Meal withdrawal indicating device, storage medium and system

Abstract

The invention provides a meal withdrawal instruction device, a storage medium and a system, which can accurately execute meal withdrawal processing of tableware. According to one embodiment, the meal removal instruction device includes an acquisition unit that acquires table information indicating a table that has issued a meal removal request for tableware, and a designation unit that designates a robot that executes meal removal of the tableware. The indicating unit is used for indicating the appointed robot to go to the dining table to execute meal removal; and the sending unit is used for sending the obtained dining table information to a display device which can be checked and confirmed by a shop assistant for displaying.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese application No. JP2024-198685, filed on November 14, 2024, and incorporates the contents of the aforementioned application in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a meal removal indicator, a storage medium, and a system. Background Technology

[0003] In recent years, food delivery robots have been found in family restaurants, eateries, and other similar establishments. These robots are equipped with food delivery functions; after the ordered food or beverages are cooked, they are loaded and transported to the customer's table.

[0004] In addition, in recent years, tableware, glasses, and other items related to the removal and delivery of goods from tables (hereinafter referred to as "tableware") have been developed. However, if all tableware removal robots are in operation, there may be situations where the robots cannot reach the tables that have requested tableware removal. Furthermore, if all tableware removal-related processing is handled by robots, omissions may occur during the tableware removal process. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, the problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a tableware removal indicator device, storage medium and system capable of reliably performing tableware removal processing.

[0006] To address the aforementioned issues, the meal removal instruction device of this embodiment includes: an acquisition unit for acquiring table information indicating a table that has issued a request to remove tableware; a designation unit for designating a robot to remove the tableware; an instruction unit for instructing the designated robot to proceed to the table to remove the tableware; and a sending unit for sending the acquired table information to a display device visible to the staff for display.

[0007] According to the aforementioned food removal instruction device, the staff can see that they can monitor the robot to perform food removal processing based on the tableware removal request.

[0008] The aforementioned food removal instruction device includes: an acquisition unit for acquiring table information indicating that a specified time has passed since the goods were delivered; a designation unit for designating a robot to perform food removal; an instruction unit for instructing the designated robot to go to the table to perform food removal; and a sending unit for sending the acquired table information to a display device that can be viewed and confirmed by the store clerk.

[0009] According to the aforementioned food removal instruction device, the staff can monitor the robot to remove food from tables that have been occupied for a specified period of time since the goods were delivered.

[0010] In the aforementioned food removal instruction device, the display device is a staff terminal carried by the staff.

[0011] According to the aforementioned food removal instruction device, the staff can monitor the robot's food removal process as displayed on the staff terminal.

[0012] The above-mentioned food removal instruction device also includes a designation judgment unit, which determines whether the designation unit can designate the robot. The designation unit designates one robot from the robots that the designation judgment unit determines can be designated. If the designation judgment unit determines that the robot cannot be designated, the sending unit sends a message indicating that no robot is going to perform food removal.

[0013] According to the aforementioned food removal instruction device, since the store staff can know whether there is a robot capable of removing food, the staff can take over the food removal process in the absence of a robot capable of removing food.

[0014] In the aforementioned food removal instruction device, the robot is a robot that performs food delivery and removal, and the designation unit designates the robot that is not in the food delivery state.

[0015] According to the aforementioned food removal instruction device, it is possible to designate a robot to perform food removal from among the robots that are not currently delivering food.

[0016] The aforementioned table removal instruction device further includes: a statistics unit for counting the number of tableware that has been removed according to the table information; and a communication unit for sending preferential information that can grant discounts based on the counted number of tableware.

[0017] According to the aforementioned food clearing instruction device, by offering incentives to customers who complete the food clearing, it is possible to encourage customers to actively assist in clearing the food and reduce the number of staff required to perform the food clearing.

[0018] Another aspect of the present invention is a storage medium storing a program that enables a computer serving as a food clearing instruction device to function as the following units: an acquisition unit for acquiring table information indicating a table that has issued a food clearing request; a designation unit for designating a robot to perform food clearing; an instruction unit for instructing the designated robot to go to the table to perform food clearing; and a sending unit for sending the acquired table information to a display device that can be viewed and confirmed by a store employee for display.

[0019] Based on the aforementioned storage medium, a function can be provided to the computer to enable the store clerk monitoring robot, which sees the display, to perform tableware removal processing based on the tableware removal request.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention is a storage medium storing a program that enables a computer serving as a food removal instruction device to function as the following units: an acquisition unit that acquires table information indicating that a predetermined time has elapsed since the delivery of goods; a designation unit that designates a robot to perform food removal; an instruction unit that instructs the designated robot to proceed to the table to perform food removal; and a sending unit that sends the acquired table information to a display device that can be viewed and confirmed by a store employee for display.

[0021] Based on the aforementioned storage medium, a function can be provided to a computer to enable a store clerk monitoring robot to perform food removal processing on tableware that has been stored for a specified period of time since the goods were delivered.

[0022] Another aspect of the system of the present invention includes a food removal instruction device and a display device that can be viewed and confirmed by a staff member. The food removal instruction device includes: an acquisition unit for acquiring table information indicating that a table has issued a request to remove food from the table; a designation unit for designating a robot to perform the removal of the food; an instruction unit for instructing the designated robot to go to the table to perform the removal; and a sending unit for sending the acquired table information to the display device for display. The display device includes: a display unit for displaying a message indicating that the table indicated by the table information received from the food removal instruction device has issued a request to remove food.

[0023] According to the system described above, the staff can monitor the robot to perform food removal processing based on the request to remove the tableware.

[0024] Another aspect of the system of the present invention includes a table clearing instruction device and a display device that can be viewed and confirmed by a store employee. The table clearing instruction device includes: an acquisition unit for acquiring table information indicating that a predetermined time has passed since the delivery of goods; a designation unit for designating a robot to perform table clearing; an instruction unit for instructing the designated robot to go to the table to perform table clearing; and a sending unit for sending the acquired table information to the display device for display. The display device includes: a display unit for displaying a message indicating that table clearing processing has been performed on the table indicated by the table information received from the table clearing instruction device.

[0025] According to the system described above, the store clerks can monitor the robot to remove food from tables that have been occupied for a specified period of time since the goods were delivered. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1This is a diagram showing the layout of the restaurant involved in the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the electrical connections of the system used to illustrate an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a 3D view showing the appearance of the robots (food removal robots and food delivery robots).

[0029] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the ordering terminal.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the workstation.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a memory mapping diagram illustrating an example of the memory structure of the order information department.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a memory mapping diagram illustrating an example of the memory structure of the order goods department.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a memory mapping diagram illustrating an example of the memory structure of a robot's information unit.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a memory mapping diagram illustrating an example of the memory structure of the dining table information section.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the store clerk's terminal.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the robots (food removal robot and food delivery robot).

[0037] Figure 12 It is a time sequence diagram showing the main processing of ordering terminals, workstations, delivery robots, staff terminals, and kitchen terminals related to ordering and delivery, as well as the transmission and reception of information between the various devices.

[0038] Figure 13 It is a time sequence diagram showing the main processing of the ordering terminal, workstation, order-clearing robot, staff terminal and POS terminal related to the order-clearing request, as well as the transmission and reception of information between the various devices.

[0039] Figure 14 It is a time sequence diagram showing the main processing of the ordering terminal, workstation, food clearing robot, staff terminal and POS terminal related to checkout, as well as the transmission and reception of information between the various devices.

[0040] Figure 15It is a time sequence diagram showing the main processing of the ordering terminal, workstation, food removal robot, staff terminal and POS terminal, as well as the transmission and reception of information between the various devices, after a specified time has passed since the food was delivered.

[0041] Figure 16 This is a functional block diagram showing the functional structure of the workstation and the staff terminal.

[0042] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating a portion of the control processing flow of the ordering terminal.

[0043] Figure 18 This is a flowchart showing the remaining process of the control handling at the ordering terminal.

[0044] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating a portion of the control processing flow of a workstation.

[0045] Figure 20 This is a flowchart illustrating other parts of the workstation's control processing flow.

[0046] Figure 21 This is a flowchart showing the remaining flow of the workstation's control processing.

[0047] Figure 22 This is a flowchart illustrating the control process of the robots (food removal robots and food delivery robots).

[0048] Figure 23 This is a flowchart illustrating the control and processing flow of the store clerk's terminal.

[0049] Figure 24 This is a flowchart illustrating other parts of the control processing flow of the workstation involved in the second embodiment.

[0050] Figure 25 This is a flowchart illustrating the remaining flow of the control processing of the workstation involved in the second embodiment.

[0051] Figure 26 This is a flowchart illustrating the control process of the food delivery robot involved in the second embodiment.

[0052] Figure 27 This is a flowchart illustrating the control process of the food removal robot involved in the second embodiment.

[0053] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0054] 1. Ordering Terminal 3. Workstation 5. Staff Terminal 7. POS Terminal 9. Robot 5. Display Unit 8. System 9. System 10. Control Unit 12.3 Table Information Unit 13.2 Order Information Unit 13.3 Coupon Information Unit 17.4 Clearance Request Button 17.5 Checkout Button 30. Control Unit 301 Acquisition Unit 302 Designation Unit 303 Indication Unit 304 Sending Unit 305 Designation Judgment Unit 306 Statistics Unit 307 Sending Unit 32.3 Table Information Unit 33.1 Order Information Unit 33.3 Robot Information Unit 50. Control Unit 50.1 Display Unit 53.1 Order Information Unit 53.2 Robot Information Unit 90. Control Unit 93.2 Location Information Unit 93.3 Destination Information Unit 32.31 Table Numbering Unit 32.32 Location Information Unit 33.11 Table Numbering Unit 33.12 Order Items Unit 33.13 Clearance Request Unit 33.14 Clearance Quantity Unit 33.16 Coupon Information Unit 33.31 Robot Numbering Unit 33.32 Location Information Unit 33.12.3 Elapsed Time Unit Mb Table Mc Standby Space Detailed Implementation

[0055] The first and second embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the first and second embodiments, a food clearing indicator device and system applied to restaurants such as family restaurants and fast food restaurants will be used as an example. In the first and second embodiments, a workstation will be used as an example of a food clearing indicator device, and a staff terminal carried by a staff member will be used as an example of a display device that the staff member can view and confirm. Furthermore, the present invention is applicable to various types of restaurants. Moreover, the following description does not constitute a limitation on the invention of this application.

[0056] (First Embodiment)

[0057] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram showing the interior layout of shop M, which is a restaurant such as a family restaurant. Figure 1 In this example, shop M has an entrance / exit Ma through which customers enter and exit shop M. Shop M contains one or more tables and chairs. These tables and chairs are collectively referred to as "tables Mb". In this embodiment, eight tables Mb are provided, namely tables 1 to 8. Customers seated at tables Mb enjoy the goods (food and beverages) delivered to them.

