JP2008276639A - Self-order system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To adjust volume of a voice for confirming an ordered content at low cost in a self-order system in which a customer inputs an order through an order input terminal. <P>SOLUTION: The self-order system comprises the order input terminal used for inputting a menu to be ordered by reading a machine-readable code using a reading part operated by a customer and a management device for collecting and managing order data from the order input terminal for each customer. The order input terminal includes a voice output means for outputting a voice related to the menu according to the code of the menu read by the reading part, and a volume changing means for reading a predetermined volume change code by the reading part to thereby change the volume of voice to be output from the voice output means according to the read volume changing code. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a self-order system in which a customer himself / herself operates a terminal to input an order in a restaurant or the like.

At restaurants such as restaurants and taverns, the customer himself / herself operates a portable order entry terminal to enter the menu order, and the entered order data is wirelessly transmitted to the store management device, and the order contents are A self-order system that is instructed by a kitchen cooking worker has been widely introduced (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The order can be easily input by a method such as reading a machine-readable code with a code reader.
JP 2005-4317 A

Some of the order input terminals of the self-order system as described above are provided with a liquid crystal display or the like in order to confirm the contents of the input order, but there is a drawback that the apparatus becomes large. In order to improve this, an order input terminal that can confirm the order contents by voice output is conceivable.
However, since the optimal volume that is easy to hear differs depending on the customer, it is desirable to be able to adjust the volume, but providing a volume control knob is not preferable in terms of the size and cost of the device. . There is also a problem that the next customer is uncomfortable when the customer used before sets the volume to an extremely high level, for example.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a self-order system capable of realizing low-cost sound volume adjustment for confirming order contents input by an order input terminal. .

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and an order input terminal for inputting a menu for ordering by reading a machine-readable code by a customer's own operation with a reading unit, and the order input terminal. And a management device that collects order data from each customer and manages them for each customer, wherein the order input terminal outputs a sound related to the menu according to a menu code read by the reading unit Output means; and volume changing means for changing the volume of the sound output from the sound output means according to the read volume changing code by reading a predetermined volume changing code by the reading unit. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, since the volume of the output sound is changed by reading the code for changing the volume with the reading unit, the configuration for adjusting the volume is simple and can be realized at low cost. In other words, since the volume changing code is read using a reading unit for inputting a menu order, an additional configuration such as a volume knob is unnecessary. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the cost of the order input terminal capable of adjusting the volume of the sound for confirming the input order contents.

  Further, in the self-order system according to the present invention, the order input terminal includes storage means for storing volume control information for setting a volume of sound output from the sound output means, and the volume change means adjusts the volume. The volume control information of the storage means is increased or decreased by reading the volume high code for increasing or the volume low code for decreasing the volume by the reading unit, and the sound output means controls the volume control of the storage means Sound is output at a volume according to the information.

  In the present invention, when the high volume code is read, the volume control information value is set to increase, and when the low volume code is read, the volume control information value is set to decrease. Sound is output at a high volume. In this way, the volume is changed by the two codes, the large volume code and the small volume code, so that the space for providing the volume changing code can be saved.

  Also, the present invention is characterized in that in the self-order system, the volume changing means initializes the volume control information until the order input terminal is used by a next customer.

  According to the present invention, the changed volume is maintained while the customer whose volume has been changed is using the order input terminal, and the volume is initialized and standardized when the next customer uses the order input terminal. Since the sound is output at a typical volume, there is no inconvenience for both customers, and the convenience of the customers can be improved.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the self-order system, the sound output means notifies the change in sound volume when the sound volume control information is increased or decreased by the sound volume change means with the changed sound volume. .

  According to the present invention, when the volume is changed, the confirmation sound is notified with the changed volume, so that the change result of the volume can be easily and reliably confirmed.

  According to the present invention, in a self-order system in which a customer operates an order input terminal to input an order, sound volume adjustment for confirming order contents can be realized at low cost.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a self-order system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system includes a host server (management device) 100, a plurality of order input terminals 200, a wireless transceiver 300, a POS terminal (accounting terminal) 400 that performs payment, a kitchen printer 500, a USB hub 600, It is composed of a plurality of cradle 700 and a wired LAN 800.

