JP2004164176A - Order and payment method, ordering terminal, and payment device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an order and bill payment method for reasonably performing operations such as the mounting of a battery on an ordering terminal, the collection of a battery from the ordering terminal, and the charging of the battery concerning a self-order terminal in a restaurant or the like, and for quickly and surely performing bill payment processing. <P>SOLUTION: In store entry processing, a battery 13 is mounted on a predetermined ordering terminal 2 so that the ordering terminal 2 can be set so as to be driven, and the input of order information is permitted, and billing data based on the inputted order information are stored in a storage part. On the other hand, in bill payment processing, the billing data stored in the storage part of the battery 13 removed from the ordering terminal 2 are read by the billing device so that the bill payment processing can be carried out. Thus, it is possible to reasonably perform operations such as the mounting of the battery 13 on the ordering terminal 2, the collection of the battery from the ordering terminal 2, and the charging of the battery. Furthermore, it is possible to quickly and surely perform the bill payment processing only by reading the billing data stored in the storing part of the battery 13 in the bill payment processing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an order accounting method, an order terminal, and an accounting device.
[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 operate and input at least various information such as customer information and order information using a keyboard, and the kitchen printer converts order data 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 a clerk inputs and operates order information and comments of an order requested by a customer using a keyboard of the handy terminal, order data generated according to various information input from the handy terminal is transmitted to the control station. Is transmitted wirelessly. The order data is also transmitted to the kitchen printer. Since the kitchen printer issues a cooking instruction slip according to the transmitted order data, 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 data 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 data transmits the order data to the kitchen printer and the POS terminal by wire. Since the kitchen printer issues a cooking instruction slip according to the transmitted order data, 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]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-09-288772
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in a self-order terminal as described in Patent Literature 1, a power source is often driven by a battery so that the terminal can be freely installed in accordance with a table layout of a restaurant such as a restaurant.
[0009]
However, when the self-order terminal is driven by a battery, it is necessary to collect the self-order terminal from each table and charge the battery after the store is closed, and the operation is troublesome.
[0010]
In addition, at the time of checkout, the customer may bring the checkout counter to the checkout counter, and the clerk may manually input a slip with the same identification number as that of the checkout counter. In such a case, there is a problem in that it takes a long time for input and lacks quickness, and it is easy to cause a human error such as double billing or omission of billing, and thus lacks reliability.
[0011]
According to the present invention, an order accounting method can easily perform operations of attaching a battery to an order terminal, collecting a battery from the order terminal, and charging a battery, and performing an accounting process quickly and reliably. , An order terminal and an accounting device.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention uses an order terminal that allows input of order information pertaining to an order for a menu item, and an accounting device that performs accounting based on accounting data based on the order information input via the order terminal, Attaching a battery as a driving power supply to the predetermined order terminal to make the order terminal drivable at the time of the store entry processing; and Storing the accounting data based on the inputted order information, removing the battery from the order terminal at the time of the accounting process, and accounting data stored in the storage unit of the battery removed from the order terminal. And a step of performing accounting processing in the accounting device based on the read accounting data.
[0013]
Therefore, at the time of store entry processing, the battery is attached to a predetermined order terminal so that the order terminal can be driven. Account data based on the information is stored in the storage unit of the battery. On the other hand, during the accounting process, the battery is removed from the order terminal, and the accounting device reads the accounting data stored in the storage unit of the removed battery, and executes the accounting process. As a result, the order terminal only needs to be operated while the customer is in the customer's seat, so at the time of accounting, the battery that is the driving power source can be removed from the order terminal and used as a bill for accounting in the accounting device. Will be possible. In addition, at the time of accounting, it is only necessary to read the accounting data stored in the storage unit of the battery, so that quick and reliable accounting can be performed.
