EP0745960B1 - Device to determine the sequence of customers at at least one serving counter - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a system for determining the Order of serving customers at several Keypads. Such a system consists of one Label dispenser, the dispensed Label the customer a number in the order of Control assigns from at least one display element per Operating point, the display element at least in each case displays the number currently on the control panel is operated or is to be operated next, and from at least one control device per control point, a change in the current display on the Display element is triggered.

In WO-A-93 04447 is a system for determining the order of operation of Customers described at several control points. This system includes an output device for labels, control points, display elements and a processor with control programs and interfaces for communication with the other system components, the processor being used for central control of the system.

The object of the invention is a system to propose that without much effort different system configurations can be adapted.

The object is achieved by a system with the features of claim 1.

The modular structure of the display elements has the advantage that the system of the invention easily to the specific needs of System user or to the requirements of his Business operations is customizable. The display elements that with a different number of Advertisements are equipped in the required number of individual control points and possibly assigned to the customer room. Just like that Operating devices are over the display points Interfaces - preferably the serial one Interface RS485 for use - connected to each other.

In the invention System is provided an automatic system initialization, which works as follows: each integrated in the system Subunit (e.g. the control device (s), the (the) Display element (s) sends (send) when the Systems an identification signal. One in the System recognition unit contained in the control program checks the interface for such Identification signals and provides the control program below the information available, how many and what type of controls, indicators and other units configure the system. The control program is for different system configurations designed; by means of that supplied by the system recognition unit Information automatically becomes that of the system configuration corresponding control panel activated. manual Settings of any kind are omitted.

According to an advantageous development of the system according to the invention is a call unit provided according to the identification signals of the display and control elements under the selected one Address available control program activated, see above that the numbers on actuation of one Operating device (s) in the by the control program given order and assignment to the Display elements appear.

At least one is advantageous Display element provided in the customer room. This Display element shows the customer the number that as next one is waiting to be operated. Depending on the number of Alternatively, control points are provided several display elements arranged in pairs in the customer room to install, each one of the two Display elements indicates the control point and the other the Number next in order to this Control center should be operated.

To alert customers to a change in the ad making is an optical and / or acoustic Signal element is provided in the customer room. In which Signal element is either a bell or around a flashing light. The signal element and are preferably the unit driving it as additional devices to the Module provided. By simply plugging on the The module's board can be used in the control unit Integrate control program. As in the previous ones described cases the system recognition unit recognizes the connection of the signal element via the Commissioning of the system Identification signal.

According to an advantageous development of the System according to the invention is proposed that at a plurality of display elements a first display element is provided that controls the other display elements (Master display element). This type of control panel will automatically selected as soon as the control panel detects that the controls are buttons at each time you press the next number a display element is called. So that calling of the next number runs correctly, determines the Control panel when a button is recognized as Control element a master display element. This master display element controls the logical display of the following numbers on all integrated in the system Display elements. The control works in this case according to the following scheme: on one of several The push button is used to call up the in the Sequence of the next number pressed. The signal is routed to the master display element to which the Information about the next one in the correct Sequence number to be called is available. This Information passes the master display element to the Display element of the released control point, so that on the display element of the vacated control point Number appears next to be operated.

Detects the system recognition unit instead of the button or the Push button as control element (s) an electronically controlled Control element or electronically controlled control elements, so the master function of a first one is omitted Display element, since the logical display is now over the controls themselves are controlled.

According to a further embodiment of the invention Systems is provided that in the case of several Operator stations operated by a customer in a certain Order must be run through, a Program control is provided, which at a Control point last number operated on the display element of the subsequent control point. As soon as a number is processed at a control point, i.e. as soon as a customer has been served, this number automatically in the drawn order of Numbers to the operator in the row forwarded. The number only goes after the display on the last control point lost.

As already said, the controls are either by pushbuttons, when pressed the next number in the given order on one the display elements appear, or there is one Display control device for use with any Numbers on the display element (s) made visible and a variety of functions can be called.

