JP7557837B2 - Space utilization management system, space utilization management method, program and device - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a space usage management system, a space usage management method, a program, and an apparatus, and more specifically, to a space usage management system, a space usage management method, a program, and an apparatus for managing the usage by users of two or more spaces in a given location.

Patent Document 1 describes a conference room reservation system that includes a server and an information processing terminal connected to the server via a network. The information processing terminal includes a beacon detection unit that detects beacon signals that are transmitted within a specified area and include area identification information that identifies the specified area, and an entry detection unit that detects entry when the beacon detection unit detects a specified number of beacon signals that include the same area identification information, and transmits an entry detection notification to the server that includes the area identification information, user identification information of the information processing terminal, and the date and time of detection of the specified number of beacon signals.

The server includes a reservation processing unit and an entry/exit management unit. The reservation processing unit accepts a reservation request and registers the reservation in the storage unit by associating the specific area that is the subject of the reservation with the date and time of use and the user identification information. When the entry/exit management unit receives an entry detection notification from the entry detection unit, it stores in the storage unit the entry at the detection date and time by the user identified by the user identification information including the entry detection notification to the specific area identified by the area identification information included in the entry detection notification. The server can also calculate the approximate location of the information processing terminal using the reception strength of the beacon signal.

JP 2016-184241 A

The conference room reservation system described in Patent Document 1 makes it easy to grasp information about the use of conference rooms by users by managing information about reservations and entry/exits regarding the use of conference rooms. However, location detection using the reception strength of beacon signals can only grasp the approximate location of users, so it is not easy to grasp the usage status of spaces such as seats and booths in locations such as conference rooms.

The objective of the present disclosure is to provide a space usage management system, a space usage management method, a program, and an apparatus that make it easier to grasp the space usage status in a specified location.

A space utilization management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first device, a second device, a utilization determination unit, a position estimation unit, and an update unit. The first device is installed in one of two or more spaces in a predetermined location, and receives a first signal from a mobile terminal carried by a user and wirelessly transmitting a first signal including user identification information that identifies the user. The first device then transmits a second signal including the received first signal and space identification information that identifies the one space. The second device is installed in the predetermined location and receives at least the first signal. The utilization determination unit determines whether or not the utilization status of the one space by the user has changed based at least on a first reception strength that is the reception signal strength of the first signal in the first device. The position estimation unit estimates the position of the user based at least on a second reception strength that is the reception signal strength of the first signal in the second device. The update unit updates utilization status information, which is information regarding the utilization status of the one space by the user, based on the estimation result of the position estimation unit and the judgment result of the utilization determination unit.

A space utilization management method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a space utilization management method performed by a space utilization management system. The space utilization management system includes at least a first device and a second device. The first device is installed in one of two or more spaces in a predetermined location, and receives the first signal from a mobile terminal carried by a user and wirelessly transmitting a first signal including user identification information that identifies the user. The first device then transmits a second signal including the received first signal and space identification information that identifies the one space. The second device is installed in the predetermined location and receives at least the first signal. The space utilization management method includes a utilization determination step, a position estimation step, and an update step. In the utilization determination step, it is determined whether or not the utilization status of the one space by the user has changed based at least on a first reception strength that is the reception signal strength of the first signal in the first device. In the position estimation step, the position of the user is estimated based at least on a second reception strength that is the reception signal strength of the second signal in the second device. In the update step, the usage status information, which is information regarding the usage status of the one space by the user, is updated based on the estimation result of the position estimation step and the judgment result of the usage judgment step.

A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the space utilization management method.

A device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a device used in the space usage management system. The device is installed in one of two or more spaces in a specified location, receives a first signal from a mobile terminal carried by a user and wirelessly transmits a first signal including user identification information that identifies the user, and transmits a second signal including the received first signal and space identification information that identifies the one space.

The space usage management system, space usage management method, program, and device disclosed herein have the effect of making it easier to grasp the space usage status in a specified location.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a space utilization management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the first device constituting the space utilization management system. FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the second device constituting the space utilization management system. FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the space utilization management device constituting the space utilization management system. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the space utilization management system. Figure 6A is a data structure diagram showing a specific example of estimated location information stored in the memory of the space utilization management system, and Figure 6B is a data structure diagram showing a specific example of usage status information stored in the memory of the space utilization management system. Figure 7A is a data structure diagram showing a specific example of estimated location information stored in the memory of the space utilization management system, and Figure 7B is a data structure diagram showing a specific example of usage status information stored in the memory of the space utilization management system. FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of output of urging information in the space utilization management system. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the space utilization management system. Figure 10A is a data structure diagram showing a specific example of estimated location information stored in the memory of the space utilization management system, and Figure 10B is a data structure diagram showing a specific example of usage status information stored in the memory of the space utilization management system. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of output of urging information in the space utilization management system. Figure 12A is a data structure diagram showing a specific example of estimated location information stored in the memory of the space utilization management system, and Figure 12B is a data structure diagram showing a specific example of usage status information stored in the memory of the space utilization management system. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a first modified example of the space utilization management system. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a second modification of the space utilization management system. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a third variation of the space utilization management system. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a fourth modified example of the space utilization management system.

The configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

(1) Space utilization management system A space utilization management system 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a space utilization management device 1, one or more first devices 2, one or more second devices 3, one or more first mobile terminals 4, and one or more second mobile terminals 5, as shown in FIG. 1.

The space utilization management device 1 is communicatively connected to each of one or more second devices 3 and one or more second mobile terminals 5 via a network 300. The network 300 is, for example, but not limited to, a wireless or wired LAN, the Internet, a telephone line network, etc. Wireless communication is possible between the first device 2, the second device 3, and the first mobile terminal 4. The wireless communication is, for example, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or wireless LAN, but the type is not important as long as the radio waves can reach at least several meters to several tens of meters away.

The space utilization management device 1 has the functions of performing various processes, communicating via the network 300, and inputting and outputting information. The functions of the space utilization management device 1 are realized by a processor, memory, a network communication module, an input device, an output device, etc.

The processor may be a CPU, MPU, GPU, or a chipset including these. The memory is not limited to the processor's built-in memory, but may be storage such as a hard disk or SSD, or a removable recording medium such as a memory card or optical disk. The recording medium is preferably a non-transient recording medium, but may also be a temporary recording medium. The input device may be a keyboard or touch panel, and the output device may be a display or speaker, but is not limited to these.

