Reservation management system, input device, reservation management method, and program

The reservation management system includes an input device and a reservation management unit. The input device includes a manual operation part movable between a first position and a second position and sends a wireless signal containing movement information of the manual operation part and ID information. The reservation management unit performs reservation management based on the wireless signal sent from the input device. The reservation management unit includes a clock unit, a storage unit, and a determination unit. The clock unit measures time. The storage unit associates reservation information containing a reservation start time, and the ID information with each other and stores them. The determination unit determines a reservation performance status based on a current time, the reservation start time, and the movement information.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to reservation management systems, input devices, reservation management methods, and programs, and in particular relates to a reservation management system, an input device, a reservation management method, and a program for reservation management.

BACKGROUND ART

In the past, there has been proposed a use status management system (reservation management system) enabling remote check of use statuses of conference rooms, meeting spaces, and the like (see Patent Literature 1). The conventional use status management system includes a display plate device, a repeater, and a processing device.

The display plate includes a plate supporting member and a communication unit. The plate supporting member holds a display plate in a removable manner, and allows a slidable operation of the display plate between a first position making first state information of the display plate visible from a display window, and a second position making second state information of the display plate visible from the display window. The communication unit sends a signal in accordance with movement of the plate supporting member.

The repeater receives a signal from the display plate device, sends it in a converted communication protocol.

The processing device displays a state corresponding to the first state information or the second state information which is exclusively being displayed by the display plate device, based on the signal received from the repeater.

However, the conventional reservation management system merely shows the use status of the facility on the screen, and cannot associate the reservation information and the use status.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: JP 3191580 U

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

One object of the present disclosure would be to propose a reservation management system, an input device, a reservation management method, and a program which are capable of associating reservation information and a reservation performance status.

A reservation management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: an input device and a reservation management unit. The input device includes a manual operation part movable between a first position and a second position and is configured to send a wireless signal containing movement information of the manual operation part and ID information in response to movement of the manual operation part. The reservation management unit is configured to perform reservation management based on the wireless signal sent from the input device. The manual operation part is moved from the first position to the second position when performance of a reservation is started, and is moved from the second position to the first position when performance of a reservation is ended. The reservation management unit includes a clock unit, a storage unit, and a determination unit. The clock unit is configured to measure time. The storage unit is configured to associate reservation information containing a reservation start time and the ID information with each other and store them. The determination unit is configured to determine a reservation performance status based on a current time, the reservation start time, and the movement information.

An input device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is used in the reservation management system and includes: the manual operation part; a display unit; and a case. The display unit is configured to display the reservation performance status. The case is for holding the manual operation part and the display unit. The display unit is configured to move in response to movement of the manual operation part and protrude from the case when the manual operation part is in at least one of the first position and the second position.

A reservation management method according to one aspect of the present disclosure performs reservation management based on a wireless signal sent from an input device. The input device includes a manual operation part. The manual operation part is moved from a first position to a second position when performance of reservation is started and is moved from the second position to the first position when performance of reservation is ended. The input device is configured to send the wireless signal containing movement information of the manual operation part and ID information in response to movement of the manual operation part. The reservation management method includes: associating reservation information containing a reservation start time and the ID information with each other and storing them in a storage unit; and determining a reservation performance status of reservation based on a current time, the reservation start time, and the movement information.

A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure allows a computer system to perform the reservation management method.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments and variations described below are merely examples of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and variations. Various modifications may be made in accordance with the design and the like, except for this embodiment and the variation, as long as they do not depart from the technical concept of the present disclosure.

Before describing a reservation management system in the present embodiment, a general reservation management system will be described below. The general reservation management system includes, for example, an entrance/exit management device for managing entrance to/exit from a conference room. The entrance/exit management device includes, for example, a detection device for detecting a person such as a human sensor or an IC card reader, or a sensor for detecting opening/closing of a door, and a personal computer (hereinafter simply referred to as a computer) or a tablet terminal. An output from the detection device is input to the computer. The management device is installed in the conference room to be managed, and operates with received electric power supplied through a power cable installed in the conference room.

However, for example, in a temporary conference room or meeting space held at an exhibition site, it takes a long work time and a cost to install power cables in a whole of such facilities and to prepare detection devices. Further, in the case of an exhibition, arrangement and positions of conference rooms, meeting spaces, and the like may differ depending on an event. Furthermore, it is not preferable from the viewpoint of security to install expensive computers and tablet terminals in facilities which have low entrance security, allow the general public to enter and exit, and have insufficient monitoring, including these cases.

Therefore, the reservation management system according to the present embodiment aims at realizing a reservation management system that can be installed inexpensively and easily even in places where power supply lines, LAN cables (LAN: Local Area Network) and the like are not installed, or even in places such as low security places which can be used by the general public.

FIG.1shows a conceptual diagram of the reservation management system11according to the present embodiment. The reservation management system11according to the present embodiment is a system that manages reservation of a reservation target, a reservation performance status, and the like.

In the present embodiment, the reservation target includes, for example, use of a conference room12a, a meeting space12b, and the like in an office building, which are collectively referred to as a facility12hereinafter. That is, in the present embodiment, the reservation management system11manages a use reservation of the facility12, a use status of the facility12, and the like. Here, the meeting space12bmeans a space which is not separated from an adjacent space by using walls or the like and in which a plurality of desks, chairs, and the like for meeting are installed.

The reservation management system11includes an input device21, a reservation management device41as a reservation management unit, and an input terminal51.

The input device21is a device for informing people around of the use status of the facility12and outputting the use status to the reservation management device41via a wireless signal. The input device21is located inside the facility or near the facility12. The input device21includes a manual operation part211(seeFIG.2AandFIG.2B) which is moved in response to a manual operation of a user. The movement of the manual operation part211exposes a selected one of two indications (e.g., “occupied” and “vacant”) of a display unit2111, and conceals the other indication. As a result, a display state (“occupied”, “vacant”) of the display unit2111informs people around of the use status of the facility12. The display state of the display unit2111indicates an exposed indication of the two indications (“occupied” and “vacant”). When the manual operation part211is moved, the input device21transmits a state signal including movement information and ID information by a wireless signal. The movement information is information indicating a movement direction of the manual operation part211.

The reservation management device41is, for example, a server, and is configured to be able to communicate with the input device21and the input terminal51. The reservation management device41performs reservation management of the facility12. Specifically, the reservation management device41accepts a use reservation of the facility12, and manages a reservation status of the facility12, a use status of the facility12, and the like.

The reservation management device41is connected to a line61. The line61is a network line, and may include an Internet line, an in-house intranet line, or the like. A repeater31is further connected to the line61. The repeater31is configured to enable wireless communication with the input device21. That is, in the present embodiment, a wireless signal transmitted from the input device21is received by the repeater31, and the movement information and the ID information included in the wireless signal are transmitted to the reservation management device41via the line61. As a result, the reservation management system11can manage the use status of the facility12even if a LAN cable or the like is not installed in the facility12.

The input terminal51is a terminal to be operated by a person who wants to use the facility12(hereinafter referred to as a “user”). Using the input terminal51, the user can input (request for) the use reservation of the facility12, confirm the reservation status and the use status of the facility12, and the like.

