JP4174532B2 - Order system and charge management method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an order system and a charge management method, and more particularly to an order system and a charge management method for managing charge of a customer terminal.

  Conventionally, an order system including a clerk terminal and an output device is known. This order system is used, for example, in restaurants such as restaurants. The clerk terminal accepts a product ordered by the customer from the clerk. The output device is arranged in a kitchen or the like, and outputs a product received at the clerk terminal. This makes it possible to quickly inform a cook or the like about the product ordered by the customer. Note that the output device is, for example, a kitchen display.

  In recent years, an order system in which a self-order terminal is arranged for each seat in the store is used instead of a store clerk terminal. In this case, the customer can place an order for the product by inputting the desired product to the self-order terminal.

  Generally, a self-order terminal is driven by a secondary battery, and a customer uses the self-order terminal by removing it from a charger. The self-order terminal consumes a large amount of power because the screen is large. For this reason, while the self-order terminal is being used by a customer, there is a possibility that a display of a charging instruction or a power interruption accompanying a reduction in the capacity of the secondary battery may occur and the self-order terminal may not be used.

  Therefore, it is necessary to perform charge management of the self-order terminal.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-362493 discloses an ordering system that enables a store clerk to know in advance that the battery has run out. In this ordering system, the self-order terminal measures the remaining amount of its own battery, and displays the remaining amount of battery on a kitchen display or the like when the remaining amount of the battery falls below a predetermined value.

For this reason, the store clerk can confirm a decrease in the remaining battery level of the self-order terminal, and can know in advance that the battery has run out.
JP 2004-362493 A

  In the ordering system described in Patent Literature 1, when the clerk confirms that the remaining battery level of the self-order terminal is low, the clerk needs to charge the self-order terminal. For this reason, the labor of a salesclerk increases.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an order system and a charge management method that can prevent uncharging while suppressing an increase in labor of a store clerk.

  In order to achieve the above object, an order system according to the present invention is an order system including a customer terminal, a charger that is detachable from the customer terminal, and a host device that communicates with the customer terminal and the charger. The customer terminal includes an input unit that receives an accounting instruction for accounting from an operator, and a display unit that displays a connection request to connect to the charger when the input unit receives the accounting instruction; A management unit that outputs the accounting instruction received by the input unit to the host device, and the charger detects whether the customer terminal is connected to the charger, and the detection A processing unit that outputs connection information indicating that the customer terminal is connected to the charger to the host device when the customer terminal detects that the customer terminal is connected to the charger, the host device includes: Customer end A terminal management storage unit that stores status information indicating whether or not the charger is connected, a communication unit that receives the accounting instruction from the customer terminal, and receives the connection information from the charger; When the communication unit accepts the connection information, the state control unit updates the state information stored in the terminal management storage unit to state information indicating that the customer terminal is connected to the charger; and When the communication unit accepts the accounting instruction, the status information stored in the terminal management storage unit confirms whether or not the customer terminal is connected to the charger, and the status information is the customer When the terminal indicates that it is connected to the charger, the terminal includes an accounting control unit that sets an accounting enabled mode in which accounting processing can be performed.

  In addition, the charge management method of the present invention includes a customer terminal, a charger that is detachable from the customer terminal, and a terminal management storage unit that stores state information indicating whether the customer terminal is connected to the charger. A charge management method performed by an order system that includes the customer terminal and the host device that communicates with the charger, wherein the customer terminal accepts an accounting instruction for accounting from an operator; and When the customer terminal accepts the accounting instruction, a display step of displaying a connection request for connection with the charger; and an output step of outputting the accepted accounting instruction to the host device by the customer terminal; The charger detects whether the customer terminal is connected to the charger; and the charger detects that the customer terminal is connected to the charger. A transmission step of outputting connection information indicating that the customer terminal is connected to the charger to the host device, a receiving step in which the host device receives the accounting instruction from the customer terminal, and the host device includes the A receiving step for receiving the connection information from a charger; and when the host device receives the connection information, the customer terminal connects the status information stored in the terminal management storage unit to the charger. An update step for updating the status information to indicate that the status information stored in the terminal management storage unit is connected to the charger when the accounting instruction is accepted by the host device. A confirmation step for confirming whether or not to indicate that, when the host device indicates that the status information indicates that the customer terminal is connected to the charger, Including a financial controller step of setting a line capable accounting run mode.

  The order system of the present invention is an order system that includes a charger and a detachable customer terminal, and a host device that communicates with the customer terminal, wherein the customer terminal is accounted for accounting from an operator. An input unit that receives an instruction, a display unit that displays a connection request to connect to the charger when the input unit receives the accounting instruction, and whether or not the customer terminal is connected to the charger When the detection unit detects that the customer terminal is connected to the charger, the customer terminal connects to the charger. A management unit that outputs connection information indicating that the connection has been made to the host device, and the host device stores state information indicating whether or not the customer terminal is connected to the charger. And said A communication unit that receives the accounting instruction and the connection information from a customer terminal, and when the communication unit receives the connection information, the customer terminal connects the state information stored in the terminal management storage unit to the charger. When the communication control unit accepts the accounting instruction, the state information stored in the terminal management storage unit is connected to the charger. And when the status information indicates that the customer terminal is connected to the charger, an accounting control unit that sets an accounting execution mode in which accounting processing can be performed, and Including.

