JP7406105B2 - Order support system, order support method, and order support program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an ordering support system, an ordering support method, and an ordering support program that accept orders for food and drinks that can be provided at a facility.

In facilities such as restaurants, for example, when the customer service staff receives an order from a user, the order details are transmitted to the kitchen, the kitchen staff cooks the food according to the order, and the customer service staff uses the cooked food. Serve meals to people. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technology has been proposed that supports kitchen staff by displaying an image of ordered food in the kitchen of a restaurant (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-128979

Here, in a facility, from the viewpoint of work efficiency of cooking work in the kitchen, when multiple users order the same menu, it is desirable that the kitchen staff cook the menus together. However, it is difficult for kitchen staff to judge whether multiple orders are made for the same menu item or not. In the event that multiple menus are sent, the kitchen staff will decide to cook all of the menus at once. In this way, cooking work is often left to the discretion of kitchen staff, making it difficult to improve the efficiency of cooking work.

An object of the present invention is to provide an order support system, an order support method, and an order support program that can improve the work efficiency of a kitchen in a facility.

The order support system according to the present invention includes a reception processing unit that receives an order for a first food and drink from a user of a facility that provides food and drink; a determination processing unit that determines whether or not a first elapsed time has reached a set time; and a determination processing unit that determines whether or not the first elapsed time has reached the set time; and an output processing unit that outputs order information corresponding to the order.

The order support method according to the present invention includes a reception step of accepting a first food and drink order from a user of a facility that provides food and drink; a determining step of determining whether the first elapsed time has reached the set time; and when it is determined in the determining step that the first elapsed time has reached the set time, ordering the first food or drink is performed. and an output step capable of outputting order information to be processed by one or more processors.

The order support program according to the present invention includes a reception step of accepting a first food and drink order from a user of a facility that provides food and drink, and a second food and drink order from the time when the first food and drink order is accepted by the reception step. a determining step of determining whether the first elapsed time has reached the set time; and when it is determined in the determining step that the first elapsed time has reached the set time, ordering the first food or drink is performed. This is a program for causing one or more processors to execute an output step capable of outputting order information.

According to the present invention, an order support system, an order support method, and an order support program that can improve the work efficiency of a kitchen in a facility are provided.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an order support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of product information used in the order support system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of order reception information used in the order support system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of setting information used in the order support system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of setting information used in the order support system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of setting information used in the order support system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example in the order support system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example in the order support system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example in the order support system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an order form in the order support system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of order support processing executed by the order support system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an order support device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of an order support process executed by an order support system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings to provide an understanding of the present invention. Note that the following embodiments are examples of embodying the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[Order support system 1]
As shown in FIG. 1, an order support system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an order support device 2, an order terminal 3, and a kitchen terminal 4. The order support device 2, order terminal 3, and kitchen terminal 4 can communicate via a communication network N1 such as the Internet, LAN, WAN, or public telephone line. Note that a plurality of each of the order support device 2, order terminal 3, and kitchen terminal 4 may be provided.

The order terminal 3 is installed, for example, at each table (seat, room) of a facility that can provide food and drink, such as a restaurant or a karaoke parlor. The order terminal 3 is an operation terminal (self-order terminal, table top terminal, etc.) that can be operated by a facility user to order desired food and drink. Note that the order terminal 3 may be an operation terminal (facility terminal) operated by a customer service staff of the facility, and may be an operation terminal (such as a handy terminal) through which the customer service staff inputs an order received from a user. Further, the order terminal 3 may be a user terminal (such as a smartphone) owned by the user, and may be an operating terminal through which the user accesses the website of the facility and inputs an order for the desired food or drink. . That is, the order terminal 3 includes various operation terminals capable of receiving food and drink orders from users.

The order support device 2 receives orders from the order terminal 3 and outputs order information to the kitchen terminal 4. The order support device 2 may be installed in the facility or outside the facility, and may perform data communication with the order terminal 3 and the kitchen terminal 4 via the communication network N1.

Like the ordering terminal 3, the kitchen terminal 4 is installed at a facility that can provide food and drink, such as a restaurant or a karaoke parlor. The kitchen terminal 4 acquires order information from the order support device 2 and outputs (prints or displays) an order form on which the order information is displayed.

In the present embodiment, the order support device 2 alone corresponds to the order support system according to the present invention; however, the order support system according to the present invention includes one or more of the order support device 2, order terminal 3, and kitchen terminal It may include the following components. For example, when multiple components among the order support device 2, order terminal 3, and kitchen terminal 4 work together to share and execute various order support processes (see FIG. 11), which will be described later, It is possible to consider a system including a plurality of components that executes the order support system according to the present invention. For example, the order support system according to the present invention may be configured by the order support device 2 and the kitchen terminal 4.

In the following, an order terminal 3 is installed at each table of a restaurant that provides food and drinks, one or more users using each table input an order into the order terminal 3, and the order support device 2 An example of a configuration in which an order is acquired from the kitchen terminal 4 and the order information is output from the kitchen terminal 4 will be described. The restaurant is an example of the facility of the present invention.

[Order support device 2]
As shown in FIG. 1, the order support device 2 includes a control section 21, a storage section 22, an operation display section 23, a communication I/F 24, and the like. The order support device 2 may be, for example, an information processing device such as a tablet terminal or a personal computer. Furthermore, various processes executed by the order support device 2 may be executed in a distributed manner by one or more processors.

The communication I/F 24 connects the order support device 2 to the communication network N1 by wire or wirelessly, and communicates with external devices such as the order terminal 3 and the kitchen terminal 4 via the communication network N1 according to a predetermined communication protocol. It is a communication interface for executing data communication.

The operation display unit 23 is a user interface that includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display that displays various information, and an operation unit such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel that receives operations.

The storage unit 22 is a nonvolatile storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) that stores various information. Specifically, the storage unit 22 includes product information D1, order reception information D2, and setting information D3. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of product information D1, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of order reception information D2, and FIGS. 4 to 6 are diagrams showing examples of setting information D3.

Product information D1 is information (menu information) regarding products (food and drink) that can be provided at the restaurant. As shown in FIG. 2, the product information D1 includes information such as a product ID, product name, price, and image. The product ID is identification information of food and drink. The product name is the name of the food or drink. The image is a photograph or illustration representing the food or drink. Note that in this embodiment, for convenience, the image is expressed by an image name.

Furthermore, information on a plurality of products is registered in the product information D1 for each menu category (genre). For example, the food and drinks with product ID "A..." are included in the "set meal menu" category, and the products with product ID "B..." are included in the "one-item (a la carte) menu" category. The product with product ID "C..." is a product included in the "dessert menu" category, and the product with product ID "D..." is a product included in the "drink menu" category. be. Each category includes a plurality of specific foods and drinks. For example, the "set meal menu" includes "daily set meal," "sashimi set meal," "boiled fish set meal," and the like.

The product information D1 is registered in advance by the manager of the restaurant, and is updated as necessary. For example, a manager of a restaurant can access the menu registration page managed by the order support device 2 to register and edit product information D1.

The order reception information D2 is information regarding orders received from users via the order terminal 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the order reception information D2 includes information such as table number, number of users, order number, ordered products, number of orders, and elapsed time. The table number is identification information that identifies the table that accepted the order. The number of users is the number of users who use the table. The information on the number of users is included in the information obtained from the order terminal 3. Note that the information on the number of users may be included in information acquired from a facility terminal (not shown) operated by a restaurant staff member, a management terminal (not shown) that manages reservations, or the like. For example, when customer service staff ask the number of users of a restaurant when guiding them to a table, they enter the table number and number of users into the facility terminal. Upon acquiring the table number and number of users from the facility terminal, the control unit 21 registers the table number and the number of users in association with each other in the order reception information D2. In addition, if a user registers the number of users when making a reservation for a restaurant, the facility terminal obtains user information (user name, number of users, etc.) from the management terminal, and uses that user information and usage information. The table number of the table assigned to the person is associated with each other. Upon acquiring the table number and number of users from the facility terminal, the control unit 21 registers the table number and the number of users in association with each other in the order reception information D2.