An advantageous development of the invention Systems provides that the display control device be included a computer, e.g. a personal computer that can be coupled, the u.a. the data supplied by the display control unit statistically evaluates. About this statistical Evaluations can e.g. Get information about how many customers to serve on average at what times or how long the average operating time on one Control station, etc. This information can then be used be used, a customer who has a number from the Dispenser takes to tell how long presumably his wait will be until it's his turn is. In addition, this statistical information is also very beneficial for a system user who has a has acquired system according to the invention: lets from the information z. B. determine at what times with increased Public traffic is to be expected - at what times for the smooth running of customer service Number of control points must be made available.

The data is advantageously stored in memory elements of the processor, which makes it possible to save the statistical evaluations at any time start. It is not necessary for the personal computer (PC) is permanently connected to the system.

According to an advantageous development of the system according to the invention is the Dispenser for labels around a mechanical Device with an electronic counter. This information is also automatically added to the control program Commissioning of the system provided. The Use of an electronic output device for Labels shows e.g. to the operator automatically how many customers are waiting. In addition, this information is best suited to the expected waiting time to calculate a customer or the occupation of the Control points at the changing during the day Align customer traffic.

The following is particularly simple and inexpensive Development of the system according to the invention: each module is in a click mechanism corresponding recess of a holder can be arranged. By this configuration can be any constellation of display elements in the shortest possible time.

Fig.1: eine Draufsicht auf eine Anzeigeeinrichtung mit zwei erfindungsgemäßen, modular aufgebauten Anzeigeelementen,

Fig.2a: eine Darstellung der Rückseite eines erfindungsgemäßen, modular aufgebauten Anzeigeelementes,

Fig.2b: eine Draufsicht auf das erfindungsgemäße, modular aufgebaute Anzeigeelement gemäß der Kennzeichnung B-B in Fig.2a,

Fig.2c; einen Querschnitt gemäß der Kennzeichnung C-C in Fig.2a,

Fig.3: eine schematische Darstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Systems und

Fig.4: ein Flußdiagramm eines Programms zur Steuerung des erfindungsgemäßen Systems.

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. It shows:

1: a top view of a display device with two modular display elements according to the invention,

2a shows a representation of the back of a modular display element according to the invention,

2a shows a top view of the modularly constructed display element according to the invention in accordance with the identification BB in FIG. 2a,

Figure 2c; a cross section according to the marking CC in Fig.2a,

3: a schematic representation of the system according to the invention and

4: a flow diagram of a program for controlling the system according to the invention.

1 shows a plan view of an embodiment of the Display device with two modular assembled display elements 3. On each of the two Display elements 3 have two display positions Information transfer available. Both Display elements 3 are by means of one from the figure apparent click mechanism 'in a bracket 15 attached.

2a shows the back of an embodiment of a Modular display element 3 according to the invention. Module 2 consists - like that shown in Fig.2c Cross section shows - from a housing 20 which e.g. out Plastic is made, a display 18 that the front side of the housing 20 covered, and one in the Housing 20 arranged circuit board 17 on which the processor 4th is appropriate. Furthermore, on the back of the Housing 20 at least one insertion opening 19 is provided. This insertion opening 19 is used for additional devices via corresponding connections on the board 17 to arrange. For example, it is a such additional device around a control unit for a acoustic signal element 13. The acoustic signal element 13 itself is installed in the customer room and sounds at everyone Change the display on one of the display elements 3.

In the corner areas of the housing 20 there are locking hooks 16 for the purpose of fastening the module 2 in a corresponding Recess of the bracket 15 is provided. Training the Locking hook 16 is clearly shown in Fig.2c: during inserting the module 2 into a recess of the Bracket 15, the locking hooks 16 are compressed and try after correct positioning in the bracket 15, spring back into its original position, creating a intimate fastening in the recess of the holder 15 is achieved.

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 2a and 2b, Interfaces 7 are provided on the module 2, via which the individual modules 2 and the other elements of the System 1 according to the invention communicate with one another. The interfaces 7 are advantageously involved serial interfaces of type RS485.

