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

An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to, if a facility that is to be reserved for use is determined to have a fault in a communication function in view of a communication status with outside, perform a restore operation on the facility to restore the communication function.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-143237 filed Sep. 2, 2021.

BACKGROUND

(i) Technical Field

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

(ii) Related Art

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-115394 discloses a technique of providing a specified automatic refresh mode that is used to perform a specified automatic refresh on a memory bank while other memory banks are active performing a read and write access.

There are some facilities that are to be reserved for use and equipped with a communication function to communicate with the outside. The facility includes a controller that controls a device in the facility in response to reservation information related to a reservation of the facility and obtained from the outside.

There is a possibility that the communication function fails to operate normally in the facility. If the communication function malfunctions, communication with the outside may be difficult and the controller may be unable to control a device in the facility in response to the reservation information. If such a problem occurs in the related art, an administrator performing maintenance of the facility goes to the target facility to restore the communication function of the facility. The restoration of the communication function is thus manually performed and thus there is room for improvements.

SUMMARY

Aspects of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure relate to starting an operation to restore a communication function without manual intervention if the communication function of a facility that is to be reserved for use malfunctions.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing apparatus including a processor configured to, if a facility that is to be reserved for use is determined to have a fault in a communication function in view of a communication status with outside, perform a restore operation on the facility to restore the communication function.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An information processing system10of exemplary embodiments is described below.

First Exemplary Embodiment

The information processing system10as a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is described below.

FIG.1illustrates a global configuration of the information processing system10. Referring toFIG.1, the information processing system10includes a work booth20including individual rooms20A and20B, management server40, and user terminal60. The work booth20, management server40, and user terminal60are connected to a communication network N. Communication is established between the work booth20and management server40and between the management server40and user terminal60. The work booth20is an example of a “facility.”

The work booth20may be installed, for example, near a station and may be private room space used for telework or study.

The management server40is a server computer performing operations for the work booth20. For example, the management server40performs as the operations for the work booth20a reservation operation to reserve the work booth20and an unlocking operation to unlock a door21of the reserved work booth20. The management server40is an example of a “server.”

The user terminal60is held by a user who uses the work booth20. The user terminal60may be a smart phone, tablet terminal, laptop, earphone-type bearable device that receives and/or outputs voice, or wearable terminal. The wearable terminal may be watch type, glasses type, wristband type, clip type, head-mounted display type, or strap type. According to the first exemplary embodiment, the user terminal60is of a smart-phone type. Multiple user terminals60may be used and include a smart phone, laptop, and other terminals.

The work booths20are identical to each other in configuration. The interior of the individual room20A is thus representatively described.FIG.2illustrates the interior configuration of the individual room20A. For example, the individual room20A is configured to be applied for teleworking. Referring toFIG.2, the individual room20A includes a desk22, chair23, power outlet24, display25, air-conditioner26, camera27, and hook28as illustrated inFIG.1. The door21is an example of a “door.”

The door21of the individual room20A includes an electronic lock that is locked or unlocked in response to an instruction from at least the management server40. The electronic lock unlocks the door21when the individual room20A receives an unlock instruction from the management server40. The electronic lock locks the door21when the individual room20A receives a lock instruction from the management server40. The electronic lock locks or unlocks the door21when one of various switches38described below installed within the individual room20A is operated. When the door21is locked or unlocked by the electronic lock, the individual room20A transmits to the management server40contents of control performed.

FIG.3is a block diagram illustrating an electronic configuration of the individual room20A. Referring toFIG.3, the individual room20A includes a controller30that controls the operation of the individual room20A. For example, the controller30receives a variety of signals from the management server40and controls various devices39in response to the received various signals. For example, in the contents of the control, the controller30supplies or suspends power to the various devices39including the power outlet24and air conditioner26.

The controller30includes a central processing unit (CPU)31, read-only memory (ROM)32, random-access memory (RAM)33, input and output interface (IF)34, and bus35that interconnects those elements. The controller30is an example of an “information processing apparatus.”

The CPU31executes a variety of programs and controls the elements. The CPU31reads a program from the ROM32or a storage36described below and executes the program using the RAM33as a work area. In accordance with programs stored on the ROM32or the storage36, the CPU31controls the elements and performs a variety of arithmetic operations. The CPU31is an example of each of a “processor” and a “first processor.”

The ROM32stores a variety of programs and a variety of data. The RAM33serves as a work area and temporarily stores programs and data.

The input and output interface IF34serves as an interface for communications with the elements in the individual room20A, including the storage36, various sensors37, various switches38, various devices39, and communication unit50. Those elements communicate with the CPU31via the input and output interface IF34.

The storage36includes a storage device, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), or flash memory and stores a variety of programs and a variety of data. According to the first exemplary embodiment, the storage36stores at least an information processing program that performs a control process described below. The information processing program may be pre-installed on the controller30or may be appropriately installed by storing the information processing program on a non-volatile memory or delivering the information processing program via the communication network N. Examples of the non-volatile memory may include a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), magneto-optical disk, HDD, digital versatile disk ROM (DVD-ROM), flash memory, or memory card.

The various sensors37are installed on the door21and within the individual room20A to detect a variety of information. The information detected by the various sensors37is periodically transmitted to the management server40. The various sensors37may include, for example, a human detecting sensor, temperature/humidity sensor, air-conditioner sensor, magnetic sensor, and excitation sensor. The various sensors37may include another sensor in addition to the sensors described above or may not necessarily include all the sensors described above.

