control device

Abstract

The control device of the present application can improve the convenience for customers. In a display device provided on a seat, a control section displays images of a plurality of goods that can be ordered in a first area, displays an image of a good selected as an order candidate and an order button for ordering the good in a second area, and displays the image of the selected good in the second area as an operation of selecting the image of the good in the first area is performed.

Description

[0001] This invention application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Control Device" with international application number PCT / JP2024 / 020912, international application date of June 7, 2024, and application number 202480006296.X which entered the Chinese national phase. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to control devices. Background Technology

[0003] In the past, various systems for processing customer orders have been proposed in shops that offer beverages and food. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for detecting a customer's selection behavior on image data of beverages and food scrolling on a display unit, and for displaying data related to the selected beverages and food on the display unit using a mask.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5715942 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, there is still a need to provide technologies that offer greater convenience to customers. Furthermore, this requirement is not limited to shops offering the aforementioned beverages and food items; it is common to all shops that sell goods. The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, providing a technology that can improve convenience for customers.

[0009] Technical solutions to solve technical problems

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a control device is a control device for controlling a display device disposed on a seat, comprising a display unit that displays an ordering screen used by a seated customer when ordering goods. The ordering screen includes: a goods movement area, which is an area displayed such that each of a plurality of goods images moves along a track in a predetermined direction; an order candidate area, which is disposed in a position that does not overlap with the goods movement area; and an order execution button, which is disposed in a position that does not overlap with the goods movement area. The control device further includes: a selection acceptance unit that accepts the selection of goods displayed in the goods movement area; a movement display unit that moves and displays the goods selected by the selection acceptance unit from the goods movement area; a button operation acceptance unit that accepts the operation of the order execution button; and an order execution unit that, when the operation is accepted by the button operation acceptance unit, executes the order for the goods displayed in the order candidate area.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, a control device is a control device for controlling a display device disposed on a seat, comprising a display unit that displays an ordering screen on the display device for use by a seated customer when ordering goods. The ordering screen includes a goods movement area, which is displayed in such a way that each of a plurality of goods images that will be ordered moves along a track in a predetermined direction. The control device further includes: an information acquisition unit that acquires customer-related information; and a selection unit that, based on the customer-related information, selects goods that are preferentially displayed to the customer, i.e., preferential display goods, as a plurality of goods whose images are displayed in the goods movement area.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, a control device is a control device for controlling a display device disposed on a seat, comprising an order screen display unit that displays an order screen on the display device for use by a seated customer when ordering goods. The order screen includes a goods movement area, which is an area displayed such that each of a plurality of images, including an image of the goods to be ordered and an image indicating promotional information, moves along a track in a predetermined direction. The control device further includes an operation receiving unit that receives a predetermined operation on the image indicating promotional information; and a promotional display unit that, when the predetermined operation is received by the operation receiving unit, causes the order screen to display a promotional display area indicating the content of the promotional activity corresponding to the promotional information.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, a control device is a control device for controlling a display device disposed on a seat, comprising an order screen display unit that displays an order screen on the display device for use by a seated customer when ordering goods. The order screen includes a goods movement area, which is displayed such that each of a plurality of goods images to be ordered moves along a track in a predetermined direction. The control device further includes an operation receiving unit that receives a stroking operation having a component in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction; and a reverse display unit that, when a stroking operation is received by the operation receiving unit, displays each of the plurality of goods images in a manner that temporarily moves each of the plurality of goods images in the opposite direction.

[0014] Invention Effects

[0015] According to the present invention, convenience for customers can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a simplified block diagram illustrating the system structure of the management system 100 of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a specific example of the appearance of the store system 110.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a specific example of an order screen.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating specific examples of changes that occur when a customer places an order for goods.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating specific examples of changes that occur when a customer places an order for goods.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a specific example of an auxiliary settings screen.

[0022] Figure 7 It is a diagram used to illustrate the product display function.

[0023] Figure 8 This is an example of a product image 432 that displays information about promotional activities.

[0024] Figure 9 This is an example image showing a screen when information about a promotional activity has been processed.

[0025] Figure 10 This is an example image showing a screen when information about a promotional activity has been processed.

[0026] Figure 11This is a diagram showing a specific example of menu screen 436.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a simplified block diagram representing a specific example of the management device 20.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing a specific example of a customer information form.

[0029] Figure 14 This is a simplified block diagram representing a specific example of the store control device 30.

[0030] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of the processing of the store control device 30.

