Transport system, transport method, computer program product, and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides a transport system, a transport method, a computer program product, and a computer readable storage medium. The transport system is provided with: a kitchen area in which a product is cooked; a customer seat area in which a plurality of customer seats are arranged; and a waiting area in which the unmanned transport vehicle waits, the transport system being provided with: a reception unit that receives order information including information on a product ordered by a customer and a number of a seat on which the customer is seated; a display unit that accepts an instruction to deliver the product when the product is delivered; a display control unit that controls the display unit so as to display the product based on the order information received by the reception unit; and a transport control unit that transmits order information to the unmanned transport vehicle when the product is placed on the unmanned transport vehicle due to the completion of cooking of the product displayed on the display unit and an instruction to deliver the product is made on the display unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a conveyance system, a conveyance method, and a conveyance program. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a system for delivering meals from a kitchen to a dining table. This system includes a rail section disposed across the upper parts of the kitchen and the dining table, and a meal rack that travels along this rail section. When the meal rack is located above a pre-specified dining table, it descends toward that dining table (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-095381 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In the system described in Patent Document 1, there is no description of how to determine the dining table toward which the meal rack faces.

[0008] The present disclosure provides a conveyance system, a conveyance method, and a conveyance program that determine a conveyance destination based on order information.

[0009] Solutions to the Problems

[0010] A conveyance system according to one aspect includes: a kitchen area where goods are cooked; a customer seating area where seats for a plurality of customers are arranged; and a waiting area located between the kitchen area and the customer seating area, where an unmanned conveyance vehicle waits. The conveyance system includes: a reception unit that receives order information including goods ordered by a customer and the number of the seat where the customer is seated; a display unit that receives an instruction for delivering goods when the goods are to be delivered; a display control unit that controls the display unit to display goods based on the order information received by the reception unit; and a conveyance control unit that, when the cooking of the goods displayed on the display unit is completed, the goods are placed on the unmanned conveyance vehicle, and an instruction for delivering the goods is given on the display unit, the conveyance control unit sends the order information to the unmanned conveyance vehicle. When the order information is sent to the unmanned conveyance vehicle, the unmanned conveyance vehicle transports the cooked goods to the seat corresponding to the number included in the order information.

[0011] Advantages of the Invention

[0012] The conveyance system, conveyance method, and conveyance program of the present disclosure can determine a conveyance destination based on order information. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] Figure 1 It is a diagram for explaining the kitchen area, customer seating area, and waiting area involved in one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a diagram for explaining the waiting area involved in one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a block diagram for explaining the information processing device involved in one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a block diagram for explaining the unmanned transport vehicle of one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a flowchart for explaining the transport method involved in one embodiment. Detailed Embodiment

[0018] Next, one embodiment will be described.

[0019] [Overview of Transport System 1]

[0020] First, the overview of the transport system 1 involved in one embodiment will be described.

[0021] Figure 1 It is a diagram for explaining the kitchen area 11, customer seating area 12, and waiting area 13 involved in one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 It is a diagram for explaining the waiting area 13 involved in one embodiment.

[0023] The transport system 1 is, for example, a system that transports cooked goods to the customer seats 400 in a restaurant or the like.

[0024] A restaurant, for example, has a kitchen area 11, a customer seating area 12, and a waiting area 13.

[0025] The kitchen area 11 is an area for cooking goods. The kitchen area 11 is an area equipped with cooking equipment 300 and the like for cooking the goods (dishes) provided by the restaurant. An example of the cooking equipment 300 can be various equipment represented by stoves (heating equipment for heating and cooking using electricity and gas fuels), deep fryers, griddles, boiling machines, and microwave ovens.

[0026] The customer seating area 12 is an area where a plurality of customer seats are arranged. That is, the customer seating area 12 is an area where a plurality of customer seats 400 are arranged. The customer seat 400 can be, for example, a seat where a customer who receives the provision of goods (dishes) is seated, a dining table, or the like. In addition, the arrangement of the customer seats 400 can also be private rooms or counter seats. Each of the customer seats 400 can also be equipped with an ordering terminal 401 for customers to place orders.

[0027] The waiting area 13 is an area between the kitchen area 11 and the customer seating area 12, and the unmanned transport vehicle 200 waits in this waiting area 13. The waiting area 13 is an area that forms the boundary between the kitchen area 11 and the customer seating area 12. The waiting area 13 can have an entrance 13a and an exit 13b for the unmanned transport vehicle 200.

[0028] There can be a plurality of unmanned transport vehicles 200. In addition, the unmanned transport vehicle 200 can grasp its position in the waiting area 13 and the customer seating area 12. In the waiting area 13, the plurality of unmanned transport vehicles 200 can wait in a single line, or the plurality of unmanned transport vehicles 200 can also wait in multiple lines.

[0029] The unmanned transport vehicle 200 moves (waits) in a one-way manner from the entrance 13a of the waiting area 13 towards the exit 13b.

[0030] The movement and stop of the unmanned transport vehicle 200 can be controlled based on the vehicle control unit 210 (refer to Figure 4 ) mounted on the unmanned transport vehicle 200 itself, or the movement and stop of the unmanned transport vehicle 200 can also be remotely controlled based on the control of the information processing device 100 (control unit 110) described later (refer to Figure 1 ). When the goods (dishes) are placed on the unmanned transport vehicle 200 itself during the transportation of goods (dishes), the unmanned transport vehicle 200 can refer to the corresponding information (first corresponding information) corresponding to the waiting area 13 (the positions of the entrance 13a and the exit 13b of the waiting area 13, etc.), the position of the customer seating area 12, the arrangement (position) of the customer seats 400 in the customer seating area 12, and the numbers (table numbers) marked on the customer seats 400, and thus drive itself to the customer seat 400 where the goods (dishes) should be transported (the driving route is determined by the vehicle itself) to transport the goods (dishes).