[0058] Ordering terminals 1 are installed on each table Mb. Ordering terminal 1 is a device used to place orders for (edible) goods sold in store M. Customers seated at table Mb use ordering terminals 1 to order goods. In addition, customers use ordering terminals 1 to request the removal of tableware from table Mb. Furthermore, customers use ordering terminals 1 to process payments for the goods they have consumed.

[0059] In addition, a standby space Mc for robot 9 is provided within store M. Robot 9 can be configured as either a food delivery robot or a food removal robot, but since a single robot 9 is expensive, it is preferable that one robot 9 functions as both a food delivery robot and a food removal robot. In this embodiment, robot 9 can function as both a food delivery robot and a food removal robot. A food delivery robot is a robot that autonomously moves and transports (delivers goods) cooked food to a designated table Mb. A food removal robot is a robot that collects tableware from table Mb and autonomously moves and transports (collects tableware) to a location near the kitchen (e.g., standby space Mc). In this embodiment, customers load tableware to be removed onto the food removal robot at table Mb, and staff collect the tableware transported to the standby space Mc from the food removal robot. Furthermore, in the following description, when robot 9 functions as a food delivery robot, it may be referred to as food delivery robot 9; when robot 9 functions as a food removal robot, it may be referred to as food removal robot 9. In this embodiment, four robots 9 are in standby mode in the standby space Mc.

[0060] Robot 9 can switch between four modes: standby mode, food delivery mode, food delivery completion mode, and food removal mode. Standby mode is the mode in which robot 9 is in standby space Mc. Food delivery mode is the mode in which robot 9 functions as a food delivery robot. That is, when robot 9 delivers goods, it is in food delivery mode. Food delivery completion mode is the mode in which robot 9 finishes its delivery. That is, from the end of food delivery until returning to standby space Mc, robot 9 is in food delivery completion mode. Food removal mode is the mode in which robot 9 functions as a food removal robot. That is, when robot 9 receives a food removal instruction, goes to (moves to) the designated table Mb, carries the removed tableware, and returns to standby space Mc, it is in food removal mode. Thus, robot 9 in this embodiment can switch between food delivery robot 9 and food removal robot 9 and function by switching modes.

[0061] Furthermore, the standby space Mc is preferably located adjacent to or near the kitchen where the food is cooked. This configuration of the kitchen and standby space Mc allows food cooked in the kitchen to be immediately loaded onto the robot 9 waiting in the standby space Mc. Additionally, tableware removed by the food-removal robot 9 can be returned to the kitchen.

[0062] In addition, a track Md (laid out or buried in the ground) is installed inside shop M. The track Md is made of thin iron plates of a specified width. Robot 9 can move by detecting track Md through detectors (not shown) installed inside it and traveling along track Md. Track Md is located between the standby space Mc and each table Mb. Robot 9, which is waiting in the standby space Mc, has wheels (not shown). By rotating these wheels, it can travel along track Md to the position of each table Mb. In addition, robot 9 that has performed food delivery can travel along track Md to the position of other tables Mb.

[0063] Each table Mb has its own unique table information (in this embodiment, table numbers 1 to 8). By specifying (inputting) a specific table number, robot 9 can travel along track Md to the location of the table Mb specified by that table number. Specifically, robot 9 stores the location information (e.g., coordinates of the location within the store) of each table Mb in correspondence with its table number. In addition, robot 9 stores its own current location within the store M. When a table Mb is specified, robot 9 will travel along track Md to that table Mb based on its current location information and the location information of the specified table Mb.

[0064] In addition, a kitchen area is located within store M. Workstation 3 is installed in the kitchen area. Workstation 3 manages the items ordered through ordering terminal 1. Specifically, workstation 3 issues instructions to the kitchen to cook the ordered items. Furthermore, workstation 3 issues instructions to robot 9 to deliver the cooked items. Additionally, workstation 3 issues instructions to robot 9 to clear the table Mb that requires clearing. Furthermore, when a specified time has elapsed since the delivery of the item, workstation 3 issues instructions to robot 9 to remove the tableware. Finally, when a checkout operation is performed at ordering terminal 1, workstation 3 issues instructions to robot 9 to clear the table Mb.

[0065] The system involved in the embodiments is described below. Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the system used to explain an embodiment. Figure 2 In this system 90, the ordering terminal 1, workstation 3, staff terminal 5, POS terminal 7, kitchen terminal 8, and robot 9 are included. Furthermore, workstation 3 and staff terminal 5 constitute system 80. The ordering terminal 1, workstation 3, POS terminal 7, and kitchen terminal 8 are communicatively connected to each other via a communication line L such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Additionally, workstation 3, staff terminal 5, and robot 9 are communicatively connected to each other via a communication network NW such as a wireless LAN, via a repeater (not shown).

[0066] Ordering terminals 1 are installed on each table Mb within shop M. Ordering terminals 1 are devices for taking orders for goods (dishes) sold within shop M. Specifically, ordering terminals 1 receive orders from display unit 16 (see...). Figure 4 Select the items you wish to order from the displayed product list and press the order button 173 (see [link]). Figure 4 The order terminal 1 sends the order information for the selected items to workstation 3. Additionally, the order terminal 1 can request a cancellation via the cancellation request button 174 (see...). Figure 4 The ordering terminal 1 sends a request signal to request the removal of tableware from table Mb. Additionally, the ordering terminal 1 activates the checkout button 175 (see...). Figure 4 This sends a checkout signal to workstation 3, which includes a request to cancel the meal, and is used to settle the bill for the already eaten (delivered) items.

[0067] Workstation 3 manages sales data for goods sold in store M. Furthermore, workstation 3 manages order information received from order terminal 1 for each customer (each table Mb).

[0068] Workstation 3 sends cooking instructions for the ordered items, contained in the received order information, to kitchen terminal 8. Furthermore, when workstation 3 receives cooking completion information from kitchen terminal 8, it instructs robot 9 to deliver the cooked items. Workstation 3 also manages whether the instructed items have been delivered and stores delivery completion information for delivered items (e.g., delivery completion time).

[0069] Furthermore, when workstation 3 receives a food removal request signal from ordering terminal 1, it issues a food removal instruction to robot 9 to remove the tableware. Additionally, if a specified time has elapsed since the goods were delivered, workstation 3 issues a food removal instruction to robot 9 to remove the tableware. Moreover, when workstation 3 receives a checkout request signal from ordering terminal 1, it issues a food removal instruction for that table (Mb) to robot 9 while simultaneously sending checkout information to POS terminal 7.

[0070] In addition, when workstation 3 has issued a clearing instruction to robot 9, it sends a message (clearing request message) to staff terminal 5 containing the table number Mb of the table to be cleared, indicating that robot 9 will go to clear the table.

[0071] Staff terminal 5 is a device carried by each staff member, such as a smartphone, mobile phone, or tablet. Staff terminal 5 displays information about the table Mb that has been instructed to be cleared, based on the food clearing request information received from workstation 3. By viewing the display on staff terminal 5, staff members can understand the status of going to the instructed table Mb for clearing. For example, when all robots 9 (four in this embodiment) are in use for food delivery or clearing, when a new clearing request is received, a staff member can go to clear the food in place of the robot. Furthermore, staff members can monitor whether the robots 9 are correctly performing the clearing process according to the requirements.

[0072] Next, we will explain about Robot 9. Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of robot 9. (As shown) Figure 3 As shown, robot 9 is, for example, a generally cylindrical shape with a longitudinal length. Robot 9 has a base portion 87 and a product-carrying portion 88 formed on the upper part of the base portion 87. The base portion 87 is equipped with a walking mechanism (not shown, for example, four wheels) for moving robot 9. Driving the walking mechanism (rotating the wheels) enables the robot to move. Robot 9 moves its position by walking. Furthermore, the base portion 87 is equipped with a motor 98 for driving the walking mechanism (see...). Figure 11 Robot 9 is driven by a walking mechanism to walk along track Md, thereby loading cooked goods and moving them to table Mb. Furthermore, it is driven by the walking mechanism to walk along track Md to move to table Mb where food removal is to be performed, and after removing the food, it walks along track Md and moves to the standby space Mc.

[0073] Furthermore, robot 9 includes a pair of pillars 86 extending upwards from both sides of base portion 87. A support portion (not shown) for supporting trays TR is provided inside the two pillars 86, and a goods placement portion 88 is formed by detachably mounting a flat, plate-shaped tray TR on this support portion. In this embodiment, four trays TR, namely trays Tra to tray TRd, are installed at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction of robot 9. Furthermore, robot 9 moves and delivers the cooked goods placed on the trays TR to table Mb. Additionally, robot 9 places removed tableware on a tray and then moves to standby space Mc.

[0074] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the robot 9 loads cooked dishes as a delivery robot 9 and removes tableware as a clearing robot 9. Therefore, for hygiene reasons, the loading trays TR can be set up separately. For example, the food for delivery can be loaded on trays Tra and TRb, while the tableware for clearing can be loaded on trays TRc and TRd. In this case, for example, switchable lights (not shown) can be configured on each tray TR. By illuminating the lights of different trays TR during delivery and clearing, it is possible to guide the loading of delivered food and removed tableware onto different trays TR. For example, the lights of trays TRa and TRb are illuminated during delivery, and the lights of trays TRc and TRd are illuminated during clearing. In this way, the trays containing the food to be collected by the customer from the robot 9 can be clearly shown during delivery, and the trays TR containing the returned tableware can be clearly shown during clearing.

[0075] In addition, if other customers do not want to see the removed tableware, an openable and closable cover (not shown) can be installed on robot 9 to cover the trays (e.g., trays TRc and TRd) on which the removed tableware is loaded. The cover is closed after the removed tableware is loaded onto tray TR, thereby handling the tableware in a concealed manner.

[0076] In addition, the upper part of the column 86 on one side of the robot 9 includes a display unit 96 and an operation unit 97. In delivery mode, the display unit 96 shows a message indicating that the cooked food has been delivered (arrived), i.e., a message prompting the pickup of the food. In removal mode, it displays a message prompting the loading of the tableware to be removed onto the tray TR. The operation unit 97 is a touch panel-type keyboard located on the display unit 96, which has an OK button 971 for operation when removing food from the tray TR and loading the tableware to be removed (see...). Figure 11 )wait.

[0077] In addition, it is preferable to equip the food clearing robot 9 with a trash can for storing garbage generated by customers' meals. Customers put the garbage into the trash can when clearing away their tableware.