  The charge management method of the present invention includes a customer terminal that can be attached to and detached from a charger, and a terminal management storage unit that stores state information indicating whether or not the customer terminal is connected to the charger. A charge management method performed by an order system including a host device that communicates with a terminal, wherein the customer terminal receives an accounting instruction for accounting from an operator, and the customer terminal performs the accounting instruction. When accepted, a display step for displaying a connection request for connection to the charger, an output step for the customer terminal to output the accepted accounting instruction to the host device, and the customer terminal for the customer terminal A detecting step for detecting whether the customer terminal is connected to the charger; and when the customer terminal detects that the customer terminal is connected to the charger, the customer terminal is connected to the charger. A transmission step of outputting connection information indicating that the connection has been continued to the host device, a receiving step in which the host device receives the accounting instruction from the customer terminal, and a host device receiving the connection information from the customer terminal. When receiving the connection information, the receiving step updates the status information stored in the terminal management storage unit to status information indicating that the customer terminal is connected to the charger. Updating step, and when the accounting instruction is accepted, the host device confirms whether or not the status information stored in the terminal management storage unit indicates that the customer terminal is connected to the charger And a check execution step, and when the host device indicates that the status information indicates that the customer terminal is connected to the charger, an accounting execution mode capable of executing an accounting process is set. It includes accounting controller step constant to, a.

  According to the above invention, when the accounting instruction is accepted, a connection request for connection to the charger is displayed. When the customer terminal is connected to the charger, connection information indicating that the customer terminal is connected to the charger is output to the host device. When the host device accepts the connection information, the state information is updated to state information indicating that the customer terminal is connected to the charger. Further, when the accounting instruction is accepted, it is confirmed whether or not the status information indicates that the customer terminal is connected to the charger. Further, when the status information indicates that the customer terminal is connected to the charger, an accounting execution mode capable of executing accounting processing is set. Further, when the connection information is received, the state information is updated to state information indicating that the customer terminal is connected to the charger.

  For this reason, if the customer terminal is not connected to the charger, the accounting process is not executed. Therefore, when an operator (for example, a customer) of a customer terminal performs accounting, the customer terminal is connected to a charger, so that it is possible to prevent uncharging even if the clerk does not charge the customer terminal. become. Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent uncharging while suppressing an increase in labor of the store clerk.

  The detection unit may be a contact sensor that detects whether the customer terminal is connected to the charger by detecting whether the customer terminal is in contact with the charger.

  Further, the detection unit monitors a charging current that flows when the customer terminal and the charger are connected, and detects whether the charging current is flowing, whereby the customer terminal is connected to the charger. It is desirable that the charging current monitoring circuit detects whether or not the charging has been performed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to prevent uncharge, suppressing the increase in a labor of a shop assistant.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an order system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the order system includes self-order terminals 1 to 3, chargers 4 to 6, an accounting terminal 7, a controller 8, an output device 9, and a wireless communication unit 10. In FIG. 1, the number of self-order terminals and chargers is three, but is not limited to three in practice.

  For example, the self-order terminals 1 to 3 are arranged in each seat such as a restaurant and are operated by a customer who has arrived at the seat. The customer orders the product by operating the self-order terminal.

  The self-order terminals 1 to 3 communicate with the controller 8. Specifically, the self-order terminals 1 to 3 communicate wirelessly with the wireless communication unit 10 and communicate with the controller 8 via the wireless communication unit 10.

  The self-order terminals 1 to 3 are detachable from the chargers 4 to 6. The self-order terminals 1 to 3 are preferably connected by being placed on the chargers 4 to 6, but may be connected via a cable, for example.

  The self-order terminals 1 to 3 communicate with the chargers 4 to 6.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the self-order terminals 1 to 3. Since the self-order terminals 1 to 3 have the same configuration, the self-order terminal 1 will be described as an example, and the description of the self-order terminals 2 and 3 will be omitted.

  2, the self-order terminal 1 includes a power connection unit 101, a power supply unit 102, an input unit 103, a terminal storage unit 104, a terminal connection unit 105, a management unit 106, a display unit 107, and terminal communication. Part 108.

  The power supply connection unit 101 can be connected to any one of the chargers 4 to 6.

  When the self-order terminal 1 is connected to any one of the chargers 4 to 6, the power supply unit 102 receives power from the connected charger via the power supply connection unit 101 and stores the power. Further, the power supply unit 102 supplies the stored power to the entire self-order terminal 1. The self-order terminal 1 operates using the power.

  The input unit 103 receives order information and a transaction instruction from a customer. The order information is information indicating the order of the customer, and includes the product ordered by the customer and the number of orders of the product. The accounting instruction is information for accounting. The customer is an example of an operator. In addition, the input unit 103 is provided with an accounting key for the customer to input an accounting instruction, and the customer preferably inputs the accounting instruction by pressing the accounting key.

  The terminal storage unit 104 stores a self-order terminal identification number that identifies the self (self-order terminal 1). Note that the self-order terminal identification number (hereinafter referred to as a terminal number) is not limited to a number, and may be information specifying a self-order terminal.

  The terminal connection unit 105 receives an acquisition instruction to acquire a terminal number from the connected charger.

  When the input unit 103 receives the order information, the management unit 106 attaches the terminal number stored in the terminal storage unit 104 to the order information and outputs the order information with the terminal number to the controller 8.

  Further, when the input unit 103 accepts the accounting instruction, the management unit 106 adds the terminal number stored in the terminal storage unit 104 to the accounting instruction and outputs the accounting instruction with the terminal number to the controller 8.

  Further, when the terminal connection unit 105 receives the acquisition instruction, the management unit 106 outputs the terminal number stored in the terminal storage unit 104 to the connected charger.

  Display unit 107 displays a connection request for connection to a charger when input unit 103 accepts an accounting instruction. The connection request is, for example, a message such as “Please place on the charger”.

  When connected to any of the self-order terminals 1 to 3, the chargers 4 to 6 supply power to the connected self-order terminals.

