JP2004171460A - Order system and ordering method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce clerk's load of processing concerned with the visit of a reserved customer to a store. <P>SOLUTION: Identification information is acquired from a personal digital assistant by an acquisition means (step S43), whether the acquired identification information is suitable or not is determined by determination processing (step S52), and when a determination means determines that the identification information is suitable (Y of step S53), regulated processing concerned with order information is executed by regulated processing execution means (step S57). In the case of performing processing concerned with the visit of a reserved customer to the store by applying the acquiring processing of reserved order menu items as the regulated processing for instance, the acquisition of reservation identification information, the certification of the reserved customer and the acquisition of the reserved menu items which are performed by a clerk in a conventional method can be respectively executed by the acquisition means, the determination means and the regulated processing execution means, so that it is unnecessary for a clerk to perform the processing concerned with the visit of the reserved customer to the store. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an order system and an order method used in restaurants and the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, an order system, which is an order 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 the 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 that controls the entire system. It is provided for free communication. 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 into a predetermined format. It is designed to print on continuous paper.
[0003]
In such an order system, when a clerk inputs order information and comments of an order requested by a customer using a keyboard of the handy terminal, 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 accept a customer's visit reservation and an order reservation of a menu item accompanying the visit reservation. Then, the clerk writes reservation information on the received reservation in a reservation book or the like. When a customer who has made a reservation in advance visits the store, the clerk asks the customer for the customer's name and the like (acquisition of the reservation identification information) and checks whether or not the customer is the customer who made the reservation by referring to the reservation book. (Reservation customer authentication), if it is a reserved customer, check if there is a menu item reservation, and if there is a menu item reservation, treat the reservation order menu item as an order menu (Acquisition of pre-order menu items) and processing related to entering a reservation customer such as instructing the kitchen to start cooking of the menu items.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-9-288772
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, there is a problem that such processing relating to the entry of the reserved customer is a burden on the clerk. In particular, when the number of personnel is reduced by introducing a self-order terminal as described in Patent Literature 1, the load on the clerk is particularly large.
[0010]
An object of the present invention is to reduce a burden on a sales clerk in a process related to the entrance of a reserved customer.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention provides an order permitting means for permitting input of order information relating to an order for a menu item, and a portable information terminal (for example, a mobile phone or a PHS) storing the identification information for transmitting the identification information to an information communication unit (for example, an infrared ray). Acquiring means for acquiring the identification information via the communication I / F), determining means for determining whether or not the identification information acquired by the acquiring means from the portable information terminal is appropriate; A determining process executing unit that executes a determining process related to the order information when determining that the order information is appropriate.
[0012]
Therefore, it is determined whether or not the identification information acquired by the acquisition means from the portable information terminal is appropriate by the determination processing. If the determination means determines that the identification information is appropriate, the specified processing execution means The related prescribed process is executed.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0014]
The present embodiment is, for example, an order system that is an order system used in a restaurant such as a restaurant, and the outline of the order system is that a customer can order a menu item by a table order terminal installed on a table. Receiving input of reservation identification information, which is identification information held by a portable information terminal owned by a customer who has made a reservation by the desk-side ordering terminal, and based on the reservation identification information, the reserved menu item of the reservation customer Is executed.
[0015]
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.
[0016]
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 reservation 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.
[0017]
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.
[0018]
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 contents, 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.
[0019]
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 for confirming a reservation, a "reservation customer" key 11g for authenticating a customer having a reservation, and five types of direct keys 11h, which are preset keys in which information on recommended menu items is preset. And are provided.
[0020]
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.
[0021]
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 about the order preset in the five types of direct keys 11h may be changed according to the changed menu table.
[0022]
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 CPU (Central Processing Unit) 16 that centrally controls each unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 18 that previously stores fixed information such as a control program for operating the microcomputer 15, and the like. 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.
[0023]
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.
[0024]
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 "reservation customer" key 11g, and the direct key 11h has been operated.
[0025]
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.
[0026]
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.
[0027]
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).
[0028]
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, for example, sounding a buzzer (not shown) connected to the station 7.
[0029]
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). It should be noted that the current charge information (charged amount and amount per person) is generated in the control station 7 based on various information stored in a customer order information file F1 (see FIG. 14) 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).
[0030]
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). 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 F1 (see FIG. 14) 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. .