The order number is identification information that identifies the user's order. The control unit 21 registers numbers (order numbers) in the order reception information D2, for example, in the order in which orders are received from users, that is, in the order in which orders are received from the order terminals 3. The ordered product is information indicating the contents of the order. The product name of the product (food and drink) selected by the user from among the product names included in the product information D1 is registered in the ordered product. Each ordered product is associated with the order number.

The number of orders is information indicating the number of orders for each food and beverage item. For example, when the control unit 21 receives an order for one "daily set meal" on the table with table number "1", it registers "1" as the number of orders corresponding to the "daily set meal". After that, when the control unit 21 receives one order each for "Sashimi set meal", "Daily set meal", "Beer", and "Oolong tea" at the table with table number "2", the control unit 21 increases the number of orders for each ordered product. Register "1". If multiple items of the same type are accepted in the same table, the total number of orders is registered as the number of orders for the ordered item. For example, when the control unit 21 receives an order for two "daily set meals" on the table with table number "6", it registers "2" as the number of orders corresponding to the "daily set meals".

The elapsed time is information indicating the elapsed time from the time when the order was received from the user. When the control unit 21 receives an order from the order terminal 3, it starts measuring time and registers the current elapsed time in the order reception information D2. For example, when the control unit 21 receives an order for one "daily set meal" at the table with table number "1", it registers the elapsed time "t1" from the reception of the order to the current time. For example, if the control unit 21 receives one order each for "sashimi set meal," "daily set meal," "beer," and "oolong tea" at the table with table number "2," the control unit 21 Register the elapsed time "t2" up to the time. Note that when multiple orders are entered simultaneously in one table, the same elapsed time is registered for each ordered product. Furthermore, if multiple orders are entered at different timings in one table, different elapsed times are registered for each ordered product. For example, elapsed times "t7" and "t8" of table number "7" indicate different elapsed times.

The control unit 21 registers order reception information D2 every time it receives an order from the order terminal 3. Information at the current time is registered in the order reception information D2, and the information is updated in real time. Note that the order reception information D2 may be used for accounting processing regarding the usage fee of the user. Further, the order reception information D2 may be deleted when the accounting process is completed.

The setting information D3 is information on a setting time (threshold value) that defines the timing at which order information corresponding to an order received from a user is output to the kitchen terminal 4. That is, the control unit 21 outputs the order information to the kitchen terminal 4 when the elapsed time reaches the set time. The set time is set according to predetermined conditions. For example, the set time is set according to a first condition, a second condition, or a third condition shown below.

As a first condition, the set time is set based on the order history of food and drink at the restaurant. For example, the set time is set based on the number of recently ordered food and beverages. FIG. 4 shows an example of setting information D3 including a setting time set based on the order history. The setting information D3 shown in FIG. 4 includes information such as the number of recent orders and setting time. The most recent order number is the number of food and drink orders made most recently. Note that the most recent order number may be the most recent number of orders in the past that the order support device 2 outputs to the kitchen terminal 4, or may be the number of most recent orders that the order support device 2 has acquired from the order terminal 3. There may be. The set time is set to a time corresponding to the most recent order number. For example, the set time "Ta1" (for example, 1 minute) is set for the latest order number "a1" (for example, 0 to 3 pieces), and the set time "Ta1" (for example, 1 minute) is set for the latest order number "a2" (for example, 4 to 6 pieces). The set time "Ta2" (for example, 3 minutes) is set for the most recent order number "a3" (for example, 7 or more). That is, the set time is set to a longer time as the number of recent orders increases.

Further, the most recent order number may be the previous (immediate) order number that the order support device 2 outputs to the kitchen terminal 4. In this case, the set time is set to a time corresponding to the number of previous output orders. That is, the set time is set to a longer time as the number of previous output orders increases.

As a second condition, the set time is set based on the content or type of food or drink. For example, the set time is set to the first set time when the food and drink is a set meal menu, and the first set time is set when the food and drink is a menu different from the set meal menu (a dish menu, a drink menu, a dessert menu, etc.). The second set time is set to be shorter. FIG. 5 shows an example of setting information D3 including a setting time set based on the content of the food and drink. The setting information D3 shown in FIG. 5 includes information such as product ID, product name, and setting time. The product ID and the product name correspond to the product ID and the product name of the product information D1 (see FIG. 2). The set time is set to a value according to the content of the food or drink for each product ID (food or drink). For example, the longest setting time Tb1 is set for the "daily set meal" that is expected to have the highest number of orders, and for other set menus that are expected to have the next highest number of orders after the "daily set meal". , a set time Tb2 shorter than the set time Tb1 is set, and a set time Tb3 shorter than the set time Tb2 is set for a one-dish menu that does not require much effort to cook and prepare, so that the user can receive the order immediately after receiving the order. The shortest set time Tb4 is set for a drink menu that can be provided on a day-to-day basis, and a set time Tb5 that is the same as or equivalent to the set time Tb4 is set for a dessert menu that does not take much time to cook and prepare. Further, the set time may be set to a shorter time as the cooking time and preparation time are longer. In this way, the set time is set based on the content, type, cooking time, preparation time, etc. of the food or drink. Note that the cooking time and the preparation time may be acquired based on history information.

As a third condition, the set time is set based on a time zone. For example, the set time is set based on time zones in which the restaurant's business hours are divided into predetermined time periods (for example, one hour). FIG. 6 shows an example of setting information D3 including a setting time set based on the time zone. The setting information D3 shown in FIG. 6 includes information such as time zone and setting time. The time slots are classified into time slots depending on busy conditions, for example. The busy status is acquired based on, for example, history information. For example, the longest setting time Tc2 is set for the busiest time period "12:00-13:00" among the restaurant's lunch time "11:00-14:00", Next, a set time Tc3 shorter than the set time Tc2 is set for the busy time period "13:00-14:00", and a quiet time period "11:00-12:00" is set. A set time Tc1 shorter than the set time Tc3 is set for the band.

The control unit 21 sets the set time based on the first condition, the second condition, or the third condition. Further, the control unit 21 may set the set time by combining at least two of the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition. For example, the control unit 21 may combine the first condition and the second condition to set the set time based on the contents of the most recently received order and the number of orders. Further, the control unit 21 may combine the second condition and the third condition and set the set time based on the contents of the received order and the time period in which the order was received.

In addition, as another embodiment, part or all of information such as product information D1, order reception information D2, and setting information D3 is stored in a server that is accessible from the order terminal 3 or the order support device 2. Good too. In this case, the control unit 21 of the order support device 2 may acquire the information from the order terminal 3 or the server and execute various processes such as an order support process (see FIG. 11) to be described later.

The storage unit 22 also stores data such as the top screen (see Figure 7), menu screen (see Figure 8), order screen (see Figure 9), and checkout screen (not shown) displayed on the order terminal 3. be done.

Furthermore, the storage unit 22 stores control programs such as an order support program for causing the control unit 21 to execute order support processing (see FIG. 11), which will be described later. For example, the order support program is non-temporarily recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB, a CD, or a DVD, and the order support program is stored in a USB drive, a CD drive, or a DVD drive that is electrically connected to the order support device 2. It is read by a reading device (not shown) such as and stored in the storage unit 22. Further, the order support program may be downloaded from a server accessible from the order support device 2 and stored in the storage unit 22.

The control unit 21 includes control devices such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU is a processor that executes various types of arithmetic processing. The ROM is a non-volatile storage unit that stores in advance control programs such as a BIOS and an OS for causing the CPU to execute various arithmetic processes. The RAM is a volatile or nonvolatile storage unit that stores various information, and is used as a temporary storage memory (work area) for various processes executed by the CPU. The control unit 21 controls the order support device 2 by executing various control programs stored in the ROM or the storage unit 22 in advance on the CPU.