  The chargers 4 to 6 communicate with the wireless communication unit 10 wirelessly and communicate with the controller 8 via the wireless communication unit 10. The chargers 4 to 6 may communicate with the controller 8 by wire.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the chargers 4 to 6. Since the chargers 4 to 6 have the same configuration, the charger 4 will be described as an example, and description of the chargers 5 and 6 will be omitted.

  In FIG. 3, the charger 4 includes a power supply connection unit 401, a power supply unit 402, a charger connection unit 403, a detection unit 404, a charger storage unit 405, a processing unit 406, and a charger communication unit 407. including.

  The power connection unit 401 is connected to the power connection unit 101 of the self-order terminals 1 to 3.

  The power supply unit 402 is connected to a commercial power supply line (not shown). The power supply unit 402 also receives power from the commercial power line and supplies the power to the connected self-order terminal and the charger 4 as a whole. The charger 4 operates with the electric power.

  The charger connection unit 403 receives a terminal number from the connected self-order terminal.

  The detection unit 404 detects whether any of the self-order terminals 1 to 3 is connected to the self (charger 4).

  The detection unit 404 is, for example, a contact sensor or a charging current monitoring circuit. The detection unit 404 is not limited to a contact sensor or a charging current monitoring circuit, and can be changed as appropriate. The contact sensor is, for example, a micro switch (precision snap action switch: Precision / Snap / Action / Switch).

  When the detection unit 404 is a contact sensor, the contact sensor detects whether any of the self-order terminals 1 to 3 is in contact with the charger 4 so that any of the self-order terminals 1 to 3 is charged. Whether or not connected to the device 4 is detected.

  When the detection unit 404 is a charging current monitoring circuit, the charging current monitoring circuit monitors the charging current that flows when any of the self-order terminals 1 to 3 is connected to the charger 4, and the charging current is Whether or not any of the self-order terminals 1 to 3 is connected to the charger 4 is detected by detecting whether or not it is flowing.

  The charger storage unit 405 stores a charger identification number that identifies itself (charger 4). Note that the charger identification number (hereinafter referred to as the charger number) is not limited to a number, and may be information specifying a charger.

  When the detection unit 404 detects that any of the self-order terminals 1 to 3 is connected to the charger, the processing unit 406 creates connection information indicating that the self-order terminal is connected to the charger.

  Specifically, the processing unit 406 outputs an acquisition instruction to the connected self-order terminal. Thereafter, when charger connection unit 403 receives the terminal number from the self-order terminal, processing unit 406 creates connection information including the terminal number and the charger number stored in charger storage unit 405.

  When creating the connection information, the processing unit 406 outputs the connection information to the controller 8.

  Further, when the processing unit 406 detects that the connection between any of the self-order terminals 1 to 3 and the charger 4 is released, the processing unit 406 cancels that the connection between the self-order terminal and the charger is released. Create information. The release information includes the charger number stored in the charger storage unit 405. When creating the release information, the processing unit 406 outputs the release information to the controller 8.

  The accounting terminal 7 is, for example, a POS terminal. The accounting terminal 7 is not limited to the POS terminal and can be changed as appropriate. The accounting terminal 7 communicates with the controller 8.

  When the accounting terminal 7 receives an execution instruction to execute the accounting process from the store clerk, the accounting terminal 7 outputs the execution instruction to the controller 8. The execution instruction includes a customer identification number that identifies a customer for whom accounting processing is to be performed. The customer identification number (hereinafter referred to as a customer number) is not limited to a number, and may be information that identifies a customer.

  Further, when the accounting terminal 7 receives the processing result of the accounting processing from the controller 8, the accounting terminal 7 outputs the processing result. For example, the accounting terminal 7 displays the processing result or issues a receipt or a slip printed with the processing result. The processing result includes the total price of the products ordered by the customer. Further, the accounting terminal 7 receives the payment amount of the customer and calculates the change amount by subtracting the total amount from the payment amount.

  When the accounting terminal 7 receives alarm information indicating that the self-order terminal is not connected to the charger, the accounting terminal 7 outputs the alarm information.

  Note that the configuration and operation of the accounting terminal 7 are the same as the conventional configuration and operation, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The controller 8 is an example of a host device. The controller 8 communicates with the self-order terminals 1 to 3, the chargers 4 to 6, the accounting terminal 7 and the output device 9.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the controller 8. In FIG. 4, the controller 8 includes a communication unit 801, a storage unit 802, and a control unit 803.

  The communication unit 801 accepts order information and accounting instructions from the self-order terminals 1 to 3, accepts connection information and release information from the chargers 4 to 6, and accepts execution instructions from the accounting terminal 7.

  The storage unit 802 includes a product management storage unit 802a, an order management storage unit 802b, and a terminal management storage unit 802c.

  The product management storage unit 802a stores product information in association with each product.

  The order management storage unit 802b stores the order information in association with each customer number.

  The terminal management storage unit 802c stores state information indicating whether or not the self-order terminal is connected to the charger in association with each terminal number.

  In addition, the terminal management storage unit 802c further stores a customer number that specifies a customer who operates the self-order terminal in association with each terminal number. Further, the terminal management storage unit 802c further stores a charger number that identifies a charger connected to the self-order terminal in association with each terminal number.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information (hereinafter also referred to as a terminal management table) stored in the terminal management storage unit 802c. In FIG. 5, the number of self-order terminals and chargers is n. Note that n is a natural number greater than 10.

  In FIG. 5, the terminal management table 500 includes a terminal number 501, a customer number 502, a connection state 503, and a charger number 504.

