.

A user who wants to use the rental space20checks on a website the location and reservation status of the rental space20closest to the user and makes a reservation by using a smartphone, a personal computer, or the like. After that, the user unlocks the rental space20by using the mobile terminal apparatus14such as a smartphone and uses the rental space20.

Next, an electrical configuration of the rental space20will be described.FIG.3is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the rental space20.

The rental space20includes the display24, the camera26, and a door lock apparatus40that are connected to the communication apparatus22.

The display24displays various pieces of information to be presented to a user. For example, the display24displays information or the like received from the cloud server12.

The camera26captures an image of the rental space20and transmits the captured image to the cloud server12via the communication apparatus22and the communication link18.

The door lock apparatus40is disposed on the door of the rental space20, and locks and unlocks the door. For example, the door lock apparatus40unlocks the door in response to receipt of an unlocking instruction transmitted from the cloud server12via the communication link18and the communication apparatus22.

Next, a schematic configuration of the cloud server12and the mobile terminal apparatus14will be described.FIG.4is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electric system of the cloud server12and the mobile terminal apparatus14in the information processing system10according to the exemplary embodiment. Both the cloud server12and the mobile terminal apparatus14basically have a typical computer configuration and thus the cloud server12will be described here.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the cloud server12according to the exemplary embodiment includes a central processing unit (CPU)12A which is an example of a processor, a read only memory (ROM)12B, a random access memory (RAM)12C, a storage12D, an operation unit12E, a display12F, and a communication link interface (I/F)12G. The CPU12A controls the operation of the entire cloud server12. The ROM12B stores in advance various control programs, various parameters, and the like. The RAM12C is used as a work area or the like during execution of various programs by the CPU12A. The storage12D stores various pieces of data, application programs, and the like. The operation unit12E is used to input various pieces of information. The display12F is used to display various pieces of information. The communication link I/F12G is connected to the communication link18and transmits various pieces of data to or receives various pieces of data from another apparatus connected to the communication link18. The above-described individual components of the cloud server12are electrically connected to each other by a system bus12H. As the storage12D, for example, a nonvolatile storage unit such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory is used.

The cloud server12further includes a database (DB)12I that stores various pieces of information such as installation places and reservation statuses of rental spaces20to be managed.

With the above-described configuration, the cloud server12according to the exemplary embodiment executes, using the CPU12A, access to the ROM12B, the RAM12C, and the storage12D, acquisition of various pieces of data via the operation unit12E, and display of various pieces of information on the display12F. In addition, the cloud server12controls, using the CPU12A, transmission and reception of communication data via the communication link I/F12G.

The mobile terminal apparatus14has a configuration basically similar to that of the cloud server12except that the mobile terminal apparatus14includes a position detector14J depicted with a broken line inFIG.4, and includes a CPU14A which is an example of a processor, a ROM14B, a RAM14C, and so forth.

The position detector14J detects the current position of the mobile terminal apparatus14. For example, a signal from a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite includes time data of an atomic clock mounted in the satellite, information about the orbit of the satellite, and so forth. The position detector14J receives radio waves from GPS satellites and calculates the distances from the satellites on the basis of differences in time between transmission and reception. The position detector14J measures the position of a point in a space by using the distances from three or more GPS satellites, thereby detecting the position of the mobile terminal apparatus14.

The cloud server12according to the exemplary embodiment having the above-described configuration performs processing such as acceptance of a reservation for the rental space20. In addition, the cloud server12acquires reservation information on the rental space20and performs, using the reservation information, processing of prompting a user to perform a predetermined task that is to be performed before or after using the rental space20. Hereinafter, a description will be given of an example in which a predetermined task is cleaning and tidying up, which is an example of a task of cleaning the rental space20. The predetermined task is not limited thereto and may be, for example, a task of making equipment ready for use or changing layout. Hereinafter, cleaning and tidying up will be simply referred to as cleaning. Cleaning includes making a state ready for use by a next user.

In the case of prompting a user to perform cleaning, a notification indicating the place of cleaning equipment and a cleaning method may be provided. The place of cleaning equipment is, for example, the place of wet tissues, a broom, a mop, or the like. The cleaning method is, for example, a method of wiping the desk28, the display24, and the chair32with a wet tissue, a method of cleaning the floor with a broom or a mop, or the like. The notification may be provided by displaying it on the display24or by using a sound. Alternatively, the notification may be transmitted to the mobile terminal apparatus14of the user.

Next, a description will be given of an example of a specific service provided by the cloud server12in the information processing system10having the above-described configuration.

