JP2008059490A - Information sharing system for restaurant - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that it is difficult to perform organic customer service because staffs in a restaurant cannot sufficiently share information in the conventional practice about information of each scene, such as entering, calling, cooking, providing, leaving, confirmation and sold-out in the restaurant. <P>SOLUTION: This information sharing system for a restaurant comprises a control PC installed in a restaurant, an input device connected through a communication network to input various information from the entering of a customer to leaving, portable terminals carried by the staffs of the restaurant, and a radio communicable transceiver carried by the staffs of the restaurant. The control PC prestores basic message data, generates message character information to be shared by the staffs in the restaurant on the basis of information in the restaurant occasionally transmitted through the communication network and the message data, converts the message character information into voice information, too and transmits the message character information and the voice information to the portable terminals and transceivers carried by the staffs. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information sharing system between staff members in a restaurant using characters and voices in a restaurant.

In restaurants, it is required to provide accurate and prompt services to customers. It is also important to respond accurately to customer orders, and it is also better to eat hot dishes when they are hot, and cold dishes are better when eaten while they are cold. Is. Furthermore, the fact that the restaurant provides accurate and prompt service means that there is no waste in the movement of the staff of the restaurant, and that movement of the staff looks beautiful from the customer's perspective. It will also lead to an increase in the reputation of the restaurant.
Thus, the level of accuracy and quickness of the service is important for the restaurant so as to be comparable to the contents of the food to be provided in order to improve the impression of the restaurant.

Therefore, various systems for improving the service level of restaurants have been proposed in the past.For example, output means such as a printer that receives order contents in a restaurant and outputs cooking instructions and serving instructions. When the output destination presence / absence data in which the unique number is written as data is set for the output means to which the unique number is given, and there is no output means corresponding to the dish menu for the output destination data written as the unique data In addition, a restaurant POS system or the like has been proposed which is controlled to output from output means determined based on predetermined output means alternative data. (See Patent Document 1)
Japanese Patent No. 3567525

By the way, in order to cherish each customer and realize accurate and prompt service, it is important to share accurate information about customers as quickly as possible among the staff in the store. This also leads to the creation of vibrancy of the store because the internal communication is improved by sharing information. In this way, if the staff can provide services to customers by sharing information, it will help to foster a sense of unity for all store staff.
By the way, in restaurants, various customer service situations occur from check-in of customers to check-out of meals and payments. However, in the past, information on each scene such as entering a store, calling, cooking, providing, opening a store, confirmation, out of stock, etc., was not always enough to link information between the staff inside the restaurant, so the staff went back and forth due to lack of information. As a result, there was a problem that sufficient customer service was not possible. In other words, it was a big problem in restaurants that the in-store customer service was not possible because sufficient information could not be shared among the staff in the store.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 is a control PC installed in a restaurant, and various types of operations from entering a store to opening a customer connected to the control PC via a communication network. In the information sharing system for restaurants, comprising an input device for inputting information and a portable terminal possessed by a restaurant staff, and a transceiver possessed by a restaurant staff capable of wireless communication with the control PC, the control PC is Message data storage and storage means for storing and storing basic message data in advance, and an input device for inputting various information from the restaurant entrance to the store opening of the restaurant is transmitted from time to time via a communication network. Based on the received input information and the message data stored and saved by the message data storage and saving means. Character information generating means for generating character information of a message to be shared by the staff of the restaurant, voice information generating means for converting the character information into voice information by voice synthesis, and the character information of the restaurant staff Means for transmitting to the portable terminal possessed by the mobile terminal via a communication network, and means for transmitting the voice information to the transceiver possessed by the staff of the restaurant via wireless communication. To do.

According to the information sharing system for restaurants according to the present invention, various message data are stored in a database, and troubles can be avoided in the mobile terminal owned by the staff immediately according to each scene from customer visit to store opening. Can be sent and displayed for text message information. Furthermore, by converting the text message information into speech information by speech synthesis and transmitting it to the transceiver owned by the staff in the store, the staff can also acquire the information as speech through earphones or the like.
Therefore, the synergistic effect with the order system, trouble avoidance system, and message system in such a restaurant has the effect that accurate and prompt provision of services to customers can be achieved with fewer human resources. As a result, an organic customer service can be provided just in time, and by transferring the surplus time to the hospitality, the customer service can be further improved.
In addition, since information such as the customer's name is shared among the staff, the staff who went to the customer's service can provide the service by calling the customer's name, etc. The effect of rising will also occur.
Furthermore, for the store, the realization of information sharing increases the sense of unity of the entire staff, and the management effect that the staff's work can be grasped more accurately also occurs.