[0031] In addition, the first corresponding information may also be information corresponding to the customer seat 400 (table number), the travel route of the unmanned transport vehicle 200 from the exit 13b of the waiting area 13 to the customer seat 400 (table number), and the travel route of the unmanned transport vehicle 200 from the customer seat 400 (table number) to the entrance 13a of the waiting area 13. In this case, the unmanned transport vehicle 200 can transport goods (dishes) according to the travel route specified by the first corresponding information.

[0032] The unmanned transport vehicle 200 can also communicate with other unmanned transport vehicles 200 based on the control of the vehicle control unit 210 mounted on the vehicle, and thus wait autonomously in the waiting area 13 in a column formation. Alternatively, the unmanned transport vehicle 200 can also wait in the waiting area 13 in a column formation based on the control of the information processing device 100 (control unit 110) described later that communicates with a plurality of unmanned transport vehicles 200.

[0033] In this case, the unmanned transport vehicle 200 can determine whether it is waiting at the head 201 in the waiting area 13 (column) based on the control of the vehicle control unit 210. Alternatively, the information processing device 100 (control unit 110) can determine the unmanned transport vehicle 200 waiting at the head 201 in the waiting area 13 (column) and the unmanned transport vehicle 200 waiting behind 202 in the column. That is, the transport system 1 can determine the order of the plurality of unmanned transport vehicles 200 waiting in the waiting area 13 (the order when transporting goods (dishes)).

[0034] For example, it can be that the unmanned transport vehicle 200 closest to the exit 13b of the waiting area 13 (the unmanned transport vehicle 200 waiting at the head 201 in the column formed in the waiting area 13) moves from the exit 13b of the waiting area 13 to the customer seat area 12 with reference to the corresponding information (the first corresponding information) when loaded with goods (dishes) cooked in the kitchen area 11, and autonomously moves to the customer seat 400 where the goods should be provided. For example, it can be that the unmanned transport vehicle 200 stops moving when it reaches the customer seat 400, and moves autonomously from the customer seat area 12 through the entrance 13a of the waiting area 13 to the waiting area 13 with reference to the corresponding information (the first corresponding information) when the customer has received the goods (dishes). The unmanned transport vehicle 200 stops moving at the very end 203 of the column formed in the waiting area 13.

[0035] In addition, the unmanned transport vehicle 200 or the information processing device 100 (control unit 110) may also control the vehicle itself (unmanned transport vehicle 200) so that the transport speed (first transport speed) (moving speed) when transporting goods (dishes) from the waiting area 13 to the customer seating area 12 is slower than the transport speed (second transport speed) (moving speed) when returning from the customer seating area 12 to the waiting area 13.

[0036] Details of the unmanned transport vehicle 200 will be described later.

[0037] In addition, the transport system 1 includes an information processing device 100. The information processing device 100 can be, for example, a computer such as a server, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and a smart phone. Next, the information processing device 100 will be described.

[0038] [Details of the information processing device 100]

[0039] Next, the information processing device 100 according to one embodiment will be described in detail.

[0040] Figure 3 It is a block diagram for explaining the information processing device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0041] The information processing device 100 includes, for example, a communication unit 121, a storage unit 122, a display unit 123, and a control unit 110, etc. The control unit 110 includes, for example, a reception unit 111, a display control unit 112, and a transport control unit 113, etc. The control unit 110 can be constituted by, for example, an arithmetic processing device of the information processing device 100. The control unit 110 (for example, an arithmetic processing device, etc.) can also implement the functions of each unit (for example, the reception unit 111, the display control unit 112, and the transport control unit 113, etc.) by appropriately reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 122, etc.

[0042] The communication unit 121 is, for example, a communication interface capable of transmitting and receiving various information to and from devices (external devices) outside the information processing device 100. The external devices here can be, for example, the unmanned transport vehicle 200 and a display terminal (ordering terminal 401), etc.

[0043] The storage unit 122 can store various information and programs, for example. An example of the storage unit 122 can be a memory, a solid state drive, and a hard disk drive, etc. In addition, the storage unit 122 can also be, for example, a storage area and a server located in the cloud, etc.

[0044] The display unit 123 is, for example, a display capable of displaying various characters, symbols, and images, etc. There can be multiple display units 123.

[0045] The display unit 123 can be arranged, for example, at a position adjacent to the waiting area 13 within the kitchen area 11. The display unit 123 can have a touch panel function. The display unit 123 displays the products (completed dishes) cooked in the kitchen area 11. When the cooked products (dishes) are placed on the unmanned transport vehicle 200 waiting at the head 201 of the waiting area 13 by the staff member 500 (refer to Figure 2 ), the staff member 500 indicates the transport by the unmanned transport vehicle 200 by selecting the product (dish placed on the unmanned transport vehicle 200) displayed on the display unit 123. That is, the display unit 123 accepts the product delivery instruction when the product (dish placed on the unmanned transport vehicle 200) is selected (the designated button for the delivery (transport) when delivering the product using the unmanned transport vehicle 200 is operated). The display unit 123 displays the designated button for accepting the delivery instruction at the time of product delivery. In addition, the indication of product delivery is not limited to the case where the designated button is operated, and various methods and means can be used for the indication.

