Collection management system, tableware collection system, collection management method, and program

Abstract

To provide a collection management system capable of properly collect tableware on a table.SOLUTION: A collection management system comprises a table state information acquisition unit which acquires table state information representing the state of a free space on a table that customers use; an order state information acquisition unit which acquires order state information representing a provision state of ordered dishes on the table; and a collection direction unit which directs tableware on the table to be collected by a mobile body based upon the table state information and the order state information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a collection management system, a tableware collection system, a collection management method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for serving robots that provide ordered items such as dishes to customers in restaurants are known. As a related technique, Patent Document 1 discloses a robot control system in which a serving robot provides services to customers based on situation information (order situation, meal situation, service provision situation, etc.) acquired regarding the customers. In this robot control system, the serving robot autonomously performs operations such as serving dishes and collecting containers according to a workflow dynamically determined based on the situation information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Ordered items such as dishes ordered by customers are sequentially provided on the customers' tables via the above-described serving robots or store employees. As the provision of ordered items progresses, the space on the table gradually becomes narrower. Therefore, when there are many ordered items, it is necessary to collect used tableware and secure space for placing unprovided ordered items. The technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not sufficiently consider such points.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a collection management system, a tableware collection system, a collection management method, and a program capable of appropriately collecting tableware on a table in view of the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The collection management system according to the present disclosure includes a table status information acquisition unit that acquires table status information indicating the status of the empty space on the table used by the customer, an order status information acquisition unit that acquires order status information indicating the provision status of the ordered items on the table, and a collection instruction unit that issues a collection instruction to cause the tableware on the table to be collected by a moving body based on the table status information and the order status information.

[0007] The tableware collection system according to the present disclosure includes a moving body and a collection management system that causes the moving body to collect tableware, wherein the collection management system includes a table status information acquisition unit that acquires table status information indicating the status of the empty space on the table used by the customer, an order status information acquisition unit that acquires order status information indicating the provision status of the ordered items on the table, and a collection instruction unit that issues a collection instruction to cause the tableware on the table to be collected by the moving body based on the table status information and the order status information.

[0008] The collection management method according to the present disclosure is such that a computer executes a table status information acquisition step of acquiring table status information indicating the status of the empty space on the table used by the customer, an order status information acquisition step of acquiring order status information indicating the provision status of the ordered items on the table, and a collection instruction step of issuing a collection instruction to cause the tableware on the table to be collected by a moving body based on the table status information and the order status information.

[0009] The program according to the present disclosure A table status information acquisition step of acquiring table status information indicating the status of the empty space on the table used by the customer, An order status information acquisition step of acquiring order status information indicating the provision status of the ordered items on the table, A collection instruction step of giving a collection instruction to cause the tableware on the table to be collected by the moving body based on the table status information and the order status information, which is to be executed by a computer.

Effect of the Invention

[0010] The collection management system, tableware collection system, collection management method, and program according to the present disclosure can appropriately collect the tableware on the table.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. For the sake of clarity of explanation, duplicate explanations are omitted as necessary.

[0013] <Embodiment 1> Referring to FIG. 1, the recovery management system 100 according to the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the recovery management system 100.

[0014] (Configuration of the recovery management system 100) The recovery management system 100 includes a table status information acquisition unit 101, an order status information acquisition unit 102, and a recovery instruction unit 103. The table status information acquisition unit 101 acquires table status information indicating the status of the empty space on the table used by the customer. The order status information acquisition unit 102 acquires order status information indicating the provision status of the ordered items on the table. The recovery instruction unit 103 issues a recovery instruction to move the tableware on the table to the moving body based on the table status information and the order status information.

[0015] Subsequently, the process performed by the recovery management system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the process performed by the recovery management system 100. First, the table status information acquisition unit 101 acquires the table status information (S1). Next, the order status information acquisition unit 102 acquires the order status information (S2). Then, the recovery instruction unit 103 issues a recovery instruction to the moving body based on the table status information and the order status information (S3).

[0016] According to the recovery management system 100 according to the present disclosure, since a recovery instruction to move the tableware on the table to the moving body is issued based on the table status information and the order status information, the tableware on the table can be appropriately recovered.

[0017] <Embodiment 2> Subsequently, Embodiment 2 will be described. Embodiment 2 is a specific example of Embodiment 1 described above.

[0018] (Configuration of Tableware Collection System 1) FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a tableware collection system 1 according to the present disclosure. The tableware collection system 1 is a system capable of appropriately collecting tableware on a table used by customers. The tableware collection system 1 includes a table situation confirmation system 10, an order situation confirmation system 20, a collection management system 30, and a mobile body 40.

[0019] The table situation confirmation system 10, the order situation confirmation system 20, the collection management system 30, and the mobile body 40 communicate with each other via a network N. The network N is a wired or wireless communication line. The number of each component included in the tableware collection system 1 is not limited to that shown in the figure. For example, the tableware collection system 1 may include a plurality of mobile bodies 40. Also, the tableware collection system 1 may include a plurality of table situation confirmation systems 10 and order situation confirmation systems 20, respectively.

[0020] In the tableware collection system 1, the table situation confirmation system 10 confirms the situation of the table used by the customer, and the order situation confirmation system 20 confirms the order situation of the table. The table situation confirmation system 10 and the order situation confirmation system 20 transmit their respective confirmation results to the collection management system 30. The collection management system 30 receives the confirmation results from the table situation confirmation system 10 and the order situation confirmation system 20, and based on the received confirmation results, issues a collection instruction to cause the mobile body 40 to collect the tableware on the table. Thereby, the tableware collection system 1 can perform the collection of tableware (also referred to as clearing the table) by itself as a system, move the mobile body 40 to the table without receiving instructions from customers or store employees, and cause the mobile body 40 to collect the tableware.

