Food / beverage providing system and event processing method

Abstract

To provide a food / beverage providing system and event processing method enabling stores including a conveyance path to hold events such as congratulation.SOLUTION: A food / beverage providing system including a conveyance path passing along customer tables to convey support bodies on which foods / beverages can be placed, includes: a storage unit for storing reservation information from customers; a seat setting unit that allocates a table for a customer to dine when the customer arrives at a restaurant and stores in the storage unit, table information of the table in association with the reservation information; a first support body for an event that can be conveyed on the conveyance path and has an openable / closable lid body; and a first support body setting unit that sets the lid to open when the first support body passes through the table allocated to the customer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a food and drink providing system having a conveyance path that passes along a customer table and conveys a support on which food and drink can be placed, and an event processing method using the conveyance path.

Background Art

[0002] In restaurants generally called conveyor belt sushi restaurants, a food and drink conveyance device having a conveyance path that circulates along the customer seats is installed (such as Patent Document 1). In such restaurants, after a cook places food and drink such as sushi on a container, for example, a plate, the plate on which the food and drink are placed is transferred onto the conveyance path of the food and drink conveyance device and sequentially conveyed to the customer seats. On the other hand, customers appropriately take out from the conveyance path the plates on which food and drink such as sushi are sequentially sent according to their preferences and eat the food and drink.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Disclosure of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in restaurants, events such as family birthday celebrations are often held, and special products may be provided for the events. However, until now, in stores having a conveyance path such as conveyor belt sushi restaurants, no celebration events have been prepared, and such events have been desired.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a food and drink providing system and an event processing method capable of holding events such as celebrations in a store having a conveyance path.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Item 1. A food and beverage providing system having a conveyance path that passes along a table for customers and conveys a support on which food and beverages can be placed, a storage unit that stores reservation information from customers, and stores seat information regarding a table assigned as the table at which the customer will eat and drink when the customer visits the store in association with the reservation information, a first support for an event that has an openable and closable lid and conveys the conveyance path in a state where the lid is closed, a control unit, and comprising: The control unit: Based on the seat information stored in the storage unit, when the first support for the event passes through the table assigned to the customer, the food and beverage providing system is characterized in that it executes a first step for the event of opening the lid.

[0007] Item 2. Further comprising a second support for an event that can convey the conveyance path and supports a display device, The storage unit: Stores at least one of an image and a video used for the event received from the customer in association with the reservation information, The control unit: Based on the seat information stored in the storage unit and at least one of the image and the video, when the second support for the event passes through the table assigned to the customer, the food and beverage providing system according to Item 1 is characterized in that it executes a second step for the event of displaying at least one of the image and the video on the display device.

[0008] Item 3. The food and beverage providing system according to Item 2, wherein the first support for the event and the second support for the event are configured to convey the conveyance path in a state of being arranged in a line.

[0009] Item 4. The first support for the event includes an actuator for opening and closing the lid. In the first step for the event, the control unit When the first support for the event passes through the table assigned to the customer, the lid is opened by driving the actuator, and the food and beverage providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is characterized in that.

[0010] Item 5. In the food and beverage providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the first support for the event contains the products provided to the customer in the event.

[0011] Item 6. The control unit After at least one of the image and the moving image is displayed by the display device in the second step for the event, The food and beverage providing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the lid is opened in the first step for the event.

[0012] Item 7. The food and beverage providing system further includes an operating device for inputting seat information for holding the event, The control unit, as the first step for the event, Based on the seat information stored in the storage unit, when the first support for the event passes through the table assigned to the customer by setting a timer according to the seat information input by the operating device, the food and beverage providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is characterized in that the lid is opened.

[0013] Item 8. The food and beverage providing system further includes an operating device for inputting seat information for holding the event, The control unit, as the second step for the event, Based on the seat information stored in the storage unit, when the second support for the event passes through the table assigned to the customer by setting a timer according to the seat information input by the operating device, at least one of the image and the moving image is displayed on the display device, and the food and beverage providing system according to claim 2 or 3 is characterized in that.

[0014] Item 9. The food and drink providing system according to item 2 or 3, wherein the control unit includes a first processor that executes the first step for the event and a second processor that executes the second step for the event.

[0015] Item 10. The food and drink providing system according to item 2 or 3, wherein the control unit includes a single processor that executes the first step for the event and the second step for the event.

[0016] Item 11. In the second step for the event, the food and drink providing system according to item 2, wherein at least one of an image and a video associated with the first step for the event is displayed.

[0017] Item 12. The food and drink providing system according to item 11, wherein, as the image and the video associated with the first step for the event, a display for prompting attention to the first support for the event is performed before the lid is opened.

[0018] Item 13. The food and drink providing system according to item 11, wherein, as the image and the video associated with the first step for the event, a display for prompting the removal of the product placed on the first support for the event is performed after the lid is opened.

[0019] Item 14. A method for processing an event performed in a conveyance path that passes along a customer's table and conveys a support on which food and drink can be placed, storing reservation information from a customer in a storage unit; storing, in the storage unit, seat information regarding a table assigned as a table at which the customer will eat and drink when the customer arrives at the store, in association with the reservation information; conveying a first support for the event having an openable and closable lid along the conveyance path with the lid closed; Based on the seat information stored in the memory unit, when the first support for the event passes by the table assigned to the customer, a first step for the event of opening the lid; An event processing method comprising the above.

[0020] Item 15. A food and drink providing system having a conveyance path that passes along a table for customers and conveys a support on which food and drink can be placed Comprising: A memory unit that stores reservation information from customers, and stores seat information regarding a table assigned as the table where the customer will eat and drink when the customer visits the store, in association with the reservation information; A second support for the event that can be conveyed along the conveyance path and supports a display device; A control unit; Comprising: The memory unit Stores at least one of an image and a video used for the event received from the customer, in association with the reservation information; The control unit Based on the seat information stored in the memory unit and at least one of the image and the video, when the second support for the event passes by the table assigned to the customer, executes a second step for the event of displaying at least one of the image and the video on the display device. A food and drink providing system characterized by this.