In this embodiment, the space utilization management device 1 is a server, but it may also be a scanner, which will be described later.

The first device 2 has a function of receiving a signal from the first mobile terminal 4, acquiring information such as received signal strength indicator (RSSI), and transmitting the acquired information. Such functions of the first device 2 are realized by a processor, memory, and various communication modules.

In this embodiment, the first device 2 is a detection device. The detection device is a device for detecting a specific operation performed when a user starts and ends using the space. The detection device may be considered, for example, as a reader. The reader is a device that reads information contained in a signal transmitted from the first portable terminal 4 when the user holds the first portable terminal 4 over the reader (brings the reader close enough to touch the reader).

The second device 3 has a function of receiving a signal from the first mobile terminal 4, acquiring information such as RSSI, and transmitting the acquired information. Such functions of the second device 3 are realized by, for example, a processor, a memory, and various communication modules.

In this embodiment, the second device 3 is a scanner, but any device having the same function as a scanner may be used. For example, the second device 3 may be a sensor (such as an environmental sensor such as a temperature sensor or a surveillance camera) placed in the location 301 to which a scanner function has been added.

The first mobile terminal 4 is a mobile terminal having a function of wirelessly transmitting a signal including information. Such functions of the first mobile terminal 4 are realized by a processor, memory, various communication modules, etc. In this embodiment, the first mobile terminal 4 is a beacon. A beacon here is a transmitter that transmits a signal (beacon signal) including location information or various information associated with location information. However, the first mobile terminal 4 may also be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet terminal that can realize functions similar to those of a beacon using software, etc.

The second mobile terminal 5 has a function of receiving and outputting information. Such functions of the second mobile terminal 5 are realized by a processor, memory, various communication modules, an output device, etc.

In this embodiment, the second mobile terminal 5 is a smartphone, but it can be any mobile device that has the function of receiving and outputting information.

The second mobile terminal 5 may also be integrated with the first mobile terminal 4. In other words, the first mobile terminal 4 and the second mobile terminal 5 in this embodiment may be replaced with a single mobile terminal 6 (see Figures 13 to 16), as described in Modification 1-4.

The space utilization management device 1, the first device 2, and the second device 3 each have processors, etc., which work together to form a computer system, which will be described later.

(2) First Device The first device 2 is installed in one of two or more spaces (e.g., space AA, space BB, etc.: see FIG. 5 ) in the predetermined location 301. The predetermined location 301 is usually the inside of a room (indoors), but may also be a predetermined range outdoors (such as an outdoor venue). The space may be an indoor seat, a booth, etc., but may also be a section of an outdoor venue.

Essentially, the first device 2 is configured to receive a first signal from the first mobile terminal 4 and to transmit a second signal that includes the received first signal and space-specific information.

The first signal is a signal transmitted from the first portable terminal 4. The first signal is transmitted wirelessly. In this embodiment, the wireless communication is Bluetooth, but it may be a short-range wireless communication other than Bluetooth (e.g., wireless LAN, etc.), and the method is not important.

The second signal is a signal transmitted from the first device 2. In this embodiment, the second signal is transmitted wirelessly, but may also be transmitted via the network 300.

In this embodiment, the second signal is transmitted wirelessly to the second device 3. However, the communication medium of the second signal may be wired. In addition, the destination of the second signal may be the space utilization management device 1, as in variant example 2-4 described below.

The space identification information is information that identifies a space. The space identification information included in the second signal is information that identifies the space in which the first device 2 is installed (the above-mentioned first space).

The space identification information is, for example, a space identifier such as a seat number or a booth ID, but it can also be coordinates associated with the space identifier (for example, the central coordinates of spaces of various shapes such as rectangles or circles, or a pair of coordinates corresponding to the start and end points of a rectangular space), and can be any information that can identify a space.

In particular, the first device 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a wireless receiver 21 and a usage determination unit 22, as shown in FIG. 1.

The wireless receiver 21 receives a wireless signal. A wireless signal is a signal transmitted wirelessly, such as a first signal or a second signal. The wireless signal received by the wireless receiver 21 is the first signal transmitted from the first mobile terminal 4.

When the wireless receiver 21 receives the first signal, it acquires the first reception strength. The first reception strength is information indicating the received signal strength of the first signal at the first device 2.

The usage determination unit 22 determines whether the usage status of the space by the user has changed based at least on the first reception intensity acquired by the wireless receiving unit 21.

In this embodiment, the usage determination unit 22 determines whether the usage status has changed based on the first reception strength and the duration during which the first reception strength is equal to or greater than the first threshold.

In detail, the usage determination unit 22 determines whether the first reception strength is equal to or greater than a first threshold, and if the first reception strength is equal to or greater than the first threshold, acquires the duration of the state in which the first reception strength is equal to or greater than the first threshold. The usage determination unit 22 then determines whether the acquired duration is equal to or greater than a second threshold, and if it determines that the duration is equal to or greater than the second threshold, acquires determination result information indicating that the usage status has changed (e.g., "changed").

If it is determined that the duration is not equal to or greater than the second threshold (is less than the second threshold), determination result information indicating that the usage status has not changed (e.g., "no change") is acquired. However, it is not necessary to acquire determination result information indicating that the usage status has not changed.

Alternatively, the usage determination unit 22 may determine whether or not the device is in use based on a change in the first reception strength. In this case, the usage determination unit 22, for example, obtains the amount of change in the first reception strength per unit time (e.g., 1 second), and obtains determination result information indicating that the usage status has changed if the amount of change exceeds a predetermined threshold value (e.g., "-20 dB").

The first device 2 transmits the determination result information acquired by the usage determination unit 22 as described above in a second signal. Therefore, the second signal transmitted from the first device 2 includes the first signal, the space identification information, and the determination result information.

In this embodiment, the first device 2 transmits a second signal when the first reception intensity remains equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold for a period of time equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold.