[0021] The tableware collection system 1 is applied, for example, in restaurants such as restaurants and izakayas. Not limited to these, the tableware collection system 1 may be applied in various environments where tableware can be collected from the tables used by customers. For example, the tableware collection system 1 may be applied in a food court or an event space. There may be one or more tables in the environment where the tableware collection system 1 is applied. In the present embodiment, an example in which the tableware collection system 1 is applied in a restaurant having a plurality of tables will be described.

[0022] (Configuration of the table status confirmation system 10) The table status confirmation system 10 is a system for confirming the empty space on each table in the store. The table status confirmation system 10 includes a camera 11, a table status confirmation unit 12, and a communication unit 15.

[0023] The empty space on the table indicates the space on the table where ordered items can be placed. The empty space on the table is an area on the table where no items are placed. Items may include, in addition to the ordered items provided to the customer, free water and a chopstick box that is always placed. The empty space on the table can also be said to be the remaining area on the table excluding the area where items are placed.

[0024] The camera 11 is an example of a sensor for confirming the status of the empty space on the table used by the customer. The camera 11 is provided at a position where each table can be photographed within the environment where the tableware collection system 1 is applied. The camera 11 may be provided at a position where a plurality of tables can be photographed. Also, the table status confirmation system 10 may include a plurality of cameras 11.

[0025] The camera 11 is provided, for example, on the ceiling or wall of the store. The camera 11 outputs the captured image obtained by photographing to the table status confirmation unit 12. The captured image may be a moving image or a still image. The camera 11 may output the captured image to the table status confirmation unit 12 at a predetermined time interval.

[0026] In this embodiment, a camera is used as an example of a sensor for checking the status of the empty space on the table. However, the sensor is not limited to the camera, and for example, it may be a distance measuring sensor. The distance measuring sensor is, for example, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging, Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging) or a ToF (Time of Flight) sensor. The distance measuring sensor may be provided, for example, on the ceiling or wall inside the store, similar to the camera 11. The table status confirmation system 10 may include both the camera 11 and the distance measuring sensor.

[0027] The table status confirmation unit 12 acquires a captured image from the camera 11 and checks the status of the empty space on the table based on the captured image. For example, the table status confirmation unit 12 checks the empty space by detecting the empty space on the table based on the captured image. The table status confirmation unit 12 may analyze the captured image using any image recognition technology to detect the empty space on the table. For example, the table status confirmation unit 12 detects the table and the articles placed on the table from the captured image to detect the empty space on the table. The table status confirmation unit 12 generates table status information indicating the status of the empty space and transmits the table status information to the table status recovery management system 30 via the communication unit 15.

[0028] The table status information may include the area of the empty space on the table. Specifically, for example, the table status confirmation unit 12 measures the area of each table in the store in advance and stores the measurement results in a storage unit (not shown). For example, the storage unit stores the area of each table in association with table identification information for identifying each table. The table identification information is, for example, a table number. The table status confirmation unit 12 calculates the area of the empty space by subtracting the area of the articles detected from the captured image from the area of each table stored in advance. The table status confirmation unit 12 generates table status information including the calculated area of the empty space.

[0029] The table status confirmation unit 12 may specify the level of the empty space based on the area of the empty space and include the specified result in the table status information. For example, the table status confirmation unit 12 classifies the status of the empty space as "substantially empty", "empty", "not empty", "completely not empty", etc. according to the area of the empty space. The table status confirmation unit 12 may represent these levels numerically. The table status confirmation unit 12 generates table status information including the specified level.

[0030] Not limited to the above, the table status confirmation unit 12 may also include the position of the empty space, etc. in the table status information.

[0031] The communication unit 15 is a communication interface with the network N. The communication unit 15 may include, for example, any device that enables short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0032] (Configuration of the order status confirmation system 20) The order status confirmation system 20 is a system that confirms the order status of each table. The order status confirmation system 20 includes an order status confirmation unit 21 and a communication unit 25.

[0033] The order status confirmation unit 21 confirms the provision status of the ordered items on the table. For example, first, the order status confirmation unit 21 receives orders from each table. Specifically, each table is provided with an order terminal that allows customers to place orders for food and drinks by operating it, and customers place orders using the order terminal. Not limited to this, store employees may also listen to orders from customers and the employees operate the employee terminal to place orders.

[0034] When there is an order from a customer, the order terminal transmits order information related to the order to the order status confirmation system 20. The order information includes information such as, for example, table identification information, order date and time, and ordered item name. Instead of the ordered item name, order item identification information for identifying the ordered item may also be used.

[0035] The order status confirmation unit 21 stores the order information in a storage unit (not shown). The order status confirmation unit 21 manages the provision status of the ordered items and appropriately updates the order information. For example, when an ordered item is provided to the customer, the order status confirmation unit 21 updates the order information and stores the provision date and time of the provided ordered item. The order status confirmation unit 21 generates order status information indicating the provision status of the ordered items, and transmits the order status information to the order status recovery management system 30 via the communication unit 25.

[0036] The order status information may include information on whether there are ordered items that have not been provided in the table. For example, the order status confirmation unit 21 determines whether there are ordered items for which the provision date and time are not stored among the ordered items of each table. If there are ordered items for which the provision date and time are not stored, the order status information includes that there are ordered items that have not been provided. Also, when the provision date and time of all ordered items are stored, the order status confirmation unit 21 includes in the order status information that there are no ordered items that have not been provided. Not limited to this, the order status confirmation unit 21 may perform the determination using a flag indicating whether an ordered item has been provided.

[0037] Further, the order status information may include the area of the required space necessary to provide the ordered items that have not been provided to the table. The required space is the space on the table occupied by the ordered item when the ordered item that has not been provided is provided to the table.

