JP2004157721A - System and method for ordering and payment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten the time of payment using exchange tickets by making a desk-top order terminal accept electronic exchange tickets held in a personal digital assistant that a customer has in an ordering and payment system of a restaurant etc. <P>SOLUTION: An order terminal 2 which allows input of order information regarding orders for menu items is provided with an information communication part 37 and electronic exchange ticket information is received from the personal digital assistant 101. The received electronic exchange ticket information is stored by a storage means in a first storage part that a control station 7 is equipped with. For payment at a POS terminal 6, a payment processing means performs payment processing while handling the money value that the electronic exchange ticket information stored in the first storage part has for the payment. Consequently, an electronic exchange ticket can be accepted by the order terminal 2 before the payment to eliminate the need for collecting and inputting the exchange ticket in the payment. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an order accounting system including an order terminal and an order accounting method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, an order accounting system, which is an order accounting system used to accurately and quickly transmit a customer's order to a cook at a restaurant or the like, has a number of handy terminals individually carried by a clerk of a customer clerk. A predetermined number of kitchen printers installed in a kitchen, a POS (Point of Sales) terminal as an accounting device installed in a checkout counter, and a control station as an order management control device for controlling the entire system. Are provided for communication freely. More specifically, the handy terminal is configured to input at least various information such as customer information and order information using a keyboard, and the kitchen printer converts the order information generated according to the various information in a predetermined format. It is designed to print on continuous paper.
[0003]
In such an order system, when the clerk inputs order information and comments of the order requested by the customer using the keyboard of the handy terminal, the order information generated according to various information input from the handy terminal is transmitted to the control station. Is transmitted wirelessly. The order information is also transmitted to the kitchen printer. Since the kitchen printer issues a cooking instruction slip in accordance with the transmitted order information, the cook can quickly and reliably cook the ordered food by following the printed content of the cooking instruction slip.
[0004]
By the way, in the deflationary era such as today, restaurants are increasingly required to operate more efficiently, and reduction of labor costs and the like is an urgent issue.
[0005]
Therefore, in recent years, in order to reduce the burden on the clerk, a self-order terminal that is provided at each table and that allows a customer to place an order by himself has been developed (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0006]
According to the self-order terminal disclosed in Patent Document 1, order information generated according to various information input from the self-order terminal is wirelessly transmitted to the control station. Then, the control station receiving the order information transmits the order information to the kitchen printer and the POS terminal by wire. Since the kitchen printer issues a cooking instruction slip in accordance with the transmitted order information, the cook can quickly and reliably cook the ordered food by following the printed content of the cooking instruction slip. According to such a self-order terminal, since the customer himself places the order, the clerk does not need to go to the customer to listen to the order, so that the clerk's work efficiency can be improved.
[0007]
By the way, restaurants and the like issue coupons, which are cash vouchers having a monetary value, in order to improve the ability to attract customers. This coupon is collected during checkout at the checkout counter, the amount described in the coupon is input to the POS terminal, and the amount is discounted from the check amount by the POS terminal.
[0008]
Also, a predetermined amount of money is discounted from the amount of the transaction by displaying such coupon information on a screen of a mobile phone or the like and presenting the information at the time of the transaction.
[0009]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-9-288772
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the coupon is processed at the time of checkout at the checkout counter, there is a problem that the checkout time becomes longer. Such a problem occurs even when a self-order terminal described in Patent Literature 1 is used.
[0011]
An object of the present invention is to provide an order accounting system capable of shortening the time for accounting dealing with cash vouchers.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention performs information communication between an order terminal that allows input of order information relating to an order for a menu item, and a portable information terminal provided in the order terminal and capable of storing electronic cash note information having a monetary value. An information communication unit, storage means for causing the information communication unit to store the electronic voucher information received from the portable information terminal in a first storage unit, and the electronic voucher information stored in the first storage unit And accounting means for treating the monetary value of the money as payment and performing accounting based on the order information.
[0013]
Accordingly, the electronic cash note information transmitted from the portable information terminal to the order terminal is stored in the first storage unit by the storage means, and the monetary value of the electronic cash note information is treated as payment by the accounting processing means, and the accounting processing is performed. Done. Here, the payment by the electronic cash voucher may be a part of the payment or the whole amount.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0015]
The present embodiment is, for example, an order system that is an order accounting system used in a restaurant such as a restaurant, and its outline is that a customer can order with a table order terminal that is an order terminal installed on a table. Then, the desk order terminal accepts the electronic cash voucher held in the portable information terminal owned by the customer, and incorporates it into the accounting processing at the accounting device installed at the checkout counter at the time of accounting, so that accounting can be performed. This makes it possible to reduce the time. Here, the table is a place where customers eat and drink the ordered menu items. In the present embodiment, an electronic coupon is applied as the electronic cash voucher.