In other words, in this embodiment, since the first device 2 is equipped with the usage determination unit 22, the first device 2 can execute transmission of the second signal when the usage determination unit 22 determines that the usage status of the space has changed (for example, in response to receiving determination result information indicating "changed" from the usage determination unit 22). This makes it unnecessary for the destination of the second signal (the second device 3 or the space usage management device 1) to determine whether the usage status of the space has changed, simplifying the determination of the start and end of space usage.

Even if the second device 3 or the space utilization management device 1 is equipped with a utilization determination unit 22, the first device 2 can transmit the second signal as described above by receiving the determination result from the second device 3 or the space utilization management device 1.

However, when the second device 3 or the space utilization management device 1 is equipped with a utilization determination unit 22, the first device 2 typically transmits a second signal including the first reception intensity in response to receiving the first signal from the first mobile terminal 4, and the utilization determination unit 22 makes a determination at the destination of the second signal.

(3) Second Device The second device 3 is provided in the above-mentioned predetermined place 301, and receives at least the first signal. The second device 3 in this embodiment also receives the second signal from the first device 2.

As shown in FIG. 1, the second device 3 includes a wireless receiver 31. The wireless receiver 31 included in the second device 3 receives the first signal and the second signal. When the wireless receiver 31 receives the first signal, it acquires a second reception strength. The second reception strength is information indicating the received signal strength of the first signal in the second device 3.

The second device 3 transmits to the space utilization management device 1 a third signal including the first signal and the second signal received by the wireless receiving unit 31 and a second reception intensity related to the first signal. The third signal is a signal transmitted from the second device 3. The third signal is transmitted via the network 300.

However, as described in variant example 4, if the second device 3 also functions as the space utilization management device 1, there is no need to send or receive the third signal.

(4) Space Utilization Management Device The space utilization management device 1 of this embodiment includes a processing unit 11 and an output unit 12. The processing unit 11 includes a position estimation unit 111, an update unit 112, a first notification unit 113, and a second notification unit 114.

The processing unit 11 performs various types of processing. The various types of processing are, for example, processing by the position estimation unit 111, the update unit 112, the first notification unit 113, and the second notification unit 114 (described later). The processing unit 11 also performs various judgments that will be described in the flowcharts. Other types of processing will be described as appropriate.

The location estimation unit 111 estimates the location of the user based at least on the second reception strength. The second reception strength is the received signal strength of the first signal at the second device 3.

The position estimation unit 111 estimates the position of the user based on, for example, the second reception strength and the second position information, and acquires estimated position information including space identification information that identifies the space corresponding to the estimated position. The second position information is information that indicates the position of the second device 3 within the place 301. The second position information is usually coordinates.

In detail, a set of pairs of second device identification information and second location information is stored in the memory of the space utilization management device 1. The second device identification information is information that identifies the second device 3.

The second device identification information is, for example, a MAC address or an IP address, but it may also be an ID associated with a MAC address or the like, or any other information that can identify the second device 3. Note that such matters also apply to the first device identification information described below.

In detail, the position estimation unit 111 estimates the position of the user based on a set of second position information and second reception strength (hereinafter referred to as "group information") (usually a set of three or more group information: hereinafter referred to as "group information group"), and obtains estimated position information corresponding to the estimation result. Here, the estimation result is a coordinate, and the estimated position information includes space-specific information.

In detail, correspondence information regarding the correspondence between coordinates and space specifying information is stored in the memory of the space utilization management device 1. The correspondence information is, for example, a set of pairs of coordinates and space specifying information. The position estimation unit 111 uses the correspondence information to obtain space specifying information corresponding to the coordinates included in the estimation result, and passes the obtained space specifying information to the update unit 112 as estimation result information.

The position estimation unit 111 typically performs position estimation for one or more users based on a group information set, and obtains estimated position information that includes user identification information and space identification information.

User identification information is information that identifies a user. For example, user identification information is an email address, a mobile phone number, or a set of name and address, but it can also be an ID associated with an email address (for example, a string of one or more letters such as letters of the alphabet or numbers, or various symbols), or any other information that can identify a user. The user identification information is stored in the memory of each of the various mobile terminals (in this embodiment, the first mobile terminal 4 and the second mobile terminal 5).

This allows one or more pieces of estimated location information to be obtained corresponding to one or more users.

The memory of the space utilization management device 1 stores one or more pieces of estimated location information thus obtained (see FIG. 6A, etc.: described below).

The memory of the space utilization management device 1 may also store a set of pairs of first device identification information and first location information. The first device identification information is information that identifies the first device 2. The first location information is information that indicates the location of the first device 2 within the location 301. The first location information is usually space identification information.

In this case, the second signal transmitted by the first device 2 includes the first device identification information instead of the space identification information. In the space utilization management device 1, the space identification information corresponding to the first device identification information included in the second signal is obtained from the memory.

In this embodiment, the position estimation unit 111 is provided in the space utilization management device 1, but may also be provided in the second device 3.

The update unit 112 updates the usage status information based on the estimation result of the position estimation unit 111 and the judgment result of the usage judgment unit 22. The usage status information is stored in the memory of the space utilization management device 1. The update here also includes the case where new usage status information is generated and stored in the memory.

The usage status information is information related to the usage status of the space by the user. The usage status information includes space specific information, status information, and user specific information (see FIG. 6B, etc.: described later). The status information is information indicating the usage status. In this embodiment, the usage status is whether or not the space is being used, and the status information is, for example, "in use" or "available", etc.

The usage status changes depending on the start or end of usage. Therefore, the update unit 112 updates the status information based on the judgment result information included in the third signal.

In detail, the update unit 112 updates the estimated location information stored in the memory every time new estimated location information is acquired by the location estimation unit 111. Note that the update may be performed by overwriting the stored information with new information, or by rewriting only the changed parts.

When the space utilization management device 1 receives a third signal from the second device 3, the update unit 112 performs the following process. That is, the update unit 112 uses the estimated location information stored in the memory and the determination result information included in the received third signal to determine the utilization status of the space by the user, and obtains status information indicating "in use" or "available."

Specifically, if the stored estimated location information is "free" and the judgment result information included in the received third signal is "changed," the update unit 112 determines that the previously free space has started to be used, and acquires new status information indicating "in use."

On the other hand, if the stored estimated location information is "in use" and the judgment result information included in the received third signal is "changed," the update unit 112 determines that the use of the space that was in use up until that point has ended, and acquires new status information indicating "free." Note that, if the judgment result information included in the received third signal is "no change," no new status information is acquired.