  The objective of enabling just-in-time organic customer service at restaurants is realized by the information sharing system for restaurants according to the present invention as follows.

Embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an information sharing system for restaurants according to the present application, and shows the overall configuration thereof.
As shown in FIG. 1, this system is mainly composed of a portable terminal 103 and a transceiver 104 possessed by a restaurant staff, a control PC 102 installed in the restaurant, and a printer 105 for printing slips. Yes. The portable terminal 103 can communicate with the control PC 102 via a communication network 101 such as a wired or wireless LAN via a router connected to the control PC 102. Furthermore, the transceiver 104 can communicate with the control PC 102 by wireless communication 106 via a wireless relay device connected to the control PC 102.
In the information sharing system for restaurants shown in FIG. 1, the control PC 102, the portable terminal 103, the transceiver 104, and the printer 105 are all shown as one, but there may be a plurality of these. .
Although not shown, the mobile terminal 103 is an information processing device including a control unit such as a CPU, a memory such as a RAM and a ROM, a display unit such as a liquid crystal screen, and a communication unit, and includes a pocket PC, a PDA, and the like. It is.
In addition, although not shown in the figure, a router in which a POS terminal for information input (point-of-sale information management terminal), a reception PC, a table installation call device, a kitchen monitor, and the like are connected to the control PC 102 The communication network 101, such as a wired or wireless LAN, can communicate with the control PC 102 via the network.

Next, the internal configuration of the control PC 102 will be described with reference to FIG.
The control PC 102 includes a store entry information management unit 201 that manages customer entry information, a call information management unit 202 that manages call information from customers, and cooking information that manages information such as the cooking status of orders from customers. Management unit 203, store opening information management unit 204 for managing customer store opening information, confirmation information management unit 205 for managing confirmation information by staff, out-of-stock information management unit 206 for managing product out-of-stock information, and storing various message data A message data unit 207, a printer information management unit 208 that manages information such as out of paper of the printer 105, a voice conversion control unit 209 that performs processing for converting character information into voice information by voice synthesis, a portable terminal 103, and a transceiver An input / output control unit 210 that controls processing such as transmission / reception of information to / from 104 and printing to the printer 105 is provided.

<Store entry processing>
The flow of the store entry process according to the present embodiment will be described more specifically with reference to FIG.
After the start of implementation (step S101), when the customer enters the store (step S102), customer information such as the name of the customer ascertained by asking and asking and the number of the table for guiding the customer will be received at the POS terminal or reception The staff inputs to the PC installed in (step S103). This input information is transmitted to the control PC 102 via the communication network 101 (step S104).
Then, based on the template message for entering the store stored in the message data unit 207 and the input information, character information of the message for entering the store is generated (step S105). In this case, character information such as “Guide XX in the XX number table” is generated as a message for entering the store, and is temporarily stored in the input / output control unit 210. Here, xx means a table number, and OO means a customer name.
Then, the generated character information is converted into voice information by voice synthesis in the voice conversion control unit 209 (step S106). This audio information is also temporarily stored in the input / output control unit 210.
After that, the temporarily stored character information is transmitted to the staff portable terminal 103 via the communication network 101 (step S107). Then, the received character information is displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 103 (step S108).
Similarly, after the voice information is transmitted to the staff transceiver 104 by the wireless communication 106 (step S109), the voice information is reproduced through an earphone or the like (step S110).
After that, these transmission / reception history information is stored and saved in the store entrance information management unit 201 (step S111), and then the process ends (step S112).