[0031] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing an outline of an example of the hardware structure of the information processing device 90 used in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Figure 1 This is a simplified block diagram illustrating the system structure of the management system 100 of the present invention. The management system 100 includes a customer terminal device 10, a management device 20, and a store system 110. The customer terminal device 10, the management device 20, and the store system 110 are communicatively connected via a network 70. The network 70 can be a wireless communication network or a wired communication network. For example, the network 70 can be constructed using the Internet or a local area network (LAN). The network 70 can also be constructed by combining multiple networks.

[0033] Customer terminal device 10 is a terminal device used by customers who order and receive goods at a store that is managed by management system 100. The store being managed may be, for example, a store that provides beverages and food to customers. In this case, the goods are beverages and food. However, the goods provided to customers in a store being managed are not limited to beverages and food. Customer terminal device 10 may be, for example, an information processing device such as a smartphone, mobile phone, personal computer, tablet computer, portable game console, or wearable computer. Customer terminal device 10 can communicate with other devices via network 70.

[0034] The management device 20 is a device for managing the store system 110 located in a store that is a management object of the management system 100. The management device 20 is configured using an information processing device such as a personal computer, tablet terminal, or server device. The management device 20 accepts registrations of data (hereinafter referred to as "product group data") related to product groups that can be offered as menu items in the store that is a management object of the management system 100. Product group data includes, for example, images of multiple products that can be offered as menu items, and information related to each product (e.g., price, ingredient-related information, cooking-related information, etc.).

[0035] The registration of product group data can be performed, for example, by a person with prescribed authority, such as an administrator of management device 20. The registration of product group data can be performed in any way. For example, the registration of product group data can also be performed by the administrator operating an input / output device (user interface) set on management device 20. For example, the registration of product group data can also be performed by the administrator sending product group data from other information processing devices to management device 20.

[0036] A store system 110 is set up in one or more stores that are managed by a management system 100. The store system 110 is set up for each store that provides beverages and food, for example. In this case, the products included in the product group data are beverages and food. The store system 110 includes a store control device 30, a kitchen display device 40, a conveyor control device 41, a conveyor device 42, and multiple store display devices 43. The devices of the store system 110 are communicatively connected via a network 71 set up in the store system 110. The network 71 may, for example, be configured using a LAN or a wireless LAN.

[0037] The store control device 30 is a device that controls the various devices installed in the store system 110. The store control device 30 is constructed using information processing devices such as personal computers and server devices. For example, the store control device 30 receives product group data sent from the management device 20, determines the products (hereinafter referred to as display product items) to be displayed on the store display device 43 of the store system 110, and causes the store display device 43 to display an image of the display product. The store control device 30 may also, for example, determine the products selected on the kitchen display device 40 as display product items.

[0038] Kitchen display device 40 is a device used by the kitchen manager in the store system 110. Kitchen display device 40 may be, for example, an information processing device such as a smartphone, mobile phone, personal computer, tablet terminal, portable game console, wearable computer, or dedicated terminal. Kitchen display device 40 displays products from the product group data sent from management device 20 as product candidates. Kitchen display device 40 notifies the store control device 30 of the products selected by the kitchen manager. Additionally, kitchen display device 40 displays information related to orders placed by customers using store display device 43 or customer terminal device 10 (hereinafter referred to as "order information"). Order information may include, for example, information indicating the seat location of the customer placing the order, information indicating the ordered products, and information indicating the quantity of ordered products. The kitchen manager prepares products (beverages and food) based on the order information displayed on kitchen display device 40 and serves them to the customer.

[0039] The conveyor control device 41 controls the operation of the conveyor device 42. For example, the conveyor control device 41 can also control the operation of the conveyor device 42 based on control signals sent from the store control device 30 or the kitchen display device 40. The conveyor device 42 conveys goods prepared by the kitchen manager to the customer. The conveyor device 42 is constructed, for example, using a conveyor belt.

[0040] The store display device 43 may be, for example, an image display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The store display device 43 may also be configured as a touch panel that also has an input device.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the appearance of a store system 110. Multiple unit seats 44 are provided in the store. Each unit seat 44 is a seat used by one or more customers to check out in a single transaction. A unit seat 44 can be configured as a seat used by a single customer (e.g., a single seat on the counter), or it can be configured as... Figure 2 The seats shown are for use by multiple people. The store display device 43 can also be set up with one or more units per unit seat 44.

[0042] exist Figure 2 In the example, a shop display device 43 is provided for a unit seat 44. For example, a shop display device 43a is provided for unit seat 44a, a shop display device 43b is provided for unit seat 44b, and a shop display device 43c is provided for unit seat 44c.

[0043] The conveying device 42 is configured to at least convey goods from the kitchen to each unit seat 44. Each unit seat 44 is provided with at least one receiving port 421. The conveying device 42 is configured, for example, to convey goods from the kitchen to the receiving port 421, where the goods stop.