In the reservation management system11of the present embodiment, when the user using the facility12starts using the facility12, the user operates the manual operation part211of the input device21to perform an entering-room operation of changing the display state of the display unit2111from “vacant” to “occupied”. This entering-room operation triggers transmission of the state signal from the input device21.

When the user ends the use of the facility12, the user operates the manual operation part211of the input device21to perform a leaving-room operation to change the display state of the display unit2111from “occupied” to “vacant”. This leaving-room operation triggers transmission of the state signal from the input device21. The reservation management device41determines the reservation performance status (use status) of the facility12based on the movement information included in the state signal transmitted from the input device21, the reservation status of the facility12, and the current time.

As a result, in the reservation management system11, the reservation information of the facility12and the use status (the reservation performance status) can be connected with a simple configuration.

(2) Configuration of Reservation Management System

The configuration of the reservation management system11will be described below.

(2.1) Input Device

First, configuration of the input device21will be described with reference toFIG.2AandFIG.2B.

FIG.2Ais a conceptual diagram of the input device21.FIG.2Bis a front view of the input device21.

The input device21includes the manual operation part211, a movement detection unit212, a power supply unit213, a communication unit214, and a case215. The manual operation part211, the movement detection unit212, the power supply unit213, and the communication unit214are housed (held) in the case215.

As shown inFIG.1, when the facility12is the conference room12a, the input device21(the case215) is installed in a structure such as a door in a doorway of the conference room12a, a wall near the doorway, or the like. When the facility12is an open space such as the meeting space12b, the input device21(the case215) is installed, for example, on a desk.

The case215is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is elongated in one direction (left and right directions inFIG.2AandFIG.2B). The case215is fixed to a structure such as a door in a doorway, a desk, or a wall by a fixing. The fixing is, for example, a double-sided tape provided on an outer surface of the case215. The fixing may be a screw coupled to the structure through a fixing hole formed in the case215. The fixing may be a magnet when a structure such as a door, a wall, or the like is a magnetic material.

An opening2151having a rectangular shape elongated in one direction is formed in a front surface of the case215.

The manual operation part211is disposed inside the case215to be adjacent to a front side of the case215, and is configured to be reciprocated along one direction. Arrows inFIG.2AandFIG.2Bindicate movement directions of the manual operation part211and are intangible. The manual operation part211includes the display unit2111, a knob2112, and a pair of protrusions2113. The display unit2111is formed in a rectangular plate shape elongated in one direction. The knob2112protrudes from a center in one direction of one surface of the display unit2111, that is, a surface close to the opening2151, and passes through the opening2151of the case215. The user, can slide the manual operation part211in one direction by pushing a finger on the knob2112protruding from the case215. That is, the manual operation part211can be moved between a first position and a second position along one direction. The first position is a position in which the knob2112is located on a first end of the opening2151of the case215in one direction (a length direction of the opening2151). The second position is a position in which the knob2112is located on a second end of the opening2151of the case215in one direction.

On one surface of the display unit2111, the two indications (“occupied (or in use)” and “vacant”) indicating the reservation performance status (use status of the facility12) are provided. One indication is provided on one side with respect to the knob2112and the other indication is provided on the other side with respect to the knob. In other words, the two indications indicating the reservation performance status are provided at positions on opposite side of the knob2112protruding from the opening2151of the case215. As a result, when the manual operation part211is in the first position, one indication is exposed from the opening2151, and the indication is concealed with the case215. When the manual operation part211is in the second position, the other indication is exposed from the opening2151, and the one indication is concealed with the case215. That is, an indication exposed from the opening2151of the two indications is switched depending on whether the manual operation part211is in the first position or the second position. In the present embodiment, when the manual operation part211is in the first position, the indication “vacant” is exposed from the opening2151. When the manual operation part211is in the second position, the indication “occupied” is exposed from the opening2151. Note that the two indications may be represented by characters, or may be represented by colors, symbols, figures, or the like. The input device21may include a liquid crystal display which changes its display content depending on the position of the manual operation part211, an LED, or the like. In this case, the display unit may be provided separately from the manual operation part211.

The pair of protrusions2113protrude from the other surface of the display unit2111(an opposite surface thereof from the opening2151). The pair of protrusions2113are formed apart in one direction, and are provided in back of the two indications (“occupied” and “vacant”), respectively.

The movement detection unit212is configured to detect the movement of the manual operation part211. Specifically, the movement detection unit212is configured to determine whether the manual operation part211has moved from the first position to the second position and whether the manual operation part211has moved from the second position to the first position. The movement detection unit212includes two switches2121. The two switches2121are, fir example, push switches. The two switches2121are arranged so that either one of the switches2121is pressed by a corresponding one of the protrusions2113in accordance with the position of the manual operation part211and turned on. That is, when the manual operation part211is in the first position, a first switch2121is turned on and a second switch2121is turned off. When the manual operation part211is in the second position, the first switch2121is turned off and the second switch2121is turned on. As a result, the movement detection unit212can determine whether the manual operation part211has moved from the first position to the second position and whether the manual operation part211has moved from the second position to the first position, based on the on/off states of the two switches2121.

The power supply unit213is, for example, a primary battery, and supplies electric power to the communication unit214and the movement detection unit212. The power supply unit213is not limited to a primary battery, and may be a secondary battery or a commercial power supply. The power supply unit213may be a power generating device that generates electric power in response to movement of the manual operation part211. In this case, the power supply unit213includes a coil, and generates electric power by electromagnetic induction caused by a magnet that moves in accordance with the movement of the manual operation part211. Since the power supply unit213generates electric power in response to the movement of the manual operation part211, the power supply unit213can also serve as the movement detection unit212.

When the power supply unit213is a power generating device, there is no need to replace batteries, and convenience is improved.

The communication unit214is a wireless communication module capable of transmitting a wireless signal. When the movement detection unit212detects the movement of the manual operation part211, the communication unit214transmits a state signal. The state signal is a wireless signal and includes ID information and movement information.

The ID information is unique information of the input device21. The ID information can be used not only for identifying the input device21but also for identifying the facility12in which the input device21is provided. For example, when the ID information is associated with the management ID of the facility12in advance, the reservation management device41can identify which facility12of a plurality of the facilities12that includes the input device21sends the status signal. The ID information is stored in a memory provided in the input device21.

The movement information is information indicating a movement direction of the manual operation part211. The movement information indicates whether the manual operation part211has moved from the first position to the second position or whether the manual operation part211has moved from the second position to the first position. In other words, the movement information indicates whether the manual operation part211is in the first position or the second position after moved.

When the movement detection unit212detects the movement of the manual operation part211, the communication unit214transmits the state signal including the ID information and the movement information. In the present embodiment, the state signal including the movement information indicating movement from the first position to the second position is also referred to as a first signal, and the state signal including the movement information indicating movement moved from the second position to the first position is also referred to as a second signal. That is, when the user starts using the facility12and moves the manual operation part211from the first position where the indication “vacant” is exposed to the second position where the indication “occupied” is exposed, the communication unit214transmits the first signal. When the user ends using the facility12and moves the manual operation part211from the second position where the indication “occupied” is exposed to the first position where the indication “vacant” is exposed, the communication unit214transmits the second signal.

The state signal transmitted from the communication unit214is transmitted to the reservation management device41via the repeater31and the line61.