[0038] For example, the storage unit of the order status confirmation system 20 associates the products that can be ordered by the customer with the area of the required space of the products and stores them in advance in a predetermined product table. The product table is, for example, one in which product identification information for identifying a product, product name, product price, etc. are associated. When an order is received from a customer, the order status confirmation unit 21 refers to the product table and acquires the required space of the ordered item. The order status confirmation unit 21 generates order status information including the acquired required space.

[0039] In addition, the order status information may include the provision time of the provided ordered items. Further, the order status information may include the elapsed time since the ordered items were provided to the table. For example, the order status confirmation unit 21 acquires the provision time of the provided ordered items from the order information, and calculates the elapsed time from the provision time to the current time. The order status confirmation unit 21 generates order status information including the calculated elapsed time.

[0040] Not limited to the above, the order status confirmation unit 21 may generate order status information including other information. For example, when there are unprovided ordered items, the order status confirmation unit 21 may generate order status information including the number of unprovided ordered items and the like.

[0041] Also, here an example where the order status confirmation system 20 receives and manages orders is used, but it is not limited to this. The order status confirmation system 20 may be configured to acquire order information from an order system (not shown) provided separately from the order status confirmation system 20.

[0042] The communication unit 25 is a communication interface with the network N. The communication unit 25 may include, for example, any device that enables short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0043] (Configuration of the collection management system 30) The collection management system 30 is a system that manages the collection of tableware. The collection management system 30 includes a table status information acquisition unit 31, an order status information acquisition unit 32, a collection instruction unit 33, and a communication unit 35. The collection management system 30 is an example of the above-described collection management system 100.

[0044] The collection management system 30 is realized by, for example, a PC (Personal Computer) or the like. The collection management system 30 includes a processor, a memory, and a storage device as a configuration not shown. A computer program implementing the processing according to the present disclosure is stored in the storage device. The processor can read the computer program from the storage device into the memory and execute the computer program. Thereby, the processor realizes the functions of the table status information acquisition unit 31, the order status information acquisition unit 32, and the collection instruction unit 33.

[0045] The table status information acquisition unit 31, the order status information acquisition unit 32, and the collection instruction unit 33 may each be realized by dedicated hardware. Also, part or all of each component may be realized by general-purpose or dedicated circuitry, a processor, etc., or a combination thereof. These may be constituted by a single chip, or may be constituted by a plurality of chips connected via a bus. Part or all of each component may be realized by a combination of the above-described circuitry, etc. and a program.

[0046] The table status information acquisition unit 31 is an example of the table status information acquisition unit 101 described above. The table status information acquisition unit 31 acquires table status information indicating the status of the empty space on the table used by the customer from the table status confirmation system 10. As described above, the table status information may include the area of the empty space on the table.

[0047] The order status information acquisition unit 32 is an example of the order status information acquisition unit 102 described above. The order status information acquisition unit 32 acquires order status information indicating the provision status of the ordered items on the table from the order status confirmation system 20. As described above, the order status information may include information on whether there are ordered items that have not been provided on the table. Also, the order status information may include the area of the required space necessary to provide the unprovided ordered items on the table. Further, the order status information may include the elapsed time since the ordered items were provided on the table.

[0048] The collection instruction unit 33 is an example of the above-described collection instruction unit 103. Based on the table status information and the order status information, the collection instruction unit 33 gives a collection instruction to cause the moving body 40 to collect the tableware on the table. The collection instruction unit 33 generates collection instruction information for giving a collection instruction to the moving body 40, and transmits the collection instruction information to the moving body 40 via the communication unit 35. For example, the collection instruction unit 33 includes table identification information associated with the table for which the tableware is to be collected in the collection instruction information.

[0049] The collection instruction unit 33 may set the priority of tableware collection on the table based on the table status information and the order status information, and give a collection instruction according to the set priority. For example, the collection instruction unit 33 may specify the order of the tables for which the tableware is to be collected based on the set priority, and generate the collection instruction information including the order. Further, the collection instruction unit 33 may generate the collection instruction information including the priority, and cause the moving body 40 to collect the tableware in an order according to the priority.

[0050] The collection instruction unit 33 may set the relative priority among a plurality of tables, or may set the absolute priority for each table. For example, the collection instruction unit 33 may set the priority order corresponding to each table, such as "No. 1", "No. 2", "No. 3", etc. Further, the collection instruction unit 33 may set the priority of each table in multiple levels, such as "high", "medium", "low", etc. Not limited to this, the collection instruction unit 33 may represent the priority by a numerical value. The collection instruction unit 33 gives a collection instruction to the moving body 40 to collect the tableware in order from the table with the highest priority.

[0051] When there are unprovided ordered items on the table, the collection instruction unit 33 may set a different priority from the case where there are no unprovided ordered items on the table. For example, the collection instruction unit 33 sets the priority of the table with unprovided ordered items higher than that of the table without unprovided ordered items. Thereby, the collection instruction unit 33 can preferentially instruct the collection of the tableware on the table with unprovided ordered items.

[0052] Further, the collection instruction unit 33 may compare the area of the empty space on the table with the area of the necessary space for providing the unprovided ordered items, and set the priority based on the comparison result. For example, the collection instruction unit 33 may calculate the difference between the area of the empty space and the area of the necessary space, and set the priority based on the determination result as to whether the difference is less than a predetermined value.

[0053] Here, assuming that the area of the empty space is A and the area of the necessary space is B, the difference X can be expressed by the following formula (1). Difference X = Area A of the empty space - Area B of the necessary space ···(1)

[0054] For example, when the difference X is less than a predetermined value, the collection instruction unit 33 sets a higher priority than when the difference X is greater than or equal to the predetermined value. By doing so, the collection instruction unit 33 can set a high priority for a table with no margin in the empty space.

[0055] Further, when the area B of the necessary space is larger than the area A of the empty space, the difference X becomes a negative value. In such a case, the ordered items cannot be placed on the table. In such a case, the collection instruction unit 33 may set the highest priority for the table.