[0044] The store display device 43, which is installed in each unit seat 44, displays the screen used by customers sitting in each unit seat 44 when ordering goods. Figure 3 This is an example of a specific order screen. In Figure 3 In a specific example, at least an image of the conveying device 42 and one or more product images 432 are displayed. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, the information display area 431, the order operation area 433, and the setting operation area 441 can also be displayed.

[0045] The image on the conveyor 42 can also be displayed in a manner that moves at a predetermined speed and in a predetermined direction. Similarly, the product images 432 can each be displayed in a manner that moves at a predetermined speed and in a predetermined direction. For example, the image on the conveyor 42 and each product image 432 can also be displayed in a manner that moves from right to left at a predetermined speed. By displaying the image on the conveyor 42 and the product images 432 in the same direction and at the same speed, it appears as if the products in each product image 432 are loaded onto the conveyor 42 and are moving. More specifically, by displaying it in this way, for example, in a conveyor belt sushi shop, customers can see as if products (e.g., sushi) are moving along a track.

[0046] The store control device 30 or the store display device 43 can also change the speed or direction of movement of these images according to the customer's operation. The customer's operation can also be processed, for example, as an operation on the store display device 43, which is constructed using a touch panel. For example, if the customer performs a light swipe operation on the touch panel with a component in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction, the image displayed as the conveyor device 42 and the product image 432 can be temporarily moved in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction.

[0047] Information display area 431 is the area for displaying information to customers that they are eligible to receive. The type of information displayed in information display area 431 can be controlled by management device 20 or store control device 30. For example, information indicating that someone is eligible to receive information can be sent from management device 20 to store control device 30 via network 70, and the information selected by store control device 30 can be displayed in information display area 431. For example, information such as advertisements offered to customers, coupons, or even screenshots of games that customers can play can be displayed. The advertisements offered to customers can be related to the operating entity of the store where store system 110 is installed, or they can be related to other entities. In the case of advertisements related to other entities, the advertiser can pay advertising fees to the operating entity of the store.

[0048] The ordering area 433 is the area used by customers when placing orders for goods. Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating specific examples of the changes displayed when a customer places an order for goods. Figure 3 The ordering operation area 433 shown displays an order button 434 and multiple order candidate areas 435. The order button 434 is labeled "Order". The order candidate area 435 represents the items selected as candidate items for the customer's order. Figure 3 As shown, when the customer has not selected any order candidates, no product images are displayed in any of the order candidate areas 435; instead, images indicating no selection are displayed.

[0049] When a customer sees an image 432 of a product they wish to order displayed on the screen, they select that image. This selection can be done by dragging, clicking, or another method. In the case of dragging, the customer drags the product image 432 to the ordering area 433. In the case of clicking, the customer clicks on the product image 432. When the customer selects an image 432, such as... Figure 4 The selected product image 432 is shown in the order candidate area 435. As described above, the product image 432 displayed in the order candidate area 435 represents a candidate selected for customer order.

[0050] When a customer presses the order button 434, an order for the item displayed in the product image 432 in the order candidate area 435 is executed at the moment the operation is performed. When an order is placed, the store control device 30 registers information indicating the unit seat 44 that made the order and information indicating the ordered item. The store control device 30 displays this information on the kitchen display device 40. The kitchen manager (e.g., the person cooking) prepares the item based on the information displayed on the kitchen display device 40, places it on the conveyor device 42, and conveys it to the delivery destination (the unit seat 44 where the customer made the order). The conveyed item (the ordered item) is delivered via the conveyor device 42 to the collection slot 421 of the unit seat 44 where the customer who made the order is located. The customer who made the order can then retrieve and collect the item delivered to the collection slot 421.

[0051] exist Figure 3 The setup operation area 441 shown includes an auxiliary / setting button, a product menu button, and an order history / checkout button. When the auxiliary setting button is pressed, the auxiliary setting screen is displayed. Figure 6 This is an illustration showing a specific example of an auxiliary settings screen. In Figure 6 In the middle, the auxiliary setting screen 442 is replaced and displayed in part or all of the area where the setting operation area 441 is displayed. The auxiliary setting screen displays a call button, an operation instruction tutorial button, an allergen information button, a language selection button, a design switch button, an ON / OFF button for displaying information about the goods on the track, and an ON / OFF button for the mini-game.

[0052] When the call button is pressed, by setting... Figure 1 The output device in the store system 110 shown indicates that the call button has been operated at the unit seat 44. For example, the light provided for each unit seat 44 can be turned on, and the seat identification information of the unit seat 44 can be displayed or audibly output.