[0046] The acceptance unit 111 accepts the order information from the order terminal 401 for accepting the order of products from customers via the communication unit 121, for example. The order information can include information on the products (dishes) that the customer wishes to order (ordered products) input via the order terminal 401, and table number information for determining the customer seat 400 (table number) where the customer is seated. That is, the acceptance unit 111 accepts the order information including information on the products ordered by the customer in the customer seat area 12 and the number of the seat where the customer is seated.

[0047] The order terminal 401 can be a terminal operated by the staff member of the restaurant (staff terminal), or can be terminals respectively arranged at a plurality of customer seats 400 for the customers to operate (customer seat terminals). In this case, the acceptance unit 111 can accept the order information (order of products by the customer) via the touch panel-equipped display terminals (customer seat terminals) arranged at each seat in the customer seat area 12, for example, or can accept the order information (order of products by the customer) via the staff terminal.

[0048] The display control unit 112 controls the display unit 123 to display the products based on the order information accepted by the acceptance unit 111. When the products are cooked in the kitchen area 11 based on the order information and the products are completed (when the cooking is finished), as an example, when the completed products are designated by the staff member 500, the display control unit 112 controls the display unit 123 to display the products. Alternatively, the display control unit 112 controls the display unit 123 to display the products based on the order information, and controls to also display the products based on the order information on the kitchen display unit 301 arranged in the kitchen area 11 (refer to Figure 1 ).

[0049] As described above, when the display unit 123 receives a merchandise delivery instruction, it sends the merchandise delivery instruction to the control unit 110 (e.g., the conveyance control unit 113, etc.).

[0050] When the cooking of the merchandise displayed on the display unit 123 is completed, the merchandise is placed, and a merchandise delivery instruction for the merchandise is received by the display unit 123, the conveyance control unit 113 controls the unmanned conveyance vehicle 200 to convey the merchandise. That is, the conveyance control unit 113 instructs the unmanned conveyance vehicle 200 to convey the merchandise to the customer seat 400 of the table number of the merchandise to be conveyed (the merchandise selected by the display unit 123) based on the order information and the corresponding information (the first corresponding information). As an example, the conveyance control unit 113 sends information on the customer seat 400 (table number) of the merchandise to be conveyed and information on the merchandise to be conveyed, etc. (merchandise delivery instruction) (departure command) to the unmanned conveyance vehicle 200 via the communication unit 121. When the cooking of the merchandise displayed on the display unit 123 is completed, the merchandise is placed on the unmanned conveyance vehicle 200, and a merchandise delivery instruction is given on the display unit 123, the conveyance control unit 113 sends the order information to the unmanned conveyance vehicle 200.

[0051] [Unmanned Conveyance Vehicle 200]

[0052] Next, the unmanned conveyance vehicle 200 will be described.

[0053] Figure 4 It is a block diagram for explaining the unmanned conveyance vehicle 200 of one embodiment.

[0054] The unmanned conveyance vehicle 200 includes a vehicle communication unit 221, a vehicle display unit 222, and a vehicle control unit 210.

[0055] The vehicle communication unit 221 is, for example, a communication interface capable of transmitting and receiving various information between devices (external devices) outside the unmanned conveyance vehicle 200. The external devices here may be, for example, the information processing device 100, the display terminal (ordering terminal 401), and other unmanned conveyance vehicles 200 different from this vehicle.

[0056] The vehicle display unit 222 is, for example, a display capable of displaying various characters, symbols, images, etc. That is, the vehicle display unit 222 displays various contents under the control of the vehicle control unit 210.

[0057] The vehicle control unit 210 controls the driverless transport vehicle 200. For example, the vehicle control unit 210 controls the driving and stopping of the driverless transport vehicle 200, the transport of goods by the driverless transport vehicle 200 in response to a goods delivery instruction (departure command), the movement of the driverless transport vehicle 200 between the waiting area 13 and the customer seating area 12, and the arrangement in the waiting area 13, etc.

[0058] When the order information is sent to the driverless transport vehicle 200, the driverless transport vehicle 200 transports the cooked goods to the seat with the number included in the order information. When the transport control unit 113 instructs the driverless transport vehicle 200 to transport goods (when the driverless transport vehicle 200 receives a departure command via the vehicle communication unit 221), the driverless transport vehicle 200 transports the goods (dishes) to the customer seat 400. That is, when the cooking of the goods displayed on the display unit 123 is completed, the goods are placed thereon and the goods delivery instruction is received by the display unit 123, the driverless transport vehicle 200 moves to the seat (customer seat 400) with the number (table number information) and the corresponding information (first corresponding information) included in the order information to transport the cooked goods (completed goods).

[0059] When multiple driverless transport vehicles 200 are waiting in the waiting area 13, the driverless transport vehicle 200 closest to the exit 13b of the waiting area 13 among the multiple driverless transport vehicles 200 receives the cooked goods. That is, the multiple driverless transport vehicles 200 wait in a row formation in the waiting area 13. Therefore, the staff member 500 places the cooked goods on the driverless transport vehicle 200 waiting at the head 201 of the row. Alternatively, each of the multiple driverless transport vehicles 200 can, for example, communicate with other vehicles (other driverless transport vehicles 200 different from the vehicle itself) and refer to the position of the vehicle itself (position information) and the corresponding information (first corresponding information) to know what position the vehicle itself is in, what position the other vehicles are in, and whether it is waiting at the head 201 of the row or waiting behind 202 in the row in the waiting area 13.

