JP2014026433A - Order terminal and order management system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve an order management capable of identifying each of multiple operators who share an order terminal without increasing burden of the operators.SOLUTION: An order terminal has an operation device, determination means, acquisition means and order information generation means. The determination means determines an item code of an ordered item in response to an order operation in the operation device. The acquisition means acquires metadata concerning a specific object in the proximity of the operation device for order operation. Each time the determination means determines an item code, the order information generation means generates order information associating the determined item code with metadata acquired by the acquisition means at a second timing which has a specific relation with a first timing when the item code is determined.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an order terminal and an order management system.

  In restaurants and the like, order management systems that perform order management for accounting processing and the like based on information on order items input from an order terminal are used.

  One of the order terminals is a self-order terminal. The self-order terminal inputs information related to the order item in response to a direct operation by the customer. In many cases, one such self-order terminal is installed for each table or each private room, and is shared by a plurality of customers belonging to one group.

JP 2008-262435 A

  When one order terminal is shared by a plurality of operators as in the above example, in order to perform order management that distinguishes the plurality of operators, the identification information of each operator is registered in the order management system in advance. In addition, every time the operation of the order terminal is started, the operator needs to input identification information.

  Under such circumstances, it has been desired to realize order management that distinguishes a plurality of operators sharing one order terminal without increasing the burden on the operator.

  The order terminal according to the embodiment includes an operation device, a determination unit, an acquisition unit, and an order information generation unit. The determination means determines the item code of the order item according to the order operation with the operation device. The acquisition unit acquires metadata about a predetermined object close to the operation device for order operation. The order information generation means acquires the item code determined by the acquisition means at a second timing having a predetermined relationship with the determined item code and the first timing at which the item code is determined each time the determination means determines the item code. Order information associated with metadata is generated.

The figure which shows the structure of the POS system which concerns on one Embodiment. The block diagram of the order terminal and station in FIG. The flowchart of CPU with which the order terminal in FIG. 2 is provided. The figure which shows an example of a structure of order information. The perspective view which shows an example of a mode that operation which designates an order item is performed. The perspective view which shows another example of a mode that operation which designates an order item is performed. The flowchart of CPU with which the station in FIG. 2 is provided. The figure which shows an example of a structure of a transaction table. The figure which shows an example of a structure of an order management table. The figure which shows an example of an accounting screen. The figure which shows the structure of the POS system in a modification.

  An example of the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a point-of-sale (POS) system will be described as an example of the order management system.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a POS system 100 according to the present embodiment.

  This POS system 100 can be used in various facilities that provide various services such as a restaurant service and a merchandise sales service in accordance with customer orders such as restaurants and dealers. However, in the following, the POS system 100 configured to be adapted for use in restaurants will be described.

  The POS system 100 is configured by connecting a plurality of POS terminals 1, a plurality of order terminals 2, a plurality of slip printers 3 and a station 4 to a LAN (local area network) 5. Although two POS terminals 1, order terminals 2, and slip printers 3 are illustrated in FIG. 1, the number thereof is arbitrary. Only one POS terminal 1, order terminal 2, and slip printer 3 may be provided.

  The POS terminal 1 is installed on a customer service floor or a checkout counter, for example. The POS terminal 1 performs processing related to various business operations such as guidance to customers, order reception, serving (distribution) or accounting. In the POS terminal 1 installed on the customer service floor, processing relating to guidance, order reception and serving (layout) is mainly used. Further, in the POS terminal 1 installed in the checkout counter, processing related to accounting is further used. Note that the POS terminal 1 may be specialized for a specific application by performing processing related to only a part of the above-described work.

  The order terminal 2 is a terminal device for inputting customer operations related to order entry. That is, the order terminal 2 is also referred to as a self-order terminal. The order terminal 2 generates order information in accordance with the input operation, and transmits this order information. The order information transmitted from the order terminal 2 is transmitted to the station 4 via the LAN 5. The order terminal 2 is also a function as a terminal device for displaying the contents of an already entered order, the provision status of the order item, and the like for confirmation by the customer. Information to be confirmed by these customers is transmitted from the station 4 to the order terminal 2 via the LAN 5.