By the way, in a restaurant, from the viewpoint of cooking efficiency in the kitchen, when multiple users order the same menu, it is desirable for the kitchen staff to cook the menus all at once. However, it is difficult for kitchen staff to judge whether multiple orders are made for the same menu item or not. In the event that multiple menus are sent, the kitchen staff will decide to cook all of the menus at once. In this way, cooking work is often left to the discretion of kitchen staff, making it difficult to improve the efficiency of cooking work. In contrast, the order support device 2 according to the present embodiment can improve the work efficiency of the kitchen in a restaurant.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 21 includes various processing units such as an acquisition processing unit 211, a reception processing unit 212, a measurement processing unit 213, a determination processing unit 214, an output processing unit 215, and a setting processing unit 216. Contains a processing section. The control unit 21 executes various processes according to the order support program using the CPU, thereby controlling the acquisition processing unit 211, reception processing unit 212, measurement processing unit 213, determination processing unit 214, and output processing unit 215. , and functions as a setting processing unit 216. Furthermore, some or all of the processing units included in the control unit 21 may be configured with electronic circuits. Note that the order support program may be a program for causing a plurality of processors to function as the various processing units.

The setting processing unit 216 sets the setting time according to predetermined conditions. Specifically, the setting processing unit 216 sets the setting time according to at least any of the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition. The setting processing unit 216 registers the set setting time in the setting information D3 (see FIGS. 4 to 6). The setting processing section 216 is an example of a setting processing section of the present invention.

Here, for example, if an order is received and the number of recent orders is large, the kitchen may become busy and work efficiency may decrease. Therefore, the setting processing unit 216 sets the setting time to a longer time as the number of recent orders increases so that orders do not accumulate in the kitchen and work efficiency decreases. Specifically, the setting processing unit 216 sets the setting time according to the number of food and drink orders that will be ordered most recently at the restaurant. For example, the setting processing unit 216 sets the setting time "Ta1" (for example, 1 minute) for the latest order number "a1" (for example, 0 to 3), and sets the set time "Ta1" (for example, 1 minute) for the latest order number "a2" (for example, 4 - 6 pieces), set the set time "Ta2" (for example, 3 minutes), and set the set time "Ta3" (for example, 5 minutes) for the most recent order number "a3" (for example, 7 or more pieces). Set. That is, the setting processing unit 216 sets the setting time to a longer time as the number of recent orders increases. The setting processing unit 216 registers the latest order number and the set time in the setting information D3 (see FIG. 4). Furthermore, the setting processing unit 216 may store setting information D3 for each food and drink provided at a restaurant.

Note that the setting processing unit 216 may set the setting time according to the most recent order frequency. For example, the setting processing unit 216 sets the setting time to a longer time as the frequency of recent orders is higher, so that orders do not accumulate in the kitchen and work efficiency decreases. Note that the order frequency is, for example, a time interval between orders.

Further, the setting processing unit 216 may set the setting time according to the number of orders immediately before. Specifically, the setting processing unit 216 determines the food and beverage order for the next order accepted by the reception processing unit 212 based on the time when the output processing unit 215 outputs the food and beverage order information and the number of orders included in the order information. The set time corresponding to the object is set. For example, if there are a large number of food and drink orders received just before, it will take time to cook the number of orders, so the setting processing unit 216 sets the previously set time corresponding to the next food and drink to be received. Set it to a time longer than the time.

Furthermore, the setting processing unit 216 determines the first food and drink order information in the next order to be accepted by the reception processing unit 212 based on the time when the output processing unit 215 outputs the first food and drink order information and the number of orders included in the order information. The set time may be set corresponding to food and drink. For example, if there are a large number of orders for the "daily set meal" that was received immediately before, it will take time to cook the number of orders, so the setting processing unit 216 will set the set time corresponding to the "daily set meal" that will be received next. Set to a longer time than the previous setting time.

In addition, for example, when an order is received, if the content of the order (menu) is a menu that requires a short cooking time or a menu that does not require much effort to cook and prepare, even if the order is sent to the kitchen early, the kitchen It is conceivable that this will not cause a decrease in work efficiency. In addition, if the menu for the above order is a menu for which it is efficient to cook multiple items at once (for example, a daily set meal), even if the output to the kitchen is delayed until multiple orders are accumulated, the kitchen It is conceivable that this will not lead to a decrease in work efficiency. In particular, if the order can be output to the kitchen later, the output timing of the order can be adjusted in consideration of the kitchen situation, the status of other orders, the busy situation, etc. Therefore, the setting processing unit 216 sets the set time according to the contents of the order so that the work efficiency of the kitchen does not decrease.

For example, the setting processing unit 216 sets the longest setting time Tb1 for a "daily set meal" that has a large number of orders and can be prepared in bulk, and sets the longest setting time Tb1 for a set meal menu that is expected to have the second largest number of orders after the "daily set meal." A set time Tb2 shorter than the set time Tb1 is set for the menu, and a set time Tb3 is set shorter than the set time Tb2 for a one-dish menu that does not require much effort to cook and prepare, and the set time Tb3 is set for the one-dish menu that does not require much effort to cook and prepare. The shortest set time Tb4 is set for a possible drink menu, and the set time Tb5 is set for a dessert menu that requires no effort in cooking and preparation. Further, the setting processing unit 216 may set the setting time to a shorter time as the cooking time and preparation time are longer. In this way, the set time is set based on the content, type, cooking time, preparation time, etc. of the food or drink. The setting processing unit 216 registers the setting time for each product (food and drink) in the setting information D3 (see FIG. 5).

Furthermore, if orders are frequently sent to the kitchen during busy hours of a restaurant's business hours, for example, the work efficiency of the kitchen may be reduced. On the other hand, even if orders are frequently sent to the kitchen during off-peak hours of the restaurant's business hours, the kitchen may be able to handle cooking and preparation. Therefore, the setting processing unit 216 sets the set time according to the time zone so that the work efficiency of the kitchen does not decrease.

For example, the setting processing unit 216 sets the longest setting for the busiest time period "12:00-13:00" out of "11:00-14:00" which is the lunch time of a restaurant. Set the time Tc2, then set a set time Tc3 shorter than the set time Tc2 for the busy time period "13:00-14:00", and set the set time Tc3 shorter than the set time Tc2 for the busy time period "11:00-14:00". 12:00'', a set time Tc1 shorter than the set time Tc3 is set. In this way, the set time is set based on the busy situation of the restaurant. The setting processing unit 216 registers the setting time for each time period in the setting information D3 (see FIG. 6).

Note that the setting processing unit 216 may previously set the common setting time regardless of the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition. For example, when a manager of a restaurant registers the set time, the setting processing unit 216 sets the set time.

The acquisition processing unit 211 acquires information on the number of users using the restaurant (number of users) and information on the table number of the table used by the users. For example, when a customer service staff asks the number of users of a restaurant when guiding them to a predetermined table, the customer inputs the table number and number of users into the facility terminal. The acquisition processing unit 211 acquires information such as the table number and the number of users from the facility terminal. In addition, if a user registers the number of users when making a reservation for a restaurant, the facility terminal obtains user information (user name, number of users, etc.) from the management terminal, and uses that user information and usage information. The table number of the table to be assigned to the person is associated with each other and registered in the reservation management ledger. The acquisition processing unit 211 acquires information such as the table number and the number of users from the reservation management ledger. Upon acquiring the table number and number of users, the acquisition processing unit 211 registers the table number and the number of users in association with each other in the order reception information D2 (see FIG. 3).

When the table number and number of users corresponding to the table are registered in the order reception information D2, the control unit 21 permits acceptance of orders from the users of the table. For example, the control unit 21 causes the order terminal 3 to display a top screen shown in FIG. 7 or the like. The control unit 21 displays a top page corresponding to the top screen (see FIG. 7), a menu page corresponding to the menu screen (see FIG. 8), an order page corresponding to the order screen (see FIG. 9), and a checkout screen (not shown). Each page can be displayed on the order terminal 3 by generating corresponding accounting pages and transmitting information on these pages to the order terminal 3.

The top screen shown in FIG. 7 displays menu buttons M1 for each category (“set meal,” “one dish (a la carte),” “dessert,” and “drink”). On the menu screen shown in FIG. 8, information on specific foods and drinks included in the categories on the top screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. For example, the menu screen for "set meal menu" (see FIG. 8) displays information such as "daily set meal," "sashimi set meal," "boiled fish set meal," and "...". In the menu screen, if a plurality of foods and drinks cannot fit on one page, they are displayed over a plurality of pages. For example, when the user selects "Next" on the menu screen, the next page menu screen is displayed.