[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 which is an order accounting system used in a restaurant such as a restaurant, and the entire system is configured as shown in FIG. 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 a kitchen cook in an order menu item. A kitchen printer 5 for printing and issuing a cooking instruction slip (not shown) for instructing a customer, a POS (Point of Sales) terminal 6 which is an accounting device installed at a checkout counter, and an entire system. It has a control station 7 which is an order management control device for controlling, and is configured by connecting the wireless communication unit 4, the kitchen printer 5, and the POS terminal 6 to the control station 7 through a communication line 8. The number of wireless communication units 4 and the number of kitchen printers 5 are arbitrary.
[0016]
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.
[0017]
Next, 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 contents and amount 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.
[0018]
In addition, below the front surface 10c of the tabletop order terminal 2, a battery storage portion 14 having an upper surface opening is formed so as to extend to the customer side. The battery storage section 14 is for storing and holding a stick-shaped battery 13 which is a driving power supply, and has a volume substantially equal to the capacity of the battery 13. Inside such a battery storage section 14, a metal terminal 14a connected to each section such as the LCD 12 that requires power supply in the desktop order terminal 2 is provided. On the other hand, a metal terminal 13a serving as a power supply port is also provided on the side surface of the battery 13. The metal terminal 13a of the battery 13 is positioned at a position where the metal terminal 13a contacts the metal terminal 14a inside the battery storage unit 14 when the battery 13 is correctly stored in the battery storage unit 14.
[0019]
With such a configuration, when the battery 13 is correctly stored in the battery storage unit 14, the metal terminal 14 a of the battery storage unit 14 and the metal terminal 13 a of the battery 13 are in contact and electrically connected. Thus, power is supplied from the battery 13 to each unit such as the LCD 12 that requires power supply.
[0020]
The battery housing 14 is provided with a battery lock mechanism (not shown) for fixing the battery 13 so that the battery 13 does not jump out. Since such a battery lock mechanism is a well-known mechanism, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0021]
Here, FIG. 4 schematically shows the battery 13, (a) is an external perspective view showing a state seen from the front side, and (b) is an external perspective view showing a state seen from the back side. As shown in FIG. 4, on the front side of the battery 13 according to the present embodiment, a label 13c "Please remove it at the time of accounting and take it to the counter." Although this will be described later in detail, in the present embodiment, the battery 13 is also used as a bill.
[0022]
In addition, a wireless tag 30 which is a kind of data carrier is provided on the back side of the battery 13 of the present embodiment. The wireless tag 30 includes a coil antenna 31 and an IC chip 32 functioning as a storage unit for storing various data. By generating an induced electromotive force in the coil antenna 31, data can be transmitted / received to / from the IC chip 32. Configuration. Although the coil antenna 31 and the IC chip 32 are shown in FIG. 4 for explanation, the structure is not actually visible from the outside. The IC chip 32 stores an identification number for identifying each battery 13 and accounting data.
[0023]
The IC of the wireless tag 30 is located at the bottom of the battery storage unit 14 of the desk-side order terminal 2 and at a position facing the wireless tag 30 of the battery 13 when the battery 13 is correctly stored in the battery storage unit 14. A wireless tag reader / writer 35 for writing and reading data recorded on the chip 32 by electromagnetic induction is provided.
[0024]
Next, various operation keys 11 arranged on the front surface 10c of the housing 10 of the desktop 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, 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. An "order confirmation" key 11f for performing the operation, and five types of direct keys 11g, which are preset keys in which information relating to the order of frequently-appearing menu items and recommended menu items are preset in advance, are provided.
[0025]
Note that five direct keys 11g of the tabletop order terminal 2 of the present embodiment are provided and correspond to five types of menu items printed on the menu table M inserted into the slit S. The number of direct keys 11g is not limited to this. The direct key 11g is disposed 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 11g 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 11g. 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 11g, the recommended menu items can be changed to the menu table M. When printing is performed in a short time, a great sales promotion effect can be expected. In addition, when frequently-appearing menu items are printed on the menu table M, it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of an order mistake, and it is possible to dramatically improve the work efficiency of the clerk.