(2.2) Input Terminal

The input terminal51(seeFIG.1) is a terminal operated by the user of the facility12. The input terminal51is, for example, a personal computer, a smart phone, a tablet terminal, or the like, and is configured to be able to communicate with the reservation management device41via the line61. The personal computer may be a personal computer used personally by the user in the business, or may be a personal computer shared in a department. The smartphone and the tablet terminal may be a smartphone or tablet terminal owned by the user, or may be a shared (business) smartphone or tablet terminal.

Using the input terminal51, the user can input a use reservation of the facility12, confirm a reservation status of the facility12, confirm a use status of the facility12, and the like.

(2.3) Reservation Management Device

The reservation management device41(seeFIG.1) is a server, and is configured to be able to communicate with the input device21and the input terminal51via the line61.

The reservation management device41includes a control unit410, a storage unit44, and a clock unit45.

The control unit410is constituted by, for example, a microcomputer including, as main components, a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory. When the CPU executes a program stored in the memory, the microcomputer functions as the reservation processing unit42and the determination unit43. The program executed by the CPU is recorded in advance in the memory of the microcomputer, but may be provided by being recorded in a recording medium such as a memory card, or may be provided through a telecommunication line such as the Internet.

The reservation processing unit42performs reservation processing with regard to the reservation information of the facility12. The reservation processing unit42stores, in the storage unit44, the reservation information based on the use reservation of the facility12input (submitted) from the input terminal51. The reservation information includes a management ID associated with the facility12, a reservation start time, a reservation end time, identification information of a user (e.g., a user name), and the like. In the present embodiment, the management ID of the facility12is the same as the ID information of the input device21provided in the facility12. The management ID of the facility12and the ID information of the input device21may be associated with each other, and may be different data from each other.

The storage unit44is a storage device such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk. The storage unit44stores the management ID of the facility12(the ID information of the input device21), and reservation information of the facility12. That is, the storage unit44stores the reservation information of the facility12associated with the management ID of the facility12. In other words, the storage unit44stores a table of the management ID of the facility12and the reservation information. The storage unit44stores the reservation start time and the reservation end time of the use reservation of the facility12.

The storage unit44stores current position information of the manual operation part211for each input device21based on the state signal received by the reservation management device41. That is, the storage unit44associates the position of the manual operation part211in the input device21and the ID information with each other and stores them. As a result, the control unit410can obtain the current position of the manual operation part211without communication between the reservation management device41and the input device21.

When an operation for reservation confirmation of the facility12is performed by the input terminal51, the reservation management device41transmits the reservation information of each facility12stored in the storage unit44to the input terminal51. As a result, the reservation information of each facility12is displayed on a display screen of the input terminal51. The user can operate the input terminal51to apply for the use reservation with regard to a time period which is not kept for reservation of the facility12. In addition, the user can operate the input terminal51to make change of the use reservation that his or her (user) has previously applied for (e.g., change of time and cancellation of reservation). When the reservation processing unit42receives a change application for the use reservation of the facility12from the input terminal51, it changes the reservation information stored in the storage unit44on the basis of the change application.

The clock unit45measures time. For example, the clock unit45is a real time clock, and is configured to clock the current time. Time information generated by the clock unit45is output to the control unit410(the reservation processing unit42and the determination unit43).

The determination unit43monitors input from the input device21of the facility12, and determines the use status of each facility12. The determination unit43determines the use status (the reservation performance status) of the facility12based on the current time, the reservation start time stored in the storage unit11, and the movement information of the manual operation part211of the input device21. The determination unit43stores the use status of the facility12, which is a. determination result, in the storage unit44. That is, the storage unit44stores the reservation. information of the facility12and a result of the reservation performance status (performance history). This result includes information on a time at which use of the facility12is started and a time at which use of the facility12is finished. The determination of the start and end of use of the facility12is performed by the determination unit43. As a result, the reservation management device41can manage a use history of each facility12and the like.

As will be described in detail in the chapter “(3) Operation Examples” to be described later, the determination unit43determines the use status of the facility12based on the movement information of the manual operation part211of the input device21. Hereinafter, examples of the determination by the determination unit43will be listed.

The determination unit43determines the use status of the facility12based on the movement information of the manual operation part211of the input device21within reception time period of an entering-room operation. The entering-room operation is an operation in which the user of the facility12moves the manual operation part211of the input device21from the first position to the second position.

The reception time period is time based on the reservation start time. Start time of the reception time period is the same as the reservation start time, or predetermined time before the reservation start time, for example, 15 minutes before. The start time of the reception time period can be appropriately changed by changing the setting of the reservation management device41. End time of the reception time period is time after the predetermined time (e.g., 15 minutes) from the reservation start time.

When receiving the first signal (the state signal including the movement information indicating movement from the first position to the second position) from the input device21within the reception time period of the entering-room operation, the determination unit43determines that the user who has made the use reservation of the facility12has started the use of the facility12(checked in) (started performance of the reservation).

Here, for example, when the user wants to start conference at the facility12from the reservation start time, a situation that the user enters the facility12before the reservation start time and prepares for the conference is assumed. In such a case, the reservation is not cancelled even when the entering-room operation is made before the reservation start time as long as the start time of the reception time period of the entering-room operation is set before the reservation start time. In this case, when receiving the first signal within the reception time period and before the reservation start time, the determination unit43treats reception of the first signal as the first time reception within the reservation time, and considers the use of the facility12to be moved forward. Therefore, the determination unit43does not cancel the reservation even when the user does not perform the entering-mom operation after the reservation start time.

Further, when receiving the second signal (the state signal including the movement information indicating movement from the second position to the first position) from the input device21, the determination unit43determines that the user has finished the use of the facility12(checked out) (the performance of the reservation has ended). That is, when receiving the second signal from the input device21, the determination unit43determines that a leaving-room operation has been performed. The leaving-room operation is an operation in which the user of the facility12moves the manual operation part211of the input device21from the second position to the first position. When the leaving-room operation is performed before the reservation end time, reservation for a remaining time period until the reservation end time is canceled. Thus, for example, another user who wants to use the facility12can make a reservation for the time period of the canceled reservation. As a result, efficient use of the facility12can be promoted. When the leaving-room operation is not performed by the reservation end time, the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12is extended. Then, when the leaving-room operation is performed after the reservation end time, the determination unit43determines that the extended use of the facility12has been finished (checked out).

When not receiving the first signal from the input device21within the reception time period of the entering-room operation and the manual operation part211of the input device21remains at the first position (vacant indication), the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12is not started. In this case, the determination unit43cancels the reservation of the facility12, and deletes the reservation information stored in the storage unit44. For example, the reservation is automatically canceled if the user who has reserved the facility12loses his or her intention to use the facility12but forgets to cancel the reservation. Thus, for example, another user who wants to use the facility12can make a reservation for the time period of the canceled reservation. As a result, efficient use of the facility12can be promoted.

Note that, the determination unit43may not be limited to being configured to change (delete) the reservation information stored in the storage unit44. For example, the determination unit43may be configured to give instructions to change (delete) the reservation information stored in the storage unit44. For example, the reservation processing unit42changes (deletes) the reservation information stored in the storage unit44in response to the instructions from the determination unit43.