  The slip printer 3 is installed on, for example, a customer service floor or a kitchen. The slip printer 3 installed on the customer service floor prints an order slip based on the order information for the customer. That is, the slip printer 3 installed on the customer service floor is a so-called customer printer. The slip printer 3 installed in the kitchen prints a cooking instruction slip based on the order information for the cook. That is, the slip printer 3 installed in the kitchen is a so-called kitchen printer.

  The station 4 is installed in, for example, a backyard, and performs a totaling process on various types of information transmitted from the POS terminal 1 and the order terminal 2 and performs a process related to a management business related to restaurant business. Further, the station 4 generates information to be confirmed by the customer and transmits it to the order terminal 2. Note that the station 4 may perform management processing of information used in common by the plurality of POS terminals 1. The above management work includes management of order information. That is, the station 4 has a function as an order information management device.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the order terminal 2 and the station 4.

  The order terminal 2 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 2a, a read-only memory (ROM) 2b, a random-access memory (RAM) 2c, an auxiliary storage device 2d, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 2e, a display interface 2f, and a touch sensor. 2g, input interface 2h, camera 2i, camera interface 2j, and communication device 2k. Among these, the CPU 2a, ROM 2b, RAM 2c, auxiliary storage device 2d, display interface 2f, input interface 2h, camera interface 2j, and communication device 2k are respectively connected to the bus line 2m. The LCD 2e is connected to the display interface 2f. The touch sensor 2g is connected to the input interface 2h. The camera 2i is connected to the camera interface 2j.

  The CPU 2a executes various processes related to the various operations described above and processes described later according to the operating system and application programs stored in the ROM 2b and the auxiliary storage device 2d.

  The ROM 2b stores the above operating system and application programs. The ROM 2b may store data necessary for the CPU 2a to execute various processes.

  The RAM 2c stores data necessary for the CPU 2a to execute various processes as necessary. The RAM 2c is also used as a work area when the CPU 2a performs various processes.

  The auxiliary storage device 2d is, for example, a hard disk drive or an SSD (solid state drive). The auxiliary storage device 2d stores data used when the CPU 2a performs various processes and data generated by the process in the CPU 2a. The auxiliary storage device 2d may store the above application program.

  The LCD 2e is driven by the display interface 2f to display an image.

  The display interface 2f drives the LCD 2e so that an image corresponding to the image data transferred under the control of the CPU 2a is displayed.

  The touch sensor 2g is stacked on the display surface of the LCD 2e. When a touch pen touches the display screen of the LCD 2e, the touch sensor 2g outputs a detection signal corresponding to the touch position. Thus, the LCD 2e and the touch sensor 2g constitute a touch panel. The touch sensor 2g is an example of an operation device.

  The input interface 2h obtains coordinate information representing the touch position based on the detection signal output from the touch sensor 2g, and sends this coordinate information to the CPU 2a.

  The camera 2i is provided with a shooting range so that the touch pen close to the touch sensor 2g can be shot, and repeatedly generates image data representing a color image within the shooting range at a fixed shooting interval. As the camera 2i, for example, a well-known imaging device using a CCD sensor can be used. The shooting interval is such a time interval that the touch pen at the stage where the operator approaches the touch sensor 2g for the above touch is reflected in the latest captured image before the touch sensor 2g touches the touch pen. I just need it.

  The camera interface 2j writes the image data output from the camera 2i into the RAM 2c.

  The communication device 2k communicates with the station 4 via the LAN 5. As the communication device 2k, for example, an existing LAN communication device can be applied. Note that a wireless type device may be used as the communication device 2k.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the station 4 includes a CPU 4a, a ROM 4b, a RAM 4c, an auxiliary storage device 4d, and a communication device 4e. The CPU 4a, ROM 4b, RAM 4c, auxiliary storage device 4d, and communication device 4e are connected to the bus line 4f, respectively.

  The CPU 4a executes various processes related to the various tasks described above and processes described later according to the operation system and application programs stored in the ROM 4b and the auxiliary storage device 4d.

  The ROM 4b stores the above operation system and application programs. The ROM 4b may store data necessary for the CPU 4a to execute various processes.

  The RAM 4c stores data necessary for the CPU 4a to execute various processes as necessary. The RAM 4c is also used as a work area when the CPU 4a performs various processes.

  The auxiliary storage device 4d is, for example, a hard disk drive or an SSD (solid state drive). The auxiliary storage device 4d stores data used when the CPU 4a performs various processes and data generated by the processes performed by the CPU 4a. The auxiliary storage device 4d may store the above application program.

