JP7762093B2 - Information processing device and program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing device and a program.

Conveyor belt sushi restaurants have long existed, where various items (sushi) are served on plates on a conveyor belt. These conveyor belt sushi restaurants have a rotating conveyor belt that carries prepared items to the seats of an unspecified number of customers, and an order lane that carries items ordered from an order terminal (hereafter referred to as "ordered items") to the customer. Customers pick up and eat the items that have been served on the rotating conveyor belt or the ordered items that have been served on the order lane.

Stores want to make suggestions that will motivate customers to order, so that they can pick up as many products as possible.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an information processing device and program that can motivate customers to place orders.

The information processing device of the embodiment includes a counting unit that counts the number of plates on which eaten products are placed , a judgment unit that determines whether the number of plates has reached a predetermined number, and a display control unit that, when the judgment unit determines that the predetermined number has been reached , causes a message to be displayed on a display unit announcing that products being transported by the lane will be given away free of charge.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an order management system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the area around the customer seats inside the restaurant. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the order terminal. FIG. 4 is a memory map showing the configuration of the product information section. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the store server. FIG. 6 is a memory map showing the configuration of the product management section. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the head office server. FIG. 8 is a memory map showing the configuration of the customer master. FIG. 9 is a memory map showing the configuration of the product history section. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a mobile terminal. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the order terminal. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the ordering terminal. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the free product offering process. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the ordering terminal. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing by the store server. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing by the head office server. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the mobile terminal. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a display example of a mobile terminal. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing another example of a display on a mobile terminal. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing yet another example of a display on a mobile terminal.

The first embodiment will be described below. In this embodiment, an ordering terminal installed at each customer seat K (see Figure 2) of a conveyor-belt sushi chain restaurant, which allows customers to specify and order a product (sushi), will be described as an example of an information processing device. Note that this embodiment is an example for explaining the present invention and does not limit the present invention.

At conveyor-belt sushi restaurants, sushi (a wide variety of sushi) is placed on plates and transported to customer seats K on a rotating conveyor R (see Figure 2) that is set up adjacent to each customer seat K and travels around each seat K in the restaurant. Customers seated at customer seat K can pick up the plate containing the item they want to eat from the items that are brought to them by the rotating conveyor R as it travels around.

An order terminal is also installed at each customer seat K. The order terminal is a device that allows customers to order products they have selected from all the products sold by the store. Products ordered from the order terminal are transported to the customer seat K, for example, by an order lane L (see Figure 2) that transports the ordered products exclusively. The customer then picks up the products transported by the order lane L. Note that the term "lane" refers to both the patrol lane R and the order lane L.

Figure 1 shows an order management system that manages ordered items at store M. The order management system 10 comprises a headquarters server 5 installed at the headquarters that oversees store M, a store server 3 and order terminal 1 installed at store M, and a mobile terminal 7 carried by a customer. The headquarters server 5 and store server 3 are connected by a communication line 2, such as an Internet line or a wireless or wired dedicated line. Within store M, the order terminals 1 installed at each customer seat K are connected to the store server 3 by a communication line 4, such as a LAN (Local Area Network) line. The headquarters server 5 is also connected to the mobile terminals 7 carried by customers via a communication line 6, such as an Internet line.

One or more ordering terminals 1 are installed at each customer seat K within store M. The ordering terminal 1 is operated by customers to order products by specifying the products they wish to eat and transmitting the information to the store server 3. The ordering terminal 1 displays product information (e.g., product name, price, product image, etc.) for all products available for order at store M as a standard menu on the display unit 18 (see Figure 3). The ordering terminal 1 also displays messages to customers regarding free products, which will be described later, on the display unit 18. The ordering terminal 1 is equipped with a card reader 20 (see Figure 3), which reads a customer ID (customer identification information that identifies the customer) and transmits it to the store server 3. The ordering terminal 1 may also acquire a customer ID transmitted from a mobile terminal 7 when making a reservation for dining at the store. The ordering terminal 1 may also acquire a customer ID input into an entrance device operated by a customer at the entrance when visiting the store.

The store server 3 manages product sales at each store M. The store server 3 transmits the customer ID received from the order terminal 1 to the headquarters server 5. The store server 3 transmits the settlement information received from the order terminal 1 to the headquarters server 5.

The headquarters server 5 manages the sales of products at each store M. The headquarters server 5 stores customer order history (type of product ordered, number (number of plates), date and time of order, etc.) by customer ID.

The headquarters server 5 also sends a message to the customer's mobile terminal 7, including information on the number of items eaten by the customer (i.e., the number of plates), information on the actual number of items compared to the target value, and information on the target value converted into another indicator. Details will be provided below.

The mobile terminal 7 is, for example, a mobile phone, smartphone, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or other device. A dedicated application, for example, is installed on the mobile terminal 7. The mobile terminal 7 displays messages received from the headquarters server 5 on the display unit 78 (see Figure 10).