[0053] When the "Instructions" button is pressed, an instructions screen is displayed. This screen may also display animations or static images explaining the operation. When the "Allergen Information" button is pressed, information related to allergens associated with the products offered by the store is displayed. For example, a table showing the offered products and the causative substances of the allergens may also be shown.

[0054] When the language selection button is operated, multiple other language buttons are displayed. For example, English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean language buttons may be displayed. When a language button is operated, the store display device 43 displays in the language assigned to the operated language button. When the design switch button is operated, the display design of the store display device 43 is switched to another design. Furthermore, the effects of operating the language selection button and the design switch button are limited to the store display device 43 performing the operation.

[0055] When the ON / OFF button for the product information display on the track is pressed, the product information display function is toggled on / off. Figure 6 In this state, the product information display function is turned off. Therefore, product information (such as the product name or price) is not displayed in the product images 432 that flow across the screen. Figure 7 This is a diagram used to illustrate the display function of a product. Figure 7 In this mode, the product information display function is enabled. In this case, product information 439 is displayed on each product image 432 that flows along the track on the screen. Figure 7 In a specific example, the product name and price are displayed as product information. The display area for product information is configured, for example, for each product image 432 flowing along the track, and moves synchronously with the movement of the product images 432. Therefore, the product images 432 and the images of the labels representing the product information flow together on the track.

[0056] When the ON / OFF button for the mini-game is pressed, part or all of the screen on the store display device 43 can be used to play the mini-game. For example, pressing the ON / OFF button launches the mini-game application and displays the mini-game screen. Customers can then play the mini-game by pressing the operation buttons displayed on the store display device 43. Gifts or coupons can also be issued based on the mini-game's performance.

[0057] Figure 8 This is an example of an image 432 displaying information about a promotional activity. The product image 432 on the track of the store display device 43 may also display an image representing a promotional activity being implemented in the store, instead of the product itself. Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is an example of a screen displaying information about a promotional offer. When the image representing the promotional offer is manipulated, a promotional offer display area 444 is displayed, showing the content of the promotion. The promotional offer display area 444 is displayed on a layer above the track image or other product images 432. Therefore, the promotional offer display area 444 is displayed statically, but the track or product images 432 can also continue to be displayed in a flowing manner against its background.

[0058] When in the promotional activity display area 444 ( Figure 9 When operating the menu button in ), the text or image representing the menu (promotional menu image) is displayed in the promotional activity display area 444 (445). Figure 10 ). Figure 10 This diagram illustrates a specific example of a promotional activity menu image 445. The promotional activity menu image 445, displayed in the promotional activity display area 444, shows images, names, or prices of the products involved in the promotion. When a specific product is selected in the promotional activity menu image 445, the selected product is displayed in the order candidate area 435, becoming available for ordering.

[0059] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates a specific example of menu screen 436. When any button is pressed in the menu selection screen, menu screen 436 displays the menu content corresponding to the pressed button. Menu screen 436 can also be displayed alongside product image 432 (for example). Figure 7 The menu screen 436 is overlaid on the product image 432 and displayed in the designated area. In this case, the position of the menu screen 436 is fixed, but each product image 432 can continue to move in a predetermined direction and at a predetermined speed. Buttons associated with one or more products are displayed on the menu screen 436. The product selected in the menu screen 436 (e.g., the product whose button has been pressed) is displayed in the order candidate area 435. Thus, the operation of selecting a product to be ordered can be, for example, dragging the product image 432 to the order candidate area 435, or an operation of pressing a button displayed on the menu screen 436, or it can be installed in other ways.

[0060] Figure 12 This is a simplified block diagram illustrating a specific example of the management device 20. The management device 20 is constructed using information equipment such as a personal computer or server. The management device 20 includes a communication unit 21, an input unit 22, an output unit 23, a storage unit 24, and a control unit 25.

[0061] Communication unit 21 is a communication device. Communication unit 21 may also be configured as a network interface, for example. Communication unit 21 communicates with other devices via network 70 under the control of control unit 25. Communication unit 21 can be a device for wireless communication or a device for wired communication.

[0062] The input unit 22 is constructed using existing input devices such as a keyboard, pointing devices (mouse, tablet, etc.), buttons, and touch panels. The input unit 22 is operated by the administrator when the user (administrator) inputs instructions to the management device 20. The input unit 22 can be an interface for connecting the input device to the management device 20. In this case, the input unit 22 inputs the input signal generated in the input device based on the administrator's input to the management device 20. The input unit 22 can also be constructed using a microphone and a voice recognition device. In this case, the input unit 22 acquires the sound signal generated by the administrator's voice, performs voice recognition on the statements spoken by the administrator, and inputs the string information of the recognition result to the management device 20. The voice recognition processing can also be performed by the control unit 25. The input unit 22 can be configured in any way as long as it is capable of inputting the administrator's instructions to the management device 20.