[0031]
If there is a key input from the "reservation customer" key 11g (Y in step S7), a reservation customer entry process is executed (step S19). The details of the reservation customer entrance processing will be described later.
[0032]
If there is a key input from the direct key 11h (Y in step S8), an order transmission process is executed (step S20). 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. 11), the item number and 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 an order by the direct key 11h). The order information is generated based on the specified information, and transmitted to the control station 7. Further, in this case, as shown in FIG. 11, a comment C indicating that the order has been received (for example, “The order has been received. Thank you”) is also displayed at a predetermined position. Then, the menu item name f, the price g, and the comment C are cleared for about 10 seconds after being displayed (step S21).
[0033]
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 clear process for clearing the numeral a displayed at the predetermined position is executed (step S22).
[0034]
Next, the structure of the handy terminal 3, the control station 7, and the kitchen printer 5 that constitute the order system 1 will be briefly described. Note that the structure and function of the wireless communication unit 4 and the POS terminal 6 that make up the order system 1 are not different from those of the conventional one, so the description thereof will be omitted.
[0035]
First, the handy terminal 3 will be described. Here, FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the electrical connection of each part built in the handy terminal 3. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 12, 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.
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 12, 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 storing fixed information such as a control program for operating the CPU 53 in advance via a bus line 54 and a work area for rewritably storing various information via a bus line 54 to a CPU 53 for centrally controlling each unit. 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.
[0037]
Next, the control station 7 will be described. Here, FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the electrical connection of each unit built in the control station 7. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 13, 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”.
[0038]
As shown in FIG. 13, 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 in which fixed information such as a control program for operating the CPU 43 is stored in advance via a bus line 44 and a work area in which various information is rewritably stored via a bus line 44 to a CPU 43 which centrally controls 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. In addition, a storage unit 39 that stores various files and is configured by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is connected to the microcomputer.
[0039]
In the RAM 46 of the control station 7, a customer order information file F1 for storing order information (order information) is provided. As shown in FIG. 14, the customer order information file F1 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 F1 are held until the accounting process for the corresponding slip number is completed by the POS terminal 6.
[0040]
In the RAM 46, a terminal designation table T as shown in FIG. 15 is provided. In the terminal designation table T, a table number p previously assigned to each table provided with the desk order terminal 2 is associated with a terminal number o assigned to each desk order terminal 2.
[0041]
The storage unit 39 stores a reservation screen file F2 and a reservation information file F3 that stores reservation information on reservations received at the reservation site. As shown in FIG. 16, the reservation information file F3 includes, for each reservation identification information q that is identification information, a reservation person name r, a reservation date and time s, a reservation number t, a reservation order menu item u that is reservation order information, a reservation customer Is stored. Here, as the reservation identification information, a telephone number, a mail address, a terminal manufacturing number, and the like of the portable information terminal 101 described later can be exemplified, and it is possible to identify a reservation customer by the reservation identification information.
[0042]
Next, the kitchen printer 5 will be described. Here, FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection of each unit built in the kitchen printer 5. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 17, the kitchen printer 5 includes a transport section 61 for transporting a long sheet, a printing section 62 for printing predetermined items on the sheet, a cutter section 63 for cutting the sheet after printing, and the like. Is provided.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 17, the kitchen printer 5 includes a Microcomputer (hereinafter, referred to as a microcomputer) 64, and the microcomputer 64 drives and controls each unit. The microcomputer 64 functions as a ROM 67 for previously storing fixed information such as a control program for operating the CPU 65 via a bus line 66 to a CPU 65 for centrally controlling each unit and a work area for rewritably storing various information. It is configured by being connected to a RAM 68. The microcomputer 64 is connected to the transport unit 61 via a transport control unit 69, the printing unit 62 via a print control unit 70, and the cutter unit 63 via a cutter control unit 71. I have. The kitchen printer 5 is provided with a line communication device 72 for communicating with each device via the communication line 8, and is connected to the microcomputer 64 via a bus line 66. The components connected to the microcomputer 64 as described above are driven and controlled by the microcomputer 64.
[0044]
Here, as the portable information terminal 101 capable of communicating with the order system 1, a portable telephone capable of telephone communication, a PHS (Personal Handyphone System), 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. Since the mobile phone, the PHS, and the like are well-known technologies, the structure and function of the mobile information terminal 101 will be briefly described. Although not particularly shown, the portable information terminal 101 includes a storage unit that stores terminal-specific information such as a telephone number, a mail address, and a terminal serial number assigned to the portable information terminal 101, a display unit that displays an image, a keyboard, An infrared communication I / F for transmitting and receiving information by infrared is provided.