[0021] Item 16. A control device for a food and drink providing system having a conveyance path that passes along a table for customers and conveys a support on which food and drink can be placed, A memory unit that stores reservation information from customers, and stores seat information regarding a table assigned as the table where the customer will eat and drink when the customer visits the store, in association with the reservation information; A control unit; Comprising: A first support for the event having a lid that can be opened and closed and an actuator for opening the lid is conveyed along the conveyance path with the lid closed, The control unit When the first support for the event passes through the table assigned to the customer based on the seat information stored in the memory unit, the actuator is controlled to open the lid. A control device characterized by this.

Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, in a store having a conveyance path, an event such as a celebration can be held.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] <1. Overview of the Food and Drink Provision System> As shown in FIG. 1, the food and drink provision system 10 according to the present embodiment is provided, for example, in a sushi restaurant, and includes a reception terminal 11 for receiving customers, a conveyance path 12 for conveying food and drink, a customer table 13 including a display and the like, various devices such as a store management device 19, etc., and a management system 2 for managing these devices and also for receiving reservations, allocating seats to customers, performing accounting, etc. The management system 2 mainly includes a reception device 201 for receiving customers and an accounting device 202 for mainly performing accounting processing. Further, the management system 2 can be connected to the customer terminal 20 via a network such as the Internet, and customers can make seat reservations using the customer terminal 20. Note that the customer terminal 20 is composed of a known computer such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a personal computer. Hereinafter, each configuration will be described in detail.

[0025] <2. Various Devices> Next, various devices provided in the store will be described. FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of the store, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the conveyance path arranged in the store.

[0026] <2-1. Reception Terminal> As shown in FIG. 2, a reception terminal 11 is arranged near the entrance of the store. This reception terminal 11 is equipped with a touch panel display. And this reception terminal 11 receives customers who enter the store without a reservation and customers who enter the store after making a reservation. The details of customer reception by the reception terminal 11 will be described later.

[0027] <2-2. Table and Conveyor Path> As shown in FIG. 2, in the store, a conveyor path 12 for conveying a support 1 for accommodating food and drink is provided between the guest room S1 and the kitchen S2. In the guest room S1, a plurality of guest booths 3 partitioned by partitions are provided, and each guest booth 3 is arranged along the conveyor path 12. Also, a rectangular table 13 is provided in each guest booth 3, and one side of this table 13 is installed in contact with the conveyor path 12.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, on the support 1 conveyed by the conveyor path 12, a plate 4 on which food and drink (sushi, soup, desserts, drinks, etc.) are placed is accommodated. Customers in each guest booth 3 take out the plate 4 on which food and drink are placed from the support 1 on the conveyor path 12 and eat and drink at the table 13. Also, the support 1 is also used for events for customers. The support 1 will be described later.

[0029] Also, on the table 13 in the guest booth 3, a touch panel display 14 for placing orders, settling accounts, etc., and a loading device 33 for loading the plate 4 are arranged. Hereinafter, each component will be described in detail.

[0030] A flat chain conveyor 121 is arranged on the conveyor path 12, and this flat chain conveyor 121 circulates and moves between the guest room S1 and the kitchen S2 by a motor (not shown). Also, the above-described support 1 is arranged on the flat chain conveyor 121 at a predetermined interval and moves on the conveyor path 12.

[0031] Next, the touch panel display 14 installed on the table 13 will be described. On this touch panel display 14, a screen for receiving orders from customers is displayed. For example, a menu is displayed, and by touching the food and drinks shown on the menu, an order can be placed. Then, as will be described later, the accounting device 202 counts and stores the types and quantities of the ordered food and drinks. The order made in this way is sent to the kitchen S2 and cooked in the kitchen S2. After that, the food and drinks related to the order are placed on the plate 4, stored in the support 1, and transported. At this time, the support 1 is provided with a display for indicating that it is the ordered food and drinks and the customer who placed the order, such as the table number. Alternatively, a dedicated transport path for transporting only the ordered food and drinks can also be provided.

[0032] Subsequently, the input device 33 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the input device 33 includes a guide path 332 that opens on the table 13 and has an input port 331 into which the plate 4 is inserted, and a sensor 333 provided inside the guide path 332 for detecting the passed plate 4. The guide path 332 extends obliquely downward toward the transport path 12 and is connected to a plate recovery water channel 122 provided inside the transport path 12. The plate recovery water channel 122 extends to the kitchen S2 and is connected to a storage tank (not shown) provided in the kitchen S2. And water is flowing in this plate recovery water channel 122 toward the storage tank. When the plate 4 inserted from the input port 331 falls into the plate recovery water channel 122 through the guide path 332, it flows to the storage tank by the water. Then, the plate 4 is recovered in the storage tank, washed, and reused.

[0033] When the plate 4 that has passed through the guide path 332 is detected by the sensor 333, as will be described later, the accounting device 202 stores the number of plates 4.

[0034] In addition, a display prompting to insert the plate 4 after eating or drinking into the input port 331 can be displayed on the touch panel display 14 or the guest booth 3.

[0035] <2-3. Support> Next, the support 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. FIG. 4 is a front view of the support in the closed state, FIG. 5 is a side view of FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a front view of the support in the open state, and FIG. 7 is a side view of FIG. 6. In FIGS. 4 to 7, for convenience of explanation, the dish 4 is shown in a semi-transparent and colored manner. As the support, in addition to the normal support 1 for accommodating the dish 4 on which food and drink are placed, a first support 101 and a second support 102 for events are provided. First, the normal support 1 will be described, and then the first support and the second support will be described.

[0036] First, the dish 4 accommodated in the support 1 will be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the dish 4 includes a dish plate 41 that is circular in plan view and a cylindrical raised platform 42 that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the dish plate 41, and these are integrally formed. And on the dish plate 41, food and drink such as sushi (not shown) are placed.