[0063] Output unit 23 outputs information in a form that the administrator can understand. Output unit 23 can be, for example, an image display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (Electro-luminescent) display. Output unit 23 can be an interface for connecting the image display device to the management device 20. In this case, output unit 23 generates an image signal for displaying image data and outputs the image signal to the image display device connected to it. Output unit 23 can also be a sound output device such as a speaker. Output unit 23 can also be an interface for connecting a sound output device such as a speaker or headphones to the management device 20. In this case, output unit 23 generates an sound signal for reproducing sound data and outputs the sound signal to the sound output device connected to it. Alternatively, output unit 23 can be configured as a touch panel integrated with input unit 22.

[0064] The storage unit 24 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 24 stores data used by the control unit 25. The storage unit 24 stores data required by the control unit 25 during processing. The storage unit 24 functions, for example, as a content information storage unit 241, a customer attribute information storage unit 242, and a presumed model storage unit 243.

[0065] Content information storage unit 241 stores content information. Content information includes text or images displayed on the store display device 43 of the store system 110. For example, content information may include information related to a certain product (product group data), advertising-related information, and information related to games offered to customers, which may be provided in a store that is managed by the management system 100.

[0066] The customer attribute information storage unit 242 stores a customer attribute information table containing information related to the attributes of customers logged into the management system 100 (hereinafter referred to as customer attribute information table). Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a customer attribute information table. The customer attribute information table contains multiple customer attribute information records. These records may contain values ​​for customer identification information, attribute information, order history, and visit frequency. A single customer attribute information record contains information about customers registered by a single customer.

[0067] Customer identification information is the identification information assigned to each customer. Attribute information may include, for example, information related to gender and age. Order history is information representing the customer's past order history. Order history can be traced back to a specified period, a specified number of items, or otherwise defined. Visit frequency is information representing how often the customer visits the store. For example, predefined categories (daily, several times a week, once a week, once a month, etc.) can be used as the value for visit frequency, indicating which category the customer belongs to.

[0068] The estimation model storage unit 243 stores estimation models. An estimation model is a model used to estimate the goods a customer might order based on customer attribute information. The estimation model can be configured as a learned model obtained through machine learning, for example, using teacher data. In this case, for example, a combination of descriptive and objective variables as teacher data can be used, or a combination of actual customer attribute information (e.g., attribute information or order history) and the goods actually ordered by the customer that match that customer attribute information. Furthermore, the combination of descriptive and objective variables can be arbitrarily defined. For example, a combination of past order history and the category of goods actually ordered can be used. For example, a combination of the elapsed time from the first action described later and the goods or categories of goods actually ordered afterward can be used. For example, a combination of the time required from the customer's first action to the second action described later and the goods or categories of goods actually ordered afterward can be used. The estimation model can be information such as a LUT (Look-Up Table) obtained through analysis based on past statistics, etc.

[0069] The control unit 25 is constructed using a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory (main storage device). By executing programs through the processor, the control unit 25 functions as a content control unit 251, a customer attribute information control unit 252, and a decision unit 253. Furthermore, all or part of the functions of the control unit 25 can be implemented using hardware such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The aforementioned programs can be stored on computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable storage media refers to removable media such as floppy disks, optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, semiconductor storage devices (e.g., SSDs), hard disks built into computer systems, and other storage devices. The aforementioned programs can also be transmitted via electrical communication lines.

[0070] Content control unit 251 accepts the registration of content information. For example, content control unit 251 receives content information received via communication unit 21 and content information input via input unit 22. Content control unit 251 records the received content information in content information storage unit 241. Content control unit 251 can send the content information stored in content information storage unit 241 to all store systems 110 at a predetermined time (e.g., once a day at a predetermined time). Content information sent from content control unit 251 is received, for example, by the store control device 30 of each store system 110.

[0071] The customer attribute information control unit 252 controls the customer attribute information stored in the customer attribute information storage unit 242. For example, the customer attribute information control unit 252 can also receive customer attribute information sent from the customer terminal device 10 as a registration request, use the received customer attribute information to generate new customer attribute information records, and register them in the customer attribute information table. The customer attribute information control unit 252 can also receive information representing a customer's order history from the store control device 30 and update the order history of the customer attribute information.

[0072] Upon receiving a determination request, the determination unit 253 determines the product that is preferentially displayed to the customer as indicated by the customer attribute information contained in the determination request (hereinafter referred to as "preferred display product"). The determination unit 253 sends the preferred display product as the determination result to the source of the determination request. The source of the determination request (e.g., the store control device 30) displays a product image 432 of the product included in the preferred display product on the store display device 43 of the unit seat 44 where the customer is seated.

