JP5570565B2 - Input device and program - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an input device and a program.

  For example, in many restaurants such as family restaurants and taverns, processing devices are used to execute processing related to various operations such as a menu item order receiving operation and an accounting operation. In such a processing apparatus, an operation of a user such as a store clerk is input by an input device, and a process corresponding to the input operation is executed.

  Specifically, in the case of a system used in a restaurant, the input device and the processing device are, for example, an order terminal and a station (server), respectively. In this case, the order terminal inputs an operation for designating the menu item ordered by the customer. The order terminal generates order information including a list of menu items ordered based on the input operation, and transmits it to the station. The station performs creation of a cooking instruction slip, sales management processing, and the like based on the order information.

  By the way, some conventional order terminals can generate various message information in addition to the order information and transmit it to the station. The message information transmitted to the station in this way is distributed from the station to other order terminals.

  However, according to the transmission / reception of message information between order terminals via a station, there is a problem that message information cannot be delivered to other order terminals when a failure occurs in the data transmission / reception function of the station. .

The input device according to the embodiment includes a display operation unit arranged by superimposing an operation unit on the screen of the display unit, a communication unit that controls transmission / reception of data between other input devices, and a message in the display operation unit A message designating unit for designating information, a destination designating unit for designating another input device as a transmission destination of the message information designated by the message designating unit, on the display operation unit, and the message information on the transmission destination Message transmitting means for transmitting via the communication unit, message receiving means for receiving the message information transmitted from another input device via the communication unit, and the display operation for the received message information includes a message display unit for displaying the part, and the transmission destination designating means, a key for designating the transmission to all of the input device, transmission to separate input device Display destination selection screen and individual ID for specifying the allocated key is arranged to select a destination.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an order processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the appearance of the order terminal. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the order terminal. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing functions related to message transmission / reception processing performed by the microcomputer of the order terminal. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of message transmission processing of the order terminal. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition in the message transmission process on the display of the order terminal. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of message reception processing of the order terminal. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition in the message receiving process on the display of the order terminal.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an order processing system 100 according to the embodiment. The order processing system 100 can be used in various facilities that provide a food service or a product sales service in response to a customer order such as a restaurant or a store. However, in the following, the order processing system 100 configured to be adapted for use in restaurants will be described.

  In the order processing system 100, a plurality of information terminals 1, a plurality of order terminals 2, a plurality of slip printers 3 and a station 4 are connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 5, respectively. However, the order terminal 2 is connected to the LAN 5 via the wireless access point 6. Although two information terminals 1, two order terminals 2 and slip printers 3 are illustrated in FIG. 1, the number thereof is arbitrary. Only one information terminal 1, order terminal 2, and slip printer 3 may be provided.

  The information terminal 1 is a PC (Personal Computer), a POS (Point of Sales) terminal, or the like, and is installed on a customer service floor or a checkout counter, for example. The information terminal 1 performs processing related to various operations such as a guidance operation for customers, an order receiving operation, a serving (distribution) operation, or an accounting operation. In the information terminal 1 installed on the customer service floor, processing relating to guidance work, order receiving work, and serving (distribution) work is mainly used. Further, in the information terminal 1 installed in the checkout counter, processing relating to accounting work is further used. In addition, the information terminal 1 is good also as what was specialized for the specific use by performing the process regarding only one part of said operation | work.

  The order terminal 2 includes a user interface in which a plurality of operation keys are arranged, and functions as an input device that inputs a user operation for order input through the user interface. The order terminal 2 generates order information according to the input operation, and wirelessly transmits the order information. The order information wirelessly transmitted from the order terminal 2 is transmitted to the station 4 via the wireless access point 6 and 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 used as 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 used as a so-called kitchen printer.

  The station 4 is installed, for example, in the back yard, performs a totaling process on various types of information transmitted from the information terminal 1, and performs a process related to a management business related to the restaurant business. The station 4 also performs management processing of information that is commonly used by the plurality of information terminals 1.

