JP7514745B2 - Showcase - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a showcase.

Conventionally, showcases for displaying products are known. For example, in restaurants and food courts, actual dishes are displayed in the showcases to stimulate customers' desire to buy (hereinafter, also referred to as a "sizzle" feeling).

One example of a conventional showcase has been proposed in which the storage chamber for storing products is covered with a transparent display, and information about the stored products is displayed on the transparent display as needed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Incidentally, in recent years, unexpected outbreaks of infectious diseases have led to requests to implement infection control measures in stores that are used by an unspecified number of people. For this reason, it is desirable for stores to be able to allow customers to order products while maintaining hygienic conditions, for example by allowing them to avoid touching display cases or conversations between customers and store clerks.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a showcase that allows ordering while maintaining sanitary conditions.

The showcase of the embodiment includes a storage section for storing products in a removable manner, a transparent display covering the storage section, a display control section for displaying, on the transparent display, product information of the product stored in the storage section and order support information enabling the product to be ordered without contacting the transparent display, and a product detection section for detecting the presence or absence of a product in the storage section . The display control section displays the product information and the order support information when the product detection section detects the presence of a product, and hides at least the order support information among the product information and the order support information when the product detection section detects the absence of a product.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an ordering system including a showcase according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the showcase of the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the showcase of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the data configuration of the product master file stored in the memory unit of the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of the detailed information file section stored in the memory section according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the data structure of a display switching file section stored in the memory section of the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the showcase according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display form when detailed information is displayed on the transparent display of the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display form in which detailed information is displayed on the transparent display of the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a customer terminal reads a two-dimensional code in the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display form in which additional information is displayed on the transparent display according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an initial setting process of the control unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a display process performed by the control unit of the embodiment when an order is received.

The showcase of the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an ordering system including a showcase. The ordering system 1 of this embodiment is applied to, for example, a store in a so-called food court. The ordering system 1 includes a showcase 2 and an order receiving device 3. The showcase 2 and the order receiving device 3 are connected to a network such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The order receiving device 3 is also connected to a customer terminal 4 on which ordering application software is installed via the Internet or the like. The ordering system 1 including a showcase can be widely applied not only to food court stores that serve food, but also to various stores that sell products other than food.

The order receiving device 3 is, for example, an information terminal carried by a store clerk. The order receiving device 3 receives order information from the showcase 2 or the customer terminal 4. When the order receiving device 3 receives an order, the store clerk can go to the showcase 2, retrieve the ordered product, and provide the retrieved product to the customer. The method of receiving order information will be described later. Note that, for example, if a store clerk is always stationed at the showcase 2, the order receiving device 3 may be provided at the showcase 2. Even in this case, it is possible for a customer to order a product while avoiding contact with the showcase 2 or conversation between the customer and the store clerk.

The customer terminal 4 is configured as a smartphone or the like, and has application software installed for using the ordering system 1. The customer terminal 4, for example, captures an image of a two-dimensional code displayed on the showcase 2 to obtain product information, and transmits order information related to the product to the order receiving device 3.

Next, the showcase 2 will be described. The showcase 2 is a fixture for displaying products. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the exterior of the showcase 2. For example, as shown in Figure 2, two showcases 2 are installed in a store, lined up in the left-right direction (the direction along the arrow X). Each showcase 2 has the same configuration. In the following description, the direction along the arrow Y is referred to as the front-rear direction (the tip of the arrow is referred to as the rear side), and the direction along the arrow Z is referred to as the up-down direction (the tip of the arrow is referred to as the upper side).

The showcase 2 includes a support base 21, a storage section 22, a transparent display 23, an opening/closing door 24, a first camera 25, and a second camera 26.

The support base 21 supports the showcase 2 with its lower end in contact with the floor of the food court. A loading tray 27 is placed on the upper surface of the support base 21. The loading tray 27 forms multiple loading areas (hereinafter also referred to as storage areas), and in each loading area, a platter 28 on which actual cooked food is placed is placed. The food served on the platter 28 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the platter 28) is an example of a product.

The storage section 22 stores products so that they can be inserted and removed. In detail, the storage section 22 is formed by a support base 21, a transparent display 23, and an opening door 24, and a large plate 28 can be inserted and removed through an opening formed by opening the opening door 24. In this embodiment, the storage section 22 stores multiple large plates 28, but it may also store a single product.