[0037] Next, the support 1 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, this support 1 includes a mounting table 6 having a mounting position for mounting the dish 4, a lid 7 for covering the upper surface of the mounting table 6, and an opening / closing mechanism 80 for closing the lid 7 as the dish 4 is mounted in the mounting position and opening the lid 7 as the dish 4 is removed from the mounting position. Further, an operation member 9 for detaching the dish 4 from the mounting position is provided on the support 1. Hereinafter, each member will be described in detail. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the description will be made in accordance with the directions shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, but the present invention is not limited to this direction.

[0038] <2-3-1. Mounting Table> FIG. 8 is a plan view of the mounting table and the operation member, FIG. 9 is a front view of FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is a side view of FIG. 8. However, in FIG. 8, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the operation member 9 is omitted. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the mounting table 6 includes a cylindrical base cylinder 61 and a mounting portion 62 provided at the upper end thereof, and these are integrally formed. On the upper surface of the mounting portion 62, the dish 4 is to be mounted, and the dish 4 is to be held at a mounting position described later. The mounting portion 62 includes a mounting plate 63 that is circular in plan view, a stopper 64 disposed at the front portion of the upper surface of the mounting plate 63, and a pair of support pieces 67 disposed at the rear end portion of the mounting plate 63 for supporting the lid body 7 so as to be openable and closable. Also, an arcuate first notch portion 631 and a rectangular second notch portion 632 extending leftward from the first notch portion 631 are formed on the mounting plate 63 slightly to the right of the center of the front edge, and these communicate with each other. And a pair of mounting pieces 633 to which an operation member 65 described later is attached are provided on the mounting plate 63 so as to sandwich the right end portion of the second notch portion 632 from the front and rear. These pair of mounting pieces 633 are formed to extend upward from the mounting plate 63, and through holes are formed near the upper ends.

[0039] The stopper 64 protrudes from the mounting plate 63 and extends from the first notch portion 631 described above toward the left along the front edge of the mounting plate 63. And on the rear edge of the stopper 64, a first inner peripheral surface 641 extending linearly along the front edge of the second notch portion 632 and an arcuate second inner peripheral surface 642 continuous from the left end of the first inner peripheral surface 641 and extending to the left side of the mounting plate 63 are formed. The first inner peripheral surface 641 is provided on the right side of the mounting plate 63, and the second inner peripheral surface 642 extends to near the center in the front-rear direction of the mounting plate 63 so as to have a central angle of about 90 degrees. And the outer peripheral surface of the raised portion 42 of the dish 4 is in contact with the second inner peripheral surface 642.

[0040] Also, on the upper surface of the mounting plate 63, a rectangular recess 635 in plan view is formed behind the center in the front-rear direction, and an operating body 8 described later is disposed in this recess 635. Further, a plurality of long-hole-shaped through-holes 636 extending in the front-rear direction are formed in the bottom surface of this recess 635, and as will be described later, the protrusion 811 of the operating body 8 is inserted into this through-hole 636. Then, as will be described later, the raised portion 42 of the dish 4 is sandwiched between the second inner peripheral surface 642 of the stopper 64 and the operating body 8, whereby the dish 4 is held on the mounting table 6. The position where the dish 4 is placed at this time is referred to as the mounting position. FIGS. 4 and 5 show a state where the dish 4 is in the mounting position.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the pair of support pieces 67 described above are attached on the mounting plate 63 so as to sandwich the recess 635 and extend upward from the mounting plate 63. Then, through-holes 671 are formed at the upper ends of the respective support pieces 67, and the protrusion 73 of the lid body 7 is rotatably inserted into this through-hole 671 so that the lid body 7 opens and closes. That is, this support piece 67 serves as a hinge for the lid body 7 to open and close with respect to the mounting portion 62.

[0042] <2-3-2. Operating member> As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the operation member 9 includes a circular operation portion 91 in plan view and a rectangular lever 92 extending leftward from the operation portion 91, and these are integrally formed. The operation portion 91 is disposed within the above-described first notch portion 631, and the lever 92 is disposed within the second notch portion 632. The operation portion 91 is disposed so as to slightly protrude from the first notch portion 631. Protrusions 921 protruding forward and backward are formed near the right end portion of the lever 92, and these protrusions 921 are rotatably attached to the through holes of the respective attachment pieces 633 described above. Thereby, the operation member 9 can swing about the protrusions 921. In the initial state, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 9, the lever 92 is generally accommodated within the second notch portion 632, and the operation portion 91 is disposed slightly above the first notch portion 631. When the operation portion 91 is pushed downward from this initial state, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 9, the left end portion of the lever 92 swings above the second notch portion 632 (above the upper surface of the mounting plate 63).

[0043] Also, the front edge of the lever 92 is formed along the first inner peripheral surface 641 of the stopper 64, but only the front edge of the tip portion 922 of the lever 92 is formed along the second inner peripheral surface 642. However, the length of the tip portion 922 in the left-right direction is short, and it is located on the right side of the center of the mounting plate 63.

[0044] <2-3-3. Cover> FIG. 11 is a side view of the cover. As shown in FIG. 11, the cover 7 includes a cover main body 71 formed in a dome shape and a pair of left and right arm pieces 72 extending downward from the rear end portion of the cover main body 71, and these are integrally formed. The cover main body 71 and the arm pieces 72 are made of a transparent synthetic resin material, and it is possible to visually recognize the inside from the outside. Protrusions 73 described above are formed near the upper ends of the respective arm pieces 72, and the respective protrusions 73 are rotatably fitted into the through holes 671 of the support pieces 67 of the mounting portion 62. The respective protrusions 73 protrude in the left-right direction, whereby the cover 7 can rotate about a turning axis L (see FIG. 4 etc.) extending in the left-right direction passing through both protrusions 73 and can be opened and closed with respect to the mounting plate 63.