[0026]
Further, the menu table M held in the tabletop order terminal 2 is a printed matter formed in a sheet shape from paper or plastic, and thus can be easily changed. Then, the information on the order preset in the five types of direct keys 11g may be changed according to the changed menu table M.
[0027]
The electrical connection of each unit built in the desktop order terminal 2 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the desk-side 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 data 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 data in a rewritable manner, is connected and configured. 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.
[0028]
Various keys 11 are connected to such a microcomputer 15 via a key input circuit 20, and an LCD 12 is connected via a display control unit 21. The microcomputer 15 is driven and controlled. In addition, the tabletop order terminal 2 includes a wireless communication device 22 for performing wireless communication with the wireless communication unit 4, and is connected to the microcomputer 15 via the bus line 17. Thereby, the desktop order terminal 2 can transmit and receive data to and from the control station 7.
[0029]
Further, the above-described wireless tag reader / writer 35 is also connected to the microcomputer 15 via the input / output control unit 36, and is driven and controlled by the microcomputer 15. The wireless tag reader / writer 35 includes a coil-shaped reader / writer antenna (not shown) for a wireless tag, and is configured to generate a magnetic field when energized. When the wireless tag 30 of the battery 13 approaches the magnetic field generated by the reader / writer antenna for the wireless tag, an induced electromotive force is generated in the coil antenna 31 of the wireless tag 30 and the IC chip 32 of the wireless tag 30 is generated. Is transmitted to and read from the RFID tag reader / writer antenna, or data is transmitted from the RFID reader / writer antenna to the IC chip 32 of the RFID tag 30 and written.
[0030]
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. 7 is a flowchart schematically showing the flow of the key input process. As shown in FIG. 7, when any of the operation keys 11 of the desktop order terminal 2 is operated and a key input is made (Y in step S1), in steps S2 to S7, 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, and the direct key 11g has been operated.
[0031]
When there is a key input from the numeric keypad 11a (Y in step S2), numeric key input processing is executed (step S8). 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.
[0032]
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 S9). If the order confirmation screen has not been displayed on the LCD 12 yet (N in step S9), the order confirmation screen is displayed on the LCD 12 (step S10). Here, FIG. 9 is an example of an 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. 9, 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 G for inputting the quantity (for example, "please press the quantity + [number order] button") is also displayed at a predetermined position.
[0033]
On the other hand, if the order confirmation screen is already displayed on the LCD 12 (Y in step S9), the "number order" key 11c has been operated after inputting the quantity from the numeric keypad 11a in accordance with the guidance G. After executing order transmission processing for generating order data based on the quantity and transmitting the generated order data to the control station 7 (step S11), the order confirmation screen displayed on the LCD 12 is cleared (step S12).
[0034]
When there is a key input from the "call clerk" key 11d (Y in step S4), a clerk call process is executed (step S13). 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.
[0035]
When there is a key input from the "rate check" key 11e (Y in step S5), the current rate data (charged amount and amount per person) is obtained from the control station 7, and as shown in FIG. The charge data (charged amount and amount per person) d is displayed at a predetermined position on the LCD 12 (step S14). Note that the current charge data (charged amount and amount per person) is generated in the control station 7 based on various data stored in a customer order information file F (see FIG. 14) of the control station 7 described later. . The charge data (charged amount and amount per person) d is displayed for about 10 seconds and then cleared (step S15).
[0036]
If there is a key input from the "order confirmation" key 11f (Y in step S6), order menu data, 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 data (menu item name and quantity) e is displayed at a predetermined position (step S16). The order menu data, which is the menu item ordered at the present time, is generated in the control station 7 based on various data stored in a customer order information file F (see FIG. 14) of the control station 7 described later. The order menu data (menu item name and quantity) e is displayed for about 10 seconds and then cleared (step S17). In this embodiment, when there are four or more types of order menu items, order menu data (menu item name and quantity) e can be scroll-displayed by continuous operation of the “order confirmation” key 11f. .