[0078] The following describes the hardware configuration of the ordering terminal 1. Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the ordering terminal 1. For example... Figure 4As shown, the ordering terminal 1 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13. The CPU 11 serves as the control unit. The ROM 12 stores the OS (Operating System) and various programs. Alternatively, the ROM 12 can be replaced by an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The RAM 13 loads programs and various data. The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are interconnected via a bus 14. The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 constitute the control unit 100. That is, the control unit 100 operates according to the control program stored in the ROM 12 and loaded into the RAM 13 via the CPU 11, thereby executing the control processing related to the ordering terminal 1 described later.

[0079] ROM 12 includes a control program unit 121, a menu information unit 122, and a table information unit 123. The control program unit 121 stores a control program for controlling the ordering terminal 1. The menu information unit 122 stores product information for all dine-in items in shop M (product designation information for a given product (e.g., product code), product name, product price, product image, etc.). The table information unit 123 stores the table number specifying the table Mb (in this embodiment, it is the table number of the table Mb on which the ordering terminal 1 is installed, from table 1 to table 8). Alternatively, the table number may also be information specifying the ordering terminal 1 installed on the table Mb.

[0080] RAM13 includes a product selection section 131, an order information section 132, and a coupon information section 133. The product selection section 131 stores the product codes of the selected items from the multiple displayed menus. The order information section 132 stores the product codes of the ordered items. The coupon information section 133 stores coupon information for coupons obtained through a lottery based on the removal of tableware.

[0081] Furthermore, the control unit 100 is connected to the display unit 16, the operation unit 17, and the printer 18 via the bus 14 and the controller 15. The display unit 16 displays menu information stored in the menu information unit 122 to the customer operating the ordering terminal 1. The operation unit 17 is a keyboard, such as a touch panel on the display unit 16, including a start button 171, a product button 172, an order button 173, a cancellation request button 174, and a checkout button 175. The display unit 16 displays images of the start button 171, product button 172, order button 173, cancellation request button 174, and checkout button 175, and enables the touch panel at the position corresponding to the displayed image to function as the start button 171, product button 172, order button 173, cancellation request button 174, and checkout button 175.

[0082] The Start button 171 is operated by the customer when starting to select the items to order. The Item button 172 is operated by the customer when selecting (specifying) the items to order from the displayed menu. The Order button 173 is operated by the customer when placing an order for the selected items. The Clearance Request button 174 is operated by the customer when requesting the removal of tableware (mainly tableware containing delivered items, and tableware emptied after the meal) from the table. The Checkout button 175 is operated by the customer when settling the bill for the ordered items. Operating the Checkout button 175 is called the checkout operation.

[0083] Printer 18, for example, is a thermal printer, which prints and distributes coupons related to coupon information stored in, for example, coupon information unit 133. Offering coupons to customers who have already cleared the tableware is an effective way to encourage customers to actively participate in clearing the tableware. By distributing coupons to customers who assist in clearing the tableware in this way, it is possible to promote customer participation in clearing the tableware, thereby reducing the number of staff required to perform the clearing of the tableware.

[0084] In addition, the controller 15 receives instructions from the control unit 100 and controls the display unit 16, the operation unit 17, and the printer 18. For ease of explanation, the control performed by the controller 15 will be described below as the control performed by the control unit 100.

[0085] In addition, the control unit 100 is connected to the communication unit 19 via bus 14. The communication unit 19 is communicatively connected to the workstation 3, the POS terminal 7, and the kitchen terminal 8 via communication line L.

[0086] Next, the hardware configuration of workstation 3 will be explained. Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of workstation 3. For example... Figure 5As shown, workstation 3 includes, for example, a CPU 31, ROM 32, and RAM 33. The CPU 31 serves as the control unit. The ROM 32 stores the OS and various programs. Alternatively, the ROM 32 can be replaced by an HDD or SSD. The RAM 33 loads programs and various data. The CPU 31, ROM 32, and RAM 33 are interconnected via a bus 34. The CPU 31, ROM 32, and RAM 33 constitute the control unit 300. That is, the control unit 300 operates according to the control program stored in the ROM 32 and loaded into the RAM 33 via the CPU 31, thereby executing the control processing related to workstation 3 described later.

[0087] ROM 32 includes a control program unit 321, product master data 322, and a table information unit 323. The control program unit 321 stores the control program for controlling workstation 3. The product master data 322 stores product information (product name, price, image, etc.) corresponding to the product codes of the products (dishes) sold in store M. The table information unit 323 stores the table number and location information (coordinates) of each table Mb set up in store M, corresponding to the location of each table Mb. More details will follow later. Figure 9 The Chinese side provides an explanation regarding the information provided by the Dining Room Information Department, section 323.

[0088] RAM33 includes an order information unit 331, a sales management unit 332, and a robot information unit 333. The order information unit 331 stores the order information received from the ordering terminal 1, corresponding to the table number. This order information includes the table number (Mb) of the ordered table and the product code of the ordered item. (Further details will follow later.) Figure 6 and Figure 7 The order information department 331 will be explained below. The sales management department 332 stores the cumulative sales data of delivered goods (i.e., sales data of goods sold in store M). The robot information department 333 stores the current location information and status of each robot 9. For a delivery robot 9 performing food delivery, its robot information department 333 stores the delivery mode. For a robot 9 that has completed delivery, its robot information department 333 stores the delivery completion mode. For a clearing robot 9 performing food clearing, its robot information department 333 stores the clearing mode. For a robot 9 in standby space Mc, its robot information department 333 stores the standby mode. More details will follow later. Figure 8 The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) provides an explanation regarding Section 333 of the Robotics Information Department.

[0089] Furthermore, the control unit 300 is connected to the display unit 36 ​​and the operation unit 37 via the bus 34 and the controller 35. The display unit 36 ​​is used to display information to the staff of the operation workstation 3. The operation unit 37 is a keyboard for the staff of the operation workstation 3 to operate.

[0090] In addition, the controller 35 receives instructions from the control unit 300 and controls the display unit 36 ​​and the operation unit 37. For ease of explanation, the control performed by the controller 35 will be described below as the control performed by the control unit 300.

[0091] Furthermore, the control unit 300 is connected to the communication unit 38 via bus 34. The communication unit 38 is communicatively connected to the ordering terminal 1, the POS terminal 7, and the kitchen terminal 8 via communication line L. Additionally, the control unit 300 is connected to the communication unit 39 via bus 34. The communication unit 39 is communicatively connected to the staff terminal 5 and the robot 9 via communication line NW.

[0092] The following will explain the Order Information Department 331. Figure 6 This is a memory mapping diagram showing an example of the memory structure of the order information unit 331. The order information unit 331 stores the table number, order information, order cancellation request information, information on the removed tableware, payment information indicating the total amount to be paid by the customer after summing the prices of the ordered items, and coupon information of the coupons obtained by the customer based on the order information received from the ordering terminal 1.

[0093] like Figure 6 As shown, the order information unit 331 includes a table numbering unit 3311, an order item unit 3312, a cancellation request unit 3313, a cancellation quantity unit 3314, a checkout information unit 3315, and a coupon information unit 3316. The table numbering unit 3311 stores the table number contained in the order information received from the ordering terminal 1. The order item unit 3312 stores the relevant information (including item codes) of the items contained in the order information received from the ordering terminal 1 in association with the table number stored in the table numbering unit 3311.

[0094] Figure 7 This is a memory mapping diagram illustrating an example of the detailed structure of the memory in the order goods section 3312. Additionally, Figure 7 The order item section 3312 shown corresponds to a table number stored in the table number section 3311. In fact, it includes order item sections 3312 that correspond to the table numbers stored in the table number section 3311.

[0095] The order product section 3312 includes a product code section 33121, a delivery information section 33122, and an elapsed time section 33123. The product code section 33121 stores the product codes included in the order information received from the order terminal 1, one for each product. Additionally, the product code section 33121 reads product information (product name, product price, etc.) corresponding to the stored product codes from the product master data 322 and stores it along with the product codes. The delivery information section 33122 stores delivery information indicating whether the product specified by each product code has been delivered, in association with the product codes stored in the product code section 33121. Delivery information indicating delivery is, for example, delivery time information. If delivery has not been made, the delivery information section 33122 stores delivery information indicating no delivery (e.g., information indicating no delivery), but does not store the delivery time. The elapsed time section 33123 stores the time elapsed since the delivery time was stored in the delivery information section 33122. For example, the system stores the elapsed time calculated from the delivery time stored in the food delivery information unit 33122 and the current time of the timer (not shown).

[0096] The order cancellation request unit 3313 stores cancellation request information (e.g., flag information) associated with the table number of the table Mb that issued the cancellation request signal. For example, when the order cancellation request unit 3313 stores flag information "1" as cancellation request information, it indicates that the ordering terminal 1 of the table Mb specified with the corresponding table number has issued a cancellation request (the cancellation request signal has been received). Furthermore, when the order cancellation request unit 3313 stores flag information "1" as cancellation request information, it indicates that the elapsed time for the goods delivered to the table Mb specified with the corresponding table number has exceeded the specified time. Furthermore, when the order cancellation request unit 3313 stores flag information "0", it indicates that the ordering terminal 1 of the table Mb specified with the corresponding table number has not issued a cancellation request (the cancellation request signal has not been received). Furthermore, when the order cancellation request unit 3313 stores flag information "0", it indicates that the elapsed time for the goods delivered to the table Mb specified with the corresponding table number has not exceeded the specified time. The tableware removal quantity unit 3314 stores the quantity of tableware that has been removed (recycled) from table Mb in association with the table number.

[0097] The checkout information unit 3315 stores the total amount information (checkout information) of the delivered goods among the goods corresponding to the product codes stored in the order goods unit 3312. Specifically, the checkout information unit 3315 stores the total amount information of the goods corresponding to the product codes stored in the order goods unit 3312, among the goods whose delivery information is stored in the delivery information unit 33122. The coupon information unit 3316 stores the coupon information of coupons obtained by drawing lots based on the number of tableware stored in the tableware removal quantity unit 3314, and associates them with the table number.

[0098] Next, we will explain the Robot Information Department 333. Figure 8 This is a memory mapping diagram illustrating an example of the memory structure of the robot's information unit 333. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the robot information unit 333 includes a robot numbering unit 3331, a location information unit 3332, and a pattern information unit 3333. The robot numbering unit 3331 stores the robot designation number of a designated robot 9. In this embodiment, it stores the robot numbers (robot number 1 to robot number 4) of four designated robots 9 respectively. The location information unit 3332 stores the location information of each robot 9 within the store M, associated with its respective robot number. The location information of the robot 9 is, for example, coordinate information calculated based on the direction and distance of movement from the reference position, using the position of the standby space Mc as a reference position (coordinates (0, 0)). Alternatively, the location information of the robot 9 can be coordinate information calculated based on signals received by, for example, the GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver carried by each robot 9 after moving from the reference position. The location information of the robot 9 stored in the location information unit 3332 is received and updated in real time each time the robot 9 moves. The mode information unit 3333 stores the current mode information (standby mode, food delivery mode, food delivery end mode, or food removal mode) of each robot 9 in association with each robot number.

