JP7378054B2 - order system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an ordering system for receiving orders from customers at a restaurant or the like.

In restaurants, etc., when a customer is seated at a table, a waiter/waitress comes to take their order, and the customer generally selects food and drink from the menu and tells the waiter to place the order. . The waiter relays the order to the cook in the kitchen, who either records it in his head or writes it down. Chefs usually take turns cooking and making items to order. When the order is ready, the waiter informs the waiter, who then serves the food and drink to the orderer, and at the same time or afterwards hands the bill to the customer. After customers have finished their food and drinks, they take the bill to the cashier (checkout office) and pay the bill. However, as the number of customers increases, servers are required to take orders, serve meals, hand over billing slips, and in some cases even pay at the cash register, which often leads to various mistakes and problems. For example, they may mishear the order, give the wrong quantity, or make a mistake in informing the chef. Chefs often make mistakes and make different dishes, or make mistakes in the quantity or order. In particular, if there is a mistake in the billing slip handed out by a waiter, the customer's trust will be lost and the management of the restaurant etc. will be in trouble. In addition, since servers perform various tasks such as those mentioned above, if it takes a long time to take orders from customers, customer dissatisfaction increases. Furthermore, serving as a waiter is often seen as simple labor, the pay is low, and the current labor shortage makes it difficult to attract people. Therefore, in recent years, a monitor has been installed at the table that displays the products that customers can order.The customer can select the product to order from the products displayed on the monitor, and then use the touch sensor installed on the monitor's display screen to check the product. A system is provided for ordering certain dishes. (Patent Document 1)

JP2002-032863

A monitor installed on a table occupies a certain area on the table, which makes the table narrow, and also has a certain height, which makes it a nuisance. Also, if the table is near a wall, setting the monitor against the wall will alleviate the hindrance a little, but if the table is in the center, the view will be obstructed and the nuisance will increase. Monitors require power lines and communication lines for power supply, making them even more of a nuisance. Furthermore, the monitor itself has various functions and is therefore expensive, contributing to the high cost. If customers visit every day, they will get used to using the monitor, but for occasional customers, it takes time to use the monitor, and there are many mistakes, so it often takes a long time to sit down at a table and order. If a customer does not know how to use the monitor, they will call a waiter or other staff member to ask how to operate it, but from the waitstaff's point of view, it is troublesome and takes extra time to do their actual work (e.g. serving food, paying bills). This will cause problems. From the customer's side, since the waiter took the trouble to come, they end up ordering directly to the waitstaff without using the monitor, which almost eliminates the effect of installing the monitor.

The present invention is an ordering system that allows customers to place orders directly without going through a waiter using their own familiar terminal, and specifically has the following features.
(1) The present invention is an ordering system used in restaurants, etc., which uses a customer terminal with an ordering system function and a table number recognition code provided on the customer table of the restaurant, etc. to place and place orders for food and beverage menus. This is an ordering system that provides food and beverages from a designated menu and makes payments, and after launching the ordering system function on the terminal, the customer reads the table number recognition code on the terminal and orders and makes payments for each table. It is characterized by carrying out the following.
(2) In addition to (1), in the case where a customer has a customer identification code corresponding to an individual customer, the customer can individually order and pay by reading the customer identification code on the terminal. A menu table is further arranged on the customer table, and by reading the code of the menu item written on the menu table with the terminal, the customer orders and pays for the menu item. Alternatively, menu items are displayed on the terminal, and the customer selects the menu item and uses the terminal to order and pay.

(3) In addition to (1) or (2), the present invention provides that, upon ordering the menu item, the ordered menu item and the number of items are printed on a printer placed in the kitchen, or the ordered menu item and the number of items are printed on a printer placed in the kitchen. The menu item and the number of items are displayed on the display screen, and a chef in the kitchen cooks the ordered menu item based on the printing by the printer or the display on the display screen.
(4) In addition to (1) to (3), the order system of the present invention further includes a payment system, and information on the order of the menu item is sent to the payment system, and information on the ordered menu item is sent to the payment system. After the table is served, a paper requesting the customer for the total amount is printed or sent to the terminal and displayed, and after the customer finishes eating and drinking, the customer charges the total amount in the payment system. The method is characterized in that the payment process is performed based on paper on which the amount is printed, or the payment process is performed using the terminal.
(5) The present invention enables a personal authentication code to be displayed on a customer's terminal by registering personal information at a facility such as a golf course that uses the order system described in (1) to (4). This is an order system that allows check-in by reading the personal authentication code displayed on the payment system.