[0045] Further, at the lower end of each arm piece 72, a long hole-shaped notch 75 extending upward is formed. A connecting shaft 85 of an actuator 8 described later is inserted into this notch 75.

[0046] The outer diameter of the lid body 7 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the mounting plate 63. As shown in FIG. 4, when the lid body 7 is in the closed state, the lower edge of the lid body 7 is arranged above with a gap from the peripheral edge of the mounting plate 63. And the dish 4 is accommodated in this gap. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, an arc-shaped notch 76 is formed at the lower edge of the front part of the lid body 7, and the dish 4 accommodated through this notch 76 can be grasped. A through hole 77 is formed at the uppermost part of the lid body 7, and a display card 79 indicating the type of food and drink contained in each lid body 7 is attached to this through hole 77. For example, the types of sushi such as tuna and sea bream can be displayed on this display card 79.

[0047] <2-3-4. Opening and closing mechanism> Next, the opening and closing mechanism will be described. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the opening and closing mechanism 80 includes an actuator 8 arranged on the mounting plate 63 and a coil spring 83 for biasing the actuator 8 forward.

[0048] First, the actuator 8 will be described. FIG. 12 is a plan view (a), a side view (b), and a bottom view (c) of the actuator. As shown in FIG. 12, the actuator 8 includes a plate-shaped main body portion 81 arranged in the recessed portion 635 of the above-described mounting plate 63 and sliding in the front-rear direction within the recessed portion 635, and a support portion 82 protruding upward from the rear portion of the main body portion 81. The support portion 82 is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, but an inner peripheral surface 821 that is recessed in an arc shape toward the rear is formed at the front portion, and this inner peripheral surface 821 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the raised platform 42 of the dish 4. That is, the raised platform 42 of the dish 4 is sandwiched between the inner peripheral surface 821 of this actuator 8 and the second inner peripheral surface 642 of the stopper 64.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 12(c), a plurality of protrusions 811 extending in the front-rear direction are formed on the lower surface of the main body 81. As described above, these protrusions 811 are fitted into through holes 634 formed on the bottom surface of the recess 635 of the mounting plate 63. Thereby, the main body 81 is slidable in the front-rear direction while being guided by the protrusions 811 and the through holes 634. And as shown in FIG. 5 etc., between the central protrusion 811a in the left-right direction among the plurality of protrusions 811 and the mounting portion 638 formed in front of this protrusion 811a on the lower surface of the mounting plate 63, the above-described coil spring 83 is attached. By this coil spring 83, the actuator 8 is constantly biased forward. However, as shown in FIG. 14 to be described later, the main body 81 of the actuator 8 is disposed in the recess 635 of the mounting plate 63, and since the front wall of the recess 635 serves as a stopper, although it is biased forward, it is configured not to move further forward by the front wall.

[0050] Also, as shown in FIG. 12, on both sides of the rear end of the support portion 82, projection pieces 84 extending obliquely upward toward the rear are formed. Near the upper end of each projection piece 84, a connecting shaft 85 extending in the left-right direction is formed, and each connecting shaft 85 is inserted into a notch 75 formed in the arm piece 72 of the lid body 7 and is movable within the notch 75. The connecting shaft 85 is inserted into the notch 75 below the turning axis L.

[0051] Next, the opening and closing of the lid body by the actuator will be described. FIG. 13 shows the lid body in the closed state, and FIG. 14 shows the lid body in the open state. In FIGS. 13 and 14, mainly the lid body 7 and the actuator 8 are shown, and for convenience of explanation, the support pieces 67 of the mounting table 6 are omitted.

[0052] Since the moving body 8 is constantly biased forward by the coil spring 83, as shown in FIG. 13, when no external force is acting, the moving body 8 is in contact with the front wall of the recess 635. As a result, the connecting shaft 85 pushes the lower end of the arm piece 72 forward. That is, since the connecting shaft 85 presses the lower end of the arm piece 72 forward below the pivot axis L, the lid body 7 swings upward around the pivot axis L and is in an open state. Since the moving body 8 is constantly biased forward by the coil spring 83, in the initial state, the lid body 7 is in an open state.

[0053] From this state, when the moving body 8 is moved backward against the coil spring 83, as shown in FIG. 14, the connecting shaft 85 pushes the arm piece 72 backward. As a result, since the lid body 7 is pressed backward below the pivot axis L, it swings downward around the pivot axis L and becomes a closed state. In this process, the connecting shaft 85 moves upward within the notch 75 of the arm piece 72. Note that various modifications are possible for the specific configuration of the opening / closing mechanism. For example, the opening / closing mechanism described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-016238 by the applicant of the present application can be adopted.

[0054] <2-3-5. Method of using the support> Next, the method of using the support 1 will be described. First, after a cook places food and drink such as sushi (not shown) on the dish plate 41 of the dish 4, the cook holds the peripheral edge of the dish plate 41 by hand and places the dish 4 on the open support 1 placed on the conveyance path 12. That is, the dish 4 is pushed backward with respect to the placement plate 63 from the state shown in FIG. 7. At this time, the raised platform 42 of the dish 4 is brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface 821 of the operating body 8, and the dish 4 is pressed backward together with the operating body 8. Then, if the raised platform 42 of the dish 4 is engaged with the second inner peripheral surface 642 of the stopper 64, the raised platform 42 is held between the operating body 8 and the stopper 64. At this time, the lever 92 of the operating member 9 is pushed below the raised platform 42. In this process, since the operating body 8 moves backward, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the lid body 7 swings downward and becomes a closed state. As a result, since the upper part of the dish 4 is covered by the lid body 7, the sushi is protected by the lid body 7, and it is possible to prevent dust and the like from adhering. However, since the lid body 7 is transparent, the sushi inside can be visually recognized from the outside. Note that since the operating body 8 is biased forward by the coil spring 83, the raised platform 42 of the dish 4 is pushed into the operating body 8. Therefore, the raised platform 42 is firmly held between the operating body 8 and the stopper 64. Along with this, since the lid body 7 is held in a closed state, it does not open accidentally.

