Food information providing device

Abstract

To provide a food information providing device for encouraging customers to order and contributing to increase in an average customer spend in stores for providing food products such as conveyor belt sushi.SOLUTION: A food information providing device A as an example of the food information providing device, comprises a rail display part 1. Screens displayed on the rail display part 1 include a top screen 13, where the top screen 13 displays menu image data 130, menu name data 131, background image data 132, and character image data 133. Further, the plurality of menu image data 130 and menu name data 131 are displayed by scrolling in a fixed direction in set order. Furthermore, regarding the top screen 13, when the screen is touched with a finger and a right swipe operation or a left swipe operation is performed, the menu image data 130 having been displayed by the scrolling can be moved in a direction of the scrolling or in an opposite direction of the scrolling and displayed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a food information providing device, and more particularly to a food information providing device that encourages customers to order in a restaurant that serves food such as conveyor belt sushi, thereby contributing to an increase in the average customer spending. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, in the type of restaurant known as conveyor belt sushi, a conveyor belt that circulates around the customer seats is installed inside the restaurant, and the actual food items circulate on the conveyor, with customers picking up the food they want from the conveyor and eating it.

[0003] In recent years, a system has become widespread in which customers select food using a touch panel display device provided at each seat, and the ordered food is then delivered to the customer's seat via a delivery device.

[0004] However, with traditional conveyor-belt sushi restaurants, there has been the problem of food waste, where food not selected by customers deteriorates and has to be discarded, as well as the need to deal with rude behavior such as tampering with food during transportation.

[0005] In light of this, a food information provision device has been proposed for conveyor belt sushi restaurants and the like, which replaces the system of circulating actual food inside a conveyor, by displaying scrolling image data of the food on a display unit and accepting customer orders on the display unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-140417 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Here, the food information provision device described in Patent Document 1 uses a conveying device to enhance the image and presentation of a store such as a conveyor belt sushi restaurant without circulating actual food items within the store, but has the following problems.

[0008] First, in the food information providing device described in Patent Document 1, image data of food items is displayed by scrolling on a display device in a manner that the image data simply continues to flow in the same direction on the screen.

[0009] Therefore, if a customer misses the image data of a food item that he or she wanted, the screen would scroll again and the customer would have to wait until the image data of the same food item appeared on the screen.

[0010] In addition, customers could not control the direction or speed of the scrolling image data of the food items, making it difficult for them to search for and select foods on their own.

[0011] This meant that customers were less likely to order just one food item, and would also order other foods that caught their eye, which is known as "ongoing orders," and there was room for improvement in terms of increasing the average customer spending.

[0012] The present invention has been devised in consideration of the above points, and has as its object to provide a food information provision device that encourages customers to order in stores that serve food such as conveyor belt sushi, thereby contributing to increasing the average customer spending. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the food information provision device of the present invention is a food information provision device that displays image data of food on a display unit formed along a food transport lane that transports food towards customer seats, and allows customers to order food, and is equipped with a display means that scrolls and displays the image data of the food on the display unit, and moves the image data of the food that is scrolled and displayed in the direction of scrolling or the opposite direction in response to a display movement operation on the image data of the food that is scrolled and displayed, and a food ordering means that switches the display on the display unit from the scrolling display to a display of ordering image data for the selected food in response to a selection operation on the image data of the food that is scrolled and generates ordering information for the selected food in response to an ordering operation on the ordering image data.

[0014] Here, the display means scrolls and displays image data of the food within the display section, thereby giving customers visual information about the food offered by the store while still creating the image and presentation of a conventional conveyor belt sushi store, without using actual food to encourage ordering.

[0015] Furthermore, the display means, in response to a display movement operation on the image data of the scrolled-displayed food, moves and displays the image data of the scrolled-displayed food in the scroll forward direction or the opposite direction, so that the image data of the scrolled-displayed food can be advanced in the forward direction at the customer's will, and image data of the food that is scheduled to appear on the display unit afterwards can be displayed. Also, the image data of the scrolled-displayed food can be moved in the opposite direction to the forward direction, and image data of the food that has disappeared from the display unit can be displayed. In other words, it is possible to allow the customer to operate the flow of the scroll display and to make it easier for them to independently search for food, thereby improving the efficiency of order taking. It is also possible to attract the customer's interest and encourage them to place an order next.

[0016] In addition, the display means moves and displays the image data of the scrolled food in the opposite direction to the scroll progress in response to a display movement operation on the image data of the scrolled food, and the food selection means detects a selection operation on the image data of the scrolled food and selects a food, so that even when the scroll display progresses and a food is not selected, the image data of the food that disappeared from the display unit can be returned to allow the customer to select. In other words, the efficiency of receiving orders can be improved and food can be provided to customers more quickly.

[0017] In addition, the food ordering means switches the display in the display unit from the scroll display to the display of ordering image data related to the selected food in response to a selection operation on the scroll-displayed image data of the food, thereby allowing the customer to select a specific food from the scroll-displayed image data of the food on the display unit and determine whether or not to officially order the selected food. Also, the customer can consider the number of selected foods to order, etc.