  The station 4 can use, for example, a general-purpose server device or computer device as basic hardware. At this time, the station 4 may be sold or transferred with the necessary application programs stored in the ROM 4b or the auxiliary storage device 4d in advance, or may be a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like. An application program recorded in a removable recording medium or sold or transferred by communication via a network may be arbitrarily written in the auxiliary storage device 4d.

  Next, the operation of the POS system 100 configured as described above will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the CPU 2a.

  When the order terminal 2 is activated, the CPU 2a starts the process shown in FIG. The CPU 2a continues the process shown in FIG. 3 when the order terminal 2 is operating normally. Further, when the order terminal 2 is activated, the camera 2i also starts photographing. Thereafter, the camera 2i repeatedly generates image data at regular time intervals. The camera interface 2j sequentially writes the image data generated by the camera 2i into the RAM 2c. Thus, the RAM 2c always stores the latest image data generated by the camera 2i.

  In step Sa1, the CPU 2a instructs the display interface 2f to display one of a plurality of order screens prepared in advance. In response to this instruction, the display interface 2f drives the LCD 2e so as to display a designated order screen.

  The order screen represents a GUI (graphical user interface) for specifying an item to be ordered. Data representing the order screen is stored in the auxiliary storage device 2d, for example.

  With the LCD 2e displaying the order screen in this way, the CPU 2a proceeds to step Sa2.

  In step Sa2, the CPU 2a checks whether or not an operation for requesting a change of the order screen has been performed. If it is determined NO because the corresponding operation has not been performed, the CPU 2a proceeds to step Sa3.

  In step Sa3, the CPU 2a checks whether or not an operation for requesting execution of the accounting process has been performed. If it is determined NO because the corresponding operation has not been performed, the CPU 2a proceeds to step Sa4.

  In step Sa4, the CPU 2a checks whether or not an operation for specifying the order item has been performed. If it is determined NO because the corresponding operation has not been performed, the CPU 2a returns to step Sa2.

  Thus, in steps Sa2 to Sa4, the CPU 2a waits for a change of the order screen or execution of accounting processing to be requested or for an order item to be designated.

  When the CPU 2a is in the standby state of steps Sa2 to 4 and the operator performs an operation for requesting the change of the order screen, the CPU 2a determines YES in step Sa2, and proceeds to step Sa5. The operation is, for example, an operation of touching a screen change button on the order screen. In this case, the CPU 2a determines that the operation has been performed in response to the detection signal corresponding to the touch in the area corresponding to the screen change button being output from the touch sensor 2g.

  In step Sa5, the CPU 2a instructs the display interface 2f to change the order screen according to the operation by the operator. In response to this instruction, the display interface 2f changes the order screen displayed on the LCD 2e. After that, the CPU 2a returns to the standby state of steps Sa2-4.

  If the operation for designating the order item is performed while the CPU 2a is in the standby state of steps Sa2 to Sa4, the CPU 2a determines YES in step Sa4 and proceeds to step Sa6. This operation is, for example, an operation of touching an item button on the order screen. In this case, the CPU 2a determines that the operation has been performed in response to the detection signal corresponding to the touch in the area corresponding to the item button being output from the touch sensor 2g.

  In step Sa6, the CPU 2a analyzes the latest image data stored in the RAM 2c, determines the color of the touch pen reflected in the image represented by the image data, and further determines the color code of the color. When a plurality of touch pens appear in the image, the CPU 2a determines the touch pen closest to the touch position represented by the detection signal output from the touch sensor 2g as described above, and determines the color of the touch pen. . Since the shooting interval of the camera 2i is determined as described above, the color of the touch pen determined here is the color of the touch pen used for the operation for specifying the order item. Thus, in the present embodiment, the touch pen is an example of an object that is close to the operation device (touch sensor 2g) for order operation, and the color of the touch pen is an example of the feature amount of the appearance of the object. The color code is an example of metadata. The CPU 2a functions as an acquisition unit that acquires metadata.

  The background of the order screen displayed on the LCD 2e may be changed to a color corresponding to the determined color. That is, for example, when the color of the touch pen is determined to be red, the background of the order screen is set to a red color. In this way, it is possible to make the operator recognize whether or not the color of the touch pen has been correctly determined.