The menu screen shown in FIG. 8 also displays the menu button M1 on the top screen shown in FIG. Ru. The image M3 represents an image of food and drink, and also functions as a selection button for the user to select food and drink. The menu screen also includes a favorite page button M5 for moving to the favorite page, an order page button M6 for moving to the order screen (see FIG. 9), and a checkout button M7 for moving to the checkout screen. included.

Further, on the order screen shown in FIG. 9, a list of food and drinks selected by the user on the menu screen is displayed. The order screen includes an order confirmation button M8 for confirming an order for the listed food and drinks. On the order screen, the user presses the order confirmation button M8 to confirm the order for the selected food or drink, change the quantity of the selected food or drink, or perform operations to delete the selected food or drink.

In this way, when ordering food and drink using the order terminal 3, the user selects the desired food and drink on the menu screen, and performs an operation to confirm the order of the selected food and drink on the order screen. .

The reception processing unit 212 receives operations from users on various screens displayed on the order terminal 3. For example, the reception processing unit 212 accepts a user's selection operation (touch operation, etc.) on each screen shown in FIGS. 7 to 9. The reception processing unit 212 may accept a user's food and drink order from a mobile terminal (for example, a smartphone) owned by the user, or may accept a user's food and drink order from a mobile terminal (for example, a handy terminal) owned by a staff member of the facility. Orders for goods may be accepted, or orders for food and drink from users may be accepted from self-order terminals (table-top terminals) installed on tables in the facility. The reception processing section 212 is an example of the reception processing section of the present invention.

For example, when the user selects "set meal menu" on the top screen shown in FIG. 7, the reception processing unit 212 accepts the category selection operation. In this case, the control unit 21 causes the order terminal 3 to display a menu screen shown in FIG. 8 in accordance with the category selection operation. Further, for example, when the user selects "daily set meal" on the menu screen shown in FIG. 8, the reception processing unit 212 accepts the product selection operation. Further, for example, when the user performs an operation to confirm the order (pressing the order confirmation button M8) on the order screen shown in FIG. 9, the reception processing unit 212 accepts the order confirmation operation. Here, when the order confirmation operation by the user is received, the reception processing unit 212 accepts the order from the user. For example, for a table of a user group including multiple users, if each user in the user group selects food and drinks and then performs an order confirmation operation, the reception processing unit 212 Accept group orders. Note that when each user in the user group individually performs a product selection operation and an order confirmation operation, the reception processing unit 212 receives the order for each user. That is, one order received by the reception processing unit 212 may include one food item for one user, or may include multiple food items for one or more users.

Further, when receiving an order from a user, the reception processing unit 212 registers the order number and information on the ordered product in the order reception information D2 (see FIG. 3) in association with the table number of the table used by the user. do. Note that each order terminal 3 is associated with a table number in advance, and the order that the reception processing unit 212 receives from the order terminal 3 includes table number information. Therefore, the reception processing unit 212 can grasp the table number corresponding to each order.

The measurement processing unit 213 measures the elapsed time for each order accepted by the reception processing unit 212. Specifically, the measurement processing unit 213 starts measuring time when the reception processing unit 212 receives the order. Since the orders are placed for each table, for example, when multiple orders are placed at one table, the measurement processing unit 213 measures the elapsed time corresponding to the multiple orders. For example, when the reception processing unit 212 receives one order each of “sashimi set meal,” “daily set meal,” “beer,” and “oolong tea” as orders corresponding to table number “2,” the measurement processing unit 213 measures the elapsed time corresponding to each ordered product. The measurement processing unit 213 registers the measured elapsed time, that is, the elapsed time from receiving the order to the current time, in the order reception information D2. In the above example, the measurement processing unit 213 registers the same time "t2" as the elapsed time corresponding to each ordered product corresponding to table number "2". When the order information of the order is output to the kitchen terminal 4, the measurement processing unit 213 finishes measuring the elapsed time corresponding to the order. The measurement processing section 213 is an example of the measurement processing section of the present invention.

The determination processing unit 214 determines whether the time elapsed from the time when the order for food and drink was accepted by the reception processing unit 212 has reached the set time set according to a predetermined condition. As described above, the set time is set according to at least one of the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition. Specifically, each time the reception processing unit 212 receives an order, the measurement processing unit 213 starts measuring the elapsed time, and the determination processing unit 214 determines whether the elapsed time has reached the set time. . Further, the determination processing unit 214 refers to the setting information D3, obtains the corresponding setting time, and executes the determination process. For example, the determination processing unit 214 refers to the setting information D3 shown in FIG. 4, obtains the set time corresponding to the most recent number of orders, and executes the determination process. For example, the determination processing unit 214 refers to the setting information D3 shown in FIG. 5, obtains the set time corresponding to the ordered food and drink, and executes the determination process. For example, the determination processing unit 214 refers to the setting information D3 shown in FIG. 6, obtains the set time corresponding to the time zone of the current time, and executes the determination process.

For example, when the set time is set based on the first condition (see FIG. 4), the most recent order number of the order received by the reception processing unit 212 immediately before (previously) is, for example, "a3" (for example, 7 ), the determination processing unit 214 determines whether the elapsed time from the time when the reception processing unit 212 accepted the current order has reached the set time “Ta3” (for example, 5 minutes). do. Further, when the most recent order quantity is, for example, "a1" (for example, 2 pieces), the determination processing unit 214 determines that the elapsed time from the time when the reception processing unit 212 accepted the current order is the set time "Ta1". (for example, 1 minute).

For example, when the set time is set based on the second condition (see FIG. 5), when the reception processing section 212 receives, for example, "daily set meal", the determination processing section 214 determines that "daily set meal" It is determined whether the elapsed time from the time when the order for "set meal" is received has reached the set time "Tb1". Further, when the reception processing unit 212 receives, for example, “beer”, the determination processing unit 214 determines whether the elapsed time from the time when the order for “beer” is received has reached the set time “Tb4”. judge.

Further, for example, in the case where the set time is set based on the third condition (see FIG. 6), if the reception processing unit 212 receives an order during the time period "12:00 to 13:00", for example. Then, the determination processing unit 214 determines whether the elapsed time from the time when the order was accepted has reached the set time "Tc2". Further, when the reception processing unit 212 receives an order during the time period “13:00 to 14:00”, for example, the determination processing unit 214 determines that the elapsed time from the time of receiving the order is the set time “Tc3 ” is reached. The determination processing section 214 is an example of the determination processing section of the present invention.

The output processing unit 215 outputs the order information (order information F1) received by the reception processing unit 212 to the kitchen terminal 4. Specifically, the output processing unit 215 outputs order information F1 including the order details of the food and drink ordered by the user, the table number of the table used by the user, and the order number to the kitchen terminal 4. . The order information F1 may include the order date and time (reception date and time). That is, the output processing unit 215 may display the order information and the reception time when the reception processing unit 212 received the order on the order form. Further, the output processing unit 215 causes the kitchen terminal 4 to output (print or display) an order form including the order details, the table number, and the order number. The output processing section 215 is an example of an output processing section of the present invention.

Furthermore, when the determination processing unit 214 determines that the elapsed time corresponding to the order accepted by the reception processing unit 212 has reached the set time, the output processing unit 215 outputs order information F1 corresponding to the order. Output. For example, when the elapsed time "t1" (see FIG. 3) corresponding to the order for the "daily set meal" received at the table number "1" reaches the set time, the output processing unit 215 outputs the "daily set meal" order. The order information F1 for "set meal" is output to the kitchen terminal 4. For example, the output processing unit 215 also outputs the elapsed time "t2" corresponding to the orders for "sashimi set meal", "daily set meal", "beer", and "oolong tea" received at the table with table number "2" (Fig. 3) reaches the set time, the order information F1 for "sashimi set meal", "daily set meal", "beer", and "oolong tea" is output to the kitchen terminal 4.