Next, we will explain the structure around customer seats K where customers are seated. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the area around customer seats K inside the store. As shown in Figure 2, customer seats K are located adjacent to an endless circulating lane R and a roughly linear order lane L that can move back and forth. Products placed on circulating lane R move in the direction of arrow Y as circulating lane R moves. Circulating lane R transports an unspecified number of products. Order lane L is installed above circulating lane R. Order lane L transports products S ordered from ordering terminal 1 directly from the kitchen to the customer's seat K where the order was placed.

Table T is installed at customer seat K, with seats C installed on both sides of table T. Each seat K is assigned a seat number that identifies that seat. Customers sit at seat C and pick up items from the circulating lane R and ordering lane L and eat them at table T. Ordering terminal 1 is installed approximately in the center of customer seat K, above ordering lane L. Customers seated at seat C use ordering terminal 1 to order their desired items.

After eating the food, the plate is inserted through slot N. Plates inserted through slot N are collected in the kitchen. Slot N is equipped with a product discrimination sensor 21 (see Figure 3) that detects the insertion of a plate into slot N and detects the type of plate inserted (the type of product picked up from the lane (for example, 100 yen sushi, 200 yen sushi, or 300 yen sushi)). Each time a customer inserts a plate into slot N, product discrimination sensor 21 determines the type of product. Based on the type of product determined by product discrimination sensor 21, the number of products for each product is stored in product information section 131 (see Figure 3).

The hardware configuration of the ordering terminal 1 will now be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the ordering terminal 1. As shown in Figure 3, the ordering terminal 1 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, memory unit 14, etc. The CPU 11 is the main controller of the ordering terminal 1. The ROM 12 stores various programs. The RAM 13 expands programs and various data. The memory unit 14 stores various programs. The CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, and memory unit 14 are connected to one another via a bus 15. The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 constitute the control unit 100. In other words, the control unit 100 executes the control processing of the ordering terminal 1, which will be described later, by the CPU 11 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 12 and memory unit 14 and expanded in the RAM 13.

RAM 13 has a product information section 131 and a customer ID section 132. The product information section 131 stores product information for the picked-up product (product identification information (product ID) that identifies the product, the number of picked-up products, the number of ordered products, etc.). The product information section 131 will be described later in Figure 4. The customer ID section 132 stores the customer ID read from the customer card by the card reader 20. Alternatively, the customer ID section 132 stores the customer ID entered when making a reservation at store M. Alternatively, the customer ID section 132 stores the customer ID entered from the store entrance terminal when entering the store.

The memory unit 14 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory, which retains stored information even when the power is turned off. It includes a control program unit 141 for storing control programs, a product master 142, a seat number unit 143, a gift product unit 144, and a comment information unit 145. The product master 142 stores product information (product name, price, etc.) for all products sold at each store M, corresponding to product identification information (product ID) that identifies the product. The seat number unit 143 stores the seat number that identifies the seat K where the ordering terminal 1 is installed. The gift product unit 144 stores the type and conditions of a product (sushi) to be given away for free. The free product may be any product sold at store M, or it may be a specified product (a product with a specified price (e.g., 100 yen) or a specified type (e.g., tuna). The conditions for giving away a product for free may include, for example, the following:
(1) When the total number of items (number of plates) picked up by the customer reaches a predetermined number. In other words, the type of item is not a condition, and the condition for receiving a free item is only that the number of items reaches a predetermined number.
(2) When the number of products (number of plates) ordered from the ordering terminal 1 (i.e., products picked up from the ordering lane L) reaches a predetermined number. In other words, the condition for offering a product free of charge is that the type of product ordered from the ordering terminal 1 is the type of product, and the number of products of that type reaches a predetermined number.
(3) When the number of specific products (e.g., lean tuna) picked up by customers (number of plates) reaches a predetermined number. In other words, the condition for offering a product for free is that the product type is a specific product and the number of such products reaches a predetermined number. For example, a product that store M has purchased in large quantities can be designated as a specific product. By doing so, store M can quickly sell the products it has purchased in large quantities.

The gift item section 144 stores the type and a predetermined number of items that meet any of the above conditions (1), (2), or (3). In the embodiment, the following description will use condition (2). The comment information section 145 stores a message indicating that one item will be given free of charge when the above condition is met. The message could be, for example, "We will give you one free item of sushi. Please choose one item of sushi of your choice from the circulating lane R."

The free items may include all items sold by store M, but may also include, for example, items placed on circulating lane R. This has the advantage for store M of being able to quickly sell off the items placed on circulating lane R. Furthermore, if a free item is specified, the specified item can be quickly sold off.

The control unit 100 is also connected to the operation unit 17, display unit 18, voice input unit 19, card reader 20, and product discrimination sensor 21 via the bus 15 and controller 16. The operation unit 17 is, for example, a touch panel provided on the display unit 18, and is operated by the customer who is the operator of the ordering terminal 1. The operation unit 17 has a product selection key 171, an order key 172, a payment key 173, and an acquisition key 174. The product selection key 171 is a key for selecting the product to be ordered. The order key 172 is a key for ordering the selected product. When a product is ordered, the order information is displayed on an order display unit (not shown) provided in the kitchen, and the ordered product is cooked. The payment key 173 is operated when the meal is finished and payment is to be made. When the payment key 173 is operated, for example, the card reader 20 reads information such as a credit card, and payment is processed at the customer's seat K. Alternatively, a payment device (not shown) may be visited to process the payment in cash or by card. The acquire key 174 is operated when a free gift item is picked up. When the acquire key 174 is operated, information indicating that the free gift item has been picked up is output. The display unit 18 displays information to the operator of the ordering terminal 1. The display unit 18 displays images of the product selection key 171, order key 172, checkout key 173, and acquire key 174.