Then, the update unit 112 acquires the space-specific information and user-specific information contained in the received third signal, as well as usage status information that includes the acquired status information.

The above process is performed for two or more spaces, and the acquired usage status information (see FIG. 6B, etc.: described below) is stored in the memory of the space usage management device 1.

The update unit 112 performs the above process and acquires new usage status information each time the space utilization management device 1 receives a new third signal from the second device 3. Then, the update unit 112 updates the corresponding usage status information among one or more pieces of usage status information stored in the memory with the new usage status information.

In this embodiment, the update unit 112 is provided in the space utilization management device 1, but may also be provided in the second device 3.

The output unit 12 outputs various information, such as estimated location information, usage status information, etc.

The output by the output unit 12 is output via an output device possessed by the space utilization management device 1, or transmitted to the second mobile terminal 5 via a network communication module. The information transmitted by the output unit 12 is output by the output unit 51 of the second mobile terminal 5.

The output unit 12 outputs, for example, one or more pieces of usage status information stored in the memory via the display of the space utilization management device 1. As a result, one or more pieces of usage status information such as those shown in FIG. 7B are displayed on the display of the space utilization management device 1.

The one or more pieces of usage status information displayed are not limited to tabular information as in FIG. 7B. For example, a screen (not shown) may be displayed on the display in which images of two or more spaces are overlaid on an image of a map of location 301, and status information such as "in use" or "vacant" and user identification information such as "aa" or "bb" are associated with each space.

This makes it easier to understand the space usage status in a given location 301.

The first notification unit 113 determines whether a predetermined usage start condition is met, and if it is determined that the condition is not met, notifies the user of a reminder.

The usage start condition is, for example, a condition that "the estimation result indicates that the user is present in the one space, and the usage status information indicates that the user is not currently using the one space."

The prompting information notified by the first notification unit 113 is an operation of the first mobile terminal 4 on the first device 2 by the user, and is information prompting a specific operation that should be performed when starting to use the space. The specific operation is an operation of holding the first mobile terminal 4 over the first device 2. An example of the prompting information is "When using the space, you need to hold the beacon over the reader. Have you forgotten to do this?" (see Figure 8: described below).

The prompt information is usually displayed on the display in the form of an image, but may also be output from a speaker in the form of audio. Note that this also applies to notifications by the second notification unit 114.

The notification by the first notification unit 113 is usually the output of prompt information via the output unit 51 of a mobile terminal (the second mobile terminal 5 in this embodiment). This allows one or more users to be prompted individually. However, the notification may also be made via the output unit 12 of the space utilization management device 1. In the latter case, for example, in response to the output of prompt information from the space utilization management device 1, the manager managing the location 301 may alert all of one or more users. Note that such matters also apply to notifications by the second notification unit 114.

In general, users may forget to perform certain operations that should be performed when starting to use a space, but the possibility of forgetting such operations is reduced by the notification of reminder information.

The second notification unit 114 determines whether a predetermined usage termination condition is met, and if it is determined that the condition is not met, issues a reminder message.

The condition for ending usage is, for example, "the estimation result indicates that the user is not present in the space, and the usage status information indicates that the user is currently using the space."

Not being present in the one space includes not being present in location 301 (being outside location 301) and being inside location 301 and outside the one space. In the following, the range that is inside location 301 and outside the one space is referred to as "outside the space."

When the determination result information acquired by the usage determination unit 22 indicates that the user is not present in the one space, the location estimation unit 111 described above further determines whether the user is present in the location 301 based on the second reception strength. For example, when the second reception strength is 0 or less than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the user is not present in the location 301, and when the second reception strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, it is determined that the user is present in the location 301. Then, when the location estimation unit 111 determines that the user is present in the location 301, it may estimate that the user is "outside the space."

The prompting information notified by the second notification unit 114 is an operation of the first mobile terminal 4 on the first device 2 by the user, and is information prompting a specific operation to be performed when the usage of the space is finished. In this embodiment, the specific operation to be performed when the usage is finished is an operation of holding the first mobile terminal 4 over the first device 2, similar to the operation to be performed when the usage is started. However, the specific operation may be different at the end of usage and at the end of usage.

The second notification unit 114 may notify, for example, "When you finish using the space, you need to hold the beacon over the reader in the space you were using. Have you forgotten to do this?" (see Figure 11: described below).

The prompt information notified by the second notification unit 114 is only partially the same (the part prompting an operation) as the prompt information sent when the usage start conditions are not met, but the entire information may be the same. For example, the prompt information notified by the first notification unit 113 and the prompt information notified by the second notification unit 114 may both be "Did you forget to hold the beacon over the reader?".

In general, users may forget to perform certain operations when they finish using a space, but the possibility of forgetting such operations is reduced by the notification of reminder information.

(5) Operation of the Space Utilization Management System Next, the operation of the space utilization management system 200 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 2 to 4. Note that the following description will focus on the cooperation between the space utilization management device 1, the first device 2, and the second device 3, and will not include detailed descriptions of the operation of each element.

The processing of the flowchart in FIG. 2 is started when the first device 2 is powered on and ended when the first device 2 is powered off. The timer value and the judgment result of the usage judgment unit 22 are held in the memory of the first device 2, and the processor of the first device 2 resets the timer value at the start of processing and sets the judgment result to the initial value "no change". In addition, the memory of the first device 2 stores space identification information that identifies the space in which the first device 2 is located.

The wireless receiver 21 constituting the first device 2 determines whether or not a first signal including user identification information has been received (step S1). If the first signal has not been received, the same determination is repeated. If the first signal has been received, the wireless receiver 21 acquires a first reception intensity of the first signal (step S2).

The usage determination unit 22 determines whether the first reception strength acquired in step S2 is equal to or greater than the first threshold (step S3). If the first reception strength is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the usage determination unit 22 counts up the timer (step S4).

Next, the usage determination unit 22 determines whether the timer value is equal to or greater than the second threshold (step S5). If the timer value is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the usage determination unit 22 sets the determination result to "changed" (step S6). The process then proceeds to step S9, which will be described later.

