JP2005253850A - Dish state management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system for easily grasping a request or the state of a user by periodically grasping the state of the content of the dishes. <P>SOLUTION: The dish state management system consists of at least one piece of tableware, a position specifying device for specifying the position of the dishes, and a computer with an information processing function. The dish has a state grasping sensor for recognizing the internal state of the dish and a transmission function for transmitting the internal information obtained by the state grasping sensor and dish ID information for specifying the the dish to the computer. The position specifying device has a function of transmitting the dish position information to the computer when the position where the dish is disposed is grasped. The computer has a function of correlating the tableware ID information and the dish position information and storing the information, and a function of comparing the received internal information of the dish with a prescribed value and displaying information to specify the place of the dish and the information on the internal state of the dish when the received internal information satisfies a prescribed condition. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a management system capable of periodically grasping the state of the contents of tableware. The fields of use include restaurants and elderly homes where people live alone.

  Conventionally, in a store that provides food and drink, whether a customer has finished eating or left eating has been done by paying attention to the customer's appearance at all times (for example, water) When to ask for an alternative). However, the burden on the store clerk is large, and the quality of service provided by the individual ability difference is also greatly different, so it has been difficult for the store to provide a stable quality service.

  In addition, as a system for grasping the state of an elderly person living alone, a system for collecting the usage state of an electric pot using a communication line is provided. This uses the point that an electric pot is frequently used by an elderly person. However, although this system can grasp the usage time and frequency of the electric pot, it cannot grasp the range of action of the elderly (where and how much drink they are taking).

  There are many patent documents about information management of restaurants. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a totaling method and apparatus for a cafeteria system. This device uses a separate code for tableware to make quick and easy counting after meals. However, the state of the tableware during eating and drinking cannot be grasped.

  Patent Document 2 discloses an automatic liquidation handy terminal device and a freshness management system. Also in this system, the freshness of a dish is grasped by facilitating counting at the time of liquidation, and managing the time of providing tableware (the number of laps in a rotating sushi). However, the state of the tableware during eating and drinking cannot be grasped.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-234896 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-353556

  This invention makes it a subject to provide the system which can grasp | ascertain a user's request and a state simply by grasping | ascertaining the state of the contents of tableware regularly. Specifically, in a store where food and drinks are provided, desserts and substitutes can be recommended to customers who have finished eating at an appropriate timing without depending on the ability of the store clerk. Also, in elderly homes where people live alone, when elderly people use tableware, the state of the contents of the tableware (temperature, load, etc.) and the location where they are used are managed in association with each other. It is to be able to grasp the action range of the elderly in more detail.

In order to achieve the above object, the first invention is a tableware state management system comprising at least one tableware, a position specifying device for specifying the position of the tableware, and a computer having an information processing function. And
The tableware has a state grasping sensor for recognizing the internal state of the tableware, a transmission function for transmitting the internal information obtained by the state grasping sensor and the tableware ID information for specifying the tableware to the computer,
The position identification device has a function of transmitting the tableware position information to the computer when the place where the tableware is arranged is grasped,
When the computer receives the function of storing the tableware ID information and the tableware position information in association with each other and receiving the internal information of the tableware, the computer compares the table information with a predetermined value. And a function for displaying information on the internal state together with information for identifying the device.

  Thereby, an internal state can be regularly grasped | ascertained, without visually observing the state of tableware. In addition, since it is not necessary to gain insight into the state of tableware users from a distance, it is easy to make judgments. Stores that provide food and drink provide stable services to customers (alternative timing, warming of cold meals) Remediation etc.) can be provided.

  2nd invention is the state management system of the said tableware, Comprising: The said computer associates the information which specifies the location of several tableware, and the information regarding the internal state of each said tableware, respectively, and displays the function on one screen It is characterized by providing. Thereby, even if there are many tableware users, the grasp can be performed quickly and easily.

  A third aspect of the present invention is the tableware state management system, wherein the tableware state grasping sensor can measure at least the temperature inside the tableware. Thereby, when a warm drink is provided, it can grasp | ascertain the state cooled to the appropriate temperature or less. On the other hand, if it is a cold drink, it can be grasped that it has become warm.

  A fourth aspect of the present invention is the tableware state management system, wherein the tableware state grasping sensor can measure a load due to the contents at least near the bottom of the tableware. Thereby, the remaining amount of contents can be grasped. For example, the time when the remaining amount becomes zero (or a minute amount) can be grasped and used as a timing for recommending a replacement.

