JPH08147567A - Menu device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To make a menu order system multi-functional and to enrich services. CONSTITUTION: A display device 2 is provided with touch switches 4 and 5 for ordering a merchandise menu and receiving an order, the charge calculation of the ordered merchandise is made possible and further, the video display of a TV and a video tape is made possible. Also, a line connection means, a card reader 7 and a CD-ROM reader 8, etc., are provided and the display of the various kinds of information and communication are made possible.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a menu device relating to a series of operations from product guidance to selection, ordering, delivery, and liquidation when selecting products from a product group at a store where a large number of customers come to the store. It is about.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the advent of the highly information-oriented society, the opportunities for doing business and hobbies using communication equipment and computers and frequently accessing information networks are increasing at an accelerating rate (for example There are services such as computer access, e-mail, stock market information, ticket reservation, housing information, tourist information, etc.). Also, CD-
Expansion of new information media by electronic publishing using ROM etc. is also occurring. It is expected that in the future, the number of places where information media called "multimedia" will be utilized will increase rapidly, whether inside or outside the home or workplace, and will become a part of life.

By the way, in such a situation, a system for mechanizing the ordering work and directly placing an order without using a customer service reduces labor cost, prevents human error at the time of ordering,
It is effective in shortening the time until product provision. This type of proposal applied to restaurants is disclosed in JP-A-5-40767 and JP-A-5-314149. JP-A-5-314149
The publication discloses a technique of displaying a menu video on a display device, selecting a dish with a touch switch, and transmitting the order contents directly to the kitchen. Although different from a store, a device for mechanizing a target product ordering system is already realized by a mail-order terminal or the like using a telephone line.

[0004]

The menu device disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-314149 requires a large investment in a display device and a computer for system control, and its main purpose is to place an order. After the operation, only the TV game or TV program and the video tape image are displayed on the display device at the most, and the store has only a small investment merit in the menu device with only the function centering on the ordering function.

From another point of view, as described above, opportunities for utilizing multimedia are increasing for an unspecified large number of people who can be customers of the store. However, when trying to utilize this multimedia even when going out, it is necessary to carry a portable communication device, a portable computer, a communication device with a telephone line, and the like, and these devices have been downsized recently. Carrying around increases the volume and weight of luggage. In addition, we will use our nerves to protect the equipment from shocks when moving. Above all, a large investment is required for the portable device, and it is still expensive especially for personal use. Therefore, in reality, it is very difficult to use multimedia on the go.

In order to solve the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to add a great added value to a conventional menu device.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, a menu device of the present invention is a display device, a menu display means for displaying a product menu on the display device, and a product menu displayed on the display device. Selecting means for ordering an item, an ordering means for transmitting the contents ordered by the ordering means to a department for preparing or providing the item, a calculating means for calculating a charge of the ordered item, and a communication line Connection means for enabling transmission / reception with a network service using.

A display device, menu display means for displaying a product menu on the display device, ordering means for selecting a product from the product menu displayed on the display device and ordering the product, and a department for preparing or providing the product. From the transmitting means for transmitting the contents ordered by the ordering means, the calculating means for calculating the price of the ordered product, and the information displaying means for receiving the information from the video information library and displaying it on the display device. Become.

A display device, menu display means for displaying a product menu on the display device, ordering means for selecting a product from the product menu displayed on the display device and ordering the product, and a department for preparing or providing the product. Further, it comprises a transmission means for transmitting the contents ordered by the ordering means, a calculation means for calculating the charge of the ordered product, and an information display means for receiving the information from the computer and displaying it on the display device.

Further, a display device, a menu display means for displaying a product menu on the display device, an ordering means for selecting a product from the product menu displayed on the display device and ordering the product, and a department for preparing or providing the product. A transmission means for transmitting the contents ordered by the ordering means, a calculation means for calculating the price of the ordered product, and a reading means for reading information from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, an optical disk or a floppy disk. Become.

Furthermore, means for clearing charges from the orderer's account, auxiliary means for explaining how to use the apparatus, means for enabling information display from the dealer side, and information input from the orderer side to the menu device Is provided, a menu device can be incorporated into the table, and the display device is a liquid crystal display device.

[0012]

In the menu device according to the present invention having the above-described structure, the menu device is provided with a menu function such as a product order by a product menu displayed on the display device, an order to a department which prepares or provides the product, and a charge settlement, and a telephone line It becomes possible to communicate with various information sources or read information from storage media such as CD-ROMs, optical disks, floppy disks, etc., so that customers can order products using the menu function as well as a so-called "multimedia" function. You can use it easily (even when you are out).

Further, since the order is centrally processed by the menu device and the data inputted by the customer can be analyzed, it is easy for the store to analyze the customer demographics, preferences, order trends by time and season, and the like. And contribute to improving the efficiency of store management.

[0014]

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

In the present embodiment, description will be given of an example of a usage pattern in a restaurant or the like where an unspecified number of customers order food.

