JP2011186564A - Order input terminal and menu management method in the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an order input terminal automatically storing menus of a plurality of generations including a new menu, allowing an order to be input only by the new menu after the date on which the new menu is applied, and allowing an order to be input by switching between the new menu and an existing menu before the date on which the new menu is applied. <P>SOLUTION: The order input terminal includes: menu storage areas 231, 232 storing menu data corresponding to a plurality of generations including the current menu; a new menu download part 213 automatically downloading data on the new menu together with data on the application date; a date comparison part 219 comparing the application date of the new menu and the current date; and a menu switching part 220 switching the new menu as a new current menu when the current date exceeds the application date of the new menu, and selecting a desired menu between the current menu and the new menu when the current date has not reached the application date of the new menu. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an order input terminal such as a handy terminal for an employee to input order data from a customer in an order data management system (order entry system) installed in a pub or restaurant.

  An order entry system is introduced in which an employee operates a handy terminal, which is an order entry terminal, to input an order at a pub / restaurant. Depending on the sales and the arrival of food, the store frequently changes the unit price and changes the new menu. The menu change is normally created at the headquarters and sent to the ordering controller via the communication line via the store backyard or POS terminal. This menu is generally sent to the store before the change date, and may have been sent about one week before.

  In the menu change, the POS terminal / controller menu is automatically switched after the settlement of the previous day or in the opening process of the day. Since the handy terminal is normally turned off when the store is closed, a new menu is downloaded manually to change the menu.

  There is a related order input terminal (see Patent Document 1). The purpose of this order input terminal is to assign only the menu information that can be ordered in each time zone to each menu key promptly without downloading from the host controller when the menu contents are switched according to the time zone.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-251035

  As mentioned above, when changing menus, order entry terminals such as handy terminals are usually not turned on when the store is closed, so you must download the new menu manually and change the menu separately. I must. Therefore, when the menu is changed, the menu change at the order input terminal tends to be forgotten. In such a case, the store is opened, and the order is changed and the menu is not changed. At this time, in order to switch the menu of the order entry terminal and enter the order, it is necessary to download the new menu to the order entry terminal and switch the menu, and it takes time until the order can be entered. As a result, the customer was made to wait at the reception of the order from the customer, and a complaint sometimes occurred.

  If the order input terminal is always in the power-on state and ready to accept messages, it is possible to immediately recognize the menu change of the controller and download the menu automatically. If the power supply is always turned on, another problem that the battery has no life occurs. In addition, although the new menu is distributed to the store almost one week ago in some cases, the menu is applied at the store, so it cannot be switched without permission at the order entry terminal. There was a problem. On the other hand, although the new menu has arrived at the store, it is not possible to practice the operation of the order input terminal in the new menu or confirm how it is printed on the slip. There was a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to automatically store a plurality of generations of menu data including a new menu in an order input terminal such as a handy terminal, and to apply the new menu application date and time. Previously, an order input terminal capable of inputting an order by switching a menu of a plurality of generations including a new menu, and enabling an order input only by the new menu after the new menu application date and time, and the order input terminal It is to provide a menu management method.

(1) The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and the order input terminal of the present invention has been received from a customer with respect to a host controller in an order data management system installed in a store. An order input terminal for inputting order data related to an order and transferring it by wireless or wired communication, a menu storage area for storing menu data for a plurality of generations including a current menu which is a menu currently in use, and a controller Whether there is new menu data is detected at predetermined time intervals, and if there is a new menu, a new menu download unit that downloads the new menu data together with the application date and time, and the new menu A date and time comparison unit that compares the application date and time of the menu with the current date and time, and if the current date and time is after the application date and time of the new menu, A menu switching unit that switches the new menu as a new current menu and switches to a desired menu between the current menu and the new menu when the current date and time is before the application date and time of the new menu. Features.
If it is such an order input terminal, if there is a new menu in the upper controller in the order data management system every predetermined time (for example, the time zone after the store is closed), if there is Download a new menu and save it in the menu storage area. Until the date and time when the new menu is applied, it is possible to switch between multiple generations of menus including the new menu and the current menu so that the order can be entered. Enables order entry by.
As a result, multiple generations of menu data including new menus are automatically saved in the order entry terminal, and before the new menu is applied, multiple generations of menus including new menus can be switched to enter orders. After application date and time, orders can be entered using only the new menu. In addition, it has been possible to reduce the time and effort required to switch menus by employees before and after the new menu was applied, and to allow employees to check the contents of the new menu before applying the new menu. I can leave it to you.

(2) In the order input terminal of the present invention, the menu storage area stores a menu of a combination of a new menu and the current menu, or a combination of the current menu and the old menu, and the new menu has a generation flag. “New” is distinguished from the current menu by the generation flag “present”, and the old menu is distinguished from the generation flag “old”. The new menu and the current menu are stored in the menu storage area. When the current date and time exceeds the application date and time of the new menu, the generation flag of the current menu is changed from “current” to “old”, and the generation flag of the new menu is changed from “new”. The menu is switched by changing to “present” and switching the generation flag.
In such an order input terminal, the current menu is automatically updated with the new menu after the application date and time of the new menu elapses. In this case, the generation flag of the new menu is changed from “new” to “current”, and the generation flag of the current menu is changed from “current” to “old”. In other words, the generation flag in the menu storage area is switched to “current / old”, and from here, the menu cannot be switched to the old menu by normal operation.
Thus, menu switching can be performed by simply changing the generation flag in the order input terminal. For this reason, when the application date and time of the new menu comes, the menu can be switched immediately, and the order registration by the new menu can be performed as it is.

