JP5684762B2 - Input device, processing device, and program - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an input device, a processing 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, the conventional order terminal obtains menu data such as menu item setting data and menu item out-of-stock data by accessing the station itself.

  However, in the conventional order terminal, when the access timing to the station is shifted, the order information received in a state where the out-of-stock data is not updated may be transmitted to the station. In this way, if there is a menu that is out of stock in the order information sent to the station, the store clerk must regenerate the order information excluding the out of stock menu and send it to the station, which is very inefficient. It was.

An input device according to an embodiment includes a communication unit that controls communication with a processing device that executes an order receiving process, a storage unit that stores menu data used for order input, and the communication unit in a power saving mode for power saving. Power communication means for enabling data reception via the communication means, means for transmitting to the processing device that it is in an operating state via the communication unit, and the communication on the condition that it is determined that it is in the operating state A request receiving means for receiving a reception request for the menu data from the processing device via the processing unit, and when the reception request is received, the power saving mode is changed to the normal mode. And data receiving means for accessing and receiving the menu data via the communication unit and storing the menu data in the storage unit after receiving the menu data It includes a data updating means for updating the menu data, and the A operation state is a state where there is an order sent to said processing unit within a predetermined time period.

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 illustrating a hardware configuration of the station. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating functions related to data update processing of the order terminal. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing functions related to the data update processing of the station. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of data update processing.

  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.

  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 and a touch panel controller 37 are connected to such a microcomputer 39 via a bus line 38.

  The ROM 32 is a non-volatile memory in which stored information is retained even when the power is turned off, and stores fixed data such as a program including a control program 321, menu item setting data, menu data such as menu item out-of-stock data, and the like. To do. 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.

  Next, the station 4 will be described. Here, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the station 4. The station 4 is provided with an LCD 41 and a keyboard 42, and can manage the order data wirelessly transmitted from each order terminal 2.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the station 4 is provided with a microcomputer 43, and the microcomputer 43 drives and controls each part. The microcomputer 43 functions as a work area or the like by storing a CPU 46 for centrally controlling each unit, a ROM 46 for storing fixed information such as a control program in advance via a bus line 45, and various data in a rewritable manner. A RAM 47 is connected. Therefore, the microcomputer 43 constitutes an information processing unit that executes information processing. The RAM 47 is all or part of a nonvolatile memory.

  The microcomputer 43 is connected via a bus line 45 to a display / keyboard controller 48, an HDD 49 for storing fixed information such as a control program in advance, and a communication interface 50.

  The display / keyboard controller 48 drives and controls the LCD 41 based on the image data, displays an image corresponding to the image data on the LCD 41, and takes in an input signal from the keyboard 42 to the microcomputer 43. The communication interface 50 enables data communication with other devices, that is, the slip printer 3, the information terminal 1, and the wireless access point 6 via the LAN 5.

  Subsequently, of the various processes executed by the microcomputer 39 (CPU 31) of the order terminal 2 according to the control program 321 and the various processes executed by the microcomputer 43 (CPU 44) of the station 4 according to the control program of the ROM 46 or HDD 49, The data update process of the terminal 2 will be described.

  Here, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing functions related to data update processing performed by the microcomputer 39 (CPU 31) of the order terminal 2, and FIG. 6 shows data update processing performed by the microcomputer 43 (CPU 44) of the station 4. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of data update processing of the order terminal 2 and the station 4.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 31 of the order terminal 2 operates as a power saving unit 311, a request receiving unit 312, a data receiving unit 313, and a data updating unit 314 by operating according to the control program 321.

  The power saving means 311 has a suspend function that saves the work state in the ROM 32 in the power saving mode when the use of the order terminal 2 is temporarily interrupted, cancels the power saving mode when restarting, and returns to the state immediately before the power is turned off. 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).

  The request receiving unit 312 receives a menu data reception request such as menu item setting data and menu item out-of-stock data from the station 4 via the wireless unit 35. When receiving the reception request, the data receiving unit 313 shifts from the power saving mode to the normal mode and receives the menu data from the station 4 via the wireless unit 35.

  After receiving the menu data, the data update unit 314 updates the menu data stored in the ROM 32 and controls the power saving unit 311 to shift to the power saving mode.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 44 of the station 4 functions as an operating state determination unit 441, a request transmission unit 442, and a data transmission unit 443 by operating according to the control program.

  The operation state determination unit 441 determines the operation state of the order terminal 2 that is a distribution destination of menu data such as menu item setting data and menu item out-of-stock data used for order input.

  The request transmission unit 442 transmits a menu data reception request to the order terminal 2 determined to be in the operating state by the operating state determination unit 441.

  The data transmission unit 443 transmits menu data to the order terminal 2 that has accessed in response to the reception request from the request transmission unit 442.

  Next, the flow of data update processing by the order terminal 2 and the station 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 44 (operating state determination means 441) of the station 4 uses setting data created by the head office / store PC or the out-of-stock menu designated by the order terminal 2 or the slip printer (kitchen printer) 3. Is input via the information terminal 1 (Yes in step S1), the operating state determination for the order terminal 2 that is the distribution destination of the menu data is executed (step S2). The operating state of the order terminal 2 can be determined by, for example, a power-on notification notified from the order terminal 2 or the final access time of order transmission. That is, it is determined that the order terminal 2 that has been turned on or transmitted within a predetermined period is in an operating state.