Since customers can place orders and make payments using terminals that they are familiar with, orders and payments can be made quickly and without errors. Since the table code assigned to each customer table is read into the terminal and used, orders can be processed, food arranged, food served, and accounting processed for each table. This eliminates the work of servers who come to take orders and convey the orders to the cooks, which eliminates the human error associated with this, and also reduces the number of servers and other employees, which improves the economics of restaurants, etc. Profit can be increased. Moreover, as a result, customer satisfaction can be improved.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an order system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a processing flow diagram of the order system of the present invention.

The present invention reads identification (information) codes such as barcodes and QR codes (registered trademarks), and reads information on terminals or devices other than terminals (e.g., identification (information) codes) that display the menu contents provided at restaurants, etc. To provide an ordering system that enables self-ordering by reading. The ordering system of the present invention allows group payments at a typical restaurant to be easily, speedily, and without error. Restaurants naturally include restaurants attached to facilities such as restaurants attached to golf courses and restaurants attached to simple hot springs. Group payment is a method of payment in a restaurant or the like in which each table is assigned a table number, but it also includes cases where one or more people are seated at a table, or payment by a group of golfers. If there is an identification number, such as a QR code or barcode, assigned to a group, the identification number can be used to perform group payments such as table-by-table payments and golf group payments. If various facilities such as golf courses, simple hot springs, etc., amusement facilities, entertainment facilities, etc. have an identification code such as a payment number given to each individual at the time of registration, it is possible to make individual payments corresponding to that identification number. It is. The order system of the present invention is a versatile system that can accommodate various cases as described above.

The present invention relates to an ordering system for selecting and ordering food such as food and drinks at a restaurant, providing the ordered items, and paying the bill after eating and drinking. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an order system according to the present invention. In the ordering system of the present invention, a mobile terminal (also referred to as a mobile device or simply a terminal or device) is used to select and order food and drinks, and to pay for the same. That is, the customer's terminal and the in-facility order system computer (server) are linked to share information regarding orders. A table code is displayed for each customer table in a restaurant, etc., and when a customer is seated at a table and wants to order food or drinks, they start the ordering system app installed on their device and connect the device and table. In order to clarify the correspondence relationship, read the table code on the terminal. A menu table is also placed on the table, and the menu table lists a plurality of menu items, their prices, and menu item identification codes corresponding to the menu items. The customer selects the menu item identification code of the menu item he/she wishes to order and places the order. Here, a code is a code that specifies, for example, an item (e.g., food and beverages, etc.), a location/arrangement (e.g., a table), an individual (e.g., a customer), or a group (e.g., multiple customers), and provides information. It is an identification code. Specifically, it is a numeric string (number) or a character string, a one-dimensional code such as a (one-dimensional) bar code, a two-dimensional code such as a QR code, and also includes a three-dimensional code.

The ordered food and drink is sent to the kitchen and displayed on the kitchen printer and display device (display screen) installed in the kitchen, allowing the cooks and servers in the kitchen to confirm that the food and drink order has been accepted. . When the food and drinks are ready, a server (server) brings the food to a predetermined table and serves the food and drinks. When the provision of food and drink is completed, information is sent from the control unit (control server) to the terminal and payment system. After the customer has finished eating and drinking, the customer goes to the cash register (payment system or payment office) and pays the bill using a terminal or slip, completing a series of ordering operations. In addition, if the customer has an individual code (individual identification code) or group code (group identification code), by reading that individual code or group code on a terminal in advance, it is possible to It will also be possible to make payments. A series of operations and processes are performed through a control server (computer). That is, the control server controls processing within the facility, and also controls information exchange with external devices such as terminals owned by customers.