The transparent display 23 covers the storage section 22. More specifically, the transparent display 23 covers the top of the storage section 22 so that the large plates 28 stored in the storage section 22 can be seen through. This allows the showcase 2 to show customers the food that has actually been cooked, giving customers a sense of excitement. Note that the transparent display 23 may be any type that covers the large plates 28 so that they can be seen through, and may, for example, cover the entire storage section 22.

The transparent display 23 is a liquid crystal display that is optically transparent, and can display various information under the control of the control unit 200 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later. The control unit 200 and the display contents under its control will be described later, but FIG. 2 shows a state in which a product information display unit 231 and a two-dimensional code display unit 232 are displayed in the front portion of the transparent display corresponding to each platter 28. The product information display unit 231 displays the name of the dish and the price. The two-dimensional code display unit 232 displays a two-dimensional code that includes information identifying the product, such as the name of the dish. The name of the dish and the price are examples of product information, and the two-dimensional code is an example of order support information.

The opening and closing door 24 is provided at the rear of the storage section 22 where the store clerk is located, so as to be able to open and close the storage section 22. Although details are not shown, the opening and closing door 24 is, for example, pivotally supported at its lower end on the support base 21 so as to be able to rotate.

The first camera 25 is attached, for example, to the center in the left-right direction at the rear end of the transparent display 23, and captures an image of the entire area above the transparent display 23. The first camera 25 captures a specific action of the customer with respect to the showcase 2. For example, the first camera 25 recognizes the action of the customer pointing at the product information display section 231. Note that the first camera 25 can be installed anywhere as long as it can capture an image of the customer's action.

The second camera 26 is attached, for example, to the left-right center of a support wall erected upward at the rear end of the support stand 21, and captures an image of the entire inside of the storage section 22. The second camera 26 captures an image of whether or not a large plate 28 is placed in each storage area in the storage section 22. The second camera 26 can be installed anywhere as long as it can capture an image of each storage area.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the showcase 2. In addition to the hardware components described above, the showcase 2 includes a control unit 200, a memory unit 210, an input/output controller 220, and a communication I/F 230. The control unit 200, the memory unit 210, the input/output controller 220, and the communication I/F 230 are connected to each other via a bus 240 or the like.

The control unit 200 is composed of a computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203. The CPU 201, the ROM 202, and the RAM 203 are connected to each other via a bus 240. The CPU 201 controls the entire showcase 2. The ROM 202 stores various programs and various data, such as a program used to drive the CPU 201. The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201, and expands various programs and various data stored in the ROM 202 and the memory unit 210. The control unit 200 executes various control processes for the showcase 2 by the CPU 201 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 202 and the memory unit 210 and expanded in the RAM 203.

The memory unit 210 is a storage device equipped with a rewritable non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD), solid state memory (SSD), or flash memory. The memory unit 210 includes a control program unit 211, a product master file unit 212, a detailed information file unit 213, and a display switching file unit 214.

The control program section 211 is an area that stores various programs, such as a control program for displaying various information on the transparent display 23.

The product master file section 212 is an area that stores product master files. Figure 4 is a diagram explaining the data structure of the product master file section 212. The product master file stores information indicating the product name, price, two-dimensional code, and storage area in association with each other.

The product name is information indicating the name of the dish served on the platter 28. The price is information indicating the price of one portion (one plate) of each product. The two-dimensional code is information indicating a two-dimensional code created for each product. The two-dimensional code created for each product can be said to be information for identifying the product. The storage area is information indicating the storage area of the platter 28 in which each product is stored. The product master file is rewritten as appropriate depending on the dishes provided by the store and the arrangement of the platters 28 in the storage section 22. The product master file is rewritten by the store clerk operating the input device 29.

The detailed information file section 213 is an area for storing detailed information files. FIG. 5 is a diagram explaining the data structure of the detailed information file section 213. The detailed information file stores information indicating the product name, ingredients, allergens, and calories in association with each other.

As mentioned above, the product name is information indicating the name of the dish served on the platter 28. The ingredients are information indicating the ingredients used in the product (dish). The allergens are information indicating allergenic substances contained in the dish. Allergenic substances are substances that cause food allergies, and are "specific ingredients" and "substances equivalent to specific ingredients" as specified by government ordinances, etc. The calories are information indicating the approximate number of calories in one plate of the product. The information stored in the detailed information file is displayed on the transparent display 23 at the customer's request.

The display switching file section 214 is an area that stores display switching files. FIG. 6 is a diagram explaining the data structure of the display switching file section 214. The display switching file stores information indicating the presence or absence of a product, the display pattern, the product name display, the price display, the two-dimensional code display, and the additional information display in association with each other.