[0018] In addition, the food ordering means generates order information for the selected food in response to an ordering operation on the order image data, and the order information including the order details of the food selected by the customer is transmitted to a terminal in the kitchen, etc., making it possible to process the order.

[0019] In addition, when the display means completes an order following an ordering operation on the order image data, or cancels an order through an ordering operation, and the display within the display unit returns to a scroll display, if the scroll display starts from the image data of the food that was scrolled when the selection operation was detected, the food that was most recently scrolled within the display unit is more likely to be impressed upon the customer. In other words, for example, it becomes easier for the customer to select a food that was scrolled together with the food ordered by the customer.

[0020] In addition, when the display means moves the image data of the food being scrolled in the same direction as the swipe operation in the forward or opposite direction as a display movement operation, the image data of the food being scrolled can be moved with a simple operation.

[0021] In addition, when the display means displays a state in which the scrolling display has stopped in response to an operation of pressing and holding the display unit, the scrolling display is stopped and image data of food is displayed, allowing the user to take their time in selecting the food they wish to order.

[0022] In addition, when the food selection means detects a tap operation or a downward swipe operation on the image data of the food being scrolled as a selection operation, a specific food can be selected from the image data of the food being scrolled with a simple operation.

[0023] In addition, when the display means displays a slide animation image of the food corresponding to the order information on the display unit in accordance with the timing at which the food corresponding to the order information is conveyed to the customer's seat via the food conveyance lane, it is possible to visually inform the customer that the ordered food is arriving at the customer's seat in an easily understandable manner. Also, by displaying the slide animation image on the display unit, it is possible to prevent the customer from forgetting to pick up the food.

[0024] Furthermore, if the direction in which the slide animation image slides is the same as the direction in which the food is transported in the food transport lane, the movement of the slide animation image and the ordered food are linked, making it even easier to understand that the ordered food is arriving at the customer's seat.

[0025] In addition, when the display means changes and displays the contents of the image data of the food to be scrolled in response to food inventory information, which is information regarding the availability of food in the store, it is possible to prevent customers from ordering food that is not in stock at the store.

[0026] In addition, when food type information, which is information classified by food type, is set and the display means is capable of displaying multiple food type information within the display section, and scrolling and displaying image data of foods included in specific food type information selected by a customer, it becomes easier to provide foods that customers want to eat. In other words, it becomes possible to display image data of different types of foods appropriately according to the customer's preferences, the amount eaten, etc.

[0027] Furthermore, when the display means displays image data of the character and message information encouraging customers to order together with the scrolling display within the display unit, it is possible to present an effect in which the character speaks to the customer, for example by recommending a specific food item through the message information, which makes it easier to increase customer's desire to order and also makes it easier to provide a fun dining environment.

[0028] Furthermore, when the display means changes and displays the contents of the food image data to be scrolled in response to stay time information, which is information related to the customer's stay time in the store, the contents of the food image data to be scrolled can be changed and displayed based on the progress of the customer's meal. That is, for example, when the customer's stay time becomes longer to a certain extent, new image data of desserts can be displayed or the frequency of appearance of dessert image data can be increased, thereby changing the displayed food image data and making it easier to encourage the customer to order. Effect of the Invention

[0029] The food information providing device according to the present invention encourages customers to order in restaurants that serve food such as conveyor belt sushi, thereby contributing to an increase in the average spending per customer. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image information management system O including a food information providing device A to which the present invention is applied. [Diagram 2] 13 is a schematic perspective view showing the position of the rail display unit in the seating area. FIG. [Diagram 3] 11 is a schematic diagram showing the types of screens displayed on the rail display unit and the transmission and reception of information between the various screens and an interface terminal. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing a state in which food menu image data is displayed by scrolling on a top screen, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing a state in which tool tip image data is displayed on the top screen. [Diagram 5] 13A is a diagram showing a quantity selection screen, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an order completion screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 13A shows a state in which a slide animation image is sliding and moving, and FIG. 13B shows a state in which the slide animation image has completed its movement and is displayed on the entire screen. [Figure 7] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of an arrival background image in a slide animation image. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen that suggests foods using character image data and text data. [Figure 9] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing a course selection screen, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing a state in which menu image data of foods included in a selected course are scrolled and displayed. [Figure 10] 13(a) and 13(b) are diagrams showing character image data and text data that are displayed in response to a specific term using a voice recognition means. [Figure 11] FIG. 1A shows a screen that suggests foods using character image data and text data over time, and FIG. 1B shows a state in which the image data of the foods is displayed with changes as it is scrolled. [Figure 12] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing a display for asking a quiz, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing a display of image data of food items in the form of a lucky bag. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a visualization of the contribution of food to CO2 reductions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] [Embodiments of the present invention] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings for the purpose of understanding the present invention. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an entire image information management system incorporating a food information providing device A as an embodiment of the present invention. Note that the structure shown below is an example of the present invention, and the contents of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0032] [1. Overall device configuration] A food information providing device A to which the present invention is applied is a device that provides food information to customers at a restaurant such as a conveyor belt sushi restaurant when ordering food in the restaurant.