[0060] Therefore, regarding the automated guided vehicle 200 (one automated guided vehicle 200), for example, it is possible to determine that this vehicle is the automated guided vehicle 200 waiting at the head 201 of the column formed in the waiting area 13, that is, one of the automated guided vehicles waiting at the head 201 when waiting in a single column or one of them (one of the heads of multiple columns) when waiting in multiple columns, and it is possible to determine that the merchandise delivery instruction sent from the information processing device 100 (such as the conveyance control unit 113, etc.) is an instruction for this vehicle, estimate that the merchandise for which there is such a merchandise delivery instruction has been loaded onto this vehicle, and thus start conveying the merchandise to the customer seat 400 based on the order information and the correspondence information (first correspondence information). That is, the automated guided vehicle 200 can determine the position of the seat (customer seat 400) corresponding to the number (table number) by referring to the correspondence information (first correspondence information) that associates the number of the seat (customer seat 400) with the position of the seat (customer seat 400) within the customer seat area 12, and start conveying the cooked merchandise based on the merchandise delivery instruction.

[0061] The traveling speed of the automated guided vehicle 200 can be set at multiple levels, and the automated guided vehicle 200 can refer to the correspondence information (second correspondence information) that associates each of multiple merchandise items with the traveling speed of the automated guided vehicle 200 and travel at the traveling speed corresponding to that merchandise when conveying the cooked merchandise.

[0062] As an example, in the case of conveying merchandise with a relatively low height such as noodles and pastries, compared to the case of conveying merchandise with a relatively high height such as beverages and coffee, the merchandise is less likely to topple over and less likely to become deformed. Therefore, as an example, it can be such that the traveling speed of the automated guided vehicle 200 when conveying the merchandise can be changed based on whether the merchandise is less likely to topple over during conveyance, whether the merchandise is less likely to become deformed during conveyance, and the height of the merchandise, etc.

[0063] That is, when in a situation where the merchandise is less likely to topple over during conveyance, the merchandise is less likely to become deformed during conveyance, the height of the merchandise is relatively low, etc. (first situation), the traveling speed can be set such that the traveling speed of the automated guided vehicle 200 is relatively fast. Additionally, when in a situation where the merchandise is likely to topple over during conveyance, the merchandise is likely to become deformed during conveyance, the height of the merchandise is relatively high, etc. (second situation), the traveling speed can be set such that the traveling speed of the automated guided vehicle 200 is relatively slow. In other words, in the above first situation, the traveling speed can be set such that the traveling speed of the automated guided vehicle 200 is faster than the traveling speed in the above second situation.

[0064] The above setting of the traveling speed can be performed for each merchandise item, and the correspondence between the merchandise and the traveling speed can be recorded in the second correspondence information.

[0065] Alternatively, when the unmanned transport vehicle 200 receives an instruction for delivering a product, it may refer to the second corresponding information to determine the traveling speed corresponding to the product for which the product delivery instruction has been received, and move from the waiting area 13 to the customer seat 400 at the determined traveling speed.

[0066] Alternatively, when the unmanned transport vehicle 200 carrying the cooked product reaches the seat (customer seat 400) as the delivery destination, control may be performed to display a message indicating that the product has arrived on the display terminal (ordering terminal 401) disposed at the seat (customer seat 400) as the delivery destination. Alternatively, the unmanned transport vehicle 200 may be capable of performing wireless communication with the display terminal (ordering terminal 401) via the vehicle communication unit 221. Alternatively, when the unmanned transport vehicle 200 reaches the customer seat 400 and stops, it may send an arrival signal to the display terminal (ordering terminal 401) disposed at the customer seat 400.

[0067] In addition, as an example, the unmanned transport vehicle 200 may also identify the display terminal (ordering terminal 401) based on the table number of the customer seat 400 (or the identification information of the ordering terminal 401), and send an arrival signal to the display terminal (the display terminal recording the identification information) corresponding to the table number specified by the product delivery instruction. The identification information of the display terminal (ordering terminal 401) may be recorded in the order information, for example.

[0068] Alternatively, when the display terminal (ordering terminal 401) receives the arrival signal, it may output a message indicating that the product has arrived, which has been pre-correlated with the arrival signal, that is, display characters, symbols, images, etc. indicating that the product has arrived, and output a sound or voice indicating that the product has arrived from a speaker (not shown). Thus, even when the customer seat 400 is a counter seat or the like where the customer cannot see the arrival of the unmanned transport vehicle 200, the arrival of the unmanned transport vehicle 200 can be notified to the customer through the display terminal (ordering terminal 401).

[0069] The unmanned transport vehicle 200 may also be provided with a transport vehicle display unit (vehicle display unit 222), and the transport vehicle display unit (vehicle display unit 222) displays content associated with the product when transporting the cooked product. The unmanned transport vehicle 200 stores information (third corresponding information) in which products are associated with content associated with the products (for example, characters, symbols, images, etc., as well as sounds, voices, etc.). The content associated with the product may be content for promoting the product, various discounts obtained when ordering the product, the origin of the raw materials used in the product, or various other content associated with the product other than these contents. The unmanned transport vehicle 200 can be controlled to determine the content associated with the product based on the product specified by the product delivery instruction (the product to be transported to the customer seat 400), and output the determined content when transporting the product to the customer seat 400. For example, the determined content (for example, characters, symbols, and images, etc.) is displayed on the vehicle display unit 222, and the determined content (for example, sounds and voices, etc.) is output from a speaker (not shown) disposed on the unmanned transport vehicle 200.