  In general, in the order processing system 100, when a user performs an operation for inputting an order at the information terminal 1 or the order terminal 2, the order information generated at the information terminal 1 or the order terminal 2 according to the operation. Is transmitted to the station 4 via the LAN 5. The station 4 manages the incoming order information for an accounting process or a totaling process. The station 4 transmits order information to the slip printer 3 via the LAN 5. The slip printer 3 prints a cooking instruction slip and an order slip having contents corresponding to the incoming order information.

  Next, the order terminal 2 will be described. 2 is a plan view showing the appearance of the order terminal 2, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the order terminal 2. As shown in FIG.

  The order terminal 2 includes, as a portable main body, a first member 21 disposed on the left side in FIG. 2 and a second member 22 disposed on the right side in FIG. Each of the first member 21 and the second member 22 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The second member 22 is rotatably connected to the first member 21 via a stopper 23 such as a hinge. With this stopper 23, the second member 22 opens and closes with respect to the first member 21 between the opened state (FIG. 2) and the closed state (not shown).

  In the first member 21, a touch panel 24 that is a display operation unit is disposed on a surface 21 </ b> A that is exposed to the outside when the second member 22 is opened with respect to the first member 21. In FIG. 2, a side key 25 is provided on the left side surface 21B. In the second member 22, a membrane type keyboard 26 is arranged on a surface 22 </ b> A exposed to the outside when the second member 22 is opened with respect to the first member 21.

  The touch panel 24 is configured by overlapping a touch panel sensor 242 as an operation unit on a screen of a liquid crystal display (hereinafter abbreviated as a display) 241 as a display unit, and is divided into a display input unit 24A and a numeric keypad unit 24B. Yes. Screen data to be described later is displayed on the display input unit 24A. The numeric keypad 24B includes “0” to “9” numeric keys, “return” key, “C” clear key, “update” key, “△” and “▽” up / down keys, “•” A decimal point key is placed.

  The membrane type keyboard 26 has a plurality of fixed keys on which characters and outlines are printed in a matrix on the surface. The membrane-type keyboard 26 has a feature that it is more resistant to dirt such as mud and liquid than other types of keyboards. Each fixed key is assigned a function for supporting the ordering work. In addition, the keyboard 26 of the order terminal 2 of this embodiment is also assigned a contact key 26a for declaring execution of message transmission / reception processing among a plurality of order terminals 2 described later.

  The order terminal 2 has a control board 30 built in either the first member 21 or the second member 22. As shown in FIG. 3, the control board 30 is provided with a microcomputer 39, and the microcomputer 39 drives and controls each part. As shown in FIG. 3, the microcomputer 39 has a central processing unit (CPU) 31 that centrally controls each unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32 via a bus line 38 such as an address bus and a data bus, A RAM (Random Access Memory) 33 is connected. A clock unit 34, a radio unit 35, a key controller 36, a touch panel controller 37, and a sound controller 40 are connected to such a microcomputer 39 via a bus line 38.

  The ROM 32 is a non-volatile memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and stores fixed data such as a program including the control program 321 and setting data. The RAM 33 stores variable data such as screen data to be displayed on the display 241 and data transmitted to the station 4. The clock unit 34 measures the current date and time.

  The wireless unit 35 is a communication unit that controls transmission / reception of data to / from the wireless access point 6, and is a wireless communication device that executes, for example, wireless communication of the IEEE 802.11 standard.

  The key controller 36 monitors each fixed key of the side key 25 and the keyboard 26 and determines whether or not there is a key input.

  The touch panel controller 37 controls a screen displayed on the display 241 of the touch panel 24. The touch panel controller 37 detects a two-dimensional coordinate indicating a touch position on the screen based on a signal from the touch panel sensor 242.

  The sound controller 40 is a sound source device and outputs audio data to be reproduced to the speaker 41.

  The ROM 32 stores screen data to be displayed on the display input unit 24A of the display 241 of the order terminal 2 for each page.