[0056] Not limited to the above, the collection instruction unit 33 may set the priority using other methods. For example, the collection instruction unit 33 may calculate the ratio of the area B of the necessary space to the area A of the empty space, and set the priority based on the calculation result.

[0057] Further, the collection instruction unit 33 may give an instruction for collection in consideration of the elapsed time since the ordered items were provided on the table. For example, when the elapsed time is less than a predetermined time, the collection instruction unit 33 may not give an instruction for collection to the moving body 40 regardless of the priority. The predetermined time is, for example, 30 minutes. By doing so, since tableware collection is not performed for 30 minutes after the ordered items are provided, customers using a table with a high priority for tableware collection can have a meal calmly.

[0058] Note that the predetermined time is not limited to 30 minutes, and any time may be set. For example, the collection instruction unit 33 may set the predetermined time according to the congestion status of the store and the above-described difference X. Further, the collection instruction unit 33 may take into account the elapsed time for each ordered item, or may reset the elapsed time when a new ordered item is provided.

[0059] Furthermore, the collection instruction unit 33 may acquire collection status information indicating the collection status of tableware in the mobile body 40 from the mobile body 40, and based on the collection status information, give a collection instruction to the mobile body 40. Specifically, the collection instruction unit 33 gives a collection instruction based on the table status information, the order status information, and the collection status information.

[0060] For example, the collection status information includes the amount of tableware that the mobile body 40 can collect. As will be described later, the mobile body 40 is provided with a support unit that supports the tableware collected from the table. The amount of tableware that the mobile body 40 can collect indicates the amount of tableware that can be placed on the support unit and collected by the mobile body 40 before or during the collection of the tableware. Details of the amount of tableware that the mobile body 40 can collect will be described later. For example, when 30 minutes or more have elapsed since an ordered item was provided at a table with a high priority and the mobile body 40 can collect the tableware, the collection instruction unit 33 gives a collection instruction to collect the tableware at the table.

[0061] In addition, when the amount of tableware that the mobile body 40 can collect is less than a predetermined amount, the collection instruction unit 33 controls the mobile body 40 to move the mobile body 40 to a predetermined location. The predetermined location is, for example, a tableware return location for returning the collected tableware. The collection instruction unit 33 generates return instruction information for giving a return instruction to the mobile body 40, and transmits the return instruction information to the mobile body 40 via the communication unit 35. The collection instruction unit 33 may include the position of the return location in the return instruction information.

[0062] The communication unit 35 is a communication interface with the network N. The communication unit 35 may include any device that enables short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0063] (Configuration of the mobile body 40) The mobile body 40 collects the tableware on each table according to the collection instruction of the collection management system 30. The mobile body 40 is, for example, an autonomous mobile robot (AMR), an automated guided vehicle (AGV), or a drone. The mobile body 40 may also be called a lowering table robot.

[0064] The mobile body 40 includes a sensor 41, a collection status confirmation unit 42, a collection control unit 43, and a communication unit 45. The mobile body 40 also includes a main body unit, a moving unit, and a support unit (not shown). The main body unit includes a control device for operating the mobile body 40 according to the control of the collection management system 30. For example, the control device includes a processor, a memory, and a storage device as a configuration (not shown). The processor reads a computer program from the storage device into the memory and executes the computer program to realize the functions of the collection status confirmation unit 42 and the collection control unit 43. Not limited to this, the collection status confirmation unit 42 and the collection control unit 43 may be realized by dedicated hardware or the like respectively.

[0065] The moving unit is composed of wheels or the like for moving the mobile body 40. Driving means other than wheels may be used for the moving unit. The support unit supports the tableware collected from the table and the ordered items such as the dishes provided on the table. In the present embodiment, as an example of the support unit, a tray capable of supporting tableware and dishes will be described. When the mobile body 40 receives collection instruction information from the collection management system 30, it moves to the table indicated in the collection instruction information. The mobile body 40 transports the tableware placed on the tray by the customer or the employee. Note that the mobile body 40 may include a robot arm configured to be able to collect the tableware on the table without going through the hands of the customer or the employee.

[0066] Sensor 41 is an example of a sensor for checking the collection status of tableware in the moving body 40. For example, the sensor 41 is a camera that photographs the tray on which the tableware is placed from above. The sensor 41 may be a weight sensor that measures the weight of the tableware placed on the tray. Further, the moving body 40 may be provided with both a camera and a weight sensor as the sensor 41.

[0067] When the sensor 41 is a camera, the sensor 41 photographs the tableware placed on the tray and outputs the photographed image to the collection status confirmation unit 42. When the sensor 41 is a weight sensor, the sensor 41 measures the weight of the tableware placed on the tray and outputs the weight data, which is the measurement result, to the collection status confirmation unit 42. The sensor 41 may output the photographed image or the weight data to the collection status confirmation unit 42 at a predetermined time interval. Note that, similar to the camera 11, the sensor 41 may be a distance measuring sensor such as LiDAR.

[0068] The collection status confirmation unit 42 checks the collection status of the tableware based on the output result of the sensor 41. Here, the case where the sensor 41 is a camera will be described as an example. The collection status confirmation unit 42 analyzes the photographed image using any image recognition technology and detects the tableware on the tray. The collection status confirmation unit 42 generates collection status information indicating the collection status of the tableware and transmits the collection status information to the collection management system 30 via the communication unit 45.

[0069] The collection status information may include the amount of tableware that the moving body 40 can collect. For example, the moving body 40 stores in advance in a storage unit (not shown) a collection upper limit amount indicating the upper limit amount of tableware that can be placed on the tray. The collection upper limit amount may be set based on the space required for each tableware to be placed on the tray. The space for each tableware may be set for each type of tableware. The types of tableware are, for example, large plates, small plates, cups, bowls, or pans. The collection upper limit amount may be set using the number or quantity for each type of tableware, or may be set using a combination of multiple types. Further, the collection upper limit amount may be set taking into account the total weight of the tableware placed on the tray.