[0045]
Next, a description will be given of a reservation receiving process in which the control program stored in the ROM 45 incorporated in the control station 7 in the order system 1 causes the microcomputer 42 of the control station 7 to execute. Here, FIG. 18 is a flowchart schematically showing the flow of the reservation receiving process.
[0046]
When the mobile information terminal 101 accesses the reservation site (Y in step S31), the mobile terminal transmits the reservation screen file F2 to the mobile information terminal 101 (step S32). Here, FIG. 19 shows a reservation screen 102 displayed on the display unit of the portable information terminal 101 based on the reservation screen file. As shown in FIG. 19, on the reservation screen 102, an input form for inputting reservation information relating to the reservation is displayed. Specifically, on the reservation screen 102, a reservation identification information column 102a for inputting reservation identification information, a reservation name column 102b for inputting the name of the reservation person, a reservation date and time column 102c for inputting the reservation date and time, and a reservation number input. A reservation number field 102d, a check box 102e for selecting a menu item to be reserved, and a decision button 102f are displayed.
[0047]
Each item of the input form of the reservation screen 102 displayed on the display unit of the portable information terminal 101 is input by key input using the keyboard of the portable information terminal 101, and when the enter button is selected, the reservation input on the reservation screen 102 The information is transmitted from the portable information terminal 101 to the control station 7.
[0048]
When the reservation information is received from the portable information terminal 101 (step S33), the received reservation information is stored in the reservation information file F3 of the storage unit 39 (step S34). Here, the function of the reservation receiving unit is executed by steps S31 to S33, and the function of the storage unit is executed by step S34. After that, a reservation reception completion screen file for notifying that the reservation has been received is transmitted to the portable information terminal 101 (step S35).
[0049]
The portable information terminal 101 that has received the reservation reception completion screen file displays a reception completion screen (not shown) on the display unit. With the above processing, the reservation receiving processing is completed.
[0050]
Next, the operation of the order system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0051]
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.
[0052]
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 customer clerk.
[0053]
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 F1 as a part of the order information (order information).
[0054]
The entry processing 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 clerk of the customer clerk finishes the entry process, the customers without reservation among the customers who are guided to the predetermined table by the clerk of the customer clerk need to use the desktop order terminal 2 provided on the table and becoming available. The user himself / herself places an order by operating the operation keys 11 of the desktop order terminal 2 as described above. The tabletop order terminal 2 that has become available allows input of information related to menu item ordering. Here, the function of the order permitting means is executed. 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).
[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 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 desk-side order terminal 2 without performing the store-in process, and the desk-side order terminal 2 and the handy terminal 3 can be used. Can be used properly, and the tabletop 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 contents of the order in the customer order information file F1 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.
[0060]
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.
[0061]
In addition, a reservation customer who has previously made a reservation at the reservation site by the portable information terminal 101 or made a reservation order for a menu item accompanying the reservation at that store is called a "reservation customer" of the table-top order terminal 2 in order to receive the reservation authentication. The key 11g is operated. As a result, a reservation customer entry process, which is a process relating to the reservation customer entry, is executed.
[0062]
Here, the reservation customer entrance processing will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0063]
When the table order terminal 2 determines that the “reservation customer” key has been operated (Y in step S41), the portable information terminal 101 displays the reservation identification information at a predetermined position on the LCD 12, as shown in FIG. A guidance G2 for prompting the transmission (for example, "Please transmit the reservation identification information using the portable information terminal") is displayed (step S42). When the customer operates the portable information terminal 101 in accordance with the displayed guidance G2, the reservation identification information held in the portable information terminal 101 is transmitted to the desk 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.
[0064]
If the guidance G2 is displayed in step S42, the process waits until the reservation identification information is received from the portable information terminal 101 in step S43 (N in step S43). Here, the function of the acquisition unit is executed in step S43. When the reservation identification information is received from the portable information terminal 101 in step S43 (Y in step S43), the received reservation identification information is transmitted to the control station 7 (step S44).