  Terminal number 501 identifies a self-order terminal.

  The customer number 502 specifies a customer who operates the self-order terminal specified by the terminal number 501.

  The connection state 503 is an example of state information, and indicates whether or not the self-order terminal specified by the terminal number 501 is connected to the charger. The connection state 503 indicates that the self-order terminal is not connected to the charger when “0”, and indicates that the self-order terminal is connected to the charger when “1”. .

  The charger number 504 specifies a charger connected to the self-order terminal specified by the terminal number 501.

  The control unit 803 includes a state control unit 803a, a communication control unit 803b, an order control unit 803c, and an accounting control unit 803d.

  When the communication unit 801 receives connection information, the state control unit 803a updates the terminal management table according to the connection information.

  Specifically, first, the state control unit 803a indicates that the terminal number included in the connection information and the state information associated with the terminal management storage unit 802c indicate that the self-order terminal is connected to the charger. Update to status information. Subsequently, the state control unit 803a stores the charger number included in the connection information in the terminal management storage unit 802c in association with the terminal number.

In addition, when the communication unit 801 receives the release information, the state control unit 803a updates the terminal management table according to the release information.

  Specifically, first, the state control unit 803a indicates that the charger number included in the release information and the state information associated with the terminal management storage unit 802c indicate that the self-order terminal is not connected to the charger. Update to the status information shown. Subsequently, the state control unit 803a deletes the charger number from the terminal management storage unit 802c.

  The communication control unit 803 b outputs the order information and the accounting instruction received by the communication unit 801 to the output device 9. This is to inform the store clerk that the customer is ordering or that the customer is accounting.

  When the communication unit 801 receives the order information, the order control unit 803c determines whether or not the order indicated by the order information is a new customer order.

  Specifically, the order control unit 803c checks whether or not the terminal number assigned to the order information is associated with the customer number in the terminal management storage unit 802c. If the terminal number is not associated with the customer number, the order control unit 803c determines that the order is a new customer order, whereas if the terminal number is associated with the customer number, the order Is not a new customer order.

  When it is determined that the order is a new customer order, the order control unit 803c first creates a customer number that identifies the customer. The order control unit 803c stores the customer number in the terminal management storage unit 802c in association with the terminal number attached to the order information, and stores the customer number in the order management storage unit 802b in association with the order information. To do.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the order is not a new customer order, the order control unit 803c associates the order information, the terminal number attached to the order information, and the terminal management storage unit 802c. The customer number is associated and stored in the order management storage unit 802b.

  The accounting control unit 803d sets, for each customer number, either an accounting execution mode in which accounting processing can be performed or an accounting prohibition mode in which accounting processing is prohibited.

  When the order control unit 803c creates a customer number, the accounting control unit 803d sets the mode of the customer number to the accounting prohibited mode.

  When the communication unit 801 receives the execution instruction, the accounting control unit 803d confirms the customer number mode included in the execution instruction.

  If the mode is the accounting execution mode, the accounting control unit 803d executes accounting processing and outputs the processing result to the accounting terminal 7. In the accounting process, the accounting control unit 803d calculates a total amount based on the order number associated with the customer number and the order management storage unit 802b and the product information stored in the product management device. Since the accounting process is the same as the conventional accounting process, detailed description is omitted.

  On the other hand, if the mode is the accounting prohibit mode, the accounting control unit 803 d outputs alarm information to the accounting terminal 7.

  In addition, when the communication unit 801 receives an accounting instruction, the accounting control unit 803d confirms the status information associated with the terminal number assigned to the accounting instruction in the terminal management storage unit 802c.

  When the status information indicates that the self-order terminal is connected to the charger, the accounting control unit 803d changes the mode of the customer number associated with the terminal number and the terminal management storage unit 802c to the accounting execution mode. Set to.

  On the other hand, when the status information indicates that the self-order terminal is not connected to the charger, the accounting control unit 803d monitors the status information in the terminal management storage unit 802c. When the status information is changed to status information indicating that the self-order terminal is connected to the charger, the accounting control unit 803d sets the customer number associated with the terminal number and the terminal management storage unit 802c. Set the mode to accounting execution mode.

  When the accounting execution mode is set, the accounting control unit 803d may execute accounting processing for the customer number and output the processing result to the accounting terminal 8, or the communication unit 801 may output the accounting terminal. It waits until an execution instruction is received from 8, and when the communication unit 801 receives the execution instruction, the accounting process may be executed for the customer number included in the execution instruction.

  The output device 9 is, for example, a kitchen printer or a kitchen display. The output device 9 is not limited to a kitchen printer or a kitchen display, and can be changed as appropriate. The output device 9 communicates with the controller 8.

  When receiving the order information from the controller 8, the output device 9 outputs the order information. Further, when receiving an accounting instruction from the controller 8, the output device 9 outputs the accounting instruction.

  Next, the operation will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation when the self-order terminal receives the order information.

  Upon receiving the order information, the input unit 103 executes step S61.

  In step S 61, the input unit 103 outputs the order information to the management unit 106. Upon receiving the order information, management unit 106 executes step S62.

  In step S62, the management unit 106 acquires a terminal number from the terminal storage unit 104, and attaches the terminal number to the order information. The management unit 106 outputs the order information to the communication unit 801 of the controller 8 via the terminal communication unit 108 and the wireless communication unit 10. When communication unit 801 receives the terminal number and order information, communication unit 801 executes step S63.

  In step S63, the communication unit 801 outputs the order information to the communication control unit 803b. The communication control unit 803b outputs the order information to the order control unit 803c and outputs it to the output device 9 via the communication unit 801. When receiving the order information, the output device 9 outputs the order information.