  The host server 100 collects order data indicating the menu ordered by the customer from the order input terminal 200, manages it as an order data file (FIG. 9) for each customer, and transmits the contents of the order to the cooking operator. 500 is a computer that sends order data to 500 and prints a cooking instruction slip, and is installed, for example, in an office in a restaurant. The host server 100 has a communication function using a wired LAN (Local Area Network), and the host server 100 can communicate with the wireless transceiver 300, the POS terminal 400, and the kitchen printer 500 via the wired LAN 800 installed in the restaurant. It is connected to the. For example, TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) is used as the communication method of the wired LAN 800, and communication between devices can be performed at a data transfer rate of several tens to 100 Mbps. The host server 100 can also communicate with an external network 900 such as the Internet. For example, a data management server (not shown) installed at the headquarters of a restaurant chain can connect to all stores from the host server 100 of each store via the external network 900. The sales information may be collected and managed.

  The order input terminal 200 is a portable terminal device that inputs a menu to be ordered by a customer and transmits it to the host server 100 as order data, and has a pen-shaped appearance as shown in FIG. Yes. At the tip of the pen type, a reader (reading unit) that reads a code written in a menu code book (FIG. 3) is provided. The menu is input by causing the reader to read the code on the menu code book. The order data input and transmitted by the order input terminal 200 is received by the wireless transceiver 300 and transmitted to the host server 100 through the wired LAN 800.

  For communication between the order input terminal 200 and the wireless transceiver 300, a wireless communication method such as ZigBee is used. Here, ZigBee is one of the short-range wireless communication standards, and is a communication standard characterized by low data transfer speed and short transmission distance, but low power consumption and easy communication device cost reduction. It is known as Since the order data of restaurants has a small capacity, there is an advantage that the wireless device of the system can be configured at low cost by using ZigBee.

  Further, the order input terminal 200 holds voice data for notifying the menu information describing the menu name of each menu, the cooking method and ingredients related to the menu by voice. When a menu is input to the order input terminal 200, the corresponding menu name and menu information are notified by voice.

  When not in use, the order input terminal 200 is attached to the cradle 700. The cradle 700 connects the attached order input terminal 200 to the kitchen printer 500 via USB (Universal Serial Bus) so as to be communicable, and the audio data in the attached order input terminal 200 is transferred from the host server 100 to the kitchen printer. 500 is a connection device that can be updated via 500. The cradle 700 is provided with a total of 30 mounting openings for mounting the order input terminal 200, for example, 3 columns in the vertical direction and 10 columns in the horizontal direction. A USB connector and a charging terminal are provided at the back of each mounting opening. The cradle 700 is also provided with a USB terminal for connecting to the kitchen printer 500, and the USB terminal and each of the USB connectors are branched and connected by a built-in USB hub. Further, the cradle 700 has an AC cable, and this AC cable is connected to an external AC power supply so that the order input terminal 200 can be charged from the charging terminal by a charging circuit built in the cradle 700. .

  The kitchen printer 500 is a printer that is installed in or near a restaurant kitchen and prints the ordered menu contents as a cooking instruction slip. Order data indicating the ordered menu is transmitted from the order input terminal 200 to the host server 100 for processing, and is transmitted from the host server 100 to the kitchen printer 500 through the wired LAN 800. The printed cooking instruction slip is handed to the kitchen cooking worker, and the ordered menu dish is cooked.

  The kitchen printer 500 is provided with a USB port for performing USB communication, and the USB port and the USB terminal of the cradle 700 can be connected with a USB cable. The kitchen printer 500 has a function of mutually converting data communicated via the LAN and data communicated via the USB, whereby the host server 100 and the order input terminal 200 attached to the cradle 700 are connected. It is possible to communicate with. In FIG. 1, a USB hub 600 is further provided between the kitchen printer 500 and the cradle 700 so that a large number of order input terminals 200 can be used. That is, for example, in the case where 10 cradle 700 is connected to the USB hub 600, 30 order input terminals 200 can be attached to one cradle (there are 30 attachment ports). A total of 300 order input terminals 200 are used.

  The kitchen printer 500 is provided with an operation unit (not shown) so that the cooking server can notify the host server 100 of a menu that is out of stock by operating the operation unit. Upon receiving this notification, the host server 100 updates the menu file (FIG. 4) storing, for example, a menu list provided at the store. Accordingly, a new order is not accepted from the order input terminal 200 for the notified menu.