According to the first exemplary embodiment, the opening and closing operation of the door21and the presence or absence of a human within the individual room20A may be detected by the various sensors37. The method of detecting the presence or absence of the human via the human detecting sensor is not limited to any particular method. The presence or absence of the human may be detected in response to the motion of an object within the individual room20A using an infrared sensor, temperature sensor, optical sensor, and/or sound sensor.

The various switches38are installed within the individual room20A. For example, the various switches38include a light switch that turns on or off lights in the individual room20A and a door switch that locks or unlock the door21. The various switches38may include another switch in addition to the switches described above or may not necessarily include all the switches described above.

The various devices39are installed within the individual room20A. For example, the various devices39include a room lamp indicating whether a user is present or not in the individual room20A, electronic lock, emergency button, power outlet24, display25, air-conditioner26, camera27, lights, ventilation fan, speaker, and power source39A. The power source39A is connected to the communication unit50via a power harness29. The various devices39may include another device in addition to the devices described above or may not necessarily include all the devices described above.

The communication unit50is an interface used to communicate with another device. For example, the communication unit50includes a router50A and a switching hub (SW Hub)50B. The communication unit50may comply with standards for wired communication, such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), or may comply with standards for wireless communication, such as the fourth generation communications system (4G), the fifth generation communications system (5G), or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). In other words, the communication function that the work booth20including the individual room20A and individual room20B uses to communicate with the management server40may be a wired communication function or a wireless communication function.

FIG.4is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of each of the management server40and user terminal60. Each of the management server40and user terminal60has a typical computer configuration and the management server40is thus representatively described. The management server40communicates with the controller30via the communication function of the work booth20including the controller30.

Referring toFIG.4, the management server40includes a CPU41, ROM42, RAM43, storage44, input unit45, display46, and communication unit47. Those elements are interconnected to each other via a bus48for communications.

The CPU41executes a variety of programs and controls the elements. Specifically, the CPU41reads a program from the ROM42or storage44and executes the program using the RAM43as a work area. In accordance with the program stored on the ROM42or storage44, the CPU41controls the elements and performs a variety of arithmetic operations. The CPU41is an example of a “second processor.”

The ROM42stores a variety of programs and a variety of data. The RAM43serves as a work area and temporarily stores programs and data.

The storage44is a recording medium, such as a HDD, SSD, or flash memory and stores a variety of programs and a variety of data.

The input unit45includes, for example, a pointing device, such as a mouse, a variety of buttons, keyboard, microphone, and camera, and is used to enter a variety of input signals.

The display46is, for example, a liquid-crystal display and displays a variety of information. The display46may be a touch panel, thus serving as the input unit45.

The communication unit47is an interface used to communicate with another device. The communication unit47may comply with standards for wired communication, such as Ethernet or FDDI, or may comply with standards for wireless communication, such as 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi.

In order to use the work booth20, the user reserves the work booth20via a dedicated web site using the user terminal60. The management server40performs a reservation operation to use the work booth20. In conjunction with or in substitution of the web site, a dedicated application may be set up and an operation related to the work booth20, such as a reservation operation with the management server40, may be performed in response to an instruction from the dedicated application.

A display example of the reservation operation of the work booth20is described below.FIG.5illustrates a first display example of the reservation operation. After the user logs in on the web site, the CPU41in the management server40causes a display66in the user terminal60to display the first display example inFIG.5when an instruction to start the reservation operation is received.

The display66inFIG.5displays a date of use region70and location input region71.

The date of use region70receives the date of use on which the user wants to use the work booth20. For example, referring toFIG.5, the date of use region70displays three items, namely, “Today,” “Tomorrow,” and “Day after tomorrow or later.” If “Today” or “Tomorrow” is selected, the day of the reservation operation or the next day is entered as the day of use. If “Day after tomorrow or later” is selected, a calendar may be displayed and the user may be allowed to select the day after tomorrow or a later day with respect to the day of the reservation operation. The selected day on the calendar is entered as the day of use.

The location input region71is used to enter a location of the work booth20the user wants to use. Referring toFIG.5, for example, the location input region71displays two items, namely, “Search from present location” and “Enter location, nearest station, etc.” If “Search from current location” is selected, the work booth20located within a predetermined distance from the present location of the user terminal60(for example, within 1 km) is displayed as candidate information72(seeFIG.6). If “Enter location, nearest station, etc.” is selected, the user is caused to enter a search keyword, such as a location name or the nearest station. The work booth20located within a predetermined distance (for example, within 1 km) from the location determined by the input search keyword is displayed as the candidate information72(seeFIG.6).

FIG.6illustrates a second display example of the reservation operation. When information is entered to each of the date of use region70and location input region71, the CPU41switches from the display example inFIG.5to the display example on the display66inFIG.6. As illustrated inFIG.6, “Today” is selected in the date of use region70and “Search from present location” is selected in the location input region71.

In the display example inFIG.6, the candidate information72and next button73are displayed in addition to the display example inFIG.5. The candidate information72includes multiple candidates and check boxes that allow a specific candidate to be selected from the candidates. For example, as illustrated inFIG.6, the candidate information72displays multiple candidates of the work booth20responsive to the information entered to the date of use region70and location input region71. Referring toFIG.6, the check box for “3. BBB station” is checked from the multiple candidates of the work booth20.