[0037]
When there is a key input from the direct key 11g (Y in step S7), an order transmission process is executed (step S18). 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 11g, are extracted from the product master file, and extracted. At the same time as the position is displayed (see FIG. 12), the item number and the quantity of the menu item preset in a predetermined key of the operated direct key 11g (the quantity is "1" in the case of the order by the direct key 11g). The order data is generated on the basis of the designated order 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 cleared after being displayed for about 10 seconds (step S19).
[0038]
If it is not a key input from the direct key 11g (N in step S7), 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 S20).
[0039]
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.
[0040]
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.
[0041]
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 data 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 storing various data in a rewritable manner. 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.
[0042]
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”.
[0043]
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 previously storing fixed data such as a control program for operating the CPU 43 and a work area for rewritably storing various data via a bus line 44 to a CPU 43 for centrally controlling each unit. The RAM 46 is configured to be connected. 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.
[0044]
In the RAM 46 of the control station 7, a customer order information file F for storing order data (order information) is provided. As shown in FIG. 15, the customer order information file F 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 F are held until the accounting process for the corresponding slip number is completed by the POS terminal 6.
[0045]
In addition, a terminal designation table T is provided in the RAM 46 of the control station 7. As shown in FIG. 16, this terminal designation table T associates a table number p previously assigned to each table provided with the desk order terminal 2 with a terminal number o assigned to each desk order terminal 2. It is.
[0046]
Next, the POS terminal 6 will be described. Here, FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection of each unit built in the POS terminal 6. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 17, the POS terminal 6 includes a keyboard 61 for collecting various keys and for inputting predetermined data, a display 62 positioned on the operator side for displaying predetermined items, 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 writing and reading of data recorded on the IC chip 32 of the wireless tag 30 of the battery 13. Is performed by electromagnetic induction.
[0047]
As shown in FIG. 17, the POS terminal 6 is provided with a Microcomputer (hereinafter, referred to as a microcomputer) 66, and the microcomputer 66 drives and controls each unit. The microcomputer 66 functions as a ROM 69 for previously storing fixed data such as a control program for operating the CPU 67 via a bus line 68 to a CPU 67 for centrally controlling each unit and a work area for rewritably storing various data. 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.
[0048]
Further, the wireless tag reader / writer 65 is also connected to the microcomputer 66 via the input / output control unit 75, and is driven and controlled by the microcomputer 66. The wireless tag reader / writer 65 functions as a data read section, includes a coil-shaped wireless tag reader antenna (not shown), and is configured to generate a magnetic field when energized. When the wireless tag 30 of the battery 13 approaches the magnetic field generated by the wireless tag reader antenna, an induced electromotive force is generated in the coil antenna 31 of the wireless tag 30 and the IC chip 32 of the wireless tag 30 is generated. The stored data is transmitted to and read from the reader antenna for wireless tag, or the data is transmitted from the reader / writer antenna for wireless tag to the IC chip 32 of the wireless tag 30 to be written.
[0049]
Next, the operation of the order system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0050]
In a restaurant using such an order system 1, when a customer enters the store, a clerk of a customer clerk performs a store entry process. As the entry process by the clerk of the customer clerk, first, bring the charged battery 13 to the table guiding the customer, and bring the charged battery 13 brought to the battery storage unit 14 of the tabletop order terminal 2 provided on the table. The desktop order terminal 2 is driven by attaching the battery 13. The desktop order terminal 2 thus started up first drives the wireless tag reader / writer 35 to transmit the identification number (that is, the identification number (that is, the identification number) from the IC chip 32 of the wireless tag 30 provided on the battery 13 attached to the desktop order terminal 2. , The terminal number of the desktop order terminal 2). Then, it transmits to the control station 7 the table number previously assigned to the desk-side ordering terminal 2 to which the battery 13 is attached and the identification number (terminal number) read from the IC chip 32 of the wireless tag 30. The control station 7 stores the received table number and identification number (terminal number) in association with the terminal designation table T as terminal designation information.
