Kitchen management system and kitchen management program

Abstract

To appropriately serve an item that is prepared in a kitchen and is to be offered to a customer.SOLUTION: A kitchen management system includes a kitchen terminal that displays various kinds of information on a monitor installed in a kitchen in a store. The kitchen terminal displays, on the monitor, information relating to an ordered item in units of lots in which a predetermined number of pieces of the information or fewer is collected; performs display for a first monitor which is installed facing a kitchen side and for a second monitor which is positioned on a back of the first monitor and is installed facing a serving side. On the first monitor, a plurality of items in a lot are displayed side by side; and on the second monitor, the plurality of items in the lot are displayed in laterally reversed positions, compared with the first monitor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 28

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a kitchen management system, a food and beverage order system, and a kitchen management program used when cooking ordered food and beverages (products) in food and beverage stores such as restaurants and fast food restaurants.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in food and beverage stores such as restaurants and izakayas, paper menus have been used to allow customers to select food and beverages that are products. Customers verbally inform the staff of the food and beverages listed on the menu, and the product is then prepared.

[0003] Currently, with the increasing functionality of various portable information terminals such as tablet terminals, the portable information terminals are used as food and beverage order terminals to reduce the workload on staff and cut costs. In particular, taking advantage of the high-resolution images and touch panel functions of portable information terminals, it has become possible to place orders as easily as with conventional paper menus. Customers who visit a food and beverage store can place orders for food and beverages without going through the staff through so-called self-operation, where they operate the food and beverage order terminal themselves. In addition, the food and beverage order terminal can also simplify accounting by linking with existing devices such as POS systems used in food and beverage stores.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses an order input terminal on which a menu book with images is displayed, a base menu to be ordered is selected from among them, and further, the selection of toppings related to the dish is prompted, and an image of the finished product combining the base menu and the toppings is displayed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By the way, in a restaurant, when a customer orders a product (dish) and the served product is different from the image shown on the menu or the order input terminal in Patent Document 1, the evaluation of the restaurant may be lowered. This is because, conventionally, the work in the kitchen is carried out based on the experience of the cook, so the cook's image of the product does not match the image shown on the menu at the time of order. In addition, inexperienced cooks may take a long time to cook due to unfamiliarity, and the finished product may be different from the image at the time of order.

[0007] One object of the present invention is to enable a cook in a kitchen to cook a product with the same image as the product (dish) ordered by a customer, or an image that is not significantly different, even if the cook is inexperienced.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] Therefore, the kitchen management system according to the first - 1 configuration adopts the following constituent elements. A kitchen management system provided with a kitchen terminal that displays various information on a monitor installed in a kitchen within a store, The kitchen terminal is characterized in that when a product is ordered using an order terminal, it causes the same image as the image of the product displayed on the order terminal at the time of the order instruction to be displayed on the monitor as a cooking instruction.

[0009] Furthermore, in the kitchen management system according to the first - 2 configuration, The order terminal can form a product by specifying a plurality of ingredients through the operation of the user, and can display an image of the product and then place an order. The kitchen terminal is characterized by displaying an image of a product in which a plurality of ingredients are combined.

[0010] Furthermore, in the kitchen management system according to the first to third configurations, the kitchen management system can display cooking instructions on a plurality of monitors, and different cooking instructions are displayed on each monitor for each cooking process of the product.

[0011] Furthermore, in the kitchen management system according to the first to fourth configurations, the product image is characterized by being formed by combining a plurality of ingredient images.

[0012] Furthermore, in the kitchen management system according to the first to fifth configurations, the kitchen management system can display cooking instructions on a plurality of monitors, and the product image displayed on at least one monitor is an image in which some of the plurality of ingredient images are removed.

[0013] Furthermore, the kitchen management system according to the first to sixth configurations can change the product to be displayed on the monitor, and products with completed meal service are displayed in a different display form from products with uncompleted meal service.

[0014] Furthermore, in the kitchen management system according to the first to seventh configurations, the products displayed on the monitor at one time are displayed in lot units that group products within a predetermined number.

[0015] Furthermore, in the kitchen management system according to the first to eighth configurations, the kitchen management system can display cooking instructions on monitors provided for each process, and products are displayed on the monitors provided for each process in different lot numbers for each process.

[0016] Also, the food and beverage order system according to the first to ninth configurations is any one of the kitchen management systems described in the first to eighth configurations according to the first to first configurations, and It is characterized by including an order terminal that displays an image of the product when the product is ordered.

[0017] Also, the kitchen management program according to the first to tenth configurations is a kitchen management program executable on a kitchen terminal that displays various information on a monitor installed in the kitchen within the store, and when a product is ordered using the order terminal, it is characterized in that the same image as the image of the product displayed on the order terminal at the time of the order instruction is displayed on the monitor as a cooking instruction.

[0018] In addition to the above-described first to tenth configurations, it is also possible to adopt the following configuration. The kitchen management system according to the second - 1 configuration is a kitchen management system equipped with a kitchen terminal that displays various information on a monitor installed in the kitchen within the store, and when a product is ordered using the order terminal, the kitchen terminal is characterized in that it displays information on the ordered product in lots within a predetermined number on the monitor.

[0019] Furthermore, in the kitchen management system according to the second - 2 configuration the kitchen management system enables the display of cooking instructions on monitors provided for each process, and it is characterized in that products are displayed on the monitors provided for each process in different lot numbers for each process.

[0020] Furthermore, the kitchen management system according to the second - 3 configuration enables the change of the products to be displayed on the monitor, and products for which the meal service is completed are displayed in a display form different from that of products for which the meal service is not completed.

[0021] Furthermore, in the kitchen management system according to the second - 4 configuration the lot is characterized in that it groups products within a predetermined number and within a predetermined number of tables.

[0022] Furthermore, the kitchen management system according to the second to fifth configuration is as follows: Cooking instructions can be displayed on monitors installed at each process. A monitor provided for the first process displays information about each product, The monitor provided for the second process displays all the ingredients used in the product.