[0033] In the following, with reference to Fig. 4(a), the direction in which the food image data moves when it is scrolled and displayed is referred to as the "scrolling direction," "direction," or "rightward," and the opposite direction to the direction in which the food image data moves is referred to as the "opposite scrolling direction," "opposite direction," or "leftward." Also, with reference to Fig. 4(a), the upper side in the figure is referred to as the "top" or "upper side," and the lower side in the figure is referred to as the "bottom" or "lower side."

[0034] As shown in Fig. 1, food information providing device A constitutes part of an image information management system O installed in a restaurant. Image information management system O is a system that processes information about image data presented when a customer places an order in a restaurant that serves conveyor belt sushi. Image information management system O also works in conjunction with a separate order management system installed in the store to process customer orders, etc.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, the image information management system O has an edge terminal 100, a tablet terminal 101, a wireless LAN router 102, a router 103, an interface terminal 104, a reception machine 106, and multiple rail display units 1.

[0036] The rail display unit 1 is a display member that displays image data of food. The rail display unit 1 also scrolls and displays the image data of food. The rail display unit 1 also functions as a selection means that detects a customer's selection operation on the scroll-displayed image data of food and selects the food.

[0037] Furthermore, the rail display unit 1 also functions as an ordering means that displays ordering image data for the food selected by the customer, generates food ordering information in response to an ordering operation on the ordering image data, and transmits the information to the interface terminal 104. The display of image data and various operations on the rail display unit 1 will be described in detail later.

[0038] The edge terminal 100 is a terminal that manages various image data including image data of food provided in the store. The edge terminal 100 receives distribution information C1 provided in the store from a cloud 105 on the Internet and records various image data.

[0039] This distribution information C1 includes image data of food items provided in the store, etc. The distribution information C1 is managed by the cloud 105, and the distribution information C1 with updated content is provided to the edge terminal 100 as appropriate.

[0040] In addition, the edge terminal 100 can set and change the display of image data included in the distribution information C1. That is, the content of the image data displayed on the rail display unit 1 can be appropriately set and changed using the edge terminal 100.

[0041] Moreover, the edge terminal 100 is a terminal that transmits image data to a plurality of rail display units 1 via a wireless LAN router 102.

[0042] The edge terminal 100 also has an image data recording unit (not shown) in which menu image data 130 and menu name data 131 of a plurality of foods, which constitute an image to be scrolled and displayed on the rail display unit 1, and information on their order are recorded.

[0043] The image data recording section also records background image data 132 that serves as a background image for an image displayed by scrolling through multiple food menu image data 130. The image data recording section also records character image data 133, text data 134, and slide animation image data 160.

[0044] The edge terminal 100 also has a voice data recording section (not shown) in which voice data and sound effect data emitted from the rail display section 1 are recorded.

[0045] Moreover, the interface terminal 104 is a terminal that transmits and receives order information and the like to and from each rail display unit 1. Moreover, in this embodiment, one interface terminal 104 is provided in the store, and is configured to transmit and receive information to and from each of the multiple rail display units 1.

[0046] The interface terminal 104 also cooperates with an order management system (not shown) installed in the back yard of the store. The interface terminal 104 transmits order information received from the rail display unit 1 to the order management system, and transmits various information received from the order management system to the rail display unit 1.

[0047] In addition, the interface terminal 104 is connected to the edge terminal 100 via a wireless LAN router 102 and a router 103, and is capable of transmitting and receiving various types of information to and from the edge terminal 100.

[0048] The tablet terminal 101 is a terminal installed at a customer seat. The tablet terminal 101 is configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the interface terminal 104. The tablet terminal 101 is a terminal that can process food orders and the like separately from the rail display unit 1.

[0049] The reception machine 106 is a device that performs reception processing when entering the store, has a function as a ticket issuing machine, and is connected to the edge terminal 100.

[0050] Fig. 2 shows the position of the rail display unit 1 in the customer seat 2. As shown in Fig. 2, a table 20 and a seat 21 are provided in the box-shaped customer seat 2 in the store.

[0051] In addition, a food conveying lane 3 is provided next to the tables 20 and the seats 21 to convey food ordered by customers from the kitchen side to the customer seats 2. The food conveying lane 3 is disposed next to the multiple customer seats 2 and multiple counter seats (not shown), and serves as a food conveying route connecting the kitchen with the customer seats 2 and the counter seats.

[0052] 2, rail display unit 1 is provided above food conveying lane 3. Rail display unit 1 is disposed approximately parallel to food conveying lane 3, and is provided at a position approximately corresponding to the eye level of customers seated on seats 21. Rail display unit 1 is formed in a horizontally long rectangular shape.

[0053] In addition, a rail display unit 1 is provided at each of a plurality of customer seats 2 in the store. That is, the rail display unit 1 provided at each customer seat 2 can display image data individually.

[0054] Furthermore, the rail display unit 1 is configured to allow capacitive touch panel operation, and can perform various operational processes in response to touch panel operations.