The processing of the order system of the present invention will be illustrated in more detail using FIG. FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing the processing of the order system of the present invention. The ordering system of the present invention can be used when eating or drinking at a general restaurant or when using a restaurant in a facility such as a golf course, simple hot spring, or inn. A software program (so-called application, also referred to as an application for short) for processing the order system of the present invention on a terminal is installed in advance, and this application is installed on the terminal in order to use the order system of the present invention. Activate it. The terminal may be a dedicated device that can be used in restaurants, facilities, etc., or it may be a terminal owned by an individual (customer terminal), such as a smartphone (also referred to as a smartphone for short). The terminal has a code reading function such as a camera function to read the code.

As shown in FIG. 1, each table in a restaurant or the like is assigned a table number recognition code (also referred to as a table code for short). For example, the table code is printed on paper or the like and placed on the surface of the table base, or is placed on a stand placed on the table. If it's printed material, you can easily replace it if it gets dirty or if you want to change to a different code. Alternatively, the code may be displayed on a display screen placed on the surface of the table stand or a monitor screen placed on the table, and the code displayed on the display screen can be changed when necessary. Although this display screen can be operated independently, it can also be controlled by the control server shown in FIG. If the device is equipped with a display screen in this way, remote control is possible, so changing the code is easy and requires no human intervention. Normally, it is sufficient to change the information connected to the code as appropriate, but in the case of communication failure, virus countermeasures, information leaks, etc., it is effective to change the code itself. Incidentally, if the display screen is embedded in the table surface, there is no need to place a monitor screen on the table, so the space on the table can be used effectively.

The customer (also called the order owner, since he is the person who makes the order, or the payer, because he is the person who pays the bill) reads the table code on his own terminal before sitting at the table and ordering. This will enable correspondence between the terminal and the table, and you will be able to place orders for each table from the terminal. If multiple people are seated at a table and ordering at once using only one terminal, input the number of people after reading the table code. If ordering for individuals, enter 1 (person) for the number of people. In other words, even if multiple people are seated at a table, each person can order and pay individually. Even at that time, the relationship between the customer (individual) and the table is maintained. The number may be entered by entering the number, or by selecting the number displayed in a pull-down menu.

If a customer has a specific code (also called a customer identification code) that identifies him/herself, the customer can be identified by reading the customer identification code and linking it with the table code. For example, there are personal cards such as payment numbers and locker keys given to individuals at golf courses, simple hot springs, inns, etc., and these can be used as customer identification codes. In other words, it is sufficient to attach a code such as a bar code, QR code, or identification number to the personal card or locker key. Alternatively, the customer identification code can be entered in advance into the terminal itself. By doing so, the ordering system using the terminal can be used not only at restaurants but also at other facilities. Furthermore, if the user has a group code, the order system of the present invention can be used on the terminal of the person representing the group by reading the group code in advance on the terminal of the person representing the group. If the number of people in the group is greater than the number of people seated at one table, the group will be divided into multiple tables, but by reading all the table codes with one terminal, orders can be processed with one terminal. When processing for each table in a group, it is possible to use the same number of terminals as the number of tables, and when processing for each individual, it is sufficient to use their own terminals.

When the customer wants to start ordering, the customer selects the displayed order start option after reading the table code. The customer selects the food and drink they wish to order from the menu table placed on the table. In addition to the names and prices of menu items, the menu table also includes menu item identification codes (also referred to as menu item codes). If the menu items include specific menu contents, instructions, and images of the menu items (photos, etc.), customers can easily select the menu items. Such information can also be displayed on a terminal by reading the menu item identification code on the terminal.