If the next button73is operated after one or more check boxes for the candidates of the work booths20displayed as the candidate information72are checked, the CPU41switches the contents displayed on the display66to the display example inFIG.7.

FIG.7illustrates a third display example of the reservation operation. The display66inFIG.7displays message information74, time band information75, and next button73.

The message information74displays a variety of messages to the user. For example,FIG.7illustrates “<9/7 BBB station>$2.00 per slot (15 minutes)” as the message information74.

The time band information75includes a time band while the work booth20selected as the specific candidate is available and a time band while the work booth20is reservable. For example, referring toFIG.7, the time band information75indicates the reservation status of each of the time bands of the work booth20that is available and corresponds to 1 slot (15 minutes). The reservation status of each slot is represented by “yes” or “no.” If the reservation status is yes, the corresponding slot is reservable and if the reservation status is no, the corresponding slot is unreservable.

Referring toFIG.7, check boxes are displayed to the right of reservable time bands and may be checked. One of more check boxes may be checked. The word “unreservable” signifies that the corresponding time band has passed or has already been reserved. According to the first exemplary embodiment, the reservable time band of the work booth20is thus displayed by displaying “yes” or “no” as the reservation status. The time band information75may indicate “no” before or after consecutively reserved slots.

If one or more check boxes are checked from among the time band candidates reservable and displayed as the time band information75, followed by the operation of the next button73, the CPU41switches contents displayed on the display66to a display example inFIG.8. The CPU41has now accepted the designation of four slots as the time bands, namely, “11:00-,” “11:15-,” “11:30-,” and “11:45-” from the slots denoted by yes in the time band information75.

Since only a single work booth20is present near the BBB station in the display example ofFIG.7, the reservation statuses represented by “yes” or “no” is displayed by a single column. However, if multiple booths, for example, three work booths20are present around the BBB station, the reservation statuses represented by “yes” or “no” for the three work booths20are displayed by three columns.

FIG.8illustrates a fourth display example of the reservation operation. The display66inFIG.8displays the message information74, OK button77, and cancel button78. Referring toFIG.8, the message information74is “Your reservation is as below. Please confirm your acceptance. BBB station 9/7/2021 11:00-12:00.” If the OK button77is operated with the display example inFIG.8displayed, the CPU41completes the reservation of the work booth20with the contents of the message information74inFIG.8. On the other hand, if the user operates the cancel button78with the display example inFIG.8displayed, the CPU41cancels the reservation of the work booth20and switches the contents of the display66to predetermined display contents.

If the work booth20is reserved with the reservation operation completed, the CPU41causes the storage44to store reservation information on the reservation. For example, the reservation information includes usage time while the work booth20is available to the user, reservation availability of the work booth20, identification information uniquely identifying each reservation, reservation date, reserved location and reserved time band, name of the user, and contact address of the user. In this way, the storage44stores information indicating the user and the booth to be used by the user as the reservation information on each work booth20.

The display example of the user terminal60of the user who has reserved the work booth20is described below.

FIG.9illustrates a display example of the reserved work booth20. When an instruction to cause a reserved work booth20to be displayed is received after the user logs in on the web site, the CPU41causes the display66to display the display example inFIG.9. According to the first exemplary embodiment, the display example inFIG.9is displayed on a top screen immediately after the user logs in on the web site.

The display66inFIG.9displays work booth information79indicating the reserved work booth20. The work booth information79includes the message information74and enter/leave room button79A.

Referring toFIG.9, the message information74is “Reserved work booth BBB station 9/7/2021 11:00-12:00.” When the enter/leave room button79A is operated by the user with the display example inFIG.9displayed, the CPU41switches the contents on the display66to display contents indicating an entry to or exit from the reserved work booth20(seeFIG.10).

FIG.10illustrates a display example that is displayed when the enter/leave room button79A is operated. The display66inFIG.10displays the message information74, unlock button80, lock button81, and return button82.

The unlock button80is used to unlock the door21of the reserved work booth20. According to the first exemplary embodiment, the unlock button80is operable during the time throughout which the reserved work booth20is capable of being unlocked, for example, the unlock button80is operable after the usage start time of the work booth20. The CPU41causes the display66not to display the unlock button80until the work booth20becomes capable of being unlocked and thus causes the unlock button80to be inoperable. The disclosure is not limited to this method. Before the work booth20becomes capable of being unlocked, the CPU41may cause the display66to display the unlock button80but cause the door21not to be unlocked even when the unlock button80is operated.

When the user operates the unlock button80in the display example inFIG.10, the user terminal60transmits to the management server40operation information indicating the operation of the unlock button80. The CPU41in the management server40having received the operation information transmits an unlock instruction to the work booth20. The CPU31in the controller30in the work booth20having received the unlock instruction controls an electronic lock, unlocking the door21of the work booth20.

The lock button81may lock the door21of the reserved work booth20. According to the first exemplary embodiment, the lock button81is operable when the door21of the reserved work booth20is capable of being locked, for example, when the door21of the work booth20is unlocked after the usage start time of the work booth20.

When the user has operated the return button82with the display example inFIG.10displayed, the CPU41switches the contents on the display66to the display example inFIG.9.

FIGS.11through13are flowcharts illustrating the flow of a control process that the controller30in the work booth20performs in response to a communication status between the work booth20and the management server40. The CPU31performs the control process by loading the information processing program from the storage36to the RAM33to execute the information processing program.