[0099] The following will explain the information about the dining table information department 323. Figure 9This is a memory mapping diagram illustrating an example of the memory structure of the dining table information unit 323. The dining table information unit 323 includes a dining table numbering unit 3231 and a position information unit 3232. The dining table numbering unit 3231 stores the dining table number of each dining table Mb. The position information unit 3232 stores, in association with each dining table number, position information (coordinate information with the standby space Mc as the reference position) for setting the position of that dining table Mb. Each robot 9 determines its route on the track Md to move to that dining table Mb based on its current position (coordinate information stored in the position information unit 3232) and the position of the moving dining table Mb (coordinate information of the moving dining table Mb stored in the position information unit 3232).

[0100] The hardware structure of the store clerk terminal 5 will be described below. Figure 10 This is a block diagram representing the hardware structure of the store clerk terminal 5. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the store clerk terminal 5 includes, for example, a CPU 51, ROM 52, and RAM 53, which serve as processors. The CPU 51 acts as the control unit. The ROM 52 stores the OS and various programs. Alternatively, an HDD or SSD can be used instead of the ROM 52. The RAM 53 loads programs and various data. The CPU 51, ROM 52, and RAM 53 are interconnected via a bus 54. The CPU 51, ROM 52, and RAM 53 constitute the control unit 500. Specifically, the control unit 500 operates according to the control program stored in the ROM 52 and loaded into the RAM 53 via the CPU 51, thereby executing the control processing related to the store clerk terminal 5, which will be described later.

[0101] ROM 52 includes a control program unit 521. The control program unit 521 stores a control program for controlling the clerk terminal 5.

[0102] RAM53 includes an order information unit 531 and a robot information unit 532. The order information unit 531 has the same structure as the order information unit 331. The robot information unit 532 has the same structure as the robot information unit 333.

[0103] Furthermore, the control unit 500 is connected to the display unit 56 and the operation unit 57 via the bus 54 and the controller 55. The display unit 56 is used to display information to the staff operating the staff terminal 5. The display unit 56 displays the information corresponding to each table Mb stored in the order information unit 531 and the information (position information, mode information) of each robot 9 stored in the robot information unit 532. In addition, the display unit 56 displays the order cancellation request message related to the order cancellation request information received from the workstation 3. The staff of store M can view the order information, order cancellation request information, and information of each robot 9 displayed on the staff terminal 5 for each table Mb. The operation unit 57 is the keyboard operated by the staff operating the staff terminal 5.

[0104] In addition, the controller 55 receives instructions from the control unit 500 to control the display unit 56 and the operation unit 57. For ease of explanation, the control performed by the controller 55 will be described below as the control performed by the control unit 500.

[0105] Furthermore, the control unit 500 is connected to the communication unit 58 via bus 54. The communication unit 58 is communicatively connected to the workstation 3 via communication line NW.

[0106] The following describes the hardware structure of Robot 9. Figure 11 This is a block diagram representing the hardware structure of robot 9. For example... Figure 11 As shown, robot 9 includes, for example, a CPU 91, ROM 92, RAM 93, etc., which serve as processors. CPU 91 acts as the control unit. ROM 92 stores the OS and various programs. Alternatively, HDD or SSD can be used instead of ROM 92. RAM 93 loads programs and various data. CPU 91, ROM 92, and RAM 93 are interconnected via bus 94. CPU 91, ROM 92, and RAM 93 constitute control unit 900. Specifically, control unit 900 executes the control processing related to robot 9, which will be described later, by having CPU 91 operate according to the control program stored in ROM 92 and loaded into RAM 93.

[0107] ROM92 includes a control program unit 921, a movement path unit 922, and a voice information unit 923. The control program unit 921 stores a control program for controlling the robot 9. The movement path unit 922 stores the layout of the track Md. The voice information unit 923 stores the voice messages that the robot 9 sends to the customer after arriving at the table Mb in either delivery or removal mode. In delivery mode, the delivery robot 9 sends a voice message such as "Food delivered, please take it" to prompt the customer to move the delivered items to the table Mb. Similarly, in removal mode, the removal robot 9 sends a voice message such as "Time to collect tableware, please load used tableware onto the tray" to prompt the customer to move the tableware to be collected onto the robot 9's tray TR.

[0108] RAM93 includes a mode information unit 931, a position information unit 932, and a destination information unit 933. The mode information unit 931 stores the current mode information of the robot 9. The position information unit 932 stores the position information of the robot 9's current location (coordinate information of the position moved from the reference position). The position information stored in the position information unit 932 is the same as the position information related to the robot 9 stored in the position information unit 3332. The destination information unit 933 stores the position information (coordinate information) of the table Mb to which the robot 9 is to move from now. The position information stored in the destination information unit 933 is obtained from the position information unit 3232. Specifically, the robot 9 determines the route on the track Md stored in the movement path unit 922 based on the position information of the robot 9 stored in the position information unit 932 and the position information of the table Mb to which the robot 9 is to move from now, stored in the destination information unit 933. In addition, when the destination information unit 933 stores the location information (coordinates (0, 0)) representing the reference position of the standby space Mc, the robot 9 will move along the track Md to the standby space Mc.

[0109] Furthermore, the control unit 900 is connected to the display unit 96, the operation unit 97, and the motor 98 via the bus 94 and the controller 95. The display unit 96 displays information to customers or staff operating the robot 9. The display unit 900 can also display the content of voice messages notified by the voice information unit 923. The operation unit 57 is a touch panel provided on, for example, the display unit 96. The operation unit 57 includes an OK button 971. The OK button 971 is operated by the customer when all delivered goods have been placed on the table Mb. In addition, the OK button 971 is operated by the customer after loading the tableware to be removed onto the tray TR. When the OK button 971 is operated, the robot 9 will leave the table Mb and return to the standby space Mc. The motor 98 acts as a drive source to rotate the wheels, thereby moving the robot 9.

[0110] In addition, the controller 95 receives instructions from the control unit 900 to control the display unit 96, the operation unit 97, and the motor 98. For ease of explanation, the control performed by the controller 95 will be described below as the control performed by the control unit 900.

[0111] Furthermore, the control unit 900 is connected to the communication unit 99 via bus 94. The communication unit 99 is communicatively connected to the workstation 3 via the communication network NW.

[0112] The following describes the main processing of the ordering terminal 1, workstation 3, food delivery robot 9, staff terminal 5, and kitchen terminal 8, as well as the transmission and reception of information between these devices. Figure 12This is a time-series diagram showing the main processing steps and information transmission and reception between the ordering terminal 1, workstation 3, delivery robot 9, staff terminal 5, and kitchen terminal 8 related to ordering and delivery, arranged chronologically. For example... Figure 12 As shown, when ordering terminal 1 selects the item to order (T1), when order button 173 is activated (T2), the order information containing the item code and table number of the selected item is sent to workstation 3 (T3).

[0113] After receiving the order information, workstation 3 stores the received product code in association with the received table number in the order information unit 331 (T4). Then, workstation 3 sends cooking instruction information (T5) to kitchen terminal 8, indicating the cooking instructions for the product associated with the stored product code. Kitchen terminal 8 displays the product corresponding to the received product code. The chef cooks the displayed product, and upon completion, presses the cooking completion button (not shown). Then, kitchen terminal 8 sends cooking completion information (including the product code) to workstation 3 for the product that was instructed to be cooked (T6).

[0114] After receiving the cooking completion information, workstation 3 designates one robot 9 from the robots 9 waiting in the standby space Mc and sends a food delivery instruction (including the location information of the table Mb where the food is to be delivered) to that robot (T7). The designated robot 9 loads the food to be delivered and moves to the designated table Mb (T8).

[0115] When robot 9 arrives, the customer places the delivered goods on the dining table Mb and presses the OK button 971 (T9). Robot 9 then sends a delivery completion message (including the product code of the cooked item) to workstation 3, indicating that delivery is complete (T10). Upon receiving the delivery completion message, workstation 3 stores the delivery completion time information in the delivery information unit 33122 (T11). Furthermore, after sending the delivery completion message to workstation 3, robot 9 moves to the standby space Mc (T12).

[0116] The following describes the main processing of tableware removal related to the ordering terminal 1, workstation 3, table removal robot 9, staff terminal 5, and POS terminal 7, as well as the sending and receiving of information between the various devices, in the case of a tableware removal request (i.e., when the tableware removal request button 174 is operated). Figure 13 This is a timeline diagram showing the main processing steps and information transmission and reception between the ordering terminal 1, workstation 3, order-clearing robot 9, staff terminal 5, and POS terminal 7 when a food clearing request is received, arranged chronologically. Figure 13As shown, in the ordering terminal 1, when the ordering request button 174 is operated (T21), the ordering terminal 1 will send an ordering request signal (including the table number) to the workstation 3 requesting the removal of tableware (T22).

[0117] After receiving a food removal request signal (i.e., a food removal request has been received), workstation 3 stores a flag "1" (T23) as the food removal request information in the food removal request unit 3313. Then, workstation 3 designates a robot 9 to handle the food removal (T24). Then, workstation 3 sends a food removal request message indicating that a food removal request has been received to the staff terminal 5 (T25). Upon receiving the food removal request message, staff terminal 5 displays a food removal request message indicating that a food removal request has been received (including the table number of the table Mb for which a food removal request has been requested) (T26). The staff member understands the status of the food removal request through the displayed food removal request message.

[0118] After receiving information about this order removal request, the staff can determine whether there is a robot 9 available to immediately remove the order, based on the presence of the robot 9 waiting in the waiting area Mc and the status of the robots 9 that have already been dispatched to deliver the order. If the staff determines that there is no robot 9 available to immediately remove the order, the staff can remove the order themselves without making the customer who requested the order wait. Furthermore, the staff can monitor whether the robots that have already been dispatched to remove the order have gone to the table Mb and whether the order removal process has been executed accurately.

[0119] In addition, workstation 3 sends a food removal instruction to robot 9 designated in T24 (including the table number of the table Mb set by the ordering terminal 1 that sent the food removal request signal) (T27). Upon receiving the food removal instruction, robot 9 functions as a food removal robot. That is, it determines its route on track Md based on its current location information and the location information of the table Mb it is heading to, and moves to the table Mb set by the ordering terminal 1 that sent the food removal request signal (T28). When robot 9 arrives at table Mb, the customer seated at table Mb transfers the tableware from table Mb to tray TR and operates the OK button 971 (T29). Then, robot 9 determines its route on track Md based on its current location information and the location information of the standby space Mc, and moves to the standby space Mc (T30). The staff collects and counts the tableware from robot 9, which has arrived at the standby space Mc.