  A fifth aspect of the present invention is the tableware state management system, wherein the position specifying device is arranged in each table where the tableware is scheduled to be arranged, and the tableware including contents is arranged in the table. A plurality of tableware ID reading devices capable of reading the tableware ID information of the tableware, and a tableware position information transmitting device for specifying the position of the tableware ID information read and the tableware arranged. And The sixth aspect of the present invention is the tableware state management system, wherein the position specifying device receives at least wireless information transmitted from the tableware and can transmit the received information to the computer. When three or more base stations are provided, and the plurality of base stations receive predetermined information transmitted from one tableware, the position of the tableware is obtained using a time difference when the information is received between the base stations. The specific information is calculated.

  These inventions more specifically describe a desirable configuration of the position specifying device, and the position of the tableware can be easily specified by these. In particular, in the sixth aspect of the invention, there is no restriction on the position where the tableware is arranged, so that it is possible to grasp the action range of the tableware user in a wider area.

  The seventh aspect of the invention is a state grasping sensor for recognizing the internal state of tableware, tableware having a transmission function for transmitting the internal information obtained by the state grasping sensor and tableware ID information for specifying the tableware, A computer capable of receiving information from both the position specifying device having a function of transmitting the tableware position information of the tableware when the place where the tableware is arranged is provided, and the tableware ID information and the tableware position information are obtained. When the information stored in association with the internal information of the tableware is received, it is compared with a predetermined value, and when the predetermined condition is satisfied, information on the internal state is displayed together with information for specifying the location of the tableware. It is characterized by having a function.

  The eighth invention is the computer, wherein the predetermined value is internal information received first, and the predetermined condition is a change of 30% or more.

  The ninth invention is a tableware used for eating and drinking, and a sensor (temperature sensor) capable of measuring the temperature inside the tableware and a sensor (load) capable of measuring a load due to contents in the vicinity of the bottom of the tableware Sensor) and tableware ID information for specifying the tableware are provided with a function capable of transmitting wirelessly.

  The form of tableware in this application includes a form in which the container part 81 and the receiving part 83 can be separated as shown in FIG. 6 in addition to the form of the tableware alone shown in FIG.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a tableware state grasping system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the overall configuration of the tableware state grasping system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 1 shows four tables (10A to 10D) arranged in a restaurant, a computer 30 connected to the table 10 through a line 20, and tableware provided on the table 10. 40 (40a-40d) is disclosed. In the present invention, the internal state of the tableware 40 is grasped and managed by the computer 30.

(Tableware 40)
The structure of the tableware 40 used in this embodiment is shown in FIG. The tableware 40 shown in the figure has a drink shape, and a temperature sensor 51 and a load sensor (pressurization sensor) 53 are arranged as a state grasping sensor for recognizing the internal state of the tableware 40 at the bottom 42 thereof. The temperature sensor 51 measures the internal temperature of the tableware, and uses a thermometer as its configuration. The load sensor 53 measures the load due to the contents near the bottom of the tableware 40, and uses a strain gauge as its configuration. In order to enable load measurement with a strain gauge, the bottom surface 46 inside the tableware 40 is made of a material (for example, rubber) that is flexible enough to bend depending on the weight of the contents.

  The tableware 40 also includes a wireless transmission device 55 for transmitting internal information measured by the temperature sensor 51 and the load sensor 53 to the computer. Further, in order to realize a function of transmitting tableware ID information for specifying tableware 40, the wireless transmission device transmits unique information (tableware ID information) provided in all tableware together with the transmitted internal information. . For example, when there are 100 tablewares distributed in the store, unique numbers from 001 to 100 are transmitted as the tableware ID information. The batteries for operating the sensors (51, 53) and the wireless transmission device 55 are omitted from the drawings. All these configurations can be implemented using general-purpose products. In consideration of the case where the tableware 40 is washed, all the above components are waterproofed.

  There is no restriction | limiting in the shape of the tableware 40, A plate, a bowl, etc. other than a cup and a glass may be sufficient. The function of transmitting the tableware ID information can be realized using an RFID chip. At this time, an excitation antenna that reads electromagnetic waves from the RFID chip is provided on a table on which tableware is provided.

(Table 10: Tableware position specifying device)
The table 10 on which the tableware 40 is provided will be described. In this embodiment, each table 10 is provided with a tableware ID reading device as a tableware position specifying device and a tableware position information transmitting device. Table ID information for specifying a table is assigned in advance to each table (10A to 10D) where tableware is scheduled to be arranged. Each table 10 includes a receiving unit that receives a radio signal (including internal information and tableware ID information) transmitted by the tableware 40 when the tableware 40 is arranged on or near the table 10. This receiver functions as a tableware ID reader. Each table 10 includes a transmission unit that recognizes tableware ID information included in a wireless signal and associates the tableware ID information with table ID information for identifying itself and transmits the information to the computer 30. This transmission unit functions as a tableware position information transmission device. By receiving the tableware ID information and the table ID information, the computer 30 can grasp which tableware is arranged on which table.