[0070] The recovery status confirmation unit 42 calculates the difference between the upper limit of recovery and the amount of tableware on the tray, and includes the difference as the amount of tableware that the moving body 40 can recover in the recovery status information. For example, when there is no tableware on the support part, the amount of tableware that the moving body 40 can recover is the upper limit of recovery. Also, when there is tableware on the support part, the amount of tableware that the moving body 40 can recover is the amount obtained by subtracting the amount of tableware placed on the support part from the upper limit of recovery.

[0071] For example, the recovery status confirmation unit 42 may detect the empty space on the tray based on the captured image, identify the tableware that can be placed in the empty space, and calculate the amount of tableware that can be recovered using the identification result. The recovery status confirmation unit 42 may further identify the shape of the empty space on the tray and calculate the amount of tableware that can be recovered taking into account the identified shape. The recovery status confirmation unit 42 includes, for example, information such as "space for 3 cups" as the empty space on the tray in the recovery status information. The recovery status confirmation unit 42 may include the area of the empty space on the tray in the recovery status information.

[0072] The recovery control unit 43 controls the moving body 40 to recover tableware according to the control of the recovery management system 30. Specifically, when the moving body 40 receives the recovery instruction information from the recovery management system 30, the recovery control unit 43 controls the moving part to move the moving body 40 to the table indicated by the recovery instruction information. The recovery control unit 43 uses a sensor 41 or the like to detect that tableware has been placed on the tray, and moves the moving body 40 in a state where tableware is placed on the tray.

[0073] Also, after recovering tableware at one table, the recovery control unit 43 controls the moving body 40 to move to another table and continue recovering tableware. For example, when a recovery instruction is issued from the recovery management system 30 based on the recovery status information transmitted from the recovery status confirmation unit 42 to the recovery management system 30, the recovery control unit 43 continues to recover tableware according to the recovery instruction.

[0074] For example, assume that the collection status confirmation unit 42 includes "three cups" in the collection status information and transmits it to the collection management system 30, and the collection management system 30 instructs the collection of tableware to a table where three or fewer cups can be collected. In this case, the collection control unit 43 moves the mobile body 40 to the table to collect the cups. In this way, by giving a collection instruction based on the collection status information, the collection control unit 43 can efficiently collect tableware according to the collection status of the tableware.

[0075] In addition, the collection control unit 43 controls the mobile body 40 to return the tableware according to the control of the collection management system 30. Specifically, when the mobile body 40 receives the return instruction information from the collection management system 30, the collection control unit 43 controls the moving unit to move the mobile body 40 to a predetermined location indicated by the return instruction information. By doing so, the mobile body 40 can return the tableware placed on the tray to a tableware return location or the like and continue to collect the tableware.

[0076] The communication unit 45 is a communication interface with the network N. The communication unit 45 may include, for example, any device that enables short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0077] The above describes each component of the tableware collection system 1. The configuration of the tableware collection system 1 described above is only an example and can be changed as appropriate. For example, when some or all of the components of the table situation confirmation system 10, the order situation confirmation system 20, the collection management system 30, and the mobile body 40 are realized by a plurality of information processing devices, circuits, etc., the plurality of information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be centrally arranged or distributed. For example, the information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be realized in a form in which each is connected via a communication network, such as a client-server system or a cloud computing system. Further, the functions of the table situation confirmation system 10, the order situation confirmation system 20, and the collection management system 30 may be provided in the form of SaaS (Software as a Service).

[0078] (Recovery Instruction Processing of the Recovery Management System 30) Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 4, the recovery instruction processing performed by the recovery management system 30 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the recovery instruction processing performed by the recovery management system 30. The recovery management system 30 may repeatedly perform the recovery instruction processing shown in FIG. 4 at a predetermined time interval for each table in the store.

[0079] It is assumed that the table status confirmation unit 12 of the table status confirmation system 10 generates table status information based on the captured image of the camera 11 and transmits the generated table status information to the recovery management system 30 at a predetermined time interval. Also, it is assumed that the order status confirmation unit 21 of the order status confirmation system 20 transmits order status information to the recovery management system 30 at a predetermined time interval.

[0080] First, the table status information acquisition unit 31 acquires table status information from the table status confirmation system 10 (S11). The table status information includes, for example, the area of the empty space on the table.

[0081] Next, the order status information acquisition unit 32 acquires order status information from the order status confirmation system 20 (S12). For example, the order status information includes information on whether there are unprovided ordered items on the table. The order status information may include the area of the required space necessary to provide the unprovided ordered items on the table. Further, the order status information may include the elapsed time since the ordered items were provided on the table.

[0082] Subsequently, the recovery instruction unit 33 determines whether a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed since the provision of the ordered items based on the order status information (S13). For example, the recovery instruction unit 33 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the provision of the last provided ordered item. If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the provision of the ordered items (NO in S13), the recovery management system 30 returns to step S11 and repeats the process.

[0083] When it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed since the ordered items were provided (YES in S13), the collection instruction unit 33 sets the priority of tableware collection based on the table status information and the order status information (S14). Details of the priority setting process will be described later.

[0084] Subsequently, the collection instruction unit 33 gives a collection instruction to the mobile body 40 according to the set priority (S15). Specifically, the collection instruction unit 33 generates collection instruction information and transmits the generated collection instruction information to the mobile body 40. Thereby, the mobile body 40 moves to the table indicated by the collection instruction information and collects the tableware.