  Next, the CPU 44 (request transmission unit 442) of the station 4 transmits a reception request for menu data such as setting data and out-of-stock data to the order terminal 2 determined to be in an operating state (step S3).

  Then, the CPU 44 (data transmission means 443) of the station 4 transmits the menu data to the order terminal 2 that has accessed in response to the reception request (Yes in step S4) (step S5).

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the CPU 31 of the order terminal 2 receives a reception request for menu data such as setting data and out-of-stock data transmitted from the station 4 (Yes in step S11: request reception means 312), the CPU 31 in the normal mode If there is (No in step S12), the station 4 is accessed to receive menu data such as setting data and out-of-stock data (step S13: data receiving means 313), and the menu data such as setting data and out-of-stock data in the ROM 32 is received. Update (step S14: data update means 314), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 31 (data receiving unit 313) of the order terminal 2 is in the suspended state (in the power saving mode) (Yes in step S12), after transitioning from the suspended state (in the power saving mode) to the normal mode. (Step S15), accessing the station 4 to receive menu data such as setting data and out-of-stock data (Step S13), and updating menu data such as setting data and out-of-stock data in the ROM 32 (Step S14: data updating means) 314).

  Further, the CPU 31 (data updating means 314) of the order terminal 2 is in a suspended state (in power saving mode) after updating the menu data such as setting data and out-of-stock data (Yes in step S16). The mode is changed to the suspended state (in the power saving mode) (step S17), and the process is terminated. Note that the transition from the normal mode to the suspended state (during the power saving mode) may be about 5 seconds after the menu data such as setting data and out-of-stock data is updated. Thus, the power saving can be achieved by immediately shifting to the original power saving mode.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the order terminal 2 can receive data via the wireless unit 35 even when the order terminal 2 is in the power saving mode to save power, and can receive the menu data from the station 4. The menu data from the station 4 can be reliably received and updated by shifting from the power saving mode to the normal mode in response to a request.

  The control program 321 executed in the order terminal 2 of this embodiment and the control program executed in the station 4 of this embodiment are an installable format or executable file, and are a CD-ROM and a flexible disk (FD). Further, the recording medium may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-R or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

  Further, the control program 321 executed in the order terminal 2 of this embodiment and the control program executed in the station 4 of this embodiment are stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. You may comprise so that it may provide. Further, the control program 321 executed in the order terminal 2 of this embodiment and the control program executed in the station 4 of this embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network 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 4 processing device 32 storage unit 35 communication unit 311 power saving unit 312 request receiving unit 313 data receiving unit 314 data updating unit 441 operating state determining unit 442 request transmitting unit 443 data transmitting unit

JP-A-11-312193

Claims (6)

A communication unit that controls communication with a processing device that executes the order reception process;
A storage unit for storing menu data used for order input;
Power saving means for enabling data reception via the communication unit in a power saving mode for power saving;
Means for transmitting to the processing device that it is in an operating state via the communication unit;
Request receiving means for receiving a reception request for the menu data from the processing device via the communication unit on the condition that it is determined to be in an operating state;
When the power-saving mode is received when the reception request is received, the mode is shifted from the power-saving mode to the normal mode, and the menu data is accessed and received via the communication unit. Data receiving means;
A data updating means for updating the menu data stored in the storage unit after receiving the menu data;
Equipped with a,
The operating state is a state in which an order is transmitted to the processing device within a predetermined period.
An input device characterized by that. The data updating unit updates the menu data stored in the storage unit after receiving the menu data, and controls the power saving unit to shift to the power saving mode.
The input device according to claim 1. An operating state determining means for determining an operating state of an input device serving as a distribution destination of menu data used for order input;
Request transmitting means for transmitting a reception request for the menu data to the input device determined to be in an operating state;
Data transmission means for transmitting the menu data to the input device accessed in response to the reception request;
Equipped with a,
The operating state is a state in which an order is transmitted from the input device within a predetermined period.
The processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. A computer that controls an input device, comprising: a communication unit that controls communication with a processing device that executes order reception processing; and a storage unit that stores menu data used for order input.
Power saving means for enabling data reception via the communication unit in a power saving mode for power saving;
Means for transmitting to the processing device that it is in an operating state via the communication unit;
Request receiving means for receiving a reception request for the menu data from the processing device via the communication unit on the condition that it is determined to be in an operating state;
When the power-saving mode is received when the reception request is received, the mode is shifted from the power-saving mode to the normal mode, and the menu data is accessed and received via the communication unit. Data receiving means;
A data updating means for updating the menu data stored in the storage unit after receiving the menu data;
To function as,
The operating state is a state in which an order is transmitted to the processing device within a predetermined period.
A program characterized by that. The data updating unit updates the menu data stored in the storage unit after receiving the menu data, and controls the power saving unit to shift to the power saving mode.
The program according to claim 4. A computer that controls a processing device that executes the order receiving process;
An operating state determining means for determining an operating state of an input device serving as a distribution destination of menu data used for order input;
Request transmitting means for transmitting a reception request for the menu data to the input device determined to be in an operating state;
Data transmission means for transmitting the menu data to the input device accessed in response to the reception request;
To function as,
The operating state is a state in which an order is transmitted from the input device within a predetermined period.
A program characterized by that.

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