JP2010017201A - Merchandise provision method in restaurant and its device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely and highly efficiently provide an ordered merchandise by a simple system. <P>SOLUTION: In an eating/drinking stand formed by having a conveyer space 18 for conveying merchandise, at its upper part, merchandise ordered by a customer are mounted on a conveyance board 16 self-traveling on the conveyer space 18 while avoiding an obstacle till an ordering customer's table position, position information described on the surface of the conveyer space 18 is recognized by recognition means 24 of the conveyance board 16, the conveyance board 16 is self-traveled to the designated ordering customer's table 20 while avoiding the obstacle such as another conveyance board 16 and the ordered merchandise are provided to the customer. When finishing to take out the customer's ordered merchandise, the conveyance board 16 is returned to its original position by the self-traveling and prepared for the provision of next ordered merchandise. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a merchandise providing method and apparatus for individually providing ordered items to customers in a restaurant that conveys food and drinks by means of conveying means.

  Conventionally, in a restaurant, for example, a restaurant where a rotating dining table is installed, sushi, which is a product, is arranged on a plate and cyclically conveyed on a circuit.

  It is known that when a product other than the product being transported is provided to an ordering customer, a plate on which the ordered product is placed is placed on a mounting table that displays the ordered product. ing.

  As a means of providing this type of order to the ordering customer, the IC tag is mounted on the plate, and the seat location information, ordering information, etc. of the ordering customer are recorded on this IC tag, and the ordering item is conveyed to the ordering customer's seat. In this case, the control mechanism operates the discharge mechanism arranged in the circuit to provide the ordered item to the ordering customer (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). By inputting the seat position information to the control means, the control means calculates the arrival time to the order seat based on the transport speed of the circuit and the position information of the passenger seat, and the discharge mechanism or the order item placed at each seat at the arrival time. There is one that operates a stop mechanism and provides an ordered item to an ordering customer (for example, see Patent Documents 3 and 4).

Japanese Patent No. 30663373 (page 2-3, FIGS. 1, 3, 4) JP 2002-219043 (page 3-5, FIGS. 1, 7, 8, and 11) JP 2002-219044 (page 2-5, FIG. 1-4) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2004-187922 (page 5-10, FIGS. 1, 2, 4)

  Conventionally, as described above, in Patent Documents 1-4, a complicated control system for specifying the ordering seating position and the provision time and a conveyance path for conveying food and drink are indispensable, which is a factor that causes a cost increase. It was.

  Moreover, in patent documents 1-4, the consideration which improves the provision efficiency of the next order goods in order goods supply is not made at all.

  Further, in Patent Documents 1 and 4, since the dish on which the ordered item is placed is inclined and transferred when the ordered item is provided, the danger that the ordered item falls from the dish is very high. In this case, not only is it necessary to prepare and provide the custom-made item again, but it is also necessary to remove the fallen object from the apparatus, and it becomes unusable during that time.

  In addition, there is no disclosure about a case where a plurality of order items are provided at a time, and it is therefore impossible to provide a plurality of order items at a time.

  An object of this invention is to provide the goods provision method and apparatus in the restaurant which can provide order goods reliably and efficiently with a simple system.

The present invention relates to a dining table provided with a conveyance space for conveying a product above a base, in which an order from a customer is placed up to an ordering customer table designated by a control means arranged inside the obstacle. The code, characters, alphanumeric characters, etc. written on the surface of the transport space are placed on the transport platform that runs independently in the transport space, and the customer's table information is input to the transport platform control means. Recognize the information by the recognition means of the transport table, and provide the customer with the ordered items by running the transport table independently to the designated ordering customer table while avoiding obstacles such as another transport table, On the other hand, after the customer completes taking out the ordered item, the carriage is returned to the original position by self-supporting to prepare for the next ordered item,
Alternatively, in place of the position information written on the surface of the conveyance space, position information transmission means is arranged on each table, and detection means for detecting a position information signal transmitted from the position information transmission means is arranged on the conveyance table. What
Or, prior to arrival of the transportation platform on which the next order tray is placed, the existing transportation platform in the stock space for stocking multiple transportation platforms on which the ordered items placed on each table are stocked It is self-propelled to the front end side, forcibly securing the supply space for the next sequential transport stand, and improving the order supply efficiency.

  According to the product providing method and the apparatus thereof in the restaurant according to the present invention, the order item is placed on the transporting table that travels on its own which has entered the table information of the ordering customer, and this transporting table is supplied onto the transporting space Recognizes the position information written in the destination space by the recognition means of the transport table, and independently travels to the specified order customer table while avoiding obstacles such as another transport table and provides the ordered items to the order customers. Therefore, a transport mechanism such as a conveyor is not required to transport the transport table, and control is extremely simple, and ordered products can be reliably provided to ordering customers.