When the manual operation part211of the input device21is already in the second position (occupied indication) at the start of the reception time period of the entering-room operation, the determination unit43determines that the user who has made the use reservation of the facility12has started the use of the facility12(has started the performance of the reservation). That is, the determination unit43regards continuation of occupation of the user of the previous reservation as entrance of a user of a next reservation (continuous use: allowed). For example, in the case where the reservation time periods are continuous, even when the user of the previous reservation does not perform the leaving-room operation at the end of the use of the facility12and thus the input device21keeps showing occupied indication, the determination unit43determines that the use is started when the reservation start time of the next reservation comes. As a result, the user does not need to perform the leaving-room operation and the entering-room operation sequentially.

According to the setting of the reservation management device41, the determination unit43may determine that the use of the facility12is not started even when the manual operation part211is already in the second position at the start of the reception time period (continuous use: not allowed). In this case, when the user of the previous reservation does not perform the leaving-room operation at the end of the use of the facility12and the reservation start time of the next reservation comes while the input device21shows occupied indication, the determination unit43cancels the reservation after a lapse of the predetermined time. Therefore, when the input device21shows occupied indication at the time of starting the use of the facility12, the user needs to perform the leaving-room operation once and then entering-room operation. As a result, the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12for the next reservation is started (checked in), and therefore the reservation is not canceled.

Further, when receiving the first signal from the input device21in a time period which is outside the reception time period and is not reserved, the determination unit43determines that a temporary use reservation (temporary reservation) is made and the use of the facility12by a guest is started (checked in). In this case, the determination unit43stores, in the storage unit14, reservation information in which time at which the first signal is received is set as the reservation start time. The reservation end time of the temporary reservation is set to time after a lapse of the predetermined time (e.g., 15 minutes or 30 minutes) from the reservation start time or the reservation start time of the next use reservation. Therefore, information of temporary reservation is reflected on the confirmation screen of the reservation status displayed on the input terminal51. According to the setting of the reservation management device41, the determination unit43does not need to store the reservation information of the temporary reservation in the storage unit44even when the first signal is received from the input device21in a time period which is outside the reception time period and is not reserved (temporary reservation: not allowed). In this case, the storage unit44stores a result of performance of temporary use of the facility12made by a guest (performance history).

Here, in the case of the temporary use, since the user is in the facility12, it is impossible to immediately confirm whether or not the temporary reservation is normally completed unless the user carries the input terminal51. Therefore, when the temporary reservation is normally completed, the reservation management device41may transmit a reservation completion signal to the input device21via the repeater31. In this instance, it is preferable that the input device21includes a reservation display unit such as a liquid crystal display or one or more LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) in order to display that the temporary reservation is normally completed. Upon receiving the reservation completion signal, the input device21uses the reservation display unit to display that the temporary reservation is normally completed. When the reservation display unit includes a liquid crystal display, reservation time, the reservation end time, or the like may be displayed on the liquid crystal display. When the reservation display unit includes one or more LEDs, reservation time can be indicated by the number of lighting LEDs.

Further, the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12is finished (performance of reservation is finished) after the predetermined time from movement of the manual operation part211from the second position (occupied indication) to the first position (vacant indication). That is, when the manual operation part211is moved to the second position again within the predetermined time after the manual operation part211is moved from the second position to the first position, the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12is continued. For example, the determination unit43starts measuring time by a timer when receiving the second signal. When receiving the first signal within the predetermined time, the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12is continued. In other words, when not receiving the first signal within the predetermined time after receiving the second signal, the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12is ended (checked out). As a result, even when the user erroneously performs the leaving-room operation on the input device21, the leaving-room operation is invalidated when the entering-room operation is performed within the predetermined time. Therefore, it is suppressed that the use reservation is erroneously terminated. However, the above determination is made for a reservation use of which is already started (checked in). When check-in have never been confirmed, the above determination is not made.

When the entering-room operation is already performed within the reservation time. the determination unit43may determine that a second or subsequent time entering-room operation (more than one time entering-room operation) is invalid. The second or subsequent time entering-room operation means entering-room operation which is made again by the user after the leaving-room operation is made once. That is, when the first signal is received twice or more within the reservation time, the determination unit43ignores the second or subsequent time first signal not to determine that check-in takes place, and determines that the use of the facility12is continued (i.e., the check-in is continued). As a result, it is possible to suppress duplication of the determination of the start of use of the facility12(check-in). In addition, it is possible to suppress erroneous determination that the use of the facility12is finished (checked out).

According to the setting of the reservation management device41described above, performance patterns of determination processing by the determination unit43are classified into eight patterns A to H shown in Tables 1 and 2.

Note that the reservation processing unit42and the determination unit43are not limited to being provided in the same device (server), and may be provided in different devices (servers). Further, in this case, the storage unit44may be constituted by memories of both devices (servers), or may be provided in another device (server). The reservation processing unit42may be realized by a general-purpose reservation program.

(3) Operation Examples

Next, operation examples of the reservation management system11of the present embodiment will be described.

First, as basic operation of the reservation management system11will be described with reference toFIG.3.

The determination unit43obtains the reservation information stored in the storage unit44and the current time information generated by the clock unit45(data obtainment step S1). Then, the determination unit43compares the start time of the reception time period based on the reservation start time with the current time, and determines whether or not a reservation is present (reservation determination step S2). Note that, the reservation processing unit42may determine whether or not a reservation is present, instead of the determination unit43.

When a use reservation of the facility12is present, the determination unit43refers to the storage unit44when the start time of the reception time period comes, and checks the position of the manual operation part211of the input device21corresponding to the facility12(state detection step S3).

When the manual operation part211is in the first position (vacant indication), the determination unit43receives the state signal (first signal) from the input device21in the reception time period thereby detecting the entering-room operation by the manual operation part211(manual operation detection step S4). Further, the determination unit43receives the state signal from the input device21(second signal), thereby detecting the leaving-room operation by the manual operation part211.

The determination unit43determines (infers) the use status of the facility12based on the state signal from the input device21(use status determination step S5). For example, the determination unit43determines the use status (vacant or occupied indication) of the facility12at that time on the basis of the state signal (the ID information, the movement information) received from the input device21in the reception time period. That is, the determination unit43receives the first signal (which means change from the vacant indication to the occupied indication), thereby determining that the use of the facility is started (checked in). In addition, the determination unit43receives the second signal (which means change from the occupied indication to the vacant indication), thereby determining that the use of the facility12is finished (checked out).

As a result, the reservation management device41can monitor the use status of the facility12.

The determination unit43changes the reservation information, the use status, and the like stored in the storage unit44according to the determination result (data change step S6). For example, when “occupied” is not made after a lapse of the reception time period, the determination unit43cancels the reservation. When the use of the facility12is ended before the reservation end time and the determination unit43receives the second signal, the determination unit43cancels the reservation for time to the reservation end time. Therefore, another user can reserve a time period of the canceled reservation. As a result, it is possible to shorten useless time in which the facility12is in the reserved state but is vacant, and therefore the efficient use of the facility12can be promoted.

In addition, even when receiving the first signal in a time period outside the reception time period, the determination unit43can detect change of the state of the facility12to an in-use (occupied) state. Accordingly, the reservation management system11(the reservation management device41) can manage a result of actual use of the facility12.

As described above, the reservation management device41can manage the use status of the facility12based on the state signals (first signal and second signal) transmitted from the input device21in response to user's manual operation to the input device21. Therefore, the use status of the facility12can be managed for reservations with a simple configuration by using only the manual operation information of the input device21.