[0120] The clerk inputs the counted tableware quantity and table number into their portable terminal 5. Terminal 5 then sends the input tableware quantity and table number information to workstation 3 (T31).

[0121] After receiving the quantity of tableware and the table number, workstation 3 adds the received quantity of tableware to the quantity of tableware stored in the clearing quantity unit 3314 corresponding to that table number, and updates the quantity of tableware stored in the clearing quantity unit 3314 (T32). Then, workstation 3 determines whether the customer is eligible to participate in a coupon lottery based on the updated quantity of tableware (T33). For example, workstation 3 determines that the customer is eligible to participate in the coupon lottery when the quantity of tableware increases by 10 pieces. Then, workstation 3 sends the additional quantity of tableware stored in the clearing quantity unit 3314 and the information on eligibility to participate in the coupon lottery to the ordering terminal 1 installed on the table Mb of the received table number (T34). In addition, in T34, the total quantity of tableware previously cleared stored in the clearing quantity unit 3314 can also be sent.

[0122] After receiving the information from T34, the ordering terminal 1 displays the number of tableware that has been removed, and draws a prize when it is available. If the winner wins, the coupon information is stored in the coupon information unit 3316 and the coupon is obtained. At the same time, the coupon is printed by printer 18 (T35).

[0123] Additionally, the more tableware a customer receives, the higher their chances of winning a coupon. This is because customers who receive more tableware tend to be more accommodating in clearing the table compared to those who receive fewer, thus increasing their chances of winning a coupon.

[0124] The following will explain the main processing of the ordering terminal 1, workstation 3, recycling robot 9, staff terminal 5 and POS terminal 7 related to the removal of tableware when there is a checkout request (i.e. when the checkout button 175 is operated), as well as the sending and receiving of information between the devices. Figure 14 This is a timeline diagram showing the main processing steps and information transmission and reception between the ordering terminal 1, workstation 3, recycling robot 9, staff terminal 5, and POS terminal 7 when a checkout request is received. Additionally, in... Figure 14 In China, for the sake of Figure 13 The same treatments should be marked with the same reference symbols, and explanations should be omitted or simplified. For example... Figure 14 As shown, in the ordering terminal 1, when the checkout button 175 is operated (T41), the ordering terminal 1 sends a checkout request signal (including the table number) to the workstation 3 requesting the removal of tableware (T42). This checkout request signal includes the meaning of requesting to settle the bill related to the meal, and also includes the meaning of requesting the removal of tableware remaining on the table Mb at the time of checkout.

[0125] Upon receiving a checkout request signal (i.e., a request to clear the table), workstation 3 will execute processes T23 to T25. After receiving the clearing request information in T25, staff terminal 5 will execute process T26. Additionally, workstation 3 will execute process T27, while the clearing robot 9 will execute processes T28 to T30. Staff terminal 5, upon inputting the number of tableware to be cleared, will execute process T31. Workstation 3, receiving information in T31, will execute processes T32 to T34. Ordering terminal 1, receiving information in T34, will execute process T35.

[0126] Furthermore, when workstation 3 executes process T34, it retrieves the checkout information (including the table number of the table Mb to be checked out) related to the food consumed at table Mb, stored in the checkout information unit 3315 (T43). Workstation 3 then sends the retrieved checkout information to POS terminal 7 (T44). POS terminal 7 performs the checkout processing related to table Mb based on the received checkout information (T45).

[0127] The following will explain the main processing of the ordering terminal 1, workstation 3, food removal robot 9, staff terminal 5, and POS terminal 7 related to the removal of tableware after the specified time has passed since the goods were delivered, as well as the sending and receiving of information between the various devices. Figure 15 This is a time sequence diagram showing the main processing and information transmission and reception between the ordering terminal 1, workstation 3, food clearing robot 9, staff terminal 5, and POS terminal 7 after a specified time has elapsed since the goods were delivered. Additionally, in... Figure 15 China and Figure 13 and Figure 14 For the same processing, use the same reference symbols, and omit or simplify the explanation. For example... Figure 15 As shown, workstation 3 determines whether a specified time has elapsed since food delivery (T51) based on the time information stored in the elapsed time unit 33123. A specified time is pre-set for each product in ROM 32 or RAM 33, and the system checks whether the elapsed time (time elapsed since food delivery) stored in the time unit 33123 has exceeded the specified time for that product. The specified time can be set differently for each product (because the time required to eat a product varies), or the same specified time can be applied to all products.

[0128] When workstation 3 determines that the specified time has elapsed (i.e., a request to remove the food has been received), it stores a flag "1" (T23) as the removal request information on the table Mb for the goods delivered after the specified time has elapsed. Then, workstation 3 executes processes T24 to T25. The staff terminal 5, which receives the information in T25, executes process T26. In addition, workstation 3 executes process T27, and the food removal robot 9 executes processes T28 to T30. The staff terminal 5, which inputs the number of tableware to be removed, executes process T31, and workstation 3, which receives the information in T31, executes processes T32 to T34. The ordering terminal 1, which receives the information in T34, executes process T35.

[0129] The following describes the functional composition of workstation 3 and staff terminal 5. Figure 16 This is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of workstation 3 and clerk terminal 5. The control unit 300 of workstation 3 operates according to the control program stored in the control program unit 341 in ROM 32, thereby performing functions as acquisition unit 301, designation unit 302, instruction unit 303, transmission unit 304, designation judgment unit 305, statistics unit 306 and signal transmission unit 307.

[0130] The acquisition unit 301 acquires the table number of the table Mb that indicates a request to clear the table with tableware. Specifically, when the clear request button 174 of the ordering terminal 1 installed on the table Mb is activated, the acquisition unit 301 acquires the table number of that table Mb. Furthermore, when the checkout button 175 of the ordering terminal 1 installed on the table Mb is activated, the acquisition unit 301 acquires the table number representing that table Mb. Additionally, when it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed since the goods were delivered to the table Mb, the acquisition unit 301 acquires the table number representing that table Mb.

[0131] The designation unit 302 designates a robot 9 that performs the removal of tableware. Specifically, the designation unit 302 designates a robot 9 that is not currently performing tableware removal and has a standby mode or a delivery completion mode stored in its memory. When a robot 9 with a delivery completion mode is designated, the robot 9 located closest to the table Mb to which the tableware is to be removed is designated.

[0132] The instruction unit 303 instructs the designated robot 9 to proceed to the table Mb that issued the request to remove the tableware. Specifically, the instruction unit 303 stores a tableware removal pattern for the designated robot 9 and sends a tableware removal instruction to the table Mb that has a tableware removal request, so that the robot can proceed to remove the tableware.

[0133] The sending unit 304 sends the obtained table number to the staff terminal 5 for display. Specifically, the sending unit 304 sends a clearing request message (containing the table number) indicating that a clearing request has been issued from table Mb with the obtained table number to the staff terminal 5 for display.

[0134] The designation and judgment unit 305 determines whether the designation unit 302 can designate the robot 9 to perform the food removal. Specifically, the designation and judgment unit 305 determines whether the designation unit 302 can designate the robot 9 to perform the food removal based on whether a robot 9 with a stored standby mode or food removal end mode exists. When a robot 9 with a stored standby mode or food preparation end mode exists, the designation and judgment unit 305 determines that the designation unit 302 can designate the robot 9 to perform the food removal. When no robot 9 with a stored standby mode or food delivery end mode exists, the designation and judgment unit 305 determines that the designation unit 302 cannot designate the robot 9 to perform the food removal.

[0135] The designated unit 302 determines from the designated judgment unit 305 which is a selectable robot 9 for food removal.

[0136] When the designated judgment unit 305 determines that the robot 9 to perform the food removal cannot be designated, the sending unit 304 sends a message to the staff terminal 5 indicating that there is no robot 9 to perform the food removal.

[0137] The statistics unit 306 counts the number of tableware that has been removed by table number. Specifically, the statistics unit 306 counts the number of tableware that has been removed by table number based on the number of tableware received from the staff terminal 5.

[0138] If the number of tableware counted by the statistics unit 306 is sufficient to conduct a lottery for awarding coupons, the sending unit 307 sends coupon lottery information to the ordering terminal 1.

[0139] Furthermore, the control unit 500 of the staff terminal 5 operates according to the control program stored in the control program unit 541 of the ROM 52, thereby functioning as the display unit 501.

[0140] The display unit 501 displays a meal removal request message on the display section 56. The meal removal request message indicates that a meal removal request has been issued by the table Mb represented by the table number received from the workstation 3.

[0141] The following will explain the control of the ordering terminal 1. Figure 17 and Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating a portion of the control processing flow of the ordering terminal 1. For example... Figure 17As shown, the control unit 100 of the ordering terminal 1 determines whether the start button 171 has been operated (S11). When it is determined that the start button 171 has been operated (S11 "Yes"), the control unit 100 can selectively display all the orderable items sold in store M stored in the menu information unit 122 (S12). Then, the control unit 100 returns to S11.

[0142] Furthermore, if it is determined that the start button 171 has not been operated (S11 "No"), the control unit 100 determines whether the product button 172 has been operated (i.e., whether a product has been selected) (S13). If it is determined that the product button 172 has been operated (S13 "Yes"), the control unit 100 stores the product code of that product in the product selection unit 131 (S14). Then, the control unit returns to S11.

[0143] Furthermore, if it is determined that the product button 172 has not been operated (S13 "No"), the control unit 100 determines whether the order button 173 has been operated (S15). If it is determined that the order button 173 has been operated (S15 "Yes"), the control unit 100 sends order information to the workstation 3, which includes the following information: the product code stored in the product selection unit 131 and the table number stored in the table information unit 123, specifying the table Mb (i.e., the ordering terminal 1 installed on the table Mb) (S16). Then, the control unit 100 stores the sent order information in the order information unit 132 (S17). Then, the control unit 100 returns to S11.

[0144] Furthermore, if it is determined that the order button 173 has not been operated (S15 "No"), the control unit 100 determines whether the clearing request button 174 has been operated (S21). When it is determined that the clearing request button 174 has been operated (S21 "Yes"), the control unit 100 sends a clearing request signal containing the table number stored in the table information unit 123 to the workstation 3 (S22).

[0145] The control unit 100 then determines whether it has received the number of tableware items that have been removed from the workstation 3 (S23). It remains on standby until it receives the data (S23 "No"). When it is determined that the number of tableware items has been received (S23 "Yes"), the control unit 100 displays the received number of tableware items on the display unit 16 (S24). Additionally, in S24, the total number of tableware items removed before this point can also be displayed.