The cloud server12provides a service of accepting a reservation for the rental space20. For example, the cloud server12receives an operation of making a reservation from the mobile terminal apparatus14via a website or application for reserving the rental space20, thereby accepting the reservation for the rental space20from a user and manages the reservation. For example, the cloud server12acquires from the mobile terminal apparatus14user information and reservation information such as a reservation location and a reservation time, and manages the reservation information as a reservation status. The reservation status includes reservation information of plural users and is stored in the DB12I.

In the exemplary embodiment, when a user makes a reservation for the rental space20, if the rental space20is not reserved for a certain time period, the cloud server12performs processing of prompting a next user who makes a reservation to perform cleaning.

When a user uses the rental space20, if the rental space20is not reserved for a certain time period after the time period for which the user uses the rental space20, the cloud server12performs processing of prompting the user to perform cleaning. For example, the cloud server12displays a message of prompting the user to perform cleaning on the display24.

In addition, when the rental space20is continuously used by the same user or when the rental space20is continuously used with plural reservations, the cloud server12performs, a predetermined time period (for example, 5 minutes) before the end of the continuous use, processing of prompting the user to perform cleaning.

Even when the rental space20is used for a long time period longer than or equal to a predetermined time period, the user may be prompted to perform only ventilation if the rental space20is determined to be tidied up. If the user agrees, the cloud server12may perform processing of prompting the user to keep the door of the rental space20open for a certain time period (for example, 1 minute). For example, the cloud server12transmits a message such as “Please keep the door open for a while.” to the communication apparatus22so that the message is displayed on the display24. When the rental space20has a driving unit such as a motor for driving the door to open or close the door, the cloud server12may control the driving unit to keep the door open for a certain time period and then close the door. When the rental space20is provided with a ventilation facility, the cloud server12may perform control to drive the ventilation facility for a certain time period.

Even when the rental space20is used for a short time period shorter than or equal to a predetermined time period, the cloud server12performs processing of prompting the user to perform cleaning if the used rental space20is determined not to be tidied up.

If the user agrees to cooperate in cleaning the rental space20, the cloud server12may perform, for example, processing of shortening the usage period and discounting the usage fee accordingly. The agreement may be input at the time of making a reservation or a predetermined time period (for example, 5 or 10 minutes) before the end of use by using an application installed in the mobile terminal apparatus14or the like.

The degree of cleaning performed by a user may be determined not only by comparing images captured by the camera26but also by using the degree of cleaning expressed as points by the next user of the rental space20. The cloud server12may perform processing of adding a determination result as cleaning points of the user. A user having a larger number of cleaning points may be given higher priority for making a reservation, or the usage fee may be discounted according to the cleaning points. When the tidy-up level of a user is lower than a predetermined level, the cloud server12may perform processing of transmitting a message to the mobile terminal apparatus14or the like of the user so as to encourage improvement in a future use. The message may be, for example, a positive message such as “You will get coupons if you use the space cleanly next time, thank you for your consideration.” The message may be given by displaying it on the display24or outputting it as a sound from a speaker when the user leaves the rental space20. Alternatively, the message may be transmitted to an email address or chat account registered in the application of the mobile terminal apparatus14of the user after the user leaves the rental space20or after a certain time period elapses from the leaving.

In the processing of prompting a user to perform cleaning, a notification indicating that cleaning is recommended may be constantly provided. Because some users may find such a notification annoying, guidance of cleaning may be displayed on the display24when the rental space20is assumed to be dirty after continuous use for a predetermined time period, for example, after use for three consecutive hours or after use for one hour or more by the same user.

When the rental space20is continuously used by the same user or when the rental space20is continuously used with plural reservations, a message prompting the user to perform cleaning may be displayed on the display24a predetermined time period (for example, 5 minutes) before the end of the continuous use.

If the user agrees to cooperate in cleaning the rental space20, the usage period of the user may be shortened and the usage fee may be discounted accordingly. The agreement to perform cleaning may be input at the time of making a reservation or a predetermined time period (for example, 5 or 10 minutes) before the end of use by using the application installed in the mobile terminal apparatus14or the like.

The level of a cleaning result may be determined from images captured by the camera26before and after cleaning. If the level is lower than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, a discount rate or the number of points may be reduced.

Next, a description will be given of an example of a specific process performed by the information processing system10according to the exemplary embodiment having the above-described configuration.