[0055] The support 1 on which the dish 4 is arranged in this way is conveyed along the conveyance path 12, and at the table 13, the dish 4 is taken out from the support 1 by a customer. Hereinafter, this operation will be described.

[0056] A customer can take out the dish 4 from the support 1 in two ways. The first method is to press the operation part 91 of the operation member 9. When the customer pushes the operation part 91 downward from the states shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, as shown in FIG. 6, the lever 92 pushes up the raised platform 42 upward in the vicinity of the stopper 64. As a result, when the raised platform 42 is detached from the stopper 64, the raised platform 42 is pushed forward by the operating body 8 biased by the coil spring 83. In this process, since the operating body 8 moves forward, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the lid body 7 swings upward and becomes an open state. In this state, the customer can grasp the dish plate 41 and take out the dish 4 from the support 1.

[0057] In another method, insert a finger through the notch 76 of the lid 7 from the states shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, grasp the dish plate 41 with the finger and push it upward. As a result, when the raised platform 42 detaches from the stopper 64, the raised platform 42 is pushed forward by the actuating body 8. In this process, since the actuating body 8 moves forward, the lid 7 swings upward accordingly to an open state. In this state, the customer can remove the dish 4 from the support 1 while still grasping the dish plate 41.

[0058] <2-3-6. First and second supports for events> The above-described support 1 is configured such that the customer can open the lid by their own operation, while the first support 101 for events is configured such that the store side performs the opening operation of the lid.

[0059] FIG. 15 is a front view showing the mounting table of the first support 101. As shown in this figure, the difference between this mounting table 6 and the above-described normal support 1 is that the operation of the operating member 9 is performed mechanically. An actuator 501 is provided at the edge of the mounting plate 63 of this mounting table 6, and the operating portion 91 of the operating member 9 is pressed by this actuator 501. The actuator 501 has a rectangular parallelepiped housing 502 incorporating a motor, a rotating shaft 503 protruding from the front surface of this housing 502, and a disk 504 connected to the rotating shaft 503. The rotating shaft 503 is connected to a position offset from the center of the disk 504.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 15, when the operating member 9 is in the first state, the outer peripheral surface of the disk 504 is in contact with the operating portion 91, but when the rotating shaft 503 rotates, as shown in FIG. 16, the disk 504 presses the operating portion 91 downward while rotating. As a result, the operating member 9 transitions to the above-described second state, so that as shown in FIG. 17, the lid 7 opens and the dish 4 is pushed forward.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 18, a control device 87 for driving the actuator 501 is connected to the first support 101. The control device 87 has a rectangular parallelepiped housing and is connected to the first support 101 by a cable 88. The control device 87 is disposed behind the first support 101 and is conveyed side by side on the conveyance path 12. Further, a second support 102 is connected to the control device 87. That is, on the conveyance path 12, the first support 101, the control device 87, and the second support 102 connected by the coupler 800 are conveyed in a line in this order. However, since each support 1 is disposed and conveyed on the conveyance path 12, they are generally conveyed at a predetermined interval. When it is desired to surely maintain a predetermined interval, it is preferable to connect them with the coupler 800.

[0062] The control device 87 incorporates a small computer such as a PLC for driving the motor of the actuator 501, a communication unit for wireless communication with the store management device 19, and a battery for driving the actuator 501. The communication unit communicates with the store management device 19 by a communication method such as wifi. As will be described later, when an event start signal is received from the store management device 19, the motor is driven by the computer to open the lid 7.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 18, a product 99 such as a cake is placed on the plate 4 of the first support 101. Further, the lid 7 of the first support may be colored so that the product 99 inside cannot be seen until it is opened.

[0064] The second support 102 is arranged behind the control device 87 and is conveyed on the conveyance path 12 together with the first support 101 and the control device 87. The second support 102 has the same mounting table 6 as the first support 101. And on the mounting table 6, a display device 89 for displaying an image is arranged. The display device 89 can be composed of, for example, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a projector for 3D holograms, etc. The display device 89 is configured to display the processed image transmitted from the store management device 19 at a predetermined time as described later. Also, when the display device 89 is composed of a tablet computer or a smartphone, it can also output sound from the speakers built therein at the time of an event. When using a display device 89 that does not have a built-in speaker such as a projector, a speaker can be separately provided on the second support 102. The sound output from the speaker may use the sound data stored in advance in a tablet computer or the like, or the store management device 19 may transmit the sound data.

[0065] <2-4. Store management device> [[ID=--- The store management device 19 manages various devices in the store. The store management device 19 manages various devices in the store, such as, for example, the drive control of the conveyance path 12 and the control of the first and second supports 101 and 102 for the above-described event.

[0066] FIG. 19 is a block diagram of the store management device. As shown in FIG. 19, the store management device 19 is a computer in which a control unit 191, a storage unit 192, a communication interface 193, etc. are electrically connected.

[0067] The control unit 191 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc., and performs various processes for customer reception. Details will be described later. The storage unit 192 is, for example, an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk drive or a solid state drive, and stores information such as a program 221, reservation information 222, reception information 223, and seat information 224 executed by the control unit 21.

[0068] The communication interface 193 is, for example, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) module, a wireless LAN module, etc., and is an interface for performing wired or wireless communication. That is, the communication interface 193 is an example of a communication unit configured to communicate with other devices. The reception device 201 of the present embodiment is connected to various devices in the store, such as the control device 87 of the first support 101, the display device 89 of the second support 102, and the reception terminal 11, via the communication interface 23 and the Internet. In the present embodiment, the control device 87 of the first support 101 and the display device 89 of the second support 102 are wirelessly connected to the store management device 19 and transmit control signals and data. Also, the reception device 201, which will be described later, is also connected via a network such as the Internet or a dedicated line. Note that communication via a local network in the store other than the Internet is also possible.