[0023] Furthermore, the kitchen management system according to the second to sixth configuration is as follows: Display is performed on a first monitor facing the kitchen side and a second monitor located behind the first monitor and facing the serving side, The first monitor displays multiple products in a lot side-by-side. The second monitor displays a plurality of products in a lot in a position that is horizontally inverted from that displayed on the first monitor.

[0024] In addition, the food and drink ordering system according to the second-seventh configuration is as follows: Any one of the kitchen management systems according to the configurations 2-1 to 2-6; and an ordering terminal through which products can be ordered.

[0025] In addition, the kitchen management program according to the second-eighth configuration is A kitchen management program executable on a kitchen terminal that displays various information on a monitor installed in a kitchen of a store, When an order for a product is placed using the order terminal, information about the ordered product is displayed on the monitor in units of lots each consisting of a predetermined number of products. Effect of the Invention

[0026] The kitchen management system, food and beverage ordering system, and kitchen management program of the present invention make it possible for even an inexperienced or experienced chef to provide a product with an image that is the same as, or not significantly different from, the image of the product (dish) that the customer confirmed when ordering.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

Figure 23

Figure 24

Figure 25

Figure 26

Figure 27

Figure 28

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a food and beverage ordering system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This figure schematically shows the interior of a certain restaurant. The restaurant is roughly divided into a floor that serves as a place to provide food and beverages to customers and a kitchen that serves as a place to cook food and beverages.

[0029] On the floor, a management server device 1 that comprehensively manages the food and beverage ordering system, order terminals 3a to 3d operated by customers at each table, an order receiving process by employees, or terminals 9a and 9b for checking various information such as the order status are installed. In this embodiment, the order terminal 3 and the terminal 9 use the same hardware. By performing a switching operation by an employee or the like, it is possible to use it as the order terminal 3 or the terminal 9.

[0030] On the other hand, in the kitchen, a kitchen management system 5 for transmitting various information to the cooks is installed. This kitchen management system 5 will be described in detail later.

[0031] Various terminals and devices installed in the store are communicatively connected by wire or wirelessly via LAN2 or access point 22. In this example, the management server device 1 and the kitchen management system 5 are connected to the network by wire. Also, the order terminal 3 and the terminal 9 are connected to the network wirelessly via the access point 22.

[0032] Furthermore, the in-store network is connected to the Internet via the router 21, enabling communication with various server devices on the Internet. Various devices and terminals installed in the store can communicate with various server devices on the Internet via this router 21 and transmit and receive various information.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the order terminal 3 and the charging stand 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The order terminal 3 has a CPU 34a, a ROM 34b, a RAM 34c, an image processing unit 34d, and an audio processing unit 34e that function as control means. The CPU 34a comprehensively controls the overall processing of the order terminal 3 based on a program stored in a storage means such as the ROM 34b or the SSD 35. At that time, data temporarily generated and the like are stored in the RAM 34c.

[0034] The image processing unit 34d converts the data processed by the CPU 34a into an image and outputs it for display on the display unit 321. The audio processing unit 34e converts the data processed by the CPU 34a into audio and outputs it as audio to the speaker.

[0035] In this embodiment, the touch panel monitor 32 is constituted by the display unit 321 and the touch panel 322. This touch panel 322 functions as an input means for receiving an input from the user corresponding to various objects such as icons and switches displayed on the display unit 321. In addition to this touch panel 322, the order terminal 3 may be provided with input means such as mechanical switches. Input information from the touch panel 322 is transmitted to the CPU 34a via the interface 37b.

[0036] The SSD35 (Solid State Drive) is composed of semiconductor memory and functions as the storage means of the order terminal 3. The SSD35 stores various program information necessary to operate the order terminal 3, or various contents such as images (still images, moving images), voices, etc. As storage means, in addition to the SSD35, other forms of storage means such as hard disks can also be used.

[0037] The order terminal 3 is provided with an imaging means 36a, an NFC sensor 36b, and an illuminance sensor 36c as means for detecting external information. The imaging means 36a is composed of a CCD or the like and can acquire the external state as a still image or a moving image. It is conceivable to use this imaging means 36a to photograph and recognize a coupon presented by a customer and use it for services such as discount at the time of settlement. The NFC sensor 36b is a sensor for communicating with a card medium or a portable information terminal in a non-contact manner. Using this NFC sensor 36b, it is possible to read the membership information (such as membership ID) of a customer or provide various information to the portable information terminal possessed by the customer. The illuminance sensor 36c is a sensor used for adjusting the brightness of the display unit 32a. Based on the ambient brightness read by this illuminance sensor 36c, by adjusting the brightness of the display unit 321, it is possible to display an easy-to-see screen according to the surrounding environment.

[0038] The order terminal 3 of this embodiment further has a wireless communication unit 38. This wireless communication unit 38 is provided with an antenna 38a and enables wireless communication according to the wireless LAN standard. The order terminal 3 can participate in the network configured by the LAN2 by wirelessly connecting to the access point 22 shown in FIG. 1, and enables connection with various devices and terminals such as the management server device 1 and the kitchen management system 5, or Internet connection via the router 21.

[0039] This order terminal 3 is equipped with a battery 39 and can be used independently without being connected to an external power source. This battery 39 is connected to a charging terminal 33 by a power line Lp and can be charged by a power source supplied from the outside. The CPU 34a can monitor the remaining amount of the battery 39, the charging status, and the like. The charging terminal 33 can be electrically connected to a power supply terminal 42 on the charging stand 4 (cradle) side to charge the battery 39.

[0040] The charging stand 4 for charging the order terminal 3 has a DC conversion unit 41. This DC conversion unit 41 converts the AC power supplied from the power line 43 into DC power of a set voltage and supplies it to the power supply terminal 42 via the power line Lp.

[0041] Next, various processes executed in such a food and beverage order system will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the main process executed in the food and beverage order system. This main process shows a series of processes performed for one customer or one customer group (table). First, when a customer or a customer group is guided to an empty table by a store clerk, the employee inputs information about the customer to the terminal 9 or the management server device 1. The seating determination in S101 is executed based on the input of this customer-related information, and the order terminal 3 installed on the guided table starts the processes after S200.