[0073] The determination unit 253 may, for example, presume that a customer is likely to order a particular product, and determine that the presupposed product is the priority display product. Such a determination can be made through arbitrary processing. More specifically, as follows.

[0074] For example, the determination unit 253 can also estimate a certain product that a customer may order based on customer attribute information and an estimation model stored in the estimation model storage unit 243. The determination unit 253 can, for example, estimate a certain product that may be ordered based on customer attribute information included in the customer attribute information. For example, it can estimate a product based on information such as gender and age included in the attribute information and the estimation model. The determination unit 253 can also, for example, estimate a certain product that may be ordered based on the customer's past order history included in the customer attribute information. In this case, the determination unit 253 can also estimate a certain product that a customer may order based on the estimation model stored in the estimation model storage unit 243 and the order history.

[0075] The determination unit 253 may, for example, determine priority display products based on a predefined relationship between similar products and products that are similar to products that the customer has ordered relatively frequently in the past. For example, if many "tuna" related products have been ordered in the past, a group of products defined as similar to tuna may be determined as priority display products. Similarly, products in the same or similar price range as products that have been ordered relatively frequently in the past may be determined as priority display products. If more products classified as high-priced in the past have been ordered than a predetermined benchmark, a group of products classified as high-priced may also be determined as priority display products. The relationship between price ranges and products is preferably predefined.

[0076] For example, the determination unit 253 can also determine the priority display items based on the elapsed time since the customer's first action. A specific example of the first action is entering the store. In this case, the determination unit 253 determines the priority display items based on the elapsed time since the customer entered the store. Specifically, if the elapsed time after entering the store is shorter than a predetermined time (e.g., 1 minute, 5 minutes), beverages (e.g., soft drinks or alcoholic beverages) can be determined as priority display items. If the elapsed time after entering the store is longer than a predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour, or, if a time limit is set in the store, a time limit before the time limit is set (e.g., 10 minutes before)), items classified as desserts or tea (including coffee) can be determined as priority display items.

[0077] Such a determination can also be made not based on the time elapsed after entering the store, but upon meeting certain conditions (such as not having placed an order). Alternatively, it can be based on the time elapsed after the customer arrives at their seat, or on the time elapsed after registering seat and customer identification information. In this case, the first action becomes the action of arriving at the seat and registering seat and customer identification information.

[0078] Another specific example of the first action is the action of placing an order. In this case, the determination unit 253 determines the priority display items based on the elapsed time since the customer last placed the order. Specifically, the determination unit 253 may also determine the priority display items as those categorized as staple food items (such as rice bowls, ramen, etc.), items categorized as desserts, and items categorized as tea (including coffee) if a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the customer last placed the order.

[0079] For example, the determination unit 253 can also determine the priority display product based on the time required from the customer's first action to the second action. For instance, the first and second actions could be the penultimate order and the last order, respectively. That is, the priority display product can be determined based on the length of time required between orders. If the required time is longer than a predetermined threshold, products classified as staple foods (e.g., rice bowls, ramen), desserts, or tea (including coffee) can be determined as priority display products.

[0080] Figure 14This is a simplified block diagram illustrating a specific example of a store control device 30. The store control device 30 may be constructed using information equipment such as a personal computer or server. The store control device 30 includes a communication unit 31, an input unit 32, an output unit 33, a storage unit 34, and a control unit 35.

[0081] Communication unit 31 is a communication device. Communication unit 31 may also be configured as a network interface, for example. Communication unit 31 communicates with other devices via network 71 under the control of control unit 35. Communication unit 31 can be a device for wireless communication or a device for wired communication.

[0082] The input unit 32 is constructed using existing input devices such as a keyboard, pointing devices (mouse, tablet, etc.), buttons, and touch panels. The input unit 32 is operated by the store manager when inputting instructions from the user (store manager) of the store control device 30. The input unit 32 can be an interface for connecting the input device to the store control device 30. In this case, the input unit 32 inputs the input signal generated in the input device based on the store manager's input to the store control device 30. The input unit 32 can also be constructed using a microphone and a voice recognition device. In this case, the input unit 32 acquires the sound signal generated by the store manager's voice, performs voice recognition on the statement spoken by the manager, and inputs the string information of the recognition result to the store control device 30. Voice recognition processing can also be performed by the control unit 35. The input unit 32 can be configured in any way as long as it is capable of inputting instructions from the store manager to the store control device 30.