(3) In addition, the order input terminal of the present invention, when the new menu and the current menu are stored in the menu storage area, the current date and time exceeds the application date and time of the new menu, and the new menu is updated. When switching as the current menu, a menu change confirmation message is displayed on the display unit, and it is provided with a menu change confirmation unit for determining that the user has performed an input operation for permitting menu switching and switching the menu. To do.
In such an order input terminal, when the application date and time of the new menu has passed, a confirmation message requesting permission to switch the menu is displayed on the display unit, and the user is permitted to switch the menu to the new menu. Switch.
Thereby, when the application date and time of the new menu has passed, it is possible to confirm the switching operation to the new menu and switch the menu. If desired, switching to the new menu can be suspended. For this reason, if it is necessary to operate the current menu without changing the menu due to the circumstances of the store, etc., even if a menu change message is displayed, do not change the menu at the handy terminal. At the terminal, it is possible to continue the order input without changing to the new menu. This is to avoid automatically switching to the new menu just by determining the applicable date and time, because there may be cases where the new menu ingredients are not delivered and the store has to delay switching to the new menu. is there. It is preferable to change the menu of the entire store at a timing according to the circumstances of the store.

(4) Further, in the order input terminal of the present invention, when the menu change confirmation unit starts the order input without switching to the new menu after the application date and time of the new menu has elapsed. A warning message is displayed at the start of the order input.
With such an order input terminal, a warning message is displayed when order input is started without switching to the new menu after the application date and time of the new menu has elapsed. For example, if a warning message such as “Menu change has not been made. Do you want to switch to the new menu?” Is displayed and “YES” is selected on the display (touch panel, etc.) screen, a new message will appear in the handy terminal. Switch to the menu.
As a result, if the menu has not been switched in the order input terminal after the new menu application date and time has elapsed, this is notified and the user is prompted to switch to the new menu in the order input terminal. it can.

(5) In addition, the order input terminal of the present invention has a regular menu in the order data management system in which the new menu and the current menu are stored in the menu storage area, and the current date and time is before the application date and time of the new menu. An order input for practice in which order processing different from the order input is performed is accepted in a state where the new menu is selected, and if desired, a slip based on the order input for practice is sent to a printer in the order data management system. The practice order input receiving part which prints and issues is provided.
With such an order entry terminal, the new menu can be entered using practice orders before the menu change date, and slips can be printed in the same way as regular orders. Menu printing can be confirmed and cooking can be confirmed.

(6) In the order input terminal according to the present invention, the menu switching unit may display the old menu by an input operation to the key input unit in a state where the current menu and the old menu are stored in the menu storage area. It has a function of changing to the current menu.
As a result, after changing the current menu to the old menu and changing the new menu to the current menu, if for some reason it is necessary to return the previously used menu (old menu) to the current menu, the old menu Can be restored to the current menu.

(7) In addition, the menu management method in the order input terminal of the present invention inputs the order data relating to the order received from the customer to the host controller in the order data management system installed in the store, and wirelessly or A menu storage procedure for storing, in the menu storage area, menu data for a plurality of generations including the current menu, which is the menu currently in use, by the control unit in the order entry terminal that is transferred by wired communication, and data for a new menu in the controller Whether there is a new menu, and if there is a new menu, the new menu download procedure for downloading the new menu data together with the application date and time, and the new menu application date and time The date and time comparison procedure for comparing the current date and time, and if the current date and time is after the application date and time of the new menu Switching the new menu as a new current menu, and if the current date and time is before the application date and time of the new menu, a menu switching procedure for switching to a desired menu between the current menu and the new menu; Is performed.
As a result, multiple generations of menu data including new menus are automatically saved in the order entry terminal, and before the new menu is applied, multiple generations of menus including new menus can be switched to enter orders. After application date and time, orders can be entered using only the new menu.

In the order input terminal of the present invention, at every predetermined time (for example, the time zone after the store is closed), it is confirmed whether or not there is data for a new menu in the upper controller in the order data management system. If so, download the new menu and save it in the menu storage area. Until the date and time when the new menu is applied, it is possible to switch between multiple generations of menus including the new menu and the current menu so that the order can be entered. Allows order entry by.
As a result, multiple generations of menu data including new menus are automatically saved in the order entry terminal, and before the new menu is applied, multiple generations of menus including new menus can be switched to enter orders. After application date and time, orders can be entered using only the new menu.
As a result, it is possible to reduce the time and effort required to switch menus by employees before and after the new menu is applied, and to allow employees to check the contents of the new menu before the new menu is applied. I can leave it to you.
In addition, the menu of the order entry terminal can be switched from the old menu to the new menu instantly as necessary.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the order data management system in which the order input terminal of this invention is used. It is a figure which shows the outline flow of the menu change process in an order data management system. It is a figure which shows the storing state of the menu in a handy terminal. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a controller. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a handy terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the download process of the new menu in a controller. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the download process of the new menu in a handy terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the menu switching process in a handy terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the order input process in a handy terminal. It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of a handy terminal.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an order data management system in which the order input terminal of the present invention is used, and shows an example in which the order input terminal is a handy terminal.
An order data management system 2 shown in FIG. 1 is a wireless control device that communicates wirelessly with a large number of handy terminals 200 as order input terminals carried by employees and handy terminals 200 installed in each corner of a store. 20 and a controller 100 as an order information management device for transmitting and receiving signals between the wireless control device 20, a plurality of restaurant printers 40 installed in a kitchen, etc., and a POS installed in an accounting processing unit The controller 30 is combined with the controller 30, and the controller 100, the wireless control device 20, and the POS terminal 30 are connected by the communication line 4. The controller 100 is connected to the central server 10 via the router 3 and the communication network 1 and is configured to download menu data from the central server 10. The router 3 is set so as to pass only the signal of the center server 10, receives data from the center server 10 and sends it to the controller 100, and receives data from the controller 100 and sends it to the center server 10. .