[0042] In the present embodiment, after it is determined that the seated customer has entered the store (S101: Yes), an order process (S200) for receiving an order of goods from the customer on the order terminal 3 is started. Note that this order process (S200) may be executed by a program stored in a storage means (such as the SSD 35) of the order terminal 3, or may be executed by a program stored in a storage means provided in the management server device 1. Alternatively, a program stored on the order terminal 3 side and a program stored on the management server device 1 side may be executed in cooperation. This order process (S200) will be described in detail later.

[0043] When accounting (customer checkout) is instructed, accounting processing (S102) is executed. The accounting instruction may be input by the customer himself / herself to the order terminal 3, or the employee may be informed of the checkout and the employee may input it to the terminal 9 or the management server device 1. In the accounting processing (S102), the total amount of the goods ordered in the order processing (S200) is calculated, and payment by the customer is executed using the automatic cashiers 6a and 6b. After this accounting processing (S102), the table used by the customer enters the state of waiting for bussing (cleaning) (S103). When the cleaning of the table by the employee is completed and the table becomes available to receive the next customer, a bussing completion instruction is input to any of the order terminals 3a to 3d, the terminals 9a and 9b, or the management server device 1, and the processing for the next customer (customer group) is restarted.

[0044] In this embodiment, the order terminal 3 and the terminal 9 can be used interchangeably. By inputting a special command to the order terminal 3 or performing a predetermined operation, etc., the order terminal 3 can be switched to the function of the terminal 9 and can be used as the terminal 9 mainly used by the staff. In this way, by giving the order terminal 3 versatility, that is, making the order terminal 3 and the terminal 9 interchangeable, the number of devices used in the food and beverage order system can be reduced, and cost reduction can be achieved.

[0045] Next, the details of the order processing (S200), which is a feature of the present invention, will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of various data used in the food and beverage order system, and shows the data configurations of the store information and customer-related information according to the embodiment of the present invention. These store information and customer-related information are stored and managed by the storage means of the management server device 1.

[0046] The store information is composed of product master information, table-terminal information, etc. The product master information is information that defines various information about the products handled in the restaurant. In this embodiment, it is composed of a product code, product name, unit price, etc. The table-terminal information is information indicating which order terminal 3 is installed on which table in the store. When it is necessary to replace the order terminal 3 due to a defect, failure, etc. of the order terminal 3, by rewriting this table-terminal information, it is possible to associate the newly installed order terminal 3 with the table. The rewriting of the table-terminal information is performed, for example, by inputting identification information such as a table number into the order terminal 3 when installing the order terminal 3, etc.

[0047] Customer-related information is information generated by the customer's visit to the store and is composed of table information, order history information (order information), etc. The table information is information input by operating the employee's terminal 9 and the management server device 1 when the customer visits the store and is composed of information about the customer (customer group). The entry code is identification information assigned to each customer (customer group) and is composed of a serial number added for each customer (customer group), etc. The table code is identification information indicating the table where the customer is seated. The entry date and time is the date and time when the customer (customer group) entered the store, and the date and time when the table information was created is automatically input. In addition, as optional information, it may be possible to include the number of customers (customer group), or customer attributes such as the gender and age (age group) of the customer (customer group). Such optional information is determined based on visual confirmation by the employee and is input to the terminal 9 and the management server device 1.

[0048] The order history information (order information) is information that is transmitted from the order terminal 3 by the customer seated at the table and stored in the management server device 1. Here, the information transmitted from the order terminal 3 is called order information, and the information stored in the management server device 1 is called order history information, but their contents are equivalent. This order history information (order information) includes the product code, quantity, and order date and time for each ordered product. Also, the store entry code is stored together, and by matching it with the product master information, it is possible to calculate the total amount for each store entry code, that is, for each customer (customer group), and perform accounting processing.

[0049] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the order processing according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this order processing (S200), it is possible to place an order based on the products registered in the product master information. When the order processing (S200) is started, a menu display is executed for the products registered in the product master information (S201). Figure 9 shows the order screen (top screen) displayed on the touch panel monitor 32 of the order terminal 3. The orders in this embodiment are hierarchized by type for each product, and it is possible to select from many products. Therefore, buttons 81b to 81g for selecting the type are provided on the left side of the screen. The customer can select a desired type from these buttons 81b to 81g and select the products belonging to the selected type.

[0050] When a product is selected based on the menu display (S203: Yes), the selected product is temporarily stored in the cart (S205). After that, when the order of the product is confirmed at the order terminal 3 (S206: Yes), the product stored in the cart is confirmed as the ordered product and transmitted to the network as order information (S207). The order information includes the product code, quantity, store entry code, and order date and time. The order information transmitted to the network is accumulated in the management server device 1 as order history information and also transmitted to the kitchen management system 5 and used for cooking and serving.

[0051] On the other hand, when an accounting instruction (also referred to as a departure instruction) operation by the customer is performed on the order terminal 3 (S202: Yes), the order processing (S200) is exited and the process proceeds to the accounting processing (S102) during the main processing in FIG. 3. The accounting processing (S102) is a process of calculating the total amount of the ordered goods and is executed based on the order history information. The total amount calculated in the accounting processing (S102) is displayed on the management server device 1. The employee requests the customer to pay the displayed total amount.

[0052] Also, in the order processing (S200) of the present embodiment, customizable goods are handled. Customizable goods are goods for which various options can be selected by the user (customer), for example, the selection of toppings to be placed on a hamburger. Therefore, in the order processing (S200), when the selected goods are customizable goods (S204: Yes), the customization processing (S300) is executed.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the customization processing (S300) of the present embodiment. On the top screen shown in FIG. 9, buttons 81b and 81h labeled "order-made dish" are provided. The customer performs an order-made of the goods, that is, proceeds to the customization processing (S300), by operating either of these buttons 81b and 81h.

[0054] The customization processing (S300) is a process in which the customer selects toppings etc. of the goods and creates a customized good by the customer himself / herself. Here, for normal goods, since the appearance of the goods is uniquely determined, it is easy to display a photo of the goods on the menu screen etc. On the other hand, in the case of customized goods, the appearance of the goods will vary widely depending on the operation by the customer. Therefore, in the present embodiment (first form), the material forming the goods is stored as a material image, and the appearance of the customized good is formed by combining the material images.