(3.1) First Operation Example

Hereinafter, a first operation example of the reservation management system11will be described with reference toFIG.4.

The first operation example is an example of an operation stalling from a manual operation to the input device21. In the first operation example, the reservation management device41is set so that the performance pattern of the determination processing by the determination unit43is any one of the patterns A, B, E, and F (see Table 1 and Table 2). That is, in the first operation example, the temporary reservation is set to be performed when the entering-room operation is performed in a time period outside the reception time period.

First, the determination unit43receives the state signal from the input device21(S101).

Next, the determination unit43identifies the manual operation direction of the manual operation part211based on the state signal from the input device21(S102). When the manual operation direction of the manual operation part211is a direction from the first position (vacant indication) to the second position (occupied indication) (S102: entering room), the determination unit43checks whether or not the current time is within the reception time period of the entering-room operation (S103). When the current time is within the reception time period of the entering-room operation (S103: YES), the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12is started (checked in) (S104).

When the current time is outside the reception time period of the entering-room operation (S103: No), the determination unit43checks whether or not the entering-room operation is made one or more times in the reservation time (S105). That is, the determination unit43checks whether or not another user already performs the entering-room operation within the reception time period and the reservation of the facility12is effective. When determining that the entering-room operation is made one or more times in the reservation time (S105: Yes), the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12continues because the use reservation of the facility12is effective (S104).

When determining that the entering-room operation is not made one or more times in the reservation time (S105: No), the determination unit43determines that there is temporary use by a guest not making a reservation. in this instance, the determination unit43determines time until the reservation start time of the next reservation (S106). When the time until the reservation start time of the next reservation is equal to or longer than prescribed time (S106: not shorter than prescribed time), the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12by the guest is started (checked in) (S107). In this instance, a temporary reservation (first temporary reservation) is made (S108) in which the reservation end time is set to time after the predetermined time (not longer than the prescribed time) from time when the entering-room operation is performed.

When time until the next reservation start time is shorter than the prescribed time (S106: shorter than prescribed time), it is determined that the use of the facility12by the guest is started (checked in) (S109). In this instance, a temporary reservation (second temporary reservation) is made (S110) in which the reservation start time of the next reservation is set as the reservation end time.

When the manual operation direction of the manual operation part211is a direction from the second position (occupied indication) to the first position (vacant indication) (S102: leaving room), the determination unit43checks whether or not the entering-room operation is made one or more times in the reservation time (S111). That is, the determination unit43checks whether or not the facility12is in use. When the entering-room operation is not made one or more times in the reservation time (S111: NO), the determination unit43determines that the previous reservation with no extension or no leaving-room operation is ended (checked out) (S112).

When the entering-room operation is made one or more times in the reservation time (S111: YES), the determination unit43waits the prescribed time (S113). During the prescribed time, the determination unit43checks whether or not a reentering-room operation is made (S114). When the reentering-room operation is made in the prescribed time (S114: done), the determination unit43determines that the use (check-in) of the facility12continues (S115). That is, since the entering-room operation is performed within a short time after the leaving-room operation is performed, the determination unit43invalidates the leaving-room operation. When the reentering-room operation is not performed in the prescribed time (S114: not done), the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12is ended (checked out) (S116). In this instance, the determination unit43cancels a reservation of a time period from time the determination unit43determines check-out to the reservation end time (S117). Therefore, another user can make a reservation for the time period of the cancelled reservation, and use the facility12.

(3.2) Second Operation Example

Next, a second operation example of the reservation management system11will be described with reference toFIG.5.

The second operation example is an example of an operation starting from application (input) for reservation of use of the facility12to the reservation management device41. In the second operation example, the reservation management device41is set so that the performance pattern of the determination processing by the determination unit43is the pattern A (see Table 1). That is, in the second operation example, it is set that the continuation of the occupied state of the user of the previous reservation is regarded as the entrance of the user of the next reservation (continuous use: allowed). In the second operation example, it is set that the temporary reservation is made when the entering-room operation is performed outside the reception time period. In the second operation example, the start time of the reception time period of the entering-room operation is set to the reservation start time.

First, when application or change of the use reservation of the facility12is done by the input terminal51, the determination unit43obtains the reservation information (S201).

The determination unit43compares the reservation start time (start time of the reception time period) with the current time (S202). When the current time is before the reservation start time (S202: before reservation start time), the process waits until the reservation start time (S203). When the current time reaches the reservation start time (S202: reaching reservation start time), the determination unit43checks the position (first position, second position) of the manual operation part211of the input device21(S204).

When the position of the manual operation part211at the current time is the first position (vacant indication) (S204: vacant), reception for the entering-room operation is started (S205). The determination unit43checks whether or not the entering-room operation is performed in the reception time period (S206). When the entering-room operation is performed in the reception time period (S206: detected), the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12is started (checked in) (S207).

Further, when the entering-room operation is not performed in the reception time period (S206: not detected, the determination unit43determines that there is a reservation with no use of the facility12(so-called false reservation) (S208). In this instance, the determination unit43cancels the reservation (S209). As a result, another user can make a reservation for a time period of the canceled reservation. In addition, since the user who makes the false reservation can be identified, an administrator of the facility12can provide notifications for the false reservation.

When the position of the manual operation part211at the current time is the second position (occupied indication) (S204: occupied), the determination unit43checks whether or not the next reservation is completed within the reception time period (S210). When the next reservation is completed within the reception period (S210: YES), the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12is started (checked in) (S211). That is, the determination unit43regards continuation of occupation of the previous user as entrance (check-in) of the next user.

When the next reservation is not completed within the reception time period (5210: No). the determination unit43temporarily determines that the use of the facility12is started (checked in) (S212). In this instance, the determination unit43waits for fixedness of determination for the predetermined time (S213). The determination unit43checks whether or not the leaving-room operation is made in waiting time (5214). When the leaving-room operation is not made in the waiting time (S14: not detected), the determination unit43fixes determination that the use of the facility12is started (checked in) (S211). In addition, when the leaving-room operation is performed in the waiting time (S214: detected), the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12of the previous reservation is ended (checked out) (S215).

(3.3) Third Operation Example

Next, a third operation example of the reservation management system11will be described with reference toFIG.6.

The third operation example is an example of an operation starting from application (input) of the use reservation of the facility12to the reservation management device41. In the third operation example, the reservation management device41is set so that the performance pattern of the determination processing by the determination unit43is the pattern B (see Table 1). That is, in the third operation example, it is set that the continuation of the occupation of the user of the previous reservation is regarded as the entrance of the user of the next reservation (continuous use: allowed). In the third operation example, the start time of the reception time period of the entering-room operation is set to the predetermined time before the reservation start time.

First, when application or change of the use reservation of the facility12is made by the input terminal51, the determination unit43obtains the reservation information (S301).

The determination unit43compares the start time of the reception time period (the predetermined time before the reservation start time) with the current time (S302). When the current time is before the start time of the reception time period (S302: before reception time period), the process waits until the start time of the reception time period (S303). When the current time reaches the start time of the reception time period (S302: reaching reception time period), the determination unit43starts reception of the entering-room operation (S304). The determination unit43checks the position (first position, second position) of the manual operation part211of the input device21when the reception time period (S305) comes.