[0146] The control unit 100 then determines whether coupon lottery information was received in S23 (S25). If it is determined that no information was received, it returns to S11. If it is determined that coupon lottery information was received (S25's "Yes"), the control unit 100 performs a lottery to determine whether a coupon is a winner (S26). This lottery can be conducted using known lottery techniques, such as spinning a roulette wheel to determine whether a winner is a winner or not. Then, if a winner is found, the control unit 100 stores the coupon information of the winning coupon in the coupon information unit 133 (S27). Then, the control unit 100 uses the printer 18 to print the coupon information stored in the coupon information unit 133 (S27). Then, the control unit 100 returns to S11.

[0147] Furthermore, if it is determined that the meal removal request button 174 has not been operated (S21 "No"), the control unit 100 determines whether the number of removed tableware has been received from the workstation 3 (S28). When it is determined that the number of tableware has been received (S28 "Yes"), the control unit performs the processing and judgment in S24 to S27.

[0148] Furthermore, in cases where it is determined that no removed tableware has been received ("No" in S28), such as Figure 18 As shown, it is determined whether the checkout button 175 has been operated (S31). If the control unit 100 determines that the checkout button 175 has not been operated (S31 "No"), it returns to S11. If it determines that the checkout button 175 has been operated (S31 "Yes"), the control unit 100 sends a checkout request signal containing the table number stored in the table information unit 123 to the workstation 3 (S32).

[0149] The control unit 100 then determines whether the number of removed tableware has been received from the workstation 3 (S33). It stands until it receives the tableware (S33 "No"), and if it determines that the number of tableware has been received (S33 "Yes"), the control unit 100 displays the number of received tableware on the display unit 16 (S34).

[0150] The control unit 100 then determines whether coupon lottery information (discount information) has been received in S33 (S35). When it is determined that coupon lottery information has been received ("Yes" in S35), the control unit 100 performs a lottery to determine whether a coupon has been won (S36). Then, if a prize is won, the control unit 100 stores the coupon information of the winning coupon in the coupon information unit 133 (S37). Then, the control unit 100 uses the printer 18 to print the coupon information stored in the coupon information unit 133 (S37).

[0151] After executing the process in S37, or if it is determined that no coupon lottery information has been received ("No" in S35), the control unit 100 displays a message on the display unit 16 prompting the user to proceed to the POS terminal 7 for checkout (S38). Then, the control unit 100 ends the process and returns to S11.

[0152] The control of workstation 3 will be explained below. Figures 19 to 21 This is a flowchart illustrating a portion of the control processing flow for workstation 3. For example... Figure 19 As shown, the control unit 300 of workstation 3 determines whether it has received order information from the ordering terminal 1 (S41). When it is determined that order information has been received ("Yes" in S41), the control unit 300 stores the received table number in the table number section 3311 and stores the received product code in the corresponding order product section 3312 (S42). Then, it sends cooking instruction information for the product related to the product code stored in the order product section 3312 to the kitchen terminal 8 (S43). Then, the control unit 300 returns to S41.

[0153] Furthermore, if it is determined that no order information has been received from the ordering terminal 1 (S41 "No"), the control unit 300 determines whether cooking completion information has been received from the kitchen terminal 8 (S44). When it is determined that cooking completion information has been received (S44 "Yes"), the control unit 300 designates the delivery robot 9 (S45). The clerk loads the cooked goods onto any of the robots 9 waiting in the waiting area Mc, and inputs the information (robot number) of the robot 9 loaded with goods from, for example, the clerk terminal 5, and sends the robot number to the workstation 3, thereby designating the delivery robot 9 (S45). The control unit 300 then stores the delivery pattern in the pattern information unit 3333 of the designated delivery robot 9 (S46). Then, the control unit 300 sends delivery instruction information to the designated delivery robot 9 (S47). Then, the control unit 300 returns to S41.

[0154] Furthermore, if it is determined that no cooking completion information has been received ("No" in S44), the control unit 300 determines whether delivery completion information (including the product code of the delivered goods and the robot number) has been received (S48). If delivery completion information has been received ("Yes" in S48), the control unit 300 stores the time of receiving the delivery completion information in the delivery information unit 33122 corresponding to the received product code (S49). Then, the control unit 300 stores the delivery end mode in the mode information unit 3333 corresponding to the received robot number (S50). Then, the control unit 300 returns to S41.

[0155] In addition, such as Figure 20As shown, if it is determined that no food delivery completion information has been received (S48 "No"), it is determined whether a food clearance request signal has been received from the ordering terminal 1 (S51). If it is determined that a food clearance request signal has been received (S51 "Yes"), the acquisition unit 301 acquires the table number contained in the received food clearance request signal, and stores the food clearance request information (e.g., flag information "1") indicating that a food clearance request has been received in the food clearance request unit 3313 corresponding to the table number (S52). Then, the sending unit 304 sends the food clearance request information indicating that a food clearance request containing the acquired table number to all the employee terminals 5 carried by each employee (S53).

[0156] Next, the designation judgment unit 305 determines, by referring to the pattern information stored in the pattern information unit 3333, whether there is a robot 9 with a stored standby mode (i.e., a robot 9 waiting in the standby space Mc) (whether a robot 9 waiting in the standby space Mc can be designated) (S54). When it is determined that there is a robot 9 with a stored standby mode (S54 "Yes"), the designation unit 302 designates one robot 9 waiting in the standby space Mc (S55). Furthermore, when it is determined that there is no robot 9 with a stored standby mode (i.e., no robot waiting in the standby space Mc) (S54 "No"), the designation judgment unit 305 determines, by referring to the pattern information stored in the pattern information unit 3333, whether there is a robot 9 with a stored delivery completion mode (i.e., a robot 9 that has completed delivery) (S56). When it is determined that there is a robot 9 with a stored delivery completion mode (S56 "Yes"), the designation unit 302 designates one robot 9 with a stored delivery completion mode (S57).

[0157] In addition, in S56, if there are multiple robots 9 that have stored the food delivery end mode, in S57, the robot 9 closest to the location of the table Mb with the food delivery request will be designated based on the current location information of the robot 9 stored in the location information unit 3332 and the location information of the table Mb to which the food is to be cleared stored in the table information unit 323.

[0158] When a robot 9 is designated in S55 or S57, the control unit 300 stores the food removal mode in the mode information unit 3333 corresponding to the designated robot 9 (S58). Then, the instruction unit 303 sends food removal instruction information to the designated robot 9, which instructs the robot to go to the table Mb that sent the food removal request signal to perform food removal processing (S59).

[0159] Additionally, if it is determined in S56 that no robot 9 has a stored delivery completion mode (S56 "No"), the sending unit 304 will send a message to the staff terminal 5 containing the table number of the table Mb that issued the order to clear the order, indicating that there is no robot 9 capable of handling the order to clear the order (order clearing information) (S66). The staff terminal 5 that receives this message will display it. The staff member who sees this message can go to the table Mb corresponding to the displayed table number to clear the order.

[0160] The control unit 300, having executed step S59, determines whether it has received the number of cleared tableware from the staff terminal 5 (S60). It remains on standby until reception is received (S60: "No"). When it is determined that the number of cleared tableware has been received (S60: "Yes"), the statistics unit 306 adds the received number to the number stored in the cleared tableware quantity unit 3314 and stores it (S61). Then, the control unit 300 determines whether the value stored in the cleared tableware quantity unit 3314 meets the conditions for granting a coupon (S62). If the conditions are not met (S62: "No"), the control unit 300 sends the received value (the number of cleared tableware) to the ordering terminal 1 (S63). Alternatively, the control unit 300 can send the total number of tableware cleared previously. Then, the control unit 300 deletes the cleared tableware request information stored in the cleared tableware request unit 3313 (i.e., the storage flag "0") (S64).

[0161] Furthermore, if it is determined that the value meets the conditions for granting a coupon (S62 "Yes"), the sending unit 307 sends information about the number of removed tableware to the ordering terminal 1, and simultaneously sends coupon lottery information indicating that a lottery for granting coupons will be conducted (S65). Then, the control unit 300 executes the processing of S64.

[0162] Furthermore, in S51, when it is determined that no order cancellation request signal has been received from the ordering terminal 1 (S51 "No"), the control unit 300 will refer to the elapsed time unit 33123 to determine whether there are any items that have been served for a specified time since delivery (S67). When it is determined that there are any items that have been served for a specified time since delivery (S67 "Yes"), even if there is no order cancellation request, the meal consumption of that item may have ended, so the order cancellation robot 9 is dispatched to the delivered table Mb. That is, when the control unit 300 determines that there are any items that have been served for a specified time since delivery (S67 "Yes"), it obtains the table number of the table Mb from the order information unit 331 in order to perform order cancellation processing on the table Mb, and stores the order cancellation request information (e.g., flag information "1") indicating that there is an order cancellation request in the order cancellation request unit 3313 corresponding to the table number (S52). Then, the sending unit 304 sends a message indicating a request to remove a meal containing the obtained table number to all the staff terminals 5 carried by each staff member (S53). The control unit 300 then executes the processing from S54 to S66.

[0163] Furthermore, in cases where it is determined that there are no goods that have been delivered for an extended period of time ("No" in S67), such as Figure 21 As shown, the control unit 300 determines whether a checkout request signal has been received from the ordering terminal 1 (S71). When it is determined that a checkout request signal has been received (S71 "Yes"), the acquisition unit 301 acquires the table number contained in the received clearing request signal and stores clearing request information indicating a clearing request (e.g., storing flag information "1") in the clearing request unit 3313 corresponding to the table number (S72). The sending unit 304 then sends clearing request information indicating a clearing request containing the acquired table number to all the staff terminals 5 carried by each staff member (S73).

[0164] Next, the designation judgment unit 305 refers to the pattern information stored in the pattern information unit 3333 to determine whether there is a robot 9 with a stored standby mode (i.e., a robot 9 waiting in the standby space Mc) (whether a robot 9 waiting in the standby space Mc can be designated) (S74). When it is determined that there is a robot 9 with a stored standby mode ("Yes" in S74), the designation unit 302 designates one robot 9 waiting in the standby space Mc (S75). Furthermore, when it is determined that there is no robot 9 with a stored standby mode (i.e., no robot 9 waiting in the standby space Mc) ("No" in S74), the designation judgment unit 305 refers to the pattern information stored in the pattern information unit 3333 to determine whether there is a robot 9 with a stored meal preparation completion mode (i.e., a robot 9 that has completed meal delivery) (whether a robot 9 that has completed meal preparation can be designated) (S76). When it is determined that there is a robot 9 that stores the food delivery end mode (S76 "Yes"), the designation unit 302 designates a robot 9 that stores the food delivery end mode (S77).

[0165] In addition, in S76, when there are multiple robots 9 that store the food delivery end mode, in S77, the robot 9 closest to the location of the table Mb that issued the food delivery request will be designated based on the location information of the current location of the robot 9 to be cleared stored in the location information unit 3332 and the location information of the table Mb stored in the table information unit 323.