  In order to realize the above functions, the table 10 includes a wireless signal receiver, an information processing unit, and a communication unit for a computer. These can be implemented by general-purpose products and general-purpose technologies, and are omitted from the drawings. Communication between the table 10 and the computer 30 can also be realized wirelessly.

(Computer 30)
FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the computer 30. The configuration includes a receiving unit 61, an input unit 63, a processing unit 65, a storage unit 67, and a display unit 69. The receiving unit 61 receives signals sent from the table 10 and the tableware 40 and sends them to the processing unit 65 (wired from the table 10 and wireless from the tableware 40. Note that the signal from the tableware 40 may be sent directly. Alternatively, it may be sent indirectly through a table transmission / reception unit). The input unit 63 includes a barcode reader, a touch panel, a keyboard, and the like, and is used when inputting information other than the internal information of the tableware 40 and tableware position information, for example, a product code and customer information. The processing unit 65 includes a CPU, a RAM, and the like. The processing unit 65 processes various types of data with a predetermined program, and writes the data into the storage unit 67 and outputs it to the display unit 69. The storage unit 67 stores and reads information according to instructions from the processing unit 65. The display unit 69 includes a CRT, a liquid crystal, and the like, and displays the state of the tableware 40 and the like.

(Internal table of tableware 40)
The storage unit 67 includes an internal state file that manages the internal state of the tableware 40. The internal state file stores tableware ID information and tableware position information (table number) in association with each other in order to know which tableware 40 is arranged on which table 10. Further, information about the internal state (including the initial state) is stored. An example is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 4 shows tableware ID information, table number (tableware position information), product code (product name), temperature information, and load information arranged in a field, and tableware ID numbers are arranged in numerical order in a record. It is. According to this table, for example, the tableware with the tableware ID No. 1 is arranged in the table A, the product code is D001 (coffee), the temperature is 90 ° C. as an initial state, and the load is 150 g. . In addition, the time distributed as supplementary data, customer information, and the like may be stored together.

(Example)
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the tableware state management process of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the computer 30 in this embodiment. In this embodiment, coffee is provided at a restaurant.

  (S0) First, the tableware 40a with the restaurant staff is filled with coffee and served on the table A. The arranged tableware 40a operates the temperature sensor 51 and the load sensor 53 every minute to grasp the internal state. The temperature is 90 ° C. and the load is 150 g. And a radio signal is transmitted from the transmission part 55 including these information and own tableware ID information (001).

(Processing of computer 30)
The computer that has received this wireless signal by the receiving unit 61 starts the processing shown in FIG.

  (S1) The processing unit 65 recognizes the tableware ID information from the received information, and recognizes that the tableware ID is 001 (specify tableware).

  (S2-4) Next, the processing unit 65 checks the internal state file in the storage unit 67 using the tableware ID information 001 as a key, and determines whether data (temperature and load information) relating to the internal state is recorded. To do. If it has been input, the process proceeds to S4. This time, since it has not been input, the process proceeds to S3, the temperature of 90 ° C. and the load of 150 g are stored as initial data in the internal state file, and the process is terminated.

  (S0) After one minute, the tableware 40a operates the temperature sensor 51 and the load sensor 53 again to grasp the internal state. This time, the temperature is 70 ° C. and the load is 50 g. The table including the tableware ID information is transmitted from the transmission unit 55.

  (S1) The processing unit 65 recognizes the tableware ID information (001) from the received information, and recognizes that the destination tableware 40 is the tableware 40a.

  (S2) Next, the processing unit 65 checks the internal state file using the tableware ID information 001 as a key, confirms that the internal state (90 ° C., 150 g) is recorded, and reads out these data.

  (S4) The processing unit 65 compares the initial temperature data 90 ° C. with the currently received data 70 ° C. and recognizes that the temperature has decreased by about 22%. About load data, since it changed from 150 g to 50 g, it grasps | ascertained about 67% reduction.

  (S5) The processing unit 65 checks whether the temperature data and the load data have changed by 50% (predetermined value) or more. This time, the change in temperature data was 22%, so it is 50% or less. On the other hand, since the change in the load data is 67%, it is set to 50% or more. In this step, the process proceeds to S6 as YES. If the change in both data is 50% or less, the process ends as NO.