Here, for example, when the set time is set according to the number of recent orders based on the first condition (see FIG. 3), the output processing unit 215 outputs the order information F1 as follows. For example, if the reception processing unit 212 receives an order for "sashimi set meal", "daily set meal", "beer", and "oolong tea" at the table with table number "2", the most recent order for that order is table number "2". This is one item of ``daily set meal'' accepted at table 1. That is, since the most recent order number is "1", the set time corresponding to the order with table number "2" is "Ta1" (see FIG. 4). In this case, when the elapsed time "t2" (see FIG. 3) corresponding to the order with table number "2" reaches the set time "Ta1", the output processing unit 215 outputs the order information F1 of the order. Output to the kitchen terminal 4. For example, if the reception processing unit 212 receives an order for one "daily set meal" at the table with table number "3", the most recent order of the order is the "sashimi set meal" received at the table with table number "2". ”, “Daily set meal”, “Beer”, and “Oolong tea”. That is, since the most recent order number is "4", the set time corresponding to the order with table number "3" is "Ta2" (see FIG. 4). In this case, when the elapsed time "t3" (see FIG. 3) corresponding to the order with table number "3" reaches the set time "Ta2", the output processing unit 215 outputs the order information F1 of the order. Output to the kitchen terminal 4.

Further, for example, when the set time is set for each food and drink based on the second condition (see FIG. 5), the output processing unit 215 outputs "sashimi set meal" received at the table with table number "2", When the elapsed time "t2" (see Figure 3) corresponding to "beer" and "oolong tea" among orders for "daily set meal", "beer", and "oolong tea" reaches the set time "Tb4" , outputs the order information F1 for "beer" and "oolong tea" to the kitchen terminal 4, and when the elapsed time "t2" (see FIG. 3) corresponding to "sashimi set meal" reaches the set time "Tb2" , outputs the order information F1 for "Sashimi set meal" to the kitchen terminal 4, and when the elapsed time "t2" (see FIG. 3) corresponding to the "Daily set meal" reaches the set time "Tb1", the order information F1 for "Daily set meal" is output. The order information F1 for "set meal" is output to the kitchen terminal 4.

Further, for example, when the set time is set for each time period based on the third condition (see FIG. 6), the output processing unit 215 outputs the order information F1 as follows. For example, if the time slot in which the order corresponding to table number "5" is received is "11:00 to 12:00", the output processing unit 215 outputs the "daily order" received at table number "5" When the elapsed time "t2" (see FIG. 3) corresponding to the order of "set meal" reaches the set time "Tc1", the order information F1 of the order is output to the kitchen terminal 4. For example, if the time slot in which the order corresponding to table number "6" was received is "12:00 to 13:00", the output processing unit 215 outputs " When the elapsed time "t6" (see Figure 3) corresponding to the order for "Daily Set Meal", "Sashimi Set Meal", "Seafood Salad", and "Oolong Tea" reaches the set time "Tc2", the order is processed. Information F1 is output to the kitchen terminal 4.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the order form T1. Here, an example is shown in which the set time is set according to the second condition (content or type of food or drink). For example, the reception processing unit 212 receives an order for a "daily set meal" from a user at table number "1", and immediately after receiving the order from a user at table number "2" for a "sashimi set meal", " When receiving "daily set meal," "beer," and "oolong tea," the output processing unit 215 outputs the order information F1 to the kitchen terminal 4 in the order in which the elapsed time reaches the set time for these orders.

First, when the elapsed time ("t2") corresponding to "beer" and "oolong tea" of table number "2" reaches the set time "Tb4", the output processing unit 215 An order form T1 including order information F1 for "beer" and "oolong tea" is output from the kitchen terminal 4 (see FIG. 10). Subsequently, when the elapsed time ("t2") corresponding to the "sashimi set meal" of table number "2" reaches the set time "Tb2", the output processing unit 215 outputs the "sashimi set meal" of table number "2". An order form T1 including the order information F1 of "" is output from the kitchen terminal 4 (see FIG. 10). Subsequently, when the elapsed time ("t1", "t2") corresponding to the "daily set meal" of table numbers "1" and "2" reaches the set time "Tb1", the output processing unit 215 An order form T1 including order information F1 for "daily set meals" corresponding to numbers "1" and "2" is output from the kitchen terminal 4 (see FIG. 10). As a result, for example, when multiple orders are received, orders for food and drink that can be quickly provided to users without requiring the kitchen's effort are first output to the kitchen terminal 4, and then the multiple orders are cooked at once. Possible food and drink orders are output to the kitchen terminal 4.

In this way, the control unit 21 separates orders received for each table into ordered products, determines whether the elapsed time has reached the set time for each ordered product, and outputs order information. Further, the set time is set according to the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition, which take into account the work efficiency of the kitchen. Further, the control unit 21 waits to output the order information for each order of a plurality of users who use different tables at the restaurant until the elapsed time reaches the set time. That is, the control unit 21 similarly performs the process of determining the elapsed time and the set time for each of a plurality of orders regardless of the attributes of the table, and determines the order information of the order for which the elapsed time has reached the set time. Output sequentially. This makes it possible to improve work efficiency in the kitchen.

[Order terminal 3]
As shown in FIG. 1, the order terminal 3 includes a control section 31, a storage section 32, an operation display section 33, a communication I/F 34, and the like. The order terminal 3 is, for example, a self-order terminal installed at each table in a restaurant.

The communication I/F 34 connects the order terminal 3 to the communication network N1 by wire or wirelessly, and communicates with external devices such as the order support device 2 and the kitchen terminal 4 via the communication network N1 according to a predetermined communication protocol. It is a communication interface for executing data communication.

The operation display unit 33 is a user interface that includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display that displays various information, and an operation unit such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel that receives operations. The operation display unit 33 includes a top screen (see FIG. 7), a menu screen (see FIG. 8), an order screen (see FIG. 9), which accepts food and drink order operations from users, and an accounting screen that accepts checkout operations from users. (not shown), etc. The operation display section 33 is composed of, for example, a touch panel, and receives touch operations from the user.

The storage unit 32 is a nonvolatile storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory that stores various information. For example, the storage unit 32 stores a control program such as a browser program. Specifically, the browser program is a control program for causing the control unit 31 to execute communication processing with an external device such as the order support device 2 according to a communication protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

The control unit 31 includes control devices such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU is a processor that executes various types of arithmetic processing. The ROM is a nonvolatile storage unit in which control programs such as a BIOS and an OS for causing the CPU to execute various processes are stored in advance. The RAM is a volatile or nonvolatile storage unit that stores various information, and is used as a temporary storage memory (work area) for various processes executed by the CPU. The control unit 31 controls the order terminal 3 by executing various control programs stored in the ROM or the storage unit 32 in advance on the CPU.

Specifically, the control unit 31 functions as a browser processing unit 311 by executing various processes according to the browser program stored in the storage unit 32. The browser processing unit 311 causes the operation display unit 33 to display various information (top screen, menu screen, order screen, checkout screen, etc.) provided from the order support device 2 via the communication network N1, and makes the operation display unit 33 It is possible to execute a browser process for inputting operations into the order support device 2. Note that a part or all of the processing units included in the control unit 31 may be composed of electronic circuits.

[Kitchen terminal 4]
As shown in FIG. 1, the kitchen terminal 4 includes a control section 41, a storage section 42, an operation display section 43, a communication I/F 44, and the like. The kitchen terminal 4 is, for example, an information processing device such as a printer device, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. Note that the kitchen terminal 4 may further include the same functions as the order support device 2, or may be an information processing device integrated with the order support device 2. Here, it is assumed that the kitchen terminal 4 is a printer device installed in the kitchen of a restaurant.

The communication I/F 44 connects the kitchen terminal 4 to the communication network N1 by wire or wirelessly, and communicates with external devices such as the order support device 2 and the order terminal 3 via the communication network N1 according to a predetermined communication protocol. It is a communication interface for executing data communication.

The operation display unit 43 is a user interface that includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display that displays information such as various web pages, and an operation unit such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel that receives operations. .