[0085] The collection instruction unit 33 determines whether it has received collection status information from the mobile body 40 (S16). The collection status information includes, for example, the amount of tableware that the mobile body 40 can collect. When it is determined that the collection status information has not been received from the mobile body 40 (NO in S16), the collection instruction unit 33 repeats the process of step S16. When it is determined that the collection status information has been received from the mobile body 40 (YES in S16), the collection instruction unit 33 determines whether there is tableware that the mobile body 40 can collect (S17). For example, when the amount of tableware that the mobile body 40 can collect is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, the collection instruction unit 33 determines that there is collectable tableware, and when it is less than the predetermined amount, the collection instruction unit 33 determines that there is no collectable tableware.

[0086] When it is determined that there is tableware that the mobile body 40 can collect (YES in S17), the collection instruction unit 33 gives a tableware collection instruction to the mobile body 40 (S18) and ends the collection instruction process. When it is determined that there is no tableware that the mobile body 40 can collect (NO in S17), the collection instruction unit 33 gives a tableware return instruction (S19). Specifically, the collection instruction unit 33 controls the mobile body 40 to move to a tableware return location provided in the store, etc. The collection instruction unit 33 ends the collection instruction process.

[0087] (Priority setting process of the collection management system 30) Referring to FIG. 5, the priority setting process shown in step S14 of FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the priority setting process performed by the collection management system 30.

[0088] First, the collection instruction unit 33 determines whether there is an ordered item not provided on the table (S21). If it is determined that there is no ordered item not provided (NO in S21), the collection instruction unit 33 sets a low priority for the table (S25). For example, the collection instruction unit 33 sets the priority of the table to "low". Then the collection instruction unit 33 ends the priority setting process.

[0089] If it is determined that there is an ordered item not provided (YES in S21), the collection instruction unit 33 calculates the difference between the area of the empty space on the table and the area of the required space (S22). The collection instruction unit 33 determines whether the difference is less than a predetermined value (S23).

[0090] If it is determined that the difference is greater than or equal to the predetermined value (NO in S23), the collection instruction unit 33 sets a low priority for the table (S25) and ends the priority setting process. If it is determined that the difference is less than the predetermined value (YES in S23), the collection instruction unit 33 sets a high priority for the table (S24). For example, the collection instruction unit 33 sets the priority of the table to "high". Then the collection instruction unit 33 ends the priority setting process. Note that this is not limited to this, and the collection instruction unit 33 may, for example, calculate the ratio of the area of the required space to the area of the empty space and set the priority based on the calculation result.

[0091] Also here, the collection instruction unit 33 sets the priority by different processes depending on whether there is an ordered item not provided or not, but it is not limited to this. The collection instruction unit 33 may set the priority based on the table status information and the order status information regardless of the presence or absence of the ordered item not provided.

[0092] (Recovery process of the mobile body 40) Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 6, the recovery process performed by the mobile body 40 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the recovery process performed by the mobile body 40.

[0093] First, the collection control unit 43 determines whether there is an instruction from the collection management system 30 (S31). Specifically, the collection control unit 43 determines that there is an instruction when it receives collection instruction information or return instruction information from the collection management system 30. If it is determined that there is no instruction (NO in S31), the collection control unit 43 repeats the process of step S31. As a result, the mobile body 40 waits until there is an instruction from the collection management system 30.

[0094] If it is determined that there is an instruction (YES in S31), the collection control unit 43 confirms the instruction content (S32). If the instruction content is a collection instruction ("Collection" in S32), the collection control unit 43 moves the mobile body 40 to the table indicated by the collection instruction information (S33). When the mobile body 40 arrives at the table, it collects the tableware (S34). For example, when a store employee or a customer using the table places the tableware on the tray of the mobile body 40, the mobile body 40 collects the tableware.

[0095] Subsequently, the collection status confirmation unit 42 confirms the collection status of the tableware based on the output result of the sensor 41 (S35). For example, when the sensor 41 is a camera, the collection status confirmation unit 42 analyzes the captured image to detect the tableware on the tray. The collection status confirmation unit 42 generates collection status information and transmits the generated collection status information to the collection management system 30 (S36). For example, the collection status confirmation unit 42 calculates the difference between the upper limit of collection and the amount of tableware on the tray, and includes the difference in the collection status information as the amount of tableware that the mobile body 40 can collect. The mobile body 40 ends the collection process and waits until there is a new instruction.

[0096] In step S32, if the instruction content from the collection management system 30 is a return instruction ("Return" in S32), the collection control unit 43 moves the mobile body 40 to the return location indicated by the return instruction information (S37). The mobile body 40 returns the collected tableware (S38). For example, when a store employee collects the tableware placed on the tray, the mobile body 40 returns the tableware.

[0097] Subsequently, the collection status confirmation unit 42 resets the amount of tableware that the mobile unit 40 can collect (S39). The collection status confirmation unit 42 generates collection status information and transmits the generated collection status information to the collection management system 30 (S36). For example, the collection status confirmation unit 42 includes the upper limit of collection in the collection status information as the amount of tableware that the mobile unit 40 can collect. The mobile unit 40 finishes the collection process and waits until a new instruction is given.

[0098] As described above, in the tableware collection system 1 according to the present disclosure, the table status confirmation system 10 generates table status information indicating the status of the empty space on the table used by the customer and transmits it to the collection management system 30. Also, the order status confirmation system 20 transmits order status information indicating the provision status of the ordered items on the table to the collection management system 30. The collection management system 30 gives a collection instruction to cause the mobile unit 40 to collect the tableware on the table based on the table status information and the order status information. In this way, since the tableware collection system 1 gives a collection instruction in consideration of the status of the empty space on the table and the order status, the tableware can be collected at a timing according to the empty space on the table and the order status.

[0099] Also, in the collection management system 30, the priority of tableware collection on the table is set based on the table status information and the order status information. For example, in the collection management system 30, when there are ordered items that have not been provided on the table, the collection instruction unit sets a different priority from the case where there are no ordered items that have not been provided. Thereby, the collection management system 30 can give a collection instruction according to the provision status of the ordered items.