[0166] When a robot 9 is designated in S75 or S77, the control unit 300 stores a "meal removal mode" in the mode information unit 3333 corresponding to the designated robot 9 (S78). Then, the instruction unit 303 sends a meal removal instruction to the designated robot 9, which instructs the robot to go to the table Mb that sent the meal removal request signal to perform the meal removal process (S79).

[0167] Additionally, in S76, when it is determined that there is no robot 9 storing the delivery completion mode (S76 "No"), the sending unit 304 will send a message to the staff terminal 5 containing the table number of the table Mb that issued the order to clear the order, indicating that there is no robot 9 capable of handling the order to clear the order (order clearing information) (S88). The staff terminal 5 that receives this message will display it. The staff member who sees this message can go to the table Mb with the displayed table number to clear the order.

[0168] After processing S79, the control unit 300 determines whether the number of cleared tableware has been received from the staff terminal 5 (S80). It remains on standby until reception (S80 "No"). When it is determined that the number of cleared tableware has been received (S80 "Yes"), the statistics unit 306 adds the received number to the number stored in the cleared tableware quantity unit 3314 and stores it (S81). Next, the control unit 300 determines whether the number stored in the cleared tableware quantity unit 3314 meets the conditions for granting a coupon (S82). When it is determined that the conditions are not met (S82 "No"), the control unit 300 sends the received number (i.e., the number of cleared tableware) to the ordering terminal 1 (S83). Then, the control unit 300 deletes the cleared tableware request information stored in the cleared tableware request unit 3313 (i.e., the storage flag "0") (S84).

[0169] Furthermore, when it is determined that the quantity meets the conditions for granting a coupon (S82 "Yes"), the sending unit 307 sends the quantity of the removed tableware along with coupon lottery information indicating that a lottery for granting coupons will be conducted to the ordering terminal 1 (S85). Then, the control unit 300 will execute the processing in S84.

[0170] After executing the processing in S84, the control unit 300 obtains the payment information related to the table Mb with the payment request from the payment information unit 3315 (S86). Then, the control unit 300 sends the obtained payment information to the POS terminal 7 (S87). The POS terminal 7 performs the payment processing related to the table Mb based on the received payment information. At this time, when a coupon printed by the printer 18 is presented, the POS terminal 7 applies the coupon (e.g., subtracts the amount written on the coupon) to perform the payment processing. Then, the control unit 300 ends the processing and returns to S41.

[0171] Furthermore, in S71, if it is determined that no checkout request signal has been received (S71 "No"), the control unit 300 determines whether it has received arrival information from the robot 9 indicating that it has arrived at the standby space Mc (reference position) (S89). If it is determined that no arrival information has been received (S89 "No"), the control unit 300 returns to S41; if it is determined that arrival information has been received (S89 "Yes"), the standby mode is stored in the mode information unit 3333 (S90), and the control unit 300 then returns to S41.

[0172] The following will explain the control of robot 9. Figure 22 This is a flowchart illustrating the control processing flow of robot 9, such as... Figure 22As shown, the control unit 900 of robot 9 determines whether it has received a food delivery instruction (including location information of the table Mb to which it will go for delivery) from workstation 3 (S91). When it is determined that a food delivery instruction has been received (S91 "Yes"), the control unit 900 stores the food delivery mode in the mode information unit 931 (S92). The food delivery robot 9 with the stored food delivery mode is the food delivery mode specification. Then, the control unit 900 sets (stores) the location information of the table Mb to which it will go for delivery in the destination information unit 933 (S93). Next, the control unit 900 controls the food delivery robot 9 to move to the table Mb (S94). If it has reached the table Mb, the control unit 900 notifies the customer to pick up the delivered goods (S95). The notification is made by voice, display on the display unit 96, or both.

[0173] The control unit 900 then determines whether the OK button 971 has been operated by the customer (S96), and remains in standby until it is operated (S96 "No"). When it is determined that the OK button 971 has been operated (S96 "Yes"), the control unit 900 sends a delivery completion message to the workstation 3 (S97). Then, the control unit 900 stores the delivery completion mode in the mode information unit 931 (S98). Subsequently, the control unit 900 begins to control the robot 9 to move towards the standby space Mc (reference position) (S99).

[0174] Then, the control unit 900 determines whether a food removal instruction message has been received while the robot 9 is moving to the standby space Mc (from the time the food delivery end mode is stored until it returns to the standby space Mc) (S100). If it is determined that no food removal instruction message has been received (S100 "No"), the control unit 900 determines whether it has reached the standby space Mc (S101). If it is determined that it has not reached it, it returns to S100; if it is determined that it has reached it (S101 "Yes"), the control unit 900 stops the movement of the robot 9 (S102). Then, the control unit 900 stores the standby mode in the mode information unit 931 (S103). Then, the control unit 900 sends arrival information indicating that it has reached the standby space Mc to the workstation 3 (S104). Then, the control unit 900 returns to S91.

[0175] Furthermore, when it is determined that no food delivery instruction information has been received (S91 "No"), the control unit 900 will determine whether a food removal instruction signal has been received from the workstation 3 (S110). That is, the control unit 900 determines whether the robot 9 waiting in the standby space Mc has received the food removal instruction signal (S110). When it is determined that no food removal instruction signal has been received (S110 "No"), it returns to S91. When it is determined that a food removal instruction signal has been received (S110 "Yes"), the control unit 900 stores the food removal mode in the mode information unit 931 (S111). The food removal robot 9 with the stored food removal mode is the food removal mode specification. Then, the control unit 900 sets (stores) the location information of the table Mb to which the food is to be removed in the destination information unit 933 (S112). Next, the control unit 900 controls the food removal robot 9 to move to the table Mb (S113). Upon arrival at the table, the control unit 900 notifies the customer that the tableware to be removed will be loaded onto the tray TR (S114). The notification is given via voice, display on the display unit 96, or both.

[0176] Subsequently, the control unit 900 determines whether the OK button 971 has been operated by the customer (S115), and remains in standby until it is operated (S115 "No"). When it is determined that the OK button 971 has been operated (S115 "Yes"), the control unit 900 controls the robot 9 to move to the standby space Mc (reference position) (S116). Then, the control unit 900 executes the processing in S103 and S104 and returns to S91. In addition, in S100, when it is determined that a meal removal instruction message has been received (i.e., a meal removal instruction message is received while moving to the standby space Mc after the meal delivery is completed) (S100 "Yes"), the control unit 900 will execute the judgment and processing in S111 to S116.

[0177] The following will explain the control of the store clerk terminal 5. Figure 23 This is a flowchart illustrating the control processing flow of the store clerk terminal 5. For example... Figure 23 As shown, the control unit 500 of the staff terminal 5 determines whether a food removal request message has been received from the workstation 3 (S121). When it is determined that a food removal request message has been received (S121 "Yes"), the display unit 501 will display a food removal request message containing the following content on the display unit 56: a message indicating that a food removal request has been received and the table number of the table Mb that issued the food removal request (S122). Then the control unit 500 returns to S121.

[0178] Furthermore, if it is determined that no food removal request information has been received ("No" in S121), the control unit 500 will determine whether a food removal cannot be received (S123). If it is determined that a food removal cannot be received ("Yes" in S123), the display unit 501 will display a food removal cannot be received message on the display unit 56 containing the following: a food removal cannot be received message indicating that there is no robot 9 responding to the food removal request and the table number of the table Mb that issued the food removal request (S124). Then the control unit 500 returns to S121.

[0179] Furthermore, if it is determined that no message indicating that food cannot be removed has been received ("No" in S123), the control unit 500 will determine whether the quantity of food to be removed has been entered (S125). The staff collects the tableware transported to the standby space Mc by robot 9 and enters the quantity of collected tableware into the staff terminal 5. When it is determined that the quantity of food to be removed has been entered ("Yes" in S125), the control unit 500 sends the entered quantity information to workstation 3 (S126). Then, the control unit 500 returns to S121. Conversely, if it is determined that no quantity of food to be removed has been entered ("No" in S125), the control unit 500 returns to S121.

[0180] According to this first embodiment, when there is a request to remove tableware (including a request based on a checkout request) or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the goods were delivered, the control unit 300 of the workstation 3 sends a removal instruction to the robot 9, which is either in standby mode or in delivery completion mode, so that the robot 9 can proceed with the removal. Furthermore, the control unit 300 sends a removal request message to the staff terminal 5 indicating a removal request. The staff terminal 5, upon receiving the removal request information, displays a removal request message corresponding to the information. This workstation 3 can issue removal instructions not only to the robot 9 in standby space but also to the robot 9 delivering food. Furthermore, the staff member who sees the removal request message displayed on the staff terminal 5 can monitor the robot 9's removal process. Moreover, since the staff member can determine whether a robot 9 is available for removal and displays a message indicating that removal is not possible, the staff member can perform the removal process in place of the robot 9 when no robot is available.

[0181] (Second Embodiment)

[0182] The second embodiment will be described below. In the first embodiment, robot 9 is used as both a food delivery robot and a food removal robot. However, in the second embodiment, the food delivery robot 9 and the food removal robot 9 are distinguished. The food delivery robot 9 is used only as a dedicated food delivery robot, and the food removal robot 9 is used only as a dedicated food removal robot. The following will use... Figures 24 to 27The second embodiment will be described below. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, descriptions of the same figures as in the first embodiment are omitted. Figures 24 to 27 In this document, descriptions of structures and controls identical to those in the first embodiment will be simplified or omitted.

[0183] Figure 19 The same applies to the second embodiment. Figure 24 and Figure 25 The accompanying drawing relates to the control of workstation 3 in the second embodiment. Figure 24 Equivalent to the first embodiment Figure 20 .exist Figure 24 In the middle, not implemented in Figure 20 The judgment in S56 and the processing in S57 have already been executed. That is, in the second embodiment, the following control is not executed: determining whether robot 9 is in the food delivery end mode and designating one robot 9 in the food delivery end mode. In addition, when there is no robot 9 in standby mode ("No" in S54), the processing in S66 will be executed. Figure 24 Other structures (control) and Figure 20 same.

[0184] Figure 25 Equivalent to the first embodiment Figure 21 .exist Figure 25 In the middle, not implemented in Figure 21 The judgment in S76 and the processing in S77 have already been executed. Specifically, in the second embodiment, the following control is not executed: determining whether robot 9 is in the food delivery end mode and designating one robot 9 that is in the food delivery end mode. In addition, when there is no robot 9 in standby mode ("No" in S74), the processing in S88 is executed. Figure 25 Other structures (control) and Figure 20 same.