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are views for explaining the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a usage example of the first embodiment, for a restaurant. 1 represents a seat, 1 is a table, and 2 is a customer-side terminal of a menu device rotatably installed on the table 1. In the first embodiment, the customer-side terminal 2 of one menu device is installed on the table 1 so that a plurality of persons present at the same seat can use it.

FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of only the customer side terminal 2, and a color liquid crystal display device 3 is used as a display device so as not to take up space on the table 1. 4 and 5
Is a touch switch that is a menu display means and an ordering means
(The image of the switch of 5 is displayed as image data and performs the switch function by sensing the position touched by the hand 6) and is used in combination with the display on the screen. 7
Is a card reader for reading information from a magnetic card, an IC card, etc., 8 is a CD-ROM reader, and 9 is a speaker.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a menu device using the customer side terminal 2 of FIG. 1, and the method of using the menu device will be described below. A customer side terminal 2 is installed in each of the plurality of tables 1 installed. When the customer does not sit down, for example, on the customer side terminal 2, via the system controller (computer system) 10, environmental software (for example, a scenery of a babble) is selected and displayed from the image information library 11. It helps to create the atmosphere of the store.

When the customer arrives at the seat, the switches 4 and 5 of the customer side terminal 2 are pressed to first briefly broadcast the greeting of the shopkeeper, and then the main menu screen is switched (the operation of the customer side terminal 2 is It can be controlled from the system controller 10 side as well, when the customer does not operate it, the system controller 10 side controls the speaker 9 of the customer side terminal 2 to emit a warning sound such as a chime and then the main menu screen. Switch to). On the main menu screen, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, a frequently used menu is listed in addition to the main food and drink-related menu.

When the customer orders food,
The "meal menu" is selected by touching the touch switch 5 next to the "meal menu". These menus have a hierarchical structure, and when the customer presses the selection switch, the necessary information is displayed on the menu one after another,
Customers can choose the dishes they need. Further, if the contents of the dish are not understood, a detailed explanation is displayed by pressing the detailed explanation key which is an auxiliary means. Alternatively, it may be possible to listen to “Today's recommended food” with the chef's explanation (video movie). After selecting a series of food and drink, once all the order contents are displayed, the customer confirms the contents and the amount, and then presses the confirmation key to confirm the order (this allows mistakes in the order and budget You can prevent misunderstanding. The order contents are immediately transmitted and displayed on the kitchen terminal 12 which is a transmission means, and cooking is started in the kitchen, so that the waiting time for cooking is shortened. Further, the charge calculation result is also transmitted to the settlement terminal (register) 13 which is a calculation means, and the settlement work is efficiently performed.

The menu screen is created by capturing an image through the video device 14 for creating a menu and using the system controller 10 and the menu editing function 15. The menu screen and the image once created are stored in an internal storage device (not shown) and the external storage device 16 to be used again effectively.

Further, a key for calling the employee is provided, and when the employee has a direct business, the employee calling device 17 is used to call the employee. By doing so, consideration is given to those who do not use the menu device for the first time.

When the order is completed, the display screen returns to the main menu screen, and the customer side terminal 2 is utilized as a multifunctional multimedia terminal. That is, the TV display via the TV tuner 18, the video display via the video information library 11, the TV game using the TV game software 19, and the network service using the telephone line via the telephone line controller 20. (Ticket reservation, road condition, stock market condition, mail order, banking, event guide, connection with E-mail and Internet), or connection to network services other than telephone line via network service controller 21. ing. These information and images are displayed on the display device 3 of the customer side terminal 2 (In addition, original information such as the relay of work scenes in the kitchen and explanation of cooking methods is also effective for differentiating and characterizing the store from other stores. is there).

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1, a CD-ROM
The contents of the CD-ROM can be displayed using the reader 8. Customers have to wait (or eat) to cook such various multimedia services.
(In addition, some functions other than those ordered can be charged, and by setting a time limit, it will be set so that there is no problem if the customer is absorbed in using the menu device and the customer's rotation is delayed. It is also possible to keep).

In some cases, a message or information unique to the store other than the order (for example, guidance for monthly menu of the next month) can be broadcast during meals, or a dessert menu can be broadcasted just before the meal is finished and added. It is possible to create an orderable atmosphere.

Alternatively, on the contrary, it is possible to input a questionnaire from the customer side to the food and to analyze the customer demographics and tastes using the analysis function 22 such as creating a table, which is useful for management.

Further, by providing the card reader 7 as shown in FIG. 1, the orderer is identified by using a cash card, a credit card, or an ID card of the institution to which the order belongs, and the charge is paid by the user. It is also possible to enable cashless settlement by automatically withdrawing from a deposit account. Although not shown, if a printer is installed on the customer side terminal 2 so that the details can be output, the labor of the settlement work can be saved. Such a cashless system is very effective in school cafeterias and employee cafeterias.