  The POS terminal 400 is a terminal device that is installed near the entrance of a restaurant and used for customer payment. Accounting information such as the payment amount and the items to be written on the receipt (name of the food / drink menu, its quantity, date, etc.) required for the settlement of the payment is hosted when the order input terminal 200 instructs the accounting. The data is transmitted from the server 100 to the POS terminal 400 through the wired LAN 800. The POS terminal 400 outputs the sent accounting information as a screen display or prints it out as a receipt from an output device such as a display for display or a printer.

FIG. 2 is an electric block diagram showing the internal configuration of the order input terminal 200.
The CPU 201 is a central processing unit that controls each unit of the order input terminal 200 and loads and executes a predetermined program from the ROM 202. The ROM 202 is a storage unit (read only memory) that stores various programs executed by the CPU 201. The RAM 203 is a storage unit (random access memory) having a file storage area for storing the aforementioned menu file, audio data, and the like, and a temporary storage area for temporarily storing data to be called and used by the CPU 201 during operation. . In the temporary storage area, the unique ID number of the order input terminal 200, the menu code (item code) read by the code reader 204, the order number of the menu, the accounting command code, the table number code, the person in charge (customer service) code Furthermore, sound volume control information for instructing a sound volume level when outputting sound data as sound is stored.

  The code reader (reading unit) 204 reads various codes such as menu codes, function keys, and accounting command codes that are printed so as not to be seen at first glance on the character display portion of the menu code book (FIG. 3) using infrared rays. It is an infrared reader and is provided at the tip of the pen of the order input terminal 200. When the code reader 204 is applied to a predetermined location in the menu code book or the predetermined location is traced, the code printed at that location is input (read).

  The voice synthesis circuit 205 is a digital circuit that synthesizes a voice waveform from the voice data read from the RAM 203 and outputs the synthesized voice waveform to the volume adjustment circuit 205a. The volume adjustment circuit 205 a is a digital circuit that adjusts the sound from the voice synthesis circuit 205 to a volume level according to the volume control information set in the temporary storage area of the RAM 203 and outputs the volume to the speaker 206. When a menu is input from the code reader 204, a voice related to the menu is synthesized by the voice synthesis circuit 205 and adjusted to a desired volume level by the volume adjustment circuit 205a. Sound is generated.

The wireless communication unit 207 is a ZigBee communication device that performs wireless communication of order data with the wireless transceiver 300.
The USB-I / F 208 is a communication interface that is connected to a USB connector at the back of the mounting opening when mounted on the cradle 700 and performs communication for updating audio data in the RAM 203.

  The battery 209 is a rechargeable built-in battery that supplies power to each part of the order input terminal 200 and is charged when the cradle 700 is mounted. The battery remaining amount of the battery 209 is displayed on the LED indicator 210.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a menu code book in which a list of menus is described and used when a customer selects a menu. In the menu code book, the name and price of various menus are listed in the menu area, and depending on the menu, the cooking method (for example, for steaks, whether it is rare, medium or welded) can be selected. Cooking instruction information such as a side dish (for example, baked potatoes, French fries, hot vegetables, etc.) and the timing of providing a drink (before or after a meal) are also described. And the code | cord | chord which can be read with infrared rays which coded the said description content by the predetermined | prescribed system is printed on the part of the menu name and cooking instruction information. When the pen tip (code reader 204) of the order input terminal 200 is brought into contact with a menu name or cooking instruction information, the code is read and input to the order input terminal 200 as order contents.

  In the menu code book, the function key area has a number of 1 to 10 and various function keys such as “confirm”, “cancel”, “repeat”, “send”, “accounting”, “call staff”, etc. The above-described infrared readable codes are also printed on these function key portions. When inputting a menu with the code reader 204 of the order input terminal 200, an order is input in combination with a function key reading input. When calling a customer service representative after eating or drinking and requesting accounting, the code reader 204 is caused to read the function key of “accounting”, that is, the accounting command code.