  The handy terminal 200 has a configuration as shown in FIG. FIG. 10A is a diagram showing an overview of the handy terminal 200, and is a diagram showing a state in which the lid 200A of the handy terminal 200 is closed. FIG. 10B is a diagram of the handy terminal when the lid 200A is opened. The main body surface part is shown. As shown in FIG. 10B, an input enable display unit 201 and a key input unit (menu registration button) 202 are disposed on the main body surface of the handy terminal 200. Note that the input enable display unit 201 is a touch panel, and data can be registered by pressing a touchable button. The order data received from the customer is registered by pressing the button of the key input unit 202 or the touchable button of the input enabled display unit 201 which is a touch panel, and the order data is transferred to the controller 100 To do.

  Further, the wireless control device 20 has a function of relaying transmission / reception of signals performed between the controller 100 and the handy terminal 200 and the restaurant printer 40. Order information from the handy terminal 200 is wirelessly received by the wireless control device 20, and after protocol conversion or the like is performed, it is wired to the controller 100. Conversely, various information created by the controller 100 is wired to the wireless control device 20 and then wirelessly transmitted to the handy terminal 200 and the restaurant printer 40 by the wireless control device 20.

  The controller 100 stores various information such as cooking menu information, a unique menu number assigned to each menu, a system unique device number assigned to the handy terminal 200, the restaurant printer 40, and the like. In addition, by transmitting and receiving signals to and from the wireless control device 20, information is transmitted to and received from the handy terminal 200 and the restaurant printer 40, and various information and the entire system are managed.

In the above configuration, the handy terminal 200 automatically downloads the data for the new menu from the controller 100. The handy terminal 200 internally manages two generations of menus (for example, a new menu and a current menu), and allows an order input operation to be performed on each of the current menu and the new menu until the new menu is applied. . The handy terminal 200 stores only two generations of menus in order to save memory capacity.
In the example shown in FIG. 1, an example in which a handy terminal is used as an order input terminal is shown. However, the order input terminal includes a stationary terminal equipped with a display and used by employees. In this stationary terminal, like the handy terminal, order data or the like may be transferred to the controller 100 by wireless communication, or may be transferred by wired communication.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a general flow of menu change processing in the order data management system 2 shown in FIG. The details of the processing will be described in the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
In FIG. 2, when a new menu is generated in the center server 10, the controller 100 downloads the new menu from the center server 10 and stores it in the menu storage area in the storage unit (step S11). On the other hand, the handy terminal 200 activates the CPU at regular intervals, for example, at regular intervals after the store is closed (time period during which the handy terminal is not in operation), and asks the controller 100 whether or not there is a new menu. A message requesting notification is transmitted (call processing) (step S21).

  When the handy terminal 200 confirms that there is a new menu in the controller 100, the new menu data is downloaded as it is (step S22), and among the two menu areas held by the handy terminal 200, a “generation” to be described later is generated. The new menu data is downloaded to the area other than the area where the menu with the flag “present” is stored. At this time, data on the application date / time (application date / time) of the new menu is also acquired.

  In this way, a new menu is downloaded to the handy terminal 200. In this case, as described above, the time period during which the menu is downloaded is the closing time period of the store. This manages the operation time zone of the store in the handy terminal 200 so that the download does not start suddenly during order input at the store.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the handy terminal 200 has a menu storage area (A) 231 and a menu storage area (B) 232 for storing a second generation menu in the storage unit 230. In the normal operation state, as shown in FIG. 3A, the menu storage area (A) 231 stores the current menu which is the menu currently used, and the generation of the menu data is the generation. The flag “present” is attached. The menu storage area (B) 232 stores an old menu which is a menu used until the previous time, and a generation flag “old” is attached to the menu data.

  In this state, when the handy terminal 200 downloads new menu data from the controller 100, the new menu is stored in the menu storage area (B) 232 as shown in FIG. The flag “new” is added. When the new menu application date and time arrives, as shown in FIG. 3C, the generation flag of the menu data stored in the menu storage area (B) 232 is changed from “new” to “current”. In addition, the generation flag of the menu data stored in the menu storage area (A) 231 is changed from “current” to “old”, and thereafter, the menu data stored in the menu storage area (A) 231 is changed to the current menu. Used as

  In addition, on the date and time before the application date and time of the new menu, the order input of the new menu is blocked so that it can be input only to the practice or employee meal order as will be described later. Further, after the application date and time (generation flag “current / old”), the block is made so that the order can be input only in the current menu.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the controller 100 in the order data management system shown in FIG. 1, and shows only a part directly related to the present invention.
In the controller 100 illustrated in FIG. 4, the control unit 111 is a control unit that performs overall control of the controller 100 and achieves functions necessary for the controller 100. The display unit 112 is a display unit for displaying the order data and the like transmitted from the handy terminal 200 and the management information of each device in the order data management system 2. The key input unit 113 is a keyboard or the like for inputting data to the controller 100 and giving instructions.