[0185] Figure 26 A flowchart illustrating the control of the food delivery robot 9 in the second embodiment is shown. Figure 26 It is shown Figure 22 The diagram illustrates the control of food delivery robot 9. Specifically, food delivery robot 9 will execute... Figure 22 The processing steps S91 to S104 are performed. However, after executing the processing step S98, the control unit 900 will not execute... Figure 22 Instead of moving from S99 to S102, it moves to the standby position (S131). In addition, when it is determined in S91 that no food delivery instruction has been received (S91 "No"), the control unit 900 will go into standby mode.

[0186] Figure 27 This is a flowchart showing the control of the food removal robot 9. Figure 27 It is shown Figure 22A diagram illustrating the control scheme of the food delivery robot 9. That is, in... Figure 27 In the middle, the food delivery robot 9 performs Figure 22 The processing in S110 to S116 is as follows. In addition, when it is determined that no order to remove the food has been received ("No" in S110), the control unit 900 will standby.

[0187] According to this second embodiment, when there is a request to remove tableware (including a request based on a checkout request) or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the goods were delivered, the control unit 300 of the workstation 3 sends a removal instruction to the robot 9, which is in standby mode, so that the robot 9 can perform the removal process. Furthermore, the control unit 300 sends a removal request message indicating a removal request to the staff terminal 5. The staff terminal 5, upon receiving the removal request message, displays the message. This workstation 3 can issue removal instructions to the robot 9, which is in standby mode in the standby space Mc. Furthermore, the staff member, seeing the display on the staff terminal 5, can monitor the robot 9 performing the removal process. Moreover, the staff member can determine whether a robot 9 is available for removal, and therefore can perform the removal process in place of the robot 9 when no robot 9 is available.

[0188] As described above, the workstation 3 in this embodiment includes: an acquisition unit 301, which acquires the table number of the table Mb that indicates a request to clear tableware; a designation unit 302, which designates the robot 9 that will perform the tableware clearing; an instruction unit 303, which instructs the designated robot 9 to go to the table Mb to clear the tableware; and a sending unit 304, which sends the acquired table number to the staff terminal 5 so that it can be displayed.

[0189] In this embodiment, when a request to remove tableware is received, workstation 3 designates robot 9 to handle the removal, sends a removal instruction to robot 9, and instructs robot 9 to proceed with the removal process. Furthermore, workstation 3 sends the table number of the table Mb that issued the removal request to the staff terminal 5.

[0190] This workstation 3 allows the staff's terminal 5 to display the table number, so the staff can monitor the robot 9 to perform the table clearing process. Furthermore, since the staff can determine whether the robot 9 is available for clearing the table, they can perform the clearing process in place of the robot 9 when no robot 9 is available.

[0191] In addition, the workstation 3 in this embodiment includes: an acquisition unit 301, which acquires the table number of a table Mb that has been served for a specified period of time since the goods were delivered; a designation unit 302, which designates a robot 9 to perform the removal of tableware; an instruction unit 303, which instructs the designated robot 9 to go to the table Mb to perform the removal of tableware; and a sending unit 304, which sends the acquired table number to the staff terminal 5 so that it can be displayed.

[0192] In this embodiment, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the goods were delivered, workstation 3 designates robot 9 to clear the tableware, sends a clearing instruction to robot 9, and controls robot 9 to perform the clearing process. Furthermore, workstation 3 sends the table number of the table Mb that issued the clearing request to the staff terminal 5.

[0193] This workstation 3 displays the table number on the employee's terminal 5, allowing the employee to monitor the robot 9's food removal process. Furthermore, the employee can determine whether the robot 9 is available for food removal; if not, the employee can perform the removal process in place of the robot 9.

[0194] Furthermore, the system of this embodiment includes a workstation 3 and a staff terminal 5. The workstation 3 includes: an acquisition unit 301, which acquires the table number of the table Mb that issued the tableware removal request; a designation unit 302, which designates the robot 9 that performs the tableware removal; an instruction unit 303, which sends an instruction to the designated robot 9 to go to the table Mb to remove the tableware; and a sending unit 304, which sends the acquired table number to the staff terminal 5 for display. The staff terminal 5 includes a display unit 501, which displays a message indicating that the table Mb represented by the table number received from the workstation 3 has issued a tableware removal request.

[0195] In this embodiment of the system, when a request to remove tableware is received, workstation 3 designates robot 9 to remove the tableware, sends a removal instruction to robot 9, and controls robot 9 to proceed with the removal process. Furthermore, workstation 3 sends the table number of the table Mb with the removal request to staff terminal 5. Additionally, staff terminal 5 displays the table number on the staff member's device.

[0196] Therefore, the staff can monitor the robot 9's food removal process. Furthermore, since the staff can determine whether the robot 9 is available for food removal, they can perform the removal process in its place when no robot 9 is available.

[0197] Furthermore, the system of this embodiment includes a workstation 3 and a staff terminal 5. The workstation 3 includes: an acquisition unit 301, which acquires a table number representing a table Mb that has been served for a specified period of time since the goods were delivered; a designation unit 302, which designates a robot 9 to perform table removal; an instruction unit 303, which sends an instruction to the designated robot 9 to proceed to table Mb for table removal; and a sending unit 304, which sends the acquired table number to the staff terminal 5 for display. The staff terminal 5 includes a display unit 501, which displays a message indicating that table removal processing will be performed on the table Mb represented by the table number received from the workstation 3.

[0198] In this embodiment of the system, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the goods were delivered, workstation 3 designates robot 9, which is to be responsible for clearing tableware, sends a clearing instruction to robot 9, and instructs robot 9 to perform the clearing process. Furthermore, workstation 3 also sends the table number of the table Mb with the clearing request to the staff terminal 5. Additionally, workstation 3 causes the staff terminal 5 carried by the employee to display the table number.

[0199] Therefore, the staff can monitor the robot 9 to handle food removal. Furthermore, since the staff can determine whether the robot 9 is available for food removal, they can perform food removal in place of the robot 9 if it is unavailable.

[0200] The embodiments of the present invention (the first embodiment and the second embodiment) have been described above. However, these embodiments are provided as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments and their variations can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are all included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0201] For example, in one embodiment, the coupon is configured to be printed and issued by printer 18. However, it is not limited to this; for example, it can also be configured to send the coupon information along with the checkout information to POS terminal 7, and automatically apply the coupon when POS terminal 7 performs checkout.

[0202] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ordering terminal 1, which is set on the dining table Mb, is configured to take orders for goods. However, it is not limited to this. For example, a mobile terminal (e.g., a mobile terminal carried by the customer) that has a dedicated application installed and is associated with the table number of the dining table Mb may also be used as the ordering terminal 1.

[0203] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the staff terminal 5, as an example of a display device, is configured to display the table number of the table Mb that has a request to clear the table. However, it is not limited to this; a display panel or similar device located in a position easily visible to staff within the store M may also be used as a display device.

[0204] Furthermore, in this embodiment, coupon lottery information used to award coupons is used as an example of discount information. However, it is not limited to this; discount information can also be, for example, information that awards coupons without requiring a lottery. Additionally, it can be discount information other than coupons (e.g., information about awarding points).

[0205] In addition, the program executed by workstation 3 in the embodiment can be stored and provided as an installable or executable file in a computer-readable storage medium such as CD-ROM, floppy disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0206] Furthermore, the program executed by workstation 3 in the embodiment can be configured to be stored in a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and provided via network download. Additionally, the program executed by workstation 3 in the embodiment can be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0207] Furthermore, the program to be executed on the workstation 3 in the embodiment can be pre-installed in a ROM or the like and provided.

Claims

1. A meal removal indicator device, characterized in that, include: The acquisition unit acquires table information from the table that issued a request to remove tableware; A designated unit is specified for the robot that performs the removal of the tableware. The instruction unit instructs the designated robot to proceed to the table to remove the food. as well as The sending unit sends the obtained table information to a display device that can be viewed and confirmed by the store staff for display.

2. A meal removal indicator device, characterized in that, include: The acquisition unit acquires table information indicating that a specified time has elapsed since the goods were delivered; A designated unit, specifying the robot responsible for removing tableware; The instruction unit instructs the designated robot to proceed to the table to remove the food. as well as The sending unit sends the obtained table information to a display device that can be viewed and confirmed by the store staff for display.

3. The meal removal indicator device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The display device is a staff terminal carried by the store clerk.

4. The meal removal indicator device according to claim 3, further comprising: A determination unit is specified to determine whether the specified unit can specify the robot, wherein... The designated unit selects one robot from the robots that the designated judgment unit determines can be designated. If the designated judgment unit determines that the robot cannot be specified, the sending unit sends a message indicating that no robot is going to perform the food removal.

5. The meal removal indicator device according to claim 4, wherein, The robot in question is used for delivering and removing food. The designated unit specifies the robot that is not in a food delivery state.

6. The meal removal indicator device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The statistics unit counts the number of tableware that has been removed based on the table information; as well as The sending unit sends discount information based on the counted quantity of the tableware.

7. A storage medium storing a program that enables a computer, serving as a meal removal instruction device, to function as the following units: The acquisition unit acquires table information indicating that a table has issued a request to remove the food; A designated unit is specified for the robot that performs the removal of the tableware. The instruction unit instructs the designated robot to proceed to the table to remove the food. as well as The sending unit sends the obtained table information to a display device that can be viewed and confirmed by the store staff for display.

8. A storage medium storing a program that enables a computer, serving as a meal removal instruction device, to function as the following units: The acquisition unit acquires table information indicating that a specified time has elapsed since the goods were delivered; A designated unit, specifying the robot responsible for removing tableware; The instruction unit instructs the designated robot to proceed to the table to remove the food. as well as The sending unit sends the obtained table information to a display device that can be viewed and confirmed by the store staff for display.

9. A system comprising a food removal indicator and a display device that can be viewed and confirmed by staff, characterized in that: The meal removal indicator device includes: The acquisition unit acquires table information from the table that issued a request to remove tableware; A designated unit is specified for the robot that performs the removal of the tableware. The instruction unit instructs the designated robot to proceed to the table to remove the food; and The sending unit sends the acquired table information to the display device for display. The display device includes: The display unit displays a message indicating that the table information received from the table removal instruction device indicates that the table has issued a request to remove the food.

10. A system comprising a food removal indicator and a display device that can be viewed and confirmed by staff, characterized in that: The meal removal indicator device includes: The acquisition unit acquires table information indicating that a specified time has elapsed since the goods were delivered; A designated unit, specifying the robot responsible for removing tableware; The instruction unit instructs the designated robot to proceed to the table to remove the food. The sending unit transmits the acquired table information to the display device for display. The display device includes: The display unit displays a message indicating that a meal removal process has been performed on the table represented by the table information received from the meal removal instruction device.

Images