<Call processing>
The flow of the calling process according to the present embodiment will be described more specifically with reference to FIG.
After the start of implementation (step S201), when a customer makes a call input to a calling device installed in a table to call a store staff (step S202), the input information is transmitted via the communication network 101 together with the table number. It is transmitted to the control PC 102 (step S203).
Then, based on the call template message stored in the message data section 207 and the input information, character information of the call message is generated (step S204). In this case, character information such as “call me XX number” is generated as a call message and is temporarily stored in the input / output control unit 210. Here, xx means a table number.
The generated character information is converted into voice information by voice synthesis in the voice conversion control unit 209 (step S205). This audio information is also temporarily stored in the input / output control unit 210.
After that, the temporarily stored character information is transmitted to the staff portable terminal 103 via the communication network 101 (step S206). Then, the received character information is displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 103 (step S207).
Similarly, after the voice information is transmitted to the staff transceiver 104 by the wireless communication 106 (step S208), the voice information is reproduced through an earphone or the like (step S209).
After that, these transmission / reception history information is stored and saved in the call information management unit 202 (step S210), and the process ends (step S211).

<Cooking completion processing>
The flow of the cooking completion process according to the present embodiment will be described more specifically with reference to FIG.
After the start of the implementation (step S301), when the cooking of the product ordered by the customer is completed (step S302), the kitchen staff inputs the kitchen monitor (step S303). The input information is transmitted to the control PC 102 via the communication network 101 (step S304).
Then, based on the template message for cooking completion stored in the message data unit 207 and the input information, character information of the message for cooking completion is generated (step S305). In this case, character information such as “XX No. XX has been created” is generated as a cooking completion message, and is temporarily stored in the input / output control unit 210. Here, xx means a table number, and OO means an ordered item.
Then, the generated character information is converted into voice information by voice synthesis in the voice conversion control unit 209 (step S306). This audio information is also temporarily stored in the input / output control unit 210.
Thereafter, the temporarily stored character information is transmitted to the staff portable terminal 103 via the communication network 101 (step S307). Then, the received character information is displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 103 (step S308).
Similarly, after the voice information is transmitted to the staff transceiver 104 by the wireless communication 106 (step S309), the voice information is reproduced through an earphone or the like (step S310).
After that, these transmission / reception history information is stored and saved in the cooking information management unit 203 (step S311), and then the process ends (step S312).

<Store opening process>
The flow of the store opening process according to the present embodiment will be described more specifically with reference to FIG.
After the start of implementation (step S401), when a customer pays when opening a store (step S402), the staff in charge of accounting inputs the payment information to a POS terminal or the like (step S403). The input information is transmitted to the control PC 102 via the communication network 101 (step S404).
Then, based on the store opening template message stored in the message data section 207 and the input information, character information of the store opening message is generated (step S405). In this case, character information such as “It is the return of XX number table XX” is generated as a message for opening a store, and is temporarily stored in the input / output control unit 210. Here, xx means a table number, and OO means a customer name.
The generated character information is converted into voice information by voice synthesis in the voice conversion control unit 209 (step S406). This audio information is also temporarily stored in the input / output control unit 210.
Thereafter, the temporarily stored character information is transmitted to the staff portable terminal 103 via the communication network 101 (step S407). Then, the received character information is displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 103 (step S408).
Similarly, after the audio information is transmitted to the staff transceiver 104 by the wireless communication 106 (step S409), the audio information is reproduced through an earphone or the like (step S410).
After that, these transmission / reception history information is stored and saved in the store opening information management unit 204 (step S411), and then the process ends (step S412).

<Confirmation process>
The flow of confirmation processing according to the present embodiment will be described more specifically with reference to FIG.
After the start of implementation (step S501), when information on completion of cooking or a call from a customer is transmitted to the staff (step S502), confirmation is input to the portable terminal 103 possessed by the staff who has received the information Is performed (step S503). The input information is transmitted to the control PC 102 together with the staff information input via the communication network 101 (step S504).
Then, based on the confirmation template message stored in the message data section 207 and the input information, character information of the confirmation message is generated (step S505). In this case, character information such as “☆☆ OK” is generated as a confirmation message and is temporarily stored in the input / output control unit 210. Here, ☆☆ means the name of the staff.
The generated character information is converted into voice information by voice synthesis in the voice conversion control unit 209 (step S506). This audio information is also temporarily stored in the input / output control unit 210.
Thereafter, the temporarily stored character information is transmitted to the staff portable terminal 103 via the communication network 101 (step S507). Then, the received character information is displayed on the display unit of the portable terminal 103 (step S508).
Similarly, after the voice information is transmitted to the staff transceiver 104 by the wireless communication 106 (step S509), the voice information is reproduced through an earphone or the like (step S510).
After that, these transmission / reception history information is stored and saved in the confirmation information management unit 205 (step S511), and the process ends (step S512).