[0016]
Specifically, the entire system is configured as shown in FIG. The order system 1 is connectable to a network N such as the Internet, and is configured to be able to communicate with the portable information terminal 101 via the network N. In addition, the order system 1 can perform infrared communication with the portable information terminal 101 in a store.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 1, the order system 1 includes a plurality of handy terminals 3 individually carried by a clerk, a wireless communication unit 4 installed on a ceiling or the like to enable wireless communication with the handy terminal 3, and an order menu. A kitchen printer 5 that prints and issues a cooking instruction slip (not shown) for instructing an item to a kitchen cooker, and a POS (Point of Sales) terminal that is an accounting device installed at a checkout counter 6 and a control station 7 which is an order management control device for controlling the whole system. The wireless communication unit 4, the kitchen printer 5, and the POS terminal 6 are connected to the control station 7 through a communication line 8. Have been. Here, the control station 7 has a function as a WWW (World Wide Web) server on the Internet, and provides a coupon site accessible through the network N. The number of wireless communication units 4 and the number of kitchen printers 5 are arbitrary. The communication line 8 is also connected to a broadband router 9 that enables communication with the portable information terminal 101 via the network N.
[0018]
In addition, the order system 1 includes a desk-side order terminal 2. As will be described in detail later, the tabletop order terminal 2 is a self-order terminal provided at each table and enabling a customer to place an order by himself. The desktop order terminal 2 is capable of wireless communication with the wireless communication unit 4, similarly to the handy terminal 3. The desk-side order terminal 2 is capable of communicating information with the portable information terminal 101 by infrared rays.
[0019]
Here, the tabletop order terminal 2 will be described in detail. Here, FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the tabletop order terminal 2, and FIG. 3 is a side view thereof. The housing 10 of the tabletop order terminal 2 has a curved front surface 10c. On the front surface 10c, various operation keys 11 and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display: liquid crystal display) for displaying order details, amount of money, and the like are displayed. ) 12 are provided. In the case 10 of the tabletop order terminal 2, the bottom surface 10a and the back surface 10b placed on the table form a substantially right angle. Further, on the upper part of the housing 10, a printed material listing menu items in a visually recognizable form is inserted and held detachably by inserting a menu table M formed in a sheet of paper or plastic. A groove-shaped slit S, which is a menu table holding portion for performing the operation, is formed. In addition, an infrared communication I / F 37, which is an information communication unit that transmits and receives information to and from the portable information terminal 101 by infrared, is provided on the front surface 10c of the desk-side order terminal 2.
[0020]
Here, various operation keys 11 arranged on the front surface 10c of the housing 10 of the desk-side order terminal 2 will be described with reference to FIG. As the operation keys 11, a ten key 11a for inputting numbers from "0" to "9", a clear key 11b for clearing the numbers input by the ten keys 11a, and a part number registration by inputting numbers from the ten keys 11a A "number order" key 11c for declaring an order by the user, a "call clerk" key 11d for calling a clerk, a "fee confirmation" key 11e for confirming the current charge, and confirming the menu item ordered at the present time. Key 11f, an "use electronic voucher" key 11g for using an electronic voucher such as an electronic coupon in payment of the price, and a preset key in which information on recommended menu items is preset. There are five types of direct keys 11h.
[0021]
It should be noted that five direct keys 11h of the tabletop order terminal 2 of the present embodiment are provided, and are associated with five types of menu items printed on the menu table M that is inserted into the slit S and mounted. I have. The number of direct keys 11h is not limited to this. The direct key 11h is arranged near the slit S into which the menu table M is inserted. More specifically, when the menu table M is held in the slit S, the direct key 11h is located close to the menu item displayed in the menu table M. This is to clarify the correspondence between the five types of menu items printed on the menu table M inserted into the slit S and the five direct keys 11h. By clarifying the correspondence between the five types of menu items printed on the menu table M inserted into the slit S and the five direct keys 11h in this manner, the recommended menu items are added to the menu table M. In the case of printing, a great sales promotion effect can be expected, and the occurrence of an order error can be reliably prevented, so that the work efficiency of the clerk can be dramatically improved.