If the first reception intensity is less than the first threshold, the usage determination unit 22 resets the timer value (step S7). The usage determination unit 22 sets the determination result to "no change" (step S8).

The processor of the first device 2 transmits a second signal, which includes the space identification information and the judgment result stored in the memory and the first signal received in step S1, to the second device 3 via the wireless communication module (step S9). After that, the process returns to step S1.

The process of the flowchart in FIG. 3 is started when the second device 3 is powered on and ended when the second device 3 is powered off. Second location information of the second device 3 is stored in the memory of the second device 3.

The wireless receiver 31 constituting the second device 3 determines whether or not the first signal has been received (step S11). If the first signal has not been received, the same determination is repeated. If the first signal has been received, the wireless receiver 31 acquires the second reception intensity of the first signal (step S12).

Next, the wireless receiver 31 determines whether or not the second signal has been received from the first device 2 (step S13). If the second signal has not been received, the process returns to step S11.

When the second signal is received, the processor of the second device 3 transmits a third signal including the second reception intensity acquired in step S12 and the second location information stored in the memory, the first signal received in step S11, and the second signal received in step S13 to the space utilization management device 1 via the network communication module (step S14). After that, the process returns to step S11.

The processing of the flowchart in FIG. 4 is started when the space utilization management device 1 is powered on and ended when the space utilization management device 1 is powered off. The memory of the space utilization management device 1 stores group information groups, estimated location information, utilization status information, and the like.

The processor of the space utilization management device 1 determines whether or not a third signal has been received from the second device 3 (step S21). If the third signal has not been received, the same determination is repeated.

When the third signal is received, the position estimation unit 111 performs position estimation based on the second reception strength and second device position information contained in the third signal and the group of group information (a set of groups of the second reception strength and the second device position information) stored in the memory (step S22).

Next, the update unit 112 updates the estimated location information and usage status information stored in the memory based on the judgment result information included in the third signal received in step S21 and the estimation result in step S22 (step S23).

Next, the first notification unit 113 determines whether the usage start condition is met (step S24). If it is determined in step S24 that the usage start condition is met, the second notification unit 114 determines whether the usage end condition is met (step S25). If it is determined in step S25 that the usage end condition is met, the process returns to step S21.

If it is determined in step S24 that the usage start condition is not met, or if it is determined in step S25 that the usage end condition is not met, the first notification unit 113 or the second notification unit 114 transmits information prompting the user to hold the first mobile terminal 4 over the first device 2 to the second mobile terminal 5 corresponding to the user identification information that was the subject of the determination (step S26). After that, the process returns to step S21.

(6) Example of Operation of Space Utilization Management System As shown in Fig. 1, the space utilization management system 200 in this example includes a space utilization management device 1, two first devices 2, and three second devices 3. The space utilization management device 1 is a server, the first devices 2 are readers, and the second devices 3 are scanners.

As shown in FIG. 5, the predetermined location 301 is inside a room and includes two spaces AA and BB. The three second devices 3 are distributed and arranged on the ceiling of the room.

Each of the two spaces AA and BB is a booth in which the second device 3 is located. The areas within the location 301 other than the two spaces AA and BB (such as the aisles) are "outside the spaces."

Now, two users, aa and bb, are present in location 301, with user aa using space AA and user bb using space BB.

Two users, aa and bb, carry a first mobile terminal 4 and a second mobile terminal 5, respectively. The first mobile terminal 4 is a beacon, and the second mobile terminal 5 is a smartphone.

Each user aa and bb performs a specific operation (holding the first mobile terminal 4 over the first device 2) when starting to use the service.

At this time, as a result of the processing of Figures 2-4, two pieces of estimated location information as shown in Figure 6A are stored in the memory of the space utilization management device 1. The first piece of estimated location information includes user identification information "aa" and space identification information "AA". The second piece of estimated location information includes user identification information "bb" and space identification information "BB".

The memory of the space utilization management device 1 further stores two pieces of utilization status information as shown in FIG. 6B. The first piece of utilization status information includes space identification information "AA", status information "in use", and user identification information "aa". The second piece of utilization status information includes space identification information "BB", status information "in use", and user identification information "bb".

The two pieces of estimated location information in FIG. 6A and the two pieces of usage status information in FIG. 6B are displayed on the display of the space usage management device 1. By referring to the two pieces of displayed usage status information, the manager of the location 301 can understand the current usage status of the space. In addition, by also referring to the two pieces of displayed estimated location information, the manager can more accurately understand the usage status.

In addition, if, for example, user aa of the two users aa and bb forgets to perform a specific operation at the start of use, the memory of the space utilization management device 1 will store two pieces of estimated location information as shown in FIG. 7A and two pieces of utilization status information as shown in FIG. 7B as a result of the processing of FIGS. 2-4.

The two pieces of estimated location information in FIG. 7A are the same as the two pieces of estimated location information in FIG. 6A. In addition, of the two pieces of usage status information in FIG. 7A, the second piece of usage status information is the same as the second piece of usage status information in FIG. 6B, but the first piece of usage status information is different from the first piece of usage status information in FIG. 6B.

The first piece of usage status information in Figure 7B includes space identification information "AA", status information "vacant", and user identification information "--". Note that the user identification information "--" is a flag indicating that there is no user in the space.

By displaying the two pieces of estimated location information in FIG. 7A and the two pieces of usage status information in FIG. 7B on the display of the space usage management device 1, the administrator of the location 301 can understand the current usage status of the space and can also understand the possibility that user aa has forgotten to perform a specific operation when starting usage.

If user aa forgets to perform the specified operation at the start of use, the determination result in step S24 in FIG. 4 becomes No, and step S26 is executed, resulting in a screen as shown in FIG. 8 being displayed on the display of user aa's second mobile terminal 5. This screen includes an image showing the reminder information "If you wish to use the space, you must hold the beacon over the reader. Have you forgotten to do this?"

When user aa, viewing the screen in FIG. 8, holds the first mobile terminal 4 over the first device 2, as a result of the processing in FIG. 2-FIG. 4, the first piece of usage status information in FIG. 7B is updated to be the same as the first piece of estimated location information in FIG. 6B.

The change from the first usage status information in FIG. 7B to the first usage status information in FIG. 6B is reflected in the display of the space usage management device 1. This allows the administrator of the location 301 to understand that user aa forgot to perform a specific operation at the start of usage, and performed the specific operation in response to a prompt from the space usage management system 200.