  Next, a message transmission / reception process of the order terminal 2 among various processes executed by the microcomputer 39 of the order terminal 2 according to the control program 321 will be described.

  4 is a block diagram showing functions related to message transmission / reception processing performed by the microcomputer 39 of the order terminal 2. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of message transmission processing of the order terminal 2. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition in message transmission processing of the display 241 of FIG. 2, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of message reception processing of the order terminal 2, and FIG. 8 is a screen in message reception processing of the display 241 of the order terminal 2 It is a figure which shows the example of a transition.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 31 of the order terminal 2 operates according to the control program 321, whereby a message designation unit 311, a transmission destination designation unit 312, a message transmission unit 313, a message reception unit 314, and a message display unit. 315 and power saving means 316 function.

  The message designation unit 311 designates message information to be described later on the touch panel 24 that is a display operation unit. The transmission destination designation unit 312 designates another order terminal 2 that is a transmission destination of the message information designated by the message designation unit 311 on the touch panel 24. The message transmission unit 313 transmits message information to the transmission destination via the wireless unit 35.

  The message receiving unit 314 receives message information transmitted from another order terminal 2 via the wireless unit 35. The message display unit 315 displays the received message information on the touch panel 24.

  The power saving means 316 has a suspend function that temporarily saves the working state in the ROM 32 in the power saving mode when the use of the order terminal 2 is interrupted, cancels the power saving mode when restarting, and returns to the state immediately before turning off the power. Realize. In the power saving mode, parameter values that specify the power on or off of each of several predetermined devices in the order terminal 2 are defined. In the order terminal 2 of the present embodiment, the parameter setting is such that data can be received via the wireless unit 35 even in the suspended state (during power saving mode).

  When the message receiving unit 314 receives message information via the wireless unit 35 during the power saving mode, the message display unit 315 displays the message information on the touch panel 24 and notifies that the message information has been received. To do.

  Next, the flow of message transmission processing of the order terminal 2 will be described. When sending message information to another order terminal 2, the operator operates the contact key 26 a of the keyboard 26.

  When the operator operates the contact key 26a of the keyboard 26, the CPU 31 (message specifying means 311) of the order terminal 2 displays the message selection screen A used for the message transmission process shown in FIG. 6 (a) on the display 241 of the order terminal 2. The information is displayed on the display input unit 24A (step S1).

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the message selection screen A is a screen for allowing the operator to select predetermined message information. In the message selection screen A shown in FIG. 6 (a), a message key m1 capable of selecting message information such as “group arrival”, “VIP arrival”, “emergency! In addition, the message selection screen A is also provided with a handwritten message input key m2 for receiving an input of a handwritten message by the operator.

  As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, after the predetermined message key m1 on the message selection screen A is selected (Yes in Step S2), the CPU 31 (transmission destination designation unit 312) of the order terminal 2 If it is determined that the message information has been confirmed by the operation (Yes in step S3), a destination selection screen B as shown in FIG. 6B is displayed on the display input unit 24A of the display 241 (step S4).

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the destination selection screen B is a screen for allowing the operator to select a destination (for example, an IP address) to which the confirmed message information is transmitted. In the destination selection screen B shown in FIG. 6B, the destination key n1 for “all terminals” designating transmission to all order terminals 2 and “individual ID” designating transmission to individual order terminals 2 are displayed. The allocated destination key n2 is arranged. The destination key n2 of “individual ID” is not limited to the identification number assigned to each order terminal 2, but may be the name of the operator set in each order terminal 2.

  As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, when the CPU 31 of the order terminal 2 determines that the destination is confirmed by the operation of the side key 25 after a predetermined destination key on the destination selection screen B is selected (Yes in step S5). The sender selection screen C as shown in FIG. 6C is displayed on the display input unit 24A of the display 241 (step S6).