When the position of the manual operation part211at the current time is the first position (vacant indication) (S305: vacant), the determination unit43checks whether or not the entering-room operation is made in the reception time period (S306). The step S306and the subsequent steps S307to S309are the same as the step S206to S209of the aforementioned second operation example (seeFIG.5) and therefore descriptions thereof are omitted.

When the position of the manual operation part211at the current time is the second position (occupied indication) (S305: occupied), whether or not the entering-room operation is made one or more tunes in the reservation time is checked (S310).

When the entering-room operation is made one or more times in the reservation time (S310: done), the determination unit43checks whether the leaving-room operation is made by the reservation start time (S311). When the leaving-room operation is performed by the reservation start time (S311: done), the reservation management device41performs operation starting from the manual operation to the input device21described in the aforementioned first operation example (seeFIG.4) (S312).

When the entering-room operation is not made one or more times in the reservation time (S310: not done) or when the leaving-room operation is not performed by the reservation start time (S311: not done), it is checked whether or not the subsequent reservation is completed within the reception time period (S313).

The step S313and the subsequent steps S314to S318are the same as the steps S210to S215of the second operation described above, and therefore descriptions thereof are omitted.

(3.4) Fourth Operation Example

Next, a fourth operation example of the reservation management system11will be described with reference toFIG.7.

The fourth operation example is an example of an operation starting from application (input) for the use reservation of the facility12to the reservation management device41. In the fourth operation example, the reservation management device41is set so that the execution pattern of the determination processing by the determination unit43becomes the pattern E (see Table 2). That is, in the fourth operation example, it is set that the continuation of the entry state of the user of the previous reservation is not regarded as the entrance of the user of the next reservation (continuous use: not allowed). In the fourth operation example, the start time of the reception time period of the entering-room operation is set to the reservation start time.

First, when application or change of the use reservation of the facility12is done by the input terminal51, the determination unit43obtains the reservation information (S401).

The determination unit43compares the reservation start time (start time of the reception time period) with the current time (S402). When the current time is before the reservation start time (S402: before reservation start time), the process waits until the reservation start time (S403). When the current time reaches the reservation start time (S402: reaching reservation start time), the determination unit43starts reception of the entering-room operation (S404). The step S404and the subsequent steps S405to S408are the same as the steps S205to S209of the second operation example described above (seeFIG.5), and therefore descriptions thereof are omitted.

In this operation example, it is set that the continuation of the occupied state of the user of the previous reservation is not regarded as the entrance of the user of the next reservation (continuation use: not allowed). Therefore, when the current time reaches the reservation start time, the position of the manual operation part211of the input device21is not checked (see the second operation example, step S04inFIG.5). Therefore, even when the reservations are continuous, the user needs to perform the leaving-room operation and the entering-room operation.

(3.5) Summary of Operation Examples

Next, a summary of the operation examples of the reservation management system11will be described with reference toFIG.8andFIG.9. Here, it is assumed that the continuation of the occupied state of the user of the previous reservation is set to be regarded as the entrance of the user of the next reservation (continuation use: allowed).

Examples of the use situation of the reservation management system11includes: a situation where the user of the previous reservation performs the leaving-room operation at the time of leaving (S5001) (seeFIG.8) and another situation where the user of the previous reservation leaves without performing the leaving-room operation at the time of leaving (S6001) (seeFIG.9).

First, the situation where the user of the previous reservation performs the leaving-room operation at the time of leaving will be described with reference toFIG.8.

It is assumed that the user of the previous reservation performs the leaving-room operation at the time of leaving (S5001). Therefore, at the time of entering of the user of the next reservation, the position of the manual operation part211of the input device21is the first position (vacant indication).

Subsequent situations may include the following four cases.

A first situation is a situation where a user who first enters a room (first user) performs the entering-room operation in the reception time period (S5101).

The determination unit43determines that the entering-room operation performed by the first user (S5102) is a first time entering-room operation (first entering-room operation) (S5103). Therefore, the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12is started (checked in) (S5104).

In addition, in some cases, there may be a plurality of users and a second or subsequent user may perform the entering-room operation again (S5105). For example, a second user may moves the manual operation part211of the input device21from the second position (occupied indication) to the first position (leaving indication), and thereafter move it to the first position (occupied indication) again within the predetermined time. In this instance, the determination unit43determines that the entering-room operation in question is a second or subsequent entering-room operation (more than one time entering-room operation) and treats the leaving-room operation performed by the second user as being invalid (S5106). Therefore, the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12is continued (check-in is maintained) (S5107).

In addition, it is assumed that a user ends the use of the facility12and performs the leaving-room operation (S5108), In this instance, after a lapse of the predetermined time from performance of the leaving-room operation, the determination unit43fixes determination of the leaving-room operation (S5109). Therefore, the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12is ended (checked out) (S5110).

Next, a second situation is a situation where a user who enters a room first forgets to perform the entering-room operation, and a second or subsequent user performs the entering-room operation within the reception time period (S5201). Here, it is assumed that the second user performs the entering-room operation.

The determination unit43determines that the entering-room operation (S5202) performed by the second user is the first time entering-room operation (first entering-room operation) (S5203). Therefore, the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12is started (checked in) (S5204).

In addition, a third or subsequent user may perform the entering-room operation again (S5205). For example, the third user may move the manual operation part211of the input device21from the second position (occupied indication) to the first position (leaving indication) and thereafter move it to the first position (occupied indication) within the predetermined time. In this instance, the determination unit43determines that the entering-room operation in question is the second or subsequent time entering-room operation (more than one time entering-room operation) and treats the leaving-room operation performed by the third user as, being invalid (S5206). Therefore, the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12is continued (check-in is maintained) (S5207).

In addition, it is assumed that a user ends the use of the facility12and performs the leaving-room operation (S5208). In this instance, after a lapse of the predetermined time from performance of the leaving-room operation, the determination unit43fixes determination of the leaving-room operation (S5209). Therefore, the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12is finished (checked out) (S5210).

A third situation is a situation where the entering-room operation is not performed even after a lapse of the predetermined time or more from the reservation start time (S5301). In this instance, the determination unit43determines that the reservation in question is a reservation accompanied with no use of the facility12(so-called false reservation) and cancels the reservation in question (automatic cancellation) (S5302).

A fourth situation is a situation where a user performs the entering-room operation in time outside the reception time period (S5401).

When there is a next reservation within the prescribed time from the current time (S5402), the determination unit43determines that the entering-room operation in question is the first time entering-room operation (first entering-room operation) (S5403). Therefore, the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12is started (checked in), and makes a temporary reservation (second temporary reservation) regarding time until the next reservation start time (S5404).

When there is no next reservation within the prescribed time from the current time (S5405), the determination unit43determines that the entering-room operation in question is the first time entering-room operation (first entering-room operation) (S5406). Therefore, the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12is started (checked in), and makes a temporary reservation (first temporary reservation) regarding the predetermined time (S5407).

In addition, it is assumed that the user ends the use of the facility12and performs the leaving-room operation (S5408). In this instance, after a lapse of the predetermined time from the performance of the leaving-room operation, the determination unit43fixes determination of the leaving-room operation (S5409). Therefore, the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12is finished (checked out) (S5410).

Next, a case where the user of the previous reservation leaves the room without performing the leaving-room operation at the time of leaving the room will be described with reference toFIG.9.