After that, as shown in FIG. 9, assume that user bb finishes using space BB and leaves space BB. User bb forgets to perform a specific operation (holding the first mobile terminal 4 over the first device 2) when he or she finishes using the space.

In this case, as a result of the processing of Figures 2-4, two pieces of estimated location information as shown in Figure 10A and two pieces of usage status information as shown in Figure 10B will be stored in the memory of the space utilization management device 1.

The two information usage statuses in FIG. 10B are the same as the two usage status information in FIG. 6B. In addition, of the two pieces of estimated location information in FIG. 10A, the first piece of estimated location information is the same as the first piece of estimated location information in FIG. 6A, but the second piece of estimated location information is different from the second piece of estimated location information in FIG. 6A.

The second estimated location information in Figure 10A includes user identification information "bb" and space identification information "outside space."

By displaying the two pieces of estimated location information in FIG. 10A and the two pieces of usage status information in FIG. 10B on the display of the space usage management device 1, the manager of the location 301 can understand the current usage status of the space and can also understand the possibility that user bb has forgotten to perform a specified operation when finishing usage.

In this case, the determination result in step S25 in FIG. 4 becomes No, and step S26 is executed, causing a screen as shown in FIG. 11 to be displayed on the display of the second mobile terminal 5 of user bb. This screen includes an image showing the reminder information "When you finish using the service, you need to hold the beacon over the reader. Have you forgotten to do this?".

Let us say that user bb, having viewed the screen in FIG. 11, returns to space BB, holds the first mobile terminal 4 over the first device 2, and then leaves space BB and location 301. In this case, as a result of the processing in FIGS. 2-4, the second estimated location information in FIG. 10A is updated to the second estimated location information in FIG. 12A, and the second usage status information in FIG. 10B is updated to the second usage status information in FIG. 12B.

The second estimated location information in FIG. 12A includes user identification information "--" and space identification information "--". Note that the space identification information "--" is a flag indicating that the user is not in location 301. The second usage status information in FIG. 12B includes space identification information "BB", status information "vacant", and user identification information "--".

The change from the first usage status information in FIG. 7B to the first usage status information in FIG. 6B, and the change from the first usage status information in FIG. 7B to the first usage status information in FIG. 6B are reflected in the display of the space usage management device 1. This allows the administrator of the location 301 to understand that user bb has forgotten to perform a specific operation at the end of usage, and has left the location 301 after performing the specific operation in response to a prompt from the space usage management system 200.

(7) Modification 1
The space utilization management system 200 relating to variant example 1 of this embodiment includes a space utilization management device 1, one or more first devices 2, one or more second devices 3, and one or more mobile terminals 6, as shown in FIG. 13.

The space utilization management device 1 is communicatively connected to one or more second devices 3 and one or more mobile terminals 6 via a network 300. Wireless communication is possible between the first device 2, the second device 3, and the mobile terminal 6.

The mobile terminal 6 includes a wireless transmission unit 41 and an output unit 51. The space utilization management device 1, the first device 2, and the second device 3 have the same configuration as in the embodiment.

In other words, the space utilization management system 200 of the first modification is the space utilization management system 200 of the embodiment (see FIG. 1) in which the first mobile terminal 4 and the second mobile terminal 5 are integrated.

The prompting information from the space utilization management device 1 is transmitted to the mobile terminal 6 via the network 300 and output via the output unit 51 of the mobile terminal 6.

(8) Modification 2
The space utilization management system 200 relating to variant example 2 of this embodiment includes a space utilization management device 1, one or more first devices 2, one or more second devices 3, and one or more mobile terminals 6, as shown in FIG. 14.

The space utilization management device 1 is communicatively connected to one or more first devices 2, one or more second devices 3, and one or more mobile terminals 6 via a network 300, and the mobile terminals 6 are capable of wireless communication with each of the first devices 2 and the second devices 3.

In other words, the space utilization management system 200 of the second modification is the space utilization management system 200 of the first modification (see FIG. 13), in which the space utilization management device 1 and the first device 2 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other via the network 300 instead of wirelessly.

In the second modification, the first device 2 has a network communication module instead of a wireless communication module. The second signal from the first device 2 is transmitted to the space utilization management device 1 via the network 300 instead of being transmitted wirelessly to the second device 3.

(9) Modification 3
The space utilization management system 200 relating to variant example 3 of this embodiment includes a space utilization management device 1, one or more first devices 2, one or more second devices 3, and one or more mobile terminals 6, as shown in FIG. 15.

The space utilization management device 1 is communicatively connected to one or more first devices 2, one or more second devices 3, and one or more mobile terminals 6 via a network 300, and the mobile terminals 6 are capable of wireless communication with each of the first devices 2 and the second devices 3.

The space utilization management device 1 includes a processing unit 11 and an output unit 12. The processing unit 11 includes a position estimation unit 111, an update unit 112, a first notification unit 113, a second notification unit 114, and a utilization determination unit 22. The first device 2 includes a wireless receiving unit 21. The second device 3 and the mobile terminal 6 have the same configuration as in the second modification.

That is, the space utilization management system 200 of the third modification is the space utilization management system 200 of the second modification (see FIG. 13), except that the utilization determination unit 22 is provided in the space utilization management device 1 instead of the first device 2.

In the third modification, the second signal transmitted from the first device 2 to the space utilization management device 1 includes the first reception strength instead of the judgment result. In response to receiving the first signal from the first mobile terminal 4, the first device 2 transmits the second signal including the area specification information and the first reception strength to the space utilization management device 1. The utilization judgment unit 22 of the space utilization management device 1 makes a utilization judgment based on the second signal from the first device 2.

(10) Modification 4
The space utilization management system 200 relating to variant example 4 of this embodiment includes a space utilization management device 1, one or more first devices 2, one or more second devices 3, and one or more mobile terminals 6, as shown in FIG. 16.

The space utilization management device 1 is communicatively connected to one or more first devices 2 and one or more mobile terminals 6 via a network 300, and the mobile terminals 6 are capable of wireless communication with each of the first devices 2 and the space utilization management device 1.