When the customer reads the menu item identification code of the menu item they want to order on the terminal, the customer will be asked if they want to order it. When you enter or select the number, the menu item name, quantity, and price (total price) will be displayed. If you are satisfied with this, select OK, or select <Back> if you want to try again. When <Going back>, you will be asked to go back one step or start over, so you can choose either one. The number may be input by directly inputting the number, or by selecting a number from a pull-down menu. If you do not want to order, select NO (do not order) and select another menu. Even if the order is completed, you will be asked if there are any other items to order, so if there are, you can repeat the process again, and if there are no, the process is finished. For example, in order to order another menu item, an instruction button <Load next menu item> can be displayed and the above ordering process can be repeated. Before completing the order, a list of order details, individual prices, and total amount will be displayed, and the customer can confirm these and choose to complete the order. Even if the app is closed, if the app is running, you can start by reading the menu item identification code. If the app is also closed, just launch it again. Since the table code remains in the input state until payment is completed, you can start by reading the menu item identification code.

You can also display the menu table on the app on your device. When you read the table code, you will be asked if you want to display the menu table, so if you select <Display>, a menu list (including price) will appear on the terminal, select each menu item, and enter the number of items ordered. Or you can choose. When selecting an individual menu item, the image and description of the menu item are also displayed, making it easy for customers to make a selection. When displaying a menu table on a terminal, the menu item is directly selected, rather than reading a menu item identification code. Although it is possible to use the menu table on the terminal in conjunction with the menu table placed on the table (referred to as the table menu table), the table menu table is easily dirty and unsanitary, so if you want to change the menu contents or prices, you can print it out. It is inefficient because it takes time and effort from the employees. Furthermore, since they take up a certain area of the table, they often get in the way of eating and drinking. These problems can also be solved by displaying a menu table on the terminal. In particular, changes to menu contents and prices can be made all at once by changing them on the control server, greatly improving work efficiency and speed of changes.

Once an order is placed at the terminal, the information is sent to the kitchen and checkout system (checkout register) through the control server. In the kitchen, each ordered menu item is printed using a kitchen printer. In addition to menu item names (including menu item codes) and quantities, the printed materials also include table numbers (matching table identification codes). Alternatively, ordered menu items are displayed on a display screen installed in the kitchen. A cook completes a dish by sequentially processing the printed or displayed menu items. Once the ordered dishes (food and drinks) are completed, they are placed on the serving table with the printed menu items (printed menu paper) attached. By reading the menu item code on the printed menu paper with a terminal in the kitchen and recording it as completed, you can see how much of the ordered dish has been completed. Therefore, since it is immediately known whether there are any delayed ordered dishes, the cook and other staff can easily grasp the progress of the dishes. Waiters can also take turns serving predetermined tables. The payment system receives the ordered product name and quantity, and calculates each price and total amount.

The food arranged on the serving table is carried by a waiter (waiter or waitress, also called a server) to a designated table in the restaurant and set on the table. Since the table number is written on the printed menu paper or displayed on the display screen, the waiter does not make a mistake in serving the table. After the menu is set on the table, the waiter reads the menu item code on the printed menu using a server-specific terminal, and as soon as the food and drink order process is completed, the information is sent to the payment system via the control server. The payment system provides information on each order and a detailed list of ordered items sent, and also allows the customer (payer) to be billed for the total amount. Information from the payment system is sent to a terminal exclusively for serving staff, and from the terminal exclusively for serving staff, a record sheet (individual You can print out the order completion slip and place it on the table. Alternatively, the server may receive a printout of this information at the checkout system or in the kitchen and bring the printout to the table. When all the ordered menu items from the table are served on the predetermined table, the ordering process for all the ordered food and drinks is completed. At this time, a record sheet (accounting slip) with the name, quantity, price, and table name of the completed order is printed out from the server's terminal and placed on the table to notify the customer that the order has been completed. tell. Alternatively, information may be sent to the customer's terminal through the control server based on information from the payment system, indicating that each order has been completed or all orders have been completed, and an accounting slip may be sent. Customers can view their device to confirm that all orders have been delivered and the total amount. The information on the caterer's terminal is also sent to the payment system through the control server, and the terminal waits for payment.