  FIG. 4 is an example of the menu file, and the same contents are stored in the host server 100 and the order input terminal 200. The menu file includes an item code, which is an identification number for identifying the menu, a menu name, a price, a voice code for name, a voice code for explanation, a sold-out flag indicating whether the menu is in stock, etc. It is recorded every time. The sold-out flag is set to “1” when the menu is sold out, and is set to “0” when the menu is not sold out. The name audio code is an identification number for specifying audio data for outputting the name of the menu from the speaker 206 of the order input terminal 200, and the explanation audio code is also a detailed description of the menu (cooking method and This is an identification number for identifying voice data such as a description of a food material. Instead of the name voice code and the explanation voice code, the file name of the corresponding voice data (for example, “xxxx.wav”) may be directly recorded.

  FIG. 5 shows the data structure of the order data transmission text transmitted from the order input terminal 200 to the host server 100 when the menu is ordered. In the order data transmission text, the terminal ID (ID number of the order input terminal 200), the table number, and the person-in-charge code are arranged from the top, and then the menu data to be ordered is arranged. The menu data to be ordered includes an item code, a cooking instruction information code, and the number of orders. When a plurality of menus are ordered, the data are sequentially arranged.

  In FIG. 5, the item code is data read by the code reader 204 from the menu code book. Each table on which a customer sits is affixed with a printed matter (FIG. 7) printed with a table number code obtained by encoding a table number unique to the table in the same manner as the menu code book. What has been read is the table number. The customer service staff wears a name tag (FIG. 8) in which individual person-in-charge codes are encoded and printed in the same manner as the menu code book, and the code reader 204 reads the name tag. It becomes a code.

  FIG. 6 shows the data structure of an accounting command code transmission text transmitted from the order input terminal 200 to the host server 100 at the time of accounting request. In the accounting command code transmission text, a terminal ID, a table number, a person-in-charge code, and an accounting command code are sequentially arranged from the top. The terminal ID, table number, and person-in-charge code are the same as the order data transmission text in FIG. The accounting command code is data read by the code reader 204 from the menu code book. When the customer asks the customer service for accounting, the code reader 204 reads the “accounting” function key (accounting command code) on the menu code book, and the accounting command code transmission text in FIG. It is transmitted to the host server 100.

  FIG. 8 is an example of a name tag worn by the customer service. The name tag includes the name of the customer service representative (“XX” in the example in the figure), the person-in-charge code described above, and the large volume code and small volume code that are data encoded in the same manner as the person-in-charge code. And are printed. The large volume code and the small volume code are commands for adjusting the volume level of the sound output from the order input terminal 200. When the large volume code or the small volume code is read by the code reader 204, it is stored in the temporary storage area of the RAM 203. The volume control information that has been set is changed accordingly, and the volume level of the sound output from the speaker 206 is adjusted by the volume adjustment circuit 205a in accordance with the changed volume control information. Note that the volume level of the order input terminal 200 is set to a standard volume in the initial state (described later), and the customer calls the customer service as necessary and reads the large volume code or the small volume code by the code reader 204. Adjust the volume.

  FIG. 9 is an example of an order data file that collects order data from the order input terminal 200 and is stored and managed by the host server 100. In the order data file, an order time indicating the time when the order data is received from the order input terminal 200, a table number for identifying the table on which the customer is sitting, a person in charge of the customer service person in charge of customer service, and an order code are ordered. Each item such as an item code for specifying a menu, the number of orders in the menu, and an accounting flag indicating whether or not accounting has been completed is stored for each order (for each customer). In addition, new order data is sequentially added to the end of the order data file.

  As for the accounting flag, a value “0” indicates that accounting has not been completed, and a value “1” indicates that accounting has been completed. In the initial state (when order data is written), the accounting flag is set to “0”, and when accounting processing is performed, the accounting flag is set to “1”. FIG. 9 shows that, for example, at 11:40, two menus of item codes “5” and “23” are ordered from the table number “10”, and this order has not yet been accounted for. ing.