[0065]
When receiving the reservation identification information from the desk order terminal 2 (Y in step S51), the control station 7 determines whether or not the reservation identification information is appropriate and executes an authentication process for performing authentication. (Step S52, determination means). Specifically, the received reservation identification information is compared with the reservation identification information stored in advance in the reservation information file F3 of the storage unit 39, and there is a reservation information file F3 that matches the reservation identification information. It is determined whether or not. If there is a match, the reservation identification information is determined to be appropriate, and the reservation identification information is authenticated. If there is no match, the reservation identification information is determined to be inappropriate and the reservation identification information is determined. Do not authenticate. Then, when the reservation identification information is authenticated (Y in step S53), a visit check process for setting the visit status information in the reservation information file F3 to "visited" is performed (step S54). Thereafter, the result of the authentication processing in step S52 is transmitted to the desktop order terminal 2 (step S55).
[0066]
When receiving the authentication result from the control station 7 (step S45), the desktop order terminal 2 executes an authentication result notification process (step S46). Specifically, a comment based on the authentication result is displayed on LCD 12. Thereby, the authentication result can be transmitted to the customer.
[0067]
When the authentication result is transmitted to the tabletop order terminal 2 in step S55, the control station 7 refers to the reservation information file F3 to confirm whether or not there is a reservation order menu item associated with the reservation identification information (step S55). S56). If there is a pre-order menu item associated with the reservation identification information (Y in step S56), a pre-order menu item acquisition process, which is a specified process for acquiring the pre-order menu item as order information, is executed ( Step S57, regulation processing executing means). Specifically, the reservation order menu item information is stored in the customer order information file F1 as a part of the order information (order information) in association with the customer information. Thus, the order information is obtained instead of the order information input by the order permitting means. After that, the reservation order menu item information is transmitted to the kitchen printer 5 (step S58).
[0068]
On the other hand, if there is no reservation order menu item associated with the reservation identification information in step S56 (N in step S56), the process ends.
[0069]
When receiving the pre-order menu item information from the control station 7 (step S61), the kitchen printer 5 executes a cooking instruction slip issuing process (step S62). Specifically, a cooking instruction slip on which the received reservation order menu item is printed is issued. The cooking instruction slip issued by the kitchen printer 5 notifies the cook of the kitchen of the pre-ordered food.
[0070]
When the processing for accepting the order menu as described above is completed, 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 an accounting bill with a 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 content stored in the customer order information file F1, and the control station 7 refers to the terminal designation table T to correspond to the table number inquired from the customer order information file F1. Information 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. When the accounting process is completed, the order information (order information) stored in the customer order information file F1 of the control station 7 and the contents of the terminal designation table T are cleared.
[0071]
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.
[0072]
As described above, in the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the reservation identification information acquired from the portable information terminal 101 by the acquisition unit is appropriate by the determination processing, and the determination unit determines that the reservation identification information is appropriate. If it is determined that the reservation order menu item is acquired by the prescribed process execution means, the process of acquiring reservation identification information and authenticating the Since the acquisition of the reservation order menu item is executed by the acquisition unit, the judgment unit, and the prescribed process execution unit, the clerk does not need to perform the process of entering the reservation customer, and the process of entering the reservation customer. The burden on the clerk can be reduced.
[0073]
Further, in the present embodiment, if the reservation customer has a reservation order menu, the cooking instruction slip of the reservation order menu is automatically issued from the kitchen printer 5 after authentication of the reservation identification information. It is possible to reduce the time from when the reservation customer enters the store until the cooking of the reservation order menu starts. As a result, the reservation order menu can be provided to the reservation customer in a short time, so that a good impression can be given to the customer and the ability to attract customers can be improved.
[0074]
Note that, in the present embodiment, an example will be described in which, as a reservation receiving unit, an input of reservation order information relating to a reservation order for a menu item from the portable information terminal 101 is performed in a reservation reception process at a reservation site provided by the control station 7. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the reservation order information of the reservation received by the operator over the telephone may be input by the key input of the keyboard 40 of the control station 7 by the operation of the operator.
[0075]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the reservation receiving means for receiving the input of the pre-order information relating to the pre-order of the menu item, and the pre-order information received by the reservation receiving means are stored in the storage unit 39 in association with the identification information. Storage means for receiving the pre-order of the menu item, and pre-order information of the received pre-order can be stored in the storage unit 39.
[0076]
In the present embodiment, the mobile information terminal (for example, mobile phone or PHS) 101 can perform telephone communication, and the reservation identification information as identification information is the telephone number of the mobile information terminal 101. When making a reservation, the restaurant does not need to allocate reservation identification information to the reservation customer, and the reservation reception process can be simplified.