  On the other hand, the order control part 803c will perform step S64, if the order information is received.

  In step S64, the order control unit 803c checks whether or not the terminal number attached to the order information is associated with the customer number in the terminal management storage unit 802c. The order control unit 803c executes step S65 if the terminal number is not associated with the customer number, and executes step S67 if the terminal number is associated with the customer number.

  In step S65, the order control unit 803c determines that the order is a new customer order, and creates a customer number that identifies the customer. The order control unit 803c stores the customer number in association with the terminal number in the terminal management storage unit 802c, and stores the customer number and order information in association with the order management storage unit 802b. The order control unit 803c executes Step S66 after completing Step S65.

  In step S66, the order control unit 803c notifies the accounting control unit 803d that the customer number mode is set to the accounting prohibited mode. Upon receipt of this, the accounting control unit 803d sets the customer number mode to the accounting prohibited mode.

  In step S67, the order control unit 803c determines that the order is not a new customer order, and associates the terminal number with the customer number associated with the terminal number and the terminal management storage unit 802c. At the same time, it is stored in the order management storage unit 802b.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation when the charger detects connection with the self-order terminal and release of the connection.

  In the state where the connection between the self-order terminal 1 and the charger 4 is released, the customer connects the self-order terminal 1 to the charger 4 and then releases the connection between the self-order terminal 1 and the charger 4. To do. Further, the detection unit 404 of the charger 4 outputs a detection signal to the processing unit 406 while the detection unit 404 is connected to the self-order terminal, and when the connection between the self and the self-order terminal is released, the detection signal 404 Stop the output of.

  In step S <b> 71, the customer connects the self-order terminal 1 to the charger 4.

  The detection unit 404 of the charger 4 detects that the self-order terminal 1 is connected to the charger 4 and outputs a detection signal to the processing unit 406. When receiving the detection signal, processing unit 406 executes step S72.

  In step S <b> 72, the processing unit 406 outputs an acquisition instruction to the terminal connection unit 105 of the self-order terminal 1 via the charger connection unit 403. Upon receiving the acquisition instruction, terminal connection unit 105 outputs the acquisition instruction to management unit 106.

  Upon receiving the acquisition instruction, management unit 106 acquires a terminal number from terminal storage unit 104 and outputs the terminal number to charger connection unit 403 of charger 4 via terminal connection unit 105.

  Upon receiving the terminal number, charger connection unit 403 outputs the terminal number to processing unit 406. When receiving the terminal number, processing unit 406 executes step S73.

  In step S73, the processing unit 406 acquires the charger number from the charger storage unit 405, and creates connection information including the charger number and the terminal number. When creating the connection information, the processing unit 406 executes Step S74.

  In step S <b> 74, the processing unit 406 outputs the connection information to the communication unit 801 of the controller 8 via the charger communication unit 407 and the wireless communication unit 10. Upon receiving the connection information, communication unit 801 executes step S75.

  In step S75, the communication unit 801 outputs the connection information to the communication control unit 803b. When receiving the connection information, the communication control unit 803b outputs the connection information to the state control unit 803a.

  When the state control unit 803a accepts the connection information, the state information associated with the terminal number included in the connection information and the terminal management storage unit 802c indicates that the self-order terminal is connected to the charger. Update to status information. Subsequently, the state control unit 803a stores the charger number included in the connection information in the terminal management storage unit 802c in association with the terminal number.

  Thereafter, when the customer releases the connection between the self-order terminal 1 and the charger 4, the detection unit 404 of the charger 4 stops outputting the detection signal. When the acceptance of the detection signal is stopped, processing unit 406 executes step S76.

  In step S76, the processing unit 406 acquires a charger number from the charger storage unit 405, and creates release information including the charger number. When creating the release information, the processing unit 406 executes Step S77.

  In step S77, the processing unit 406 outputs the release information to the communication unit 801 of the controller 8 via the charger communication unit 407 and the wireless communication unit 10. Upon receiving the release information, communication unit 801 executes step S78.

  In step S78, the communication unit 801 outputs the release information to the communication control unit 803b. When the communication control unit 803b receives the release information, the communication control unit 803b outputs the release information to the state control unit 803a.

  When the state control unit 803a receives the release information, the state control unit 803a indicates that the charger information included in the release information and the state information associated with the terminal management storage unit 802c indicate that the self-order terminal is not connected to the charger. Update to the status information shown. Subsequently, the state control unit 803a deletes the charger number from the terminal management storage unit 802c.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation when the self-order terminal 1 accepts an accounting instruction.

  When receiving the accounting instruction, the input unit 103 of the self-order terminal 1 executes step S81.

  In step S <b> 81, the input unit 103 outputs the transaction instruction to the management unit 106. When management unit 106 accepts the transaction instruction, management unit 106 executes step S82.

  In step S <b> 82, the management unit 106 displays a connection request on the display unit 107. After completing step S82, the management unit 106 executes step S83.

  In step S83, the management unit 106 acquires a terminal number from the terminal storage unit 104 and attaches the terminal number to the accounting instruction. The management unit 106 outputs the accounting instruction to the communication unit 801 of the controller 8 via the terminal communication unit 108 and the wireless communication unit 10. Upon receiving the accounting instruction, communication unit 801 executes step S84.

  In step S84, the communication unit 801 outputs the accounting instruction to the communication control unit 803b. When the communication control unit 803b receives the accounting instruction, the communication control unit 803b outputs the accounting instruction to the accounting control unit 803d and outputs the accounting instruction to the output device 9 via the communication unit 801. When receiving the accounting instruction, the output device 9 outputs the accounting instruction.