The voice input unit 19 is a device that recognizes input human voices and is a device for placing orders by voice. For example, when a product number uniquely assigned to each product at store M is input to identify the product, the voice input unit 19 uses voice recognition technology to identify the corresponding product when the product number is input as voice. Once the product is identified, the control unit 100 automatically processes the order for that product. Furthermore, when a specific voice (for example, a predetermined voice such as "our usual choice") is input, the voice is recognized using voice recognition technology. Once the voice is recognized, the control unit 100 automatically processes the order for a predetermined product. The predetermined product is, for example, a product that the customer frequently orders and is set in advance on the mobile terminal 7. Takeout products can be ordered based on the voice that says "our usual choice."

The card reader 20 reads the card (credit card, debit card, point card, etc.) brought by the customer. The control unit 100 transmits the customer ID read by the card reader 20 to the store server 3. The control unit 100 executes the payment process for the meal based on the credit card or debit card read by the card reader 20.

The control unit 100 is also connected to the communication unit 22 via the bus 15. The communication unit 22 is connected to the store server 3 via the communication line 4 to send and receive information.

Next, we will explain the product information section 131. Figure 4 is a memory map showing the configuration of the product information section 131. As shown in Figure 4, the product information section 131 has a product ID section 1311, a quantity section 1312, an ordered quantity section 1313, a total quantity section 1314, and a gift quantity section 1315.

The product ID section 1311 stores a product ID (product identification information) that identifies a product. In the example of Figure 4, product IDs identifying product A through product N are stored. The number of plates section 1312 stores, for each product, the number of products (i.e., the number of plates) picked up from the lanes (circulating lane R and order lane L) in association with the product ID stored in the product ID section 1311. The number of products for each product is determined by the control unit 100 receiving the output of the product discrimination sensor 21, which reads information from a wireless tag embedded in a plate inserted into slot N that indicates the type of product (e.g., product A or product B). The control unit 100 determines the type of product based on the received output, increments the count by one for each product, and stores the resulting value. The order number section 1313 stores, for each product, the number of products (i.e., the number of plates) ordered from the order terminal 1 (i.e., picked up from order lane L) in association with the product ID stored in the product ID section 1311. The total number section 1314 stores the total number of products that the customer has picked up from the lane. The total number is calculated by counting the output of the product discrimination sensor 21, which reads information from the wireless tag embedded in the tray inserted into the insertion slot N. Alternatively, the total number is calculated by adding up the numbers of products stored in the number section 1312 for all products. The gift number section 1315 stores the number of times the acquisition key 174 has been operated (i.e., the number of times a free gift product has been picked up).

Next, we will explain the hardware configuration of the store server 3. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the store server 3. As shown in Figure 5, the store server 3 includes a CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, and memory unit 34. The CPU 31 is the main controller of the store server 3. The ROM 32 stores various programs. The RAM 33 loads programs and various data. The memory unit 34 stores various programs. The CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, and memory unit 34 are connected to one another via a bus 35. The CPU 31, ROM 32, and RAM 33 together make up the control unit 300. In other words, the control unit 300 executes the control processing of the store server 3, which will be described later, by the CPU 31 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 32 and memory unit 34 and loaded in the RAM 33.

RAM 33 has a product management unit 331. The product management unit 331 stores order information received from the order terminal 1. The product management unit 331 will be described later with reference to Figure 6.

The memory unit 34 is composed of non-volatile memory such as an HDD or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and has a control program unit 341 that stores control programs, and a product master 342. The product master 342 stores product information for all products sold at each store M, corresponding to product identification information (product ID) that identifies the product.

The control unit 300 is also connected to the operation unit 37 and display unit 38 via the bus 35 and controller 36. The operation unit 37 is, for example, a touch panel provided on the display unit 38, and is operated by the operator of the store server 3. The display unit 38 displays information to the operator of the store server 3.

The control unit 300 is also connected to the communication units 39 and 40 via the bus 35. The communication unit 39 connects to the order terminal 1 via the communication line 4 and sends and receives information. The communication unit 40 connects to the headquarters server 5 via the communication line 2 and sends and receives information.

Next, the product management unit 331 will be described. Figure 6 is a memory map showing the configuration of the product management unit 331. As shown in Figure 6, the product management unit 331 has a seat number section 3311, a product information section 3312, and a customer ID section 3313. The seat number section 3311 stores the seat number assigned to each seat K. The product information section 3312 stores the number of products (plates) picked up at that seat K by seat number, corresponding to the seat number stored in the seat number section 3311. In other words, the product information section 3312 receives the product information stored in the product information section 131 along with the seat number, and stores the product information by seat number. The seat number may also be identification information that identifies the ordering terminal 1. The customer ID section 3313 stores the customer ID when the ordering terminal 1 provided at that seat K reads the customer ID (including when the customer ID is entered at the time of reservation or at an entrance terminal).