[0051]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the charged battery 13 is attached only to the table order terminal 2 to be used. For example, when one table order terminal 2 is provided for each table, three tables When one set of customers is guided, it is possible to invalidate the two desk order terminals 2 and enable only one desk order terminal 2.
[0052]
In addition, as a store entry process, customer information such as the number of customers and terminal numbers and information of the person in charge are input by the key operation of the ten keys on the keyboard 51 of the handy terminal 3 by the clerk of the customer clerk.
[0053]
The customer information and the information of the person in charge, which are various types of information related 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, the control station 7 stores the customer information and the information of the person in charge in the customer order information file F as a part of the order data (order information).
[0054]
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.
[0055]
When the customer clerk finishes the store entry process, the customer guided to the predetermined table by the customer clerk uses the tabletop order terminal 2 provided on the table and becomes available, as described above. The user himself places an order by operating the operation keys 11 of the desktop order terminal 2. Here, information (menu item name, price and quantity of the menu item) concerning the menu item input by the key operation of the operation key 11 of the tabletop order terminal 2 is stored in the battery 13 attached to the tabletop order terminal 2. The order data (order information) is associated with the number (that is, the terminal number of the desktop order terminal 2).
[0056]
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.
[0057]
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.
[0058]
That is, the desktop order terminal 2 serving as the customer order terminal is permitted to transmit order data (order information) to the control station 7 after the store entry process allowing input of various information relating to the customer entry into the store. . 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.
[0059]
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 order details in the customer order information file F as a part of the order data (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. Then, the cooked food is served according to the table number described in the cooking instruction slip.
[0060]
In addition, in the present embodiment, the control station 7 is controlled based on the order data (order information) input by the table order terminal 2 or the handy terminal 3 and transmitted to the control station 7 via the wireless communication unit 4. The accounting data such as the amount of money for each menu, the total amount, and the like calculated in step (1) are transmitted from the control station 7 to the desk order terminal 2. Then, the desktop order terminal 2 that has received the transaction data writes the transaction data to the IC chip 32 of the wireless tag 30 provided in the battery 13 by the wireless tag reader / writer 35. Here, accounting data storage means is realized.
[0061]
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 releases the battery lock mechanism provided in the battery storage section 14 of the desktop ordering terminal 2 according to the label 13c of the battery 13 "Remove at the checkout and take it to the counter." 13 is removed from the battery housing 14. Then, the removed battery 13 is brought to the checkout counter.
[0062]
When presented with the removed battery 13, the cashier of the checkout counter causes the wireless tag 30 of the battery 13 to face the wireless tag reader / writer 65 connected to the POS terminal 6. Then, an induced electromotive force is generated in the coil antenna 31 of the wireless tag 30 by a magnetic field from the wireless tag reader antenna of the wireless tag reader / writer 65, and the data stored in the IC chip 32 of the wireless tag 30 is transferred to the wireless tag reader / writer 65. By transmitting the data to the wireless tag reader antenna, the wireless tag reader / writer 65 can read the transaction data stored in the IC chip 32 of the wireless tag 30. The accounting data read by the wireless tag reader / writer 65 in this manner is subjected to accounting processing realized by a well-known function of the POS terminal 6, and accounting processing such as payment of a fee is executed. Here, the accounting means is realized. Further, since the wireless tag reader / writer 65 only needs to read the data stored in the IC chip 32 of the wireless tag 30, the accounting process can be performed quickly.
[0063]
When the accounting process is completed in this way, the order data (order information) and the contents of the terminal designation table T stored in the customer order information file F of the control station 7 are cleared.