[0055] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of material images used in this embodiment. The material images selected by the customer's operation are arranged on one layer. In the sixth layer of FIG. 7, a pine tree is shown as a material image. The periphery of the material image of the pine tree is in a transparent state, and by overlapping and displaying the material images on the layer, the material images are displayed overlapping each other. At that time, the material image in the upper layer (for example, the sixth layer) will be displayed on top of the product image in the lower layer (for example, the fifth layer).

[0056] Also, in this embodiment, it is also possible to change the position of the material image on the XY coordinates. Therefore, when displaying the same material image, depending on the combination of material images, in cases where the positions of the material images are different, etc., it is possible to change (adjust) the position of the material image to approximate the appearance of the actual product.

[0057] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the customization selection screen of this embodiment. When either of the buttons 81b and 81h is operated on the top screen of FIG. 9, the screen shifts to the customization selection screen of FIG. 10. On the customization selection screen of this embodiment, it is possible to customize not only salads and rice but also hamburgers as the main dish. For salads, hamburgers, and rice, display columns 82a to 82c showing the appearance and name of the product are provided, and by operating the buttons 83a to 83c within the display columns 82a to 82c, it is possible to perform customization for each of them.

[0058] Also, on the customization selection screen of FIG. 10, a display column 84a is provided, and the total amount, total calories, and total salt content of the customized product are displayed. Also, in the display column 84a, a button 84b for putting the customized product into the cart and a button 84c for resetting (deleting) the customized product are provided.

[0059] In this embodiment, the customization of the hamburger, which is the main dish, will be described. When the button 83b is operated on the customization selection screen of FIG. 10, the screen transitions to the customization selection screen for the hamburger shown in FIG. 11. On the customization selection screen shown in FIG. 11, it is possible to select the number of hamburgers, the sauce, and the toppings. Therefore, columns 94, 95, and 96 for displaying the selection status of the number of hamburgers, the sauce, and the toppings are provided, and buttons 94a, 95a, and 96a for selecting the items of the number of hamburgers, the sauce, and the toppings are displayed within columns 94, 95, and 96.

[0060] Also, in the center of the screen, a composite material image 91a combining the material images of the selected product is displayed. The composite material image 91a shown in FIG. 11 is in a state where salad and rice have been selected, and on top of the material image of the plate, the material images of the selected salad and rice are combined.

[0061] In addition, a display column 85k is provided in the lower left of the screen, and the total amount, total calories, total salt content, and allergens of the customized product (hamburger) are displayed. Note that the allergens adopt an icon display form. By touching the "More details here" part, it is possible to display the details of the allergens. Also, within the display column 85k, a button 85l for determining the customization of the hamburger and a reset button 85m for returning to the customization selection screen of FIG. 10 as the state before customization are provided.

[0062] When the button 94a for selecting the number of hamburgers is operated on the customization selection screen of FIG. 11, the customization selection screen of FIG. 11 is displayed. On the right side of this customization selection screen, a display column 85a including "+" and "-" buttons is displayed, and the user can select the number of hamburgers by operating the "+" and "-" buttons. FIG. 12 shows the screen state when one hamburger is selected. A number "1" indicating the number of hamburgers is displayed on the left shoulder of the display column 85a. Also, in the display column 94, it is displayed that one hamburger is selected. Furthermore, in the material composite image 91b, the material image of the hamburger is additionally displayed. Each time the "+" button is operated, the number of hamburgers is increased, and in the material composite image 91b, the material images of the added number of hamburgers are displayed.

[0063] In addition, in this embodiment, the number of hamburgers that can be added to the material composite image 91b is limited. This is the same as the operation in an actual store. In an actual store, when the number of hamburgers added to a plate exceeds the limit, it is decided to provide the hamburgers on a separate plate. Therefore, the material composite image has the same display as the plate actually provided. In addition, when the limit number is exceeded, it may be possible to display a separate plate, or to display a message indicating that the hamburgers exceeding the limit number will be provided on a separate plate.

[0064] When the button 96a for selecting a source is operated, the customization selection screen of FIG. 13 is displayed. On the right side of this customization selection screen, display columns 85b to 85d including "+" and "-" buttons are displayed, and the user can select a source and the number of sources by operating the "+" and "-" buttons. FIG. 13 shows the screen state when one curry source is selected. A number "1" indicating the order quantity is displayed on the left shoulder of the display column 85b. Also, in the display column 96, it is displayed that one curry source has been selected. Further, in the material composite image 91c, the material image of the curry source is additionally displayed. Each time the "+" button is operated, the number of selected sources is added, and in the material composite image 91c, the material images of the added number of sources are also displayed.

[0065] When the button 95a for selecting a topping is operated, the customization selection screen of FIG. 14 is displayed. On the right side of this customization selection screen, display columns 85e to 85j including "+" and "-" buttons are displayed, and the user can select a topping and the number of toppings by operating the "+" and "-" buttons. FIG. 14 shows the screen state when one grilled pineapple (cut into 3 pieces) is selected. A number "1" indicating the order quantity is displayed on the left shoulder of the display column 85g. Also, in the display column 95, it is displayed that one grilled pineapple has been selected. Further, in the material composite image 91b, the material image of the grilled pineapple is additionally displayed. Each time the "+" button is operated, the number of selected toppings is added, and in the material composite image 91d, the material images of the added number of toppings are also displayed.

[0066] In this way, by operating the "+" buttons displayed in the display columns 85a to 85j, materials such as hamburgers, sources, and toppings are added. Note that by operating the "-" buttons displayed in the display columns 85a to 85j, it is possible to reduce the number of materials once selected. Also, the total amount, total calories, total salt content, and allergens in the display column 85k are changed each time a material is selected or deleted.

[0067] In this embodiment, on the customization selection screen, by displaying the total amount, total calories, total salt content, and allergens, it is possible to convey the details of the customized products to the user. Additionally, it may be possible to display whether the selected products are halal compliant, that is, whether they are ingredients permitted in Islam.