Product presence/absence is information indicating the presence/absence of a product in the storage area. Display pattern is information indicating a display pattern that is predetermined according to the presence/absence of a product in the storage area. Product name display is information indicating whether to display the product name. Price display is information indicating whether to display the price. Two-dimensional code display is information indicating whether to display a two-dimensional code. Additional information display is information indicating whether to display additional information. An example of additional information is "Cooking" which is displayed when the food on the platter 28 has sold out and the store is preparing it. The product name display, price display, two-dimensional code display, and additional information display are determined according to the information indicating the presence/absence of a product and the display pattern. This allows the store to select the display method when the food on the platter 28 is being cooked.

Returning to FIG. 3, the input/output controller 220 is connected to the transparent display 23, the first camera 25, the second camera 26, and the input device 29. The input device 29 is composed of a keyboard, a touch panel, etc., and is attached to the rear surface of the showcase 2, for example. The input device 29 is operated by a store clerk when rewriting the product master file, etc. The input/output controller 220 has a function as an input/output interface for the connected hardware and a function for controlling the hardware. This allows the control unit 200 to send and receive information (data) to and from the transparent display 23, the first camera 25, the second camera 26, and the input device 29 via the input/output controller 220, and to control the hardware based on instructions from the control unit 200.

The communication I/F 230 is an interface for communicating with the order receiving device 3. The control unit 200 is connected to the order receiving device 3 via the communication I/F 230, thereby enabling the control unit 200 to send and receive information (data) to and from the order receiving device 3.

Next, the functional configuration of showcase 2 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of showcase 2. The control unit 200 functions as an operation reception unit 2001, a first detection unit 2002, a second detection unit 2003, a product detection unit 2004, a display control unit 2005, and an output unit 2006, as a result of the CPU 201 operating in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 202 or the memory unit 210. Note that each of the above functional configurations may be realized by hardware.

The operation reception unit 2001 receives operation information from the input device 29. The operation reception unit 2001 receives operation information for rewriting the product master file unit 212, such as the product names of the products stored in the showcase 2. The operation reception unit 2001 also receives operation information for setting a display pattern.

The first detection unit 2002 detects an ordering action in which a customer designates an order button displayed on the transparent display 23 without touching the transparent display 23. In detail, the first detection unit 2002 detects the customer's action of pointing to an order button, described below, displayed on the transparent display 23, based on the output of the first camera 25. For example, the first detection unit 2002 detects the customer's action, identifies an order button that is close to the position of the detected action, and detects an ordering action that designates the order button.

The second detection unit 2003 detects a designation action in which the customer designates product information displayed on the transparent display 23 without touching the transparent display 23. In detail, the second detection unit 2003 detects the customer's action of pointing at the product information displayed on the transparent display 23 based on the output of the first camera 25. For example, the second detection unit 2003 detects the customer's action, identifies a product stored in a storage area close to the position of the detected action, and detects a designation action that designates product information for the product.

The product detection unit 2004 detects whether or not there is a product in the storage unit 22. In detail, the product detection unit 2004 detects whether or not a large plate 28 is present in each storage area in the storage unit 22 based on the output of the second camera 26.

The display control unit 2005 displays on the transparent display 23, in correspondence with the product stored in the storage unit 22, product information of the product and order support information that enables the product to be ordered without contacting the showcase 2. In detail, the display control unit 2005 displays product information such as product name and price, and order support information such as a two-dimensional code and an order button, in correspondence with each storage area of the storage unit 22. Furthermore, when the second detection unit 2003 detects a designation action in which the customer points to the product information displayed on the transparent display 23, the display control unit 2005 displays detailed information of the designated product on the transparent display 23. Furthermore, the display control unit 2005 switches the display depending on the presence or absence of a product in the storage unit 22 detected by the product detection unit 2004. For example, when the product detection unit 2004 detects the presence of a product, the display control unit 2005 displays the product information and order support information, and when the product detection unit 2004 detects the absence of a product, the display control unit 2005 displays the product information and does not display the order support information.

When the first detection unit 2002 detects an ordering action, the output unit 2006 outputs order information to the order receiving device 3. In detail, when the first detection unit 2002 detects an action of a customer pointing at an order button displayed together with detailed information, the output unit 2006 transmits product information regarding the product specified by the pointing action to the order receiving device 3.

