Control device

Abstract

The control device of the present invention can improve convenience for customers. A display device provided on a seat includes a control unit that displays an image of a plurality of products that can be ordered in a first area, an image of a product selected as an order candidate, and an order button for ordering the product in a second area, and displaying the selected image of the product in the second area in accordance with an operation indicating that the image of the product is selected in the first area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device. Background Art

[0002] Various systems for accepting customer orders have been proposed in stores offering food and beverages. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that detects a customer's selection of image data of food and beverages scrolling on a display unit and then displays data related to the selected food and beverage on the display unit using masking. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5715942 Summary of the Invention Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0004] However, there is still a need to provide technology that is more convenient for customers. In addition, such a demand is not limited to stores that provide the above-mentioned food and beverages, but is common to stores that provide goods. The present invention was completed in view of the above situation and provides a technology that can improve customer convenience. Technical solutions to technical problems

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a control device is a control device for controlling a display device arranged on a seat, comprising a display unit, which displays on the display device an ordering screen used by a customer seated on the seat when ordering a product, the ordering screen comprising: a product moving area, which is an area in which a plurality of product images are displayed by moving each along a track in a prescribed direction; an order candidate area, which is arranged at a position not overlapping with the product moving area; and an order execution button, which is arranged at a position not overlapping with the product moving area, the control device further comprising: a selection accepting unit, which accepts a selection of a product displayed in the product moving area; a mobile display unit, which moves the product whose selection is accepted by the selection accepting unit from the product moving area to the order candidate area and displays it; a button operation accepting unit, which accepts an operation of the order execution button; and an order execution unit, which, when the operation is accepted by the button operation accepting unit, executes the order of the product displayed in the order candidate area.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, a control device is a control device for controlling a display device provided on a seat, comprising a display unit for displaying on the display device an ordering screen used when a customer seated on the seat orders a product, the ordering screen including a product moving area, the product moving area being an area in which images of multiple products to be ordered are displayed in a manner such that each moves along a track in a prescribed direction, the control device further comprising: an information acquisition unit for acquiring information related to the customer; and a selection unit for selecting, based on the information related to the customer, products to be displayed preferentially to the customer, i.e., products to be displayed preferentially, as the multiple products whose images are displayed in the product moving area.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a control device is a control device for controlling a display device provided on a seat, comprising an ordering screen display unit, which displays on the display device an ordering screen used by a customer seated on the seat to order a product, the ordering screen comprising a product moving area, which is an area in which each of a plurality of images, including an image of the product to be ordered and an image representing promotional information, is displayed in a manner such that each of the images is moved in a prescribed direction along a track, the control device further comprising an operation accepting unit, which accepts a prescribed operation on the image representing promotional information; and a promotional display unit, which, when the prescribed operation is accepted by the operation accepting unit, causes the ordering screen to display a promotional display area representing the content of the promotional activity corresponding to the promotional information.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a control device is a control device for controlling a display device provided on a seat, including an ordering screen display unit, which displays on the display device an ordering screen used when a customer seated on the seat orders a product, the ordering screen including a product moving area, which is an area in which each of a plurality of product images to be ordered is displayed in a manner moving along a track in a prescribed direction, the control device also including an operation receiving unit, which receives a flick operation having a component in a direction opposite to the prescribed direction; and a reverse display unit, which, when the flick operation is received by the operation receiving unit, displays each of the plurality of product images in a manner temporarily moving in an opposite direction. Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, convenience for customers can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram showing the system configuration of the management system 100 according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a specific example of the appearance of the store system 110. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a specific example of an order screen. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a specific example of display changes when a customer performs an order operation for a product. Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a specific example of display changes when a customer performs an order operation for a product. Figure 6 It is a diagram showing a specific example of the assistance setting screen. Figure 7 This figure is used to explain the product display function. Figure 8 This figure shows an example of displaying a product image 432 showing promotion information. Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen when operating promotion information. Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen when operating promotion information. Figure 11 This is a diagram showing a specific example of the menu screen 436. Figure 12 It is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of the management device 20. Figure 13 This is a diagram showing a specific example of a customer information table. Figure 14 It is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of the store control device 30. Figure 15 This is a flowchart showing a specific example of the processing of the store control device 30. Figure 16 This is a diagram schematically showing a hardware configuration example of an information processing device 90 to which this embodiment is applied. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Figure 1 This is a simplified block diagram illustrating the system structure of a management system 100 according to the present invention. Management system 100 includes a customer terminal device 10, a management device 20, and a store system 110. Customer terminal device 10, management device 20, and store system 110 are communicatively connected via a network 70. Network 70 can be a wireless or wired network. For example, network 70 can be constructed using the Internet or a local area network (LAN). Network 70 can also be constructed by combining multiple networks.