After eating and drinking, the customer takes the bill placed on the table to the cash register (payment system), hands the bill to the cashier, and completes the transaction. At this time, you can also use your terminal to read the payment code placed at the cash register and automatically process the transaction.In other words, by reading the payment code, you can see a list of ordered menu items, quantities, amounts, and totals. The amount will be displayed and you can pay that amount at the cash register. On the cash register side, when the payment code is read, the same information will be used to display the transaction processing information, allowing you to confirm that the information matches each other. If a customer installs their own prepaid payment, credit card payment, or account payment function on their own terminal, they can make electronic payments, making it even easier and eliminating the need to pay in cash. Alternatively, customers can pay at their table. That is, when all ordered items are served on the table, a bill is sent to the terminal based on information from the server, so the customer can view the details and process the bill on the terminal. In this case as well, if you install various payment functions into your terminal, you can complete the transaction without having to exchange cash. If this method is used, there will be no need for payment registers, and it will also be possible to reduce the number of people and the space (registers). If you want a receipt, you can send it to a terminal, or a cashier or server can hand it to you at the register or at your table.

For example, cashless payment using a mobile terminal (for example, a smartphone) is possible. The customer installs the payment service app on their device in advance, and the golf course or restaurant also takes the necessary steps to support cashless payment (introducing the cashless payment service). The details of the order are recorded using the payment system (cash register) and the total amount is also known, and the total amount is displayed at the cash register at the time of payment. The customer displays the code for cashless payment on the terminal and presents it at the cash register, and the cashier reads the code with a reader to complete the payment (code payment). Alternatively, read the code for cashless payment installed at the cash register on the terminal (start the cashless payment application on the terminal as well), enter the amount shown on the terminal and pay (scan payment). . If necessary, you can also receive a receipt with the details of your order, price, etc. at the cash register. Alternatively, the details of the order and the total amount can be sent directly from the control server to the customer's terminal, either in conjunction with the payment system or without using the payment system, and the customer can use the cashless payment function to calculate the total amount. You can also pay. In that case, a receipt can also be issued from a kitchen printer.

The ordering system of the present invention can also handle cases where a golf course offers a set price that includes golf play and food and drinks such as lunch. A pack code is set on the terminal of an individual who has purchased or reserved a pack fee, and check-in is possible by reading the pack code at the check-in counter at the time of check-in. When ordering at a restaurant, when you read the table code, a meal button linked to the pack code will appear, and when you press it, the contents of the meal included in the pack will appear in advance, and you can choose from the regular menu items. It will be in the same state as when you read the menu item code. Subsequent ordering and selection of other menu items can proceed in the same manner as described above. At the time of checkout, costs for additional orders and other additional services will appear, and if the package fee has been paid in advance, the payment will be made through the checkout system or on your own terminal. If you have not paid the pack fee in advance, the payment will include the pack fee. Even if the ordering system is not a set, it is possible to pay for restaurant charges and golf playing fees at the same time, and it is also possible to create a receipt that includes all of these, making it an extremely useful ordering system. As described above, the present invention is an ordering system that has a self-ordering function from ordering to payment by using the customer's own terminal.

As can be seen from the above explanation, by adopting the ordering system of the present invention, there is no longer a need for waiters to come to take orders, convey the orders to the kitchen, and handle the accounting process, so it is possible to reduce the number of personnel. In addition, various human errors (mishearing the order, customer ordering error, ordering dish error, waiter's serving error, food serving error (delays, forgetting, serving the wrong dish, etc.), accounting processing errors, etc.) This can generate significant economic benefits, such as eliminating mistakes in food prices, quantities, and totals.Using the ordering system of the present invention, customers can use not only the customer's terminal but also the personal card provided in advance. Accounting can also be done using a group card (for example, issued at check-in at a facility or issued in advance through pre-registration).For example, if you link your personal card with your terminal, you can , the total amount, etc. can be displayed by reading the code attached to the personal card, etc. at the payment system (cash register) during accounting processing.If the personal card, etc. has a prepaid function or credit function, or is linked to it, Cash accounting is also no longer necessary.In addition, even when using a facility-specific terminal instead of one's own terminal, the ordering system of the present invention can be used with the same operations as the one described above for one's own terminal.