[0070] Alternatively, when the transport of the product is completed, the unmanned transport vehicle 200 passes through the entrance 13a of the waiting area 13 and moves to the rearmost 203 of the plurality of unmanned transport vehicles 200 waiting in the waiting area 13. The unmanned transport vehicle 200 can grasp the position of the vehicle in the waiting area 13 and the customer seat area 12. In addition, as described above, the unmanned transport vehicle 200 communicates with other vehicles and refers to the position of the vehicle (position information) and the corresponding information (first corresponding information), so that it can grasp the position of the vehicle, the position of other vehicles, and whether it is waiting at the head 201 of the column or waiting at the rear 202 of the column in the waiting area 13. Therefore, when moving from the customer seat area 12 to the waiting area 13, the unmanned transport vehicle 200 can pass through the entrance 13a of the waiting area 13 and move to the rearmost 203 of the waiting column formed in the waiting area 13 and stop.

[0071] [Transport method]

[0072] Next, a transport method according to an embodiment will be described.

[0073] Figure 5 It is a flowchart for explaining the transport method according to an embodiment.

[0074] In step ST101, a display terminal (ordering terminal 401) accepts an order for a customer's merchandise. In response to the acceptance of the merchandise order, the display terminal (ordering terminal 401) generates order information and sends it to the information processing device 100 (such as the control unit 110, etc.). The order information may include, for example, information on the merchandise ordered by the customer and the number (table number) of the customer seat 400 where the customer is seated.

[0075] In step ST102, the control unit 110 accepts the order information through the acceptance unit 111. That is, the acceptance unit 111 accepts order information including information on the merchandise ordered by the customer in the customer seat area 12 and the number of the seat where the customer is seated. The acceptance unit 111 can accept order information (merchandise order by the customer), for example, by means of a touch panel-equipped display terminal (customer seat terminal) disposed at each seat in the customer seat area 12. The control unit 110 (for example, the display control unit 112, etc.) controls the display unit 123 and the kitchen display unit 301 to display the merchandise based on the order information accepted by the acceptance unit 111.

[0076] In step ST103, the display unit 123 displays the merchandise based on the order information under the control of the control unit 110 (for example, the display control unit 112, etc.) in step ST102.

[0077] In step ST104, when the merchandise displayed through step ST103 is completed, that is, when the cooking of the merchandise ends and the merchandise is placed on the unmanned transport vehicle 200 waiting at the head 201 of the waiting area 13, the display unit 123 accepts an instruction for delivering the displayed merchandise.

[0078] When multiple unmanned transport vehicles 200 are waiting in the waiting area 13, the unmanned transport vehicle 200 closest to the exit 13b of the waiting area 13 among the multiple unmanned transport vehicles 200 accepts the cooked merchandise.

[0079] When the display unit 123 accepts an instruction for delivering the merchandise, it sends the instruction for delivering the merchandise to the control unit 110 (for example, the transport control unit 113, etc.). The instruction for delivering the merchandise may include the merchandise that has ended cooking based on the order information and information on the customer seat 400 (table number) that ordered the merchandise.

[0080] In step ST105, when the control unit 110 (for example, the transport control unit 113, etc.) accepts the merchandise delivery information sent through step ST104, it sends an instruction for delivering the merchandise (departure command) to the unmanned transport vehicle 200 carrying the merchandise. The instruction for delivering the merchandise (departure instruction) may include the merchandise that has ended cooking based on the order information (the merchandise placed on the unmanned transport vehicle 200) and information on the customer seat 400 (table number) that ordered the merchandise.

[0081] In step ST106, the unmanned carrier vehicle 200 transports the loaded merchandise to the customer seat 400 (table number) based on the merchandise delivery instruction in step ST105. That is, the unmanned carrier vehicle 200 moves to the seat (customer seat 400) with that number (table number) based on the number (table number information) included in the order information and the corresponding information (first corresponding information) to transport the cooked merchandise. In other words, it can also be that when the unmanned carrier vehicle 200 receives a merchandise delivery instruction (departure command), it determines the position (and driving route, etc.) of the customer seat 400 corresponding to the table number by referring to the corresponding information (first corresponding information) that corresponds the number (table number) of the customer seat 400 with the position of the customer seat 400 within the customer seat area 12, and starts transporting the cooked merchandise.

[0082] The traveling speed of the unmanned carrier vehicle 200 can be set in multiple levels. The unmanned carrier vehicle 200 can refer to the corresponding information (second corresponding information) that corresponds each merchandise of multiple merchandise with the traveling speed of the unmanned carrier vehicle 200, and travel at the traveling speed corresponding to that merchandise when transporting the cooked merchandise.

[0083] In step ST107, when the unmanned carrier vehicle 200 transports the cooked merchandise, it can display content associated with that merchandise on the vehicle display unit 222.

[0084] In step ST108, when the unmanned carrier vehicle 200 arrives at the customer seat 400 that is the delivery destination of the merchandise, it can be controlled to display that the merchandise has arrived on the display terminal (order terminal 401) configured at the customer seat 400 that is the delivery destination.

[0085] As an example, it can be that when the unmanned carrier vehicle 200 arrives at the customer seat 400 and stops, it sends an arrival signal to the display terminal (order terminal 401) configured at that customer seat 400. When the display terminal (order terminal 401) receives the arrival signal, it can output, in correspondence with the arrival signal in advance, that the merchandise has arrived, that is, display characters, symbols, images, etc. meaning that the merchandise has arrived, and output a sound or voice meaning that the merchandise has arrived from the speaker.