In other words, the space utilization management system 200 of the modified example 4 is the space utilization management system 200 of the modified example 3 (see FIG. 14) integrated with the space utilization management device 1 and the second device 3. Note that the space utilization management system 200 of the modified example 4 may be considered to be composed of the first device 2 and the second device 3 that also has the functions of the space utilization management device 1.

In the embodiment, the usage termination condition was "the estimation result indicates that the user is not present in the one space, and the usage status information indicates that the user is using the one space." The second notification unit 114 then judges whether the usage termination condition is met, and issues a reminder if it is judged to be met. However, if a user forgets to perform a specific operation at the end of usage, it is not necessary to notify the user of the reminder. Instead, as in the following variant example 5, the update unit 112 may make a judgment regarding the usage termination condition and update the usage status information based on the judgment result.

(11) Modification 5
The usage termination condition in the fifth modification is that "the duration of the state in which the estimation result indicates that the user is not present in the one space and the usage status information indicates that the user is using the one space exceeds a predetermined threshold value." The update unit 112 determines whether the usage termination condition is met based on, for example, the estimated location information and the usage status information stored in the memory, and if it determines that the condition is met, updates the usage status information from "in use" to "free."

In the above-mentioned operation example, if the state in which the second estimated location information in FIG. 10A is "bb, outside space" and the second usage status information in FIG. 10B is "BB, in use, bb" continues for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 1 hour, 5 hours, etc.) or more, the update unit 112 determines that the usage termination condition is satisfied and updates the second usage status information to "BB, free, --".

This allows the space usage management system 200 to automatically update usage status information even if the user forgets to perform the required operation when they finish using the space.

(12) Other Modifications In the space utilization management system 200 of the modification 4, the utilization determination unit 22 may be provided in the space utilization management device 1 (second device 3 ) instead of the first device 2 .

In the embodiment, the second device 3 is pre-positioned in each space of the predetermined location 301, but may be movable between spaces. In that case, the second device 3 may estimate the position of the second device 3 (e.g., space identification information) based on the received signal strength of the second signal, etc. In this case, the second signal transmitted from the first device 2 does not include the space identification information, and the second device 3 may transmit the space identification information thus estimated by including it in the third signal.

Functions similar to those of the space utilization management system 200 according to the above embodiment may be embodied in a space utilization management method, a (computer) program, or a non-temporary recording medium on which a program is recorded. The space utilization management method is a method that includes at least steps S3-S8 (utilization determination step), step S22 (position estimation step), and step S23 (update step) among the various steps described above. The program is a program for causing a computer to execute the space utilization management method described above.

The space utilization management system 200 in the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system is mainly composed of a processor and a memory as hardware. The function of the space utilization management system 200 in the present disclosure is realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, provided through an electric communication line, or recorded and provided in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits such as IC or LSI referred to here are called differently depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) that is programmed after the manufacture of the LSI, or a logic device that can reconfigure the connection relationship inside the LSI or reconfigure the circuit partition inside the LSI, can also be adopted as a processor. The multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip, or may be distributed across multiple chips. The multiple chips may be integrated into one device, or may be distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

In addition, it is not essential for the space utilization management system 200 that multiple functions are concentrated in one housing, and the components of the space utilization management system 200 may be distributed across multiple housings. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the space utilization management system 200, for example, some of the functions of the space utilization management device 1, may be realized by the cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

Conversely, in an embodiment, at least some of the functions of the space utilization management system 200 that are distributed among multiple devices may be consolidated within a single housing. For example, some of the functions of the space utilization management system 200 that are distributed among the space utilization management device 1, the first device 2, and the second device 3 may be consolidated within a single housing.

(12) Summary The space utilization management system (200) according to the first aspect includes a first device (2), a second device (3), a utilization determination unit (22), a position estimation unit (111), and an update unit (112). The first device (2) is installed in one of two or more spaces in a predetermined location (301), and receives the first signal from a mobile terminal (first mobile terminal 4, mobile terminal 6) that is carried by a user and wirelessly transmits a first signal including user identification information that identifies the user. The first device (2) then transmits a second signal including the received first signal and space identification information that identifies the one space. The second device (3) is installed in the predetermined location (301) and receives at least the first signal.

The usage determination unit (22) determines whether the usage status of the one space by the user has changed based at least on a first reception strength, which is the received signal strength of the first signal at the first device (2). The location estimation unit (111) estimates the location of the user based at least on a second reception strength, which is the received signal strength of the first signal at the second device (3). The update unit (112) updates usage status information, which is information regarding the usage status of the one space by the user, based on the estimation result of the location estimation unit (111) and the judgment result of the usage determination unit (22).

According to this aspect, by updating the usage status information using a judgment result regarding the user's space usage based on a first reception strength of a first signal at a first device (2) and an estimation result regarding the user's position based on a second reception strength of the first signal at a second device (3), it is possible to easily grasp the space usage status at a specified location (301).

In the first aspect of the space utilization management system (200) according to the second aspect, the first device (2) transmits the second signal when the state in which the first reception intensity is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold continues for a time period equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold.

According to this aspect, it is not necessary for the destination of the second signal (the second device 3 or the space utilization management device 1) to determine whether the utilization status has changed, and it is possible to simplify the determination of the start and end of space utilization.

The space usage management system (200) according to the third aspect further includes a first notification unit (113) in the first or second aspect. The first notification unit (113) notifies prompting information prompting a predetermined operation when the estimation result indicates that the user is present in the one space and the usage status information indicates that the user is not using the one space. The predetermined operation is an operation on the first device (2) of the mobile terminal (first mobile terminal 4, mobile terminal 6) by the user, and is an operation that should be performed when starting to use the one space.

This reduces the possibility of forgetting to operate the device when first starting to use it.

The space usage management system (200) according to the fourth aspect further includes a second notification unit (114) in any of the first to third aspects. The second notification unit (114) notifies prompting information prompting a predetermined operation when the estimation result indicates that the user is not present in the one space and the usage status information indicates that the user is using the one space. The prompting information is an operation on the first device (2) of the mobile terminal (first mobile terminal 4, mobile terminal 6) by the user, and is an operation that should be performed when the usage of the one space ends.

This reduces the possibility of forgetting to operate the device when you are finished using it.