  The new menu receiving unit 114 transmits a message to the center server 10, checks whether or not a new menu to be transmitted has occurred in the center server 10, and generates a new menu to be transmitted in the center server 10. If so, the new menu data is downloaded from the center server 10. The new menu transmission unit 115 responds to a message asking whether there is a new menu transmitted from the handy terminal 200, and transmits data of a new menu in response to a request from the handy terminal 200.

  The generation flag processing unit 116 includes a generation flag determination unit 117 and a generation flag change unit 118. The generation flag determination unit 117 determines the menu generation flag in the menu storage area (A) 131 and the menu storage area (B) 132 when the new menu received from the center server 10 is stored in the storage unit 130. The generation flag changing unit 118 performs processing for changing the generation flag of the menu stored in the menu storage areas 131 and 132.

  The new menu storage unit 119 stores the new menu received from the center server 10 in the storage unit 130 and also stores the new menu based on the generation flag determination result by the generation flag determination unit 117 when the new menu is stored. , 132, the storage location (menu storage area (A) 131 or menu storage area (B) 132) is selected, and the new menu data is saved.

The date / time comparison unit 120 compares the application date / time of the new menu (new menu with the generation flag “new”) stored in the menu storage area 131 or 132 with the current date / time.
When the date comparison unit 120 determines that the current date / time has reached the application date / time of the new menu, the menu change confirmation unit 121 switches the menu (menu for an employee who operates the controller). (Change) confirmation process. In this menu change confirmation, for example, a message is displayed to store employees, and a key operation (manual switching operation) for obtaining permission as to whether or not to execute the menu switching process is requested.

The storage unit 130 includes a menu storage area (A) 131 and a menu storage area (B) 132. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the menu storage area (A) 131 includes the current menu (generation flag). "Current") data is stored with version information and application date and time. In the menu storage area (B) 132, data of a new menu (generation flag “new”) is stored together with version information and application date and time.
In the storage unit 130, menu storage areas 131 and 132 for storing menus for two generations are shown. Of course, menu storage areas for storing menus for three generations are provided. In this area, the new menu “new”, the current menu “current”, and the old menu “old” may be stored separately.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the handy terminal 200, and shows only a portion directly related to the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the handy terminal 200 includes an input enabled display unit 201 that is a touch panel and a key input unit 202. By operating the input enable display unit 201 and the key input unit 202, the wireless control device 20 (FIG. 1) receives order information such as various dish menus, slip numbers, and table numbers received from customers by radio transmission / reception unit 203. To the controller 100. The wireless transmission / reception unit 203 has a function of transmitting radio waves to the radio control apparatus 20 and a function of receiving radio waves transmitted from the radio control apparatus 20.

  The suspend control unit 212 sets a timer time in the timer, and starts the CPU when the timer time set in the timer expires. That is, in the handy terminal 200, the suspend control unit 212 wakes up the CPU in the control unit 211 from the sleep state at regular intervals, and transmits a confirmation message for the presence or absence of a new menu to the controller 100. Call processing).

  The new menu download unit 213 is a processing unit for downloading a new menu from the controller 100. In the new menu download unit 213, the new menu confirmation unit 214 confirms whether there is new menu data in the controller 100. The new menu download unit 213 transmits a message for confirming the presence or absence of a new menu to the controller 100 when the timer time of the timer in the suspend control unit 212 has elapsed. If there is a new menu, the new menu is downloaded as it is, and the data of the new menu is stored in an area other than the generation flag “current” among the two menu storage areas 231 and 232 held by the handy terminal 200. At this time, together with the new menu data from the controller 100, the new menu application date and time data is also acquired and stored in the menu storage areas 231 and 232. In addition, the time for downloading the new menu data is a time when the store is closed or a time when the store is not closed (24-hour store). For this reason, the operation time zone of the store is managed in the handy terminal 200 so that the download does not start suddenly during order input at the store. If an order entry is started during the download, the download process is canceled and the download is performed again after a certain period of time.

  In addition, the new menu storage unit 215 in the new menu download unit 213 stores the new menu received from the controller 100 in the menu storage area 231 or 232, based on the generation flag determination result by the generation flag determination unit 217 described later. Then, the menu storage area 231 or 232 for saving the new menu is selected to save the new menu.

The generation flag processing unit 216 includes a generation flag determination unit 217 and a generation flag change unit 218. The generation flag determination unit 217 determines the generation flag of the menu data stored in the menu storage area (A) 231 and the menu storage area (B) 232 when the new menu received from the controller 100 is stored in the storage unit 230. To do. Further, the generation flag of the menu data stored in the menu storage area (A) 231 and the menu storage area (B) 232 is determined according to an instruction from the menu switching unit 220.
In response to an instruction from the menu switching unit 220, the generation flag changing unit 218 performs processing for changing the generation flag of the menu data stored in the menu storage areas 231 and 232 after the new menu application date and time has elapsed.
The date and time comparison unit 219 determines whether or not the current time is within the operation time of the handy terminal 200. Also, the date / time comparison unit 219 compares the application date / time of the new menu (new menu with the generation flag “new”) stored in the menu storage area 231 or 232 with the current date / time.