[0086] When the transportation of the merchandise ends according to the processing of steps ST106 to ST108, the unmanned carrier vehicle 200 can pass through the entrance 13a of the waiting area 13 and move to the rearmost 203 of the multiple unmanned carrier vehicles 200 waiting in the waiting area 13.

[0087] [Regarding functions and circuits]

[0088] Next, the functions and circuits of the above-described information processing apparatus 100 will be described.

[0089] Each part of the information processing apparatus 100 can be implemented as a function of an arithmetic processing unit of a computer or the like. That is, the reception unit 111, the display control unit 112, and the conveyance control unit 113 (control unit 110) of the information processing apparatus 100 can be respectively implemented as a reception function, a display control function, and a conveyance control function (control function) of an arithmetic processing unit of a computer or the like.

[0090] The information processing program can cause a computer to implement the above-described various functions. The information processing program can be recorded, for example, in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium such as a memory, a solid state drive, a hard disk drive, or an optical disc. The storage medium can also be replaced with a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores the information processing program, for example. In addition, the information processing program can also be transmitted online.

[0091] In addition, as described above, each part of the information processing apparatus 100 can be implemented by an arithmetic processing unit of a computer or the like. The arithmetic processing unit or the like is constituted by an integrated circuit or the like, for example. Therefore, each part of the information processing apparatus 100 can be implemented as a circuit that constitutes the arithmetic processing unit or the like. That is, the reception unit 111, the display control unit 112, and the conveyance control unit 113 (control unit 110) of the information processing apparatus 100 can be implemented as a reception circuit, a display control circuit, and a conveyance control circuit (control circuit) that constitute an arithmetic processing unit of a computer or the like.

[0092] In addition, the communication unit 121, the storage unit 122, and the display unit 123 (output unit) of the information processing apparatus 100 can also be implemented as a communication function, a storage function, and a display function (output function) including the function of an arithmetic processing unit or the like, for example. In addition, the communication unit 121, the storage unit 122, and the display unit 123 (output unit) of the information processing apparatus 100 can also be implemented as a communication circuit, a storage circuit, and a display circuit (output circuit) by being constituted by an integrated circuit or the like, for example. In addition, the communication unit 121, the storage unit 122, and the display unit 123 (output unit) of the information processing apparatus 100 can also be configured as a communication device, a storage device, and a display device (output device) by being constituted by a plurality of devices, for example.

[0093] The conveyance system 1 can combine one or any plurality of the above-described various parts.

[0094] In the present disclosure, the term "information" is used, but the term "information" can be replaced with the term "data", and the term "data" can be replaced with "information".

[0095] [Modes and Effects of the Present Embodiment]

[0096] Next, an example of a mode of the present embodiment and the effects achieved by each mode will be described. In addition, each mode described below is an example at the time of application, and the present embodiment is not limited to the modes described below. That is, the present embodiment is not limited to the modes described below, and can also be implemented in a manner of appropriately combining the above-mentioned respective parts. In addition, the lower-level modes can sometimes refer to any of the upper-level modes.

[0097] In addition, the effects described below are examples, and the effects achieved by each mode are not limited to the effects described below. In addition, each mode can achieve at least one of the effects described below, for example.

[0098] (Mode 1)

[0099] A conveying system of one mode includes: a kitchen area where goods are cooked; a customer seating area where seats for a plurality of customers are arranged; and a waiting area located between the kitchen area and the customer seating area, where an unmanned carrier waits. The conveying system includes: a receiving unit that receives order information including goods ordered by a customer and the number of the seat where the customer is seated; a display unit that receives an instruction for delivering goods when the goods are delivered; a display control unit that controls the display unit to display the goods based on the order information received by the receiving unit; and a conveying control unit that, when the cooking of the goods displayed on the display unit is completed, the goods are placed on the unmanned carrier and an instruction for delivering the goods is given on the display unit, the conveying control unit sends the order information to the unmanned carrier. When the order information is sent to the unmanned carrier, the unmanned carrier transports the cooked goods to the seat with the number included in the order information.

[0100] Thus, the conveying system can determine the conveying destination based on the order information and use the unmanned carrier to transport the goods to the customer seat.

[0101] In addition, in the past, a staff member input the table number or the like to the unmanned carrier and used the unmanned carrier to transport the goods. Therefore, it is necessary to separately arrange a person who inputs the table number or the like to the unmanned carrier in the waiting area.

[0102] Regarding this point, the conveying system of the present embodiment can send an instruction for transporting goods from the information processing device to the unmanned carrier. That is, the conveying system can instruct the unmanned carrier to transport the goods from the kitchen area side. Thus, the conveying system can make the information processing device (for example, the display unit, etc.) cooperate with the unmanned carrier, so that the efficiency of transporting goods can be improved, and the labor saving in transporting goods can be achieved.

[0103] (Mode 2)

[0104] In a conveyance system of one mode, alternatively, a display unit may be disposed in a kitchen area adjacent to a waiting area, and the display unit displays designated buttons for receiving a delivery instruction when delivering a product.

[0105] Thereby, the conveyance system can receive a delivery instruction for a product by using the designated buttons as an example. In addition, the conveyance system can use an automated guided vehicle to convey the product to a customer seat based on the delivery instruction.