[0012] The customer terminal device 10 is a terminal device used by customers who order and receive merchandise at a store managed by the management system 100. For example, a store that provides food and beverages to customers may also be one that provides food and beverages. In this case, the merchandise provided to customers at a store that provides food and beverages is not necessarily limited to food and beverages. The customer terminal device 10 is, for example, an information processing device such as a smartphone, mobile phone, personal computer, tablet computer, portable game console, or wearable computer. The customer terminal device 10 is capable of communicating with other devices via a network 70.

[0013] The management device 20 manages the store system 110 installed in the store managed by the management system 100. The management device 20 is implemented using an information processing device such as a personal computer, tablet terminal, or server. The management device 20 accepts registrations of data related to product groups that can be offered as menu items in the store managed by the management system 100 (hereinafter referred to as "product group data"). Product group data includes, for example, images of each of the multiple products that can be offered as menu items, as well as information related to each product (e.g., price, information related to ingredients, and information related to cooking).

[0014] Registration of product group data is performed, for example, by a person with predetermined authority, such as an administrator of the management device 20. Registration of product group data can be performed by any method. For example, registration of product group data can be performed by an administrator operating an input / output device (user interface) provided in the management device 20. Registration of product group data can also be performed by an administrator transmitting the product group data from another information processing device to the management device 20.

[0015] Store system 110 is installed in one or more stores managed by management system 100. For example, store system 110 is installed for each store that offers food and beverages. In this case, the products included in the product group data are food and beverages. Store system 110 includes a store control device 30, a kitchen display device 40, a conveyor control device 41, a conveyor device 42, and multiple store display devices 43. The various devices in store system 110 are communicatively connected via a network 71 provided in store system 110. Network 71 can also be configured using, for example, a local area network (LAN) or a wireless LAN.

[0016] The store control device 30 controls the various devices installed in the store system 110. The store control device 30 is implemented using an information processing device such as a personal computer or a server. For example, the store control device 30 receives product group data transmitted from the management device 20, determines products to be displayed on the store display device 43 of the store system 110 (hereinafter referred to as "display target products"), and causes the store display device 43 to display images of the display target products. For example, the store control device 30 may also determine a product selected in the kitchen display device 40 as a display target product.

[0017] The kitchen display device 40 is a device used by the kitchen manager in the store system 110. The kitchen display device 40 is, for example, an information processing device such as a smartphone, mobile phone, personal computer, tablet terminal, portable game console, wearable computer, or dedicated terminal. The kitchen display device 40 displays the products included in the product group data sent from the management device 20 as product candidates. The kitchen display device 40 notifies the store control device 30 of the products selected by the kitchen manager. In addition, the kitchen display device 40 displays information related to the orders placed by customers when operating the store display device 43 or the customer terminal device 10 (hereinafter referred to as "order information"). The order information may include, for example, information indicating the seat of the customer making the order, information indicating the ordered product, and information indicating the quantity of the ordered product. The kitchen manager prepares products (beverages and food) according to the order information displayed on the kitchen display device 40 and provides them to the customer.

[0018] The conveyor control device 41 controls the operation of the conveyor device 42. The conveyor control device 41 can also control the operation of the conveyor device 42 based on control signals sent from the store control device 30 or the kitchen display device 40. The conveyor device 42 delivers products prepared by the kitchen manager to customers. The conveyor device 42 is constructed using, for example, a conveyor belt.

[0019] The store display device 43 may be, for example, an image display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The store display device 43 may be configured as a touch panel further including an input device.

[0020] Figure 2 This figure shows a specific example of the appearance of the store system 110. A plurality of unit seats 44 are provided in the store. The unit seats 44 are seats used by one or more customers to check out together. The unit seats 44 can be configured as seats used by one customer (for example, a single seat provided at a counter), or as Figure 2The store display device 43 may be installed one or more times for each unit seat 44.

[0021] exist Figure 2 In the example, one store display device 43 is provided for each unit seat 44. For example, a store display device 43a is provided for the unit seat 44a, a store display device 43b is provided for the unit seat 44b, and a store display device 43c is provided for the unit seat 44c.

[0022] The conveyor 42 is provided to at least convey products from the kitchen to each unit seat 44. Each unit seat 44 is provided with at least one receiving port 421. The conveyor 42 is configured to convey products from the kitchen to the receiving port 421, and the products stop at the receiving port 421.

[0023] The store display device 43 provided at each unit seat 44 displays a screen used by customers seated at each unit seat 44 when placing an order for merchandise. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a specific example of an order screen. Figure 3 In the specific example, at least the image of the conveyor 42 and one or more product images 432 are displayed. Figure 3 As shown, an information display area 431, an order operation area 433, and a setting operation area 441 may also be displayed.

[0024] The image of the conveyor 42 may also be displayed as moving at a predetermined speed in a predetermined direction. The product images 432 may also be displayed as moving at a predetermined speed in a predetermined direction. For example, the image of the conveyor 42 and each product image 432 may be displayed as moving from right to left at a predetermined speed. By displaying the image of the conveyor 42 and the product images 432 as moving at the same speed in the same direction, it appears as if the product in each product image 432 is loaded onto the conveyor 42 and is moving. More specifically, by performing such a display, customers can see the product (e.g., sushi) moving on a track, such as in a conveyor belt sushi shop.