[0022]
Further, the menu table M held by the tabletop order terminal 2 is a printed material formed in a sheet shape from paper or plastic, and thus can be easily changed. Then, the information about the order preset in the five types of direct keys 11h may be changed according to the changed menu table.
[0023]
The electrical connection of each unit built in the desk order terminal 2 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the desktop order terminal 2 is provided with a Microcomputer (hereinafter, referred to as a microcomputer) 15, and the microcomputer 15 drives and controls each unit. The microcomputer 15 includes, via a bus line 17, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 18 that previously stores fixed information such as a control program for operating the microcomputer 15 in a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 16 that centrally controls each unit. A random access memory (RAM) 19, which functions as a work area for storing various information in a rewritable manner, is connected thereto. The ROM 18 also stores a product master file (not shown) that stores and holds menu item names of various menu items and prices of the menu items for each menu item code.
[0024]
An infrared communication I / F 37 is connected to such a microcomputer 15, various keys 11 are connected via a key input circuit 20, and an LCD 12 is connected via a display control unit 21. Drive controlled. In addition, the tabletop order terminal 2 is provided with a wireless communication I / F 22 for performing wireless communication with the wireless communication unit 4, and is connected to the microcomputer 15 via the bus line 17. As a result, the tabletop ordering terminal 2 can transmit and receive information to and from the control station 7.
[0025]
Next, a function of causing the microcomputer 15 to execute the control program stored in the ROM 18 incorporated in the desk-side order terminal 2 will be described. Here, FIG. 6 is a flowchart schematically showing the flow of the key input process. As shown in FIG. 6, when any of the operation keys 11 of the tabletop order terminal 2 is operated and a key input is made (Y in step S1), in steps S2 to S8, the ten key 11a, the clear key 11b, It is determined which of the "number order" key 11c, the "call clerk" key 11d, the "charge confirmation" key 11e, the "order confirmation" key 11f, the "use electronic voucher" key 11g, and the direct key 11h has been operated.
[0026]
If there is a key input from the numeric keypad 11a (Y in step S2), numeric key input processing is executed (step S9). The ten-key input process stores any number from “0” to “9” according to the operated key in the RAM 19 and displays the input number a at a predetermined position on the LCD 12 as shown in FIG. I do.
[0027]
When there is a key input from the "number order" key 11c (Y in step S3), it is determined whether or not an order confirmation screen described later is already displayed on the LCD 12 (step S10). If the order confirmation screen has not been displayed on the LCD 12 yet (N in step S10), the order confirmation screen is displayed on the LCD 12 (step S11). Here, FIG. 8 is an example of the order confirmation screen displayed on the LCD 12. When the "number order" key 11c is operated after inputting the product number from the numeric keypad 11a, as shown in FIG. 8, the menu item name b of the menu item corresponding to the product number and the price c of the menu item are extracted from the product master file. Is displayed at a predetermined position. Further, on the order confirmation screen, as shown in FIG. 8, a guidance G1 for inputting the quantity (for example, "please press the quantity + [number order] button") is also displayed at a predetermined position.
[0028]
On the other hand, if the order confirmation screen has already been displayed on the LCD 12 (Y in step S10), the "number order" key 11c has been operated after inputting the quantity from the numeric keypad 11a in accordance with the guidance G1, so that the product number and After executing an order transmission process of generating order information based on the quantity and transmitting it to the control station 7 (step S12), the order confirmation screen displayed on the LCD 12 is cleared (step S13).
[0029]
If there is a key input from the "call clerk" key 11d (Y in step S4), a clerk calling process is executed (step S14). In the clerk calling process, for example, a predetermined signal is transmitted to the control station 7 to display a table number provided with the desk-side ordering terminal 2 on a display (not shown) connected to the control station 7 or to perform control. This is a process of notifying the clerk that the customer is being called by sounding a buzzer (not shown) connected to the station 7 or the like.
[0030]
If there is a key input from the "rate check" key 11e (Y in step S5), the current rate information (charged amount and amount per person) is obtained from the control station 7, as shown in FIG. The charge information (charge amount and amount per person) d is displayed at a predetermined position on the LCD 12 (step S15). The current charge information (charge amount and amount per person) is generated in the control station 7 based on various information stored in a customer order information file F3 (see FIG. 15) of the control station 7 described later. . This fee information (billed amount and amount per person) d is displayed for about 10 seconds and then cleared (step S16).