  Strictly speaking, the comparison of temperature and load data is performed in separate steps (at least two routines), but since it is an easy process, it has been described as a parallel process.

  It should be noted that the degree of change in the internal information may be determined as appropriate according to the store policy, the food provided, and the like. Generally, if there is a change of 30% or more, it can be said that it is desirable to pay attention to the customer as having some change. Moreover, if it is 50% or more, it becomes possible to respond appropriately according to the request of the customer who wants to hear from the staff (store clerk). If it is 80% or 100%, it is possible to take an action at the same time as having finished drinking (finished eating), and it is possible to show the attitude of the store that always pays attention to the customer.

  In this embodiment, both the temperature information and the load information are set to 50% as predetermined determination criteria for changes in temperature and load. However, different criteria may be provided. For example, the temperature is 60% and the load is 80%.

  (S6) Since the change of the load data is 50% or more, the processing unit 65 sets the table number “table A” as information for specifying the location of the tableware on the display unit 69 when the predetermined condition is satisfied. indicate. In addition, “☆” is displayed as information about the internal state. Further, it is displayed that the product provided from the food code is “coffee”. By this display, the staff who has seen the display unit 69 can understand that the tableware on the table A has almost been drunk and wants to return the tableware or substitute for coffee.

  (Others) When a substitute is provided, this process can be performed again by providing a step for erasing the initial data. Also, in the comparison step (S5) with the initial data, if it is determined that the load data has increased, it is determined that a new drink has been provided, and the process proceeds to step 3 and the value is re-stored as initial data. Thus, this process can be performed.

(List display)
The display of the internal state of the tableware 40 may be performed every time the computer 30 receives the internal information from the tableware 40. However, as another preferred embodiment, the internal state of the plurality of tableware 40 can be listed. . Table 1 shows an example of the display screen at that time.

  In this table, the left field is the table number, the right side is the tableware ID number, the product name (or product code is acceptable), and the information on the internal state.

  In this way, the staff can easily grasp the table that needs to be replaced by the form in which the information (table number) specifying the location of the plurality of tableware and the internal information of each tableware are displayed in a list. In addition, even inexperienced staff can provide detailed services. The display form shown in Table 1 can be implemented by appropriately rearranging various information extracted from the internal state file shown in FIG.

The display format of the internal state is not necessarily a numerical value received from the state grasping sensor, and a plurality of categories indicating the internal state may be prepared in advance and displayed with a mark indicating the category. In Table 1, the categories are as follows.
☆: The time for replacement is near ☆☆: Check the state of the table immediately ○: No need to check △: Low temperature (although remaining, but already cooled)

(Other embodiments)
<Tableware: removable type>
The other form of tableware is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the container 81 that can accommodate drinks, the state grasping sensor, and the table ID information transmitting portion (receiving portion 83) are detachable. There is no restriction | limiting in particular about the form of the container part 81, A plate may be sufficient besides a cup. As for the temperature sensor 51 used for the state grasping sensor, since the sensor terminal cannot be directly inserted into the tableware, in addition to the form of directly measuring the temperature of the bottom surface 81a of the container part 81, it is indirectly using an infrared temperature sensor or the like. May be measured. The tableware 40 in this embodiment is a container part 81 and a receiving part 83 that can be attached to and detached from the container part 81, and the receiving part 83 can recognize the content information of the container part 81 (temperature). Sensor 51, load sensor 53). In addition, it is the tableware 40 provided with the transmission part 55 for transmitting each of the internal information obtained from the said state grasping sensor, and the tableware ID information for specifying this receiving part 83 by radio | wireless.

<Positioning device: Radio base station>
The position specifying device can be implemented in a form using a radio base station. FIG. 7 shows a case where a plurality of wireless base stations 101 are arranged in a nursing home living alone. The computer 30 can transmit these information via the Internet 105, and the data of these elderly people are collected by the computer ahead. In this figure, four base stations 101 (a to d) are arranged at the corners of the room. However, actually, it is desirable to arrange five or more radio base stations in consideration of the presence of radio wave obstacles. Various devices for performing communication through the Internet are omitted from the drawings.

  In this embodiment, when the radio base station 101 receives a signal (information) transmitted from the tableware 40, each radio base station 101 accurately grasps the received timing (time). Then, the computer 30 compares the timings received by the respective radio base stations 101 and grasps the reception time difference. The computer stores the positional relationship (interval, vertical difference, etc.) between the wireless base stations 101 in advance, and the computer specifies the position of the tableware 40 from the positional relationship and the time difference. As a specific calculation method, a triangulation method by TDOA measurement can be used. In the figure, when the room is divided into 9 × 3 × 3, the position of the tableware 40 is grasped as “B-3”. Since all of the radio base stations 101 need to be synchronized, one of the radio base stations transmits a synchronization signal as a master base station. Other radio base stations tune to the received synchronization signal as slave base stations. In this embodiment, the plurality of radio base stations 101 and the computer 30 function as a position specifying device.