[0055] Moreover, a tablet terminal 101 is placed on the table 20 of the customer seat 2. As described above, the tablet terminal 101 can process food orders separately from the rail display unit 1. The tablet terminal 101 can also process bills.

[0056] Here, it is not necessary that a rail display unit 1 is provided for each box-shaped customer seat 2. The number of rail display units 1 to be provided in a store can be set appropriately, and one or a multiple number of two or more can be adopted. Furthermore, the seats on which the rail display unit 1 is provided are not limited to the box-shaped customer seats 2, and for example, it is also possible to adjust the length of the rail display unit 1 and provide it on a counter seat.

[0057] Moreover, rail display unit 1 does not necessarily have to be provided above food conveying lane 3, and the location of rail display unit 1 can be set as appropriate. However, since it is easier to see when customers are seated, it is preferable to provide it at a position roughly equivalent to the eye level of seated customers. It is also possible to provide a food conveying lane 3 above rail display unit 1.

[0058] Furthermore, the shape of the rail display section 1 is not limited to a horizontally long rectangular shape, and the shape can be set appropriately as long as it is possible to scroll and display the menu image data 130 of multiple foods.

[0059] In addition, it is not necessary to use both the rail display unit 1 and the tablet terminal 101 in customer order processing. For example, it is also possible to provide the function of accounting processing in the rail display unit 1, and to perform order processing and accounting processing only with the rail display unit 1 without installing the tablet terminal 101.

[0060] Next, the types of screens displayed on the rail display unit 1 will be described.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 3, the screens displayed on the rail display unit 1 mainly include a setting screen 10, an advertising screen 11, a start-up screen 12, a top screen 13, a quantity selection screen 14, an order completion screen 15, an arrival screen 16 and a text screen 17.

[0062] The setting screen 10 is a screen that appears when the rail display unit 1 is initially started. The setting screen 10 is a screen for registering settings such as the seat number of the seat 2 and the direction in which the slide animation image data 160 flows upon arrival. The setting screen 10 is also a screen for switching between an advertisement screen 11 and a start-up screen 12.

[0063] The advertising screen 11 is a screen configured with image data for advertising. For example, the image data for advertising is configured with image data for advertising food or introducing events in a store, and is displayed at a timing such as before starting an order.

[0064] The start-up screen 12 is a screen that indicates the state in which the rail display unit 1 and the interface terminal 104 are connected before the rail display unit 1 displays the top screen 13. For example, the start-up screen 12 displays text data 134 that reads "connecting."

[0065] The top screen 13 is a basic screen when a customer places an order using the rail display unit 1. The top screen 13 displays menu image data 130 (see FIG. 4(a)) of multiple foods and menu name data 131 corresponding to each food in a scrolling manner, allowing the customer to recognize the foods.

[0066] The top screen 13 also serves as a screen for allowing the customer to select from the scrolled and displayed food menu image data 130 and then proceed to the next step of ordering.

[0067] The quantity selection screen 14 is a screen used when processing an order for the food item selected by the customer on the top screen 13. The order completion screen 15 is a screen displayed after the quantity selection screen 14, and indicates that the order processing has been completed.

[0068] Furthermore, the arrival screen 16 is a screen that is displayed to inform customers that the ordered food will arrive (or has already arrived) when the food is being transported to the customer's seat 2 via the food transport lane 3.

[0069] Moreover, the text screen 17 is a screen that displays various text data 134 in response to instruction information from the interface terminal 104. Note that the text data 134 is also displayed on screens other than the text screen 17 as necessary.

[0070] Next, the screens related to the food selection operation and ordering operation by the customer using the rail display unit 1 will be described in detail.

[0071] [Top page] 4(a), menu image data 130, menu name data 131, background image data 132, and character image data 133 are displayed on the top screen 13. In addition, the multiple menu image data 130 and menu name data 131 are displayed by scrolling in a fixed direction in a set order.

[0072] The menu image data 130 is image data of food provided at a restaurant, such as sushi toppings, drinks, noodles, soups, side dishes such as snacks, etc. The menu name data 131 is text information indicating the name of the food.

[0073] In Fig. 4(a), an arrow with a reference symbol D indicates the direction in which the menu image data 130 and the like are scrolled (the scroll proceeding direction). In Figs. 4(a) and 4(b), the image content of the background image data 132 is almost omitted for the sake of clarity. It states:

[0074] Moreover, the term "display by scrolling" used here means that a certain length of image data made up of menu image data 130 of a plurality of foods and menu name data 131 is displayed in a cyclical manner.

[0075] Furthermore, on the left side of the top screen 13, character image data 133 and text data 134 are displayed. The character image data 133 is, for example, an image of a mascot or the like that depicts a store clerk. The text data 134 here is composed of character information such as food suggestions for customers.

[0076] Furthermore, on the top screen 13, the text data 134 is displayed in a speech bubble format for the character image data 133, and is displayed as if the character is talking to a customer. The contents of the text data 134 are preset, and are displayed while changing depending on the contents of the displayed menu image data 130, the elapsed time, etc.

[0077] Furthermore, on the top screen 13, by touching the screen with a finger and performing a right swipe operation or a left swipe operation, the menu image data 130 being scrolled can be moved in the scroll direction or the opposite direction.