[0068] In the customization process shown in FIG. 6, when buttons provided in display columns 85a to 85j for selecting the number of hamburgers, sauce, and toppings are operated (S301: 301), it is determined whether the selected ingredients are in a predetermined relationship with the already selected ingredients (S303). Among the ingredients used in food and beverages, there are ingredients that have an exclusive relationship. For example, the curry sauce selectable by the buttons provided in display columns 85b and 85c and the grated daikon selectable by the button provided in display column 85j are an example of an exclusive relationship. In this embodiment, when the selected ingredient is in a predetermined relationship (exclusive relationship) with the already selected ingredient (S305: Yes), a prohibition message is displayed on the touch panel monitor 82, and the selection of the ingredient is disabled (S305).

[0069] Even customers who are not accustomed to Japanese food, such as foreign tourists, are discouraged from selecting combinations of ingredients that are not commonly used. Note that the prohibition message may also display which ingredient the selected ingredient is in a predetermined relationship (exclusive relationship) with. The customer can know the reason why the ingredient could not be selected and can reselect the ingredient. Also, in this embodiment, although it is not possible to make a combination of predetermined ingredients, it may be sufficient to only give a warning by displaying a message, emitting a notification sound, or the like.

[0070] On the other hand, if the selected material is not in a predetermined relationship (exclusive relationship) with the already selected material (S305: No), a new material image is added and displayed on the material composite image 91a (S304). In the present embodiment, the added material image is displayed on the topmost layer. By displaying it on the topmost layer, the customer, who is the user, can confirm on the screen that the topping they selected has been added. For example, in terms of the appearance of the actual product, if it is located in the lower layer, that is, under other toppings, etc., when the material image is displayed in the same way as the actual product, the added material image cannot be visually recognized or is difficult to visually recognize by other material images. In the present embodiment, in order to avoid such a situation, when first displaying the material image, the added material image is displayed on the topmost layer.

[0071] FIG. 12 shows a state where a hamburger is added in the display column 85a, and a material image of a regular hamburger is additionally displayed on the material composite image 91a of FIG. 11. When additionally displaying the material image of the regular hamburger, by displaying the material image of the regular hamburger while reducing it to the actual state shown in FIG. 11, it is also possible to give an effect of placing a regular hamburger on a plate. Furthermore, by adding animated smoke around the regular hamburger, it is also possible to perform an effect simulating the cooking process of the product.

[0072] In the customization process, by repeatedly executing S301 to S306, it is possible to add ingredients. Figures 13 to 15 are the customization selection screens when adding ingredients (toppings) in order. Figure 13 shows the state where curry sauce is selected as an ingredient. The composite ingredient image 91c has the ingredient image of curry sauce additionally displayed on top of the composite ingredient image 91b in Figure 12. Figure 14 shows the state where pineapple is selected as an ingredient. The composite ingredient image 91d has the ingredient image of baked pineapple additionally displayed on top of the composite ingredient image 91c in Figure 13. Figure 15 shows the state where cheese is selected as an ingredient. The composite ingredient image 91e has the ingredient image of cheese additionally displayed on top of the composite ingredient image 91d in Figure 14. When displaying each of the composite ingredient images 91c to 91e, similar to the case of Figure 12, effects corresponding to the ingredient images to be additionally displayed may be performed. The customer placing an order can obtain a feeling as if they are arranging the dish themselves.

[0073] The customer who has finished customization operates the button 85l provided in the display field 85k to confirm the product (S306: Yes). When the product is confirmed, the process transitions to the customization confirmation screen in Figure 16. The customized product (salad, hamburger, soup, rice) by the previous operations is displayed on the customization confirmation screen. For each product, display fields 86a to 86d are provided, and the content of the selected ingredients is displayed. Also, buttons 87a to 87d for reselecting ingredients are provided within the display fields 86a to 86d. Further, a display field 88a is provided below the customization confirmation screen, and the price, calorie, salt content, and allergens are displayed for the selected content. Also, within the display field 88a, a button 88b for adding the product to the cart and a button 88c for canceling the customized product are provided.

[0074] Here, on the customization selection screen of FIG. 15, the appearance of the customized product was displayed using the composite material image 91e that combined a plurality of material images. Since such a composite material image 91e is an image obtained by combining material images, it is conceivable that it is somewhat different from the actual appearance of the product. Therefore, in the present embodiment, for the customized product displayed on the customization confirmation screen of FIG. 16, by replacing it with an image of the actual product and displaying it, it is possible to allow the customer to confirm the appearance of the actual product. The final image 92 shown in FIG. 16 is not a combination of material images, but is the final image when regular hamburger, curry sauce, cheese, and grilled pineapple are selected.

[0075] In the example shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, in the composite material image 91e of FIG. 15, the cheese is shown on top of the grilled pineapple, but in the final image 92 of FIG. 16, the grilled pineapple is on top of the cheese, which is the actual state provided. In this way, by displaying the final image 92 instead of the composite material image 91e, the customer who places an order can place an order after confirming the actual appearance.

[0076] On the customization selection screen of FIG. 15, when the button 85l is operated and the product is confirmed (S306: Yes), it is determined whether there is a final image of the selected combination of materials (S307). FIG. 8 shows a correspondence table indicating the relationship between the materials and the final images of the present embodiment. In the correspondence table, the correspondence relationship between the combination of size, source, and topping and the file name of the final image is described. In the customization process, it is determined whether there is a final image corresponding to the selected combination of materials based on the correspondence table (S307). If there is a final image (S307: Yes), the final image is acquired, and the composite material image is changed to the final image and displayed (S309). In the example of FIG. 15, as the final image 92, "0025.jpg" corresponding to 1 curry sauce, 1 cheese, and 1 grilled pineapple is used.