  The menu switching unit 220 is a processing unit for changing (switching) the new menu to the current menu after the application date and time of the new menu has elapsed. In the menu switching unit 220, the generation flag changing unit 218 changes the generation flag and performs menu switching processing. Further, when the menu switching unit 220 changes the new menu to a new current menu, the menu change confirmation unit 221 displays a menu switching confirmation message on the input enable display unit 201, and an input for permitting menu switching. It is determined that the operation has been performed by the key input unit 202, and the menu is switched.

  In addition, the menu switching unit 220 allows the menu to be freely switched between the new menu and the current menu at the handy terminal where the new menu has been downloaded until the application date and time of the new menu elapses. To do. This is because two generations of menus are managed inside the handy terminal, and it is not necessary to download new menu data every time, so that it is possible to switch easily. Further, in this menu switching unit 220, if desired, the current menu and the old menu are stored in the menu storage areas 231 and 232, and the old menu is manually input (input operation to the key input unit 202). A function to change the menu to the current menu can also be added.

  The order input reception unit 222 includes an application menu determination unit 223, a normal order input reception unit 224, a practice order input reception unit 225, and an employee meal order input reception unit 226. The application menu determination unit 223 determines whether or not the current menu is being applied to an order input at the handy terminal 200. Then, based on the determination result, the generation flag determination result by the generation flag determination unit 217, and the comparison result between the current date and time and the application date and time of the new menu by the date and time comparison unit 219, an order is input using the current menu, or Judge whether to input the order with the new menu.

When the current menu is being applied, for example, when the current menu is selected by the menu switching unit 220, the normal order input receiving unit 224 receives a normal order input from the current menu.
In addition, the practice order input receiving unit 225 performs the practice of handy terminal operation for order input to the user when the order input is performed by the new menu when the current date and time is before the application date and time of the new menu. A message is displayed to confirm whether or not it is a practice order for training, and when a practice order input is selected by the user, it is accepted as an order input for practice using a new menu.
In addition, the employee meal order input reception unit 226 performs an order input to the user when the current date is before the new menu application date and the order is input using the new menu. A message is displayed to confirm whether or not it is an employee meal order for practice, and when the user selects an employee meal order input, it is accepted as an employee meal order input by a new menu.

  If the new menu is used before the application date and time, it is blocked so that orders other than practice orders and employee meal orders cannot be entered. This is to prevent erroneous registration of orders due to operational mistakes. Blocks such as practice orders may be blocked on the handy terminal side or on the controller side. By the way, the employee meal order is the same as the practice, and it is used as an actual cooking practice on the kitchen side of the new menu. The practice order can be selected when the operation is performed only on the handy terminal (the order is not transmitted) or when the slip (guest slip, cooking instruction) is printed.

  In addition, the message generation unit 227 generates a message for requesting confirmation from the user and displays the message on the input enabled display unit 201. For example, when the order process is started without changing the menu after the application date and time of the new menu has elapsed, a warning message is displayed at the start of the order. For example, the message “Menu change has not been made. Do you want to switch to the new menu?” Is displayed. In this case, if YES is selected, the menu can be switched only inside the handy terminal 200, so that the menu can be changed immediately and the order can be registered as it is. In addition, even if the “menu change” message is displayed after the application date and time of the new menu has passed, the message is displayed even if the menu is not changed due to store circumstances and the current menu is still operating. However, by not intentionally switching the menu in the handy terminal 200, the handy terminal 200 can continue to input the order without changing to the new menu.

  In addition, since there are cases where it is necessary to delay the switching of the new menu at the store because the ingredients for the new menu have not arrived, there is a problem that the menu can be switched without permission only by determining the application date and time. The menu change for the entire store should be carried out in accordance with the timing according to the circumstances of the store. In the unlikely event that the controller has not switched the menu, but only the handy terminal has been switched in advance, the applicable date and time has passed, so it is not possible to check at the start of ordering at the handy terminal By checking the menu version on the controller side, unauthorized order registration can be blocked. When such a synchronization error occurs, the current menu and the new menu are downloaded again from the controller by resetting the handy terminal, and the handy terminal and the controller can be synchronized.

  The storage unit 230 includes a menu storage area (A) 231 and a menu storage area (B) 232. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the menu storage area (A) 231 includes the current menu (generation flag). "Current") data is stored with version information and application date and time. In the menu storage area (B) 232, data of an old menu (generation flag “old”) is stored together with version information and application date and time.

  Note that the handy terminal 200 shown in FIG. 5 has a computer system including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. A series of processing steps executed in each processing unit in the above-described handy terminal 200 is stored in a computer-readable recording medium in the form of a program, and the CPU reads and executes the program. The processing in each processing unit is performed. That is, each process in each processing unit in the handy terminal 200 is performed by a central processing unit such as a CPU reading the above program into a main storage device such as a ROM or a RAM, and performing information processing and arithmetic processing. It is realized. Here, the computer-readable recording medium means a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a semiconductor memory, or the like. Alternatively, the computer program may be distributed to the computer via a communication line, and the computer that has received the distribution may execute the program. In addition, each processing unit in the handy terminal 200 may be realized by dedicated hardware, and the function is realized by combining processing by hardware and processing by software. Also good.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of a new menu download process in the controller (CT) 100 in the order data management system using the handy terminal of the present invention. The flow of the new menu download process in the controller 100 will be described below with reference to FIG.
The new menu receiving unit 114 of the controller 100 checks whether or not a new menu to be transmitted has occurred in the center server 10 (step S101). In this case, the controller 100 transmits a “new menu generation” confirmation message to the center server 10 and confirms it with a response message from the center server 10.