  On the other hand, upon receipt of the transaction instruction, transaction control unit 803d executes step S85.

  In step S85, the transaction control unit 803d confirms whether or not the status information associated with the terminal number attached to the transaction instruction indicates that the self-order terminal is connected to the charger. If the status information indicates that the self-order terminal is not connected to the charger, the accounting control unit 803d executes step S86, and the status information indicates that the self-order terminal is connected to the charger. Then, step S87 is executed.

  On the other hand, in step S86, the accounting control unit 803d monitors the status information in the terminal management storage unit 802c. When the status information is changed to status information indicating that the self-order terminal is connected to the charger, accounting control unit 803d executes step S87.

  In step S87, the transaction control unit 803d sets the mode of the customer number associated with the terminal number in the terminal management storage unit 802c to the transaction execution mode.

  In the above embodiment, the self-order terminal and the charger communicate with each other. However, if the self-order terminal and the charger are associated and managed in advance, the charger does not need to communicate with the self-order terminal.

  In this case, the terminal connection unit 105 of the self-order terminals 1 to 3 and the charger connection unit 403 of the chargers 4 to 6 may be omitted. In addition, the terminal management storage unit 802c of the controller 8 stores state information and a charger number that identifies a charger associated with the terminal information in association with each terminal number.

  Below, operation | movement of the order system which matches and manages a self-order terminal and a charger previously is demonstrated. Note that operations different from those described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8 will be mainly described.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation when the charger 4 detects the connection and release of the self-order terminal 1 in the self-order system that manages the self-order terminal and the charger in association with each other in advance. It is a flowchart. In FIG. 9, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same processes as those in FIG.

  In step S71, when the processing unit 406 of the charger 4 receives the detection signal, the processing unit 406 executes step S73a.

  In step 73a, the processing unit 406 acquires a charger number from the charger storage unit 405, and creates connection information including the charger number. When creating the connection information, the processing unit 406 executes Step S74.

  Thereafter, when the communication unit 801 accepts connection information in step 74, step S75a is executed.

  In step S75a, the communication unit 801 outputs the connection information to the communication control unit 803b. When receiving the connection information, the communication control unit 803b outputs the connection information to the state control unit 803a.

  When the state control unit 803a receives the connection information, the state information associated with the charger number included in the connection information and the terminal management storage unit 802c is used as the state information indicating that the charger is connected. Update.

  Thereafter, when the customer releases the connection between the self-order terminal 1 and the charger 4, the detection unit 404 of the charger 4 stops outputting the detection signal. When the acceptance of the detection signal is stopped, processing unit 406 executes step S76.

  Thereafter, steps S76 and S77 are executed.

  In step S77, when the communication unit 801 receives the release information, the communication unit 801 executes step S78a.

  In step S78a, the communication unit 801 outputs the release information to the communication control unit 803b. When the communication control unit 803b receives the release information, the communication control unit 803b outputs the release information to the state control unit 803a.

  When the state control unit 803a receives the release information, the state control unit 803a indicates that the charger information included in the release information and the state information associated with the terminal management storage unit 802c indicate that the self-order terminal is not connected to the charger. Update to the status information shown.

  According to the present embodiment, when the input unit 103 receives an accounting instruction, the display unit 107 displays a connection request. Further, the management unit 106 outputs the accounting instruction to the controller 8. When the detection unit 404 detects that the self-order terminal is connected to the charger, the processing unit 406 outputs connection information to the controller 8. The terminal management storage unit 802c stores state information. When the communication unit 801 receives the connection information, the state control unit 803a updates the state information stored in the terminal management storage unit 802c to state information indicating that the self-order terminal is connected to the charger. When the communication unit 801 accepts an accounting instruction, the accounting control unit 803d checks whether or not the status information stored in the terminal management storage unit 802c indicates that the self-order terminal is connected to the charger. . If the status information indicates that the self-order terminal is connected to the charger, the accounting control unit 803d sets an accounting enabled mode in which accounting processing is possible.

  In this case, if the self-order terminal 1 is not connected to any of the chargers 4 to 6, the accounting process is not executed. Therefore, when the customer who is the operator of the self-order terminal 1 makes a transaction, the self-order terminal 1 is connected to one of the chargers 4 to 6, so that the store clerk does not charge the self-order terminal 1. Also, it becomes possible to prevent uncharging. Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent uncharging while suppressing an increase in labor of the store clerk.

  Next, a self-order system that detects whether or not the self-order terminal is connected to the charger in the self-order terminal will be described. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation different from those of the order system shown in FIG. 1 will be mainly described.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an order system that detects whether or not the self-order terminal is connected to the charger in the self-order terminal. In FIG. 10, the same components as those in FIG.

  In FIG. 10, the order system includes self-order terminals 1 to 3, chargers 4 to 6, accounting terminal 7, controller 8, output device 9, and wireless communication unit 10. In the present embodiment, each of the self-order terminals 1 to 3 and the chargers 4 to 6 do not communicate.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the self-order terminals 1 to 3 that detect whether or not the charger is connected. In FIG. 11, the same components as those shown in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Since the self-order terminals 1 to 3 have the same configuration, the self-order terminal 1 will be described as an example, and description of the self-order terminals 2 and 3 will be omitted.

  11, the self-order terminal 1 includes a power connection unit 101, a power supply unit 102, an input unit 103, a terminal storage unit 104, a management unit 106, a display unit 107, a terminal communication unit 108, and a detection unit. 109.

  The detection unit 109 is, for example, a contact sensor or a charging current monitoring circuit. Note that the detection unit 404 is not limited to a contact sensor or a charging current monitoring circuit, but can be changed as appropriate, but is preferably a charging current monitoring circuit.