[0077] When the button 88b is operated on the customization decision screen of FIG. 16, the customization completion screen of FIG. 17 is displayed for a predetermined time. After that, as shown in FIG. 18, a cart column 89 storing the customized product is displayed. The cart column 89 is provided with a display column 89a for displaying the customized product. The display column 89a is provided with a quantity display column 89b, a button 89d for deletion, and a button 89d for changing the customized product. When the button 89d is operated, it returns to the customization decision screen of FIG. 16, and the product can be customized again. In addition, the cart column 89 is provided with a button 89e for finalizing the order and a button 89d for continuing the order. When the button 89e is operated, that is, when the order is finalized in the order processing of FIG. 5 (S206: Yes), the order information is transmitted (S207). On the other hand, when the button 89d is operated (S206: No), menu display is performed, such as returning to the top screen of FIG. 9 (S201), and the order operation is continued.

[0078] As described above, the customization process of the food and beverage order system according to this embodiment has been described by taking it as an example. According to the food and beverage order system of this embodiment, it is possible to customize a product while selecting materials. At that time, by displaying a composite material image based on the material image corresponding to the selected material, it is possible to customize the product in such a way that the customer himself / herself arranges the dish.

[0079] In this way, in the food and beverage order system of this embodiment, it is possible to customize the product in such a way that the customer himself / herself arranges the dish. However, it is conceivable that the number of customizable items will be large. It will be difficult for the employees working in the kitchen to remember a large number of plating layouts, and it is conceivable that the plating layouts will be different even for the same product. On the other hand, if the appearance of the product ordered by the customer is different from the appearance of the served product, it is conceivable that the evaluation of the store will decrease.

[0080] In this embodiment, it is considered in such a situation, and one of the purposes is to make the appearance of the ordered product and the served product match as much as possible. In particular, it is effective in a food and beverage ordering system that allows customization of a large number of products as in this embodiment.

[0081] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the configuration of the kitchen management system 5 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in the kitchen, there are a workbench for plating work, a griddle for grilling hamburgers and the like, and a food storage area for storing various ingredients. The griddle and the food storage area are provided side by side, and a work space is formed between them and the workbench. Employees who perform cooking and plating work in this work space. Preferably, the work is performed by two employees, one for plating salads and the other for grilling hamburgers and the like using the griddle.

[0082] The kitchen management system 5 of this embodiment is installed above the workbench and provides various information to employees working in the work space. The kitchen management system 5 of this embodiment is configured to include kitchen terminals 51 to 54. Monitors 55 to 58 are connected to each of the kitchen terminals 51 to 54. Each of the kitchen terminals 51 to 54 cooperates to display on each of the monitors 55 to 58. In this embodiment, kitchen terminals 51 to 54 are provided for each of the monitors 55 to 58. This is to prevent the display of other kitchen terminals 51 to 54 from being hindered even if a failure occurs in any of the kitchen terminals 51 to 54. However, it is also possible to display the images of two or more of the monitors 55 to 58 on one kitchen terminal.

[0083] As the monitors 55 to 58, a salad plating monitor 55, a grilling monitor 56, plating monitors 57a and 57b, and a serving monitor 58 are provided. A forward button 60a and a backward button 60b are connected to the kitchen terminal 52. Also, a forward button 59a and a backward button 59b are connected to the kitchen terminal 53a.

[0084] Below the salad plating monitor 55, a serving table 61 is arranged. The serving table 61 is provided with 4 tiers where 4 (plates) of products can be arranged side by side horizontally. That is, up to 16 products can be arranged on the serving table 61. In this embodiment, up to 4 products are managed as one lot. The description of the lot will be described later.

[0085] The plating monitors 57a and 57b are of a two-sided configuration. One lot is managed in this two-sided configuration. That is, two products are displayed on one plating monitor. Therefore, it is possible to take a large display area for one product and display a large image of the product. Also, on the back of the plating monitors 57a and 57b, a serving monitor 58 is arranged so as to face away. And, a grilling monitor 56 is arranged on the left side of the plating monitor 57a.

[0086] The processing of the kitchen management system will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing lot management processing. FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the lot used in this embodiment. In this embodiment, up to 4 products are managed as one lot. In each lot, for example, "T15a" described in the plating progress lot indicates the first product for the 15th table. Also, in the same plating progress lot, "T15b" indicates the second product for the 15th table. In the lot management processing, when there is a new order from the order terminal 3 (S401: Yes), it is determined whether it can be added to the previous lot based on predetermined conditions (S402). Here, the predetermined conditions are whether it exceeds the maximum number of 4 products per lot and whether it exceeds the maximum number of 2 tables within one lot. Note that this predetermined condition can be appropriately changed according to the situation of the store, etc.

[0087] When it is determined that the conditions are met and it is possible to add to the previous lot (S402: Yes), add it to the previous lot (S403). On the other hand, when it is not possible to add to the previous lot (S402: No), create a new lot and add it to the new lot (S404). On the other hand, in the lot management process, the reception of the meal service completion information is monitored, and when the meal service completion information is received (S405: Yes), the plating completion lot is changed to the meal service completion lot (S406). The plating completion lot and the meal service completion lot will be described later.

[0088] FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the lot used in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, management is performed in units of lots that can store up to 4 products. In FIG. 21, the upward direction indicates the older lot in terms of time, and the downward direction indicates the newer lot in terms of time. The lot is first set as a lot scheduled for plating. This lot scheduled for plating is a lot waiting to be displayed in the kitchen management system 5 yet. Thereafter, it is stored in the pre-plating lots 1 to 4. The pre-plating lots 1 to 4 are the lots to be displayed on the salad plating monitor 55.

[0089] The lot in the process of plating is the lot to be displayed on the two plating monitors 57a and 57b. Also, the lot in the process of plating is also the lot to be displayed on the grilling monitor 56. The plating completion lot is the lot to be displayed on the meal service monitor 58. The lot for which the meal service has been completed becomes the meal service completion lot, and in the present embodiment, when it is to be displayed on various monitors, it is displayed in a grayed-out state, and is in a display form distinguishable from other lots.