[0031]
If there is a key input from the "order confirmation" key 11f (Y in step S6), the order menu information, which is the menu item ordered at the present time, is obtained from the control station 7, and as shown in FIG. The order menu information (menu item name and quantity) e is displayed at a predetermined position (step S17). Note that the order menu information, which is the menu item ordered at the present time, is generated in the control station 7 based on various information stored in a customer order information file F3 (see FIG. 15) of the control station 7 described later. This order menu information (menu item name and quantity) e is displayed for about 10 seconds and then cleared (step S18). In the present embodiment, when there are four or more types of order menu items, order menu information (menu item name and quantity) e can be scroll-displayed by continuous operation of the “order confirmation” key 11f. .
[0032]
If there is a key input from the "use electronic cash voucher" key 11g (Y in step S7), guidance G2 (FIG. 11) prompting the portable information terminal 101 to transmit electronic cash voucher information to a predetermined position on the LCD 12 is provided. For example, "Please transmit electronic voucher information using a portable information terminal") is displayed (step S19). Then, when electronic voucher information such as electronic coupon information is received from the portable information terminal 101 (step S20), the guidance G2 is cleared (step S21), and the received electronic voucher information is transmitted to the control station 7. It is transmitted (step S22).
[0033]
If there is a key input from the direct key 11h (Y in step S8), an order transmission process is executed (step S23). In the order transmission process, the menu item name f and the price g of the menu item, which are information relating to the order of the menu item preset in a predetermined key of the operated direct key 11h, are extracted from the product master file and the predetermined value is determined. In addition to the display at the position (see FIG. 12), the item number and the quantity of the menu item preset in a predetermined key of the operated direct key 11h (the quantity is set to "1" in the case of the order by the direct key 11h). The order information is generated based on the specified information, and transmitted to the control station 7. Also, in this case, as shown in FIG. 12, a comment C indicating that the order has been received (for example, "I have received your order. Thank you") is also displayed at a predetermined position. Then, the menu item name f, the price g, and the comment C are displayed for about 10 seconds and then cleared (step S24).
[0034]
If it is not a key input from the direct key 11h (N in step S8), since it is a key input from the clear key 11b, the number stored in the RAM 19 is cleared and the LCD 12 as shown in FIG. A clearing process for clearing the numeral a displayed at the predetermined position is executed (step S25).
[0035]
Subsequently, the structure of the handy terminal 3, the control station 7, and the POS terminal 6 that constitute the order system 1 will be briefly described. Note that the structure and function of the wireless communication unit 4 and the kitchen printer 5 constituting the order system 1 are not different from those of the related art, and the description thereof will be omitted.
[0036]
First, the handy terminal 3 will be described. Here, FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the electrical connection of each part built in the handy terminal 3. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 13, the handy terminal 3 is provided with a keyboard 51 provided with various operation keys, and a display unit 50 which is an LCD for displaying the details of the order and the amount of money. Although not specifically shown, the operation keys provided on the keyboard 51 include a numeric keypad for inputting numbers from “0” to “9”, and a menu in which menu items are preset in order to specify a desired menu item. Keys are included.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 13, the handy terminal 3 is provided with a Microcomputer (hereinafter, referred to as a microcomputer) 52, and the microcomputer 52 drives and controls each unit. The microcomputer 52 functions as a ROM 55 for previously storing fixed information such as a control program for operating the CPU 53 via a bus line 54 to a CPU 53 for centrally controlling each unit, and a work area for rewritably storing various information. The RAM 56 is connected to and configured. The keyboard 51 is connected to such a microcomputer 52 via a keyboard input circuit 57, and the display unit 50 is connected via a display control unit 58. The handy terminal 3 is provided with a wireless communication device 59 for performing wireless communication with the wireless communication unit 4, and is connected to the microcomputer 52 via the bus line 54. The components connected to the microcomputer 52 as described above are driven and controlled by the microcomputer 52.
[0038]
Next, the control station 7 will be described. Here, FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the electrical connection of each part built in the control station 7. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 14, the control station 7 is provided with a keyboard 40 provided with various operation keys and a display unit 41 which is an LCD. Although not particularly shown, the operation keys arranged on the keyboard 40 include numeric keys for inputting numbers from “0” to “9”.