<Out of stock processing>
The flow of out-of-stock processing according to this embodiment will be described more specifically with reference to FIG.
After the start of implementation (step S601), an order from the customer is entered (step S602). Then, the stock quantity of the product for which the order has been received is subtracted from the stock quantity for each offerable product stored and stored in advance in the out-of-stock information management unit 206 (step S603). Here, whether or not the product is out of stock is determined based on whether or not the number of stocks of the product is 0 (step S604).
If it is not out of stock, the determination in step S604 is no and the process ends (step S612).
On the other hand, if it is out of stock, the determination in step S604 is Yes, and character information for the out-of-stock message is generated based on the out-of-stock template message stored in the message data unit 207 and the information on the ordered product. (Step S605). In this case, character information such as “XX is out of stock” is generated as a message for running out of stock, and is temporarily stored in the input / output control unit 210. Here, XX means a product name that is out of stock.
Then, the generated character information is converted into voice information by voice synthesis in the voice conversion control unit 209 (step S606). This audio information is also temporarily stored in the input / output control unit 210.
Thereafter, the temporarily stored character information is transmitted to the staff portable terminal 103 via the communication network 101 (step S607). Then, the received character information is displayed on the display unit of the portable terminal 103 (step S608).
Similarly, after the voice information is transmitted to the staff transceiver 104 by the wireless communication 106 (step S609), the voice information is reproduced through an earphone or the like (step S610).
After that, these transmission / reception history information is stored and saved in the out-of-stock information management unit 206 (step S611), and the process ends (step S612).

<Printer out of paper processing>
The flow of the printer paper out process according to the present embodiment will be described more specifically with reference to FIG.
After the start of implementation (step S701), it is determined whether there is a print instruction (step S702).
If there is no print instruction, the determination in step S702 is No and the process ends (step S713).
On the other hand, if there is an instruction for printing, the determination in step S702 is Yes, and the state of the printer 105 that issued the printing instruction is confirmed (step S703).
Here, it is determined whether or not the printer has run out of paper (step S704).
If the paper has not been cut, the determination in step S704 is No, printing is performed by the printer 105 instructed to print (step S705), and the process ends (step S713).
On the other hand, if the paper has run out, the determination in step S704 is Yes, and character information for the paper-out message is generated based on the paper-out template message stored in the message data section 207 (step S706). ). In this case, character information such as “No printer has run out of paper” is generated as a message for running out of paper, and is temporarily stored in the input / output control unit 210. Here, ◯ means the device number of the printer 105 assigned in advance. As a result, even if the job is busy and the user is unaware that the paper has run out, the system promptly inserts the paper into the printer. In response to the instruction, the store staff can insert a printer sheet and print a cooking slip or the like to give a cooking instruction.
The generated character information is converted into voice information by voice synthesis in the voice conversion control unit 209 (step S707). This audio information is also temporarily stored in the input / output control unit 210.
Thereafter, the temporarily stored character information is transmitted to the staff portable terminal 103 via the communication network 101 (step S708). Then, the received character information is displayed on the display unit of the portable terminal 103 (step S709).
Similarly, after the voice information is transmitted to the staff transceiver 104 by the wireless communication 106 (step S710), the voice information is reproduced through an earphone or the like (step S711).
After that, the transmission / reception history information is stored and saved in the printer information management unit 208 (step S712), and the process ends (step S713).