The storage unit 42 is a nonvolatile storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory that stores various information. For example, the storage unit 42 stores control programs for transmitting and receiving various information between the order support device 2 and the order terminal 3. For example, the control program is non-temporarily recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD or DVD, and is installed in a reading device (not shown) such as a CD drive or a DVD drive that is electrically connected to the kitchen terminal 4. ) and stored in the storage unit 42. Further, the storage unit 42 may store a control program such as an order support program for causing the control unit 41 to execute an order support process (see FIG. 11), which will be described later.

The control unit 41 includes control devices such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU is a processor that executes various types of arithmetic processing. The ROM is a nonvolatile storage section in which control programs such as a BIOS and an OS for causing the CPU to execute various arithmetic operations are stored in advance. The RAM is a volatile or nonvolatile storage unit that stores various information, and is used as a temporary storage memory (work area) for various processes executed by the CPU. The control unit 41 controls the kitchen terminal 4 by executing various control programs stored in advance in the ROM or storage unit 42 on the CPU.

Specifically, the control unit 41 includes various processing units such as an acquisition processing unit 411 and an output processing unit 412, as shown in FIG. Note that the control unit 41 functions as the various processing units by causing the CPU to execute various processes according to the control program. Further, a part or all of the processing section may be constituted by an electronic circuit. Note that the control program may be a program for causing a plurality of processors to function as the processing units.

The acquisition processing unit 411 acquires order information F1 output from the order support device 2. For example, if the order support device 2 accepts an order for a "daily set meal" from the order terminal 3, and the elapsed time from the time the order is accepted reaches the set time corresponding to the order, the order support device 2 accepts an order for "daily set meal". Order information F1 corresponding to "daily set meal" is output to the kitchen terminal 4. Thereby, the acquisition processing unit 411 acquires the order information F1 output from the order support device 2.

The output processing unit 412 outputs the information acquired by the acquisition processing unit 411 to the outside. Specifically, the output processing unit 412 outputs the order information F1 acquired by the acquisition processing unit 411 to the outside. For example, a roll paper is set in the kitchen terminal 4, and includes a transport unit (not shown) that transports the roll paper, an image forming unit (not shown) that forms an image on the roll paper, and a cutter that cuts the roll paper at a predetermined position. A cutting section (not shown) and the like are provided.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the order information F1 is acquired by the acquisition processing unit 411, the output processing unit 412 causes the image forming unit to print the order information F1 on the order form T1 (black and white printing). Let it run. Specifically, each time the image data corresponding to the order information F1 is input, the output processing unit 412 performs a printing process of forming (black and white printing) an image of the order contents according to the image data on the roll paper. The forming unit executes the cutting process, and then the cutting unit executes a cutting process of cutting the roll paper at a predetermined position, and discharges the paper to the outside. As a result, one order form T1 is created for each order. When the kitchen staff receives the order form T1, they prepare the food and drink according to the order.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the kitchen staff obtains the order form T1 for "beer" and "oolong tea," they prepare these, and the customer service staff orders "beer" and "oolong tea" for table number "2." Serve meals to users. Next, when the kitchen staff obtains the order form T1 for the "sashimi set meal", the kitchen staff cooks the sashimi set meal, and the customer service staff serves the "sashimi set meal" to the user at table number "2". Next, the kitchen staff obtains two order forms T1 for the "daily set meal" and cooks the two daily set meals at once, and the customer service staff places the "daily set meal" on table numbers "1" and "2". Serve meals to each user. In this way, the kitchen staff can prepare the same order (food and drink) all at once, and the customer service staff can serve the food and drink at once.

Each order form T1 includes the date and time when the order was received (reception date and time, order date and time). As a result, kitchen staff can understand the elapsed time from the time each customer actually placed an order (time of order confirmation), so they can adjust priorities for cooking and preparing the ordered food and drinks. It becomes possible to do so.

[Order support processing]
Next, the order support processing executed in the order support system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 11. Specifically, in this embodiment, the order support process is executed by the control unit 21 of the order support device 2. Further, the control unit 21 can execute order support processing in parallel for each order terminal 3 in response to access from each order terminal 3. Note that the control unit 21 may terminate the order support process midway through a predetermined operation of the order terminal 3.

Note that the present invention can be regarded as an invention of an order support method that executes one or more steps included in the order support process. Further, one or more steps included in the order support processing described here may be omitted as appropriate. Note that each step in the order support process may be executed in a different order as long as similar effects are produced. Further, although the case where each step in the order support process is executed by the control unit 21 will be described as an example, an order support method in which each step in the order support process is executed in a distributed manner by a plurality of processors. Other embodiments are also possible.

In step S11, the control unit 21 acquires the number of users who have visited the restaurant (number of users) and the table number of the table used by the users. For example, when the staff of a restaurant registers information indicating that a user has visited the restaurant, the control unit 21 acquires the number of users and table number corresponding to the user from the facility terminal (reservation management ledger).

Next, in step S12, the control unit 21 causes the order terminal 3 to display an order reception screen (top screen, menu screen, etc.) for accepting orders for food and drinks provided by the restaurant. For example, the control unit 21 causes the top screen shown in FIG. 7 to be displayed on the order terminal 3 installed at the table with the table number used by the user. Further, the control unit 21 causes the order terminal 3 to display a menu screen shown in FIG. 8 when any menu button M1 is selected on the top screen shown in FIG.

Next, in step S13, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the user's order has been accepted via the order terminal 3. If the control unit 21 determines that the user's order has been accepted (S13: Yes), the process moves to step S14. The control unit 21 waits until the user's order is received (S13: No). For example, when a user of the table with table number "1" uses the order terminal 3 to select "daily set meal" and places an order (order confirmation operation), the control unit 21 accepts the order from the user. . Further, the control unit 21 registers the order number corresponding to the user's order and the information on the ordered product "daily set meal" in the order reception information D2 (see FIG. 3) in association with the table number "1". Step S13 is an example of a reception step of the present invention.

In step S14, the control unit 21 starts measuring the elapsed time from the time when the order is received. For example, when a user of table number "1" performs an order confirmation operation for "daily set meal", the control unit 21 accepts the order and starts measuring the elapsed time. The control unit 21 registers the information of the measured elapsed time "t1" in the order reception information D2 (see FIG. 3) in association with the table number "1". For example, when a user of table number "2" performs an order confirmation operation for "sashimi set meal", "daily set meal", "beer", and "oolong tea", the control unit 21 accepts the order and Start measuring time. The control unit 21 registers information on the measured elapsed time "t2" in the order reception information D2 (see FIG. 3) in association with the table number "2".

Next, in step S15, the control unit 21 determines whether the elapsed time has reached the set time. When the elapsed time reaches the set time (S15: Yes), the process moves to step S16. The control unit 21 waits until the elapsed time reaches the set time (S15: No). Step S15 is an example of the determination step of the present invention.

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, when a user orders a "daily set meal" at table number "3", the control unit 21 determines that the elapsed time "t3" (see FIG. 3) corresponding to the order is The process waits until the set time is reached (S15: No), and when the elapsed time "t3" reaches the set time (S15: Yes), the process moves to step S16.

In step S16, the control unit 21 outputs the received order information (order information F1) to the kitchen terminal 4. For example, the control unit 21 outputs the order information F1 of the "daily set meal" ordered by the user at table number "3" to the kitchen terminal 4. Upon acquiring the order information F1, the kitchen terminal 4 outputs an order form T1 (see FIG. 10) in which the order information F1 corresponding to the "daily set meal" is written. After outputting the order information F1, the control unit 21 resets the measured elapsed time. Step S16 is an example of an output step of the present invention. The order support process is performed as described above.

As explained above, the order support system 1 according to the present embodiment receives an order for food and drink at a facility that provides food and drink, and the elapsed time from the time when the food and drink order is accepted reaches the set time. If it is determined that the elapsed time has reached the set time, order information corresponding to the food/drink order is output. Further, the set time is set based on order information (the number of recent orders, order frequency, order content, type, time period, etc.). As a result, for example, when the kitchen is busy, order information is output to the kitchen terminal 4 later, and when the kitchen is quiet, order information is output to the kitchen terminal 4 earlier. Order information can be output depending on the situation. Therefore, it is possible to improve the working efficiency of the kitchen.