[0100] Also, for example, the collection management system 30 compares the area of the empty space with the area of the required space and sets the priority based on the comparison result, so that a collection instruction can be given according to the empty space on the table.

[0101] Furthermore, the collection management system 30 can issue a collection instruction based on the collection status information indicating the collection status of tableware in the mobile body 40. Thereby, the collection management system 30 can appropriately issue an instruction to continue collecting tableware or return the tableware according to whether the mobile body 40 can collect the tableware.

[0102] With such a configuration, in the tableware collection system 1 according to the present disclosure, the tableware on the table can be appropriately collected, so that the time required for tableware collection can be reduced, the turnover rate of the entire store can be improved, and the sales can be increased.

[0103] <Example of hardware configuration> Each functional component of the above-described table status confirmation system 10, order status confirmation system 20, collection management system 30, and mobile body 40 (hereinafter referred to as "table status confirmation system 10 etc.") may be realized by hardware (e.g., hard-wired electronic circuits, etc.) that realizes each functional component, or may be realized by a combination of hardware and software (e.g., a combination of an electronic circuit and a program that controls it). Hereinafter, the case where each functional component of the table status confirmation system 10 etc. is realized by a combination of hardware and software will be further described.

[0104] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a computer 900 that realizes the table status confirmation system 10 etc. The computer 900 may be a dedicated computer designed to realize the table status confirmation system 10 etc., or may be a general-purpose computer. The computer 900 may be a portable computer such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0105] For example, by installing a predetermined application on the computer 900, each function of the table status confirmation system 10 etc. is realized on the computer 900. The above application is composed of programs for realizing the functional components of the table status confirmation system 10 etc.

[0106] The computer 900 includes a bus 902, a processor 904, a memory 906, a storage device 908, an input / output interface 910, and a network interface 912. The bus 902 is a data transmission path for the processor 904, the memory 906, the storage device 908, the input / output interface 910, and the network interface 912 to transmit and receive data from each other. However, the method of connecting the processor 904 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0107] The processor 904 is various processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a quantum processor (quantum computer control chip). The memory 906 is a main storage device realized using, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage device 908 is an auxiliary storage device realized using a hard disk, an SSD (Solid State Drive), a memory card, or a ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0108] The input / output interface 910 is an interface for connecting the computer 900 to an input / output device. For example, input devices such as a keyboard and output devices such as a display device are connected to the input / output interface 910.

[0109] The network interface 912 is an interface for connecting the computer 900 to a network. This network may be a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0110] The storage device 908 stores a program (a program for realizing the aforementioned application) for realizing each functional component of the table status confirmation system 10 or the like. The processor 904 reads out and executes this program in the memory 906, thereby realizing each functional component of the table status confirmation system 10 or the like.

[0111] Each of the processors executes one or more programs including a group of instructions for causing a computer to perform an algorithm. This program includes a group of instructions (or software code) for causing a computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments when read into the computer. The program may be stored in various types of non-transitory computer readable media or tangible storage media. By way of example and not limitation, non-transitory computer readable media or tangible storage media include RAM, ROM, flash memory, SSD or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disc storage or other magnetic storage devices. Also, the program may be transmitted on various types of transitory computer readable media or communication media. By way of example and not limitation, transitory computer readable media or communication media include electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals.

[0112] As described above, the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. And each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0113] For example, the collection management system 30 may detect signs of a customer leaving the store using various methods other than the methods described above, and issue a collection instruction to the mobile body 40 based on the detection result. For example, in the above description, an example where the table status information indicates the status of the empty space on the table used by the customer was described, but it is not limited to this. The table status information may indicate the status of the remaining space of each tableware on the table. Or, the table status information may include both the empty space on the table and the remaining space of each tableware.

[0114] The remaining space of each tableware indicates the progress of the customer's meal. Compared with when the ordered items are provided, the remaining space of each tableware becomes wider as the meal progresses. The table status confirmation unit 12 of the table status confirmation system 10 detects the remaining space in each tableware based on the captured image of the camera 11, and includes the detected remaining space in the table status information. By doing so, the collection instruction unit 33 of the collection management system 30 can issue a collection instruction for dishes that have finished being eaten before the empty space on the table decreases.

[0115] Also, for example, the order status information acquisition unit 32 of the collection management system 30 may acquire information on whether the customer has left the store based on the order information. For example, the order information includes information on whether the accounting has been completed in addition to the table identification information and order date and time described above. When there is a table for which the accounting has been completed, the collection instruction unit 33 of the collection management system 30 receives an instruction from the employee and issues a collection instruction to the mobile body 40. By doing so, the collection instruction unit 33 can promptly issue a collection instruction when the customer has left the store. Also, since the employee can promptly place the tableware on the tray after the collection instruction unit 33 receives the instruction from the employee, the waiting time of the mobile body 40 can be shortened.

[0116] Note that each drawing used in the embodiments is merely an example for explaining one or more embodiments. Each drawing is not associated with only one specific embodiment, but may be associated with one or more other embodiments. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, various features or steps described with reference to any one drawing can be combined with the features or steps shown in one or more other drawings, for example, to create embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. Not all of the features or steps shown in any one drawing for explaining exemplary embodiments are necessarily essential, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of the steps described in any drawing may be changed as appropriate.