[0078] That is, on the top screen 13 in normal times, a plurality of menu image data 130 and menu name data 131 flow at a constant speed in the scroll direction. Then, on the top screen 13, by swiping the screen to the right or to the left, the displayed image data can be advanced in the scroll direction or reversed in the opposite direction.

[0079] Further, right swipes or left swipes can be performed consecutively on the top screen 13. Therefore, the menu image data 130 and the like can be moved according to the number of times the operation is performed.

[0080] Furthermore, when a left or right swipe operation is performed on the top screen 13, a sound effect is reproduced from the rail display unit 1. This sound effect makes it easier for the customer to realize that the menu image data 130 is being moved by his or her own operation.

[0081] In this way, by allowing right or left swiping on the top screen 13, customers can move and display the contents of the menu image data 130 that is scrolled and displayed on the top screen 13 at their own will, and actively search for the menu of food they want to eat.

[0082] Also, even if the scrolling display progresses and the menu image data 130 of the desired food disappears from the screen of the rail display unit 1, the image data can be moved in the opposite direction by swiping left to bring it back onto the screen of the rail display unit 1.

[0083] Furthermore, on the top screen 13, by touching the screen with a finger and holding it down, the menu image data 130 and the menu name data 131 can be displayed in a stopped state of scrolling. This allows the customer to take their time to consider whether or not to stop the scrolling display and select the menu image data 130 displayed on the screen.

[0084] Here, it is not necessary to scroll and display the menu image data 130 and the menu name data 131 together on the top screen 13, and a mode in which only the menu image data 130 is displayed is also possible. However, by displaying the menu name data 131 together, the target food becomes clearer and it becomes easier for customers to order, so it is preferable to scroll and display the menu image data 130 and the menu name data 131 together on the top screen 13. Also, on the top screen 13, the display language can be switched and the menu name data 131 can be displayed in the selected language.

[0085] Furthermore, it is not necessary to use a contact-type terminal panel that is operated by touching the screen with a finger when operating the top screen 13. For example, it is also possible to employ a non-contact type terminal panel that uses a sensor that detects air and does not directly touch the terminal screen with a finger.

[0086] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4(b), when the top screen 13 is tapped, the display of the menu name data 131 is replaced with the display of tool tip image data 135.

[0087] This tooltip image data 135 is image data that notifies the user that a food selection operation for ordering can be performed by swiping down on each menu image data 130. The tooltip image data 135 is composed of the characters "order" and a graphic that resembles a downward arrow.

[0088] Furthermore, if no operation is performed on the top screen 13 for a certain period of time, the tool tip image data 135 disappears and the display returns to the menu name data 131.

[0089] Furthermore, although not shown, on the top screen 13, it is possible to highlight and display the menu image data 130 of a particular recommended food item so that the menu image data 130 stands out more than the menu image data 130 of other foods.

[0090] For example, by displaying a blinking animated background image in the background of the menu image data 130 of the target food, the food can be made to stand out more than other foods, making it easier for customers to recognize.

[0091] In addition, on the top screen 13, a downward swipe operation is performed on each image of the menu image data 130 displayed on the screen to select the corresponding food. In other words, a selection operation is performed to select a specific food to order.

[0092] Furthermore, on the top screen 13, when the tool tip image data 135 is displayed, the user can tap again on each image of the menu image data 130 to select the corresponding food item.

[0093] By this selection operation, the screen of the rail display unit 1 transitions from the top screen 13 to a quantity selection screen 14 for actually placing an order.

[0094] It should be noted that the downward swipe operation on the top screen 13 can be performed both in a state where the normal menu image data 130 is scrolled and displayed, and in a state where a tap operation is performed and the tool tip image data 135 is displayed.

[0095] Here, it is not necessary that the tooltip image data 135 is displayed when a tap operation is performed on the top screen 13. However, it is preferable that the tooltip image data 135 is displayed when a tap operation is performed on the top screen 13, in order to make the customer visually aware of the ordering operation and to facilitate the selection operation and the ordering operation.

[0096] [Quantity selection screen and order completion screen] As shown in FIG. 5(a), on the quantity selection screen 14, quantity selection button image data 140, order button image data 141, cancel button image data 142, menu image data 130, and menu information image data 143 are displayed.

[0097] In this quantity selection screen 14, quantity selection button image data 140, order button image data 141, cancel button image data 142, menu image data 130, and menu information image data 143 are order image data.

[0098] The quantity selection button image data 140 is image data for deciding the number of selected food items to order, and the order button image data 141 is image data for officially deciding the order of the food items whose number has been decided.

[0099] The cancel button image data 142 is image data for canceling the order of the selected food and returning to the top screen 13 from the quantity selection screen 14.

[0100] The quantity selection button image data 140, the order button image data 141, and the cancel button image data 142 are image data that can be pressed by tapping the screen.

[0101] The menu image data 130 is image data of the target food selected by the customer on the top screen 13, and is the same image as the image displayed on the top screen 13. The menu information image data 143 is an image of text information of the menu name and price per unit of the target food selected by the customer.