[0039]
As shown in FIG. 14, the control station 7 is provided with a Microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) 42, and the microcomputer 42 drives and controls each unit. The microcomputer 42 functions as a ROM 45 for storing fixed information such as a control program for operating the CPU 43 in advance via a bus line 44 and a work area for rewritably storing various types of information via a bus line 44 to a CPU 43 for centrally controlling each unit. The RAM 46 is connected to a first storage unit. The keyboard 40 is connected to such a microcomputer 42 via a keyboard input circuit 47, and the display unit 41 is connected via a display control unit 48. The control station 7 includes a line communication device 49 for communicating with each device via the communication line 8, and is connected to the microcomputer 42 via the bus line 44. The components connected to the microcomputer 42 in this manner are driven and controlled by the microcomputer 42.
[0040]
In addition, the microcomputer 42 is connected to a storage unit 39 that stores a coupon site file F1 and is a second storage unit including, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Here, when there is a browsing request for the coupon site from the portable information terminal 101, the microcomputer 42 transmits the coupon site file F1 to the portable information terminal 101. Thereby, the portable information terminal 101 can download the electronic coupon.
[0041]
In addition, the storage unit 39 stores an issued electronic coupon ticket file F2 that stores issued electronic coupon ticket information for identifying an electronic coupon issued to the portable information terminal 101 at the coupon site. ing. This issued electronic coupon ticket information functions as validity information for determining the validity of the electronic coupon ticket information.
[0042]
In the RAM 46 of the control station 7, there are provided a customer order information file F3 for storing order information (order information) and an electronic voucher use file F4 for storing received electronic voucher information. As shown in FIG. 15, the customer order information file F3 stores, for each slip number h, the number i, the terminal number j, the order menu item k, the order quantity 1, the order time m, the person in charge n, and the like. The contents stored in the customer order information file F3 are held until the accounting process for the corresponding slip number is completed by the POS terminal 6.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 16, the content (money value) r of the electronic cash voucher is stored in the electronic cash voucher use file F4 for each terminal number q. When the electronic cash voucher is an electronic coupon, the content r of the electronic cash voucher is, for example, a discount amount.
[0044]
A terminal designation table T is provided in the RAM 46 of the control station 7. As shown in FIG. 17, the terminal designation table T is a table in which a terminal number o assigned to each tabletop order terminal 2 is associated with a table number p assigned in advance to each table provided with the tabletop order terminal 2. It is.
[0045]
Next, the POS terminal 6 will be described. Here, FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection of each unit built in the POS terminal 6. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 18, the POS terminal 6 includes a keyboard 61 for collecting various types of keys and inputting predetermined information, a display 62 located on the operator side for displaying predetermined items, There are provided a customer-side display 63 located on the customer side for displaying predetermined items, a receipt / journal printer 64 for printing and issuing a receipt, and the like.
[0046]
As shown in FIG. 18, the POS terminal 6 includes a Microcomputer (hereinafter, referred to as a microcomputer) 66, and the microcomputer 66 controls the driving of each unit. The microcomputer 66 functions as a ROM 69 for storing fixed information such as a control program for operating the CPU 67 in advance via a bus line 68 and a work area for rewritably storing various kinds of information via a bus line 68 to a CPU 67 for centrally controlling each unit. It is configured to be connected to a RAM 70. A keyboard 61 is connected to such a microcomputer 66 via a keyboard input circuit 71, displays 62 and 63 are connected via a display control unit 72, and a receipt / journal printer 64 is connected via a printer control unit 73. Have been. The POS terminal 6 includes a line communication device 74 for communicating with each device via the communication line 8, and is connected to the microcomputer 66 via a bus line 68. The components connected to the microcomputer 66 in this way are driven and controlled by the microcomputer 66.
[0047]
Here, as the portable information terminal 101 capable of communicating with the order system 1, a mobile phone, a PHS (Personal Handyphone System), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), or the like is applied. The portable information terminal 101 of the present embodiment is connectable to the network N, and has a function for operating the Internet such as a browsing function. Although not particularly shown, the portable information terminal 101 includes a storage unit for storing electronic voucher information such as electronic coupon information downloaded from a coupon site, and an infrared communication I / F for transmitting and receiving information by infrared. Since the mobile phone, the PHS, the PDA, and the like are well-known technologies, the description of the structure and functions of the mobile information terminal 101 is omitted here.