The hardware configuration of the headquarters server 5 will now be described. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the headquarters server 5. As shown in Figure 7, the headquarters server 5 comprises a CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, memory unit 54, etc. The CPU 51 is the main controller of the headquarters server 5. The ROM 52 stores various programs. The RAM 53 expands programs and various data. The memory unit 54 stores various programs. The CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, and memory unit 54 are connected to one another via a bus 55. The CPU 51, ROM 52, and RAM 53 constitute the control unit 500. In other words, the control unit 500 executes the control processing of the headquarters server 5, which will be described later, by the CPU 51 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 52 and memory unit 54 and expanded in the RAM 53.

The memory unit 54 is composed of non-volatile memory such as an HDD or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and has a control program unit 541 that stores control programs, a product master 542, and a customer master 543. The product master 542 stores product information for all products sold at each store M, corresponding to product identification information that identifies the product. The customer master 543 stores, for each customer, accumulated information that accumulates the number of products that a customer has eaten (picked up from the lane), as well as information converted into other indicators based on that accumulated information. The customer master 543 will be described later in Figures 8 and 9.

The control unit 500 is also connected to an operation unit 57 and a display unit 58 via a bus 55 and a controller 56. The operation unit 57 is a keyboard operated by the operator of the headquarters server 5. The display unit 58 displays information to the operator of the headquarters server 5.

The control unit 500 is also connected to the communication units 59 and 60 via the bus 55. The communication unit 59 connects to the mobile terminal 7 via the communication line 6 to send and receive information. The communication unit 60 connects to the store server 3 via the communication line 2 to send and receive information.

Next, the customer master 543 will be described. Figure 8 is a memory map showing the configuration of the customer master 543. As shown in Figure 8, the customer master 543 comprises a customer ID section 5431, a customer information section 5432, and a product history section 5433. The customer ID section 1431 stores a customer ID (customer identification information) that identifies each customer for each customer. The customer information section 1432 stores customer information (name, address, telephone number, address of mobile terminal 7, etc.) for each customer, in association with the customer ID stored in the customer ID section 1431. The product history section 5433 stores various information related to the number of products picked up for each customer, in association with the customer ID of each customer. The product history section 5433 will be described later in Figure 9.

Figure 9 is a memory map showing the configuration of the product history section 5433 for one customer (e.g., customer A). The product history section 5433 includes a product ID section 54331, a quantity section 54332, a goal memory section 54333, a conversion information section 54334, an acquired points section 54335, a comparison section 54336, a total quantity section 54337, a total conversion section 54338, and a total points section 54339.

The product ID section 54331 stores the product ID for each product. The number section 54332 stores, for each product, the cumulative number (accumulated information) of products (plates) that a customer (e.g., customer A) has picked up from the lane during a specified period, corresponding to the product ID stored in the product ID section 54331. The specified period is a period determined in advance by store M, such as one year or one month. It is also possible to store the total number of products previously picked up from the lane without setting a specified period. The goal memory section 54333 stores the target number of products (number of plates) for each product, corresponding to the product ID stored in the product ID section 54331. Because popularity and customer preferences vary depending on the product, it is desirable to set a target number appropriate for each product. The target number may be set by the customer (e.g., customer A) themselves, or it may be set by store M to encourage competition among customers to accumulate the most plates (i.e., to encourage customers to order products).

The conversion information section 54334 converts the number of plates piled up into a different indicator and stores it. For example, the height of one plate (approximately 3 cm) is used, and the number of plates picked up is converted into an indicator of height (length), and the converted value is stored for each product. For example, if the number of plates for product A stored in the number of plates section 54332 is 500, the conversion information section 54334 stores the value 3 cm x 500 (plates) = 1500 cm. The earned points section 54335 stores the number of points awarded for each product, for example, depending on the number of times the same product is picked up. For example, one point is awarded for picking up a predetermined number (e.g., 10 plates). The predetermined number may differ for each product. The number of points awarded may also differ for each product. The number of points stored in the earned points section 54335 represents a status for the customer, and the more points a customer has, the greater their contribution to store M. Therefore, it is desirable for store M to award or provide a special benefit to the customer when the number of points reaches a predetermined number. Additionally, since customers with a large number of points are considered to be good customers for Store M, the store may offer these customers the opportunity to solicit their opinions regarding store management.

The comparison target section 54336 stores the target numerical value for the conversion information stored in the conversion information section 54334. For example, the target numerical value is stored as an easy-to-understand indicator (for example, a numerical value (meters) representing the height of Tokyo Tower or Mt. Fuji. Total number section 54337 stores the total number (accumulated information) of the numbers of each product stored in number section 54332. The number of plates stored in total number section 54337 is the total number of plates that the customer has picked up to date. Total conversion section 54338 stores the total numerical value of the converted numerical values of each product stored in conversion information section 54334. The numerical value stored in total conversion section 54338 is a numerical value obtained by converting the total number of plates that the customer has picked up to date into a different indicator. Total points section 54339 stores the total number of points for each product stored in earned points section 54335. Total points section 54339 is the total number of points awarded based on the total number of plates that the customer has picked up to date.

The hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 7 will now be described. Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 7. As shown in Figure 10, the mobile terminal 7 includes a CPU 71, ROM 72, RAM 73, and memory unit 74. The CPU 71 is the main controller of the mobile terminal 7. The ROM 72 stores various programs. The RAM 73 loads programs and various data. The memory unit 74 stores various programs. The CPU 71, ROM 72, RAM 73, and memory unit 74 are connected to one another via a bus 75. The CPU 71, ROM 72, and RAM 73 constitute the control unit 700. In other words, the control unit 700 executes the control processing of the mobile terminal 7, which will be described later, by the CPU 71 operating in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 72 or memory unit 74 and loaded in the RAM 73.

RAM 73 includes an information storage unit 731. The information storage unit 731 stores messages received from the headquarters server 5 indicating the relationship between the number of products (plates) picked up by the customer, conversion information, and target information. Messages will be described later with reference to Figures 17 to 20.

The memory unit 74 is composed of non-volatile memory such as an HDD or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and includes a control program unit 741 that stores control programs, and a customer ID unit 742. The customer ID unit 742 stores a customer ID (customer identification information) that identifies the customer who owns the mobile terminal 7.

The control unit 700 is also connected to an operation unit 77 and a display unit 78 via a bus 75 and a controller 76. The operation unit 77 is, for example, a touch panel keyboard provided on the display unit 78. The display unit 78 displays information to the operator.

The control unit 700 is also connected to the communication unit 79 via the bus 75. The communication unit 79 is connected to the headquarters server 5 via the communication line 6, and transmits and receives information to and from the headquarters server 5.

The functional configuration of the ordering terminal 1 according to the embodiment will now be described. Figure 11 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the ordering terminal 1. As shown in Figure 11, the control unit 100 of the ordering terminal 1 functions as a counting unit 101, a judgment unit 102, and a display control unit 103 by following the control programs stored in the ROM 12 and the control program unit 141 of the memory unit 14.

The counting unit 101 counts the number of products picked up at customer seat K from the lane that transports products placed on plates. Specifically, the counting unit 101 counts the number of products based on the output information from the product discrimination sensor 21, which detects a plate picked up from the lane and inserted through the insertion slot N.

The judgment unit 102 determines whether the number of products picked up meets a predetermined number. Specifically, the judgment unit 102 determines whether the number detected by the product discrimination sensor 21 meets condition (2), including the predetermined number of products stored in the gift product unit 144.

When the determination unit 102 determines that the predetermined number has been met, the display control unit 103 causes the display unit 18 to display a message announcing that the products being transported on the lane will be given away free of charge. Specifically, when the determination unit 102 determines that a condition including the predetermined number has been met, the display control unit 103 causes the display unit 18 to display a message announcing that the products being transported on the circulating lane R will be given away free of charge.

The control of the ordering terminal 1 will now be described. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the ordering terminal 1. The control unit 100 of the ordering terminal 1 determines whether a customer ID has been input from the card reader 20 or the like (S11). If it determines that a customer ID has been input (Yes in S11), the control unit 100 stores the input customer ID in the customer ID unit 132 (S12). The control unit 100 then transmits the stored customer ID to the store server 3 (S13). The control unit 100 then returns to S11.

Also, if it is determined that the input was not a customer ID (No in S11), the control unit 100 determines whether the product selection key 171 has been operated (S14). If it is determined that the product selection key 171 has been operated (Yes in S14), the control unit 100 stores product information related to the selected product (product ID, product name, price, sale date and time, etc.) in RAM 13 (S15). The control unit 100 then returns to S11.

Furthermore, if it is determined that the product selection key 171 has not been operated (No in S14), the control unit 100 determines whether the order key 172 has been operated (S16). If it is determined that the order key 172 has been operated (Yes in S16), the control unit 100 increments by 1 the number of items stored in the order quantity section 1313 for the product stored in RAM 13 in the processing of S15 (S17). The control unit 100 then executes processing to issue an order instruction to the kitchen for the product stored in the processing of S15 (S18).

Also, if it is determined that the order key 172 has not been operated (No in S16), the control unit 100 determines whether it has received information indicating the type of product placed on the plate inserted into the insertion port N, output by the product discrimination sensor 21 provided in the insertion port N (S19). If it determines that information indicating the type of plate has been received (Yes in S19), the control unit 100 executes processing to provide the product free of charge (S20).

Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the free product offering process performed in S20. In Figure 13, the counting unit 101 increments the number information stored in the number unit 1312 corresponding to the relevant product based on the received information indicating the type of product (S201). That is, it counts the number of relevant products picked up from the lane. Next, the determination unit 102 determines whether the conditions for granting a benefit (e.g., receiving a free product) are met (S202). For example, the determination unit 102 determines whether the above condition (2) is met. That is, the determination unit 102 determines whether the number of products ordered from the order terminal 1 (i.e., products picked up from order lane L) meets a predetermined number. If it is determined that the conditions are met (Yes in S202), the display control unit 103 reads a message related to the free product offering from the comment information unit 145 and displays it on the display unit 18 (S203).