First, a description will be given of an example of a specific process performed by the mobile terminal apparatus14such as a smartphone from when a reservation is made to when the rental space20is unlocked.FIG.5is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow from when a reservation is made to when the rental space20is unlocked, performed by the mobile terminal apparatus14of the information processing system10according to the exemplary embodiment.

In step100, the CPU14A displays a login screen on the display14F, and then the process proceeds to step102. For example, a predetermined login screen is displayed on the display14F in response to access to a site or application for reserving the rental space20from the mobile terminal apparatus14such as a smartphone.

In step102, the CPU14A performs login processing, and then the process proceeds to step104. For example, user information input through the operation unit14E is transmitted to the cloud server12, and whether the user information is registered is determined. If the user information is registered, a service of making a reservation and the like is available. The authentication processing such as login processing may be performed by a server other than the cloud server12.

In step104, the CPU14A determines whether or not the logged-in user has made a reservation. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step106. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step114. In the exemplary embodiment, to simplify the description, it is assumed that, in step104, processing of unlocking the rental space20is performed if the user has made a reservation and processing related to a reservation is performed if the user has not made a reservation.

In step106, the CPU14A determines whether or not a reservation time of the logged-in user has come. The CPU14A waits until an affirmative determination is made, and then the process proceeds to step108. If the reservation time has not come, the CPU14A may display the reservation time on the display14F and execute other processing.

In step108, the CPU14A displays a door unlock key of the rental space20on the display14F, and then the process proceeds to step110.

In step110, the CPU14A determines whether or not the displayed unlock key has been operated. Specifically, the CPU14A determines whether or not the unlock key displayed on the display14F has been operated by the operation unit14E. The CPU14A waits until an affirmative determination is made, and then the process proceeds to step112.

In step112, the CPU14A transmits an unlock instruction to the cloud server12, and then the process ends. Accordingly, the unlock instruction is transmitted from the cloud server12to the rental space20, the communication apparatus22receives the unlock instruction and provides the unlock instruction to the door lock apparatus40, and accordingly the door of the rental space20is unlocked.

On the other hand, in step114, the CPU14A acquires a reservation status of the rental space20, and then the process proceeds to step116. For example, the CPU14A acquires a reservation status indicating the dates and times reserved by other users from the DB12I of the cloud server12.

In step116, the CPU14A performs processing of displaying a predetermined reservation screen, and then the process proceeds to step118. For example, the CPU14A receives a reservation status from the cloud server12and displays on the display14F a screen that includes the reservation status and that is to be used for making a reservation. The rental space20to be reserved may be designated by a user from a list. Alternatively, rental spaces20near a position detected by the position detector14J may be extracted, and the user may be allowed to select one of the extracted rental spaces20.

In step118, the CPU14A determines whether or not reservation information has been input by the user. The CPU14A waits until an affirmative determination is made, and then the process proceeds to step120.

In step120, the CPU14A transmits the reservation information input through the operation unit14E to the cloud server12, and then the process proceeds to step122.

In step122, the CPU14A determines whether or not a cleaning cooperation request for the rental space20has been received. Specifically, the CPU14A determines whether or not a cleaning cooperation request has been received from the cloud server12as a result of the processing performed by the cloud server12, which will be described below. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step124. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step130.

In step124, the CPU14A displays the cleaning cooperation request on the display14F, and then the process proceeds to step126.

In step126, the CPU14A determines whether or not the user has agreed to perform cleaning. Specifically, the CPU14A determines whether or not an operation of agreeing to perform cleaning has been performed using the operation unit14E. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step128. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step130.

In step128, the CPU14A displays extension of the usage period on the display14F, and then the process proceeds to step130. That is, the CPU14A notifies the user that the usage period may be extended for cleaning.

In step130, the CPU14A displays confirmation of the reservation on the display14F, and then the process ends.

Next, a description will be given of an example of a specific process performed by the cloud server12from when a reservation is accepted to when the rental space20is unlocked.FIG.6is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow from when a reservation is accepted to when the rental space20is unlocked, performed by the cloud server12of the information processing system10according to the exemplary embodiment.

In step200, the CPU12A determines whether or not an unlock instruction has been received from the mobile terminal apparatus14. Specifically, the CPU12A determines whether or not the above-described step112of transmitting the unlock instruction has been performed. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step202. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step204.

In step202, the CPU12A transmits the unlock instruction to the rental space20, and then the process ends. Accordingly, the communication apparatus22receives the unlock instruction and provides the unlock instruction to the door lock apparatus40, and thus the door of the rental space20is unlocked.