[0025] The store control device 30 or the store display device 43 can also change the speed or direction of movement of these images in response to customer operations. For example, the customer's operation can be accepted as an operation on the store display device 43 configured using a touch panel. For example, a flick operation on the touch panel with a component opposite to a predetermined direction can temporarily cause the image of the conveyor 42 and the product image 432 to move in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction.

[0026] The information display area 431 is an area where information to be provided is displayed to customers. What information is displayed in the information display area 431 can be controlled by the management device 20 or the store control device 30. For example, the information to be provided can be sent from the management device 20 to the store control device 30 via the network 70, and the information selected by the store control device 30 is displayed in the information display area 431. For example, information such as advertisements provided to customers, coupons, etc. can be displayed, and the screen of a game that customers can operate can also be displayed. The advertising information provided to customers can be advertisements related to the operating entity of the store where the store system 110 is installed, or advertisements related to other entities. In the case of advertisements related to other entities, the advertiser can also pay advertising fees to the operating entity of the store.

[0027] The order operation area 433 is an area used by customers to place orders for products. Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a specific example of display changes when a customer performs an order operation for a product. Figure 3 The order operation area 433 shown in FIG. 4 shows an order button 434 and a plurality of order candidate areas 435. The order button 434 is a button labeled "Order". The order candidate area 435 is an area showing products selected as candidate products for the customer to order. Figure 3 As shown, in a state where the customer has not selected an order candidate, no product image is shown in all order candidate areas 435, and an image indicating that no selection has been made is displayed.

[0028] When the customer displays the product image 432 that is the target of the order (that the customer wishes to order) on the display screen, the customer performs a selection operation on the product image 432 that is the target of the order. For example, the selection operation may be a drag operation, a click operation, or other operations. In the case of the drag operation, the customer drags the product image 432 that is the target of the order to the order operation area 433. In the case of the click operation, the customer clicks on the product image 432 that is the target of the order. When the customer performs a selection operation on the product image 432, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 The selected product image 432 is displayed in the order candidate area 435. As described above, the product image 432 displayed in the order candidate area 435 indicates that it is selected as a candidate for the customer to order.

[0029] When a customer operates order button 434, the order for the product shown in product image 432 displayed in order candidate area 435 is executed at the time of the operation. When the product is ordered, store control device 30 registers information indicating the identification information of the unit seat 44 that made the order and the identification information of the ordered product. Store control device 30 displays this information on kitchen display device 40. The kitchen manager (e.g., the person cooking) prepares the product based on the information displayed on kitchen display device 40, places the product on conveyor 42, and delivers it to the delivery destination (unit seat 44 where the customer placed the order). The conveyed product (the ordered product) is delivered by conveyor 42 to receiving port 421 of unit seat 44 where the customer placed the order. The customer who placed the order can take out and receive the product delivered to receiving port 421.

[0030] exist Figure 3 An assist / setting button, a product menu button, and an order history / checkout button are displayed in the setting operation area 441. When the assist setting button is operated, an assist setting screen is displayed. Figure 6 : is a diagram showing a specific example of the auxiliary setting screen. Figure 6 In the example, the auxiliary setting screen 442 is displayed in place of part or all of the area displaying the setting operation area 441. The auxiliary setting screen displays a call button, an operation instruction tutorial button, an allergen information button, a language selection button, a design switching button, an on / off button for displaying information about items on the track, and an on / off button for the mini-game.

[0031] When the call button is operated, Figure 1 The output device in the illustrated store system 110 outputs an indication that a call button has been pressed at the seat 44 where the call button has been pressed. For example, a lamp provided for each seat 44 may be illuminated, or seat identification information of the seat 44 may be displayed or outputted audibly.

[0032] When the Tutorial button is pressed, the instruction screen is displayed. The instruction screen can also display an animation or static image explaining the operation details. When the Allergen Information button is pressed, information related to allergens in the products offered by the store is displayed. For example, a table of the products offered and the causative substances of allergens can be displayed.

[0033] When the language selection button is pressed, language buttons for multiple other languages are displayed. For example, language buttons for English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean can be displayed. When a language button is pressed, the store display device 43 displays the language assigned to the pressed language button. When the design switching button is pressed, the design displayed on the store display device 43 is switched to another design. The effects of operating the language selection button and the design switching button are limited to the store display device 43 on which the operation was performed.

[0034] When the product information display ON / OFF button on the track is operated, the product information display function is switched on / off. Figure 6 In the state of , the product information display function is turned off. Therefore, no product information (such as the name or price of the product) is displayed in each product image 432 flowing through the track on the screen. Figure 7 This is a diagram used to illustrate the product display function. Figure 7 In this case, the product information display function is turned on. In this case, product information 439 is displayed on each product image 432 of the track flowing on the screen. Figure 7 In this specific example, the product name and price are displayed as product information. The product information display area is configured for each product image 432 flowing along the track, and moves in sync with the movement of the product image 432. Therefore, the product image 432 and the image of the label representing the product information flow along the track together.