  In addition, after the ordered item is taken out by the customer, the carriage is returned to the original position by the self-supporting traveling, so that it is possible to prepare for the next ordered item provision.

  In addition, since the ordered items are always transported while being held horizontally, the ordered items do not fall off the transportation table during transportation, and no fallen material accumulates on the transportation table and the transportation space, so that they are always used. It is possible to provide stable orders.

  Also, instead of the location information described on the surface of the conveyance space, position information transmission means is arranged in each table, and detection means for detecting position information transmitted from the position information transmission means is arranged on the conveyance table. In addition, the carrier on which the order item is placed can run independently to the designated order customer table, and the order item can be reliably provided to the order customer.

  In addition, even if a plurality of ordered items are provided continuously at a time, the existing transportation platform is self-propelled and the supply space is forcibly secured before the arrival of the transportation platform on which the next ordered items are placed. Since the ordered items can be stocked, the efficiency of providing the ordered items is improved.

  With a simple system, the purpose of providing ordered items reliably and efficiently is equipped with a control means for specifying the order customer table to be transported and a recognition means for recognizing position information written on the surface of the transport space to avoid obstacles. However, it is realized by a transport stand that runs independently, and position information described in the transport space or position information transmission means arranged in each table.

  The goods provision apparatus in the restaurant which concerns on this invention consists of the following structures, as shown in FIGS.

  In this example, the restaurant places a tray 14 on which a product (in the present invention, food and drink such as sushi) (not shown) is placed above a substantially rectangular base 12 in a plane, and a carriage that travels independently. This is a restaurant where 16 transport spaces 18 are provided and a table with a plurality of tables 20 provided on the outer periphery of the base 12.

  The conveyance space 18 is a traveling path of the conveyance table 16 formed of a concave groove.

  On the surface of the conveyance space 18, ruled lines 22 are written at predetermined intervals in the XY directions indicating position information, and a recognition means 24 for recognizing the ruled lines 22 indicating the position information is arranged on the bottom surface of the conveyance table 16.

  In this example, the conveyance stand 16 is a cart having a self-supporting traveling function.

  The position of the table of the customer who ordered the placed ordered item is specified inside the transport table 16 and travel control is performed while avoiding obstacles such as another transport table 16 and the side wall of the transport space 18 while traveling. An obstacle detection center 28 for detecting an obstacle connected to the control means 26 is disposed outside the transport table 16 (see FIG. 2).

  In this example, the obstacle detection sensors 28 are evenly arranged at four locations on the outer peripheral edge of the transport table 16. In addition, the transport table 16 includes a self-supporting traveling means, a detection sensor for detecting the presence / absence of a mounted object, and the like. Has been deployed.

  Therefore, until the recognition unit 24 of the transfer table 16 recognizes the ruled line 22 indicating the position information written on the surface of the transfer space 18 and recognizes the table position information designated by the control unit 26, another transfer table 16 is recognized. Then, the vehicle travels independently while avoiding the side wall of the conveyance space 18 and stops after recognizing the designated table position information, thereby providing the ordered item to the ordering customer.

  The travel and order information of each transport table 16 is managed by the management means 30.

  The management means 30 is a computer.

  In the figure, reference numeral 32 denotes a kitchen terminal that displays order information.

  The method of using the apparatus to provide an ordered item to the ordering customer will be described in detail below.

  First, the customer inputs an order terminal (not shown) or places an order directly with the employee.

  Next, the cook cooks the ordered item, places it on the tray 14, and places it on the transport table 16 into which information has been input in order to identify the table 20 of the ordering customer.

  At this time, a tray on which the ordered items are arranged on the transport table 16 corresponding to the designated table 20 by coloring each table 20 on the surface of the transport table 16 whose transport destination is designated in advance. By placing 14, the table information input work to the transport table 16 can be omitted.

  Next, the transport table 16 on which the tray 14 on which the ordered items are stacked is placed is supplied to the transport space 18.

  At this time, the transport table 16 in which the transport destination table 20 is designated in advance is sequentially arranged from the leading position on the base end side of the transport space 18, and the trays on which the ordered items are arranged according to the disposed transport platform 16 (designated destination). By placing 14 on the transport table 16, not only can the order provision work time be drastically reduced, but also the order provision time for the ordering customer can be significantly reduced, and a faster product provision can be realized.

  Next, the recognizing unit 24 recognizes the ruled line 22 indicating the position information written on the surface of the transfer space 18 by the transfer table 16 on which the order tray 14 is placed, and the ruled line 22 indicating the position information of the specified transfer destination table 20. After recognizing, stop on the spot.

  At this time, the transport table 16 on which the custom tray 14 is placed travels independently while avoiding the transport table 16 when the obstacle detection sensor 28 senses another transport table 16 during travel.

  In addition, the transport table 16 also avoids the side walls of the transport space 18.