Next, the transition of the display screen of the transparent display 23 when ordering a product will be described. A customer who orders food can order while looking at the actual food in the showcase 2. In addition, the customer can check detailed information about the food when ordering the food. To check the detailed information, the customer points to the product information displayed on the transparent display 23 as shown in FIG. 8. At this time, the display control unit 2005 may display a message encouraging the customer to avoid touching the transparent display 23. For example, the display control unit 2005 may display a message such as "Please specify the product by pointing without touching the display." Then, the second detection unit 2003 detects the designation action in which the customer designates the product. At this time, the display control unit 2005 may enlarge and display the product information display unit 231 and the two-dimensional code display unit 232 related to the designated product as shown in FIG. 8. This allows the customer to check the product he or she has designated.

When the second detection unit 2003 detects the customer's specified action, the display control unit 2005 controls the transparent display 23 to display as shown in FIG. 9. Specifically, when the second detection unit 2003 detects the customer's specified action, the display control unit 2005 pops up the allergen display unit 233, ingredient display unit 234, and calorie display unit 235 for the specified product. The allergen display unit 233 displays the name of the allergen substance, the ingredient display unit 234 displays the name of the ingredient, and the calorie display unit 235 displays the approximate calorie amount for one serving. The allergen name, ingredient name, and approximate calorie amount for one serving are examples of detailed information about the product. Additionally, the display control unit 2005 displays the order button display unit 236. The order button display unit 236 displays an order button, which is an example of order support information.

This allows the customer to check detailed product information and easily order the product with the detailed information displayed by simply pointing at the order button. Note that the customer can also place an order using the two-dimensional code displayed on the two-dimensional code display unit 232, rather than by pointing at the order button. Note that even when displaying the order button, the display control unit 2005 may also display a message encouraging the customer to avoid touching the transparent display 23.

Figure 10 is a diagram explaining a case where a customer uses a two-dimensional code to place an order. The customer reads the two-dimensional code with the customer terminal 4 on which the ordering application software is installed. The customer terminal 4 then displays an order screen. Although not shown in detail, the order screen displays an order button and a cancel button. If the ordering application software can also perform payment processing, the order screen displays a payment button and a stop button. By pressing the order button or the payment button, information specifying the product is sent from the customer terminal 4 to the order reception device 3, and the customer can place an order. The ordering system 1 can also award points to customers when they read the two-dimensional code and place an order using the ordering application software. This allows the store to provide customers with an ordering method that allows them to easily place an order by simply pointing at the order button displayed on the transparent display 23, and an ordering method that allows them to earn points.

The ordered product may be provided to the customer by a store clerk at the location where the showcase 2 is installed, or the product information may be sent to the order receiving device 3 along with the customer's seat information, and the store clerk may then deliver the product to the customer's seat.

Next, referring to FIG. 11, the display on the transparent display 23 when no large plate 28 is placed in the storage area of the storage unit 22 will be described. When no large plate 28 is placed in the storage area, it means, for example, that the food on the large plate 28 has been sold out and is being cooked in the kitchen.

The second camera 26 captures an image of the inside of the storage section 22 and determines whether or not a large plate 28 is present in each storage area (four in the example of FIG. 11) in which the large plate 28 is stored. When the product detection unit 2004 detects, based on the output of the second camera 26, that a large plate 28 is not present in a specific storage area (the right end in FIG. 11), the display control unit 2005 switches the display of the transparent display 23 corresponding to that storage area.

Specifically, instead of the product information display section 231 and two-dimensional code display section 232 that were previously displayed, text such as "Cooking is currently underway" is displayed in the additional information display section 237. The display of "Cooking is currently underway" is an example of displaying additional information. Additionally, an image captured by the second camera 26 when the platter 28 was placed on it may be displayed. This allows the customer to not only recognize that the food on the platter 28 that is not placed on it is being cooked, but also to recognize from the image what the food is like.

Furthermore, the product detection unit 2004 may detect the amount of food remaining on the platter 28 based on the output of the second camera 26. Then, if it is determined that the amount of food remaining on the platter 28 is below a predetermined amount, information indicating the product whose remaining amount is below a predetermined value may be sent to the order reception device 3 carried by the store staff or a kitchen terminal installed in the kitchen. This makes it possible to quickly replenish the food. The installation position of the second camera 26 may be set as appropriate.