Figure 14 shows an example of the message displayed in S203. Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of the display on the ordering terminal. As shown in Figure 14, the display unit 18 of the ordering terminal 1 displays a message 181 indicating that one product will be given free of charge, and a get key 174. The customer picks up one product (sushi) from the circulating lane R and operates the get key 174.

Returning to the explanation of Figure 13, the control unit 100 determines whether the acquisition key 174 has been operated (S204). It waits until it is operated (No in S204), and if it determines that the acquisition key 174 has been operated (Yes in S204), the control unit 100 hides the message displayed on the display unit 18 (S205). The control unit 100 then ends the processing. Furthermore, if it determines that the above condition (2) is met (No in S202), the control unit 100 ends the processing.

Returning to the explanation of Figure 12, if it is determined that information indicating the type of product has not been received (No in S19), and after executing the processes of S18 and S20, the control unit 100 determines whether the payment key 173 has been operated (S21). If it is determined that the payment key 173 has been operated (Yes in S21), the control unit 100 transmits payment information for the customer's meal to the store server 3 (S22). The payment information includes all information stored in the product information unit 131, the customer ID stored in the customer ID unit 132 (only if stored), the seat number stored in the seat number unit 143, etc. The control unit 100 then ends processing. If it is determined that the payment key 173 has not been operated (No in S21), the control unit 100 returns to S11.

In this embodiment, the ordering terminal 1 includes a counting unit 101 that counts the number of items picked up at customer seats K from the order lane L, which transports items placed on plates; a judgment unit 102 that determines whether the number of items picked up from the order lane L has reached a predetermined number; and a display control unit 103 that, when the judgment unit 102 determines that the predetermined number has been reached, causes the display unit 18 to display a message announcing that the items being transported on the circulating lane R will be given away free of charge.

The ordering terminal 1 configured in this way can display to customers that products conveyed on the circulating lane R will be given away for free. This can motivate customers to place orders. Note that, from a quality perspective, products conveyed on the circulating lane R are discarded after a certain period of time. Therefore, by giving away products on the circulating lane R for free, the number of discarded products can be reduced. Note that, although condition (2) is used in the embodiment, condition (1) or condition (3) may also be used. When condition (1) is used, the judgment unit 102 judges whether the number of products picked up from the lane (which may be either the circulating lane R or the order lane L) has reached a predetermined number. When condition (3) is used, the judgment unit 102 judges whether the number of specific products picked up from the lane (which may be either the circulating lane R or the order lane L) has reached a predetermined number.

Next, we will explain the control of the store server 3. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the store server 3. As shown in Figure 15, the control unit 300 of the store server 3 determines whether customer ID information has been received from the order terminal 1 (S31). If it is determined that customer ID information has been received (Yes in S31), the control unit 300 transmits the received customer ID to the head office server 5 (S32). The control unit 300 then ends the process.

Furthermore, if it is determined that the customer ID has not been received from the ordering terminal 1 (No in S31), the control unit 300 determines whether product order information and a customer seat number have been received from the ordering terminal 1 (S33). If it is determined that product order information and a customer seat number have been received (Yes in S33), the control unit 300 stores the received order information in the product information unit 3312, correlating it with the customer seat number stored in the customer seat number unit 3311 (S34). If a customer ID is also received at the same time, the control unit 300 stores the customer ID in the customer ID unit 3313, associated with the received customer seat number (S34). Next, the control unit 300 processes a product cooking order to the kitchen based on the stored order information (S35). The control unit 300 then ends the process.

Also, if it is determined that product order information and seat number have not been received (No in S33), the control unit 300 determines whether payment information has been received from the order terminal 1 (S36). If it is determined that payment information has been received (Yes in S36), the control unit 300 executes payment processing based on the payment information (S37). The control unit 300 then transmits the payment information (and the customer ID, if stored in the corresponding customer ID unit 3313) to the headquarters server 5 (S38). The control unit 300 then terminates processing. Also, if it is determined that payment information has not been received (No in S36), the control unit 300 terminates processing.

Next, we will explain the control of the headquarters server 5. Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the headquarters server 5. As shown in Figure 16, the control unit 500 of the headquarters server 5 determines whether payment information and customer ID information have been received from the store server 3 (S51). The control unit 500 waits until receipt (No in S51). If it determines that payment information and customer ID information have been received (Yes in S51), the control unit 500 (customer information unit) updates the information stored in the product history unit 5433 related to that customer ID based on the received payment information (S52). In this embodiment, the following process is performed as the process of S52. That is, based on the information stored in the number unit 1312 included in the payment information, the accumulated information (number of products eaten so far) stored in the number unit 54332 is updated for each product. Then, based on the information stored in the updated number unit 54332, the total number (accumulated information) in the total number unit 54337 is updated. Furthermore, the conversion information in the conversion information section 54334 is updated based on the accumulated information in the updated number of pieces section 54332. In this embodiment, the height of the stacked plates is updated based on the updated number of products that have been picked up so far. The conversion information in the total conversion section 54338 is updated based on the conversion information in the updated conversion information section 54334. Furthermore, the number of points stored in the earned points section 54335 is updated based on the accumulated information in the updated number of pieces section 54332. The information on the total number of points stored in the total points section 54339 is updated based on the information in the updated earned points section 54335.