  In step Sa7, the CPU 2a determines the item code of the order item specified by the operation for specifying the order item. Thus, the CPU 2a functions as a determination unit.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of a state in which an operation for specifying an order item is performed.

  The example shown in FIG. 5 shows a state where an operation of designating “hot coffee” as an order item using the red touch pen 7a is performed. At this time, the touch pen 7a appears in the image taken by the camera 2i, and the CPU 2a determines the color code of “red” in step Sa6 and determines the item code of “hot coffee” in step Sa7. It will be.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another example of a state in which an operation for specifying an order item is performed.

  The example shown in FIG. 6 shows a state where an operation of designating “orange juice” as an order item is performed using the blue touch pen 7b. At this time, the touch pen 7b appears in the image taken by the camera 2i, and the CPU 2a determines the color code of “blue” in step Sa6 and determines the item code of “orange juice” in step Sa7. It will be.

  In step Sa8, the CPU 2a instructs the display interface 2f to display a quantity designation screen. In response to this instruction, the display interface 2f drives the LCD 2e so as to display the quantity designation screen.

  The quantity designation screen shows a GUI for designating the order number of the order item designated immediately before. For example, the auxiliary storage device 2d stores data representing the quantity designation screen.

  In step Sa9, the CPU 2a confirms whether or not an operation for designating a quantity has been performed on the quantity designation screen. If it is determined NO because the corresponding operation is not performed, the CPU 2a returns to step Sa9. That is, in step Sa9, the CPU 2a waits for an operation for designating the quantity. If it is determined YES in step Sa9 because the corresponding operation has been performed, the CPU 2a proceeds to step Sa10. This operation is, for example, an operation of touching a quantity designation button on the quantity designation screen. In this case, the CPU 2a determines that the operation has been performed in response to the detection signal corresponding to the touch in the area corresponding to the quantity designation button being output from the touch sensor 2g.

  In step Sa10, the CPU 2a determines the quantity designated by the operator based on the operation for designating the quantity.

  In step Sa11, the CPU 2a generates order information. Thus, the CPU 2a functions as order information generating means.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of order information.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 2 a generates order information as information including information on the terminal code, color code, item code, and quantity. The terminal code is a code assigned as identification information of the order terminal 2 on which the CPU 2a is mounted. The CPU 2a reads, for example, the terminal code stored in the ROM 2b or the auxiliary storage device 2d, and following this terminal code, the color identification code determined in step Sa6, the item code determined in step Sa7, and the determination in step Sa10 Order information is generated by arranging quantities.

  In step Sa12, the CPU 2a transmits the order information generated as described above from the communication device 2k to the station 4 to the LAN 5.

  After that, the CPU 2a returns to step Sa1 and repeats the above-described processing.

  When the station 4 is activated, the CPU 4a starts the process shown in FIG. When the station 4 is operating normally, the CPU 4a continues the process shown in FIG.

  In step Sb1, the CPU 4a confirms whether or not the communication device 4e has received the accounting request information. If it is determined NO because the accounting request has not been received, the CPU 4a proceeds to step Sb2.

  In step Sb2, the CPU 4a confirms whether or not the communication device 4e has received the order information. If it is determined NO because the order information has not been received, the CPU 4a returns to step Sb1.

  Thus, in steps Sb1 and Sb2, the CPU 4a waits for the communication device 4e to receive an accounting request or order information.

  As described above, when the order information sent from the order terminal 2 is transmitted to the station 4 via the LAN 5, the communication device 4e receives this order information. The communication device 4e writes the received order information in the RAM 4c and notifies the CPU 4a that the order information has been received.

  Upon receiving this notification, the CPU 4a determines YES in step Sb2, and proceeds to step Sb3.

  In step Sb3, the CPU 4a checks whether or not the order terminal 2 that has transmitted the order information is a trading terminal. The term “transaction terminal” refers to the order terminal 2 that has not yet completed receiving orders for a set of customers. In other words, the order terminal 2 that has never transmitted the order information after receiving the accounting result information to be described later has not started accepting orders for a set of customers. Although the terminal 2 is not in a transaction, the order terminal 2 that is not in the above state is in a transaction and is a transaction terminal.

  In this embodiment, the transaction table stored in the auxiliary storage device 4d is used for the determination in step Sb3. The transaction table may be stored in the RAM 4c.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the transaction table.