[0117] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as follows, but are not limited thereto. (Appendix 1) A table status information acquisition unit that acquires table status information indicating the status of the empty space on the table used by the customer, An order status information acquisition unit that acquires order status information indicating the provision status of the ordered items on the table, A collection instruction unit that issues a collection instruction to cause a moving body to collect the tableware on the table based on the table status information and the order status information. A collection management system. (Appendix 2) The collection instruction unit sets the priority of tableware collection on the table based on the table status information and the order status information, and issues the collection instruction according to the set priority. The collection management system according to Appendix 1. (Appendix 3) The order status information includes information on whether there are ordered items that have not been provided on the table. When there are ordered items that have not been provided, the collection instruction unit sets a priority different from that when there are no ordered items that have not been provided. The collection management system according to Appendix 2. (Appendix 4) The table status information includes the area of the empty space. The order status information includes the area of the required space necessary to provide the unprovided ordered items on the table. The collection instruction unit compares the area of the empty space with the area of the required space, and sets the priority based on the comparison result. The collection management system according to Supplementary Note 3. (Supplementary Note 5) The order status information includes the elapsed time since the ordered items were provided on the table. The collection instruction unit gives the collection instruction taking into account the elapsed time. The collection management system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4. (Supplementary Note 6) The collection instruction unit gives the collection instruction based further on collection status information indicating the collection status of tableware in the moving body. The collection management system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5. (Supplementary Note 7) The collection status information includes the amount of tableware that the moving body can collect. When the amount of tableware that the moving body can collect is less than a predetermined amount, the collection instruction unit moves the moving body to a predetermined location. The collection management system according to Supplementary Note 6. (Supplementary Note 8) A moving body, A collection management system for causing the moving body to collect tableware, The collection management system, A table status information acquisition unit that acquires table status information indicating the status of the empty space on the table used by customers, An order status information acquisition unit that acquires order status information indicating the provision status of ordered items on the table, Based on the table status information and the order status information, it has a collection instruction unit that gives a collection instruction to cause the moving body to collect the tableware on the table. A tableware collection system. (Supplementary Note 9) A computer, A table status information acquisition step of acquiring table status information indicating the status of the empty space on the table used by the customer, An order status information acquisition step of acquiring order status information indicating the provision status of the ordered items on the table, Based on the table status information and the order status information, a collection instruction step of giving an instruction to collect the tableware on the table by a moving body, and execute Collection management method. (Appendix 10) A table status information acquisition step of acquiring table status information indicating the status of the empty space on the table used by the customer, An order status information acquisition step of acquiring order status information indicating the provision status of the ordered items on the table, Based on the table status information and the order status information, a collection instruction step of causing a computer to give an instruction to collect the tableware on the table by a moving body, Program.

[0118] Some or all of the elements (for example, configuration and function) described in Appendices 2 to 7 subordinate to Appendix 1 may be subordinate to Appendices 8, 9, and 10 in the same subordinate relationship as Appendices 2 to 7. Some or all of the elements described in any appendix may be applied to various hardware, software, recording means for recording software, systems, and methods.

Explanation of symbols

[0119] 1 Tableware collection system 10 Table status confirmation system 11 Camera 12 Table status confirmation unit 15 Communication unit 20 Order status confirmation system 21 Order status confirmation unit 25 Communication unit 30 Collection management system 31 Table status information acquisition unit 32 Order status information acquisition unit 33 Collection instruction unit 35 Communication Unit 40 Mobile Body 41 Sensor 42 Recovery Status Confirmation Unit 43 Recovery Control Unit 45 Communication Unit 100 Recovery Management System 101 Table Status Information Acquisition Unit 102 Order Status Information Acquisition Unit 103 Recovery Instruction Unit 900 Computer 902 Bus 904 Processor 906 Memory 908 Storage Device 910 Input / Output Interface 912 Network Interface N Network

Claims

1. A table status information acquisition unit that acquires table status information indicating the status of the empty space on the table used by customers, An order status information acquisition unit that acquires order status information indicating the provision status of the ordered items on the table, A collection instruction unit that issues a collection instruction to cause the tableware on the table to be collected by a moving body based on the table status information and the order status information. A collection management system.

2. The collection instruction unit sets the priority of tableware collection on the table based on the table status information and the order status information, and issues the collection instruction according to the set priority. The collection management system according to Claim 1.

3. The order status information includes information on whether there are ordered items that have not been provided on the table. When there are the unprovided ordered items, the collection instruction unit sets the priority different from that when there are no unprovided ordered items. The collection management system according to Claim 2.

4. The table status information includes the area of the empty space. The order status information includes the area of the necessary space required to provide the unprovided ordered items on the table. The collection instruction unit compares the area of the empty space with the area of the necessary space, and sets the priority based on the comparison result. The collection management system according to Claim 3.

5. The order status information includes the elapsed time since the ordered items were provided on the table. The collection instruction unit issues the collection instruction taking the elapsed time into account. The collection management system according to Claim 1 or 2.

6. The collection instruction unit issues the collection instruction further based on the collection status information indicating the collection status of the tableware in the moving body. The collection management system according to Claim 1 or 2.

7. The collection status information includes the amount of tableware that the moving body can collect. When the amount of tableware that the moving body can collect is less than a predetermined amount, the collection instruction unit moves the moving body to a predetermined location. The collection management system according to Claim 6.

8. A moving body, A collection management system that causes the moving body to collect tableware, and The collection management system is A table status information acquisition unit that acquires table status information indicating the status of the empty space on the table used by customers, An order status information acquisition unit that acquires order status information indicating the provision status of the ordered items on the table, A collection instruction unit that issues a collection instruction to cause the mobile body to collect the tableware on the table based on the table status information and the order status information. Tableware collection system.

9. A computer A table status information acquisition step of acquiring table status information indicating the status of the empty space on the table used by the customer, An order status information acquisition step of acquiring order status information indicating the provision status of the ordered items on the table, A collection instruction step of issuing a collection instruction to cause the mobile body to collect the tableware on the table based on the table status information and the order status information. Collection management method.

10. A table status information acquisition step of acquiring table status information indicating the status of the empty space on the table used by the customer, An order status information acquisition step of acquiring order status information indicating the provision status of the ordered items on the table, A collection instruction step of issuing a collection instruction to cause the mobile body to collect the tableware on the table based on the table status information and the order status information, and causing a computer to execute the step. Program.

Images