[0083] The output unit 33 outputs information in a form that the store manager can understand. The output unit 33 can be, for example, an image display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL display (OLED). The output unit 33 can also be an interface for connecting the image display device to the store control device 30. In this case, the output unit 33 generates an image signal for displaying image data and outputs the image signal to the image display device connected to it. The output unit 33 can also be a sound output device such as a speaker. The output unit 33 can also be an interface for connecting a sound output device such as a speaker or headphones to the store control device 30. In this case, the output unit 33 generates an sound signal for reproducing sound data and outputs the sound signal to the sound output device connected to it. Alternatively, the output unit 33 can also be configured as a touch panel integrated with the input unit 32.

[0084] The storage unit 34 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 34 stores data used by the control unit 35. The storage unit 34 stores data required by the control unit 35 during processing. The storage unit 34 functions, for example, as an inventory information storage unit 341, a content information storage unit 342, and an order information storage unit 343.

[0085] The inventory information storage unit 341 stores inventory-related information in the store where this device (store control device 30) is installed. Inventory information can also be input by the store manager via the input unit 32. Inventory information can be updated based on current inventory information, information related to newly purchased items, and information related to goods provided to customers through orders.

[0086] Content information storage unit 342 stores content information. The content information stored in content information storage unit 342 may be content information sent from management device 20. The content information may include information related to products (beverages and food) that are not in stock in the store.

[0087] The order information storage unit 343 stores information related to the order history of customers in stores equipped with this device (store control device 30). For example, for each unit seat 44, the order information storage unit 343 includes customer information (e.g., identification information), order information, information indicating whether the goods included in the order were provided, and information indicating whether the checkout has been completed.

[0088] The control unit 35 is constructed using a processor such as a CPU and memory (main storage device). By executing programs through the processor, the control unit 35 functions as a customer attribute information management unit 351, a display control unit 352, and an order control unit 353. Furthermore, all or part of the functions of the control unit 35 can also be implemented using hardware such as ASICs, PLDs, and FPGAs. The aforementioned programs can be stored on computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable storage media refers to removable media such as floppy disks, optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, semiconductor storage devices (e.g., SSDs), hard disks built into computer systems, and other storage devices. The aforementioned programs can also be transmitted via electrical communication lines.

[0089] The customer attribute information management unit 351 manages information related to customers who come to a store equipped with this device (store control device 30). The customer attribute information management unit 351 registers the corresponding unit seat 44 and customer attribute information in the order information storage unit 343. The correspondence between unit seat 44 and customer attribute information can be obtained through arbitrary processing.

[0090] For example, the code information displayed on the customer terminal device 10 when a customer enters the store can be read by a designated reading device of the store system 110, and the store staff can register the unit seat 44 provided to that customer, thereby mapping the unit seat 44 to the customer's attribute information. The unit seat 44 provided to the customer can be selected from the available unit seats 44 by the customer attribute information management unit 351 based on the number of customers. The code information read by the designated reading device may also include customer identification information. The customer attribute information management unit 351 obtains the customer identification information by decoding the read code information. The customer attribute information management unit 351 registers the seat identification information representing the unit seat 44 in correspondence with the customer identification information in the order information storage unit 343.

[0091] For example, the code information displayed on the customer terminal device 10 can be photographed by a pre-defined photographing device installed on the unit seat 44 to correspond the unit seat 44 with the customer attribute information. In this case, the photographing device sends the seat identification information of the unit seat 44 where the device is installed and the photographed code information to the store control device 30. The customer attribute information management unit 351 registers the customer identification information shown in the code information in the order information storage unit 343 in correspondence with the seat identification information.

[0092] For example, customers can use customer terminal device 10 to read the code information set for each unit seat 44 to match the unit seat 44 with customer attribute information. In this case, customer terminal device 10 can also send customer identification information stored in this device, store identification information obtained by decoding the code information, and seat identification information to management device 20. Management device 20 sends the customer identification information and seat identification information to store control device 30 of store system 110 represented by store identification information. Customer attribute information management unit 351 registers the received customer identification information and seat identification information in order information storage unit 343.

[0093] The display control unit 352 controls the display on the store display device 43. For example, without specific customer intervention, the display control unit 352 selects the target product from the product group data stored in the content information storage unit 342. In this case, the display control unit 352 may also select products that are in stock in the store where the device is installed as the target products. The display control unit 352 displays the products included in the target products on the store display device 43. For example, the display control unit 352 may also randomly select products from the products included in the target products and display them on the store display device 43 in the selected order.

[0094] The display control unit 352 can also determine the priority display items (priority display items) for each unit seat 44 based on a predetermined criterion. For example, the display control unit 352 can also send a determination request to the management device 20 for each unit seat 44 and determine the priority display items based on the priority display items received as a determination result. At this time, the display control unit 352 can also determine the priority display items from the priority display items determined by the management device 20 that can be provided to customers (e.g., in stock) in the store where this device is installed. The determination request includes the information required for determining the priority display items in the management device 20. Items determined to be priority display items are displayed on the store display device 43 with a higher frequency than items not determined to be priority display items. Items displayed other than priority display items can also be determined according to normal display control. For example, items displayed other than priority display items can also be randomly selected from the items included in the display target items as described above.