[0035] By pressing the mini-game on / off button, the mini-game can be played using part or all of the screen on the store display device 43. For example, by pressing the mini-game on / off button, a mini-game application is launched, and the mini-game screen is displayed. Customers can then play the mini-game by pressing the operation buttons displayed on the store display device 43. Gifts or coupons may also be issued based on mini-game performance.

[0036] Figure 8 4 is a diagram showing an example of displaying an image 432 showing promotion information. In the product images 432 on the track of the store display device 43, an image showing a promotion being implemented in the store may be displayed instead of the product itself. Figure 9 and Figure 10 This figure shows an example screen when operating promotional information. When the promotional image is operated, a promotional display area 444 showing the details of the promotional event is displayed. Promotional display area 444 is displayed as a layer above the track image or other product images 432. Therefore, promotional display area 444 is displayed statically, but the track or product images 432 can also be displayed continuously and fluidly against its background.

[0037] When in the promotion display area 444 ( Figure 9 ) when the menu button is operated, a text or image (special offer menu image) 445 showing the menu is displayed in the special offer display area 444 ( Figure 10 ). Figure 10 This figure shows a specific example of a promotion menu image 445 being displayed. Promotion menu image 445, displayed in promotion display area 444, displays images, names, or prices of products included in the promotion. When a specific product is selected in promotion menu image 445, the selected product is displayed in order candidate area 435, making it available for ordering.

[0038] Figure 11 4 is a diagram showing a specific example of a menu screen 436. When any button is operated in the menu selection screen, the menu screen 436 showing the menu content corresponding to the operated button is displayed. The menu screen 436 may also display the product image 432 ( Figure 7 ) and is displayed superimposed on product image 432 in an area designated by [ 436 ]. In this case, menu screen 436 is displayed in a fixed position, but each product image 432 may also be continuously moved in a predetermined direction and at a predetermined speed. Buttons related to one or more products are displayed on menu screen 436. The product selected on menu screen 436 (e.g., the product for which a button was operated) is displayed in order candidate area 435. Thus, the operation of selecting a product to be ordered may be, for example, an operation of dragging product image 432 to order candidate area 435, or an operation of operating a button displayed on menu screen 436, or may be implemented in other ways.

[0039] Figure 12 This is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of the management device 20. The management device 20 is configured using information equipment such as a personal computer or a server device. The management device 20 includes a communication unit 21, an input unit 22, an output unit 23, a storage unit 24, and a control unit 25.

[0040] The communication unit 21 is a communication device. The communication unit 21 may be configured as a network interface, for example. The communication unit 21 communicates data with other devices via the network 70 under the control of the control unit 25. The communication unit 21 may be a device that performs wireless communication or a device that performs wired communication.

[0041] The input unit 22 is composed of existing input devices such as a keyboard, a pointing device (a mouse, a tablet, etc.), buttons, and a touch panel. The input unit 22 is operated by the administrator when inputting instructions from the user (administrator) of the management device 20 into the management device 20. The input unit 22 can be an interface for connecting the input device to the management device 20. In this case, the input unit 22 inputs the input signal generated in the input device according to the administrator's input into the management device 20. The input unit 22 can also be composed of a microphone and a voice recognition device. In this case, the input unit 22 obtains the sound signal generated by the administrator's voice, performs voice recognition on the sentence uttered by the administrator, and inputs the character string information of the recognition result into the management device 20. The voice recognition processing can also be performed by the control unit 25. The input unit 22 can be configured in any structure as long as it is a structure that can input the administrator's instructions into the management device 20.

[0042] The output unit 23 outputs information in a form that the administrator can recognize. The output unit 23 may be, for example, an image display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The output unit 23 may be an interface for connecting the image display device to the management device 20. In this case, the output unit 23 generates an image signal for displaying image data, and outputs the image signal to the image display device connected to itself. The output unit 23 may also be a device that outputs sound, such as a speaker. The output unit 23 may also be an interface for connecting a sound output device such as a speaker or headphones to the management device 20. In this case, the output unit 23 generates a sound signal for reproducing sound data, and outputs the sound signal to the sound output device connected to itself. In addition, the output unit 23 may also be configured as a touch panel integrated with the input unit 22.

[0043] The storage unit 24 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor memory device. The storage unit 24 stores data used by the control unit 25. The storage unit 24 stores data required for processing by the control unit 25. The storage unit 24 functions as, for example, a content information storage unit 241, a customer attribute information storage unit 242, and an estimation model storage unit 243.