[0069] In addition, although not shown in the figure, a display device such as a display or a touch panel display, an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, etc. are connected to the store management device 19.

[0070] Next, the functional configuration (software configuration) of the store management device 19 will be described together with the procedure from reception to guiding to a seat. The control unit 191 of the store management device 19 expands the program 1921 stored in the storage unit 192 into the RAM. Then, the control unit 191 interprets and executes the program 1921 expanded in the RAM by the CPU to control each component. As a result, as shown in FIG. 19, the store management device 19 according to the present embodiment functions as a computer including an in-store reception unit 1911, an empty seat processing unit 1912, a seat setting unit 1913, a first support body setting unit 1914, and a second support body setting unit 1915. Hereinafter, these functional configurations will be described.

[0071] First, the store management device 19 receives reservation information 222 regarding a customer's reservation from a reception device 201 described later and stores it in the storage unit 192. The details of the reservation information 222 will be described later.

[0072] The in-store reception unit 1911 performs the following processing on the reception terminal 11 to receive the entry of a customer. As shown in FIG. 20, a reception screen is displayed on the touch panel display 111 of the reception terminal 11. This reception screen is configured to receive both customers who enter the store without a reservation and customers who enter the store after making a reservation. For customers who enter the store without a reservation, they are prompted to enter the number of people. Then, when the customer touches the corresponding number of people on this screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 21, the reception is completed and a reception number is displayed. This reception number is stored in the storage unit 192 of the store management device 19 as reception information 1922 in association with the number of customers. In addition, this reception terminal 11 can print a piece of paper with this reception number written on it and provide it to the customer.

[0073] On the other hand, a customer who has made a reservation enters the reservation number on the reception screen shown in FIG. 20. The reservation number is a number assigned at the time of reservation as described later. As a result, the screen shown in FIG. 22 is displayed on the touch panel display 111, and the customer has to wait until being guided. When the reservation number is entered, the in-store reception unit 1911 adds a flag indicating that the entry has been made to the reservation information 222 and stores it in the storage unit 22.

[0074] When any of the tables 13 in the store becomes vacant, the vacant seat processing unit 1912 performs the following processing. First, seat information 224 is assigned to each table 13. The seat information 1923 includes a table number, the number of people it can accommodate, the type of table, a flag indicating that it is a vacant seat, etc., and is stored in the storage unit 192. Then, when a customer finishes eating and drinking and leaves the table 13, the store staff cleans the table 13. At this time, a door (not shown) for opening the input port 331 wide can be opened, and the inside of the input port 331 can be cleaned. At this time, when the door is opened, the vacant seat processing unit 1912 determines that it is in a cleaning state, and when the door is closed after cleaning, the vacant seat processing unit 1912 adds a flag indicating that the table 13 has become vacant to the seat information and stores it in the storage unit 192. In this way, the storage unit 192 stores information that can be referred to as to which of the tables 13 is vacant. Note that the cleaning completion button is preferably arranged in a position where it cannot be seen by the customer so that the customer does not accidentally press it. For example, it can be provided inside the input port 331 of the input device 33. Also, the method of setting that the cleaning is completed, that is, that the table 13 has become vacant, is not particularly limited. In addition to opening and closing the door as described above, for example, an input can be made from the touch panel display 14 installed on the table 13, or a switch for separately setting the completion of vacancy can also be provided.

[0075] The seat setting unit 1913 performs the following processes to guide customers to vacant seats. That is, the seat setting unit 1913 refers to the seat information 1923 and, if there are vacant seats, associates the reception information 1922 with the seat information 1923 regarding the table 13 that is vacant, in a predetermined order. For example, according to the order of reception, if the number of people that can be accommodated at the table 13 that has become vacant matches the number of people included in the reception information 1922, the customer having the reception information 1922 is guided to that table 13. The method of guiding customers to the table 13 is not particularly limited. For example, the reception number that can be guided and the number of the table 13 that can be guided can be notified from the store's speaker. Also, a display (not shown) that displays the reception number and table number that can be guided can be installed, a terminal for indicating that it can be guided can be handed to the customer, or the customer can be guided by the store staff.

[0076] However, the order of guidance is not particularly limited. Even if the order in which the reception information 1922 is set is late, if the number of people that can be accommodated at the table 13 that has become vacant matches the number of people included in the reception information 1922, the customer to whom the reception information 1922 was set earlier can be given priority for guidance. Also, for customers having reservation information 222, regardless of the above-mentioned reception order, guidance is provided within the scheduled guidance time displayed as the reservation details. That is, as much as possible, vacant seats that match the number of reservations are secured by the time the scheduled guidance time ends. If an in-store flag is added to the reservation information 222, the reservation information 222 is associated with the seat information 1923 and stored in the storage unit 22, and guidance is provided to the table 13 as described above.

[0077] The first support body setting unit 1914 sets so that an event start signal is transmitted such that the lid body 7 opens when the first support body 101 passes through the table 13 assigned to the customer, based on the reservation information 222. In this case, the first support body setting unit 1914 (control unit 191) executes the first step for the event of opening the lid body 7 when the first support body 101 passes through the table assigned to the customer, based on the seat information stored in the storage unit 192 in association with the reservation information 222.

[0078] Based on the reservation information 222, the second support setting unit 1915 sets the display device 89 to display an image or the like when the second support 102 passes through the table 13 assigned to the customer. That is, the second support setting unit 1915 (control unit 191) transmits an image or the like associated with the reservation information 222 to the display device 89 at the above timing. In this case, the second support setting unit 1915 (control unit 191) executes a second step for an event of displaying at least one of an image and a video on the display device 89 when the second support 102 passes through the table assigned to the customer, based on the seat information stored in the storage unit 192 and at least one of the image and the video. Also, as will be described later, voice data can be transmitted so that a voice corresponding to the event reserved by the customer is output from the speaker of the display device 89.