[0102] Furthermore, on the quantity selection screen 14, character image data 133 and text data 134 are displayed on the left side, similar to the top screen 13. Furthermore, the text data 134 on the quantity selection screen 14 is composed of character information that guides the customer in ordering operations.

[0103] In addition, when the quantity selection screen 14 is displayed, that is, when the quantity selection button image data 140 is displayed on the screen of the rail display unit 1, voice data 144 saying "Select the quantity" is played. By playing this voice data 144, it is possible to encourage the customer to place an order.

[0104] Furthermore, on the quantity selection screen 14, when the user taps on the order button image data 141, the number of the selected food items determined by the quantity selection button image data 140 is confirmed as being ordered.

[0105] By this ordering operation, the screen of the rail display unit 1 transitions from the quantity selection screen 14 to an order completion screen 15.

[0106] In addition, when the order button image data 141 is tapped on the quantity selection screen 14, the screen transitions to the order completion screen 15, and the rail display unit 1 generates order information reflecting the contents of the order operation, and this order information is sent to the interface terminal 104 (see the arrow indicated by symbol P3 in Figure 3).

[0107] Furthermore, the interface terminal 104 that receives the order information transmits the order information to the order management system, which then transmits the order information to the kitchen, where preparation of the ordered food proceeds.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 5(b), on the order completion screen 15, text data 134 of the words "Thank you for your order" is displayed in large letters on the screen of the rail display unit 1.

[0109] Furthermore, character image data 133 is displayed on the left side of the order completion screen 15. In this character image data 133, an image of a mascot based on a store clerk, bowing, is displayed.

[0110] At this time, the rail display unit 1 reproduces voice data 150 saying "Thank you for your order." By reproducing this voice data, the customer can be informed that the ordering operation has been completed. When the order completion screen 15 is displayed, the order is completed along with the ordering operation.

[0111] In addition, after the order completion screen 15 is displayed for a certain period of time on the rail display unit 1, the screen transitions to the top screen 13. At this time, on the top screen 13, the scrolling display is resumed from the display contents of the menu image data 130 and the menu name data 131 at the time of the selection operation.

[0112] Furthermore, when the cancel button image data 142 is tapped on the quantity selection screen 14, the order of the selected food is cancelled and the screen returns from the quantity selection screen 14 to the top screen 13. In this case, the top screen 13 resumes scrolling from the contents of the menu image data 130 and the menu name data 131 displayed at the time the selection operation was performed.

[0113] Here, when returning from the order completion screen 15 to the top screen 13 or when returning from the quantity selection screen 14 to the top screen 13, it is not necessary that the scrolling display be resumed from the display contents of the menu image data 130 and the menu name data 131 at the time of the selection operation on the top screen 13. However, in order to make a better impression on the customer of the food most recently scrolled on the top screen 13 and to encourage the customer to place an order, it is preferable that the scrolling display be resumed from the display contents of the menu image data 130 and the menu name data 131 at the time of the selection operation on the top screen 13 when returning from the order completion screen 15 to the top screen 13 or when returning from the quantity selection screen 14 to the top screen 13.

[0114] In this manner, customer orders are processed using the rail display unit 1. Next, the display on the rail display unit 1 when the ordered food is delivered to the customer's seat 2 will be described.

[0115] [Arrival screen] As shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), the arrival screen 16 displays slide animation image data 160. The slide animation image data 160 is an animation image including an image of the food ordered by the customer, which will soon arrive at the customer's seat 2 from the kitchen via the food conveyance lane 3.

[0116] This slide animation image data 160 is composed of arrival background image data 161 and ordered food data 162. The ordered food data 162 includes image data of the food and text information of the menu name and the number of items ordered.

[0117] Also, as shown in FIG. 6(a), when the menu image data 130, etc. are being scrolled and displayed on the top screen 13, the slide animation image data 160 slides and moves in the direction of the arrow marked with the symbol D, covering the top screen 13.

[0118] Then, as shown in Fig. 6(b), the entire screen of the rail display unit 1 is displayed with the slide animation image data 160. At this time, audio data 163 saying "The food has arrived" is played. By playing this audio data 163, the customer can be notified by audio that the food has arrived.

[0119] Although not shown, the food depicted in the slide animation image data 160 is conveyed toward the seating 2 using the food conveying lane 3 in the number of pieces shown.

[0120] The arrival screen 16 starts to be displayed on the rail display unit 1 when a food arrival request is notified to the rail display unit 1 from the interface terminal 104 (see the arrow P4 in FIG. 3).

[0121] The direction in which the slide animation image data 160 slides and the direction in which the food conveying lane 3 conveys the food are set to be the same.

[0122] Furthermore, until the customer moves the food conveyed from the food conveying lane 3 to the table 20 side, the screen of the rail display unit 1 displays slide animation image data 160 of the arrival screen 16.

[0123] Then, when the food is moved to table 20, a sensor installed in the food conveying lane 3 detects the receipt of the food and sends the detection result to interface terminal 104. The interface terminal 104 then notifies the user of an arrival cancellation request (see arrow P5 in Figure 3), causing the display of arrival screen 16 on the rail display unit 1 to end and returning to the display of the top screen 13.