[0044] The content information storage unit 241 stores content information. Content information includes text, images, and the like displayed on the store display device 43 of the store system 110. For example, content information includes information related to certain products (product group data) that may be provided in stores managed by the management system 100, information related to advertisements, and information related to games provided to customers.

[0045] The customer attribute information storage unit 242 stores a customer attribute information table including information related to attributes of customers registered in the management system 100 (hereinafter referred to as “customer attribute information”). Figure 13 This figure shows a specific example of a customer attribute information table. The customer attribute information table contains multiple customer attribute information records. For example, a customer attribute information record contains values for customer identification information, attribute information, order history, and store visit frequency. Each customer attribute information record contains information about a single customer registered by that customer.

[0046] Customer identification information is identification information assigned to each customer. Attribute information may include, for example, information related to gender and generation. Order history is information indicating the history of past orders placed by the customer. Order history may be traced back to a specified period in the past, or to a specified number of items in the past, or may be defined in other ways. Store visit frequency is information indicating how often the customer visits the store. For example, specified categories (daily, several times a week, once a week, once a month, etc.) may be predefined, and information indicating which category the customer falls into may be used as the store visit frequency value.

[0047] The estimation model storage unit 243 stores the estimation model. The estimation model is a model used when estimating the products that the customer may order based on the customer attribute information. The estimation model can be constructed as a learned model obtained by machine learning using, for example, teacher data. In this case, for example, as a combination of the explanatory variables and the target variables of the teacher data, a combination of actual customer attribute information (such as attribute information or ordering history) and the products actually ordered by the customer that match the customer attribute information can also be used. In addition, the combination of the explanatory variables and the target variables can be defined arbitrarily. For example, a combination of past ordering history and the classification of the products actually ordered can also be used. For example, a combination of the time elapsed from the first action described later and the products or classifications of the products actually ordered afterwards can also be used. For example, a combination of the time required from the first action of the customer described later to the second action and the products or classifications of the products actually ordered afterwards can also be used. The estimation model can be information such as a LUT (Look Up Table) obtained by performing analysis based on past statistics, etc.

[0048] The control unit 25 is composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory (main storage device). By executing the program by the processor, the control unit 25 functions as a content control unit 251, a customer attribute information control unit 252, and a determination unit 253. In addition, all or part of the functions of the control unit 25 can also be implemented using hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The above program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium refers to a removable medium such as a floppy disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, a semiconductor storage device (such as an SSD: Solid State Drive), a hard disk built into the computer system, a semiconductor storage device, or other storage devices. The above program can also be transmitted via an electrical communication line.

[0049] The content control unit 251 accepts registrations for content information. For example, the content control unit 251 receives content information received via the communication unit 21 or input via the input unit 22. The content control unit 251 stores the received content information in the content information storage unit 241. The content control unit 251 can transmit the content information stored in the content information storage unit 241 to all store systems 110 at a predetermined time (e.g., once a day at a predetermined time). The content information transmitted from the content control unit 251 is received by, for example, the store control device 30 of each store system 110.

[0050] The customer attribute information control unit 252 controls the customer attribute information stored in the customer attribute information storage unit 242. For example, the customer attribute information control unit 252 may receive customer attribute information transmitted from the customer terminal device 10 as a registration request, use the received customer attribute information to create a new customer attribute information record, and register it in the customer attribute information table. The customer attribute information control unit 252 may also receive information indicating a customer's order history from the store control device 30 and update the order history of the customer attribute information.

[0051] Upon receiving a determination request, the determination unit 253 determines which products should be displayed first for the customer indicated by the customer attribute information included in the determination request (hereinafter referred to as "priority display products"). The determination unit 253 transmits the priority display products, as determined by the determination request, to the source of the determination request. The source of the determination request (e.g., the store control device 30) displays product images 432 of the products included in the priority display products on the store display device 43 of the unit seat 44 where the customer is seated.

[0052] For example, the determination unit 253 may estimate a product that is likely to be ordered by a customer and determine the estimated product as a priority display product. Such determination may be performed by any process. More specifically, it is as follows.

[0053] For example, the determination unit 253 may also estimate a certain commodity that the customer may order based on the customer attribute information and the estimation model stored in the estimation model storage unit 243. The determination unit 253 may also estimate a certain commodity that the customer may order based on the customer's attribute information included in the customer attribute information. For example, the commodity may be estimated based on information such as gender and generation (age) included in the attribute information and the estimation model. The determination unit 253 may also estimate a certain commodity that the customer may order based on the customer's past order history included in the customer attribute information. In this case, the determination unit 253 may also estimate a certain commodity that the customer may order based on the estimation model stored in the estimation model storage unit 243 and the order history.

[0054] For example, the determination unit 253 may determine, based on a predefined relationship between similar products, that products similar to products that customers have ordered relatively frequently in the past as priority products. For example, if a large number of products related to "tuna" have been ordered in the past, a group of products defined as similar to tuna may be determined as priority products. For example, products in the same or similar price range as products that have been ordered relatively frequently in the past may be determined as priority products. If a product classified as a high-priced product has been ordered in excess of a predetermined benchmark, a group of products classified as high-priced products may be determined as priority products. The relationship between price ranges and products is preferably predefined.