FIG.11illustrates a first flowchart indicating the flow of the control process. In step S10inFIG.11, the CPU31verifies the communication status between the work booth20and the management server40. Processing proceeds to step S11. The communication status includes a transmission status of information transmitted from the work booth20to the management server40and a reception status of information received from the management server40.

According to the first exemplary embodiment, the work booth20transmits periodically, for example, every 5 minutes, to the management server40detection information detected by the various sensors37. For example, the transmission status of the detection information may include “transmission success” indicating that the transmission has been successfully completed and “transmission failure” indicating that the transmission has failed. According to the first exemplary embodiment, the management server40transmits periodically, for example, every 5 minutes, to the work booth20reservation information about the reservation of the work booth20. The work booth20periodically receives the reservation information from the management server40. The reception status of the reservation information includes “reception success” indicating that the reception has been successfully completed and “reception failure” indicating that the reception has failed.

In step S11, the CPU31determines whether the communication function of the work booth20has any fault. If the CPU31determines that the communication function has a fault (yes path in step S11), the CPU31proceeds to step S12. If the CPU31does not determine that the communication function has a fault (no path in step S11), the control process ends. The communication function is a function to communicate with the management server40and may be a wired communication function or a wireless communication function. In the discussion that follows, the communication function is the wireless communication function as an example.

The CPU31determines in step S11that the communication function of the work booth20has the fault if the transmission status of the detection information indicates that the transmission failure has continued for a specific period of time, for example, 10 minutes or longer and/or if the reception status of the reservation information indicates that the reception failure has continued for a specific period of time, for example, 10 minutes or longer.

If the communication function of the work booth20has the fault, the user may have difficulty accessing an access point of Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or the management server40may have difficulty remotely controlling the various devices39in the work booth20.

In step S12, the CPU31determines whether the user is absent within the work booth20. If the CPU31determines that the user is absent within the work booth20(yes path in step S12), the control process proceeds to step S13. If the CPU31does not determine that the user is absent (no path in step S12), the control process ends. For example, the CPU31determines whether the user is present within the work booth20, based on the detection results of the presence or absence of a person within the work booth20through a human detection sensor in the various sensors37. The first exemplary embodiment is not limited to this method. In response to the image of the interior of the work booth20captured by the camera27, the CPU31may determine the presence or absence of the user within the work booth20.

In step S13, the CPU31determines whether time is within a usage time while the work booth20is available to the user. If the CPU31determines the time is within the usage time (yes path in step S13), the control process proceeds to step S14. If the CPU31does not determine that the time is within the usage time (no path in step S13), the control process ends. For example, if the time of the control process is within the usage time of the work booth20included in the reservation information received from the management server40immediately before, the CPU31determines in step S13that the time is within the usage time.

In step S14, the CPU31determines whether the time of the control process is within an unreserved time band of the work booth20in the usage time. If the CPU31determines that the time of the control process is within an unreserved time band (yes path in step S14), the control process proceeds to step S15. If the CPU31does not determine that the time of the control process is within the unreserved time band (no path in step S14), the control process ends. For example, if the time of the control process is within a reservable time band of the work booth20in the reservation status of the reservation information received from the management server40immediately before, the CPU31determines in step S14that the time of the control process is within the unreserved time band of the work booth20.

In step S15, the CPU31performs on the work booth20a restore operation to restore the communication function of the work booth20. The control process proceeds to step S16. A subroutine in step S15is described below.

In step S16, the CPU31determines whether the communication function of the work booth20has been restored. If the CPU31determines that the communication function of the work booth20has been restored (yes path in step S16), the CPU31ends the control process. If the CPU31does not determine that the communication function of the work booth20has been restored (no path in step S16), the control process proceeds to step S20inFIG.12. If the cause of the fault of the communication function of the work booth20detected in step S11has been removed, the CPU31determines in step S16that the communication function of the work booth20has been restored. Specifically, the cause may be due to the transmission status of the detection information. When the transmission status shifts to the transmission success, the CPU31determines that the communication function of the work booth20has been restored. The cause may be due to the reception status of the reservation information. When the reception status shifts to the reception success, the CPU31determines that the communication function of the work booth20has been restored. The cause may be due to the transmission status of the detection information and the reception status of the reservation information. When the transmission status shifts to the transmission success and the reception status shifts to the reception success, the CPU31determines that the communication function of the work booth20has been restored.

FIG.12is a second flowchart of the flow of the control process. In step S20inFIG.12, the CPU31determines whether the predetermined number of restore operations have been performed. If the CPU31determines that the predetermined number of restore operations have been performed (yes path in step S20), the control process proceeds to step S22. If the CPU31does not determine that the predetermined number of restore operations have been performed (no path in step S20), the control process proceeds to step S21. According to the first exemplary embodiment, for example, the predetermined number is five. Alternatively, the predetermined number may be higher than or lower than five.

In step S21, the CPU31performs the restore operation on the work booth20and then returns to step S20. The subroutine performed in step S21is described below.

In step S22, the CPU31stops the restore operation and then proceeds to step S23.

In step S23, the CPU31tries connecting to the user terminal60of the user who has reserved the work booth20via a predetermined connection method and then proceeds to step S24. According to the first exemplary embodiment, the predetermined connection method is Bluetooth (registered trademark). The predetermined connection method is not limited to Bluetooth. Any other method, such as infrared communication, may be used as long as connection with the user terminal60remains connectable even when communication function of the work booth20has a fault. In step S23, specifically, the CPU31transmits to the surroundings of the work booth20connection information used to communicate via Bluetooth with the work booth20.