  As shown in FIG. 6C, the sender selection screen C is a screen for allowing the operator to select a sender that transmits the confirmed message information. In the sender selection screen C shown in FIG. 6C, a sender key i1 to which an “individual ID” for designating a sender is allocated is arranged. The sender key i1 is not limited to the identification number assigned to each order terminal 2, but may be the name of the operator set in each order terminal 2.

  In the present embodiment, the sender selection screen C is displayed to allow the operator to select the sender. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the name of the operator set in each order terminal 2 or the like. The sender may be automatically determined by

  As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the CPU 31 (message transmission means 313) of the order terminal 2 determines the sender by operating the side key 25 after the predetermined sender key i <b> 1 on the sender selection screen C is selected. If it is determined (Yes in step S7), the message information determined in step S3 is transmitted to the destination determined in step S5 together with the sender information (step S8), and a message transmission screen as shown in FIG. D is displayed on the display input unit 24A of the display 241 (step S9).

  As shown in FIG. 6D, the message transmission screen D is a screen showing the transmission status for each destination of the message information. The message transmission screen D shown in FIG. 6D displays the transmission status (OK, NG) for each destination of the message information for each destination. Note that a destination whose transmission status is NG can be retransmitted by operating the side key 25 after selecting a predetermined destination on the message transmission screen D.

  On the other hand, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, when the handwritten message input key m2 on the message selection screen A is selected, the CPU 31 (message specifying means 311) of the order terminal 2 (No in step S2, step S10). Yes), a handwritten message input screen E that accepts input of a handwritten message by the operator is displayed on the display input unit 24A of the display 241 (step S11).

  As shown in FIG. 6E, the handwritten message input screen E is a screen that accepts input of a handwritten message by the operator. On the handwritten message input screen E shown in FIG. 6 (e), a panel P for inputting a message by hand using a stylus pen or the like, which is a pen type input device used for designating coordinates with a PDA or the like, is displayed. The operator operates the enter button b1 after entering a desired message on the panel P with the stylus pen.

  As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the CPU 31 (transmission destination designation means 312) of the order terminal 2 finalizes the message information by inputting the desired message to the panel P on the handwritten message input screen E and then operating the decision button b1. If it is determined (Yes in step S3), the destination selection screen B as shown in FIG. 6B is displayed on the display input unit 24A of the display 241 as described above (step S4).

  Next, the flow of message reception processing of the order terminal 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the CPU 31 (message receiving means 314) of the order terminal 2 receives the message information transmitted from the other order terminal 2 (Yes in step S21), and the order terminal 2 is in the suspended state. If not (No in step S22), the CPU 31 (message display means 315) of the order terminal 2 displays a message reception screen F as shown in FIG. 8A on the display input unit 24A of the display 241 (step S23). .

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the message reception screen F is a screen for displaying received message information. On the message reception screen F shown in FIG. 8A, a pop-up screen PU that displays the received message information together with the sender information is displayed. Further, as shown in FIG. 8A, a message confirmation button b2 is also displayed on the pop-up screen PU. When a plurality of message information is received, the pop-up screen PU may be displayed by the number of message information, or a plurality of message information may be displayed in the pop-up screen PU.

  When the message information handwritten on the handwritten message input screen E shown in FIG. 6E is transmitted, the handwritten message is displayed as message information on the pop-up screen PU of the message reception screen F.

  As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, when the CPU 31 of the order terminal 2 determines that message confirmation is instructed by operating the message confirmation button b2 on the pop-up screen PU of the message reception screen F (Yes in step S24), FIG. A message confirmation screen G as shown in b) is displayed on the display input unit 24A of the display 241 (step S25).

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the message confirmation screen G is a screen for displaying a list of received message information. The message confirmation screen G shown in FIG. 8B displays a list of received message information, an update button b3 for instructing update of the displayed message information, and a deletion for instructing deletion of the displayed message information. Button b4 is displayed.