  When a new menu to be transmitted has occurred in the center server 10 (step S101: Yes), information on the new menu is downloaded from the center server 10 (step S102). If no new menu to be transmitted has occurred in the center server 10 (step S101: No), the process proceeds to step S105 without downloading the new menu information from the center server 10.

Thereafter, the generation flag determination unit 117 determines the state of the generation flag of the menu stored in the menu storage areas 131 and 132 in the storage unit 130 (step S103). When it is determined that the generation flag is “current, old” (step S103: current / old), that is, the current menu (generation flag “current” is attached to the menu storage areas 131, 132 in the storage unit 130). And the old menu (with the flag “old”) stored, the new menu storage unit 119 stores the new menu in the storage area of the generation flag “old” and changes the generation flag. The generation flag is changed from “old” to “new” by the unit 118 (step S104). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S105.
If it is determined in step S103 that the generation flag is “current / new” (step S203: current / new), the new menu loaded from the center server 10 is stored in the storage area of the generation flag “new”. However, the generation flag is “new” as it is. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S105.

  In step S105, the date and time comparison unit 120 compares the application date and time of the new menu with the generation flag “new” in the menu storage area with the current date and time. If it is determined that “the current date and time has not reached the application date and time of the new menu” (step S105: No), the process returns to step S101 without performing the menu change process.

  If it is determined in step S105 that the current date and time has reached the application date and time of the new menu (step S105: Yes), the menu change confirmation unit 121 performs menu change confirmation (step S106). In the menu change confirmation in this step S106, for example, a message is displayed to the employees of the store, and a key input operation (manual switching operation) for obtaining permission as to whether or not to execute the menu change process is obtained. Is. If the menu change is not executed (step S106: NG), the process returns to step S101 without performing the menu change process.

  On the other hand, in the menu change confirmation in step S106, if it is permitted (confirmed) to perform the menu change confirmation (step S106: OK), the menu change process is executed (step S107). In the menu change process in step S107, the generation flag changing unit 118 changes the generation flag of the menu stored in the storage area of the generation flag “current” to the generation flag “old”. In addition, the generation flag of the menu stored in the storage area of the generation flag “new” is changed to the generation flag “current”. Then, after changing the generation flag of the menu stored in the storage area to “current / old” (step S108), the process returns to step S101.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of a new menu download process in the handy terminal. Hereinafter, the flow of the new menu download process in the handy terminal will be described with reference to FIG.
In the suspend control unit 212 in the handy terminal 200, the timer time is set in a timer for periodically performing the presence / absence of a new menu to the controller, the timer time is counted (step S201), and the timer is set. Wait until the timer expires (step S202).

  When the timer time elapses (step S202: Yes), the date and time comparison unit 219 determines whether or not the time is currently in the operation time zone (business hours zone in the store) of the handy terminal 200 (step S203). ). If the current time is the operation time zone (step S203: Yes), the process returns to step S201 without performing the menu download process. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S203 that the current time is not the operating time zone (step S203: No), the process proceeds to step S204.

  In step S204, in the new menu download unit 213, the handy terminal 200 transmits a message to the controller (CT) 100 to inquire about the presence of a new menu (step S204). If there is a new menu in the controller 100 (step S205: Yes), the process proceeds to step S206, where the new menu is downloaded. If there is no new menu in the controller 100 (step S205: No), the process returns to step S201 without performing the new menu download process.

If it is determined in step S205 that the controller 100 has a new menu (step S205: Yes), the generation flag determination unit 217 first stores the new menu in the menu storage areas 231 and 232 of the handy terminal (HT) 200. The menu generation flag is determined (step S206).
If the generation flag is “current, old” (step S206: current / old), that is, the menu storage areas 231 and 232 in the storage unit 230 are marked with the current menu (generation flag “current”). And the old menu (generation flag “old”) used last time is stored, the new menu storage unit 215 stores the new menu in the storage area of the generation flag “old”. Is stored (step S207). Further, the generation flag “current” is left as it is, and the generation flag is changed from “old” to “new” (step S208). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S210.

  If it is determined in step S206 that the generation flag is “current / new” (step S206: current / new), the new menu loaded from the controller 100 is stored in the storage area for the generation flag “new”. The generation flag is set as “new” as it is (step S209). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S210. Then, the application date and time of the new menu in the handy terminal 200 is updated (step S210).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of menu switching processing in the handy terminal. Hereinafter, the flow of the menu switching process in the handy terminal 200 will be described with reference to FIG.
The user recognizes the necessity of the menu switching when the menu change confirmation unit 221 of the handy terminal displays the menu switching confirmation message on the input enabled display unit 201, or switches the menu for some reason. Suppose you want to. When the user performs a menu switching operation on the handy terminal 200, the menu switching process is started by the menu switching unit 220 (step S301). In this menu switching process, first, the generation flag determination unit 217 determines the generation flag of the menu stored in the menu storage area (step S302). When the generation flag is the generation flag “current / old” (step S302: current / old), since the old menu cannot be selected in principle, a message that informs that the menu cannot be changed is displayed on the input enable display unit 201. Displayed (step S314), the generation flag remains “current / old” (step S315), and a suspend state is entered to extend the battery (step S316).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S302 that the generation flag is “current / new” (step S302: current / new), the date / time comparison unit 219 compares the application date / time of the new menu with the current date / time. (Step S303). If the current date / time is before the new menu application date / time (step S303: Yes), it is determined whether the menu selection made by the user is “current” or “new” (step S303). S304).