  The detection unit 109 detects whether or not the self (self-order terminal 1) is connected to any of the chargers 4 to 6.

  Further, the chargers 4 to 6 do not include the charger connection unit 403, the detection unit 404, the charger storage unit 405, the processing unit 406, and the charger communication unit 407.

  Further, the terminal management storage unit 802c of the controller 8 stores the state information in association with each terminal number. In addition, the terminal management storage unit 802c further stores a customer identification number that specifies a customer who operates the self-order terminal specified by the terminal number in association with each terminal number.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a terminal management table in the self-order system that detects whether or not the self-order terminal is connected to the charger. In FIG. 12, the same information as in FIG.

  Next, the operation will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation when the charger detects connection and release of connection with the self-order terminal in the self-order system that detects whether or not the self-order terminal is connected to the charger. It is a flowchart.

  The operation when the self-order terminal 1 detects connection and release of any one of the chargers 4 to 6 will be described. In addition, in a state where the connection between the charger 4 and the self-order terminal 1 is released, the customer connects the self-order terminal 1 to the charger 4 and then releases the connection between the self-order terminal 1 and the charger 4. To do.

  In step S131, the customer connects the self-order terminal 1 to the charger 4.

  The detection unit 109 of the self-order terminal 1 detects that the self-order terminal 1 is connected to the charger 4 and outputs a detection signal to the management unit 106. Upon receiving the detection signal, management unit 106 executes step S132.

  In step S132, the management unit 106 acquires a terminal number from the terminal storage unit 104, and creates connection information including the terminal number. After creating the connection information, the management unit 106 executes step S133.

  In step S <b> 133, the management unit 106 outputs the connection information to the communication unit 801 of the controller 8 via the terminal communication unit 108 and the wireless communication unit 10. Upon receiving the connection information, the communication unit 801 executes Step S134.

  In step S134, the communication unit 801 outputs the connection information to the communication control unit 803b. When receiving the connection information, the communication control unit 803b outputs the connection information to the state control unit 803a.

  When the state control unit 803a accepts the connection information, the state information associated with the terminal number included in the connection information and the terminal management storage unit 802c indicates that the self-order terminal is connected to the charger. Update to status information.

  Thereafter, when the customer releases the connection between the self-order terminal 1 and the charger 4, the detection unit 109 of the self-order terminal 1 stops outputting the detection signal. When the reception of the detection signal is stopped, management unit 106 executes step S135.

  In step S <b> 135, the management unit 106 outputs the release information to the communication unit 801 of the controller 8 via the terminal communication unit 108 and the wireless communication unit 10. Upon receiving the release information, communication unit 801 executes step S136.

  In step S136, the communication unit 801 outputs the release information to the communication control unit 803b. When the communication control unit 803b receives the release information, the communication control unit 803b outputs the release information to the state control unit 803a.

  When the state control unit 803a receives the release information, the state information associated with the terminal number included in the release information and the terminal management storage unit 802c indicates that the self-order terminal is not connected to the charger. Update to status information.

  In the present embodiment, when the input unit 103 receives an accounting instruction, the display unit 107 displays a connection request. Further, the management unit 106 outputs the accounting instruction to the controller 8. When the detection unit 109 detects that the self-order terminal is connected to the charger, the management unit 106 outputs connection information to the controller 8. The terminal management storage unit 802c stores state information. When the communication unit 801 receives the connection information, the state control unit 803a updates the state information stored in the terminal management storage unit 802c to state information indicating that the self-order terminal is connected to the charger. In addition, when the communication unit 801 accepts the accounting instruction, the accounting control unit 803d checks whether the status information stored in the terminal management storage unit 802c indicates that the self-order terminal is connected to the charger. If the status information indicates that the self-order terminal is connected to the charger, the accounting enabled mode capable of accounting processing is set.

  In this case, if the self-order terminal 1 is not connected to any of the chargers 4 to 6, the accounting process is not executed. Therefore, since the customer who is the operator of the self-order terminal 1 connects the self-order terminal 1 to any one of the chargers 4 to 6, the store clerk prevents uncharging even if the self-order terminal 1 is not charged. It becomes possible. Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent uncharging while suppressing an increase in labor of the store clerk.

  In the embodiment described above, the illustrated configuration is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration.

  For example, although the accounting terminal 7 and the controller 8 are provided separately, the controller 8 may be incorporated in the accounting terminal 7.

It is the block diagram which showed the order system of one Example of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed an example of the structure of a self-order terminal. It is the block diagram which showed an example of the structure of a charger. It is the block diagram which showed an example of the structure of a controller. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of a terminal management table. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of operation | movement of an order system. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of operation | movement of an order system. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of operation | movement of an order system. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of operation | movement of an order system. It is the block diagram which showed the order system of the other Example of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed the other structural example of the self-order terminal. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the other example of a terminal management table. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the other operation example of an order system.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Self-order terminal 2 Self-order terminal 3 Self-order terminal 4 Charger 5 Charger 6 Charger 7 Accounting terminal 8 Controller 9 Output device 10 Wireless communication unit 101 Power supply connection part 102 Power supply part 103 Input part 104 Terminal storage part 105 Terminal connection Unit 106 management unit 107 display unit 108 terminal communication unit 109 detection unit 401 power supply connection unit 402 power supply unit 403 charger connection unit 404 detection unit 405 charger storage unit 406 processing unit 407 charger communication unit 801 communication unit 802 storage unit 802a product Management storage unit 802b Order management storage unit 802c Terminal management storage unit 803 Control unit 803a Status control unit 803b Communication control unit 803c Order control unit 803d Accounting control unit