Next, the control unit 500 (generation unit) creates a message for each customer regarding the number of products they have eaten at store M (including each store of a chain store) based on the information stored in the updated product history unit 5433 (S53). For example, the message to be created may be as follows:
(4) A message indicating the relationship between the products eaten by the customer and the set target number, using the accumulated information in the number of pieces section 54332 or the accumulated information in the total number of pieces section 54337, and the target information in the target memory section 54333. If based on the accumulated information in the number of pieces section 54332, the message indicates the relationship with the target number for a specific product (one or more of products A to N). If based on the accumulated information in the total number section 54337, the message indicates the relationship with the target number for the total number of all products.
(5) A message indicating the ranking of the customer at store M in terms of the number of items eaten by the customer, using the accumulated information in the number of items section 54332 or the accumulated information in the total number of items section 54337 and the accumulated information in the number of items section 54332 of other customers. If based on the accumulated information in the number of items section 54332, a message indicating the ranking of the customer at store M in terms of a specific item. If based on the accumulated information in the total number of items section 54337, a message indicating the ranking of the customer at store M in terms of the total number of all items.
(6) A message indicating how close the number of products actually eaten (height of the stacked plates) is to a target index (for example, the height of Tokyo Tower), using the conversion information of the conversion information unit 54334, which converts the number of products eaten into another index, or the conversion information of the total conversion unit 54338, and the information of the comparison unit 54336. If based on the conversion information of the conversion information unit 54334, the message indicates the actual results for a specific product against the target index. If based on the conversion information of the total conversion unit 54338, the message indicates the actual results for the total of all products eaten against the target index.

The control unit 500 (output unit) then transmits the created message to the mobile device 7 (S54). The control unit 500 then terminates the process. Note that which of messages (4) to (6) the control unit 500 will transmit is set on the mobile device 7, and the headquarters server 5 receives the setting information and transmits the corresponding message.

Next, we will explain the control of the mobile terminal 7. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the mobile terminal 7. An application is pre-installed on the mobile terminal 7, and based on this application, it has the function of specifying (4) to (6) and the function of displaying information received from the headquarters server 5.

That is, the control unit 700 of the mobile terminal 7 determines whether message information has been received from the headquarters server 5 (S71). It waits until it is received (No in S71), and if it determines that message information has been received (Yes in S71), the control unit 700 displays the received message on the display unit 78 (S72). The control unit 700 then ends the processing.

For example, when message information (4) is received, the control unit 700 displays a message such as that shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the display unit 78 of the mobile terminal 7. Display example 781 displays the number of items the customer has eaten to date, broken down by price. Display example 782 displays an example of an amount that corresponds to the number of specific items the customer has eaten to date. Display examples 783 and 784 display the relationship between the number of items the customer has eaten to date and the target value. Display example 785 displays the relationship between the number of specific items the customer has eaten to date and the target value. The control unit 700 displays a selection from display examples 781 to 785 according to the selection settings on the mobile terminal 7.

Furthermore, when message information (5) is received, for example, the control unit 700 displays a message such as that shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the display unit 78 of the mobile terminal 7. Display example 786 is a display showing a ranking of the number of products the customer has eaten so far, in comparison with the top-ranked customer. Display example 787 is a display showing a diagram of the customer's ranking, in comparison with the top-ranked customer. The control unit 700 displays either display example 786 or display example 787, or both simultaneously.

Furthermore, when message information (6) is received, for example, the control unit 700 displays a message such as that shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the display unit 78 of the mobile terminal 7. Display example 788 is a display that compares the number of items the customer has eaten so far, converted into the height of the plates stacked, with the height of a target object (for example, Tokyo Tower). Display example 789 is a graphical display of the information in display example 788.

In this way, the headquarters server 5 of this embodiment includes a customer information unit that cumulatively stores accumulated information on the number of products a customer has picked up from a lane, organized by customer identification information that identifies the customer; a generation unit that generates a message indicating the relationship between the accumulated information stored by the customer information unit and the target number of products the customer has previously picked up, based on the accumulated information and target information related to the accumulated information; and an output unit that outputs the generated information so that it can be displayed on a display device.

With this configuration, the headquarters server 5 can display information on the mobile terminal 7 that will motivate customers to place an order.

The above describes an embodiment of the present invention, but this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be embodied in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and its variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims.

For example, in the embodiment, the order terminal 1 has been described as an example of an information processing device. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the store server 3, headquarters server 5, and mobile terminal 7 may also be information processing devices.

Furthermore, in each embodiment, a mobile terminal 7 carried by a customer has been described. However, this is not limiting, and a non-portable device such as a PC (Personal Computer) may be used instead of the mobile terminal 7.

In addition, in the embodiment, the payment information is transmitted from the ordering terminal 1 to the headquarters server 5 via the store server 3. However, this is not limited to this. The ordering terminal 1 may also transmit electronic receipt information, which is an electronic receipt of the payment information, to the electronic receipt management server, and extract the number of products (number of plates) included in the payment information from the electronic receipt information received by the electronic receipt management server, and update the information in the customer master 543.