[0079] <3. Management system> Next, the management system 2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1 described above, the management system 2 includes a reception device 201 and an accounting device 202. First, the reception device 201 will be described.

[0080] <3-1. Reception device> FIG. 23 is a block diagram of the reception device. As shown in FIG. 23, the reception device 201 is a computer in which a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication interface 23, etc. are electrically connected.

[0081] The control unit 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc., and performs various processes for receiving customers. Details will be described later. The storage unit 22 is an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk drive or a solid state drive, and stores information such as a program 221 and reservation information 222 executed by the control unit 21.

[0082] The communication interface 23 is, for example, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) module, a wireless LAN module, etc., and is an interface for performing wired or wireless communication. That is, the communication interface 23 is an example of a communication unit configured to communicate with other devices. The reception device 201 of the present embodiment can be connected to the customer terminal 20 via the communication interface 23 and the Internet. Further, the reception device 201 is also connected to various devices arranged in each store such as the store management device 19 described above. Note that communication via a local network between stores other than the Internet is also possible.

[0083] Next, the functional configuration (software configuration) of the reception device 201 will be described together with the procedure from reception to guidance to a seat. The control unit 21 of the reception device 201 expands the program 221 stored in the storage unit 22 into the RAM. Then, the control unit 21 interprets and executes the program 221 expanded in the RAM by the CPU to control each component. As a result, as shown in FIG. 23, the reception device 201 according to the present embodiment functions as a computer including a reservation reception unit 211 and an image processing unit 212. Hereinafter, these functional configurations will be described.

[0084] The reservation reception unit 211 performs the following processing to receive a reservation from the customer terminal 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, a reservation screen is displayed on the display 2011 of the customer terminal 20, and the customer inputs a store name, the number of reservations, a reservation date, a reservation time, and an event into this reservation screen. When an event is to be held, as shown in FIG. 25, information regarding the event is input. As shown in FIG. 25, on the input screen for information regarding the event, buttons related to the event content, selection of an image, and selection of a product are displayed.

[0085] When the event content button is touched, event contents such as birthdays, wedding anniversaries, school entrance celebrations, graduation celebrations, and other celebrations are displayed by a pull-down menu, and the event content is selected from among them. In selecting an image, an image to be used for the event is selected. Here, an image to be displayed on the display device 89 of the second support 102 for events as described above is selected. For example, when celebrating a family member's birthday as an event, a photo (image) of the family possessed by the customer and stored in the customer terminal 20 can be selected. Thereby, the image data of the selected photo is transmitted to the storage unit 22 of the reception device 201. When an image is not selected, an image corresponding to the event content is automatically selected in the reception device 201. Note that the customer can also select a video in addition to the image. That is, at least one of an image and a video can be selected. Also, a plurality of images and videos can be selected. Further, although not shown, characters such as messages to be displayed in the event, audio data for music to be used in the event, etc. can also be input. Alternatively, the customer can be configured to select event-related images, videos, characters, audio data, etc. stored in the reception device 201, or the reception device 201 can automatically select these.

[0086] When the product selection button is touched, candidates for products housed in the first support 101 are displayed by a pull-down menu, and a product is selected from among them. As candidates for products, in addition to foods such as cakes, various presents can be set. Also, some products can be made paid, and in that case, the price of the product is also displayed.

[0087] Then, when the reservation is completed, as shown in FIG. 26, the reservation details are displayed on the display 2011. The reservation details include a reservation number (reservation identification information), and as will be described later, the customer can have the reservation accepted at the store by entering this reservation number into the reception terminal 11 at the store. Also, the scheduled guidance date and time, and in the case of an event, the details thereof are also displayed. Note that the information for identifying the reservation is not particularly limited, and in addition to the reservation number as described above, for example, various types of information such as a QR code (registered trademark) and a barcode can be used.

[0088] Such a method for generating the reservation screen is not particularly limited. For example, a control language such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language) can be transmitted from the management system 2 or another reservation server (not shown) to the customer terminal 20, and can be presented to the customer by being interpreted and executed by browser software or other dedicated application programs in the customer terminal 20.

[0089] The reservation reception unit 211 associates the above-described store name, number of reservations, reservation date, reservation time, reservation number, and event details, and stores them in the storage unit 22 of the reception device 201 as reservation information 222.

[0090] The image processing unit 212 decorates the image data (or video data) transmitted from the customer. For example, if the event details are a birthday celebration, image processing such as adding the text "Happy Birthday", adding a decorative design, or converting to a 3D image is performed on the transmitted image, and the image data after the image processing (hereinafter, processed image data) is stored in association with the reservation information 222. Note that it is also possible to use the transmitted image data or video data as it is without performing image processing. For example, a decorative image such as a frame can be pre-displayed on the display device 89 described later, and the transmitted image or video can be superimposed and displayed on the decorative image. Also, the text used for decorating the image can be the one entered by the customer at the time of reservation as described above.

[0091] The reservation information 222 generated as described above is transmitted to the store management device 19. Also, various types of information other than the reservation information 222 can be mutually referenced and stored between the reception device 201 and the store management device 19.

[0092] <3-2. Accounting Device> Next, the accounting device 202 is composed of a general-purpose personal computer, a dedicated computer, etc. The accounting device performs accounting processing based on the number of plates inserted into the insertion port 331 and the products ordered from the touch panel display 14.