  Each order data stored in the above order data file is called up at the time of accounting, and is used in processing such as calculation of payment amount and generation of items to be described in receipts (names and quantities of food and drinks, dates, etc.) It is done. The order data to be called is order data in which the value of the table number matches the table number of the accounting command code transmission text (FIG. 6) sent from the order input terminal 200 and the accounting flag is “0”.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for using the self-order system according to the present embodiment.
First, when a customer visits a restaurant, the clerk takes out one order input terminal 200 attached to the cradle 700 and guides the customer to the table (step S1). Then, the clerk reads the table number and the person-in-charge code with the code reader 204 of the order input terminal 200, and temporarily stores them in the RAM 203 of the order input terminal 200 (step S2). Here, as described above, the table number is a number for identifying the table to which the customer is guided, and is printed as an infrared readable code on a card provided in each table (FIG. 7). The person-in-charge code is a number for identifying the store clerk, and is printed as a similar infrared-readable code on the store clerk's name tag (FIG. 8). After reading the table number and the person-in-charge code, the store clerk hands the order input terminal 200 to the customer (step S3) and orders the menu.

  The customer looks at the menu code book provided in the table, selects a menu to be ordered, and inputs the code by tracing the name portion of the menu and the function key portion with the code reader 204 of the order input terminal 200. . For example, if you order medium sirloin steak and choose warm vegetables for the side dish, the name of “Sirloin steak”, “medium”, the cooking instruction information part of “warm vegetables”, and the function key area number “ Read “1” and “Confirm” in order. At this time, the order input terminal 200 calls voice data corresponding to the description of the input menu name, cooking method, and the like from the RAM 203 and outputs voice guidance from the speaker 206. The customer can change the menu with reference to the contents of the notification by voice as necessary. Further, if the sound volume is not appropriate at this time, the customer can call the customer service staff to have the code reader 204 read the large volume code or the small volume code to adjust the volume. When all the menus to be ordered are input, the customer causes the code reader 204 to read “Send” in the function key area of the menu code book. Thereby, the order input terminal 200 generates the order data transmission text of FIG. 5 and transmits it to the host server 100 (step S4).

  The host server 100 receives the order data transmission text from the order input terminal 200, and sequentially adds and stores the order data of each menu included in the text in the order data file (FIG. 9) and stores the order data in the kitchen printer 500. Is sent to issue a cooking instruction slip (step S5). The cooking operator who has received the cooking instruction slip cooks the food and distributes it to the table (step S6).

  When the customer requests accounting after the end of eating and drinking, the customer inputs an accounting instruction by tracing the “accounting” (accounting instruction code) in the function key area of the menu code book with the code reader 204 of the order input terminal 200. The order input terminal 200 reads the accounting instruction code with the code reader 204, generates an accounting instruction code transmission text, and transmits it to the host server 100 (step S7). The host server 100 receives this accounting instruction code transmission text and causes the POS terminal 400 to print accounting information (invoice) (step S8). A table number is also printed on the invoice, and the clerk takes the invoice to the corresponding table and hands the invoice to the customer and collects the order input terminal 200 (step S9). The customer brings the bill to the POS terminal 400 and settles the price (step S10).

  On the other hand, the store clerk mounts the collected order input terminal 200 on the cradle 700. For the order input terminal 200 attached to the cradle 700, the battery 209 is charged, and the latest menu file and audio data are downloaded from the host server 100 via the USB, and these data in the RAM 203 are stored. Is updated (step S11). The order input terminal 200 that has been charged and updated is used again by the next customer.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the order input terminal 200 in the above-described use procedure of the self-order system.
The order input terminal 200 first determines whether or not the USB connection is valid by detecting whether or not the USB connection is valid (step S101). If the USB connection is invalid, it is determined that it is not attached to the cradle 700, and it is determined whether or not the table reader and the person-in-charge code are read from the code reader 204 (step S102).

  When this input is performed, it is next determined whether or not an order for one menu item has been input based on whether or not the code of the menu (menu name or cooking instruction information on the menu code book) has been read by the code reader 204. (Step S103). When an order for one menu item is input, the code of the input menu is stored in the temporary storage area of the RAM 203, and the menu is searched from the menu file in the RAM 203. The audio data corresponding to the audio code is called from the RAM 203, and the audio is output from the speaker 206 at a volume level corresponding to the volume control information set in the temporary storage area of the RAM 203 (step S104). When ordering a plurality of menus, step S103 and step S104 are sequentially repeated.