  The transaction table shown in FIG. 8 is a set of data records in which terminal codes and transaction codes are described in association with each other.

  If the data record including the terminal code included in the received order information does not exist in the transaction table, the CPU 4a determines NO in step Sb3, and proceeds to step Sb4.

  In step Sb4, the CPU 4a determines a new transaction code as a code different from that assigned to another transaction started so far, and the terminal code included in the received order information. Update the transaction table to include the data records described in association with. Thereafter, the CPU 4a proceeds to step Sb6.

  On the other hand, if the data record including the terminal code included in the received order information exists in the transaction table, the CPU 4a determines YES in step Sb3, and proceeds to step Sb5.

  In step Sb5, the CPU 4a reads out the transaction code described in the data record including the terminal code included in the received order information. After that, the CPU 4a proceeds to step Sb6.

  In step Sb6, the CPU 4a updates the order management table stored in the auxiliary storage device 4d.

  As described above, the CPU 4a functions as a collecting unit. The auxiliary storage device 4d functions as a storage device that stores the collected order information.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the order management table.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the order management table is a set of data records including information on transaction code, order time, terminal code, color code, item code, and quantity.

  The CPU 4a includes a data record in which the transaction code determined in step Sb4 or the transaction code read in step Sb5 is described in association with the terminal code, color code, item code, and quantity included in the received order information. Update the order management table. Thereafter, the CPU 4a returns to the standby state of steps Sb1 and Sb2.

  In this way, each time a designation operation for one order item is performed at the order terminal 2, the terminal code, color code, item code, and quantity are notified from the order terminal 2 to the station 4. In the station 4, these pieces of information are managed in the order management table in a state where the information is associated with the transaction code.

  The operator performs an operation for requesting accounting at the order terminal 2 when trying to perform accounting after closing the transaction. If the operator performs such an operation, the CPU 2a determines YES in step Sa3 in FIG. 3, and proceeds to step Sa13. Note that this operation is, for example, an operation of touching an accounting button on the order screen. In this case, the CPU 2a determines that the operation has been performed in response to the detection signal corresponding to the touch in the area corresponding to the accounting button being output from the touch sensor 2g.

  In step Sa13, the CPU 2a transmits the accounting request information from the communication device 2k to the station 4 to the LAN 5. The CPU 2a includes a terminal code in the accounting request information.

  When the accounting request information sent from the order terminal 2 is transmitted to the station 4 via the LAN 5, the communication device 4e receives this accounting request information. The communication device 4e writes the received accounting request information to the RAM 4c and notifies the CPU 4a that the accounting request information has been received.

  Upon receiving this notification, the CPU 4a determines YES in step Sb1, and proceeds to step Sb7.

  In step Sb7, the CPU 4a reads the transaction code described in the transaction table in association with the terminal code included in the received transaction request information.

  In step Sb8, the CPU 4a extracts a data record related to the transaction identified by the transaction code read in step Sb7 from the order management table. That is, the CPU 4a extracts a data record including the transaction code read in step Sb7 from the data records included in the order management table.

  In step Sb9, the CPU 4a groups the data records extracted in step Sb8 for each color code included therein, and generates accounting information for each group. The accounting information is information that can be used for accounting processing, and the specific content thereof may be arbitrary. For example, the accounting information may be information including a list of item names represented by item codes described in the data records belonging to each group, the order quantity of each item, and the total amount related to the transaction of each item. Conceivable. This accounting information is stored in the auxiliary storage device 4d for use in tabulation processing, accounting processing at the POS terminal 1, and the like. Thus, the CPU 4a functions as grouping means and accounting information generating means.

  In step Sb10, the CPU 4a generates accounting result information as information including each accounting information for each group, and transmits it to the LAN 5 from the communication device 4e to the order terminal 2 that is the source of the accounting request information.

  In step Sb11, the CPU 4a updates the transaction table so as not to include the data record including the transaction code read in step Sb7. That is, since the transaction at the order terminal 2 that has transmitted the accounting request information is completed, the order terminal 2 is excluded from the accounting terminal.

  Thereafter, the CPU 4a returns to the standby state of steps Sb1 and Sb2.

  The CPU 2a proceeds to step Sa14 after transmitting the accounting request information in step Sa13.

  In step Sa14, the CPU 2a confirms whether or not the accounting result information has been received. If it is determined NO because the transaction result information has not been received, the CPU 2a returns to step Sa14. Thus, in step Sa14, the CPU 2a waits for receipt of the accounting result information.