[0077]
Further, in the present embodiment, the prescribed processing executed by the prescribed processing executing means is associated with the reservation identification information which is the identification information acquired from the portable information terminal 101, instead of the order information inputted by the order permitting means. The process is a process of acquiring the pre-order information stored in the storage unit 39 (pre-order menu item acquisition process), so that in the process related to the entry of the reservation customer, the pre-order menu previously performed by the clerk is used. Since the acquisition of the item is performed by the prescribed process executing means, the clerk does not need to perform the process of acquiring the reservation order menu item, so that the burden on the clerk in the process of entering the reservation customer can be reduced.
[0078]
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.
[0079]
Further, in the present embodiment, the step of allowing the input of order information relating to the order of the menu item, and the step of transmitting the reservation identification information from the portable information terminal 101 storing the reservation identification information as identification information to the infrared A step of obtaining via the communication I / F 37, a step of determining whether or not the reservation identification information obtained from the portable information terminal 101 is appropriate, and a step of determining whether or not the reservation identification information is appropriate. And a step of executing a prescribed process related to the above, it is not necessary for the clerk to perform the process related to the entrance of the reserved customer, so the burden on the clerk in the process related to the entrance of the reserved customer can be reduced. .
[0080]
Next, a reference example of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the same parts as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0081]
FIG. 23 is a system configuration diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of a restaurant system according to this reference example. As shown in FIG. 23, the restaurant system 100 includes an order system 200 installed in a restaurant, a member site system 300 for providing a member site operated by the restaurant, and a communication company installed in a mobile phone communication company. The server 400, the portable information terminal 101, and the like are configured to be connected via a network N including an Internet network or a dedicated line. Here, in the present reference example, the order system 200 and the member site system 300 constitute an order system. Note that, in the present reference example, the mobile phone 101 is applied as a mobile information terminal (hereinafter, the mobile phone is denoted by reference numeral 101).
[0082]
In the present reference example, the member registration of the restaurant is roughly performed on the member site using the mobile phone 101, and the customer who becomes the member of the restaurant can pay for the customer using the mobile phone 101. Things.
[0083]
The member site system 300 functions as a WWW (World Wide Web) server on the Internet and holds various information, a broadband router 302 that enables information communication via the network N, the server 301 and the broadband router 302 And a communication line 303 for connecting the The server 301 has a well-known computer configuration, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) for centrally controlling each unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing a control program, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) functioning as a work area of the CPU. Is provided, and the control means 311 controls various calculations and data transfer. A storage device 312 such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) for storing various information and control programs is connected to the control unit 311.
[0084]
The storage device 312 stores a member registration screen file and a member information file (both not shown) for storing information about members. The member information file stores, for example, member's meal information for each telephone number of the mobile phone 101 that is member identification information.
[0085]
The communication company server 400 installed in the mobile phone communication company has a well-known computer configuration, is capable of storing various types of information, and is configured to be able to perform information communication with the network N.
[0086]
The desktop order terminal 201 included in the order system 200 of the present reference example is provided with a “mobile phone settlement” key (not shown) as the operation key 11.
[0087]
In such a configuration, a mobile phone settlement process performed in this reference example will be described with reference to FIG.
[0088]
In the order system 200, when the “mobile phone payment” key of the desktop order terminal 201 is operated, guidance for prompting the LCD 12 to transmit the member identification information (phone number) by the mobile phone 101 (for example, “member by mobile phone” Please send identification information "). Then, in the order system 200, when the desktop order terminal 201 receives the member identification information from the mobile phone 101, the received order information is transmitted to the member site system 300 via the network N, and the member identification information is transmitted. A request for authentication of information is made to the member site system 300 (step S101).
[0089]
In the member site system 300, when the member identification information is received from the order system 200 and a request for authentication of the member identification information is received, whether or not authentication is possible is determined, and the result is transmitted to the order system 200 ( Step S201). Specifically, the received member identification information is compared with the member identification information stored in the member information file of the storage unit 212 to determine whether or not there is any member identification information that matches the member identification information. Judge. If there is a match, the member identification information is authenticated. If there is no match, the member identification information is not authenticated. Then, the result of the authentication processing is transmitted to the order system 200 via the network N.