[0055] For example, the determination unit 253 may also determine the priority display products based on the elapsed time from the first action of the customer. As a specific example of the first action, there is entering a store. In this case, the determination unit 253 determines the priority display products based on the elapsed time after the customer enters the store. Specifically, when the elapsed time after entering the store is shorter than the prescribed time (e.g., 1 minute, 5 minutes), beverages (e.g., soft drinks or alcoholic beverages) may also be determined as priority display products. When the elapsed time after entering the store is longer than the prescribed time (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour, or before the prescribed time of the available limit time (e.g., 10 minutes before) when the available limit time is set in the store), products classified as desserts or products classified as tea (including coffee) may also be determined as priority display products.

[0056] This determination can be made not based on the time elapsed since entering the store, but when a predetermined condition (e.g., no ordering) is met. Alternatively, the determination can be made based on the time elapsed since the customer arrived at their seat, not the time elapsed since entering the store, or based on the time elapsed since the seat identification information and customer identification information were registered. In this case, the first action becomes the action of arriving at a seat and registering the seat identification information and customer identification information.

[0057] Another specific example of the first action is placing an order. In this case, the determination unit 253 determines which products to prioritize based on the time that has passed since the customer's last order. Specifically, the determination unit 253 may prioritize products categorized as rice or noodle staples (e.g., rice bowls, ramen, etc.), products categorized as desserts, or products categorized as tea (including coffee) when a predetermined amount of time has passed since the customer's last order.

[0058] For example, determination unit 253 may determine which products to prioritize based on the time required from the customer's first action to their second action. For example, as specific examples of the first and second actions, the second-to-last and last ordering actions, respectively, may be used. In other words, priority for display may be determined based on the time required between ordering and reordering. If this time is longer than a specified threshold, products categorized as rice or noodle staples (e.g., rice bowls, ramen, etc.), desserts, or tea (including coffee) may be prioritized.

[0059] Figure 14This is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of the store control device 30. The store control device 30 is configured using information equipment such as a personal computer or a server. The store control device 30 includes a communication unit 31, an input unit 32, an output unit 33, a storage unit 34, and a control unit 35.

[0060] The communication unit 31 is a communication device. The communication unit 31 may be configured as a network interface, for example. The communication unit 31 communicates data with other devices via the network 71 under the control of the control unit 35. The communication unit 31 may be a device that performs wireless communication or a device that performs wired communication.

[0061] The input unit 32 is composed of existing input devices such as a keyboard, a pointing device (a mouse, a tablet, etc.), buttons, and a touch panel. The input unit 32 is operated by the store manager when inputting instructions from the user of the store control device 30 (the store manager) into the store control device 30. The input unit 32 may be an interface for connecting the input device to the store control device 30. In this case, the input unit 32 inputs an input signal generated in the input device according to the input of the store manager into the store control device 30. The input unit 32 may also be composed of a microphone and a voice recognition device. In this case, the input unit 32 acquires a sound signal generated by the voice of the store manager, performs voice recognition on the sentence uttered by the manager, and inputs the character string information of the recognition result into the store control device 30. The voice recognition processing may also be performed by the control unit 35. The input unit 32 may be constructed in any structure as long as it is a structure capable of inputting instructions from the store manager into the store control device 30.

[0062] The output unit 33 outputs information in a form that can be recognized by the store manager. The output unit 33 may be, for example, an image display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The output unit 33 may be an interface for connecting the image display device to the store control device 30. In this case, the output unit 33 generates an image signal for displaying image data, and outputs the image signal to the image display device connected to itself. The output unit 33 may also be a device that outputs sound, such as a speaker. The output unit 33 may also be an interface for connecting a sound output device such as a speaker or headphones to the store control device 30. In this case, the output unit 33 generates a sound signal for reproducing sound data, and outputs the sound signal to the sound output device connected to itself. In addition, the output unit 33 may also be configured as a touch panel integrated with the input unit 32.

[0063] The storage unit 34 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor memory device. The storage unit 34 stores data used by the control unit 35. The storage unit 34 stores data required for processing by the control unit 35. The storage unit 34 functions as, for example, an inventory information storage unit 341, a content information storage unit 342, and an order information storage unit 343.

[0064] The inventory information storage unit 341 stores information related to inventory in the store where this device (store control device 30) is installed. Information related to inventory can also be input by, for example, a store manager operating the input unit 32. Information related to inventory can be updated based on current inventory information, information related to newly purchased items, and information related to products provided to customers through orders.

[0065] The content information storage unit 342 stores content information. The content information stored in the content information storage unit 342 may be content information transmitted from the management device 20. The content information may include information related to merchandise (food and beverages) that is not in stock in the store.

