JP2013137840A - Order entry system and order terminal input mode switching method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve switching from a "staff mode" to a "customer mode" without using any exclusive hardware in an order terminal which inputs the order of a customer to be used in an order entry system.SOLUTION: An order terminal which inputs the order of a customer operates in either a staff mode in which the order terminal is operated by a staff or a customer mode in which the order terminal is operated by a customer as an input mode. The order terminal transmits only the initial information of the customer including at least a desk number input in the staff mode to a management terminal, and when the initial information of the customer is accepted as a new order by the management terminal, the input mode is automatically shifted from the staff mode to the customer mode with the acceptance of the initial information of the customer as the new order as a trigger, and the order input is made possible.

Description

  The present invention relates to an order entry system used in a store such as a restaurant.

  A conventional order entry system of this kind is operated by a store clerk and has many handy terminals for inputting customer orders, a kitchen printer installed in a kitchen and outputting customer order information, and accounting for customer orders. A POS (Point of Sales) terminal to perform, and a management terminal for managing customer orders and transmitting customer order information to a kitchen printer or a POS terminal. The POS terminal, the management terminal, and the kitchen printer are connected to each other by wired communication. On the other hand, the handy terminal is connected to the system by wireless communication.

  In such an order entry system, self-order terminals (customer order terminals) that allow customers to place orders themselves have been developed in each table in order to reduce labor costs and reduce the burden on store staff. Self-order terminals are also called self-terminals. In this case, like the handy terminal, the self terminal is connected to the system by wireless communication.

  Conventionally, various order entry systems have been proposed.

  For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-13254 (Patent Document 1) uses a customer ordering terminal (self-terminal) and a store clerk ordering terminal (handy terminal) separately, so that an accurate store entry process and a customer can order himself / herself. Discloses an “order management system” that can improve the quality of service in self-ordering. In the order management system disclosed in Patent Document 1, a customer clerk performs a store entry process by operating a keyboard key of a clerk terminal (handy terminal), and after the store entry process is completed, A customer who is guided to a predetermined table by a store clerk performs an order by himself by operating the operation keys of a customer order terminal (self terminal) provided on the table. In addition, orders are canceled at the clerk terminal (handy terminal).

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-42871 (Patent Document 2) discloses that an order terminal for a customer clerk (handy terminal) can also be used as an order terminal for a customer (self-terminal). "Order entry system" is disclosed. In Patent Document 2, simply by connecting an RFID reader / writer to an order terminal used by a store clerk, the order terminal shifts to a customer mode in which a table code input function is limited. The order terminal can shift to a “clerk mode” and a “customer mode”. In the “clerk mode”, the customer clerk inputs the customer's table code and the number of people using the keyboard before handing the ordering terminal to the customer. Next, the ordering terminal shifts to the “customer mode” by connecting the portable RFID reader / writer. The “clerk mode” is also called “staff mode”.

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2011-53825 (Patent Document 3) discloses a “communication apparatus” for a customer who can easily introduce at low cost to place an order. In this patent document 3, by operating the operation button unit such as pressing one of the preset switching buttons, the application of the handy terminal is switched between the clerk order mode and the customer order mode. Is going. Note that the clerk order mode and the customer order mode correspond to the staff mode and the customer mode, respectively.

  Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-141120 (Patent Document 4) selectively selects a store clerk input screen for an ordering clerk to input order information and a customer input screen for a customer to input order information. A handy terminal that displays on a display device with a touch panel and receives order information by touch operation of the display device with a touch panel is disclosed. In Patent Document 4, an input screen is switched from a store clerk input screen to a customer input screen by setting a handy terminal in a cradle, pressing a switch key, or turning on / off a switch. The store clerk input screen and the customer input screen correspond to the staff mode and the customer mode, respectively.

JP 2004-13254 A JP 2009-42871 A JP 2011-53825 A (paragraph [0029]) JP 2007-141120 A (FIG. 7, paragraphs [0034] to [0038])

  Patent Documents 1 to 4 described above have the following problems.