If it is determined in step S304 that a new menu has been selected (step S304: new), the new menu (the menu with the generation flag “new”) is read into the input enabled display unit 201 (step S305), and the menu storage area 231 is displayed. , 232, the generation flag of the menu remains “current / new” (step S306), and then enters the suspended state (step S307).
If the current menu (generation flag “current” menu) is selected in step S304 (step S304: current), the current menu is read into the input enabled display unit 201 (step S308) and stored in the menu storage area. The generation flag of the menu is left as “current / new” (step S309), and then the suspended state is entered (step S310). As described above, when the current date and time is before the new menu application date and time, the current menu and the new menu can be switched.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S303 that the current date and time exceeds the application date and time of the new menu (step S303: No), the new menu is read into the input enabled display unit 201 (step S311) and the generation flag is changed. Processing is performed (step S312). In the generation flag change processing in step S312, the generation flag of the menu stored in the generation flag “current” storage area is changed to the generation flag “old”, and the generation flag “new” storage area is changed. The generation flag of the stored menu is changed to the generation flag “current” (step S312). Thereafter, the suspend state is entered (step S313). As described above, when the current date and time exceeds the application date and time of the new menu, the new menu is automatically selected.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of order input processing in the handy terminal. Hereinafter, the flow of the process will be described with reference to FIG.
When an order is input by the user at the handy terminal (HT) 200, the order input receiving unit 222 starts an order input process (step S401). First, the application menu determination unit 223 determines whether or not the current menu is being applied to the handy terminal 200 with respect to the order input (step S402). If the current menu is being applied (step S402: Yes), the generation flag determination unit 217 determines the generation flag of the menu stored in the menu storage areas 231 and 232 (step S403).

If it is determined in the generation flag determination processing in step S403 that the generation flag is “current / old” (step S403: current / old), the process proceeds to step S409, and an order is input from the current menu (step S403). S409). In other words, when the generation flag is “current / old”, an order is input from the current menu.
If the generation flag is determined to be “current / new” in the determination of the generation flag in step S403 (step S403: current / new), the process proceeds to step S404, and the date comparison unit 219 causes the new menu to be updated. Is compared with the current date and time (step S404).

  If it is determined in step S404 that the current date and time is before the new menu application date and time (step S404: No), the process proceeds to step S409, and an order is input using the current menu (step S409). In other words, if the current date and time is before the new menu application date and time, an order is input using the current menu.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S404 that the current date and time exceeds the application date and time of the new menu (step S404: Yes), the process proceeds to step S405, and the message generation unit 227 prompts the user “New menu. A message for instructing the selection operation “Apply” or “Apply the current menu” is generated and displayed on the input enabled display unit 201 (step S405). When the current menu application selection operation is performed (step S406: No), the process proceeds to step S409, and an order is input using the current menu (step S409). That is, when application of the current menu is selected, order entry is performed using the current menu.

  If application of a new menu is selected in step S406 (step S406: Yes), the new menu is read into the input enabled display unit 201 (step S407), and a generation flag change process is performed (step S408). In the generation flag changing process in step S408, the generation flag of the menu stored in the generation flag “current” storage area is changed to the generation flag “old”, and the generation flag “new” is stored in the storage area. The generation flag of the stored menu is changed to the generation flag “current”. Then, order entry is performed using the current menu updated by the new menu (step S410). That is, when the current date and time exceeds the application date and time of the new menu, when a new menu is selected, an order is input using the current menu updated by the new menu.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S402 that the new menu is being applied to the order input (step S402: No), the process proceeds to step S412 and the new menu application date and current date and time are displayed. Are compared (step S411).

If it is determined in step S411 that the current date and time exceeds the application date and time of the new menu (step S411: Yes), the process proceeds to step S408, where the current menu is updated with the new menu and the order is input. .
If it is determined in step S411 that the current date and time is before the new menu application date and time (step S411: No), the process proceeds to step S412 and the current order input is a handy terminal operation for the user. A message for confirming whether or not the practice order is for practice is displayed on the input enable display unit 201 (step S412). If a practice order is selected in step S412, (step S413: Yes), the process proceeds to step S415, and the practice order input receiving unit 225 performs practice order input processing using a new menu.

On the other hand, when the practice order is not selected in step S412, (step S412: No), the process proceeds to step S413, where the current order input is an employee meal order for the handy terminal operation practice. A message for confirming whether or not is displayed on the input enable display unit 201 (step S413). If the employee meal order is selected in step S413 (step S413: Yes), the process proceeds to step S416, and the employee meal order input reception unit 226 inputs the employee meal order (new menu). Processing is performed (step S416).
If the employee meal order is not selected in step S413 (step S413: No), the process proceeds to step S414, and a message is displayed indicating that the order cannot be input (step S414).