[0066] The order information storage unit 343 stores information related to the order history of customers in the store where this device (store control device 30) is installed. For example, for each unit seat 44, the order information storage unit 343 contains customer information (e.g., identification information), order information, information indicating whether the items included in the order were delivered, and information indicating whether the order was completed.

[0067] The control unit 35 is composed of a processor such as a CPU and a memory (main storage device). By executing the program by the processor, the control unit 35 functions as a customer attribute information management unit 351, a display control unit 352, and an order control unit 353. In addition, all or part of the functions of the control unit 35 can also be implemented using hardware such as ASIC, PLD, FPGA, etc. The above program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Computer-readable storage media refers to removable media such as floppy disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, semiconductor storage devices (such as SSD: Solid State Drive), storage devices such as hard disks and semiconductor storage devices built into the computer system. The above program can also be sent via an electrical communication line.

[0068] The customer attribute information management unit 351 manages information related to customers visiting a store equipped with this device (store control device 30). The customer attribute information management unit 351 registers the unit seat 44 in association with the customer attribute information in the order information storage unit 343. The association between the unit seat 44 and the customer attribute information can be acquired through any processing.

[0069] For example, a designated reader in the store system 110 can read the code information displayed on the customer terminal device 10 when the customer enters the store, and the store staff can register the unit seat 44 provided to the customer, thereby associating the unit seat 44 with the customer's attribute information. The customer attribute information management unit 351 can select the unit seat 44 provided to the customer from available unit seats 44 based on the number of customers. The code information read by the designated reader can also include customer identification information. The customer attribute information management unit 351 obtains the customer identification information by decoding the read code information. The customer attribute information management unit 351 registers the seat identification information representing the unit seat 44 in the order information storage unit 343 in association with the customer identification information.

[0070] For example, the association between the unit seat 44 and the customer attribute information can be established by capturing an image of the code information displayed on the customer terminal device 10 using a predetermined camera installed at the unit seat 44. In this case, the camera transmits the seat identification information indicating the unit seat 44 where the camera is installed, along with the captured code information, to the store control device 30. The customer attribute information management unit 351 registers the customer identification information indicated by the code information in association with the seat identification information in the order information storage unit 343.

[0071] For example, the customer can use the customer terminal device 10 to read the code information assigned to each seat unit 44, thereby associating the seat unit 44 with the customer's attribute information. In this case, for example, the customer terminal device 10 can transmit the customer identification information stored in the device, the store identification information obtained by decoding the code information, and the seat identification information to the management device 20. The management device 20 then sends the customer identification information and seat identification information in correspondence to the store control device 30 of the store system 110 indicated by the store identification information. The customer attribute information management unit 351 registers the received customer identification information and seat identification information in correspondence with each other in the order information storage unit 343.

[0072] The display control unit 352 controls the display on the store display device 43. For example, without a specific customer operation, the display control unit 352 selects display items from the product group data stored in the content information storage unit 342. In this case, the display control unit 352 may also select, for example, items already in stock at the store where the device is installed as display items. The display control unit 352 displays the items included in the display items on the store display device 43. For example, the display control unit 352 may randomly select items from the items included in the display items and display them on the store display device 43 in the selected order.

[0073] The display control unit 352 may also determine the priority display products (priority display products) for each unit seat 44 based on a prescribed benchmark. For example, the display control unit 352 may also send a determination request to the management device 20 for each unit seat 44, and determine the priority display products based on the priority display products received as the determination result. At this time, the display control unit 352 may also determine the priority display products from the priority display products determined by the management device 20, which can be provided to customers (for example, in stock) in the store where this device is installed. The determination request includes the information required for determining the priority display products in the management device 20. Products determined as priority display products are displayed on the store display device 43 at a higher frequency than products not determined as priority display products. Products displayed other than priority display products may also be determined according to normal display control. For example, products displayed other than priority display products may also be randomly selected from the products included in the display target products as described above.

[0074] The display control unit 352 may also control the display so that a predetermined number of the products to be displayed per unit time (hereinafter referred to as the "priority display number") are displayed as product images 432 of products determined as priority display products. The unit time can be defined as, for example, a unit time (e.g., 30 seconds, 1 minute, etc.) or a unit number of products (e.g., 5 products, 10 products). If the unit time is defined as 30 seconds and the priority display number is defined as 5, the display is controlled so that 5 priority display products are displayed within 30 seconds.

[0075] The order control unit 353 accepts orders corresponding to the customer's operation. Figures 4 to 11 When a customer places an order through the operation described in the above, the order control unit 353 may register the ordered product in association with the unit seat 44 that placed the order in the order information storage unit 343. The order control unit 353 displays the ordered product in association with the unit seat 44 that placed the order on the kitchen display device 40.