  In the order management system disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the store entry process is performed using the handy terminal, the number of handy terminals cannot be reduced. Further, since the customer order terminal (self-terminal) disclosed in Patent Document 1 has only a function for the customer to order himself / herself, the self-terminal is used to input information on the store visitor. I can't.

  In Patent Document 2, it is necessary to connect an RFID reader / writer in order to use a salesclerk order terminal (handy terminal) as a customer order terminal (self-terminal). In other words, in Patent Document 2, it is necessary to connect the RFID reader / writer to the order terminal in order to switch the order input mode from the “staff mode” to the “customer mode”.

  Also in Patent Document 3, a switching button is necessary to switch the order input mode from “staff mode” to “customer mode”. Also in Patent Document 4, hardware (parts) such as a cradle, a switching key, and a switch are required to switch the order input mode from the “staff mode” to the “customer mode”.

  That is, in any of Patent Documents 2 to 4, in order to switch from the “staff mode” to the “customer mode”, some dedicated hardware (components) is required.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an order terminal and an order entry system using the order terminal that perform switching from “staff mode” to “customer mode” without using dedicated hardware (parts). It is in.

  An order entry system according to the present invention is an order entry system having an order terminal for inputting a customer order and a management terminal for managing the customer order. The order terminal has a staff mode operated by a store clerk as an input mode. It operates in one of the customer modes operated by the customer, and only the initial information of the customer including at least the table number entered in the staff mode is transmitted to the management terminal. In response to being accepted, the input mode automatically shifts from the staff mode to the customer mode, and an order can be input.

  The order terminal input mode switching method according to the present invention includes an order entry system having an order terminal for inputting a customer order and a management terminal for managing the customer order. The method of switching the input mode of the ordering terminal that operates in one of the customer mode, wherein only the initial information of the customer including at least the table number input in the staff mode is transmitted to the management terminal. When received as a new order, the input mode is automatically switched from the staff mode to the customer mode when triggered as a new order.

  According to the present invention, in the order terminal used in the order entry system, only the initial information of the customer including at least the table number is transmitted to the management terminal without using dedicated hardware (parts). It is possible to switch from “staff mode” to “customer mode”.

It is a block diagram which shows the order entry system which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating operation | movement of the self terminal of the order entry system shown in FIG. 1, a management terminal, and a POS terminal. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the empty table number displayed on the display with a touch panel of the self terminal used for the order entry system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen for inputting the customer's initial information displayed on the display with a touch panel of the self terminal used for the order entry system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen for selecting the eating and drinking mode displayed on the display with a touch panel of the self terminal used for the order entry system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the menu master stored in the management terminal used for the order entry system shown in FIG.

  Next, embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  An order entry system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The illustrated order entry system 10 is an order entry system used in a store such as a restaurant. The order entry system 10 is operated by a store clerk and operates a plurality of handy terminals 11 for inputting customer orders, a kitchen printer 12 installed in a kitchen and outputting customer order information, and accounts for customer orders. A POS (Point of Sales) terminal 13, a management terminal 14 that manages customer orders and transmits customer order information to the kitchen printer 12 and the POS terminal 13, and a plurality of self-customers who can order themselves And a terminal 15.

  In the present embodiment, a part of customer management operations conventionally performed at the handy terminal 11 are performed at the self terminal 15. Therefore, the number of handy terminals 11 can be reduced.

  Since the self terminal 15 is basically an order terminal for the customer to operate, operations such as management of accounting information must be performed using the handy terminal 11 or the POS terminal 13. Specifically, operations such as order cancellation and seat movement are performed using the handy terminal 11 and the POS terminal 13.