In step S24, the CPU31determines whether the connection has been established with the work booth20via the predetermined connection method, for example, Bluetooth. If the CPU31determines that the connection has been established with the work booth20via Bluetooth (yes path in step S24), the control process proceeds to step S25. If the CPU31does not determine that the connection has been established with the work booth20via Bluetooth (no path in step S24), the CPU31waits on standby until the Bluetooth connection has been established.

In step S25, the CPU31receives control over the various devices39from the user terminal60. The control process thus ends. The various devices39receiving the control from the user terminal60may be all or some of the devices forming the various devices39.

FIG.13is a flowchart illustrating the subroutine in step S15inFIG.11and step S21inFIG.12.

In step S30, the CPU31performs as the restore operation a first restore operation that tries restoring the communication function of the work booth20by activating the communication unit50connected to the controller30. The CPU31proceeds to step S31. The first restore operation includes performing control of power supplying to the power harness29with one end connected to the communication unit50and the other end connected to the power source39A and re-starting the router50A in the communication unit50. The control of power supplying to the power harness29is re-starting supplying power to the power harness29after power supplying to the power harness29is interrupted for a constant period of time. The communication unit50is an example of a “communication device.”

In step S31, if the CPU31determines whether the communication function of the work booth20has been restored. If the CPU31determines that the communication function has been restored (yes path in step S31), the control process proceeds to step S16inFIG.11or returns to step S20inFIG.12. Specifically, if the subroutine is carried out in step S15inFIG.11, the control process proceeds to step S16. If the subroutine is carried out in step S21inFIG.12, the control process proceeds to step S20. On the other hand, if the CPU31does not determine that the communication function has been restored (no path in step S31), the control process proceeds to step S32. For example, if the cause of the fault determined to occur in the communication function of the work booth20in step S11inFIG.11is removed, the CPU31determines in step S31that the communication function of the work booth20has been restored.

In step S32, the CPU31performs as the restore operation a second restore operation that tries restoring the communication function of the work booth20by re-starting an operating system of the controller30. The control process proceeds to step S16inFIG.11or returns to step S20inFIG.12. Specifically, if the subroutine has been performed in step S15inFIG.11, the control process proceeds to step S16. If the subroutine has been performed in step S21inFIG.12, the control process returns to step S20. The examination performed by the inventor has revealed that when the communication function of the work booth20has a fault, the communication function is restored at a higher probability via the first restore operation than via the second restore operation.

In the related art, if the communication function of the work booth20has a fault, the administrator maintaining the work booth20goes to a target the work booth20to restore the communication function. Specifically, in the related art, the communication function of the work booth20is restored via manual intervention.

In contrast, according to the first exemplary embodiment, if the CPU31determines, in accordance with the communication status of the work booth20in communication with the management server40, that the communication function of the work booth20has a fault, the CPU31performs the restore operation on the work booth20. According to the first exemplary embodiment, if the communication function of the work booth20has the fault, an operation to restore the communication function without manual intervention, specifically, the restore operation may be performed. The management server40is an example of “outside.” The example of the outside is not limited to the management server40. The example of the outside may be any device as long as the device may communicate via the communication function of the work booth20. For example, the example of the outside may be a terminal or other device, held by the administrator.

According to the first exemplary embodiment, the CPU31performs the restore operation if the CPU31determines that the work booth20has no user therewithin. In other words, if the CPU31does not determine that the work booth20has no user therewithin, the CPU31does not perform the restore operation. If the second restore operation has been performed as the restore operation, the entire system of the work booth20is closed and as a result, the operation of the lights, electronic lock, etc. is suspended. In this case, if a user working within the work booth20is present, the user may have difficulty continuing the user's job. According to the first exemplary embodiment configured described, influence of the restore operation on the user may be reduced in comparison with when the restore operation is performed when a user is present within the work booth20.

According to the first exemplary embodiment, the CPU31performs the restore operation if the CPU31determines that the time is within the usage time while the work booth20is available to the user. The operating time of the work booth20on a day may be set to be longer than when the restore operation is performed after hours of use of the work booth20on that day.

According to the first exemplary embodiment, the restore operation is performed if the CPU31determines that the time is within an unreserved time band of the usage time of the work booth20. As described above, when the second restore operation is performed, the whole system of the work booth20is closed, suspending the operation of the lights, electronic lock, etc. The user may have difficulty using the work booth20in the reserved time band. According to the first exemplary embodiment configured described above, influence of the restore operation on the user having reserved the work booth20may be may be reduced in comparison with when the restore operation is performed in a reserved time band of the work booth20within the usage time.

According to the first exemplary embodiment, the CPU31stops the restore operation if the communication function of the work booth20is not restored even with a predetermined number of restore operations performed. In the case of a physical connection error of the power harness29, such as disconnection or half-disconnection of the power harness29, the communication function is not restored even when the restore operation is consecutively tried. The restore operation may thus be stopped. According to the first exemplary embodiment, the workload on the CPU31may be lighter than when the restore operation is continued until the communication function is restored. In conjunction with or in substitution of performing the predetermined number of restore operations, the restore operation may be stopped if the communication function of the work booth20is not restored after the restore operation is repeated for a predetermined period of time, for example, 10 minutes. The predetermined period of time is not limited 10 minutes and may be longer or shorter than 10 minutes.