  As described above, when the accounting result information transmitted from the station 4 is transmitted to the order terminal 2 via the LAN 5, the communication device 2k receives this accounting result information. The communication device 2k writes the received transaction result information to the RAM 2c and notifies the CPU 2a that the transaction result information has been received.

  Upon receiving this notification, the CPU 2a determines YES in step Sa14, and proceeds to step Sa15.

  In step Sa15, the CPU 2a creates an accounting screen based on the accounting result information stored in the RAM 2c, and instructs the display interface 2f to display the accounting screen. In response to this instruction, the display interface 2f drives the LCD 2e so as to display the accounting screen. The accounting screen is a screen for notifying the operator of the order terminal 2 of information included in the accounting result information.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an accounting screen.

  In step Sa16, the CPU 2a confirms whether or not a confirmation button provided in the accounting screen has been touched. If the determination button is NO because the confirmation button is not touched, the CPU 2a returns to step Sa16. Thus, in step Sa16, the CPU 2a waits for the confirmation button to be touched.

  When the operator finishes confirming the contents of the accounting screen, the operator touches a confirmation button arranged on the accounting screen. If the operator performs such an operation, the CPU 2a determines YES in step Sa16 and returns to step Sa1.

  As described above, according to the POS system 100, the order terminal 2 uses the item code of the order item determined according to the order operation with the touch sensor 2g and the color of the color of the touch pen used for the operation of ordering the item. Generate order information associated with the code. Thus, based on this order information, a plurality of orders performed on the same order terminal 2 can be managed separately for each color of the touch pen used for the order operation. In the POS system 100, the station 4 collects the order information generated by the order terminal 2 and stores it in the auxiliary storage device 4d. Thus, the above management can be realized at the station 4.

  According to the POS system 100, the order terminal 2 includes the terminal code in the order information. Thus, even when a plurality of order terminals 2 use the same color touch pen, the order management as described above can be performed for each order terminal 2.

  Further, according to the POS system 100, the station 4 has the same terminal code and color code including the order information, and the same order information collected by the collecting means within a predetermined accounting period corresponding to the terminal code. The grouping is performed so as to belong to the group, and for each grouped group, the accounting information for the accounting process for the order item represented by the item code included in the belonging order information is generated. For this reason, the accounting information regarding a plurality of items ordered within one transaction can be generated for each color of the touch pen used for the order operation. Thereby, for example, the accounting information for each customer can be generated by operating the order terminal 2 while a plurality of customers properly use different color touch pens. That is, it is possible to easily generate accounting information corresponding to a case where a plurality of customers belonging to one customer group are going to perform individual accounting.

  This embodiment can be variously modified as follows.

  An arrangement instruction image representing the order item and the color of the touch pen in association with each other may be generated and displayed on a display for a store clerk or printed by a printer. Then, the store clerk can determine to which customer the order item should be arranged by referring to the arrangement instruction image.

  Conventionally, in order to manage which of a plurality of salesclerks performed order reception processing for a large number of order items, each salesclerk must have a separate order terminal and associate the salesclerk with the order terminal. Thus, it is possible to identify the store clerk who has received the order based on the order terminal on which the operation for receiving the order has been performed. In this case, it is necessary to manage the clerk code entered by the clerk at the start of use of the order terminal in association with the terminal code. However, if the technique of the present application is used, each store clerk uses a different touch pen, and a store clerk code and a color code are associated with each other so that a plurality of store clerks share the order terminal 2. Even in such a case, the management as described above can be easily performed.

  As the metadata, in addition to the color, other feature quantities related to the touch pen such as the shape of the touch pen can be used. In addition, feature quantities extracted from the operator's face can be used as metadata.

  The metadata may be acquired without using the image obtained by the camera 2i, such as acquiring the identification code of the touch pen as metadata by wireless communication with a wireless tag mounted on the touch pen.

  A function for outputting a reading confirmation sound may be provided, and a reading confirmation sound may be output in response to a touch detected by the touch sensor 2g.

  It can be realized as a system that specializes in order management and omits other functions of a known POS system.

  The image data output from the camera 2 i may be sent from the order terminal 2 to the station 4, and the touch pen color may be determined in the station 4.