  The self terminal 15 is an ordering terminal that can be used by switching between the “staff mode” and the “customer mode”. The staff mode is a mode operated by a store clerk, and the customer mode is a mode operated by a customer. The self terminal 15 includes a display with a touch panel (not shown). A display with a touch panel is also called a self-screen. In the staff mode, the display with a touch panel (self-screen) serves as an input screen for the store clerk for the store clerk to input initial customer information (described later). On the other hand, in the customer mode, the display with a touch panel (self-screen) becomes a customer input screen for the customer to input order information.

  The POS terminal 13, the management terminal 14, and the kitchen printer 12 are connected to each other by wired communication. On the other hand, the handy terminal 11 and the self terminal 15 are connected to the system via the radio base station 16.

  In place of the kitchen printer 12, a kitchen display for displaying customer order information may be used. Further, when the POS terminal 13 has the function of the management terminal 14, the management terminal 14 may not be provided.

  When the customer's initial information is input by the store clerk in the staff mode, the self terminal 15 automatically shifts from the staff mode to the customer mode. After entering the customer mode, the self-terminal 15 can input an order by the customer.

  Next, operations of the self terminal 15, the management terminal 14, and the POS terminal 13 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the customer visits the store, the store clerk guides the customer to the audience at the reception. At that time, the store clerk takes the self-terminal 15 out of the reception and guides the customer to the audience seat. When the power of the self terminal 15 is turned on (step S101), the self terminal 15 is connected to the management terminal 14 (step S102). The management terminal 14 transmits the terminal information of the self terminal 15 to the self terminal 15 (step S201). Thereby, the self terminal 15 acquires its terminal information.

  The management terminal 14 stores, for each terminal number, terminal information in which an IP number, information on whether to start up in the normal stationary mode or the staff mode, and a table number when starting up in the normal stationary mode is set.

  It is assumed that the self terminal 15 is set to start up in the normal stationary mode as the terminal mode (“normal stationary mode” in step S103). In this case, the self terminal 15 is activated with the set table number (step S104), and the self terminal 15 is used as a self terminal. In this case, as usual, the customer's initial information is input by the handy terminal 11 of the store clerk. Thereafter, the customer can place an order using the self-terminal 15.

  It is assumed that the self terminal 15 is set to start up in the staff mode (“staff mode” in step S103). In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the self terminal 15 displays the empty table number on the display with a touch panel (step S105). That is, a desk number that is not associated with a terminal number of a self terminal other than the self terminal 15 is displayed on the display with a touch panel.

  The management terminal 14 manages whether the table is vacant or occupied, and based on that, the self terminal 15 displays the vacant table number. Although not shown in the figure, the self terminal 15 acquires information on the empty table number from the management terminal 14 before displaying the empty table number.

  In addition, before the empty table number is displayed on the display with a touch panel so that only the store clerk can input in the staff mode, a screen for inputting the password or password known only to the store clerk is displayed on the display with the touch panel. After confirming that the correct password or password has been entered, the empty table number may be displayed on the display with a touch panel.

  The store clerk presses one of them to select a table number (step S106). In the example shown in FIG. 3, the store clerk selects the table number “16”. The selected table number is sent to the management terminal 14. The management terminal 14 checks the table number (step S202). If a table number is first selected by another self-terminal, it becomes NG, an error is displayed on the display with a touch panel of the self-terminal 15 (step S107), and the display returns to the empty table number display.

  On the other hand, if the table number check is OK (OK in step S202), the management terminal 14 performs a table setting process (step S203), and associates the terminal number with the table number.

  After the console setting process by the management terminal 14, the display with touch panel of the self terminal 15 displays a screen for inputting the customer's initial information as shown in FIG. Input (step S108).

  In FIG. 4, “Number of persons” is a field for inputting the total number of customers, “Minor” is a field for inputting the number of minors in the customer, and “Seat charges” excludes children. This is a field for entering the number of adults (adults only have a seat fee), and “through” is a field for entering the number of people who will order liquor (through only for people who order liquor). “Driver” is a column for inputting the number of drivers in the customer after minors are excluded.