[0064]
In the order system 1 of the present embodiment, a slip for accounting is not issued, but the battery 13 attached to the desk-side order terminal 2 is removed and 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 data (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.
[0065]
As described above, in the present embodiment, at the time of store entry processing, the battery 13 is attached to the predetermined table order terminal 2 so that the table order terminal 2 can be driven. The input of the information is allowed, and the accounting data based on the input order information is stored in the IC chip 32 of the wireless tag 30 provided in the battery 13 as the storage unit. On the other hand, during the accounting process, the battery 13 is removed from the desk-side order terminal 2, and the accounting data stored in the IC chip 32 of the wireless tag 30 provided in the removed battery 13 is read by the POS terminal 6, which is an accounting device. And the accounting process is executed. As a result, the tabletop order terminal 2 only needs to be operated while the customer is in the customer's seat. Therefore, at the time of the checkout, the battery 13 which is the driving power source is removed from the tabletop order terminal 2 and the checkout used in the checkout process in the POS terminal 6 is performed. Since it can be used as a bill, the operation of attaching the battery 13 to the desk-side order terminal 2, collecting the battery 13 from the desk-side order terminal 2, and charging the battery 13 can be performed without difficulty. In addition, by adopting such an operation mode, the battery 13 only needs to be able to supply power while the customer is in the customer's seat. The capacity can be reduced to some extent.
[0066]
Further, at the time of checkout, it is only necessary to read the checkout data stored in the IC chip 32 of the wireless tag 30 provided in the battery 13, so that a quick and reliable checkout process can be performed.
[0067]
Note that, in the present embodiment, an IC chip 32 of a wireless tag 30 which is a kind of data carrier is used as a storage unit provided in the battery 13 and an electromagnetic induction method of writing and reading data by electromagnetic induction is employed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and data may be written to and read from other data carriers by an electromagnetic coupling method, a microwave method, an electrostatic coupling method, an optical transmission method, or the like.
[0068]
【The invention's effect】
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the operation | movement of attachment of a battery to an order terminal, collection | recovery of a battery from an order terminal, and charge of a battery can be implemented without difficulty, and also can perform an accounting process quickly and reliably.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an entire system 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.
4A and 4B schematically show a battery, wherein FIG. 4A is an external perspective view showing a state seen from a front side, and FIG. 4B is an external perspective view showing a state seen from a back side.
FIG. 5 is a front view showing various operation keys.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection of each unit built in the tabletop order terminal.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart schematically showing a flow of a key input process.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen when a key input is made from a numeric keypad.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen when a key input is made from a “number order” key.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen when a key input is made from a “fee confirmation” key.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen when a key is input from an “order confirmation” 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 configuration of a terminal designation table.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection of each unit built in the POS terminal.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of operation of the order system.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Order accounting system, 2 ... Order terminal, 6 ... Accounting device, 13 ... Battery, 32 ... Storage part, 65 ... Data reading part

Claims (3)

Order accounting including a battery-powered order terminal that allows input of order information for ordering menu items, and an accounting device that performs accounting based on accounting data based on the order information input via the order terminal. Used on the system,
At the time of the store entry process, attaching the battery to the predetermined order terminal to make the order terminal drivable,
Storing accounting data based on the order information input via the order terminal in a storage unit provided in the battery of the order terminal;
During the accounting process, the accounting device reads accounting data stored in the storage unit of the battery removed from the order terminal,
Performing an accounting process in the accounting device based on the read accounting data. In an order terminal that allows input of order information pertaining to an order for a menu item,
A battery which is a driving power supply detachably provided to the terminal body,
A storage unit provided in the battery;
In the storage unit provided in the battery, accounting data storage means for storing accounting data based on order information,
An order terminal, comprising: A data reading unit for reading accounting data stored in a storage unit provided in a battery of the order terminal according to claim 2;
Accounting means for executing an accounting process based on the accounting data read by the data reading unit;
An accounting device comprising:

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