  When an order for one menu item is not input in step S103 (for example, while an order is being input), it is determined whether or not a large volume code has been input (step S105). When a large volume code is input, it is determined whether or not the volume control information set in the temporary storage area of the RAM 203 is the maximum value (step S106). Volume control information is set in (Step S107). Then, the speaker 206 outputs a sound indicating that the volume has been changed at the volume level corresponding to the set volume control information, for example, “Volume has been increased” (step S108). If the volume control information has already reached the maximum value in step S106, a sound to that effect, for example, “the volume is the maximum value”, is output at the volume level corresponding to the maximum value. Thereby, the customer can confirm the volume set in the order input terminal 200.

  If no high volume code is input in step S105, it is determined whether a low volume code is input (step S109). When a small volume code is input, it is determined whether or not the volume control information set in the temporary storage area of the RAM 203 is a minimum value (step S110). Volume control information is set in (Step S111). Then, a sound indicating that the sound volume has been changed at a sound volume level corresponding to the set sound volume control information, for example, “the sound volume has been lowered”, is output from the speaker 206 (step S112). If the volume control information has already reached the minimum value in step S110, a sound such as “volume is the minimum value” is output at the volume level corresponding to the minimum value. Thereby, the customer can confirm the volume set in the order input terminal 200.

  If the small volume code is not input in step S109, it is determined whether or not the “Send” code has been read from the menu code book (step S113). If not, the process returns to step S103. When the “transmission” code is read, the menu to be ordered is confirmed, so the order data transmission text (based on the codes of all menus stored in the temporary storage area of the RAM 203 in steps S103 to S104). 5) is generated and transmitted from the wireless communication unit 207 to the host server 100, and the fact that the order has been transmitted is output from the speaker 206 at a volume level corresponding to the volume control information set in the temporary storage area of the RAM 203. Audio is output (step S114).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the “accounting” code (accounting command code) has been read and input (step S115). If there is an input, an accounting command code transmission text is generated and transmitted to the host server 100. The fact that the instruction has been transmitted is output from the speaker 206 at a volume level corresponding to the volume control information set in the temporary storage area of the RAM 203 (step S116). Then, the process returns to step S101.

  On the other hand, if the USB connection is valid in step S101, it is determined that the order input terminal 200 is attached to the cradle 700. Then, the data temporarily stored in the temporary storage area in the RAM 203 (order data when used by the previous customer, etc.) is deleted, and the volume control information is set to the initial value (step S118), and then the host server The host server 100 is inquired about the latest update date and time of each of the audio data and menu files managed by the server 100 (step S119). Here, the initial value of the volume control information is assumed to be a value predetermined for a standard volume level.

  When the inquiry result is received, it is determined whether or not the update date and time of each file in the RAM 203 is the latest according to the inquiry result (step S120). Send a request for the latest data. Then, update data transmitted from the host server 100 via the wired LAN 800 is received via the cradle 700, and the corresponding file in the RAM 203 is updated (step S121).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the host server 100 in the use procedure of the self-order system described above.
The host server 100 always checks whether there is an order data transmission or voice data update date / time inquiry from the order input terminal 200 (steps S201 and S206). When the order data is received, the order data is sequentially added to the order data file and stored (step S202). Further, the order data is transmitted to the kitchen printer 500, and the kitchen printer 500 is instructed to print the cooking instruction slip relating to the order (step S203).

  Thereafter, it is checked whether or not the accounting command code transmission text has been transmitted from the order input terminal 200 (step S204). When the accounting command code transmission text is received, the order data whose table number matches the data of “table number” included therein and whose accounting flag is “0” is called from the order data file. Then, the called order data is transmitted to the POS terminal 400, and an invoice is printed / issued (step S205). The reason why the table numbers match as described above is that the customer can be identified by the table number. After step S205, the process returns to step S201.