In addition, in the embodiment, the ordering terminal 1 counts the number of products picked up from the lane and determines the type of product based on the output from the product discrimination sensor 21. However, this is not limited to this. For example, a camera may be installed above the customer seats K, and the camera may capture an image of the action of picking up products from the lane, and the type of product picked up from the lane may be determined based on the captured image.

Furthermore, in the embodiment, the lanes for transporting goods are described as the circulation lane R and the order lane L. However, this is not limiting, and goods may be transported using only the circulation lane R or only the order lane L.

In addition, in the embodiment, the order terminal 1 executes the free gift process (processing S19 and S20 in FIG. 12, or processing S201 and S202 in FIG. 13) based on the number of products detected by the product discrimination sensor 21. However, this is not limiting, and these processes may also be executed by the store server 3.

In addition, the process of Figure 17 and the display of Figures 18 to 20 performed by the mobile terminal 7 in this embodiment may be performed by the ordering terminal 1.

The program executed by the ordering terminal 1 in this embodiment is provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

The program executed by the ordering terminal 1 of the embodiment may also be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The program executed by the ordering terminal 1 of the embodiment may also be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

In addition, the program executed by the ordering terminal 1 of the embodiment may be configured to be provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like.

In the embodiment, as described above, the headquarters server 5 creates performance information related to the number of products selected by customers and various comparison information, and displays this information on the mobile terminal 7. This process is carried out with the goal of encouraging customers to place orders. Additional information about this invention is provided below. In the embodiment of the invention, the headquarters server 5 is an example of an information processing device, but the information processing device may also be the store server 3 or the mobile terminal 7.

[Note]
[Claim 1]
a customer information unit that stores accumulated information on the number of products picked up by customers from the lane, in a cumulative manner according to customer identification information that identifies the customer;
a generating unit that generates a message indicating a relationship with a target number of products previously picked up by the customer based on the accumulated information stored by the customer information unit and target information related to the accumulated information;
an output unit that outputs the generated information so that it can be displayed on a display device;
An information processing device comprising:
[Claim 2]
the generation unit generates a message that can compare information obtained by converting the accumulated information based on a specific index with target information for the index.
The information processing device according to claim 1 .
[Claim 3]
the generation unit generates a message that can compare information obtained by converting the accumulated information about a specific product based on a specific index with target information for the index.
The information processing device according to claim 2 .
[Claim 4]
the generation unit generates a message that can be compared by graphically representing information obtained by converting the accumulated information based on a specific index and the target information.
4. The information processing device according to claim 2 or 3.
[Claim 5]
Computers as information processing devices
a customer information unit that stores accumulated information on the number of products picked up by customers from the lane, in a cumulative manner according to customer identification information that identifies the customer;
a generating unit that generates a message indicating a relationship with a target number of products previously picked up by the customer based on the accumulated information stored by the customer information unit and target information related to the accumulated information;
an output unit that outputs the generated information so that it can be displayed on a display device;
A program to function as a

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Order terminal 3 Store server 5 Headquarters server 7 Mobile terminal 10 Order management system 21 Product discrimination sensor 100 Control unit 101 Counting unit 102 Determination unit 103 Display control unit 131 Product information unit 132 Customer ID unit 142 Product master 143 Customer seat number unit 144 Gift product unit 145 Comment information unit 300 Control unit 331 Product management unit 342 Product master 500 Control unit 542 Product master 543 Customer master 700 Control unit 731 Information storage unit 1311 Product ID unit 1312 Number unit 1313 Order number unit 1314 Total number unit 1315 Gift number unit 1431 Customer ID unit 1432 Customer information unit 5431 Customer ID unit 5432 Customer information unit 5433 Product history section 54331 Product ID section 54332 Number section 54333 Target memory section 54334 Conversion information section 54335 Earned points section 54336 Comparison section 54337 Total number section 54338 Total conversion section 54339 Total points section K Customer seat L Order lane N Insert slot R Circulation lane

JP 2014-52944 A

Claims (5)

a counting unit that counts the number of plates on which the eaten products are placed ;
a determination unit that determines whether the number of plates has reached a predetermined number;
a display control unit that displays on a display unit a message announcing that the products conveyed by the lane will be given away free of charge when the determination unit determines that the predetermined number has been reached;
An information processing device comprising: An ordering unit for ordering products,
the determination unit determines whether the total number of plates related to the products ordered by the ordering unit has reached the predetermined number.
The information processing device according to claim 1 . The lane includes a circulating lane that transports a wide variety of products to each customer seat in the store, and an ordering lane that transports products ordered from the ordering section directly to the customer,
the display control unit, when the determination unit determines that the predetermined number has been satisfied, causes a message to be displayed on the display unit informing that the product being transported on the circulating lane will be given away free of charge;
The information processing device according to claim 2 . The counting unit counts the number of plates on which the eaten products are placed that are inserted into the insertion port.
The information processing device according to claim 1 . Computers as information processing devices
a counting unit that counts the number of plates on which the eaten products are placed ;
a determination unit that determines whether the number of plates has reached a predetermined number;
a display control unit that displays on a display unit a message announcing that the products conveyed by the lane will be given away free of charge when the determination unit determines that the predetermined number has been reached;
A program to function as a