In step204, the CPU12A determines whether or not acquisition of a reservation status has been requested. Specifically, the CPU12A determines whether or not the above-described step114of acquiring a reservation status by the mobile terminal apparatus14has been performed. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step206. If the determination is negative, the process ends.

In step206, the CPU12A transmits a reservation status to the mobile terminal apparatus14as a request source, and then the process proceeds to step208.

In step208, the CPU12A determines whether or not reservation information has been received. Specifically, the CPU12A determines whether or not the reservation information input and transmitted by the mobile terminal apparatus14in the above-described step120has been received. The CPU12A waits until an affirmative determination is made, and then the process proceeds to step210.

In step210, the CPU12A determines whether or not there is a reservation for 15 minutes or more after a usage end time. Specifically, the CPU12A refers to the reservation information that has been received and the reservation status stored in the DB12I and determines whether or not there is a reservation for 15 minutes or more after the usage end time indicated in the reservation information. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step212. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step222. In step210, it is determined whether or not there is a reservation for 15 minutes or more as an example. The reservation herein is not limited to a reservation for 15 minutes or more, and it may be determined whether or not there is a reservation for a predetermined time period or more.

In step212, the CPU12A determines whether or not the usage period is over 1 hour. Specifically, the CPU12A determines whether or not the usage period indicated in the reservation information is over 1 hour. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step214. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step216. In step212, it is determined whether or not the usage period is over 1 hour as an example. The time period herein is not limited to over 1 hour, and it may be determined whether or not the usage period is over a predetermined time period.

In step214, the CPU12A determines whether or not the usage period of the rental space20is over 2 hours. Specifically, the CPU12A determines whether or not the total usage period including other reservations is over 2 hours. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step216. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step222. In step214, it is determined whether or not the usage period of the rental space20is over 2 hours as an example. The time period herein is not limited to over 2 hours, and it may be determined whether or not the usage period of the rental space20is over a predetermined time period.

In step216, the CPU12A transmits a cleaning cooperation request to the mobile terminal apparatus14, and then the process proceeds to step218. Accordingly, an affirmative determination is made in the above-described step122.

In step218, the CPU12A determines whether or not the user has agreed to perform cleaning. Specifically, the CPU12A determines whether or not an operation of agreeing to perform cleaning has been performed by the user in the above-described step126. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step220. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step222.

In step220, the CPU12A extends the reserved usage period, and then the process proceeds to step222. That is, the usage period is extended in consideration of a time period to be used for cleaning.

In step222, the CPU12A confirms the reservation, and then the process ends. Specifically, the CPU12A adds the reservation information to the reservation status stored in the DB12I and notifies the mobile terminal apparatus14that the reservation has been confirmed, thereby displaying the confirmation of the reservation on the display14F of the mobile terminal apparatus14.

Next, a description will be given of an example of a specific process performed by the cloud server12from the start to end of use of the rental space20.FIG.7is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow from the start to end of use of the rental space20, performed by the cloud server12of the information processing system10according to the exemplary embodiment.

In step300, the CPU12A determines whether or not a predetermined cleaning determination condition is satisfied. Specifically, the CPU12A determines whether or not at least one of a condition that the usage period is over a predetermined time period (for example, 1 hour) and a condition that the rental space20has been used for a predetermined time period (for example, 2 hours) from the last cleaning is satisfied as the cleaning determination condition. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step302. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step304.

In step302, the CPU12A determines whether or not the rental space20is untidy. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step304. If the determination is negative, the process ends. Specifically, the CPU12A makes a determination by performing the processing of determining whether or not the rental space20is untidy illustrated inFIG.8.FIG.8is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow of determining whether or not the rental space20is untidy. Now, the process illustrated inFIG.8will be described.

In step400, the CPU12A compares images captured before and after the use, and then the process proceeds to step402. Specifically, the CPU12A compares images captured by the camera26before and after the use of the rental space20.

In step402, the CPU12A determines whether or not the difference between the images before and after the use is larger than or equal to a predetermined threshold value. Specifically, the CPU12A calculates the difference between the images before and after the use and determines whether or not the calculated difference is larger than or equal to the predetermined threshold value. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step404. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step406.

In step404, the CPU12A determines that cleaning is not to be performed, that is, the space is not untidy, and the process ends. That is, a negative determination is made in step302inFIG.7, and the process illustrated inFIG.7ends.

On the other hand, in step406, the CPU12A calculates a displacement amount, and then the process proceeds to step408. For example, the CPU12A calculates the difference between the images before and after the use as a displacement amount.