In the space usage management system (200) according to the fifth aspect, in any of the first to third aspects, when the state in which the estimation result indicates that the user is not present in the one space and the usage status information indicates that the user is using the one space continues for a predetermined period of time or longer, the update unit (112) updates the usage status information to indicate that the one space is not being used (e.g., "vacant").

According to this aspect, even if you forget to perform the operation when you finish using the device, the usage status information can be updated automatically.

The space utilization management method according to the sixth aspect is a space utilization management method performed by a space utilization management system (200). The space utilization management system (200) includes at least a first device (2) and a second device (3). The first device (2) is installed in one of two or more spaces in a predetermined location (301) and receives a first signal from a mobile terminal (first mobile terminal 4, mobile terminal 6) that is carried by a user and wirelessly transmits a first signal including user identification information that identifies the user. The first device (2) then transmits a second signal including the received first signal and space identification information that identifies the one space. The second device (3) is installed in the predetermined location (301) and receives at least the first signal.

The space utilization management method includes a utilization determination step, a position estimation step, and an update step. In the utilization determination step, it is determined whether the utilization status of the one space by the user has changed based at least on a first reception strength, which is the received signal strength of the first signal in the first device (2). In the position estimation step, the position of the user is estimated based at least on a second reception strength, which is the received signal strength of the second signal in the second device (3). In the update step, utilization status information, which is information regarding the utilization status of the one space by the user, is updated based on the estimation result of the position estimation step and the judgment result of the utilization determination step.

According to this aspect, by updating the usage status information using a judgment result regarding the user's space usage based on a first reception strength of a first signal at a first device (2) and an estimation result regarding the user's position based on a second reception strength of the first signal at a second device (3), it is possible to easily grasp the space usage status at a specified location (301).

The program according to the seventh aspect is a program for causing one or more computers to execute the space utilization management method according to the sixth aspect.

This aspect makes it easier to understand the space usage status in a specific location (301).

The device (first device 2) according to the eighth aspect is a device used in the space usage management system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects. The device (first device 2) is installed in one of two or more spaces in a predetermined location (301), and receives a first signal from a mobile terminal (first mobile terminal 4, mobile terminal 6) that is carried by a user and wirelessly transmits a first signal including user identification information that identifies the user. The device (first device 2) then transmits a second signal including the received first signal and space identification information that identifies the one space.

According to this aspect, the second device (3) or the space utilization management device (1) updates the utilization status information using the judgment result regarding the user's space utilization based on the first reception strength of the first signal at the first device (2) and the estimation result regarding the user's location based on the second reception strength of the first signal at the second device (3), thereby making it easier to grasp the space utilization status at a specified location (301).

In addition, the first device (2) makes a judgment regarding the user's use of the space and transmits the judgment result to the second device (3) that estimates the user's position or the space utilization management device (1), thereby simplifying the judgment of the start and end of space utilization in the second device (3) or the space utilization management device (1).

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Space utilization management device 2 First device 3 Second device 4 First mobile terminal 5 Second mobile terminal 6 Mobile terminal 11 Processing unit 12, 51 Output unit 21, 31 Wireless receiving unit 22 Utilization determination unit 41 Wireless transmitting unit 111 Position estimation unit 112 Update unit 113 First notification unit 114 Second notification unit 200 Space utilization management system 300 Network 301 Location

Claims (8)

a first device that is installed in one of two or more spaces in a predetermined location, receives a first signal from a mobile terminal that is carried by a user and wirelessly transmits a first signal including user identification information that identifies the user, and transmits a second signal including the received first signal and space identification information that identifies the one space;
A second device provided at the predetermined location and receiving at least the first signal;
A usage determination unit that determines whether or not a usage status of the one space by the user has changed based at least on a first reception strength that is a reception signal strength of the first signal in the first device;
a location estimation unit that estimates a location of the user based at least on a second reception strength that is a reception signal strength of the first signal at the second device;
an update unit that updates usage status information, which is information regarding a usage status of the one space by the user, based on the estimation result of the position estimation unit and the judgment result of the usage judgment unit;
A space utilization management system. the first device transmits the second signal when a state in which the first reception strength is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold continues for a time period equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold;
The space utilization management system according to claim 1 . a first notification unit that notifies the user of prompting information that prompts the user to perform a predetermined operation on the first device of the mobile terminal when the estimation result indicates that the user is present in the one space and the usage status information indicates that the user is not using the one space, the prompting information being an operation on the first device of the mobile terminal by the user and that should be performed when the user starts using the one space;
The space utilization management system according to claim 1 or 2. a second notification unit that notifies the user of a prompting information prompting the user to perform a predetermined operation on the first device of the mobile terminal when the estimation result indicates that the user is not present in the one space and the usage status information indicates that the user is using the one space, the prompting information being an operation on the first device of the mobile terminal by the user and prompting the user to perform a predetermined operation when the user finishes using the one space;
A space utilization management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. the update unit updates the usage status information to indicate that the one space is not being used when a state in which the estimation result indicates that the user is not present in the one space and the usage status information indicates that the user is using the one space continues for a predetermined time or more.
A space utilization management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. a first device that is installed in one of two or more spaces in a predetermined location, receives a first signal from a mobile terminal that is carried by a user and wirelessly transmits a first signal including user identification information that identifies the user, and transmits a second signal including the received first signal and space identification information that identifies the one space;
A space utilization management method performed by a space utilization management system including at least a second device provided at the predetermined location and configured to receive at least the first signal,
a use determination step of determining whether or not a use status of the one space by the user has changed based at least on a first reception strength, which is a reception signal strength of the first signal in the first device;
a position estimating step of estimating a position of the user based at least on a second reception strength, which is a reception signal strength of the second signal at the second device;
and an update step of updating usage status information, which is information regarding a usage status of the one space by the user, based on the estimation result of the position estimation step and the judgment result of the usage judgment step.
How space usage is managed. A program for causing one or more processors to execute the space utilization management method according to claim 6. A space utilization management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
a mobile terminal that is installed in one of two or more spaces in a predetermined location, is carried by a user, and wirelessly transmits a first signal including user identification information that identifies the user, and receives the first signal from the mobile terminal, and transmits a second signal including the received first signal and space identification information that identifies the one space;
device.

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