[0095] The display control unit 352 can also control a predetermined number (hereinafter referred to as the "priority display number") of the number of items displayed per unit time interval to display the item image 432 of the item determined to be the priority display item. The unit time interval can be defined as a unit of time (e.g., 30 seconds, 1 minute, etc.) or a unit of item number (e.g., 5 items, 10 items). When the unit time interval is defined as 30 seconds and the priority display number is defined as 5, the display is controlled to display 5 priority display items within 30 seconds.

[0096] The order control department 353 processes orders corresponding to customer operations. For example, based on... Figures 4 to 11 When a customer places an order as described above, the order control unit 353 can also register the ordered goods and the corresponding unit seat 44 in the order information storage unit 343. The order control unit 353 then displays the ordered goods and the corresponding unit seat 44 on the kitchen display device 40.

[0097] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of the processing of the store control device 30. First, the display control unit 352 receives and acquires content information from the management device 20 (step S101). The display control unit 352 records the received content information in the content information storage unit 342. The display control unit 352 determines the display content for each store display device 43 (step S102), causing each store display device 43 to display an image (step S103). By repeatedly executing steps S102 and S103, product images, etc., are displayed on each store display device 43.

[0098] Figure 16This diagram illustrates a schematic representation of the hardware structure of the information processing apparatus 90 used in this embodiment. The information processing apparatus 90 includes a processor 91, a main storage device 92, a communication interface 93, an auxiliary storage device 94, an input / output interface 95, and an internal bus 96. The processor 91, main storage device 92, communication interface 93, auxiliary storage device 94, and input / output interface 95 are communicatively connected to each other via the internal bus 96. For example, the information processing apparatus 90 can be applied to a management device 20 and a store control device 30. In this case, for example, communication units 21 and 31 can also be configured using the communication interface 93. For example, storage units 24 and 34 can also be configured using the auxiliary storage device 94. Furthermore, control units 25 and 35 can also be configured using the processor 91 and the main storage device 92.

[0099] (Variation example)

[0100] In this embodiment, the management device 20 and the store control device 30 are configured as separate devices, but they can also be configured as a single unit. Furthermore, a portion of the management device 20 and the store control device 30 can also be configured as a single unit. For example, the store control device 30 can be configured to have an estimation model storage unit 243 and a determination unit 253. In this configuration, the store control device 30 can determine the priority display of products without communicating with the management device 20 (sending a determination request).

[0101] The management device 20 can be installed using multiple information processing devices. For example, it can also be installed using a cloud or similar device. For example, in the management device 20, the storage unit 24 and the control unit 25 can be installed in different information processing devices. For example, the storage unit 24 of the management device 20 can also be distributed among multiple information processing devices. For example, the storage unit 25 of the management device 20 can also be distributed among multiple information processing devices.

[0102] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the specific structure is not limited to the embodiments, and designs that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are also included.

[0103] Label Explanation

[0104] 100 Management System

[0105] 110 Store System

[0106] 10. Customer terminal device

[0107] 20 Management Devices

[0108] 21 Ministry of Communications

[0109] 22 Input Section

[0110] 23 Output Section

[0111] 24 Storage Department

[0112] 25 Control Department

[0113] 30 Store control devices

[0114] 31 Ministry of Communications

[0115] 32 Input Section

[0116] 33 Output Section

[0117] 34 Storage Department

[0118] 35 Control Department

[0119] 40 Kitchen display device

[0120] 41 Conveyor control device

[0121] 42 Conveying device

[0122] 421 Collection Port

[0123] 43 Store display devices

[0124] 431 Information Display Area

[0125] 432 Product Images

[0126] 433 Ordering Operation Area

[0127] 434 Order Button

[0128] 435 Order Candidate Area

[0129] 436 Menu screen

[0130] 44 seats

Claims

1. A control device for controlling a display device mounted on a seat, characterized in that, The device includes a display unit that displays an ordering screen on the display device for customers seated in the seats when ordering goods. The ordering screen includes: Product movement area, which is an area in which images of each of a plurality of products subject to an order are displayed in a manner that moves left and right; and The menu screen is displayed overlapping the product image in the movable display area. The menu screen includes buttons related to several items that can be ordered. When the two menu screens are displayed side by side in the left-right direction, a portion of the movable display area is displayed on the left side of the left menu screen and on the right side of the right menu screen.

Images