[0048]
Next, the operation of the order system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0049]
In a restaurant using such an order system 1, when a customer enters the store, a clerk of the customer clerk performs a store entry process by operating keys on the keyboard 51 of the handy terminal 3. In the store entry process, first, a table clerk provided to the table that guides the customer and a table order provided in the table are operated by the clerk of the customer clerk operating the numeric keypad of the keyboard 51 of the handy terminal 3. The terminal number previously assigned to the terminal 2 (when the customer uses a plurality of tables for a large number of persons, the predetermined desk order terminal 2) is associated with the terminal designation table T as terminal designation information. Entered for. As described above, only the desktop order terminal 2 having the terminal number associated with the table number in the terminal designation table T can be used.
[0050]
In addition, as entry processing, customer information such as the number of customers and table numbers and information of the person in charge are input by the key operation of the ten keys of the keyboard 51 of the handy terminal 3 by the clerk of the customer clerk.
[0051]
The customer information and the terminal designation information (table number, terminal number), which are various types of information relating to the customer entering the store, which are input as the store entry process, are transmitted to the control station 7 via the wireless communication unit 4. Then, in the control station 7, the terminal designation information (table number, terminal number) is stored in the terminal designation table T, and the customer information is stored in the customer order information file F3 as a part of the order information (order information).
[0052]
Note that the store entry process is not limited to the input from the handy terminal 3, but may be performed by input from the kitchen printer 5, the POS terminal 6, the control station 7, and the like.
[0053]
When the customer clerk finishes the entry process, the customer guided to the predetermined table by the customer clerk is provided on the table and becomes available, allowing input of information related to menu item order. Using the desktop order terminal 2, the user himself places an order by operating the operation keys 11 of the desktop order terminal 2 as described above. Here, information (menu item name, price and quantity of the menu item) relating to the menu item input by the key operation of the operation key 11 of the table order terminal 2 is associated with the terminal number of the table order terminal 2. To become order information (order information).
[0054]
On the other hand, as for the order of a customer unfamiliar with the operation of the tabletop order terminal 2, the customer clerk verifies the order given by the customer verbally while looking at the handed out menu table on the keyboard of the handy terminal 3. The input is made by operating the menu key or numeric keypad 51.
[0055]
If the customer wants to cancel the order by using the tabletop order terminal 2, the customer clerk cancels the order by operating the keys on the keyboard 51 of the handy terminal 3, as before.
[0056]
That is, the desktop order terminal 2 which is a self-order terminal is permitted to transmit order information (order information) to the control station 7 after the end of the store entrance process allowing input of various types of information relating to customer entrance. As a result, the store clerk uses the handy terminal 3 or the like, so that the customer can use the tabletop order terminal 2 without performing the storefront processing. Can be used properly, and the desktop order terminal 2 and the handy terminal 3 can coexist, so that the quality of service in the self-order where the customer places an order by himself can be improved.
[0057]
The order content thus input is transmitted to the control station 7 via the wireless communication unit 4. Then, the control station 7 stores the contents of the order in the customer order information file F3 as part of the order information (order information) in association with the customer information. Further, the customer information and the order content are transmitted to the kitchen printer 5. In the kitchen printer 5, a cooking instruction slip is issued according to the transmitted order contents. With the cooking instruction slip issued by such a kitchen printer 5, the ordered food is notified to the cook in the kitchen.
[0058]
By the way, when there is an order from the desk ordering terminal 2, the control station 7 searches the terminal designation table T according to the terminal number of the desk ordering terminal 2 included in the order information (order information). Only when the table number is associated with the terminal number, the order from the desk order terminal 2 is accepted. That is, for example, in the case where each table is provided with one table ordering terminal 2 and when a set of customers is guided to three tables, two table ordering terminals 2 are invalidated and one table ordering terminal 2 is invalidated. It is possible to make only the terminal 2 valid.
[0059]
Of the customers who have completed the order, those who have downloaded the electronic coupon from the coupon site to their personal digital assistant 101 in advance, use the “use electronic cash voucher” key of the desktop ordering terminal 2 to use the electronic coupon. Operate 11 g. Thereby, the guidance is displayed on the LCD 12 of the desktop ordering terminal 2 as described above. When the customer operates the portable information terminal 101 in accordance with the displayed guidance G2, the electronic coupon ticket information held in the portable information terminal 101 is transmitted to the desktop order terminal 2. In this case, since the infrared rays have directivity and the communication distance is short, the customer transmitting the information is provided with the infrared communication I / F (not shown) of the portable information terminal 101 on the front face 10c of the desktop ordering terminal 2. The information transmission operation may be performed in a state of being close to the infrared communication I / F 37.