It is assumed that the user of the previous reservation leaves the room without performing the leaving-room operation at the time of leaving the room (S6001). Therefore, at the time of the entrance of the user of the next reservation, the position of the manual operation part211of the input device21is the second position (occupied indication).

The subsequent situations may include the following three examples.

A first situation is a situation where a user of a next reservation enters the room without performing the entering-room operation (S6101). In this instance, the determination unit43considers reception of the first time entering-room operation (first entering-room operation) (S6102), and determines that the use of the facility12is continued (check-in maintenance) (S6103). In addition, in some cases, the user of the previous reservation may continue the use after the start time of the reception time period of the next reservation (reservation start time). Also in this case, similarly to the above, the determination unit43considers reception of the first time entering-room operation (first entering-room operation), and determines that the use of the facility12is continued (check-in maintenance).

A second situation is a situation where a user of a subsequent reservation performs the entering-room operation (S6201). For example, the user of the next reservation moves the manual operation part211of the input device21from the second position (occupied indication) to the first position (leaving indication), and then moves it to the second position (occupied indication) again.

When the entering-room operation is performed in the reservation time period of the previous reservation (S6202), the determination unit43determines that this entering-room operation is a second or subsequent time entering-room operation (more than one time entering-room operation) (S6203). Therefore, the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12is continued (check-in maintenance) (S6204).

Also, in some eases, the entering-room operation is performed within the reservation time period (S6205). The expression “within the reservation time period” as used herein means the time of the reservation subsequent to the previous reservation. Here, it is assumed that the entering-room operation is performed within the time reserved by the user.

When the user who performs the entering-room operation is a first user (S6206), the determination unit43determines that this entering-room operation is the first time entering-room operation (first entering-room operation) (S6207). Therefore, the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12is started (checked in) (S6208). In addition, when there is a plurality of users and a second or subsequent user perform the entering-room operation again (S6209), the determination unit43determines that this entering-room operation is e second or subsequent time entering-room operation (more than one time entering-room operation) and treats the leaving-room operation made by the second or subsequent user as being invalid (S6210). Therefore, the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12is continued (S6211).

Also, the entering-room operation may be performed in time not kept for reservations (S6212). The time not kept for reservations includes, for example, time from the reservation end time of the previous reservation to the reservation start time of the next reservation.

When the next reservation appears within the prescribed time from the current time (S6213), the determination unit43determines that the entering-room operation performed by the first user (S6214) is the first time entering-room operation (first entering-room operation) (S6215). Therefore, the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12is started (checked in), and makes the temporary reservation (second temporary reservation) regarding time until the next reservation start time (S6216).

When there is no subsequent reservation within the prescribed time from the current time (S6217), the determination unit43determines that the entering-room operation performed by the first user (S6218) is the first time entering-room operation (first entering-room operation) (S6219). Therefore, the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12is started (checked in), and makes the temporary reservation (first temporary reservation) regarding the predetermined time (S6220).

In addition, it is assumed that the user ends the use of the facility12and performs the leaving-room operation (S301). In this instance, after a lapse of the predetermined time from the performance of the leaving-room operation, the determination unit43fixes the determination of the leaving-room operation (S6302). Therefore, the determination unit43determines that the use of the facility12is completed (checked out) (S6303).

Next, variations of the reservation management system11will be described.

(4.1) First Variation

The input device21included in the reservation management system11according to the present variation will be described with reference toFIG.10AandFIG.10B.

In the input device21of the present variation, the case215includes an opening2152in a side surface thereof. The display unit2111of the manual operation part211is formed to have a larger dimension in a direction along the movement direction of the manual operation part211than the display unit2111of the manual operation part211of the above-described embodiment (seeFIG.2AandFIG.2B). An end portion of the display unit2111in a direction141along the movement direction of the manual operation part211can protrude outside the case215through the opening2152. In the input device21according to the present variation, when the manual operation part211is in the first position (vacant indication), the entire display unit2111is housed in the case. When the manual operation part211moves from the first position (vacant indication) to the second position (occupied indication), the end portion of the display unit2111protrudes outside the case215through the opening2152. A portion of the display unit2111that protrudes outside the case215may have indication indicating the occupied state.

In the input device21of the present variation, when the manual operation part211is in the first position, the entire display unit2111is housed in the case215. When the manual operation part211is in the second position, part of the display unit2111protrudes outside the case215. This makes it easier for the user to recognize the position of the manual operation part211.

As shown inFIG.11AandFIG.11B, the input device21of the present variation is attached to, for example, a door122provided in a doorway121of the conference room12a. In the example shown inFIG.11AandFIG.11B, the door122is an outward opening door, and the user opens the door122by pulling the door122when entering the room. The input device21is attached to an opposite end of the door122from a hinge123. The input device21is attached to the door122such that part of the display unit2111protrudes from the opposite end of the door122from the hinge123while the manual operation part211is in the second position. As a result, while the manual operation part211is in the second position (occupied indication), part of the display unit2111protrudes from the door122. Thus, a user leaving the conference room12aeasily notices that the input device21shows the occupied indication. Therefore, when the user leaves the room, the user would be prevented from forgetting the leaving-room operation.

Further, as shown, inFIG.12, when the door122is an inward opening door, it is preferable that the input device21is provided to an end portion of the wall124which faces the hinge123with the doorway in-between. In this case, the input device21is attached so that part of the display unit2111protrudes from the wall124toward the doorway121while the manual operation part211is in the second position (occupied indication). This makes it easier for a user leaving the conference room12ato notice that the input device21shows the occupied indication. Therefore, when the user leaves the room, the user would be prevented from forgetting the leaving-room operation.

In addition, the occupied and vacant indication of the display unit2111may be presented in color instead of characters. For example, the occupied indication is presented by red and the vacant indication is presented by green. This makes it possible to cope with both of the outer opening door and the inward opening door by reversing the input device21.

The input device21may be configured such that part of the display unit2111protrudes outside the case215while the manual operation part211is in the first position.

As shown inFIG.13, the input device21may be configured such that part of the display unit2111protrudes outside the case215while the manual operation part211is in the first position or the second position. The case215is formed with two openings2152for allowing the display unit2111to protrude outside. While the manual operation part211is in the first position, a first end of the display unit2111protrudes from a first opening2152to the outside of the case215. While the manual operation part211is in the second position, a second end of the display unit2111protrudes from a second opening2152to the outside of the case215. This makes it easier for a user to recognize whether the manual operation part211is in the first position or the second position.

In the example described above, the input device21is configured to allow a user to slide the manual operation part211along one direction when the user performs the entering-room operation and the leaving-room operation, but may not be limited to this configuration. As shown inFIG.14AandFIG.14B, the input device21may be configured to allow a user to rotate the manual operation part211when the user performs the entering-room operation and the leaving-room operation. In the input device21shown inFIG.14AandFIG.14B, the knob2112of the manual operation part211is provided at a substantially central portion of the case215having a partially cut out cylindrical shape. By rotating the knob2112, the manual operation part211is rotated between the first position and the second position. While the manual operation part211is in the first position, the display unit2111is housed in the case215. While the manual operation part211is in the second position, the display unit2111protrudes outside the case215. Part of the display unit2111protruding from the case215may be provided with indication indicating an occupied state.