  Information indicating the touch position detected by the touch sensor 2g may be sent from the order terminal 2 to the station 4 and the item code of the order item may be determined by the station 4.

  When at least one of the touch pen color determination and the item code determination is performed at the station 4, the order information may be generated at the station 4.

  The camera 2i may be used as a trigger when an operation for designating an order item is performed, and the color of the touch pen may be determined from an image obtained thereby.

  Cloud computing can be used to realize the POS system as in the embodiment. More specifically, a software provision form called software as a service (SaaS) is suitable.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of the POS system 200. In FIG. 11, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

The POS system 200 uses a cloud 21 instead of the station 4 in the POS system 100. The cloud 21 further includes a plurality of server devices 21a. The plurality of server devices 21a are configured to be able to communicate with each other. However, there may be only one server device 21a.

  The order terminal 2 can use various computers such as a desktop type and a notebook type and various information devices such as a portable POS terminal (PDA) as hardware without using a dedicated terminal as described above. A tablet-type portable POS terminal or the like is suitable for use in place of the order terminal 2. When the order terminal 2 is realized using these information devices, programs for realizing various functions of the order terminal 2 described above are stored in advance in a storage unit included in the information device as the order terminal 2. Alternatively, the program may be stored in a storage unit included in the cloud 21 and given from the cloud 21 to the information device as the order terminal 2 as necessary. When the above program is given from the cloud 21 to the information device as the order terminal 2, at least one of the server devices 21a has a function of transmitting the above program to the order terminal 2.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  2 ... Order terminal, 2a ... CPU, 2b ... ROM, 2c ... RAM, 2d ... Auxiliary storage device, 2e ... LCD, 2f ... Display interface, 2g ... Touch sensor, 2h ... Input interface, 2i ... Camera, 2j ... Camera interface 2k ... communication device, 4 ... station, 4a ... CPU, 4b ... ROM, 4c ... RAM, 4d ... auxiliary storage device, 4e ... communication device, 7a ... touch pen, 7b ... touch pen, 21 ... cloud, 21a ... server device, 100, 200 ... POS system.

Claims (6)

An operating device;
Determining means for determining the item code of the ordered item in accordance with the order operation on the operation device;
Obtaining means for obtaining metadata relating to a predetermined object close to the operation device for the order operation;
Each time the determination means determines the item code, the metadata acquired by the acquisition means at a second timing that has a predetermined relationship with the determined item code and the first timing at which the item code is determined. Order information generating means for generating order information in association with
An order terminal comprising: A camera that captures an image of a shooting range in which the object close to the operation device is captured for the order operation;
The said acquisition means analyzes the said image which the said camera acquired, extracts the feature-value of the external appearance regarding the said object, The data showing the said feature-value are set as the said metadata. Order terminal. The operation device includes a touch sensor,
3. The order terminal according to claim 2, wherein the acquisition unit extracts the touch pen as the object and extracts a color or shape of the touch pen as the feature amount. A display device for displaying an order screen for the order operation;
Means for controlling the display device to add a change corresponding to the metadata acquired by the acquisition means to the order screen in response to the acquisition means acquiring the metadata. The order terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Comprising at least one order terminal and an order information management device capable of communicating with each other;
An operation device provided in the order terminal;
A determination unit that is provided in the order terminal or the order information management device and determines an item code of an order item according to an order operation on the operation device;
An acquisition unit that is provided in the order terminal or the order information management device and acquires metadata related to a predetermined object close to the operation device for the order operation;
Each time the determination means determines the item code, the order terminal provided in the order terminal or the order information management apparatus identifies the determined item code and the order terminal including the determination means that has determined the item code. Order information generating means for generating order information associating the terminal code with the metadata acquired by the acquiring means at a second timing having a predetermined relationship with the first timing at which the item code is determined;
A collecting means for collecting the order information generated by the order information generating means, provided in the order information management device;
An order management system comprising: a storage device that is provided in the order information management apparatus and stores the order information collected by the collection means. The order information management device further includes:
The terminal information and the metadata including the order information stored in the storage device are common, and the order information collected by the collecting unit within a predetermined accounting period corresponding to the terminal code is the same group. Grouping means for grouping to belong to,
Accounting information generating means for generating accounting information for accounting processing for the order item represented by the item code included in the order information belonging to each group grouped by the grouping means;
The order management system according to claim 5, further comprising:

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