  As described above, in the handy terminal of the present invention, the handy terminal is configured to have a plurality of menu sets including a new menu, and a new menu is automatically downloaded to the handy terminal, and the menu application is applied. Until the day, two menus can be used: the new menu and the current menu. After the date of application, in principle, orders can be entered only with the current menu updated by the new menu (the menu that has been changed from the new menu to the current menu). There seems to be.

  This makes it possible to automatically download a new menu to the handy terminal. Also, it is possible to input a practice order for the new menu before the menu change date, and the slip can be printed in the same way as a normal order. Therefore, not only the operation of the handy terminal, it is possible to check the printing of the new menu and the cooking. In addition, even if you forget to change the handy terminal menu on the day of the menu change, a warning message will be displayed at the start of order entry, and the menu can be switched instantly, eliminating the inconvenience to customers.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the order input terminal (for example, the handy terminal) of the present invention is not limited to the above-described illustrated examples, and does not depart from the gist of the present invention. Of course, various changes can be made.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Communication network, 2 ... Order data management system, 3 ... Router, 4 ... Communication line, 10 ... Center server, 20 ... Radio control apparatus, 30 ... POS terminal , 40 ... Restaurant printer, 100 ... Controller, 111 ... Controller control unit, 112 ... Display unit, 113 ... Key input unit, 114 ... New menu reception unit, 115 ... New menu transmission unit, 116 ... generation flag processing unit, 117 ... generation flag determination unit, 118 ... generation flag change unit, 119 ... new menu storage unit, 120 ... date and time comparison unit, 121 ... Menu change confirmation unit, 130 ... Storage unit, 131, 132 ... Menu storage area, 200 ... Handy terminal, 201 ... Input enable display unit, 202 ... Key input , 203 ... Wireless transmission / reception unit, 211 ... Control unit, 212 ... Suspend control unit, 213 ... New menu download unit, 214 ... New menu confirmation unit, 215 ... New menu storage 216: Generation flag processing unit, 217 ... Generation flag determination unit, 218 ... Generation flag change unit, 219 ... Date / time comparison unit, 220 ... Menu switching unit, 221 ... Menu Change confirmation unit, 222 ... Order input reception unit, 223 ... Application menu determination unit, 224 ... Normal order input reception unit, 225 ... Practice order input reception unit, 226 ... Employee meal order Input receiving unit, 227 ... message generating unit, 230 ... storage unit, 231, 232 ... menu storage area

Claims (7)

An order input terminal for inputting order data related to an order received from a customer to a host controller in an order data management system installed in a store and transferring it by wireless or wired communication,
A menu storage area for saving multiple generations of menu data including the current menu that is currently in use;
A new menu download unit that detects whether or not there is new menu data in the controller every predetermined time, and if there is a new menu, downloads the new menu data together with the application date and time; ,
A date and time comparison unit for comparing the application date and time of the new menu with the current date and time;
When the current date and time is after the application date and time of the new menu, the new menu is switched as a new current menu, and when the current date and time is before the application date and time of the new menu, the current menu and the new menu A menu switching unit for switching to a desired menu between
An order input terminal comprising: In the menu storage area, a menu of any combination of a new menu and the current menu, or a combination of the current menu and the old menu is stored, the generation menu “new” is stored in the new menu, and the generation flag “new” is stored in the current menu. “Current” is distinguished from the old menu by the generation flag “old”.
In the state where the new menu and the current menu are stored in the menu storage area, when the current date and time exceeds the application date and time of the new menu,
The menu is switched by changing the generation flag of the current menu from “current” to “old”, changing the generation flag of the new menu from “new” to “current”, and switching the generation flag. The order input terminal according to claim 1. When the new menu and the current menu are stored in the menu storage area, when the current date and time exceeds the application date and time of the new menu and the new menu is switched to the new current menu, a menu change confirmation message is displayed. The order input terminal according to claim 1, further comprising: a menu change confirmation unit that is displayed on the display unit and determines that a menu switching permission input operation by the user has been performed, and performs menu switching. The menu change confirmation unit
The warning message is displayed at the start of the order entry when the order entry is started without switching to the new menu after the application time of the new menu has elapsed. Order input terminal described in. In the state where the new menu and the current menu are stored in the menu storage area, and the current date and time is before the application date and time of the new menu,
In the order data management system, an order input for practice in which order processing different from the regular order input is performed is accepted in a state where the new menu is selected, and if desired, it is sent to a printer in the order data management system. The order input terminal according to claim 1, further comprising an order input receiving unit that prints and issues a slip based on the order input for practice. The menu switching unit
The function according to claim 1, further comprising a function of changing the old menu to the current menu by an input operation to a key input unit in a state where the current menu and the old menu are stored in the menu storage area. Order entry terminal. By the control unit in the order input terminal that inputs the order data related to the order received from the customer and transfers it by wireless or wired communication to the upper controller in the order data management system installed in the store,
A menu storage procedure for storing multiple generations of menu data including the current menu that is currently in use in the menu storage area;
A new menu download procedure for detecting whether or not there is new menu data in the controller at predetermined time intervals and, if there is a new menu, downloading the new menu data together with the application date and time; ,
A date and time comparison procedure for comparing the application date and time of the new menu with the current date and time;
If the current date and time is after the application date and time of the new menu, the new menu is switched as a new current menu. If the current date and time is before the application date and time of the new menu, the current menu and the new menu are switched. Menu switching procedure to switch to the desired menu between
A menu management method in an order input terminal.

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