The order system of the present invention can be used as a check-in function at various facilities such as golf courses, hot spring facilities, accommodation facilities, entertainment facilities, and amusement facilities that use payment systems or check-in counters that can read individual or group identification codes. You can also. In the order system application of the present invention, when a customer (user) registers personal information such as address and name in advance, an authentication code (such as a bar code or QR code) that can be linked to the individual (that is, identify the individual) is provided. ) can be displayed on your own device. The authentication code displayed on the terminal is read by the payment system at the golf course or by a terminal provided at the check-in counter (referred to as a payment terminal), and the information read by the payment terminal is processed by the payment system at the facility such as the golf course. Check-in can be done instantly. This payment terminal can be completely unmanned, so customers can check in by simply holding their terminal with an authentication code displayed over the display reading section of the unmanned payment terminal. In other words, check-in can be completed quickly without having to wait on the spot, and without having to write or declare self-information.

As explained in detail above, the ordering system of the present invention allows customers to place orders directly (order ) is an ordering system that realizes self-ordering. As a result, facilities such as restaurants can reduce the number of employees and increase economic profits, and customers can increase customer satisfaction by reducing ordering errors, serving errors, and accounting errors. In this specification, it goes without saying that content described and explained in a certain part of the specification can be applied to other parts without contradiction without contradiction. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the contents of the examples, embodiments, etc. described in this application document can be used in combination with the contents of other examples, embodiments, etc. Further, the embodiments described above are merely examples, and can be implemented with various changes without departing from the scope of the invention, and it goes without saying that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

The ordering system of the present invention can be used not only in restaurants in facilities such as golf courses, but also in check-in functions of various facilities. Furthermore, it can be applied to souvenir shops and stores selling various products other than restaurants.

Claims (12)

An ordering system used in restaurants,
This is an ordering system that uses a customer's terminal with an ordering system function and a table number recognition code provided on a restaurant's customer table to place an order for a food and beverage menu, provide food and beverages from the ordered menu, and make payment.
The order system is characterized in that the table number recognition code is displayed on a display screen embedded in the table and has a function of changing the code by remote control.
The ordering system according to claim 1, wherein the customer reads the table number recognition code on the terminal after launching the ordering system function on the terminal. 3. The order system according to claim 2, wherein orders and payments are made for each table by reading the table number recognition code with the terminal. Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in the case where a customer identification code corresponding to an individual customer is provided, it is possible for the individual customer to place an order and make payment by reading the customer identification code with the terminal. Order system described in either section. A menu table is further arranged on the customer table, and the terminal reads the code of the menu item written on the menu table to order and pay for the menu item. The order system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 5. The ordering system according to claim 1, wherein menu items are displayed on the terminal, and the customer selects the menu item and uses the terminal to order and pay the bill. . Claim characterized in that, upon ordering the menu item, the ordered menu item and quantity are printed on a printer placed in the kitchen, or the menu item and quantity are displayed on a display screen placed in the kitchen. The order system according to item 5 or 6. 8. The ordering system according to claim 7, wherein a cook in a kitchen cooks the ordered menu item based on printing by the printer or displaying on the display screen. The ordering system further includes a checkout system, wherein information of the order of the menu item is sent to the checkout system, and a paper billing the customer for the total amount after the ordered menu item is provided to the table. The order system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the order system prints or transmits and displays on the terminal. According to claim 9, after the customer finishes eating and drinking, the customer performs payment processing in the payment system based on a sheet of paper on which the total amount is printed, or performs payment processing using the terminal. order system. After the ordered menu items are provided to the table, the total amount is sent to the terminal, the customer pays using the cashless payment function, and the receipt of the payment is sent to a printer placed in the kitchen. The order system according to any one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the order system can be issued from. At a golf course , hot spring facility, accommodation facility, entertainment facility, or amusement facility using the order system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, a personal authentication code can be transferred to a customer's terminal by registering personal information. An order system that can be displayed, and a personal authentication code displayed on the terminal can be read by a payment system of the order system to perform check-in.