Claims (8)

An order system including a customer terminal, a charger detachable from the customer terminal, and a host device communicating with the customer terminal and the charger,
The customer terminal is
An input unit for receiving an accounting instruction for accounting from the operator;
When the input unit accepts the accounting instruction, a display unit that displays a connection request for connection to the charger;
A management unit that outputs the accounting instruction received by the input unit to the host device,
The charger is
A detection unit for detecting whether or not the customer terminal is connected to the charger;
A processing unit that outputs connection information indicating that the customer terminal is connected to the charger to the host device when the detection unit detects that the customer terminal is connected to the charger;
The host device is
A terminal management storage unit for storing state information indicating whether or not the customer terminal is connected to the charger;
A communication unit that receives the accounting instruction from the customer terminal, and receives the connection information from the charger;
When the communication unit accepts the connection information, the state control unit updates the state information stored in the terminal management storage unit to state information indicating that the customer terminal is connected to the charger;
When the communication unit accepts the accounting instruction, the status information stored in the terminal management storage unit confirms whether or not the customer terminal is connected to the charger, and the status information is An order system that includes an accounting control unit that sets an accounting enabled mode in which accounting processing can be executed when the customer terminal indicates that it is connected to the charger. An order system including a charger, a detachable customer terminal, and a host device communicating with the customer terminal,
The customer terminal is
An input unit for receiving an accounting instruction for accounting from the operator;
When the input unit accepts the accounting instruction, a display unit that displays a connection request for connection to the charger;
A detection unit for detecting whether or not the customer terminal is connected to the charger;
The accounting instruction received by the input unit is output to the host device, and when the detection unit detects that the customer terminal is connected to the charger, the connection indicating that the customer terminal is connected to the charger A management unit that outputs information to the host device,
The host device is
A terminal management storage unit for storing state information indicating whether or not the customer terminal is connected to the charger;
A communication unit for receiving the accounting instruction and the connection information from the customer terminal;
When the communication unit accepts the connection information, the state control unit updates the state information stored in the terminal management storage unit to state information indicating that the customer terminal is connected to the charger;
When the communication unit accepts the accounting instruction, the status information stored in the terminal management storage unit confirms whether or not the customer terminal is connected to the charger, and the status information is An order system including an accounting control unit that sets an accounting execution mode in which an accounting process can be executed when the customer terminal indicates that it is connected to the charger. The order system according to claim 1,
The order system, wherein the detection unit is a contact sensor that detects whether the customer terminal is connected to the charger by detecting whether the customer terminal is in contact with the charger. The order system according to claim 1 or 2,
The detection unit monitors the charging current that flows when the customer terminal is connected to a charger, and detects whether the charging current is flowing, so that the customer terminal is connected to the charger. An order system that is a charging current monitoring circuit for detecting whether or not. A customer terminal; a charger that is detachable from the customer terminal; and a terminal management storage unit that stores status information indicating whether the customer terminal is connected to the charger, the customer terminal and the charger A charge management method performed by an order system including a host device communicating with
An input step in which the customer terminal receives an accounting instruction for accounting from an operator;
When the customer terminal accepts the accounting instruction, a display step for displaying a connection request for connection with the charger;
The customer terminal outputting the accepted accounting instruction to the host device; and
A detection step of detecting whether the charger is connected to the charger;
When the charger detects that the customer terminal is connected to the charger, a transmission step of outputting connection information indicating that the customer terminal is connected to the charger to the host device;
The host device receives the accounting instruction from the customer terminal;
The host device receives the connection information from the charger; and
When the host device receives the connection information, the updating step updates the status information stored in the terminal management storage unit to status information indicating that the customer terminal is connected to the charger; ,
When the host device accepts the accounting instruction, a confirmation step of confirming whether or not the status information stored in the terminal management storage unit indicates that the customer terminal is connected to the charger;
A charge management method comprising: an accounting control unit step for setting an accounting execution mode in which accounting processing can be executed when the status information indicates that the customer terminal is connected to the charger. A customer terminal that can be attached to and detached from a charger; and a host management storage unit that stores status information indicating whether the customer terminal is connected to the charger; and a host device that communicates with the customer terminal. A charge management method performed by the order system,
An input step in which the customer terminal receives an accounting instruction for accounting from an operator;
When the customer terminal accepts the accounting instruction, a display step for displaying a connection request for connection with the charger;
The customer terminal outputting the accepted accounting instruction to the host device; and
A detecting step of detecting whether the customer terminal is connected to the charger;
When the customer terminal detects that the customer terminal is connected to the charger, a transmission step of outputting connection information indicating that the customer terminal is connected to the charger to the host device;
The host device receives the accounting instruction from the customer terminal;
The host device receives the connection information from the customer terminal; and
When the host device receives the connection information, the updating step updates the status information stored in the terminal management storage unit to status information indicating that the customer terminal is connected to the charger; ,
When the host device accepts the accounting instruction, a confirmation step of confirming whether or not the status information stored in the terminal management storage unit indicates that the customer terminal is connected to the charger;
A charge management method comprising: an accounting control unit step for setting an accounting execution mode in which accounting processing can be executed when the status information indicates that the customer terminal is connected to the charger. In the charge management method according to claim 5,
In the detection step, a charge management method of detecting whether or not the customer terminal is connected to the charger by detecting whether or not the customer terminal is in contact with the charger. In the charge management method according to claim 5 or 6,
In the detection step, the customer terminal is connected to the charger by monitoring a charging current flowing when the customer terminal is connected to the charger and detecting whether the charging current is flowing or not. Charge management method for detecting whether or not

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