According to the first exemplary embodiment, if the predetermined number of restore operations are performed, the CPU31varies a time interval to the next restore operation depending on the number of restore operations performed. For example, a time interval between the first restore operation and the second restore operation may be set to 15 minutes and a time interval between the second restore operation and third interval may be set to 30 minutes. The examination performed by the inventor has confirmed a case that the communication function that is not restored with the constant time interval set between the restore operations is restored with the time interval varied between the restore operations. According to the first exemplary embodiment, the possibility of the restoration of the communication function of the work booth20may be increased in comparison with when the restore operation is repeated with the constant time intervals. The time interval to the next restore operation may be gradually lengthened. Alternatively, the time interval to the next restore operation may be gradually shortened. For example, the time interval between the first restore operation and second restore operation may be set to 30 minutes and the time interval between the second restore operation and the third interval may be set to 15 minutes.

After the communication function of the work booth20is restored in the first exemplary embodiment, the CPU31transmits to the management server40the number of restore operations performed and/or the time length of the fault in the communication function. According to the first exemplary embodiment, for example, the CPU31transmits to the management server40both the number of restore operations performed and the time length of the fault in the communication function. In this way, both the number of restore operations performed and the time length of the fault in the communication function may be used in fault analysis. The CPU31causes the storage36to store the number of performed restore operations and the time length of the fault in the communication function during a period of time until the communication function of the work booth20is restored.

According to the first exemplary embodiment, the CPU31performs as the restore operations the first restore operation and second restore operation. Specifically, the CPU31performs the second restore operation if the communication function of the work booth20is not restored with the first restore operation performed. The possibility of the restoration of the communication function may be increased in comparison with when the restore operation of the work booth20is only one type. Since the activation of the communication unit50is being performed in the first restore operation, communication with the management server40is disabled during the first restore operation. The entire system of the work booth20is not closed. The first restore operation is thus different from the second restore operation in that the operation of the lights and electronic lock is not suspended in the first restore operation. According to the first exemplary embodiment, influence of the reservation operation on the user may be reduced in comparison with when the second restore operation is performed prior to the first restore operation.

If the CPU31determines in the first exemplary embodiment that the communication function of the work booth20has a fault, Bluetooth (registered trademark) as the predetermined connection method is tried to connect to the user terminal60of the user who has reserved the work booth20. If the connection with the user terminal60is successfully established, the CPU31receives control over the various devices39from the user terminal60. In this way, the user may unlock the door21by transmitting an unlock instruction to the work booth20with the user terminal60or may switch on the air-conditioner26with the user terminal60. When the communication function of the work booth20is determined to be in fault, influence on the user may be reduced in comparison with when the connection with the user terminal60is inhibited.

The user terminal60connected to the work booth20via Bluetooth may be authorized to perform the restore operation. In such a case, the CPU31receives an execution instruction of the restore operation from the user terminal60.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

Second exemplary embodiment is described below with the discussion of a common portion thereof with the first exemplary embodiment omitted herein.

According to the second exemplary embodiment, if the CPU31does not determine in step S16inFIG.11that the communication function of the work booth20is not restored (no path in step S16), the control process proceeds to step S40inFIG.14.

FIG.14illustrates a third flowchart illustrating the flow of the control process. The CPU31determines in step S40inFIG.14whether the predetermined number of restore operations have been performed. If the CPU31determines in step S40inFIG.14that the predetermined number of restore operations have been performed (yes path in step S40), the control process proceeds to step S42. On the other hand, if the CPU31does not determine that the predetermined number of restore operations have been performed (no path in step S40), the control process proceeds to step S41.

In step S41, the CPU31performs the restore operation on the work booth20and then returns to step S40. The subroutine in step S41is identical to the subroutine inFIG.13described with reference to the first exemplary embodiment and the discussion thereof is thus omitted herein.

In step S42, the CPU31stops the restore operation and proceeds to step S43.

In step S43, the CPU31tries connecting to another work booth20different from the work booth20via the predetermined connection method. The CPU31proceeds to step S44. According to the second exemplary embodiment, the work booth20having a fault in the communication function is referred to as an “individual room A,” and the other work booth20is referred to as an “individual room B.” According to the second exemplary embodiment, the individual room20A is installed adjacently to the individual room20B.

According to the second exemplary embodiment, the predetermined connection method is Bluetooth. However, the predetermined connection method is not limited to Bluetooth and may be any connection method, such as infrared communication, as long as the connection between the individual room20A and the individual room20B is possible. Specifically, in step S43, the CPU31transmits to the surroundings of the individual room20A the connection information to communicate via Bluetooth.

In step S44, the CPU31determines whether the connection with the individual room20A has been established via the predetermined connection method, specifically, via Bluetooth. If the CPU31determines that the communication has been established via Bluetooth (yes path in step S44), the control process proceeds to step S45. If the CPU31does not determine that the communication has been established via Bluetooth (no path in step S44), the CPU31waits on standby until the communication has been established via Bluetooth.

In step S45, the CPU31communicates with the management server40with the communication function of the individual room20B. The control process thus ends.