  Here, FIG. 4 is merely an example of a screen for inputting initial customer information. Accordingly, the customer's initial information is information that is appropriately selected depending on the store form and the like. In the present specification, “customer initial information” includes a table number, and is conventionally input by the store clerk using the handy terminal 11 until the customer can place an order on the self-terminal. The information to be input by the store clerk.

  After the input of the number of customers, etc., a screen for selecting a food / beverage mode as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display device with a touch panel of the self-terminal 15, and one of the food / beverage modes is pressed ( Step S109).

  FIG. 5 shows an example in which “normal mode” and “all-you-can-drink mode” can be selected as the eating and drinking mode. By default (initial setting), “normal mode” is selected. Here, the “normal mode” is a mode in which there is no restriction on menus that can be ordered. The “all-you-can-drink mode” is a mode in which a menu of drinks that can be ordered is limited. When “all-you-can-drink mode” is selected, the drinks that can be ordered are limited by displaying only a menu of drinks that can be ordered on the display device with a touch panel of the self-terminal 15. Information on whether either “normal mode” or “all-you-can-drink mode” is selected is also the initial information of the customer.

  Although not shown in FIG. 5, the “all-you-can-eat mode” can be selected as the eating and drinking mode. The “all-you-can-eat mode” is a mode in which the menu of foods that can be ordered is limited. When the “all-you-can-eat mode” is selected, the foods that can be ordered are limited by displaying only a menu of foods that can be ordered on the display device with a touch panel of the self-terminal 15. “All-you-can-drink mode” and “all-you-can-eat mode” are collectively referred to as “all-you-can-eat mode”.

  After the input of the eating and drinking mode, the input information is transmitted to the management terminal 14 as the customer's initial information. In other words, the management terminal 14 receives the initial customer information (step S204). If there is no abnormality such as information to be input is not input, the management terminal 14 accepts and stores it as a new order by a new customer (OK in step S205).

  When the management terminal 14 accepts the new order as a new customer, the self-terminal 15 automatically shifts the input mode from the “staff mode” to the “customer mode” (step S110), and uses the self-terminal 15. The customer can place an order (step S111).

  In FIG. 2, an order is made by the self-terminal 15 and the order information is described only once. However, if there are multiple orders by the customer, this is repeated multiple times. Customer orders are managed in association with table numbers.

  The management terminal 14 stores the order information (Step S206).

  When accounting is instructed by the self terminal 15 or the handy terminal 11, accounting processing is performed at the POS terminal 13 (step S301).

  When the accounting process is finished, the self terminal 15 determines the terminal mode (step S112). When the terminal mode is the “normal stationary mode” (“normal stationary mode” in step S112), the self terminal 15 is activated with the set table number (step S104). When the terminal mode is “staff mode” (“staff mode” in step S112), the self-terminal 15 transmits a table number release request to the management terminal 14 (step S113). In response to this table number release request, the management terminal 14 performs a process of releasing the connection between the table number and the terminal number (step S207).

  After the association release process at the management terminal 14, the self terminal 15 is activated in the staff mode (step S114).

  As described above, the self terminal 15 is an order terminal that allows the customer to input the order product. When a minor or driver enters a store as a customer, there are cases where alcohol is provided to them by mistake.

  In the conventional order entry system, the store clerk went to the seat each time an order was placed and accepted the order while having a conversation. Therefore, it was rare to miss such a case.

  However, in the order entry system in which the self-terminal 15 is introduced, the store clerk simply carries the ordered product to the seat, so that the number of cases where such a case is missed increases.

  The store also conducts awareness-raising activities, etc., but it is difficult for the store clerk to ask the customer whether it is a minor or a driver each time it is provided, due to problems with the provision time or the number of store clerk. .

  Therefore, in the order entry system 10 according to the present embodiment, the number of minors and the number of drivers are checked in advance when the customer enters the store, and the store clerk determines the number of minors and the number of drivers with the self-terminal 15. Input is made (see step S108 in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4).