[0124] Here, the direction in which the slide animation image data 160 slides and the direction in which the food conveying lane 3 conveys the food do not necessarily have to be set to the same direction. However, since the slide animation image data 160 and the movement of the ordered food being conveyed are linked, it is possible to more clearly convey that the ordered food is arriving at the customer's seat, so it is preferable that the direction in which the slide animation image data 160 slides and the direction in which the food conveying lane 3 conveys the food be set to the same direction.

[0125] Furthermore, the arrival background image 161 in the slide animation image data 160 can be displayed by changing the background image according to the contents of the arriving food.

[0126] For example, for high-end foods or foods that are the subject of a fair, a luxurious background image 161a is displayed (see FIG. 7(a)), and for desserts or foods that are popular with children, a pop background image 161b is displayed (see FIG. 7(b)). The background image can be changed according to the type of food being served, creating an entertaining presentation for customers.

[0127] [Providing food information according to stock availability] Next, the provision of food information on the rail display unit 1 according to the stock status of food offered in the store will be described.

[0128] The inventory status of food items provided in the store is managed by an order management system, and food inventory information reflecting the inventory status is recorded and updated appropriately in the interface terminal 104.

[0129] If a particular food item runs out of stock in the store, this is reflected in the food inventory information, and the interface terminal notifies the rail display unit 1 to change the display to reflect the out-of-stock status (see arrow P1 in Figure 3).

[0130] Furthermore, the rail display unit 1, which has received a notification of display switching reflecting out-of-stock, re-renders the menu image data 130 and menu name data 131 displayed on the top screen 13 based on the contents of the notification. In other words, out-of-stock foods are excluded from the foods to be displayed, and the menu image data 130 and menu name data 131 are displayed by scrolling.

[0131] In addition, when a food item that was out of stock in the store is replenished and becomes available for sale in the store, this is reflected in the food inventory information, and the interface terminal notifies the rail display unit 1 to change the display to reflect that the item is no longer out of stock (see arrow P2 in Figure 3).

[0132] Then, the rail display unit 1, which has received the notification of the display change that reflects the elimination of the out-of-stock item, re-renders the menu image data 130 and menu name data 131 displayed on the top screen 13 based on the contents of the notification. In other words, the food item that is no longer out of stock is returned to the foods to be displayed, and the menu image data 130 and menu name data 131 are scrolled for display.

[0133] In this way, the rail display unit 1 can receive food inventory information updated by the interface terminal 104 and corresponding notifications, and thereby display menu image data 130 and menu name data 131 reflecting the food inventory status at the store on the top screen 13.

[0134] Moreover, the following is an example of information communication between the rail display unit 1 and the interface terminal 104.

[0135] For example, while the start-up screen 12 is displayed, the rail display unit 1 communicates with the interface terminal 104 to obtain time information, information on the food menu of the tablet terminal 101, food inventory information, and information on the upper limit of food that can be ordered (see the arrow P0 in FIG. 3). This allows the rail display unit 1 to update this information each time it is started up for the first time.

[0136] In addition, the rail display unit 1 receives a text display request notification from the interface terminal 104 during a transaction process via the tablet terminal 101, when a store clerk call button is pressed, etc. (see the arrow P6 in Figure 3).

[0137] Then, on the text screen 17, various text data are displayed according to the instructions from the interface terminal 104. For example, messages such as "Payment is being processed," "Thank you for your patronage. Please take your receipt and proceed to the register," and "We are calling you now. Please wait a moment." The display of these text data can be set as appropriate.

[0138] In addition, when a specified process is completed or the situation changes, a text release request notification is received from interface terminal 104 (see arrow P7 in Figure 3), the display of the text data on text screen 17 is terminated, and the display returns to the top screen 13.

[0139] [Other features and aspects] Next, other functions of the food information providing device A will be described.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 8, on the top screen 13, character image data 133 displays various text data 134 to a customer and issues corresponding voice data, making it possible to proactively suggest foods.

[0141] Here, for example, the server can suggest the type of food recommended that day, suggest desserts, or offer words of thanks for the customer's order, thereby encouraging the customer to order while creating an enjoyable dining experience.

[0142] 9(a), a course selection screen 18 can be displayed as a screen displayed on the rail display unit 1. Here, a plurality of types of courses are set in advance, and by having the customer select one of the courses, the foods included in the selected course can be scrolled and displayed on the top screen 13 (see FIG. 9(b)).

[0143] The top screen 13 displays the foods included in the course that the customer selected, making it easier for the customer to choose foods that suit their tastes and mood of the day. In addition, the store can propose a wide variety of foods for each course, encouraging customers to make follow-up orders and increasing the average customer spending.

[0144] 10(a), specific foods can be suggested to customers by using a voice recognition means 4 that recognizes specific terms from a customer's conversation together with the rail display unit 1. Here, for example, when a conversation 5 uttered by a customer includes terms such as "diet," "calories," and "carbohydrates," the voice recognition means 4, which has been set up in advance to recognize these terms, responds.