(4.2) Other Variations

The control unit410as described above is realized by a computer system. That is, the control unit410is realized by the computer system executing the program. This program is a program for causing the computer system to execute the following reservation management method. The reservation management method performs reservation management based on a wireless signal transmitted by the input device21. The input device21includes the manual operation part211. The manual operation part211is moved from the first position to the second position when the performance of the reservation is started, and is moved from the second position to the first position when the performance of the reservation is ended. When the manual operation part211is moved, the input device21transmits a wireless signal containing the movement information of the manual operation part211and the ID information. The reservation management method includes associating the reservation information including the reservation start time and the ID information with each other and storing them in the storage unit44, and determining the reservation performance status based on the current time, the reservation start time, and the movement information. According to these reservation management method and program, it is possible to manage the reservation performance status.

Further, in the example described above, the reservation management device41is configured to receive indirectly through the repeater31a wireless signal transmitted by the input device21. However, the reservation management device41may not be limited to this configuration. The reservation management device41may be configured to receive directly a wireless signal transmitted from the input device21.

The application of the reservation management system11is not limited to reservation management of the facility12. For example, the reservation management system11may be applied to management of a rental reservation of a bicycle, a car, or the like. The reservation management system11may be used for, for example, employee attendance management. In this case, attendance corresponds to start of performance of a reservation, and departure corresponds to end of performance of a reservation. An employee moves the manual operation part211of the input device21at the time of attendance and at the time of leaving work.

In the example described above, functions of the reservation management unit are aggregated in one device (the reservation management device41), but may be distributed in a plurality of devices. At least one of the functions of the reservation management unit may be realized by the cloud (cloud computing), for example.

Entities performing the aforementioned reservation management unit described (the reservation management device41) include a computer system. The computer system includes a processor and a memory as hardware. The processor executes a program recorded in the memory of the computer system, thereby realizing the functions as the entities of the reservation management unit in the present disclosure. The program may be recorded in the memory of the computer system in advance or may be provided through a telecommunication line. The program may be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive which are readable by the computer system. The processor of the computer system includes one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large scale integrated circuit (LSI). Although the processor is referred to herein as IC or LSI, the processor is called in different names depending on the degree of integration. A processor called, system LSI, very large scale integration (VLSI), or ultra large scale integration (ULSI) may be adopted. Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FGPA), or reconfigurable logical devices capable of reconfiguring bonding relationships within an LSI or setting up circuit partitions within an LSI, which are programmed after fabrication of an LSI, can also be used for the same purpose. A plurality of electronic circuits may be integrated in one chip or may be distributed in a plurality of chips. The plurality of chips may be integrated in one device or may be distributed and provided in a plurality of devices.

A reservation management system (11) according to a first aspect includes an input device (21) and a reservation management unit (reservation management device41). The input device (21) includes a manual operation part (211) movable between a first position and a second position and is configured to send a wireless signal containing movement information of the manual operation part (211) and ID information in response to movement of the manual operation part (211). The reservation management unit (41) is configured to perform reservation management based on the wireless signal sent from the input device (21). The manual operation part (211) is moved from the first position to the second position when performance of a reservation is started, and being moved from the second position to the first position when performance of a reservation is ended. The reservation management unit (41) includes a clock unit (45), a storage unit (44), and a determination unit (43). The clock unit (45) is configured to measure time. The storage unit (44) is configured to associate reservation information containing a reservation start time and the ID information with each other and store them. The determination unit (43) is configured to determine a reservation performance status based on a current time, the reservation start time, and the movement information.

According to this aspect, the reservation information and the ID information are stored in the storage unit (44) and the determination unit (43) determines the reservation performance status, and therefore it is possible to associate the reservation information and the use status (reservation performance status) with each other.

In a reservation management system (11) according to a second aspect in combination with the first aspect, the determination unit (43) determines that performance of a reservation is ended after a lapse of predetermined time from time when the manual operation part (211) is moved from the second position to the first position.

According to this aspect, erroneous determination of the end of the reservation performance which is caused by user's erroneous operation of moving the manual operation part (211) to the second position to the first position can be suppressed by returning the manual operation part (211) to the second position.

In a reservation management system (11) according to a third aspect in combination with the first or second aspect, the determination unit (43) is configured to determine that performance of a reservation is started when the manual operation part (211) is in the second position at the reservation start time. The determination unit (43) is configured to cancel a reservation unless the manual operation part (211) is moved from the first position to the second position before a lapse of predetermined time from the reservation start time.

According to this aspect, a reservation accompanied with no performance (false reservation) can be canceled.

In a reservation management system (11) according to a fourth aspect in combination with any one of the first to third aspects, the determination unit (43) is configured to store not the reservation information but a performance history in the storage unit (44) when the manual operation part (211) is moved from the first position to the second position in a time period not kept for a reservation.

According to this aspect, it is possible to manage history of cases where performance is made without any reservation.

In a reservation management system (11) according to a fifth aspect in combination with any one of the first to third aspects, the determination unit (43) is configured to store the reservation information containing a current time as the reservation start time, in the storage unit (44) when the manual operation part (211) is moved from the first position to the second position in a time period not kept for a reservation.

According to this aspect, a temporary reservation can be applied by manually operating the input device (21).

In a reservation management system (11) according to a sixth aspect in combination with the fifth aspect, the determination unit (43) is configured to store the reservation information containing, as a reservation end time, a time after predetermined time from a current time or the reservation start time of a next reservation, in the storage unit (44) when the manual operation part (211) is moved from the first position to the second position in a time period not kept for reservation.

According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce probability a temporally overlap between a temporarily-submitted reservation and other reservations.

In a reservation management system (11) according to a seventh aspect in combination with any one of the first to sixth aspects, the storage unit (44) is configured to associate a current position of the manual operation part (211) in the input device (21) and the ID information with each other and store them.

According to this aspect, the reservation management unit (41) can obtain the current position of the manual operation part (211) of the input device (21) without making any communication.

An input device (21) according to an eighth aspect is used in the reservation management system (11) and includes: the manual operation part (211); a display unit (2111); and a case (215). The display unit (2111) is configured to display the reservation performance status. The case (215) is for holding the manual operation part (211) and the display unit (2111). The display unit (2111) is configured to move in response to movement of the manual operation part (211) and protrude from the case (215) when the manual operation part (211) is in at least one of the first position and the second position.

This aspect can make it easier for the user to recognize the position of the manual operation part (211).

A reservation management method according to a ninth aspect performs reservation management based on a wireless signal sent from an input device (21). The input device (21) includes a manual operation part (211). The manual operation part (211) is moved from a first position to a second position when performance of reservation is started and is moved from the second position to the first position when performance of reservation is ended. The input device (21) is configured to send the wireless signal containing movement information of the manual operation part (211) and ID information in response to movement of the manual operation part (211). The reservation management method includes: associating reservation information containing a reservation start tune and the ID information with each other and storing them in a storage unit (44); and determining a reservation performance status of reservation based on a current time, the reservation start time, and the movement information.

According to this aspect, it is possible to associate the reservation information and the use status (reservation performance status) with each other.

A program according to a tenth aspect allows a computer system to perform the reservation management method.

According to this aspect, it is possible to associate the reservation information and the use status (reservation performance status) with each other.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

11Reservation Management System

211Manual Operation Part