  Next, the order customer completes the provision of the ordered product by taking out the ordered product tray 14 from the transport table 16 that has reached and stopped in front of his / her table 20.

  In this way, the tray 14 on which the ordered items are arranged is always transported horizontally on the transport space 18 by the transport table 16, so that the ordered products do not fall from the tray 14, and the transport table 16, transport space. There is no accumulation of fallen objects on 18 and it is possible to always provide a stable ordered product.

  Next, the transport table 16 from which the ordered item has been taken out returns to its original position by self-supporting while avoiding obstacles.

  At this time, the transport table 16 to be returned is caused to travel in the center of the transport space 18 (the center in the width direction in FIGS. 1 and 5), so that it does not hinder another transport table 16 during the transportation of the ordered product and is smooth. Can be returned easily.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the transport stand 16 that travels on its own, the ruled line 22 indicating the position information written on the surface of the transport space 18, the recognition means 24, and the control means 26 inside are controlled to travel. This simple control system eliminates the need for a transport mechanism such as a conveyor for transporting the transport table 16, so that the ordered product can be safely, reliably and efficiently provided to the ordering customer.

  FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the present invention.

  In this example, in place of the ruled line 22 indicating the position information, a transmission means 34 such as an IC tag for transmitting the position information to each table 20 is provided, and a transmission signal from the position information transmission means 34 is provided on the carriage 16. For example, a detection means 36 such as a tag reader is provided.

  In this example, the detection means 36 is disposed on the outer peripheral edge of the transport table 16 in the vicinity of the obstacle detection sensor 28 of the previous example.

  For this reason, another conveying table is detected until the detecting unit 36 of the conveying table 16 detects the position information signal from the position information transmitting unit 34 of each table 20 and detects the table position information designated by the control unit 26. 16. The self-traveling while avoiding the side wall of the conveyance space 18, and stopping after detecting the specified table position information, the ordered product is provided to the ordering customer.

  Other configurations and methods of use are the same as those in the first embodiment, and will be omitted.

  FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the present invention.

  In this example, a stock space 38 for stocking a plurality of transport tables 16 is formed in the transport space 18 corresponding to each table 20.

  In the usage method of this example, the recognition unit 24 recognizes a ruled line (not shown) which is position information written on the surface of the conveyance space 18 by the conveyance table 16 designated as the conveyance destination, and the designated conveyance destination table 20 After recognizing the position information, it stops on the spot and the order item is provided to the ordering customer.

  Next, when the transport table 16 on which the next ordered item is placed is transported to the same table 20 (customer), the transport table 16 is self-propelled to the front end side of the stock space 38 and is forcibly supplied. Even if a plurality of transfer tables 16 on which the ordered items are placed are provided continuously at a time, they can be stocked on the stock space 38, and the order providing efficiency can be improved.

  In addition, when the transport table 16 transported to the stock space 38 becomes full, a notification function arranged on the transport table 16 or the table 20 is used to prompt the ordering customer to take out the ordered goods tray 14. If the order tray 14 is not taken out even if the notification is made, the transport stand 16 is kept on standby, and notification is made again after a certain period of time, thereby avoiding excessive provision of the order and impairing the customer's meal pace. This can be prevented.

  At this time, the notification effect for the ordering customer is further improved by changing the notification sound for each table 20.

  Other configurations and methods of use are the same as those in the first embodiment, and will be omitted.

  FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the present invention.

  In this example, the conveyance space 18 is arranged above the conventional circuit 40.

  In the usage method of this example, normal products other than the ordered items are provided by the circuit 40, and the ordered items are arranged on the conveying table 16 as in the first embodiment, supplied to the conveying space 18, and provided to the ordering customer. To do.

  Other configurations and methods of use are the same as those in the first embodiment, and will be omitted.

  In the second embodiment, the position information transmitting means 34 arranged on each table 20 is an IC tag. However, the shape of the position information transmitting means 34 may be a coin shape, a ring shape, or other shapes. It is self-evident.

  Further, although the detection means 36 is a tag reader, it is obvious that various detection devices are used in accordance with the position information transmission means 34.

  In the first and third embodiments, the ruled line 22 is used as a notation indicating the position information on the surface of the conveyance space 18, but it is possible to use alphanumeric characters, code patterns, code symbols, and other notations.

  In addition, when the transport table 16 is transported to the stock space 38, the transport table 16 is transported to the front end side of the stock space 38 in advance, so that the transport to the front end side of the existing transport table 16 when the next transport table 16 is supplied. It is obvious that it can be omitted.

  Moreover, in all examples, the input of the transfer destination table information to the control means 26 of the transfer table 16 may be performed in advance, and can be freely input every time it is provided.

  In addition, the transport table 16 has a size that allows one tray 14 to be placed thereon, but has a size that allows two or more trays 14 to be placed, and has a planar shape that is circular, square, or other shape. In this case, it is possible to provide a plurality of ordered items by the same carrier 16 to the same place or a plurality of places.