In step408, the CPU12A compares the lusters of equipment in the images, and then the process proceeds to step410. For example, the CPU12A derives the brightness of a specific region such as the desk28or the floor in the images instead of the luster, and calculates the difference in the brightness of the specific region between the images before and after the use.

In step410, the CPU12A determines whether or not any one of the displacement amount calculated in step406and a luster comparison result calculated in step408is larger than or equal to a predetermined limit value. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step404. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step412.

In step412, the CPU12A determines that cleaning is to be performed, that is, the rental space20is untidy, and then the process proceeds to step304inFIG.7.

Referring back toFIG.7, in step304, the CPU12A determines whether or not the user agreed to cooperate in performing cleaning at the time of making the reservation. Specifically, the CPU12A determines whether or not an affirmative determination is made in the above-described step126and the user agreed to cooperate in performing cleaning. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step306. If the determination is negative, the process ends.

In step306, the CPU12A transmits a cleaning cooperation request for the rental space20a predetermined time period (for example, 5 minutes) before the usage end time designated at the time of making the reservation, thereby displaying the cleaning cooperation request on the display24, and then the process proceeds to step308.

In step308, the CPU12A determines whether or not cleaning will finish within the usage period. Specifically, for example, the CPU12A transmits a message asking whether cleaning will finish within the usage period to the display24or the mobile terminal apparatus14of the user and acquires a response, thereby making a determination. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step310. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step314.

In step310, the CPU12A extends the usage period, and then the process proceeds to step312. For example, a reservation is accepted allowing a predetermined margin so that the usage period can be extended, and the usage period is extended within the margin.

In step312, the CPU12A adds a predetermined point B as a cleaning point, and then the process proceeds to step318.

On the other hand, in step314, the CPU12A discounts the usage fee, and then the process proceeds to step316. For example, a predetermined amount is reduced from the usage fee to settle accounts.

In step316, the CPU12A adds a predetermined point A as a cleaning point, and then the process proceeds to step318. The cleaning point A has a value larger than that of the cleaning point B.

In step318, the CPU12A determines whether or the rental space20has been sufficiently cleaned. Specifically, the CPU12A makes a determination similarly to, for example, step302, that is, the process illustrated inFIG.8. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step320. If the determination is negative, the process ends. If the rental space20has insufficiently been cleaned and a negative determination is made, the cleaning point added in step312or step316may be reduced.

In step320, the CPU12A adds a predetermined point C as a cleaning point, and then the process ends. The cleaning point C may have a value identical to or different from the value of the cleaning point A or B. In step320, sufficient cleaning may be appreciated and a message may be transmitted to the display24or the mobile terminal apparatus14of the user. For example, a message such as “Thank you for keeping the space clean. Please come again.” may be transmitted.

In the above-described exemplary embodiment, the cloud server12may perform processing of displaying the cleaning point of the user in the application of the mobile terminal apparatus14or the like or processing of displaying feedback of the degree of cleaning from another user so as to prompt the user to perform cleaning carefully.

In the above-described exemplary embodiment, the cloud server12may acquire, when accepting a reservation, information indicating whether the user uses a wheelchair, crutches, or the like, and may prompt the preceding user to perform cleaning while providing the space layout enabling the next user to easily use the wheelchair, crutches, or the like. For example, if the next user is a physically handicapped person, the preceding user is prompted to move an obstacle such as the chair32near the entrance such as the door during cleaning. Alternatively, the preceding user may be prompted to move an obstacle instead of being prompted to perform cleaning.

In the above-described exemplary embodiment, a description has been given of an example of the rental space20used by one user. The rental space20is not limited thereto, and may be a rental space usable by plural users. In this case, the cloud server12may acquire, when accepting a reservation, information about a desired layout of the desk28and the chair32, and may prompt the preceding user to make the space in accordance with the desired layout when prompting the user to perform cleaning. Alternatively, the user may be prompted to make the space instead of being prompted to perform cleaning.

In the above-described exemplary embodiment, when trash is about to overflow or has overflown from a trash can during cleaning, the user may operate a trash call button or the like provided in the application of the mobile terminal apparatus14, so that a cleanup worker contracted in advance may come to collect the trash when the rental space20is vacant. In this case, for example, a notification indicating the position of the rental space20for which the trash call button has been operated is transmitted to the mobile terminal apparatus or the like of the cleanup worker. However, in some cases a trash can is not placed to avoid dangerous goods to be left. In this case, trash bags may be placed in the rental space20, and the user may be prompted to throw away the trash bag in a trash can in a station, an office, or a commercial facility. In this case, the places of available trash cans may be indicated because throwing away of trash from outside is prohibited in some places.