[0076] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of the processing performed by the store control device 30. First, the display control unit 352 receives and acquires content information from the management device 20 (step S101). The display control unit 352 stores the received content information in the content information storage unit 342. The display control unit 352 determines the display content for each store display device 43 (step S102) and causes each store display device 43 to display an image (step S103). By repeatedly executing steps S102 and S103, product images and the like are displayed on each store display device 43.

[0077] Figure 16This figure shows an overview of an example of the hardware structure of an information processing device 90 used in this embodiment. The information processing device 90 includes a processor 91, a main storage device 92, a communication interface 93, an auxiliary storage device 94, an input / output interface 95, and an internal bus 96. The processor 91, the main storage device 92, the communication interface 93, the auxiliary storage device 94, and the input / output interface 95 are connected to each other via the internal bus 96 so as to be communicable. For example, the information processing device 90 can be applied to the management device 20 and the store control device 30. In this case, for example, the communication unit 21 and the communication unit 31 can also be configured using the communication interface 93. For example, the storage unit 24 and the storage unit 34 can also be configured using the auxiliary storage device 94. In addition, the control unit 25 and the control unit 35 can also be configured using the processor 91 and the main storage device 92.

[0078] (Variation)

[0079] In this embodiment, the management device 20 and the store control device 30 are configured as separate devices, but they may also be configured as an integrated device. Alternatively, a portion of the management device 20 and the store control device 30 may be configured as an integrated device. For example, the store control device 30 may be configured to include an estimated model storage unit 243 and a determination unit 253. In this configuration, the store control device 30 can determine which products to prioritize for display without communicating with the management device 20 (sending a determination request).

[0080] The management device 20 can be installed using multiple information processing devices. For example, the management device 20 can be installed using a cloud or other device. For example, the storage unit 24 and the control unit 25 of the management device 20 can be installed in different information processing devices. For example, the storage unit 24 of the management device 20 can be distributed across multiple information processing devices. For example, the storage unit 25 of the management device 20 can be distributed across multiple information processing devices.

[0081] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, specific configurations are not limited to the embodiments and include designs and the like that do not depart from the spirit of the invention. Label Description

[0082] 100 Management System 110 Store System 10 Customer terminal device 20 Management Device 21 Ministry of Communications 22 Input section 23 Output 24 Storage 25 Control Department 30 Store Control Device 31 Ministry of Communications 32 Input 33 Output 34 Storage 35 Control Department 40 Kitchen Display Unit 41 Transmission control device 42 Transmission Device 421 Collection Port 43 Store Display 431 Information display area 432 product images 433 Order Operation Area 434 Order Button 435 Order candidate area 436 Menu Screen 44 units of seats

Claims

1. A control device for controlling a display device provided on a seat, characterized in that: A display unit is included that displays an ordering screen used by a customer sitting at the seat to order a product on the display device. The ordering screen includes: a product moving area in which a plurality of product images are displayed so as to be moved in a predetermined direction along a track; an order candidate area, the order candidate area being set at a position not overlapping with the commodity moving area; and an order execution button, which is set at a position that does not overlap with the commodity movement area, The control device further comprises: a selection accepting unit configured to accept a selection of a commodity displayed in the commodity moving area; a moving display unit that moves the product whose selection is accepted by the selection acceptance unit from the product moving area to the order candidate area and displays the product; a button operation accepting unit that accepts an operation of the order execution button; and An order execution unit executes an order for the product displayed in the order candidate area when the button operation acceptance unit accepts an operation.

2. A control device for controlling a display device installed on a seat, characterized in that: A display unit is included that displays an ordering screen used by a customer sitting at the seat to order a product on the display device. The order screen includes a product moving area in which a plurality of product images to be ordered are displayed so that each of the images moves in a predetermined direction along a track. The control device further comprises: an information acquisition unit that acquires information related to the customer; and A selection unit selects, based on information related to the customer, products to be displayed preferentially to the customer, namely, priority display products, as the plurality of products whose images are displayed in the product movement area.

3. A control device for controlling a display device installed on a seat, characterized in that: An ordering screen display unit is included, which displays an ordering screen used by a customer sitting at the seat to order a product on the display device, The order screen includes a product moving area in which a plurality of images, including an image of the product to be ordered and an image showing promotion information, are displayed so as to move in a predetermined direction along a track. The control device also includes: an operation accepting unit that accepts a predetermined operation on the image representing the preferential promotion information; and A special offer display unit displays a special offer display area showing details of a special offer corresponding to the special offer information on the order screen when the operation accepting unit accepts the predetermined operation.

4. A control device for controlling a display device installed on a seat, characterized in that: An ordering screen display unit is included, which displays an ordering screen used by a customer sitting at the seat to order a product on the display device, The order screen includes a product moving area in which a plurality of product images to be ordered are displayed so that each of the images moves in a predetermined direction along a track. The control device also includes: an operation receiving unit that receives a flick operation having a component in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction; and and a reverse display unit configured to display each of the plurality of product images so as to temporarily move in the reverse direction when the flick operation is accepted by the operation accepting unit.

Images