  According to this embodiment, since the position of the elderly person using the tableware 40 and the internal state of the tableware can be grasped in chronological order, the moving state of the elderly person and the meal state can be grasped from a distance. In this embodiment, even if a new drink is added to the tableware, the new data is added as a new record without erasing the old data. Comparison with past data makes it easier to understand the lifestyle of the elderly.

  The embodiment using the wireless base station 101 can also be implemented in a store that provides food. In that case, since the position of the tableware 40 can be grasped without being caught by the position of the table, it is suitable for implementation at a party venue or the like where the arrangement of the table is frequently changed.

  As the position specifying device for the tableware 40, the following techniques can be used. If it is outdoors, it is also possible to use a position specifying system such as GPS or PHS (for example, JP-A-10-229576). In addition, before the tableware 40 is arranged, the staff may individually input what number of tableware is arranged on which table from a touch panel provided on the computer. In that case, the position specifying device is realized integrally with the computer 30.

1 is an overall view of a tableware state management system according to the present invention. It is a block diagram of tableware. It is a block diagram of a computer. It is a figure which shows the example of an internal state file. It is a flowchart which shows the management process of an internal state which a computer performs. It is a figure which shows other embodiment of tableware. It is a figure which shows other embodiment of the state management system of tableware.

Explanation of symbols

10 table 20 line 30 computer 40 tableware 51 temperature sensor 53 load sensor 55 wireless transmission device 81 container part 83 receiving part 101 wireless base station

Claims (9)

A tableware state management system comprising at least one tableware, a position specifying device for specifying the position of the tableware, and a computer having an information processing function,
The tableware has a state grasping sensor for recognizing the internal state of the tableware, and a transmission function for directly or indirectly transmitting the internal information obtained by the state grasping sensor and the tableware ID information for specifying the tableware to the computer. With
The position identification device has a function of transmitting the tableware position information to the computer when the place where the tableware is arranged is grasped,
When the computer receives the function of storing the tableware ID information and the tableware position information in association with each other and receiving the internal information of the tableware, the computer compares the table information with a predetermined value. A tableware state management system comprising a function of displaying information on the internal state together with information for identifying the tableware.   2. The tableware state management system according to claim 1, wherein the computer has a function of displaying information on a single screen by associating information for specifying a plurality of tableware locations and information on an internal state of each tableware. A tableware state management system comprising:   3. The tableware state management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tableware state grasping sensor can measure at least a temperature inside the tableware.   The tableware state management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tableware state grasping sensor is capable of measuring a load due to contents at least near the bottom of the tableware. Management system.   It is the tableware state management system in any one of Claims 1-4, Comprising: The said position specific apparatus is arrange | positioned at each table where tableware is scheduled to be arranged, and contains the contents A tableware ID reading device capable of reading the tableware ID information of the tableware when the tableware is arranged on the table, and a tableware position information transmitting device for specifying the position of the tableware ID information read and the tableware arranged A tableware state management system characterized by comprising. The tableware state management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the position specifying device receives wireless information transmitted from the tableware, and receives the received information to the computer. Comprising at least three base stations capable of transmitting;
When the predetermined information transmitted from one tableware is received by the plurality of base stations, the position specifying information of the tableware is calculated using a time difference when the information is received between the base stations. Tableware state management system. A state grasping sensor for recognizing the internal state of the tableware, a tableware having a transmission function for transmitting the internal information obtained by the state grasping sensor and the tableware ID information for specifying the tableware, and the tableware are arranged. A computer capable of receiving information directly or indirectly from both the position specifying device having the function of transmitting the tableware position information of the tableware when grasping the place,
When the tableware ID information and the tableware position information are stored in association with each other and when the internal information of the tableware is received, the tableware is compared with a predetermined value, and when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the location of the tableware is specified. A computer having a function of displaying information on the internal state together with information to be performed.   8. The computer according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined value is internal information received first, and the predetermined condition is a change of 30% or more. A tableware used when eating and drinking, a sensor (temperature sensor) capable of measuring the temperature inside the tableware and / or a sensor (load sensor) capable of measuring a load due to the contents near the bottom of the tableware, A tableware comprising: means capable of wirelessly transmitting internal information and tableware ID information for specifying the tableware.

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