[0106] (Mode 3)

[0107] In a conveyance system of one mode, alternatively, there may be provided a plurality of automated guided vehicles, and the waiting area has an entrance and an exit for the automated guided vehicles. When the plurality of automated guided vehicles are waiting in the waiting area, the automated guided vehicle closest to the exit of the waiting area among the plurality of automated guided vehicles receives the cooked product.

[0108] Thereby, the conveyance system can determine one automated guided vehicle to more efficiently convey the product even when there are a plurality of automated guided vehicles.

[0109] (Mode 4)

[0110] In a conveyance system of one mode, alternatively, when the automated guided vehicle finishes conveying the product, it passes through the entrance of the waiting area and moves to the end of the plurality of automated guided vehicles waiting in the waiting area.

[0111] Thereby, the conveyance system can make the automated guided vehicles wait in line in the waiting area.

[0112] (Mode 5)

[0113] In a conveyance system of one mode, alternatively, the automated guided vehicle determines the position of the seat corresponding to the number by referring to the correspondence information that associates the seat number with the position of the seat in the customer seat area, and starts conveying the cooked product based on the product delivery instruction.

[0114] Thereby, the conveyance system can convey the product according to the customer's order.

[0115] (Mode 6)

[0116] In a conveyance system of one mode, alternatively, a receiving unit receives ordering information by using a touch panel-equipped display terminal disposed at each seat in the customer seat area, and when the automated guided vehicle carrying the cooked product arrives at the seat as the delivery destination, controls to display that the product has arrived on the display terminal disposed at the seat as the delivery destination.

[0117] Accordingly, in the conveying system, there are sometimes situations where customers cannot visually confirm the arrival of the driverless transport vehicle due to the orientation of the customer seats, but the arrival of the driverless transport vehicle can be notified to the customers by using the display terminal arranged at the customer seats.

[0118] (Method 7)

[0119] In a conveying system of one method, it is also possible that the traveling speed of the driverless transport vehicle can be set in multiple levels, and the driverless transport vehicle refers to the corresponding information in which each of multiple commodities is associated with the traveling speed of the driverless transport vehicle, and travels at the traveling speed corresponding to the commodity when conveying the cooked commodity.

[0120] Accordingly, when the conveying system conveys commodities that are relatively easy to topple over and commodities that are relatively easy to become deformed, the traveling speed of the driverless transport vehicle is made relatively slow, so that the possibility of the commodities toppling over or becoming deformed during conveyance can be further reduced. That is, the conveying system can provide commodities to customers more reliably, and thus can improve customer satisfaction.

[0121] (Method 8)

[0122] In a conveying system of one method, it is also possible that the driverless transport vehicle is provided with a transport vehicle display unit, and when conveying the cooked commodity, the transport vehicle display unit displays content associated with the commodity.

[0123] Accordingly, the conveying system can notify content associated with the commodity to other customers who have not ordered the commodity and are different from the customers who have ordered the commodity, so that the charm of the commodity can be conveyed to other customers, and thus an opportunity to order the commodity can be provided to other customers.

[0124] (Method 9)

[0125] In a transportation method of one mode, a computer disposed in a store executes a first reception step, a display control step, a second reception step, and a transportation step. The store includes: a kitchen area where products are cooked; a customer seating area where seats for multiple customers are arranged; and a waiting area located between the kitchen area and the customer seating area, where an unmanned transport vehicle waits. In the first reception step, order information including the products ordered by a customer and the number of the seat where the customer is seated is received. In the display control step, the display unit is controlled to display the products based on the order information received in the first reception step. In the second reception step, when a specified button for product delivery is operated, a product delivery instruction is received via the display unit. In the transportation step, when the cooking of the product displayed on the display unit is completed, the cooked product is placed on the unmanned transport vehicle and a product delivery instruction is received via the display unit, the cooked product is transported to the seat with the number included in the order information by using the unmanned transport vehicle.

[0126] Thus, the transportation method can achieve the same effect as the transportation system of the above one mode.

[0127] (Mode 10)

[0128] A transportation program of one mode is used to enable a computer disposed in a store to implement a first reception function, a display control function, a second reception function, and a transportation control function. The store includes: a kitchen area where products are cooked; a customer seating area where seats for multiple customers are arranged; and a waiting area located between the kitchen area and the customer seating area, where an unmanned transport vehicle waits. In the first reception function, order information including the products ordered by a customer and the number of the seat where the customer is seated is received. In the display control function, the display unit is controlled to display the products based on the order information received in the first reception function. In the second reception function, when a specified button for product delivery is operated, a product delivery instruction is received via the display unit. In the transportation control function, when the cooking of the product displayed on the display unit is completed, the cooked product is placed on the unmanned transport vehicle and a product delivery instruction is received via the display unit, control is performed to transport the cooked product to the seat with the number included in the order information by using the unmanned transport vehicle.

[0129] Thus, the transportation program can achieve the same effect as the transportation system of the above one mode.

[0130] Explanation of reference numerals

[0131] 1: Conveyor system; 11: Kitchen area; 12: Customer seating area; 13: Waiting area; 13a: Entrance; 13b: Exit; 100: Information processing device; 110: Control unit; 111: Reception unit; 112: Display control unit; 113: Conveyor control unit; 121: Communication unit; 122: Storage unit; 123: Display unit; 200: Automated guided vehicle; 201: Front (the front automated guided vehicle in the column); 202: Rear (the rear automated guided vehicle in the column); 203: Last (the last in the column); 210: Vehicle control unit; 221: Vehicle communication unit; 222: Vehicle display unit (conveyor vehicle display unit); 300: Cooking equipment; 301: Kitchen display unit; 400: Customer seat; 401: Display terminal (ordering terminal); 500: Staff member.