[0090]
In the order system 200, when the authentication determination result of the member identification information is received from the member site system 300, a process according to the authentication determination result is executed (step S102). Specifically, when the member identification information is authenticated, the payment is set as the mobile phone payment, and the accounting information including the price information is associated with the member identification information in the accounting processing in the POS terminal 6. Then, the receipt is transmitted to the member site system 300 as meal information, and thereafter, a receipt stating that the mobile phone payment has been accepted is issued. On the other hand, if the member identification information has not been authenticated, a predetermined error process is executed.
[0091]
When receiving the meal information from the order system 200, the member site system 300 stores the meal information in the member information file in association with the member identification information (step S202).
[0092]
As described above, in the member site system 300 that stores the member's meal information, when a prescribed time (for example, midnight) has come, the request for the meal price based on the meal information is associated with the telephone number. This is performed for the communication company server 400 of the mobile phone communication company (step S203).
[0093]
When the request for the meal price associated with the telephone number is received from the member site system 300, the communication company server 400 of the mobile telephone communication company stores the meal price in association with the telephone number (step S303). .
[0094]
Here, the mobile phone communication company charges the meal price stored in the communication company server 400 to the subscriber of the telephone number associated with the meal price together with the mobile phone fee. On the other hand, for the restaurant, the communication company server 400 pays the meal price in response to the request for the meal price.
[0095]
As described above, in the present reference example, when the member identification information is received from the tabletop order terminal 201 and the mobile phone 101 and the member identification information is authenticated, the food and drink price is transferred via the mobile phone communication company. Since it is paid by the customer, it is not necessary to give and receive the price in the store, and the burden on the clerk in the accounting process can be reduced.
[0096]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is determined whether or not the identification information acquired from the portable information terminal by the acquisition means is appropriate, and when the determination means determines that the identification information is appropriate, the defining processing execution means Thus, for example, when a process related to entry of a reserved customer is performed by applying a process of obtaining a pre-order menu item as a specified process, a clerk conventionally performs the process. The acquisition of the reservation identification information, the authentication of the reservation customer, and the income of the reservation menu item can be executed by the acquisition means, the judgment means, and the prescribed processing execution means, respectively. Since it is not necessary for the clerk to perform the processing, the burden on the clerk in the processing relating to the entry of the reserved customer 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 illustrating an example of a screen when a key is input from a direct key.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection of each unit built in the handy terminal.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection of each unit built in the control station.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a data structure of a customer order information file.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a data configuration of a terminal designation table.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a data configuration of a reservation information file.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection of each unit built in the kitchen printer.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart schematically showing a flow of a reservation receiving process.
FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a reservation screen.
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of operation of the order system.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a flow of a reservation customer entering process.
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen when a key input is made from a “reservation customer” key.
FIG. 23 is a system configuration diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of a restaurant system according to a reference example of the present invention.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a flow of a mobile phone settlement process.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Order system (order system), 37 ... Infrared communication I / F (information communication part), 39 ... Storage part, 101 ... Portable information terminal, mobile phone, Steps S31-S33 ... Reservation receiving means, Step S34 ... Storage Means, step S43: acquisition means, step S52: determination means, step S57: regulation processing execution means

Claims (6)

Order accepting means for allowing entry of order information relating to menu item ordering,
Acquisition means for acquiring the identification information from the portable information terminal storing the identification information via the information communication unit,
Determining means for determining whether or not the identification information obtained by the obtaining means from the portable information terminal is appropriate;
When the acquisition unit determines that the identification information is appropriate, a specified process execution unit that executes a specified process related to the order information;
Order system with A reservation receiving means for receiving an input of pre-order information relating to a pre-order of a menu item;
Storage means for storing the reservation order information received by the reservation reception means in the storage unit in association with the identification information,
The ordering system according to claim 1, further comprising: The portable information terminal is capable of telephone communication,
3. The order system according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is a telephone number of the portable information terminal. The prescribed process executed by the prescribed process executing means is stored in the storage unit in association with the identification information obtained from the portable information terminal, instead of the order information input by the order permitting means. 4. The order system according to claim 2, wherein said order system is a process of acquiring said pre-order information. 5. The order system according to claim 1, wherein the information communication unit performs information communication with the portable information terminal using infrared rays. Allowing entry of order information for ordering menu items;
Obtaining the identification information from the portable information terminal storing the identification information via the information communication unit;
Determining whether the identification information obtained from the portable information terminal is appropriate,
When the identification information is determined to be appropriate, executing a prescribed process related to the order information;
Including order method.

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