<Printer bypass printing process>
The flow of the printer bypass printing process according to the present embodiment will be described more specifically with reference to FIG.
After the start of implementation (step S801), it is determined whether there is a print instruction (step S802).
If there is no print instruction, the determination in step S802 is No and the process ends (step S814).
On the other hand, if there is an instruction for printing, the determination in step S802 is Yes, and the state of the printer 105 that issued the printing instruction is confirmed (step S803).
Here, it is determined whether or not there is a problem in the state of the printer 105 (step S804). Specifically, it is determined whether the printer is not turned off, whether the LAN cable is connected to the printer by mistake, or whether the printer main body is out of order.
If there is no problem such as power OFF regarding the printer state, the determination in step S804 is No, and printing is performed by the printer 105 that has been instructed to print without bypassing to the other printers 105 (step S805), and the process ends. (Step S814).
On the other hand, if there is a problem, the determination in step S804 is Yes, and printing is performed by another printer 105 that is to perform detour printing if the preset printer 105 is defective ( Step S806).
Then, based on the template message for bypass printing stored in the message data unit 207, character information of the message for bypass printing is generated (step S807). In this case, character information such as “Detour printing from No. to No. X machine” is generated as a bypass printing message and is temporarily stored in the input / output control unit 210. Here, ○ means the device number of the printer 105 that is pre-allocated as the first candidate of the output destination, and x means the printer 105 that is pre-allocated as the second candidate when output to the first candidate printer 105 is not possible. Means the device number.
Then, the generated character information is converted into voice information by voice synthesis in the voice conversion control unit 209 (step S808). This audio information is also temporarily stored in the input / output control unit 210.
Thereafter, the temporarily stored character information is transmitted to the staff portable terminal 103 via the communication network 101 (step S809). And the received character information is displayed on the display part of the portable terminal 103 (step S810).
Similarly, after the voice information is transmitted to the staff transceiver 104 by the wireless communication 106 (step S811), the voice information is reproduced through an earphone or the like (step S812).
After that, the transmission / reception history information is stored and saved in the printer information management unit 208 (step S813), and the process ends (step S814). As a result, even when information is automatically transferred to the bypass printer and a slip is issued (for example, when the cook printer is bypassed to the drink printer and cooking is instructed), the bypass printer is quickly printed. And the device number of the printer 105 that has performed detour printing.

<Cooking delay processing>
The flow of the cooking delay process according to the present embodiment will be described more specifically with reference to FIG.
After the start of implementation (step S901), after receiving an order from a customer (step S902), the cooking time of the ordered product, that is, the elapsed time after the order is counted (step S903). Then, the standard cooking time for each product stored in the cooking information management unit 203 in advance and the elapsed time after the actual order are compared, and whether the order is out of cooking due to some reason such as out of ingredients. Is determined (step S904).
If cooking is not delayed, the determination in step S904 is No, and the process ends (step S912).
On the other hand, if cooking is delayed, the determination in step S904 is Yes, and the cooking delay is based on the cooking delay template message stored in the message data unit 207 and the information on the table number where the ordered item is ordered. The character information of the business message is generated (step S905). In this case, character information such as “Please check cooking in the table of XX” is generated as a message for cooking delay, and is temporarily stored in the input / output control unit 210. Here, XX means the number of the table that ordered the ordered item for which cooking is delayed.
Then, the generated character information is converted into voice information by voice synthesis in the voice conversion control unit 209 (step S906). This audio information is also temporarily stored in the input / output control unit 210.
Thereafter, the temporarily stored character information is transmitted to the staff portable terminal 103 via the communication network 101 (step S907). Then, the received character information is displayed on the display unit of the portable terminal 103 (step S908).
Similarly, after the voice information is transmitted to the staff transceiver 104 by the wireless communication 106 (step S909), the voice information is reproduced through an earphone or the like (step S910).
After that, the history information of transmission / reception is stored and saved in the cooking information management unit 203 (step S911), and the process ends (step S912). As described above, when cooking is delayed for some reason such as out of ingredients, the staff in charge of the hall can confirm before receiving a complaint from the customer, and the customer can be dealt with in advance.