  It is obvious that the management means 30 is a processing device such as a microcomputer or a microprocessor unit (MPU).

  Further, a lottery function may be added to the management means 30, a lottery may be performed according to the number of orders, and a card issuing function displaying a prize or various services when winning may be added. It is obvious that a device provided with a card issuing means and a prize issuing means is provided and provided from this device.

  Moreover, although the conveyance space 18 is a travel path which consists of a ditch | groove provided with the side wall, it is self-evident that the conveyance stand 16 can be a horizontal plate or a gentle slope, for example, a simple horizontal plate or board.

  Moreover, although the recognition means 24 and the detection means 36 are distribute | arranged to the bottom face or outer periphery of the conveyance stand 16, the arrangement | positioning location is not specifically limited.

  Further, the shape of the conveyance space 18 is not limited to a planar rectangle as in this example, and it is obvious that the conveyance space 18 has a substantially L shape, a U shape, a semicircular shape, or other shapes in plan view.

  Moreover, although the tray 14 directly arranges goods, it is self-evident to make it a large shape on which a plurality of products, for example, a plurality of dishes on a set menu can be placed, and other shapes.

  In addition, the product is not limited to sushi. For example, desserts, salads, grilled foods, and fried foods can be freely used. In this case, the tray should be a container for storing and serving products. Is self-explanatory.

  The apparatus used for the method of the present invention is not limited to this example.

  The product providing method and apparatus according to the present invention are not limited to restaurants, and can be used in stores that sell various products and manufacturing processes for various products.

The schematic perspective view which shows the goods provision apparatus which concerns on this invention. The expansion perspective view which shows a conveyance stand same as the above. An enlarged perspective view showing the tray. Schematic which shows the goods provision apparatus which concerns on this invention. The principal part enlarged plan view which shows a use condition same as the above. The principal part enlarged plan view which shows the use condition of Example 2. FIG. The principal part enlarged plan view which shows the use condition of Example 3. FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing Example 4.

Explanation of symbols

12 base 14 tray 16 transport stand 18 transport space 20 table 22 ruled line (position information)
24 recognition means 26 control means 34 position information transmission means 36 detection means 38 stock space

Claims (6)

In a dining table provided with a transport space (18) for transporting goods above the base (12),
Orders from customers
Placed on the transport table (16) that runs autonomously in the transport space (18) while avoiding obstacles, up to the ordering customer table position specified by the control means (26) arranged inside,
Enter the order customer's table information into the control means (26) of the transport table (16),
The position information such as codes, characters, alphanumeric characters, etc. written on the surface of the transfer space (18) is recognized by the recognition means (24) of the transfer stand (16), and another obstacle (16), etc. To provide customers with ordered items by running the carriage (16) independently up to the specified ordering customer table (20) while avoiding
On the other hand, a product providing method in a restaurant, comprising preparing the next ordered product by returning the carriage (16) to the original position by self-supporting after completion of taking out the ordered product of the customer. Detection that detects the position information signal transmitted from the position information transmitting means (34) by arranging the position information transmitting means (34) in each table (20) instead of the position information described on the surface of the conveyance space (18). 2. The method for providing goods in a restaurant according to claim 1, wherein the means (36) is arranged on the transport table (16). In the stock space (38) for stocking multiple transport tables (16) on which the ordered items placed on each table (20) are placed before the transport platform (16) on which the next ordered items are placed. The existing transport table (16) is self-propelled to the front end of the stock space (38), and the supply space for the next sequential transport table (16) is forcibly secured to improve the ordering efficiency. The product provision method in the restaurant of Claim 1 or Claim 2. In a dining table provided with a transport space (18) for transporting goods above the base (12),
Specify the table position information of the ordering customer on the transport platform (16) equipped with a self-sustained travel function, control means (26) to control the self-sustained travel while avoiding obstacles during travel, and write on the surface of the transport space (18) Recognizing means (24) for recognizing the position information
Position information is written on the surface of the transfer space (18).
The product provision apparatus in the restaurant characterized by the above-mentioned. Detection that detects the position information signal transmitted from the position information transmitting means (34) by arranging the position information transmitting means (34) in each table (20) instead of the position information described on the surface of the conveyance space (18). 5. The product providing apparatus in a restaurant according to claim 4, wherein the means (36) is arranged on the transport table (16). Within the stock space (38) for stocking multiple transport tables (16) with the ordered items placed on each table (20) before arrival of the transport platform (16) with the next ordered items placed The existing transport table (16) is self-propelled to the front end of the stock space (38), and the supply space for the next sequential transport table (16) is forcibly secured to improve the ordering efficiency. The product provision apparatus in the restaurant of Claim 4 or Claim 5.