  On the other hand, when there is an inquiry about the update date and time of each file such as voice data and menu file from the order input terminal 200 (YES in step S206), the host server 100 sets the update date and time of each managed file to the order input terminal. 200 is returned as a response to the inquiry (step S207). When a request for the latest data is further received from the order input terminal 200 (step S208), the data related to the request is retrieved, and the obtained data is transmitted to the order input terminal 200 via the wired LAN 800. In the order input terminal 200 that has received the response to the inquiry, if each file in the RAM 203 of the order input terminal 200 is the latest file (see step S111 in FIG. 11), no data request is sent. Therefore, the process returns to step S201.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to the above-described one, and various design changes and the like can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Is possible.
For example, the timing at which the volume control information (volume level of the order input terminal 200) is returned to the initial value is the time when the order input terminal 200 is set in the cradle 700 as described above (step S118). As the time of reading (step S115), the time of removing the order input terminal 200 from the cradle 700 (step S1), the time of reading and inputting the table number and the person-in-charge code at the start of ordering (step S102), etc. Also good. In other words, any timing may be used as long as the order input for a customer is completed and the order input for the next customer is started. Further, when the host server 100 receives a predetermined signal (for example, an accounting command code for requesting accounting) from the order input terminal 200, the host server 100 transmits a command for initializing the volume control information to the order input terminal 200 to input the order. The terminal 200 may receive this command and set the volume control information to the initial value.

In addition, the large volume code and the small volume code are provided in the menu code book, not in the name tag of the customer service, or the same printed matter on which the table number code is printed (pasted on the table or menu stand) Or may be provided.
Further, the order input terminal 200 may include a display unit (liquid crystal display or the like) for confirming operation details.

  Further, the code format applied to the menu code and the accounting command code is not particularly limited in the present invention. For example, in addition to the infrared-reading barcode as described in the above embodiment, the barcode may be printed with ultraviolet reflective ink so that it is not visible to human eyes. Further, the barcode may be a two-dimensional barcode. Also, the entire code is composed of a large number of dots, and each dot itself is invisible (for example, several tens to several hundreds of microns), and all the dots are arranged in an area of a certain size (for example, a picture of each menu or A method of distributing and arranging the “accounting” characters on the printed portion) may be applied.

  In the above embodiment, the kitchen printer 500, the USB hub 600, the cradle 700, and the order input terminal 200 communicate with each other via USB. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Wireless communication (UWB; Ultra Wide Band etc.) can also be applied. However, since the cradle 700 and the order input terminal 200 are close to each other, it is preferable to use a communication method with low power consumption.

It is a block diagram of the self-order system by one Embodiment of this invention. It is an electrical block diagram which shows the internal structure of an order input terminal. It is an example of the menu code book used when a customer selects a menu. It is an example of a menu file. It is a data structure of an order data transmission text. It is a data structure of an accounting command code transmission text. It is an example of the printed matter which printed the table number code. It is an example of the name tag which a customer attendant wears. It is an example of an order data file. It is the flowchart which showed the utilization procedure of the self-order system. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of an order input terminal. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of a host server.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Host server (management apparatus) 200 ... Order input terminal 201 ... CPU 202 ... ROM 203 ... RAM 204 ... Code reader 205 ... Voice synthesis circuit 206 ... Speaker 207 ... Wireless communication part 208 ... USB-I / F 209 ... Battery 210 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... LED indicator 300 ... Wireless transceiver 400 ... POS terminal (accounting terminal) 401 ... Display for store clerk 402 ... Liquid crystal touch panel 403 ... Key operation part 404 ... Receipt issue port 405 ... Accounting call seal 406 ... Magnetic card 407 ... Drawer 500 ... Kitchen Printer 600 ... USB hub 700 ... Cradle 800 ... Wired LAN

Claims (4)

An order input terminal that inputs a menu for ordering by reading a machine-readable code by a customer's own operation with a reading unit, and a management device that collects order data from the order input terminal and manages it for each customer. In a self-order system comprising:
The order input terminal is
Audio output means for outputting audio related to the menu according to the code of the menu read by the reading unit;
Volume changing means for changing the volume of the sound output from the sound output means by reading the predetermined volume changing code with the reading unit according to the read volume changing code;
A self-order system characterized by comprising The order input terminal includes storage means for storing volume control information for setting a volume of sound output from the sound output means,
The volume changing means increases or decreases the value of the volume control information of the storage means by reading the volume large code for increasing the volume or the volume small code for decreasing the volume by the reading unit,
The self-order system according to claim 1, wherein the sound output means outputs sound at a sound volume in accordance with sound volume control information of the storage means. The self-order system according to claim 2, wherein the sound volume changing unit initializes the sound volume control information until the order input terminal is used by a next customer. 4. The self-order according to claim 2, wherein the sound output unit notifies the volume after the change that the volume has been changed when the volume control information is increased or decreased by the volume change unit. system.

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