In addition, according to the order support system 1, for example, when multiple orders for the same menu are received, the order information can be output all at once, which reduces communication traffic compared to the case where order information is output individually. And effective use of computer resources becomes possible.

The order support system of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

As another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 21 of the order support device 2 controls, when the number of food and drink orders reaches a predetermined number (threshold value) or more before the elapsed time reaches the set time, You may also output the order information for the item. Specifically, the control unit 21 controls the number of orders for the first food and drink, and the number of orders for the first food and drink, which is the same as the first food and drink, or If the total number of orders including the number of orders for similar second food and drinks exceeds the predetermined number, orders corresponding to the first and second food and drink will be processed before the elapsed time reaches the set time. Output information.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the order support device 2 according to the above embodiment. The control unit 21 further includes a calculation processing unit 217 in addition to the processing units shown in FIG.

The calculation processing unit 217 calculates the number of orders accepted by the reception processing unit 212. Specifically, the calculation processing unit 217 accumulates and updates the number of food and drink orders each time the reception processing unit 212 receives an order for the food and drink. In other words, the number of orders corresponds to the total number of orders for the first food and drink and the second food and drink received from the reception processing unit 212 receiving the first food and drink until reaching the set time. . For example, when the reception processing unit 212 receives an order for one "daily set meal" on the table with table number "1", the calculation processing unit 217 calculates "1" as the number of orders corresponding to the "daily set meal". The calculation processing unit 217 registers information on the calculated order number "1" in the order reception information D2 in association with the table number "1" of the table used by the user. Subsequently, when the reception processing unit 212 receives an order for one “daily set meal” at the table with table number “2”, the calculation processing unit 217 calculates “2” as the number of orders corresponding to the “daily set meal”. . Further, when the reception processing section 212 receives an order for one "daily set meal" at the table with table number "3", the calculation processing section 217 calculates "3" as the number of orders corresponding to the "daily set meal".

Here, when the predetermined number is set to "3", the output processing unit 215 outputs an order corresponding to table number "1", an order corresponding to table number "2", and an order corresponding to table number "3". When the number of orders reaches the predetermined number or more before the elapsed time of each of the orders corresponding to the order reaches the set time, the order information of the order for three "daily set meals" is output to the kitchen terminal 4. .

Furthermore, when the output processing unit 215 outputs the order information corresponding to the food and drink to the kitchen terminal 4, the calculation processing unit 217 resets the number of orders corresponding to the food and drink. The calculation processing unit 217 is an example of a calculation processing unit of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the order support processing procedure according to the above embodiment. Steps S21 to S24 of the order support process shown in FIG. 13 are the same as steps S11 to S14 of the order support process shown in FIG. 11, so a description thereof will be omitted.

In step S25, the control unit 21 calculates the number of food and drink orders corresponding to the received orders.

Next, in step S26, the control unit 21 determines whether the elapsed time from the time when the order was accepted has reached the set time. When the elapsed time reaches the set time (S26: Yes), the process moves to step S27. If the elapsed time is less than the set time (S26: No), the process moves to step S261.

In step S261, the control unit 21 determines whether the number of food and drink orders corresponding to the order is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. If the number of food and drink orders corresponding to the order is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (S261: Yes), the process moves to step S27. On the other hand, if the number of food and drink orders corresponding to the order is less than the predetermined number (S261: No), the process moves to step S262.

In step S262, the control unit 21 determines whether an order for a food or drink that is the same as or similar to the food or drink corresponding to the order has been received. The similar foods and drinks are, for example, foods that have the same menu category (genre), cooking method, ingredients, and the like. If an order for the same or similar food or drink is accepted (S262: Yes), the process moves to step S25. Returning to step S25, the control unit 21 calculates the total number of orders of the order received in step S23 and the order received in step S262. If the elapsed time is less than the set time (S26: No) and the total number of orders exceeds the predetermined number (S261: Yes), the process moves to step S27.

On the other hand, if an order for the same or similar food or drink is not accepted (S262: No), the process moves to step S26. Returning to step S26, if the elapsed time reaches the set time (S26: Yes), the process moves to step S27.

In step S27, the control unit 21 outputs the received order information (order information F1) to the kitchen terminal 4. For example, if the number of food and beverage orders in the order reaches a predetermined number or more before the elapsed time from receiving the order reaches the set time in step S23 (S26: No), the control unit 21 controls ( S261: Yes), order information corresponding to the number of orders is output to the kitchen terminal 4.

This prevents a large amount of orders from accumulating in the order support device 2 until the set time elapses, and therefore prevents a large amount of orders from being output to the kitchen terminal 4 all at once. . Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in work efficiency in the kitchen.

Note that the calculation processing unit 217 may be configured to calculate the number of orders for predetermined food and drinks. For example, with regard to drink menus and dessert menus, whether the number of orders is small or large does not greatly affect the work efficiency of kitchen staff. In this case, the calculation processing unit 217 may be configured not to perform the process of calculating the number of orders for the drink menu and dessert menu. Further, the calculation processing unit 217 resets the calculated order number when the order information F1 is output.

As another embodiment of the present invention, the setting processing unit 216 determines the number of users who have ordered food and drinks and the number of users who have not yet ordered food and drink at the table used by the user who ordered food and drink. You may set the said setting time based on the ratio of . For example, the setting processing unit 216 sets the setting time to a longer time as the percentage of users who have not yet ordered food or drinks is higher. Then, the output processing unit 215 outputs the order information for the table when the number of orders for the table becomes equal to or greater than the number of orders corresponding to the number of people at the table.

In this way, if the number of orders for a table exceeds the number of orders according to the number of people at the table before the elapsed time reaches the set time, the control unit 21 outputs the order information for the table. You can. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the time lag in providing the same table to each of a plurality of users.

Here, if multiple different foods and beverages are ordered at the same table, and the cooking time for each beverage is significantly different, even if multiple foods and beverages are ordered at the same time, the food and beverages may not be served to each of the multiple users. It is possible that the time lags significantly. Therefore, as another embodiment of the present invention, the setting processing unit 216 configures the first food and drink corresponding to the first food and drink based on the order details of other users at the table used by the user who ordered the first food and drink. A set time may be set. For example, the setting processing unit 216 may provide each of the plurality of food and drink items included in the order of the table so that the timing of providing the food and drink of the ordered product to each of the plurality of users using the table is approximately the same. Set the corresponding set time. Thereby, it is possible to further reduce the time lag in providing each of a plurality of users who use the same table.

Further, as another embodiment of the present invention, the reception processing unit 212 further includes the same or When an order for a similar second food/beverage product is received, the output processing unit 215 outputs order information corresponding to the first food/beverage product and the second food/beverage product when the first elapsed time reaches the set time. You can also output it. That is, the control unit 21 may output the order information for ordering the second food or drink before the second elapsed time corresponding to the second food or drink reaches the set time. Thereby, for example, multiple orders for the same food and drink can be output to the kitchen terminal 4 at the same time, so that the work efficiency of the kitchen can be improved. In this way, when the elapsed time corresponding to a certain order reaches the set time, the control unit 21 extracts orders (same or similar food and drinks) that can be output together from the orders waiting to be output. Then, order information for the same or similar food and drinks may be output together.

[Modified example]
The present invention can also be configured as shown below.
<Additional note 1>
a reception processing unit (reception processing unit 212) that receives orders from users of facilities that provide food and drink;
a determination processing unit (determination processing unit 214) that determines whether the number of food and drink orders accepted by the reception processing unit is equal to or greater than a set number;
an output processing unit (output processing unit 215) that outputs order information corresponding to the food and drink order when the determination processing unit determines that the number of orders is equal to or greater than the set number;
An order support system (order support device 2) comprising:

<Additional note 2>
further comprising a setting processing unit (setting processing unit 216) that sets the setting number based on information on orders accepted by the reception processing unit;
Order support system described in Appendix 1.

<Additional note 3>
The setting processing unit sets the setting number based on the number or frequency of orders recently received.
Order support system described in Appendix 2.