Although the local controller (computer) 23 is installed in the customer side terminal 2 in FIG. 3, this part may be omitted depending on the scale of the system configuration.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of the second embodiment of the present invention. The entire structure has the same functions as the first embodiment including the menu order function, and the description of the functions will be omitted here. In the second embodiment, the customer side terminal is further enhanced with a computer function and a communication function with a telephone line as an additional function, which strongly characterizes the mobile office.

In FIG. 4, 30 is a table for two persons,
31 and 32 are display devices, which are liquid crystal display devices.
Since the liquid crystal display device does not take up space, it is suitable for embedding in a table. In addition, 33 is a card reader, 34
Is a floppy disk drive, 35 is an optical disk drive, 36 is a speaker, 37 is a communication connector with a telephone line, and the facsimile device 38 and the telephone 39 can be rented from a store and connected. The facsimile device 38 also serves as a printer (output from the computer).

In FIG. 4, the order by the menu is completed, and the computer screen is displayed on one display device 31 (touch keys can be set on the entire surface of the display device, so that the keyboard is also displayed by an image. The input / output of the computer is realized), and the environment video is displayed on the other display device 32 not used by the customer. If the display screen of the customer side terminal is unnecessary when eating and drinking, both display devices 31,
32 also has a mechanism to be stored in the table 30.

Although the above-described embodiment has a high utility value particularly in a restaurant or the like where an unspecified number of customers order food, considering services such as haircuts and other non-objective services as commercial products, Can display menus, etc.

Furthermore, "multimedia" can be easily utilized without having to carry an information device even when going out. The store will be attractive to customers, and the function of the store will also enhance the effect of attracting customers.

[0034]

As described above, according to the menu device of the present invention, according to the constitutions of claims 1 to 10, in addition to the product ordering by the menu function, an information medium called "multimedia" is called. You can easily use. Further, since the order is centrally processed by the menu device, it is possible to reduce the number of employees for the store and human error at the time of ordering and settlement. It is also possible to analyze the data entered by customers, which makes it easy to analyze customer demographics, tastes, order trends by time and season, and is useful for developing new products. Can be improved. In addition, if the systems are integrated at multiple stores such as chain stores, there is also an advantage that the accounting processing of all related stores can be unified.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a customer-side terminal of a first embodiment of a menu device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an installation form of a customer-side terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a customer-side terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 30 ... Table, 2 ... Customer side terminal, 3, 31, 32 ... Display device (liquid crystal display device), 4, 5 ... Touch switch (menu display means, ordering means), 7, 33 ... Card reader, 8 ... CD-ROM / reader, 9,36 ... speaker, 10 ... system controller, 11 ... video information library, 12 ... kitchen terminal (transmitting means), 13 ... settlement terminal (calculating means), 16 ... external storage device, 20 ... Telephone line controller, 21 ... Network service controller, 34 ... Floppy disk drive, 35 ... Optical disk drive, 37 ... Communication connector, 38 ... Facsimile device, 39 ... Telephone.

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Yoshinori Yamamoto 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Hiroshi Sano, 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 72) Inventor Mino Mino 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Michiko Okato 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Scott Brook Osaka 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Fuchu Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A display device, menu display means for displaying a product menu on the display device, ordering means for ordering a product by selecting from a product menu displayed on the display device, and preparing or providing the product. The department is provided with a transmission means for transmitting the contents ordered by the ordering means, a calculation means for calculating the price of the ordered product, and a connection means for enabling transmission / reception with a network service using a communication line. A menu device characterized in that 2. A display device, menu display means for displaying a product menu on the display device, ordering means for selecting a product from the product menu displayed on the display device and ordering the product, and preparing or providing the product. A transmission means for transmitting the contents ordered by the ordering means to the department, a calculation means for calculating the price of the ordered product, and an information display means for receiving the information from the video information library and displaying it on the display device. A menu device comprising: 3. A display device, menu display means for displaying a product menu on the display device, ordering means for ordering a product by selecting from a product menu displayed on the display device, and preparing or providing the product. The department was provided with a transmitting means for transmitting the contents ordered by the ordering means, a calculating means for calculating the price of the ordered product, and an information displaying means for receiving the information from the computer and displaying it on the display device. A menu device characterized in that 4. A display device, menu display means for displaying a product menu on the display device, ordering means for selecting a product menu displayed on the display device and ordering the product, and preparing or providing the product. A menu device comprising: a transmission means for transmitting the contents ordered by the ordering means to a department, a calculation means for calculating a charge of ordered products, and a reading means for reading information from a storage medium. . 5. The menu device according to claim 1, further comprising input means for specifying an orderer and means for clearing a charge from an account of the orderer. 6. The menu device according to claim 1, further comprising auxiliary means for explaining how to use the device. 7. The menu device according to claim 1, further comprising means for enabling information display from a dealer side. 8. The menu device according to claim 1, further comprising means for enabling information input from the orderer side. 9. The menu device according to claim 1, wherein the menu device can be incorporated into a table. 10. The menu device according to claim 1, wherein the display device is a liquid crystal display device.