According to the second exemplary embodiment, as described above, the CPU31may thus determine that the communication function of the individual room20A has a fault. If the individual room20B connectable via the predetermined connection method, such as Bluetooth, is present, the CPU31connects to the individual room20B via Bluetooth. The CPU31then communicates with the management server40using the communication function of the connected individual room20B. According to the second exemplary embodiment, when the CPU31determines that the communication function of the work booth20A has the fault, influence on the user may be reduced in comparison with when the connection with the individual room20B is inhibited.

Third Exemplary Embodiment

Third exemplary embodiment is described below with the discussion of a common portion thereof with the other exemplary embodiments omitted herein.

According to the third exemplary embodiment, if the CPU31determines in step S16inFIG.11does not determine that the communication function of the work booth20is restored (no path in step S16), the control process proceeds to step S50inFIG.15.

FIG.15is a fourth flowchart of the flow of the control process. In step S50inFIG.15, the CPU31determines whether the predetermined number of restore operations have been performed. If the CPU31determines that the predetermined number of restore operations have been performed (yes path in step S50), the control process proceeds to step S52. On the other hand, if the CPU31does not determine that the predetermined number of restore operations have been performed (no path in step S50), the control process proceeds to step S51.

In step S51, the CPU31performs the restore operation on the work booth20and then returns to step S50. The subroutine in step S51is identical to the subroutine of the first exemplary embodiment inFIG.13and the discussion thereof is omitted herein.

In step S52, the CPU31stops the restore operation and then proceeds to step S53.

In step S53, the CPU31unlocks the door21of the work booth20. The control process thus ends.

According to the third exemplary embodiment, if the CPU31determines that the communication function of the work booth20has a fault, the door21is unlocked without an unlock operation to unlock the door21of the work booth20. The unlock operation includes an unlock instruction from the management server40and an operation of a door switch as one of the various switches38installed within the work booth20. Even when the communication function of the work booth20has the fault, influence on the user may be reduced in comparison with when the door21of the work booth20is unlocked in response to the unlock operation.

According to the third exemplary embodiment, when the communication function of the work booth20is restored, the CPU31locks the door21of the work booth20and shifts locking control to automatic door lock.

Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

Fourth exemplary embodiment is described below with the discussion of a common portion with the other exemplary embodiments omitted herein.

According to the fourth exemplary embodiment, if an image captured by the camera27in the work booth20has a problem, the CPU31determines that the communication function of the work booth20has a fault and then performs the restore operation. The camera27is an example of an “imager.” According to the fourth exemplary embodiment, the CPU31periodically transmits to the management server40the image captured by the camera27.

For example, the image captured by the camera27in the work booth20having the problem signifies that the image has nothing or that a portion of the image is missing. According to the fourth exemplary embodiment, the CPU41in the management server40having acquired the image captured by the camera27performs image analysis on the image, thereby determining whether the image has any problem. If the CPU41determines that the image has a problem, the CPU41transmits to the work booth20having the camera27information indicating that the image has the problem. In response to the problem in the image captured by the camera27, the CPU31in the controller30in the work booth20having received the information determines that the communication function of the work booth20has a fault and then performs the restore operation.

According to the fourth exemplary embodiment thus configured, if the CPU41determines that the problem, different from the fault in the communication function of the work booth20, occurs in the image, an operation to restore the communication function, namely, the restore operation may be started without manual intervention.

According to the fourth exemplary embodiment, if the problem remains in the image captured by the camera27after the restore operation, the CPU31may determine that there is another problem and transmit, to the terminal of the administrator maintaining the work booth20, information indicating that the camera27is faulty.

Fifth Exemplary Embodiment

Fifth exemplary embodiment is described below with the discussion of a common portion with the other exemplary embodiments omitted herein.

According to the fifth exemplary embodiment, in response to a predetermined trigger, the CPU31in the controller30in the work booth20transmits to the management server40device information related to the various devices39in the work booth20. In the fifth exemplary embodiment, the predetermined trigger is issued at five minute intervals. The time interval of the issuance of the predetermined trigger may also be longer or shorter than five minutes. For example, according to the fifth exemplary embodiment, the various devices39include the air-conditioner26and the device information may be detection information provided by an air-conditioner sensor in the various sensors37that detects on-off state of the air-conditioner26. The various devices39may include not only the air-conditioner26but also other devices39, such as the electronic lock and the camera27. The various devices39may include other devices. The device information is not limited to the detection information provided by the air-conditioner sensor but may also be detection information of a magnetic sensor and information on the image captured by the camera27. The device information may also be information on the various devices39.

According to the fifth exemplary embodiment, if the device information has not been received from the CPU31for a predetermined period of time, the CPU41in the management server40transmits, to the user terminal60having reserved the work booth20, information (hereinafter referred to as fault information) indicating that the communication function of the work booth20has a fault. For example, the predetermined period of time is 10 minutes. The predetermined period of time is not limited to 10 minutes and may be longer or shorter than 10 minutes.

FIG.16illustrates a first display example of the display66in the user terminal60having received the fault information. The CPU41causes the web site to display the first display example inFIG.16on a top screen immediately after the user logs in on the web site.

The display66inFIG.16displays work booth information79and message information83indicating a message corresponding to the received fault information. Referring toFIG.16, for example, the message information83is “Communication disabled state (Wi-Fi not available).” The message displayed as the message information83is not limited to the message described above.

FIG.17illustrates a second display example of the display66in the user terminal60having received the fault information. The CPU41causes the display66to display the second display example inFIG.17in place of the first display example inFIG.16on the top screen immediately after the user logs in on the web site.