[0060]
Here, the process of accepting an electronic coupon will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0061]
When receiving the electronic coupon ticket information from the portable information terminal 101 (Y in step S31), the desktop order terminal 2 transmits the electronic coupon ticket information to the control station 7 to check the validity of the electronic coupon ticket. An inquiry is made (step S32).
[0062]
On the other hand, in the control station 7, when the electronic coupon information is transmitted from the desk order terminal 2 and the validity of the electronic coupon is inquired (Y in step S41), the electronic coupon is issued. The electronic coupon is checked against the information stored in the file F2 to determine whether the electronic coupon is registered in the issued electronic coupon file F2, and the validity / invalidity of the electronic coupon is determined (step S42). , Judgment means). Specifically, if the electronic coupon is registered in the issued electronic coupon file F2, it is determined that the electronic coupon is valid, and if not, the electronic coupon is invalid. Is determined. If it is determined that the electronic coupon is valid (Y in step S43), the electronic coupon information is stored in the electronic voucher use file F4 in the RAM 46 (step S44, storage means). At this time, the electronic coupon information is stored in association with the terminal number of the desktop order terminal 2 as the transmission source. After that, the validity / invalidity of the electronic coupon is transmitted to the desktop order terminal 2 (step S45).
[0063]
When receiving the result of the inquiry from the control station 7 (Y in step S33), the desktop order terminal 2 displays a comment corresponding to the result on the LCD (step S34). Specifically, if the result is that the electronic coupon is valid, a comment indicating that the electronic coupon has been accepted is displayed on the LCD, and if the electronic coupon is invalid, this electronic coupon is An invalid comment is displayed on the LCD.
[0064]
Subsequently, when the cooking for all the orders is completed and the meal is completed, the customer receives the accounting processing at the POS terminal 6. In this case, the customer brings the check sheet with the table number or the like to the checkout counter. When the cashier of the checkout counter is presented with the bill, the cashier operates the POS terminal 6 to inquire the control station 7 to obtain the billing information corresponding to the table number attached to the bill. Here, the transaction information is the contents stored in the customer order information file F3 and the electronic cash voucher use file F4, and the control station 7 refers to the terminal designation table T to read out the files F3 and F4. The information corresponding to the inquired table number can be searched. Then, the cashier of the checkout counter operates the POS terminal 6 according to the acquired transaction information to execute the transaction. At this time, the POS terminal 6 calculates the total by subtracting the discount amount of the electronic coupon from the subtotal amount. Here, the function of the accounting processing means is executed. When the accounting process is completed, the order information (order information) stored in the customer order information file F3 of the control station 7 and the contents of the terminal designation table T and the contents stored in the electronic cash voucher use file F4 are cleared. You.
[0065]
In the order system 1 of the present embodiment, a bill for accounting processing is not issued, and an accounting tag with a table number or the like is presented to the cashier of the checkout counter. As described above, by operating the "charge confirmation" key 11e of the desk order terminal 2, the charge information (invoice amount and amount per person) at the present time can be viewed, and the "order confirmation" of the desk order terminal 2 can be viewed. By operating the "" key 11f, the menu item ordered at the present time can be viewed.
[0066]
As described above, in the present embodiment, electronic voucher information such as electronic coupon information transmitted from the portable information terminal 101 to the desk order terminal 2 is stored in the RAM 46 of the control station 7, and the electronic voucher information Since the monetary value is treated as a part or all of the payment at the POS terminal 6 and the accounting process is performed, the electronic cash voucher can be accepted at the desk order terminal 2 before the accounting, and thus, as in the conventional case. This eliminates the need to collect and input cash vouchers at the time of accounting, thereby shortening accounting time.
[0067]
In this embodiment, an electronic coupon has been described as an example of an electronic cash voucher. However, the present invention is not limited to this. May be.