  Note that the order terminal 2 according to the present embodiment can receive data via the wireless unit 35 even in the suspended state (during the power saving mode) as described above. Therefore, when the CPU 31 (message display means 315) of the order terminal 2 receives message information transmitted from another order terminal 2 in the suspended state (during power saving mode), another notification means other than the message display. It is necessary to communicate that the message information has been received. Therefore, when the CPU 31 (message display means 315) of the order terminal 2 receives the message information transmitted from another order terminal 2 in the suspended state (during the power saving mode) (Yes in step S22), FIG. A message reception screen F as shown in (a) is displayed on the display input unit 24A of the display 241 (step S26), and notification that message information has been received by another notification means other than the message display (step S27). .

  As an example of the notification means, audio data “message information has been received” is prepared in advance and output from the sound controller 40 to the speaker 41. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and may be notification that message information has been received by light emission from an LED, notification that message information has been received by vibration of a vibrator, or the like.

  Thus, according to the order terminal 2 of the present embodiment, the message information designated on the touch panel 24 can be transmitted to the other order terminal 2 designated as the transmission destination without passing through the station 4. Even if some trouble occurs in the station 4, the message information can be delivered to the other order terminal 2, and the message information can be displayed on the touch panel 24 of the other order terminal 2.

  The control program 321 executed by the order terminal 2 of the present embodiment is an installable or executable file, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). You may comprise so that it may record and provide on a computer-readable recording medium.

  Further, the control program 321 executed by the order terminal 2 of the present embodiment may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. Moreover, you may comprise so that the control program 321 performed with the order terminal 2 of this embodiment may be provided or distributed via networks, such as the internet.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications 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 input device 24 display operation unit 35 communication unit 241 display unit 242 operation unit 311 message designation unit 312 transmission destination designation unit 313 message transmission unit 314 message reception unit 315 message display unit 316 power saving unit

JP-A-11-167676

Claims (6)

A display operation unit in which the operation unit is arranged on the screen of the display unit;
A communication unit that controls transmission and reception of data to and from other input devices;
Message specifying means for specifying message information in the display operation section;
A destination designation means for designating the other input device as a transmission destination of the message information designated by the message designation means on the display operation unit;
Message transmitting means for transmitting the message information to the transmission destination via the communication unit;
Message receiving means for receiving the message information transmitted from another input device via the communication unit;
Message display means for displaying the received message information on the display operation unit;
Equipped with a,
The transmission destination designating means displays a destination selection screen on which keys for designating transmission to all input devices and keys assigned with individual IDs for designating transmission to individual input devices are arranged. Select a destination,
An input device characterized by that. The message designating unit designates the message information based on a handwritten message input by an operator in the display operation unit;
The input device according to claim 1. It further comprises power saving means for enabling data reception via the communication unit in a power saving mode for power saving.
When the message receiving unit receives the message information via the communication unit during the power saving mode, the message display unit displays the message information on the display operation unit and receives the message information. To inform you,
The input device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that A computer for controlling an input device, comprising: a display operation unit arranged by superposing an operation unit on a screen of the display unit; and a communication unit for controlling transmission and reception of data between other input devices,
Message specifying means for specifying message information in the display operation section;
A destination designation means for designating the other input device as a transmission destination of the message information designated by the message designation means on the display operation unit;
Message transmitting means for transmitting the message information to the transmission destination via the communication unit;
Message receiving means for receiving the message information transmitted from another input device via the communication unit;
Function as message display means for displaying the received message information on the display operation unit ,
The transmission destination designating means displays a destination selection screen on which keys for designating transmission to all input devices and keys assigned with individual IDs for designating transmission to individual input devices are arranged. Select a destination,
Program for. The message designating unit designates the message information based on a handwritten message input by an operator in the display operation unit;
The program according to claim 4. Further causing the computer to function as a power saving means that enables data reception via the communication unit in a power saving mode for power saving,
When the message receiving unit receives the message information via the communication unit during the power saving mode, the message display unit displays the message information on the display operation unit and receives the message information. To inform you,
6. The program according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that:

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