Alternatively, the cloud server12may recognize a trash can in an image captured by the camera26and may determine from the image whether or not trash is about to overflow. If it is determined that trash is about to overflow, the cloud server12may perform processing of notifying a cleanup worker contracted in advance or a station cleanup worker.

In the above-described exemplary embodiment, an example of a dedicated space is given as the rental space20, but the rental space20is not limited thereto. For example, a space usually used for other purposes may be used as a temporary rental space during only a specific time period. In this case, the cloud server12may perform processing of further prompting a user to place equipment and tools to be used in the temporary rental space20(for example, a wireless router, stationery, and the like) in the original places or to hand them over to on-site staff.

In the above-described exemplary embodiment, for example, several types of air sprays, aromatic equipment, or the like may be provided for measures against smells so that a user's favorite aroma can be designated, and processing of prompting the preceding user to use the designated aroma during cleaning may be performed. For example, the user may be allowed to register information about a favorite aroma as registration information, and the cloud server12may notify the preceding user of the registration information of the next user. Alternatively, the user may be prompted to perform cleaning with the door or window open. If a ventilation facility is provided, the user may be prompted to operate the ventilation facility. Alternatively, the ventilation facility may be automatically driven for a predetermined time period. Alternatively, the door may be configured to be kept open after being opened during cleaning. For example, if the door is configured to slide in the direction of naturally being closed and being automatically locked at a terminal portion, this operation may be cancelled during cleaning.

In the above-described exemplary embodiment, a description has been given of an example in which the cloud server12only reserves the rental space20in the process illustrated inFIG.6, but the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the cloud server12may also reserve an object to be used in the rental space20, such as equipment, a jig, or a tool. Specifically, in the process illustrated inFIG.6, the cloud server12performs the process illustrated inFIG.9instead of step222.FIG.9is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow performed by the cloud server12in the case of reserving an object to be used in addition to the rental space20.

In step500, the CPU12A determines whether or not an object to be used is to be reserved. Specifically, for example, the reservation screen operated by using the mobile terminal apparatus14is provided with a reservation item for an object to be used, such as equipment, a jig, and a tool, and the CPU12A determines whether or not the reservation item has been selected. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step502. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step508.

In step502, the CPU12A determines whether or not the object to be used is unavailable for reservation. Specifically, for example, the CPU12A determines, on the basis of the reservation status of the object to be used of the designated reservation item, whether or not the object is unavailable for reservation. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step504. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step506. The reservation status of the object to be used may be managed by the cloud server12, or may be managed by a server other than the cloud server12. If another server manages the reservation status, the cloud server12acquires the reservation status from the other server and determines whether or not the object to be used is unavailable for reservation.

In step504, the CPU12A confirms the reservation for the object to be used and the rental space20, and then the process ends. Specifically, the CPU12A adds reservation information to the reservation status stored in the DB12I and notifies the mobile terminal apparatus14that the reservation has been confirmed, thereby displaying confirmation of the reservation on the display14F of the mobile terminal apparatus14.

On the other hand, in step506, the CPU12A determines whether or not only the rental space20is to be reserved. Specifically, for example, the reservation screen operated by using the mobile terminal apparatus14is provided with, in addition to the reservation item for an object to be used, an item for selecting whether or not to reserve only the rental space20if the object to be used is unavailable for reservation, the user is allowed to make a selection, and thereby a determination is made. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step508. If the determination is negative, the reservation for the rental space20is cancelled and the process ends.

In step508, the CPU12A confirms the reservation for the rental space20, and then the process ends. Specifically, the CPU12A adds reservation information to the reservation status stored in the DB12I and notifies the mobile terminal apparatus14that the reservation has been confirmed, thereby displaying confirmation of the reservation on the display14F of the mobile terminal apparatus14.

The cloud server12performs the process in this way, and accordingly the reservation for an object to be used in the rental space20, such as equipment, a jig, or a tool, is made together with the reservation for the rental space20.

If the object to be used in the rental space20is unavailable for reservation, the reservation for the rental space20can be cancelled.

The processing performed by the individual components of the information processing system10according to the above-described exemplary embodiment may be processing performed by software, hardware, of both of software and hardware. In addition, the processing performed by the individual components of the information processing system10may be stored as a program in a storage medium, which may be distributed.