[0090] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the first plating process of this embodiment. The first plating process is a process performed by the kitchen terminal 51 and is a process for controlling the display of the salad plating monitor 55. In the lot management process, when there is a change in the lot (S501: Yes), it is determined whether it is possible to additionally display on the screen, that is, whether the preliminary plating lots 1 to 4 are not filled (S502). If it is determined that additional display is possible (S502: Yes), the changed lot is changed to the preliminary plating lot (S503). On the other hand, in the second plating process described later, when the preliminary plating lot 1 is changed to the plating-in-progress lot (S504: Yes), the display of the planned plating lot is updated, that is, the preliminary plating lots 2 to 4 are shifted and changed to the preliminary plating lots 1 to 3, and the oldest plating plan lot is changed to the preliminary plating lot 4.

[0091] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a display example of the salad plating monitor 55 of this embodiment. The salad plating monitor 55 is displayed by the first plating process. Four preliminary plating lots 1 to 4 are displayed on the salad plating monitor 55. In this embodiment, the left side is the older preliminary plating lot and the right side is the newer preliminary plating lot in order. Note that the order of the preliminary plating lots can be reversed depending on the situation of the store.

[0092] Each of the preliminary plating lots 1 to 4 is provided with table number display columns 551a to 551d, additional item display columns 552a to 552d, and image display columns 553a to 553d. The images displayed in the image display columns 553a to 553d are consistent with the arrangement of the products arranged on the food distribution table 61.

[0093] In the table number display columns 551a to 551d, in addition to the table number for which an order has been received, the time when the order was received is also displayed. In the additional item display columns 552a to 552d, the items that have been additionally ordered are displayed. In the additional item display column 552d located on the far right, it is indicated in characters that the baked potato is an additional item. The image display columns 553a to 553d are images for plating the salad, and only the salad part of the product is displayed. This image is formed by the material image and is the same as the image ordered by the customer. Also, for materials other than those to be plated on the plating table 61 such as hamburgers, the image has been removed.

[0094] In the image display columns 553a to 553d, the additional items are displayed as icons. By superimposing the icon of the additional item on the material image or by replacing the material image with the icon of the additional item, it becomes easy to grasp the additional items, and it becomes easy to select the necessary ingredients and their layout. For one product in the image display column 553d located on the far right, the baked potato is displayed as an additional item. Also, for one product in the image display column 553d located on the far right, it is indicated in characters that the salad is a large portion. The person in charge of plating the salad refers to the salad plating monitor, places a plate on the plating table 61, and performs the salad plating operation.

[0095] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the second plating process of the present embodiment. The second plating process is a process for forming the information to be displayed on the plating monitors 57a and 57b. When the first lot is received (S601: Yes), it is displayed on the plating monitors 57a and 57b as the plating progress lot. Here, the first lot is a state in which a lot is added for the first time when the store opens, etc.

[0096] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing display examples of the plating monitors 57a and 57b of the present embodiment. One plating progress lot is displayed on the plating monitors 57a and 57b. In the present embodiment, two plating monitors 57a and 57b are used, and it is possible to display an image that is sufficiently large for each product. One plating progress lot can display up to four products. For each product, table number display columns 571a to 571d, icon display columns 572a to 572d, image display columns 573a to 573d, dish name display columns 574a to 574d, and topping name display columns 575a to 575d are provided. In the present embodiment, up to four plating progress lots (two for each of the plating monitors 57a and 57b) can be displayed, but the maximum number of displays can be appropriately changed, such as setting it to four or more.

[0097] In addition, the left plating monitor 57a is provided with a next lot table number display column 576a and a next-next lot table number display column 576b, and it is possible to check the table numbers for the products in the next lot (the current pre-plating lot 1) and the next-next lot (the current pre-plating lot 2), respectively.

[0098] The table number display columns 571a to 571d display the table numbers for which the product was ordered. The icon display columns 572a to 572d display the icons of the toppings required for the product. For example, a cheese icon is displayed in the leftmost icon display column 572a. The image display columns 573a to 573d display the same image as the image displayed at the time of the customer's order on the order terminal 3. In the present embodiment, it is formed by a material composite image formed by a combination of material images.

[0099] The products shown in the image display column 573b shown in FIG. 26(A) are the products at the time of ordering described in FIGS. 16 to 18, and the images of the same products as those in FIGS. 16 to 18 are displayed. In the present embodiment, the images displayed in the image display columns 573a to 573d are displayed as material composite images formed by combining material images, but they may also be displayed as final images (one piece of image information) corresponding to the material composite images.

[0100] Among the image display columns 573a to 573d, icons are separately superimposed on the parts that require special attention especially during plating. For example, in the image display column 573a, for the demi sauce, it is difficult to visually recognize it in its original display, so a white line is drawn around it for display. Also, for the image display column 573b, an icon of a sauce cup is displayed so that the curry sauce can be confirmed.

[0101] Also, for the parts that are in large servings, the character "large" is displayed in letters. It is shown that the salad in the image display column 573a shown on the far left is in a large serving, and when the cook moves the product from the serving table 61 in front of the plating monitors 57a and 57b, the product can be confirmed. In the dish name display columns 574a to 574d, the dish name (product name) using any one of the toppings among the toppings used is displayed. By using this dish name, it becomes easy for the cook or the like to identify and address the product. Also, in the topping name display columns 575a to 575d, all the necessary topping names are displayed. The cook who performs plating using the plating monitors 57a and 57b picks up the four products located on the far left of the serving table 61, arranges the products in the order shown in the figure, and performs plating.

[0102] In this embodiment, a forward button 59a and a return button 59b for advancing to the kitchen terminal 53a are provided. When the forward button 59a is operated (S603: forward button), the next lot is displayed on the plating monitors 57a and 57b (S607). At this time, when shifting from the plating progress lot to the pre-plating lot 1 (S608: Yes), the current progress plating lot is changed to a plating completion lot (S609). The product changed to the plating completion lot becomes the display target on the serving monitor 58. Then, the pre-plating lot 1 is changed to the plating progress lot and displayed on the plating monitors 57a and 57b.

[0103] On the other hand, when the return button 59b is operated, the previous lot is displayed (S604). At this time, when the display target is the serving completion lot (S605: Yes), the wiring completion lot is displayed in a different display form (gray-out in this embodiment) (S606).