<Screen configuration>
As shown in FIG. 12 showing an example of a screen displayed on the mobile terminal 103, the message information is composed of three parts: time, state, and content.
First, the time is displayed as hours and minutes.
Next, in the case of entering a store in the state, “IN” is displayed, which means that the customer has been guided. In the case of a call, “call” is displayed, which means that there was a call from a customer. When the product is out of stock, “out of stock” is displayed, which means that the product is out of order. When cooking is completed, “kitchen” is displayed, which means that the cooking is complete. In the case of confirmation, “☆☆” is displayed, which means confirmation by the hall staff, and ☆☆ is the name of the staff. The store opening is displayed as “out”, meaning that the customer has accounted.
In the case of entering a store, the contents are displayed as “IN> XXX number, XX guide”. In the case of a call, it is displayed as “call> XX number call”. If the item is out of stock, it will be displayed as “Out of stock> ○○ is out of stock.” When cooking is completed, a message such as “Kitchen> XX No. XX” is displayed. In the case of confirmation, “☆☆> OK” is displayed. In the case of opening a store, a display such as “Out> Return to XXX No. XX” is displayed.

<Setting>
About this system, it is possible to make various settings for each restaurant. An example of specific setting will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
In the “messenger” item, it is possible to set whether or not to use this messenger system.
In the “use of sound effects” item, it is possible to set whether or not to use sound effects for each character.
“Voice Guidance Personnel”, “Voice Guidance Guidance”, “Voice Guidance Return”, “Voice Guidance Call”, “Voice Guidance Kitchen”, “Voice Guidance Out of Stock” items, Specific audio contents for editing can be freely edited and determined here. These edited data are stored in the message data section 207.
In the item of “call ignoring interval (seconds)”, an ignoring interval when the call device is continuously pressed can be set.

<Speech synthesis>
The character information of the message is converted into voice information by a voice synthesis program stored in the voice conversion control unit 209. Then, in order to prevent erroneous conversion due to a difference between reading aloud and reading aloud, information on correct pronunciation of proper nouns is input to the speech synthesis dictionary. FIG. 14 shows an example of an input screen for the speech synthesis dictionary. In this way, it is possible to register words and pronunciation kana that cannot be correctly pronounced in speech synthesis, and to freely edit the dictionary so that the characters before conversion are pronounced with the converted characters in the order of ID.

It is explanatory drawing which showed the whole structure of this system. It is explanatory drawing which showed the internal structure of PC102 for control. It is the flowchart which showed the process sequence when a customer enters a shop. It is the flowchart which showed the process sequence when there exists a call from a customer. It is the flowchart which showed the process sequence when cooking of an order item is completed. It is the flowchart which showed the process sequence in case a customer opens a store. It is the flowchart which showed the process sequence when a staff confirms. It is the flowchart which showed the process sequence when a menu runs out of goods. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when the printer 105 runs out of paper. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when bypass printing is performed due to a malfunction of the printer. It is the flowchart which showed the process sequence when cooking of an order item is overdue. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the mobile terminal 103. FIG. It is the figure which showed the example of the setting screen of the operation parameter in PC102 for control. It is the figure which showed the example of the edit screen of the speech conversion dictionary in PC102 for control.

Explanation of symbols

101 communication network 102 control PC
103 mobile terminal 104 transceiver 105 printer 106 wireless communication 201 store information management unit 202 call information management unit 203 cooking information management unit 204 store information management unit 205 confirmation information management 206 out-of-stock information management unit 207 message data unit 208 printer information management unit 209 Voice conversion control unit 210 Input / output control unit

Claims (1)

A control PC installed in a restaurant, an input device for inputting various information from a customer entering the store to opening a store connected to the control PC via a communication network, and a portable terminal possessed by a restaurant staff And an information sharing system for restaurants comprising a transceiver owned by a staff of a restaurant capable of wireless communication with the control PC,
The control PC is
Message data storage and storage means for storing and storing basic message data in advance;
Means for receiving input information transmitted from time to time via a communication network from an input device that has input various information from the store entrance to the store of the restaurant;
Character information generating means for generating character information of a message to be shared by staff of the restaurant based on the received input information and the message data stored and saved by the message data storage and saving means,
Voice information generating means for converting the character information into voice information by voice synthesis;
Means for transmitting the character information to the portable terminal possessed by the restaurant staff via a communication network;
Means for transmitting the audio information to the transceiver possessed by the restaurant staff via wireless communication;
An information sharing system for restaurants, characterized by comprising:

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