[0068]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the electronic coupon ticket information, which is the electronic voucher information received from the portable information terminal 101 by the infrared communication I / F 37, which is the information communication unit, is stored in the storage unit 39, which is the second storage unit. The electronic coupon ticket information received by the infrared communication I / F 37 from the portable information terminal 101 is valid by comparing it with issued electronic coupon ticket information, which is validity information for determining the validity of the electronic voucher information that has been received. The accounting processing means determines whether or not only the monetary value of the electronic coupon voucher information, which is the electronic voucher information that is determined to be valid by the determination means and is stored in the RAM 46 serving as the first storage unit. Is treated as payment, only valid electronic coupons can be treated as payment.
[0069]
Further, in the present embodiment, the infrared communication I / F 37, which is an information communication unit, performs information communication with the portable information terminal 101 by using infrared rays. For example, even when a plurality of tabletop order terminals 2 are installed in a store, the portable information terminal 101 can perform information communication with a specific tabletop order terminal 2.
[0070]
Also, in the present embodiment, the electronic coupon information, which is electronic cash note information, is discount information related to discounts in accounting, so that the ability to attract customers can be improved.
[0071]
Further, in the present embodiment, a portable information terminal is provided by a table order terminal 2 which is an order terminal installed on a table where a customer eats and drinks ordered menu items and which allows input of order information related to ordering of menu items. Receiving the electronic coupon information which is electronic cash note information having a monetary value from 101; storing the electronic coupon information received by the tabletop order terminal 2 in the RAM 46 which is the first storage unit; And performing the accounting process by treating the monetary value of the stored electronic coupon ticket information as payment and performing an accounting process, so that the electronic order voucher can be accepted at the desk order terminal 2 before accounting, whereby It is not necessary to collect and enter cash vouchers at the time of accounting as in the past, so shorten the accounting time It can be.
[0072]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the electronic voucher information transmitted from the portable information terminal to the order terminal is stored in the first storage unit by the storage unit, and the monetary value of the electronic voucher information is treated as payment by the accounting processing unit. The electronic cash voucher can be received at the order terminal before the payment, and the collection and input work of the cash voucher at the time of the payment is not required as in the prior art. Time can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of an order system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a tabletop order terminal.
FIG. 3 is a side view thereof.
FIG. 4 is a front view showing various operation keys.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection of each unit built in the tabletop order terminal.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart schematically showing a flow of a key input process.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen when a key input is made from a numeric keypad.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen when a key input is made from a “number order” key.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen when a key input is made from a “fee confirmation” key.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen when a key is input from an “order confirmation” key.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen when a key is input from a “use electronic voucher” key.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen when a key is input from a direct key.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection of each unit built in the handy terminal.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection of each unit built in the control station.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a data structure of a customer order information file.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a data structure of an electronic cash voucher use file.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a data configuration of a terminal designation table.
FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection of each unit built in the POS terminal.
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of operation of the order system.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of an electronic coupon ticket accepting process.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Order system (order accounting system), 2 ... Desktop order terminal (order terminal), 37 ... Infrared communication I / F (information communication part), 39 ... Storage part (second storage part), 46 ... RAM (No. One storage unit), 101: portable information terminal, step S42: determination means, step S44: storage means

Claims (5)

An order terminal that allows entry of order information related to menu item ordering,
An information communication unit that is provided in the order terminal and performs information communication with a portable information terminal capable of storing electronic cash note information having a monetary value,
Storage means for causing the information communication unit to store the electronic cash note information received from the portable information terminal in a first storage unit,
An order accounting system comprising: accounting processing means that treats the money value of the electronic cash note information stored in the first storage unit as payment and performs an accounting process based on the order information. The information communication unit compares the electronic voucher information received from the portable information terminal with validity information for determining validity of the electronic voucher information stored in the second storage unit, and performs the information communication. The electronic money voucher information received from the portable information terminal unit is provided with a determination unit that determines whether or not is valid,
2. The order accounting system according to claim 1, wherein the accounting processing unit treats only the monetary value of the electronic cash note information stored in the first storage unit as determined by the determining unit as valid, as payment. The order accounting system according to claim 1, wherein the information communication unit performs information communication with the portable information terminal using infrared rays. The order accounting system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic voucher information is discount information relating to a discount in accounting. Receiving electronic cash voucher information having a monetary value from a portable information terminal by an order terminal that is installed at a place where a customer eats and drinks the ordered menu item and that allows input of order information related to the order of the menu item;
Storing the electronic cash note information received by the order terminal in a first storage unit;
Performing accounting processing by treating the monetary value of the electronic voucher information stored in the storage unit as payment.
Including order accounting methods.

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