The display66inFIG.17displays the work booth information79and message information83. For example, referring toFIG.17, the message information83is “Communication disabled state Please make Bluetooth connection.” In this way, the CPU41may display not only the occurrence of the fault in the communication function of the work booth20but also a solution to the fault. If the second display example inFIG.17is displayed, the user having viewed the user terminal60may be prompted to try the Bluetooth connection with the work booth20.

If the message information83includes the solution to the fault in the communication function of the work booth20as illustrated inFIG.17, solution information84(seeFIG.18) for the solution may be included in a reservation confirmation mail transmitted from the management server40to the user terminal60when the reservation of the work booth20is complete.

FIG.18illustrates a display example of the reservation confirmation mail displayed on the display66in the user terminal60. The display66inFIG.18displays the work booth information79and solution information84. The work booth information79includes the message information74and, for example, displays “Reserved work booth BBB station 9/7/2021 11:00-12:00” as the message information74.

For example, the solution information84is Bluetooth information used to Bluetooth-connect to the work booth20. The Bluetooth information includes a device name and passkey. For example, as illustrated inFIG.18, the device name is “Booth 1” and the passkey is “1234.”

According to the fifth exemplary embodiment configured described above, if the management server40does not receive the device information from the work booth20, the user may recognize that the communication function of the work booth20has a fault. If the device information has not been received for a predetermined period of time, the CPU41in the management server40may transmit the fault information to the terminal of the administrator maintaining the work booth20in place of or in addition to transmitting the fault information to the user terminal60.

According to the fifth exemplary embodiment, the CPU41may not only transmit the fault information as content to be displayed on the top screen of the web site to the user terminal60but also transmit the fault information via a chat function, such as social networking service (SNS), to the user terminal60and/or the terminal of the administrator.

According to the fifth exemplary embodiment, if the device information has not been received for a predetermined period of time with another reservable work booth20present, the CPU41in the management server40may transmit, to the user terminal60of the user who has reserved the work booth20having a fault in the communication function, change information that recommends the user to change to the other work booth20.

FIG.19illustrates a display example of the change information displayed on the display66in the user terminal60.

The display66inFIG.19displays the message information74, OK button77, and cancel button78. For example, referring toFIG.19, the message information74is “BBB station 9/7/2021 11:00-21:00 Before change: individual room A After change: individual room B Do you want to change?” If the OK button77is operated in the contents of the message information74inFIG.19, the CPU41changes the reservation of the work booth20to the contents of the message information74inFIG.19. On the other hand, if the cancel button78is operated by the user with the display example inFIG.19displayed, the CPU41changes the contents displayed on the display66to predetermined contents without changing the reservation of the work booth20.

Other Exemplary Embodiments

In the exemplary embodiments described above, the work booth20as an example of the facility is not limited to an individual room arranged near the station. For example, the work booth20may be a room in a warehouse, building or hotel or an individual room in a vehicle. The work booth20may not necessarily be a completely closed space. For example, the work booth20may be partly open to the outside with part of the ceiling thereof or part of the side wall thereof cut away. The work booth20may be partly open to the outside with the door21or the side wall of the work booth20not engaged with the ceiling or the floor of the work booth20. The work booth20may be partly open to the outside with the door21or the side wall of the work booth20not engaged with the ceiling or the floor of an installation location where the work booth20is installed.

According to the exemplary embodiments described above, the individual rooms forming the work booth20are the individual rooms20A and20B. The number of individual rooms forming the work booth20is not limited to two and may be three or more. The configurations of the rooms forming the work booth20may be the same or different.

According to the exemplary embodiments described above, the door21of the work booth20is equipped with the electronic lock. Alternatively, a cylinder lock or a thumb turn lock may be used on the door21.

According to the exemplary embodiments described above, the reservation information is periodically transmitted from the management server40to the work booth20. Alternatively, if a predetermined event has occurred, the reservation information may be transmitted each time when the predetermined event occurs. The predetermined event may be a new reservation performed on the work booth20, the end of the use of the work booth20within the usage time, or the cancellation of the reservation of the work booth20. Even when the predetermined event occurs, the reservation information may be transmitted at the same timing as the periodic transmission of the reservation information. The reservation information transmitted from the management server40to the work booth20may be the reservation information on the day or the reservation information on several days.

According to the exemplary embodiments described above, the controller30in the work booth20may continue to operate or may stop operating outside the usage time of the work booth20.

According to the exemplary embodiments described above, the restore operation is not performed outside the usage time of the work booth20. Alternatively, even outside the usage time, the CPU31may perform the restore operation immediately before the usage time of the next day. The phrase “immediately before the usage time of the next day” may be appropriately set, for example, to 1 hour, 30 minutes, or 10 minutes earlier than the start of the usage time.

According to the exemplary embodiments described above, the first restore operation includes controlling the power supplying to the power harness29and re-starting the router50A. If the communication function of the work booth20is not restored even after the power supplying to the power harness29is controlled, the router50A may be re-started. If the communication function of the work booth20is not restored even after the router50A is re-started, the power supplying to the power harness29may be controlled. Alternatively, the first restore operation may include either controlling the power supplying to the power harness29or re-starting the router50A.

According to the exemplary embodiments described above, the second restore operation is performed if the first restore operation fails to restore the communication function of the work booth20. Alternatively, the second restore operation may be performed before the first restore operation.