  As the input items for shifting the self-terminal 15 to the customer mode, the number of people is entered only once, so it becomes easier for the clerk to check with the customer, and uncomfortable feeling such as confirming the number of people every time a product is provided to the seat. Nor. As a result, it is possible to increase corporate value such as compliance with laws and respect for human life in terms of service provision.

A specific calculation formula is as follows.
If the number of customers> (number of minors + number of drivers), there are no provision restrictions,
If the number of customers = (number of minors + number of drivers), there are restrictions on provision.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a menu master stored in the management terminal 14. 6 (a) shows a food menu, FIG. 6 (b) shows a drink menu, and FIG. 6 (c) shows an all-you-can-eat target (can be ordered in “all-you-can-eat mode”). FIG. 6D shows a menu that is an all-you-can-drink target (can be ordered in the “all-you-can-drink mode”). When “all-you-can-eat mode” or “all-you-can-drink mode” is selected, only the target menu can be ordered by not displaying other menus that are not the target menu.

  The drink menu of FIG. 6 (b) has a liquor restriction flag column. When the number of customers = (number of minors + number of drivers), a flag is set in the alcoholic beverage restriction flag column to determine restricted drinks (drinks including alcohol). That is, the menu of drinks that can be ordered is restricted by not displaying the menu flagged in the liquor restriction flag field on the order screen of the display device with a touch panel of the self-terminal 15.

  As described above, if the “customer initial information” is not input by the store clerk, the self terminal does not shift to the “customer mode” and the customer cannot place an order with the self terminal. The reason why the self-terminal input mode is not shifted to the “customer mode” unless the “customer initial information” is input is as follows.

  1) If the information on “seat fee” and “through” necessary for accounting is not input, the accounting cannot be performed, and a trouble occurs that makes the customer wait for information input.

  2) If information on whether to select “normal mode” or “all-you-can-mode” is not entered, the customer will order the normal menu as an all-you-can-eat menu. Become.

  3) If information on “number of customers”, “number of minors”, and “number of drivers” is not input, there is a fear that a product that should not be provided may be provided.

  In the embodiment of the present invention described above, the following effects are obtained.

  The first effect is that the order terminal 15 according to the present embodiment does not require dedicated hardware (parts) for switching the input mode. The reason is that when the store clerk inputs customer initial information in the staff mode, the input mode automatically shifts from the staff mode to the customer mode.

  The second effect is that the number of handy terminals 11 can be reduced. This is because a handy terminal is not required for the store clerk to input the customer's initial information.

  The third effect is that troubles during accounting can be avoided. The reason is that when the customer starts an order using the self-terminal 15, the customer mode is entered after the initial customer information required for accounting is entered.

  The fourth effect is that troubles related to customer orders can be avoided. The reason is that as the initial information of the customer, the user selects whether to select “normal mode” or “unlimited mode”.

  The fifth effect is that it is possible to determine whether or not to provide a product and to prevent the provision of a product that should not be provided. The reason for this is that the initial number of customers is entered by dividing the number of customers by customer segment (underage, driver, etc.).

  The self terminal (order terminal) 15 can be realized by a computer. As is well known, the computer includes a central processing unit (CPU), a storage device (RAM) for storing data, and a program memory (ROM) for storing programs. The computer for the self-terminal (order terminal) 15 is for wireless communication between the radio base station 16 and an input / output device such as a display with a touch panel for inputting data or outputting (displaying) data. And a wireless communication device. Then, by reading out the program stored in the program memory (ROM), the CPU realizes functions as shown in the sequence diagram of FIG.

  The present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the order entry system 10 according to the above-described embodiment, an example in which the store clerk inputs the total number of customers, the number of minors, and the number of drivers by using the self terminal 15 in the staff mode will be described. However, the number of persons may be input from the handy terminal 11 by the store clerk as usual, instead of from the self terminal 15. In addition, in an order entry system that does not include the self terminal 15 but includes only the handy terminal 11, the store clerk may input from the handy terminal 11 as in the conventional manner.