[0145] Then, on the screen of the rail display unit 1, a display is made proposing to the customer foods related to dieting (foods with "less rice" in this case) using character image data 133 and text data 134. At this time, the characters of the text data 134 can also be spoken as voice data in a conversational format.

[0146] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10(b), when a customer who has received a suggestion from the rail display unit 1 utters a conversation 50 to order the target food, the voice recognition means 4 also responds to this and displays a message of thanks for the order using character image data 133 and text data 134.

[0147] In this way, through the voice recognition means 4, it is possible to promote sales of food products while providing entertainment through a conversational style.

[0148] Also, food suggestions can be made taking into consideration the time that has passed since a customer sat down at the customer seat 2. For example, the time since a new customer sat down is measured, and on the rail display unit 1, the character image data 133 displays text data 134 to the customer in accordance with the passage of time, and issues corresponding voice data (see FIG. 11(a)). For example, a suggestion for a dessert is made.

[0149] Then, on the top screen 13, the menu image data 130a of dessert foods is made to appear among the menu image data 130 of foods (e.g., sushi toppings) that are displayed by scrolling, and the frequency with which the menu image data 130a of dessert foods appears is increased (see FIG. 11(b)).

[0150] In this way, by varying the foods displayed on the top screen 13 over time, customers can be more likely to become interested in the proposed foods and be encouraged to place an order.

[0151] In addition, the screen of the rail display unit 1 can display quizzes for customers to answer (see FIG. 12(a)), or display suggestions for sets of multiple foods in the form of lucky bags (see FIG. 12(b)).

[0152] In addition, the screen of the rail display unit 1 can visualize the contribution to CO2 reduction of the food selected by the customer, issue coupons, etc., thereby promoting efforts toward carbon neutrality, etc. (see Figure 13).

[0153] As described above, the food information providing device of the present invention relates to a food information providing device that encourages customers to order in a store that serves food such as conveyor belt sushi, thereby contributing to increasing the average customer spending. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] A Food information providing device O Image information management system C1 Distribution Information 100 Edge Devices 101 Tablets 102 Wireless LAN router 103 Router 104 Interface terminal 105 Cloud 106 Reception Machine 1 Rail display unit 10 Setting screen 11 Advertising screen 12 Startup Screen 13 Top screen 130 Menu image data 131 Menu name data 132 Background image data 133 Character image data 134 Text Data 135 Tooltip image data 14 Quantity selection screen 140 Quantity selection button image data 141 Order button image data 142 Cancel button image data 143 Menu information image data 15 Order completion screen 150 Audio data 16 Arrival screen 160 Slide animation image data 161 Arrival background image data 162 Ordered Food Data 163 Audio Data 17 Text Screen 18 Course selection screen 2 audience seats 20 Tables 21 Seat 3 Food Conveyor Lane 4. Voice Recognition Methods 5 Conversations 50 Conversations

Claims

1. A food information providing device for displaying image data of food on a display unit formed along a food conveying lane along which food is conveyed to customer seats, and for allowing customers to order food, a display means for displaying image data of food by scrolling the image data on the display unit, and for displaying the image data of food by moving the image data in the scrolling direction or the opposite direction in response to a display movement operation on the image data of the food being scrolled; a food ordering means for switching the display in the display unit from the scroll display to a display of ordering image data related to the selected food in response to a selection operation on the image data for ordering of the food, and for generating ordering information for the selected food in response to an ordering operation on the ordering image data. Food information device.

2. When the order is completed or the order is cancelled by the ordering operation on the order image data and the display on the display unit returns to the scroll display, the display means starts the scroll display from the image data of the food that was being scroll-displayed when the selection operation was detected. The food information providing device according to claim 1 .

3. When a swipe operation is performed along the moving direction or the opposite direction as the display movement operation, the display means moves and displays the image data of the food being scrolled in the same direction as the direction of the swipe operation. The food information providing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The display means displays a state in which the scroll display has been stopped in response to a long press on the display unit. The food information providing device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The food selection means detects, as the selection operation, a tap operation or a downward swipe operation on the image data of the food being scrolled and displayed. The food information providing device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The display means displays a slide animation image of the food corresponding to the order information on the display unit in accordance with a timing when the food corresponding to the order information is conveyed to a customer's seat via the food conveyance lane. The food information providing device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The direction in which the slide animation image slides is the same as the direction in which food is conveyed in the food conveying lane. The food information providing device according to claim 6.

8. The display means changes and displays the contents of the image data of the food to be scrolled in response to food inventory information, which is information regarding the availability of food in the store. The food information providing device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. Food type information, which is information classified by food type, is set, The display means is capable of displaying a plurality of pieces of food type information within the display section, and scrolls and displays image data of food included in a specific piece of food type information selected by a customer. The food information providing device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The display means displays, together with the scrolling display, image data of the character and message information encouraging the customer to place an order within the display unit. The food information providing device according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The display means changes and displays the contents of the image data of the food to be scrolled in response to staying time information, which is information about the staying time of the customer in the store. The food information providing device according to claim 1 or 2.

Images