<Additional note 4>
The setting processing unit sets the setting number based on the content or type of the food or drink.
The order support system described in Appendix 2 or 3.

<Additional note 5>
The setting processing unit sets a first set number when the food and drink is a set meal menu, and sets a second set number smaller than the first set number when the food and drink is a menu different from the set meal menu. do,
Order support system described in Appendix 4.

<Additional note 6>
The setting processing unit sets the setting number based on a past order history of the food and drink at the facility.
The order support system described in any of Appendixes 2 to 5.

<Additional note 7>
The setting processing section corresponds to the food and drink in the next order accepted by the reception processing section, based on the time when the output processing section outputs the food and drink order information and the number of orders included in the order information. setting the number of settings to be made;
Order support system described in Appendix 6.

<Additional note 8>
The setting processing unit sets the set number based on the cooking time of the food and drink.
The order support system described in any of Appendixes 2 to 7.

<Additional note 9>
The setting processing unit performs the setting based on the ratio between the number of users who have ordered food and the number of users who have not yet ordered food and drink at the table used by the user who ordered food and drink. set the number,
The order support system described in any of Appendixes 2 to 8.

<Additional note 10>
The setting processing unit sets the set number corresponding to the food and drink based on the order details of other users at the table used by the user who ordered the food and drink.
The order support system described in any of Appendixes 2 to 9.

<Additional note 11>
further comprising a calculation processing unit (calculation processing unit 217) that calculates the number of orders for each order accepted by the reception processing unit,
The calculation processing unit resets the order number corresponding to the food and drink when the output processing unit outputs order information corresponding to the food and drink.
The order support system described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 10.

<Additional note 12>
If the reception processing unit further receives an order for food and drink that is the same as or similar to the food and drink until the number of orders reaches or exceeds the set number, the output processing unit outputting order information corresponding to both the food and drinks when the set number is reached;
The order support system described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 11.

<Additional note 13>
The output processing unit waits to output the order information for each order of a plurality of users using different tables in the facility until the number of orders reaches the set number or more.
The order support system described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 12.

<Additional note 14>
The number of orders is the total number of orders for food and drinks with the same content or type;
The order support system described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 13.

<Additional note 15>
The number of orders is the total number of orders for food and drinks with different contents or types,
The order support system described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 13.

<Additional note 16>
The output processing unit displays the order information and the reception time when the reception processing unit accepted the order on an order form.
The order support system described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 15.

<Additional note 17>
a reception step for accepting orders from users of a facility that provides food and drinks;
a determination step of determining whether the number of orders for the food and drink accepted by the reception step is equal to or greater than a set number;
an output step of outputting order information corresponding to the food and drink order when it is determined in the determination step that the number of orders is equal to or greater than the set number;
An order support method in which one or more processors execute

<Additional note 18>
a reception step for accepting orders from users of a facility that provides food and drinks;
a determination step of determining whether the number of orders for the food and drink accepted by the reception step is equal to or greater than a set number;
an output step of outputting order information corresponding to the food and drink order when it is determined in the determination step that the number of orders is equal to or greater than the set number;
An order support program that allows one or more processors to execute

As described above, the order support device 2 according to the embodiment is configured to output order information on the condition that the elapsed time from the time when an order for food and drink is accepted reaches a set time. The order support device 2 according to the example is configured to output order information on the condition that the number of accepted food and drink orders has reached a set number. Note that the number of orders may be the number of orders for one order, or may be the total number of orders for multiple orders. Further, the control unit 21 waits to output the order information until the total number of orders received from each of a plurality of users who use different tables at the restaurant reaches the set number or more. That is, the control unit 21 outputs order information when the total number of multiple orders reaches the set number, regardless of the attributes of the table. Further, the number of orders may be the total number of orders for menus (food and drink) with the same content or type, or the total number of orders for menus (food and drink) with different content or types.

Further, the set number, like the set time, is set according to at least one of the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition. For example, the setting processing unit 216 sets the set number based on the number of orders received most recently. Specifically, the setting processing unit 216 sets the set number to a larger number as the number of recent orders increases.

For example, the setting processing unit 216 sets the set number based on the content, type, cooking time, and preparation time of the food and drink. Specifically, the setting processing unit 216 sets the number to the first setting number when the food and drink is a set meal menu, and sets the number to the first setting number when the food and drink is a menu different from the set meal menu (a dish menu, a drink menu, a dessert menu, etc.). The second set number is set to be smaller than the first set number. The setting processing unit 216 may set the setting number to a smaller number as the cooking time and preparation time are longer.

For example, the setting processing unit 216 may set the setting number based on the time period in which the order is received. Specifically, the setting processing unit 216 sets the settings for the busiest time period "12:00-13:00" of the restaurant's lunch time "11:00-14:00". Set the maximum setting number Ts2, then set the setting number Ts3 smaller than the setting time Ts2 for the busy time period "13:00 to 14:00", and set the setting number Ts3 smaller than the set time Ts2 for the busy time period "13:00 to 14:00". :00 to 12:00'', a set number Ts1 smaller than the set time Ts3 is set.

In the order support process executed in the order support system 1 according to the modified example, in the order support process shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 21 calculates the number of received orders in step S14, and in step S15 It is determined whether the number is greater than or equal to the predetermined number. Then, when the number of orders exceeds the predetermined number, the control unit 21 outputs order information according to the number of orders in step S16.

In this way, the set number is set based on order information (the most recent number of orders, order frequency, order content, type, time period, etc.). As a result, for example, when the kitchen is busy, the number of settings is increased and the order information is output to the kitchen terminal 4 later, and when the kitchen is quiet, the number of settings is decreased and the order information is output to the kitchen terminal 4. It is possible to output order information according to the busy situation of the kitchen, such as outputting order information as early as possible. Therefore, it is possible to improve the working efficiency of the kitchen.

1: Order support system 2: Order support device 3: Order terminal 4: Kitchen terminal 211: Acquisition processing section 212: Reception processing section 213: Measurement processing section 214: Judgment processing section 215: Output processing section 216: Setting processing section 217: Calculation processing unit 411: Acquisition processing unit 412: Output processing unit

Claims (9)

a reception processing unit that receives a first food and drink order from a user of a facility that provides food and drink;
a determination processing unit that determines whether a first elapsed time from the time when the first food/drink order is accepted by the reception processing unit has reached a set time;
an output processing unit that outputs order information corresponding to the first food/beverage order when the determination processing unit determines that the first elapsed time has reached the set time;
a setting processing unit that sets the setting time based on information regarding the order accepted by the reception processing unit;
An order support system equipped with The setting processing unit sets the setting time based on the number or frequency of orders recently received.
The order support system according to claim 1 . The setting processing unit sets the setting time based on the content or type of the first drink.
The order support system according to claim 1 or 2 . The setting processing unit sets a first set time when the first food and drink is a set meal menu, and sets a second set time shorter than the first set time when the first food and drink is a menu different from the set meal menu. Set the set time,
The order support system according to claim 3 . The setting processing unit sets the setting time based on the business hours of the facility.
The order support system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The setting processing unit sets the setting time based on a past order history of the first food and drink at the facility.
The order support system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The setting processing unit sets the set time corresponding to the first food and drink based on the order details of other users at the table used by the user who ordered the first food and drink.
The order support system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . a reception step for accepting a first food and drink order from a user of a facility that provides food and drink;
a determination step of determining whether a first elapsed time from the time when the first food/drink order is accepted by the reception step has reached a set time;
an output step capable of outputting order information corresponding to the first food/beverage order when it is determined in the determination step that the first elapsed time has reached the set time;
a setting step of setting the setting time based on information regarding the order accepted by the receiving step;
An order support method performed by one or more processors. a reception step for accepting a first food and drink order from a user of a facility that provides food and drink;
a determination step of determining whether a first elapsed time from the time when the first food/drink order is accepted by the reception step has reached a set time;
an output step capable of outputting order information corresponding to the first food/beverage order when it is determined in the determination step that the first elapsed time has reached the set time;
a setting step of setting the setting time based on information regarding the order accepted by the receiving step;
An order support program that allows one or more processors to execute

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