  Further, in the order entry system 10 according to the above embodiment, an example is given in which the number of minors in the customer is input first, and then the number of drivers in the customer after the minor is excluded is input. However, it is also possible to input the number of drivers in the customer first, and then input the number of minors in the customer after removing the driver.

10 Order entry system 11 Handy terminal 12 Kitchen printer 13 POS terminal 15 Self-terminal (ordering terminal)
16 radio base stations

Claims (10)

In an order entry system having an order terminal for inputting customer orders and a management terminal for managing customer orders,
The order terminal operates as an input mode in either a staff mode operated by a store clerk or a customer mode operated by the customer, and only the initial information of the customer including at least a table number input in the staff mode. When it is transmitted to the management terminal and accepted as a new order at the management terminal, the input mode is automatically changed from the staff mode to the customer mode when the new order is accepted, and the order input is performed. An order entry system characterized by being able to.   When the accounting process of the order item ordered at the time of transition to the customer mode is completed, the association between the table number set when the new order is received at the management terminal and the terminal number of the order terminal is released. The order entry system according to claim 1, wherein the order terminal is activated in the staff mode. For each terminal number of the ordering terminal, the management terminal is in a terminal mode that is activated in either the normal stationary mode that starts with a set table number or the staff mode, or in the normal stationary mode Memorize the terminal information that set the table number,
When the order terminal is turned on and connected to the management terminal, it acquires the terminal information of itself and is set to start up in the staff mode. When the accounting process for the ordered item after the transition to is completed, the terminal mode is determined, and when the terminal mode is the staff mode, the management terminal is connected to the table number and its own terminal number. 3. The order entry system according to claim 2, wherein the order entry system is activated in the staff mode after performing an attachment release request and performing an association release process at the management terminal.   The deviation according to claim 1, wherein the management terminal receives the initial information of the customer, checks whether there is an abnormality such as information to be input is not input, and accepts it as a new order if there is no abnormality. The order entry system according to any one of the above.   The order terminal can select “normal mode” or “all-you-can-eat mode” as the initial information of the customer as the eating and drinking mode, and displays a screen according to the selection. The order entry system according to any one of the above. As the initial information of the customer, enter the total number of customers in one set, the number of minors in the customer, and the number of drivers in the customer,
The menu displayed on the screen of the order terminal is limited if the total number of customers in the set is equal to the total number of minors in the customer and the number of drivers in the customer. Item 6. The order entry system according to any one of Items 1 to 5. In an order entry system having an order terminal for inputting customer orders and a management terminal for managing customer orders,
The input mode is a method of switching the input mode of the order terminal, which operates in either a staff mode operated by a store clerk or a customer mode operated by the customer,
Only the initial information of the customer including at least the table number input in the staff mode is transmitted to the management terminal, and when accepted as a new order at the management terminal, automatically triggered by the acceptance as a new order And switching the input mode from the staff mode to the customer mode to enable order input.   When the accounting process of the order item ordered at the time of transition to the customer mode is completed, the association between the table number set when the new order is received at the management terminal and the terminal number of the order terminal is released. The order terminal input mode switching method according to claim 7, wherein the order terminal is activated in the staff mode. For each terminal number of the ordering terminal, the management terminal is in a terminal mode that is activated in either the normal stationary mode that starts with a set table number or the staff mode, or in the normal stationary mode Memorize the terminal information that set the table number,
When the order terminal is turned on and connected to the management terminal, it acquires the terminal information of itself and is set to start up in the staff mode. When the accounting process for the ordered item after the transition to is completed, the terminal mode is determined, and when the terminal mode is the staff mode, the management terminal is connected to the table number and its own terminal number. The order terminal input mode switching method according to claim 8, wherein an attachment release request is made and the staff terminal mode is started after the association release processing at the management terminal.   The said management terminal receives the said customer's initial information, confirms that there is no abnormality, such as the information which should be input not being input, and if there is no abnormality, it accepts as a new order. The order terminal input mode switching method according to claim 1.

Images