In addition, in this embodiment, the ordering system 1 does not accept orders for food that is being cooked by not displaying order support information such as a two-dimensional code or order button. This prevents a store clerk from coming to the showcase 2 due to order information notified to the order reception device 3 even when the product cannot be provided, and prevents the store clerk from performing unnecessary work. However, for example, if a store clerk is always present at the showcase 2, the order support information may be displayed on the transparent display and orders may be accepted even when the product is being cooked.

If the product detection unit 2004 detects that the large plate 28 is not present in the specified storage area, the display control unit 2005 may switch to a display in which the two-dimensional code is deleted from the product information and two-dimensional code that were previously displayed. Displaying in this way also prevents orders from being accepted, so as with the above, it is possible to prevent the staff from performing unnecessary work.

Next, the initial setting process for the display screen will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the initial setting process performed by the control unit 200. The initial setting process is executed when the store opens, etc.

First, the control unit 200 determines whether or not a product master file in which various information is stored is stored in the product master file unit 212 (S1). If a product master file in which various information is stored is stored (Y in S1), the display control unit 2005 displays the product information and the two-dimensional code on the transparent display 23 according to the information stored in the product master file (S2), and the initial setting process ends.

If a product master file in which various information is stored is not stored (N in S1), the control unit 200 judges whether the operation reception unit 2001 has received product setting input (S3). Specifically, the control unit 200 judges whether the user has input information indicating the product name, price, two-dimensional code, and storage area of the product into the input device 29.

When the operation reception unit 2001 receives product setting input (Y in S3), the operation reception unit 2001 writes the received information (product name, price, two-dimensional code, and information indicating the storage area) into the product master file (S4), and the control unit 200 proceeds to processing in S2.

In the process of S3, if the operation reception unit 2001 does not receive product setting input (N in S3), the control unit 200 returns to the process of S1. At this time, it is preferable to issue a notification prompting the user to input product settings.

Next, the display processing of the control unit 200 when receiving an order will be described. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the display processing of the control unit 200 when receiving an order.

When products are displayed in the showcase 2, the control unit 200 determines whether the product detection unit 2004 has detected a product in each storage area (S11). In other words, the control unit 200 determines whether a large plate 28 is stored in all storage areas.

When the product detection unit 2004 detects a product in each storage area (Y in S11), the control unit 200 judges whether the second detection unit 2003 has detected a pointing action (designation action) at the product information displayed on the transparent display 23 (S12). In other words, it judges whether the customer has performed a pointing action at any one of the product information display units 231.

When the second detection unit 2003 detects a pointing gesture toward product information (Y in S12), the display control unit 2005 displays detailed product information and an order button for the product specified by the pointing gesture on the transparent display 23 for a predetermined period of time (S13). If the second detection unit 2003 does not detect a pointing gesture toward the product information display unit 231 (N in S12), the control unit 200 returns to the processing of S11.

Following the process of S13, the control unit 200 judges whether or not the first detection unit has detected a pointing action (ordering action) on the order button displayed on the transparent display 23 (S14). In other words, it judges whether or not the customer has performed a pointing action on the order button display unit 236.

When the first detection unit detects a pointing action on the order button (Y in S14), the output unit 2006 outputs order information to the order receiving device 3 (S15). Specifically, the output unit 2006 outputs information identifying the product ordered by the pointing action, such as the product name or code. Then, the control unit 200 returns to the processing of S11.

When the first detection unit detects a pointing motion on the order button, the display control unit 2005 may display information indicating seats in the store, and the first detection unit may detect the seat specified by the customer through the pointing motion. The output unit 2006 then includes the information indicating the seat detected by the first detection unit in the order information and outputs it to the order reception device 3. In this way, the customer can receive the product from the store clerk at their seat.

If the first detection unit does not detect a pointing action on the order button in the process of S14 (N in S14), the control unit 200 returns to the process of S11.

If the product detection unit 2004 does not detect a product in any of the storage areas in the processing of S11 (N in S11), the display control unit 2005 determines whether the preset display pattern is 1 (S16).

If the set display pattern is 1 (Y in S16), the display control unit 2005 changes the display corresponding to the storage area where no product is present to only additional information (S17). Specifically, the display control unit 2005 switches the display corresponding to the storage area where no large plate 28 is present from a state in which product information and a two-dimensional code are displayed to a display of additional information saying "Cooking now" as shown in FIG. 11. Next, the control unit 200 proceeds to the process of S12.