[0104] As described above, in this embodiment, by operating the forward button 59a and the return button 59b, the cook can check the previous and subsequent lots. Also, when shifting from the plating progress lot to the pre-plating lot 1, the display on the salad plating monitor 55 side is also changed in conjunction. And when the display target becomes the serving completion lot, by displaying it in a different display form, the cook can easily confirm that the product has already been cooked.

[0105] FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the baking process of this embodiment. The baking process is a process of displaying information related to the plating progress lot, similar to the second plating process described in FIG. 23. Since the processing content of the baking process is almost the same as that of the second plating process, detailed description is omitted. However, there are differences in the display content. Also in the baking process, it is possible to perform the movement display between the previous and subsequent lots using the forward button 60a and the return button 60b provided on the kitchen terminal 52. However, different buttons are used from the forward button 59a and the return button 59b provided on the kitchen terminal 53a, and both can be operated independently.

[0106] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a display example of the baking monitor 56 of the present embodiment. Information on the plating progress lot to be displayed on the plating monitors 57a and 57b was displayed for each product, whereas the information on the plating progress lot to be displayed on the baking monitor 56 is different in that the hamburgers and toppings to be cooked (heated) on the baking stand during the plating progress lot are collectively displayed.

[0107] On the baking monitor 56, a table number display column 561 and a baking ingredient display column 562 are displayed. In the table number display column 561, the table numbers of all products in the plating progress lot are collectively displayed. In the baking ingredient display column 562, the icons, ingredient names, and quantities of the ingredients (hamburgers, toppings) to be cooked on the baking stand during the plating progress lot are displayed. Since the ingredients (hamburgers, toppings) to be baked are collectively displayed in lots on the baking monitor 56 in this way, it is possible to improve the work efficiency of the cook at the baking stand.

[0108] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a display example of the serving monitor 58 of the present embodiment. The serving monitor 58 is arranged behind the plating monitors 57a and 57b and is a monitor for displaying information to the employees who perform the serving. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, the products in the completed plating lot are displayed for each product. The display example shown in FIG. 28 shows a display example when the plating progress lot described in FIG. 26 has shifted to the completed plating lot. On the serving monitor 58, for each product, table number display columns 581a to 581d, image display columns 582a to 582d, and additional display columns 583a to 583d are displayed.

[0109] The display of the serving monitor 58 is different in that the arrangement of the products is reversed left and right compared to the plating monitors 57a and 57b. This is because it takes into account the difference in the arrangement when viewing the products plated from the side of the plating monitors 57a and 57b and when viewing from the side of the serving monitor 58. Since the arrangement of the products and the serving monitor 58 match, the employee who performs the serving can easily confirm and serve the products.

[0110] The table number display columns 581a to 581d are columns for displaying the table number where the product was ordered. The staff can confirm the table to which the product should be delivered by means of this table number display column 581d. In the image display columns 582a to 582d, the same image of the product as that displayed at the time of ordering on the order terminal 3 is displayed. Here too, the staff can confirm the image of the product at the time of ordering and the image of the actually cooked product. In the additional display column 583d, the dish name (product name) and added toppings, etc. are displayed in characters. The staff can confirm not only the image but also the special notes regarding the product, such as toppings, by means of the characters.

[0111] In addition, the serving monitor 58 is provided with a forward button 585a and a backward button 585b, and by operating these, it is possible to check the previous and next lots. Further, the display change button 584 is a button operated when serving, and the staff can, by operating the display change button 584, transmit the serving completion information explained in the lot management process of FIG. 20 and change the target plating completion lot to a serving completion lot. Note that the serving completion lot is also displayed in a grayed-out display (different display form) similar to the others on the serving monitor 58.

[0112] The serving monitor 58 is provided with a next lot product number display column 586. In the next lot product number display column 585, the number of products in the next lot is displayed.

[0113] As described above, the kitchen management system according to the present embodiment has been described. According to the kitchen management system of the present embodiment, by displaying the image of the product ordered by the customer at the cooking site and the serving site, it is possible to suppress a large difference between the image of the product ordered by the customer and the actually cooked image. Therefore, even an inexperienced staff member (cook) can provide the product desired by the customer. In particular, when the product can be customized by the customer adding toppings, etc. and there are a large number of product variations as in the present embodiment, the kitchen management system of the present embodiment is effective.

Description of Symbols

[0114] 1: Management server device 3: Order terminal 3a~3d: Order terminal 4: Charging stand 5: Kitchen management system 6a, 6b: Automatic settlement machine 9(9a, 9b): Terminal 21: Router 22: Access point 32: Touch panel monitor 32a: Display unit 33: Charging terminal 34a: CPU 34b: ROM 34c: RAM 34d: Image processing unit 34e: Audio processing unit 36a: Imaging means 36b: NFC sensor 36c: Illuminance sensor 37b: Interface 38: Wireless communication unit 38a: Antenna 39: Battery 41: DC conversion unit 42: Power supply terminal 43: Power line 51~54: Kitchen terminal 55: Salad plating monitor 56: Grilling monitor 57a, 57b: Plating monitor 58: Serving monitor 61: Serving table

Claims

1. A kitchen management system equipped with a kitchen terminal that displays various information on a monitor installed in a kitchen in a store, The kitchen terminal displays information about the ordered products on a monitor in units of lots, each lot consisting of a predetermined number of products. A display is provided on a first monitor facing the kitchen side and a second monitor located behind the first monitor and facing the serving side, A first monitor displays a plurality of products in a lot side by side, The second monitor displays a plurality of products in a lot in a position that is reversed from the first monitor. Kitchen management system.

2. A kitchen management program executable on a kitchen terminal that displays various information on a monitor installed in a kitchen of a store, When a product is ordered using the order terminal, information about the ordered product is displayed on the monitor in units of lots, each lot consisting of a predetermined number of products. A display is provided on a first monitor facing the kitchen side and a second monitor located behind the first monitor and facing the serving side, A first monitor displays a plurality of products in a lot side by side, The second monitor displays a plurality of products in a lot in a position that is reversed from the first monitor. Kitchen management program.

Images