3 shows a schematic representation of the system 1 according to the invention. In the case shown, the system 1 consists of three modular display elements 3. A modular display element 3 consists, among other things, of a display with usually several display positions and a circuit board on which the processor 4 is appropriate. The display elements 3 are interconnected and with the control elements 5; 6 connected. At least one display element 3 is assigned to the control points 12. The display elements 3 can optionally be operated according to the drawn embodiment of the system 1 according to the invention via buttons 6 or via electronic display control devices 5.
Electronic display control devices 5 belong to the prior art. They are sold, for example, under the names C900 / M, C900 / S and C900 / S-PC. Corresponding product descriptions can be found in the 'Technical Manual, Turn-O-Matic C900 Systems' by Esselte Meto International VertriebsGmbH, published in July 1994.

Of course, one is sufficient to operate system 1 Type of control 5; 6; so either a button with which is possible to increase the display by one digit or if necessary to lower, or to one of the previously described electronic display control device 6. The system control recognizes during commissioning based on the of the individual controls 5; 6 and display elements 3 sent identification signals automatically, which Type of system configuration to use. Depending on the number and type of controls 5; 6 or the display elements 3 the addressed system control is designed.

System 1 according to the invention provides an extension, a reduction or replacement of individual components easily possible by others. A system user can the system 1 optimally to those for its business operations adjust necessary specifications without this manual settings of any kind can be made would.

The aforementioned electronic display control device 5, the C900 / S-PC, contains a computer card for Control of the individual functions can also be called Memory card on which the collected system information be on call. If an external is connected to the C900 / S-PC Computer 14 connected, it is possible To evaluate information for statistical purposes. The Stored data contains information that the System users are allowed to do business in optimally e.g. fluctuating throughout the day Turn off customer numbers.

Likewise, the electronic display control device 6 with an electronic Output device 11 for labels can be connected. A such electronic label dispenser 11 is already known from WO 91/03802. The Coupling an electronic output device 11 for The system 1 provides labels to the System users receive direct information about how many Customers are still to be served. This too Information is best suited to doing business optimal to the fluctuating number of customers during the day adapt.

Of course, the system 1 according to the invention can be also operate when a mechanical dispenser 11 is intended for labels. Appropriate devices 11 are from the already mentioned WO 91/03802 and from the DE 23 66 367 C2 became known. As in the case of Display elements 3 and the different controls 5; 6 system 1 recognizes automatically when commissioning, whether mechanical or electronic Dispenser 11 for labels in the system 1 is integrated. In this case too, they are not manual Settings required.

According to the invention, a multiplicity of Control programs stored, the most varied Take the needs of individual businesses into account. While in many cases an easy, gradual one Increase the numbers shown on the display elements 3 is sufficient, it makes sense in other cases, a and the same number successively to several control points 12 forward. Another application provides that the Number of a customer who has not appeared after a certain number Period is called up at least once again, so that this customer gets a second chance. From the Many of the control programs available can the system user select the one that best matches the Conditions of his business operations.

To switch to a different tax program are on the modules 2 and possibly the electronic ones Display control devices 5 call units 10 intended. These call units 10 are in the simplest case around rotary switches. Every position one Rotary switch 10 is a specific address and one under control program stored in this address. The attitudes adjusted to the business operations usually when the system is first installed 1 - however, the system user is at liberty to make changes afterwards. There are only a few Hand movements necessary.

In Figure 4 is a flow chart of a program for control of the system 1 according to the invention. at The system is put into operation under point 30 individual system components initialized. This Initialization is done in such a way that each System component sends out a signal that is unique Identification allowed. Then comes on everyone System component the version number and the address for Display. As indicated at 31, the system is 1 then in standby and waiting for one Input. As previously, the entry can be made Position described, optionally via a button 6, with which only the last one on the display element 3 shown number is increased by one counter - or depending on Education is lowered by one meter - or else the Information is sent through an electronic display control device 5 entered. Because the selected Control program via the system recognition unit Information has been supplied from which components System 1 is composed, depending on connected input device 5; 6 the right or left path of the flowchart.