If the set display pattern is not 1 (N in S16), i.e., if the display pattern is 2, the display control unit 2005 changes the display corresponding to the storage area where no product is present to a display that does not display the two-dimensional code (S18). Specifically, the display control unit 2005 changes the display corresponding to the storage area where no platter 28 is present from a state in which product information and a two-dimensional code are displayed to a state in which only product information is displayed. Next, the control unit 200 proceeds to the processing of S12.

By executing the display process of the control unit 200 when receiving an order as described above, the display states shown in Figures 8 to 11 can be realized. Note that the order information obtained by reading the two-dimensional code is transmitted from the customer terminal 4 to the order receiving device 3.

As described above, the showcase 2 of this embodiment includes a storage section 22 that stores products in a removable manner, a transparent display 23 that covers the storage section 22, and a display control section that displays, on the transparent display 23, product information about the product stored in the storage section 22 and order support information that enables the product to be ordered without contacting the transparent display 23, corresponding to the product stored in the storage section 22.

As a result, customers can order products stored in showcase 2 without touching showcase 2, which may be touched by an unspecified number of people. Also, customers can order products stored in showcase 2 without speaking with store staff. Therefore, customers can order products in a hygienic manner. Meanwhile, by adopting showcase 2 of this embodiment, stores can meet the demands for infection control measures, etc.

The showcase 2 of this embodiment also displays an order button for accepting an order on the transparent display 23, and includes a first detection unit 2002 that detects an order action in which a customer selects the order button without touching the transparent display, and an output unit 2006 that outputs order information to the order receiving device 3 when the first detection unit 2002 detects the order action.

Therefore, even if a customer does not have a smartphone or the like with application software for the ordering system installed, the customer can order products without contacting the showcase 2. This allows the customer to order products hygienically and easily.

Furthermore, the showcase 2 of this embodiment includes a second detection unit 2003 that detects a designation action by a customer to designate product information displayed on the transparent display 23 in a non-contact manner, and the display control unit 2005 displays detailed information about the designated product when the second detection unit 2003 detects the designation action.

For this reason, the display control unit 2005 displays detailed product information on the transparent display 23 when necessary, and does not display the detailed information when not necessary. Therefore, the showcase 2 can provide detailed product information to customers when necessary, and can normally make the products in the storage section 22 easy to see.

In addition, the showcase 2 of this embodiment is equipped with a product detection unit 2004 that detects the presence or absence of a product in the storage unit 22, and the display control unit 2005 switches the display depending on the presence or absence of a product detected by the product detection unit 2004.

Therefore, the showcase 2 can display information according to whether or not there is a product stored in the storage section 22. For example, if there is no product in the storage area of the storage section 22, the message "Cooking now" can be displayed in the location corresponding to the storage area.

In addition, the display control unit 2005 displays product information and order support information when the product detection unit 2004 detects that a product is present, and displays the product information but does not display the order support information when the product detection unit 2004 detects that a product is not present.

Therefore, the showcase 2 can provide product information to customers even about products that are not in the storage area, and can also prevent orders for products that are not in the storage area from being accepted. Therefore, the store can provide product information to customers even about products that are not in the storage area, and can prevent customers from having to wait a long time between ordering and receiving the product.

The control program used in showcase 2 may be configured to be provided by recording it on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Also, the control program executed in showcase 2 of this embodiment may be configured to be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network, or may be configured to be provided via a network such as the Internet.

Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Order system 2 Showcase 3 Order reception device 22 Storage unit 23 Transparent display 2001 Operation reception unit 2002 First detection unit 2003 Second detection unit 2004 Product detection unit 2005 Display control unit 2006 Output unit

JP 2020-130488 A

Claims (3)

A storage section for storing products in a removable manner;
A transparent display covering the storage section;
a display control unit that displays, on the transparent display, product information of the product stored in the storage unit and order support information that enables the user to order the product without contacting the transparent display;
A product detection unit that detects the presence or absence of a product in the storage unit;
Equipped with
A showcase in which the display control unit displays the product information and the order support information when the product detection unit detects that a product is present, and hides at least the order support information among the product information and the order support information when the product detection unit detects that a product is not present. the display control unit causes the transparent display to display an order button for accepting an order for the product as the order support information;
a first detection unit that detects a non-contact ordering action on the order button displayed on the transparent display;
an output unit that outputs order information for ordering the product when the first detection unit detects the ordering action;
The showcase of claim 1 further comprising: a second detection unit that detects a non-contact designation action on the product information displayed on the transparent display,
When the second detection unit detects the designation action, the display control unit displays detailed information of the designated product on the transparent display.
The showcase according to claim 1 or 2.

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