Claims

1. A conveying system, comprising: a kitchen area where goods are cooked; a customer seating area where seats for a plurality of customers are arranged; and a waiting area that is located between the kitchen area and the customer seating area, and an unmanned carrier vehicle waits in this waiting area. The conveying system includes: a receiving unit that receives order information including information on goods ordered by a customer and the number of the seat where the customer is seated; a display unit that receives an instruction for delivering goods when the goods are to be delivered; a display control unit that controls the display unit to display the goods based on the order information received by the receiving unit; and a conveyance control unit. When the cooking of the goods displayed on the display unit is completed, the goods are placed on the unmanned carrier vehicle and an instruction for delivering the goods is given on the display unit, the conveyance control unit sends the order information to the unmanned carrier vehicle. Wherein, when the order information is sent to the unmanned carrier vehicle, the unmanned carrier vehicle transports the cooked goods to the seat corresponding to the number based on the number included in the order information.

2. The conveying system according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is arranged in the kitchen area adjacent to the waiting area, and this display unit displays a specified button for receiving a delivery instruction when the goods are to be delivered.

3. The conveying system according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the unmanned carrier vehicles are provided, the waiting area has an entrance and an exit for the unmanned carrier vehicle, and when a plurality of the unmanned carrier vehicles are waiting in the waiting area, the unmanned carrier vehicle closest to the exit of the waiting area among the plurality of unmanned carrier vehicles receives the cooked goods.

4. The conveying system according to claim 3, wherein when the unmanned carrier vehicle finishes transporting the goods, it passes through the entrance of the waiting area and moves to the end of the plurality of unmanned carrier vehicles waiting in the waiting area.

5. The conveying system according to claim 1, wherein the unmanned carrier vehicle determines the position of the seat corresponding to the number by referring to the corresponding information that correlates the number of the seat with the position of the seat in the customer seating area, and starts transporting the cooked goods based on the goods delivery instruction.

6. The conveying system according to claim 1, wherein the receiving unit receives the order information by means of a touch panel-equipped display terminal arranged at each seat in the customer seating area, and when the unmanned carrier vehicle carrying the cooked goods arrives at the seat as the delivery destination, it is controlled to display a message indicating that the goods have arrived on the display terminal arranged at the seat as the delivery destination.

7. The conveying system according to claim 1, wherein the traveling speed of the unmanned carrier vehicle can be set in multiple levels, and the unmanned carrier vehicle refers to the corresponding information that correlates each of a plurality of goods with the traveling speed of the unmanned carrier vehicle, and travels at the traveling speed corresponding to the goods when transporting the cooked goods.

8. The conveying system according to claim 1, wherein The unmanned carrier vehicle is provided with a carrier vehicle display unit, and when carrying a cooked product, the carrier vehicle display unit displays content associated with the product.

9. A conveying method for a computer disposed in a store to execute a first reception step, a display control step, a second reception step, and a conveying step, wherein, The store includes: a kitchen area where products are cooked; a customer seating area where seats for a plurality of customers are arranged; and a waiting area located between the kitchen area and the customer seating area, where the unmanned carrier vehicle waits. In the first reception step, order information including the product ordered by the customer and the number of the seat where the customer is seated is received. In the display control step, the display unit is controlled to display the product based on the order information received in the first reception step. In the second reception step, when the designated button for product delivery is operated, a product delivery instruction is received via the display unit. In the conveyance step, when the cooking of the product displayed on the display unit is completed, the product is placed on the unmanned carrier vehicle, and a product delivery instruction is received via the display unit, the cooked product is conveyed to the seat with the number based on the number included in the order information by using the unmanned carrier vehicle.

10. A computer program product includes a transfer program that causes a computer configured in a store to implement a first acceptance function, a display control function, a second acceptance function, and a transfer control function, where, The store includes: a kitchen area where products are cooked; a customer seating area where seats for a plurality of customers are arranged; and a waiting area located between the kitchen area and the customer seating area, where the unmanned carrier vehicle waits. In the first reception function, order information including the product ordered by the customer and the number of the seat where the customer is seated is received. In the display control function, the display unit is controlled to display the product based on the order information received in the first reception function. In the second reception function, when the designated button for product delivery is operated, a product delivery instruction is received via the display unit. In the conveyance control function, when the cooking of the product displayed on the display unit is completed, the product is placed on the unmanned carrier vehicle, and a product delivery instruction is received via the display unit, control is performed to convey the cooked product to the seat with the number based on the number included in the order information by using the unmanned carrier vehicle.

11. A computer-readable storage medium stores a transfer program, and the transfer program is used to enable a computer configured in a store to implement a first acceptance function, a display control function, a second acceptance function, and a transfer control function, where The store includes: a kitchen area where products are cooked; a customer seating area where seats for a plurality of customers are arranged; and a waiting area located between the kitchen area and the customer seating area, where the unmanned carrier vehicle waits. In the first reception function, order information including the product ordered by the customer and the number of the seat where the customer is seated is received. In the display control function, the display unit is controlled to display the product based on the order information received in the first reception function. In the second reception function, when the designated button for product delivery is operated, a product delivery instruction is received via the display unit. In the conveyance control function, when the cooking of the product displayed on the display unit is completed, the product is placed on the unmanned conveyance vehicle, and a product delivery instruction is received through the display unit, control is performed to convey the cooked product to the seat with that number using the unmanned conveyance vehicle based on the number included in the order information.

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