In the following, the sequence of the control program is at first Input described using a button 6. The correct one Control of all display elements 3 takes place in this case via a master display element 3. This master display element 3 each has the information on the next number waiting for operation and gives it consequently to the display element 3 of a vacant Control point 12 further. Under program item 32 the master display element 3 checks whether the made Entry allowed or whether it is executable. As long as none Permission to change by the master display element 3 is the system - as by the return of the Program is indicated on point 31 - continues in Readiness and waits for the next entry. Once a Display element 3 shows the change permission from the master display element 3 receives, according to point 34, its display changed; the one in order next to the relevant control point 12 pending operation Number appears on the display element 3.

After the execution of program points 30 and 31, the program sequence looks somewhat different if an electronic display control device 5 occurs instead of button 6. The message received via the interface 7 is first checked at point 35 to determine whether it comes from one of the operating elements 5. If the answer is in the negative, it is checked at 37 whether the message is intended for the assigned display element 3. If this is not the case - according to program item 38 - the message is not processed further; the program jumps back to program point 31 and is still on hold.
If, at point 35, the message is identified as coming from an operating element 5, the input at 36 is switched off at button 5. If the check under program item 37 provides the result that the message is intended for display on one of the display elements 3, a corresponding change in the display thereof is initiated at 34. The control program then loops back to point 31 and waits for the next input.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

system

2

module

3

display element

4

processor

5

electronic display control device

6

button

7

interface

8th

display

9

keyboard

10

Call unit

11

Label dispenser

12

keypad

13

signal element

14

Computer (external PC)

15

bracket

16

latch hook

17

circuit board

18

display

19

insertion

20

casing

Claims (11)

1. A system to determine the sequence of customers at several service locations, having a dispensing device (11) for tickets, with the ticket issued assigning a number to the customer in the order of service; having at least one display element (3) per service location (12), said display element (3) displaying at least the respective number currently being served at the service location (12) and/or to be served next; and having at least one operating device (5; 6) per service location (12) for triggering a change in the current display on the display element (3),
   characterised in that
   each display element (3) is provided as a module (2);
   each module (2) is provided with an interface (7) through which the display elements (3) and the operating elements (5; 6) communicate with one another; each module (2) is associated with at least one processor (4)
   in which a plurality of control programmes are available fulfilling various requirements for the sequence and allocation of the numbers to the individual display elements (3), with a system recognition unit in the control programmes examining the interface for identification signals and subsequently providing the control programme with information on how many and what type of operating devices (5; 6), display elements (3) and other units configure the system, and with the control programmes being designed for a wide variety of system configurations and with the system control appropriate for the system configuration being automatically activated by the information supplied by the system recognition unit; and in that a call unit (10) is provided at at least one module (2) to call up the individual control programmes.
2. The system according to claim 1,
   wherein the call unit (10) activates the available control programme in accordance with the identification signal of the display elements (3) and operating elements (5; 6) belonging to the system (1), in such a manner that when one or more operating devices (5; 6) is or are activated, the numbers are displayed on the display elements (3) in the sequence and allocation prescribed by the control programme.
3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one additional display element (3) is provided in the waiting area to display to the customers the number(s) of the next one(s) to be served.
4. The system according to claim 3,
   wherein several display elements (3) are provided in the waiting area to show the customers the next following numbers in the order of being served at the individual service locations (12).
5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
   wherein at least one optical and/or acoustical signalling element (13) is provided to call the customer's attention to a change in number on a display element (3).
6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
   wherein if there are several display elements (3) a first display element (3) is provided to control the additional display elements (3).
7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
   wherein in the case of several service locations (12) which a customer has to pass through in a certain order, a programme control is provided to display the number last served at one service location (12) on the display element (3) of the next service location (12).
8. The system according to claim 1,
   wherein one operating element (5; 6) is either a button (6) on activation of which the next number in the sequence appears on the display element, or it is a display-control device (5) with which random numbers can be displayed on the display element(s) (3).
9. The system according to claim 8,
   wherein the display-control device (5) can be coupled to a computer (14) for statistical evaluation of the data supplied by the display-control device (5).
10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
    wherein the ticket-dispensing device (11) is a mechanical device with an electronic counter.
11. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
    wherein the module (2) can be mounted in a corresponding recess of a holder by a click mechanism.

Images