[0093] <4. Reception Processing in the Store> Next, the reception processing by the store management device 19 configured as described above will be explained. First, the processing when there is no reservation will be explained with reference to FIG. 27. As shown in FIG. 27, first, when a customer enters the store and makes a reception input to the reception terminal 11, the store entry reception unit 1911 generates reception information 1922 and issues a reception number (step S101). Then, the vacant seat processing unit 1912 sets a vacant seat. When a vacant seat is provided (YES in step S102), the seat setting unit 1913 checks whether the reception information 1922 matches that vacant seat. For example, it checks the compatibility between the reception order, the number of customers, etc. and the vacant seat. When the reception information 1922 and the vacant seat match (YES in step S103), the reception information 1922 is associated with the seat information 1923 related to the vacant seat, and a setting for starting food and beverage service is made (step S104). Subsequently, the customer is guided to the vacant seat table 13 (step S105).

[0094] Next, the processing when a reservation is made will be described with reference to FIG. 28. As shown in FIG. 28, first, when a customer makes a reservation from the customer terminal 20, the reservation reception unit 211 receives the reservation and generates reservation information 222 (step S201). In addition, the customer terminal 20 is notified of reservation identification information such as a reservation number. Next, when the customer enters the store and the reservation number is input to the reception terminal 5 (YES in step S202), the store entry reception unit 1911 adds a store entry flag to the reservation information 222. Then, the seat setting unit 1913 checks whether an empty seat that matches the reservation information 222 is prepared. If an empty seat is prepared (YES in step S203), the reservation information 222 is associated with the seat information 1923 related to the empty seat, and a food and beverage start setting is performed (step S204). Subsequently, the customer is guided to the empty seat table 13 (step S205).

[0095] <5. Event Processing> Next, the event processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 29. As described above, the event is performed for the customer who has input the event content in the reservation. The reservation information 222 of the customer who will have the event stores the event content, the image to be used, and the product. Further, seat information 224 is associated with this reservation information 222. Therefore, the above-described event is performed at the table 13 of the customer who has made the reservation. Hereinafter, the method of performing the event will be described.

[0096] The store staff operates the store management device 19 to confirm the customer who has made the event reservation (step S301). If there is an event reservation (YES in step S301), the preparation time of the event is confirmed. The preparation time of the event can be set in various ways. For example, it can be set to be after a predetermined time has elapsed since the customer who has made the event reservation is seated at the table 13 and the customer starts an order using the touch panel display 14. The preparation time of the event can be automatically notified to the store staff by the store management device 19 through display, voice, etc. to that effect.

[0097] When it is time to prepare for the event (YES in step S302), the store management device 19 displays on the touch panel display 14 installed on the target table 13 a message prompting the user not to leave the table 13, such as "The event is about to start. Please do not leave table 13." (step S303). That is, a prior notice about the event may be given before the event starts at table 13.

[0098] Next, the store staff places the product 99 selected by the customer on the plate 4 of the first support 101 and places the display device 89 on the second support 102. When the preparation of both supports 101 and 102 is completed, the store staff places these supports 101 and 102 on the conveyance path 12 and conveys them, and inputs to the store management device 19 that the placement of both supports 101 and 102 on the conveyance path 12 is completed (step S304).

[0099] Subsequently, the control unit 191 (the first support setting unit 1914 and the second support setting unit 1915) of the store management device 19 refers to the reservation information 222 of the customer, calculates the time when both supports 101 and 102 pass by the customer's table 13 from the speed of the flat chain conveyor 121 on the conveyance path 12 and the seat information 1923 of the customer's table 13, and when that time arrives, sends an event start signal to the control device 87 connected to the first support 101 (step S305). In addition, the second support setting unit 1915 sends the image data of the processed image to the display device 89. Also, when voice data is set, the voice data is also sent.

[0100] When an event start signal is transmitted at the time when the two supports 101 and 102 pass through the target table 13, the control device 87 drives the actuator 501 to open the lid of the first support 101 and show the product 99 to the customer sitting at the table 13. Further, the display device 89 displays the processed image and outputs voice according to the content of the event. Note that, as the timing of opening the lid 7 and the timing of displaying the processed image, for example, after displaying the processed image, the lid 7 may be opened. In addition, after opening the lid 7, the processed image can also be displayed, or these can be performed simultaneously.

[0101] <6. Features> In the food and drink providing system configured as described above, the following effects can be obtained. (1) For customers who want to hold an event such as a celebration, products can be provided using the supports 101 and 102 conveyed on the conveyance path 12, or celebration images can be displayed, so that the customers can be impressed.

[0102] (2) Since the lid 7 of the first support 101 is configured to open automatically, the lid 7 can be opened at the timing when the first support 101 arrives at the table 13 where the customer is sitting. Therefore, the lid 7 automatically opens in front of the table 13, and an unexpected product 99 appears when the lid 7 opens. Therefore, in addition to the display of images and the like by the display device 89, an analog performance can be provided to shake the customer's heart and give an impressive feeling.

[0103] In this case, for example, after an image or the like is displayed by the display device 89, the lid 7 is configured to open automatically, so that an analog performance is performed after the display of the image or the like, and the analog performance that shakes the customer's heart can be made more exciting. Note that the lid 7 may open during the display of the image or the like, or the lid 7 may open after the end of the display of the image or the like.

[0104] (3) In order to display the image transmitted from the customer on the display device 89 and hold an event, it is possible to hold an event corresponding to each customer instead of a general-purpose event.

[0105] <7. Modification Example> As described above, an embodiment of the present invention has been explained. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various changes are possible without departing from the spirit thereof. Note that the following modification examples can be combined as appropriate.

[0106] (1) In the above embodiment, a tablet computer or a smartphone is used as the display device 89 to display the image data of the processed image transmitted from the store management device 19 or output the voice related to the voice data. However, various changes are possible regarding the image display method. For example, the control device 87 and the display device 89 are connected by wire or wirelessly, and the image data and voice data are stored in the display device 89 in advance. Then, when the control device 87 receives an event start signal, the control device 87 can also display the processed image on the display device 89 or output the voice. Further, an event start signal may be transmitted to the control device 87 and the display device 89 to open the lid 7 by the event start signal and perform display (and voice output) of an image or the like on the display device 89. In this case, the first support setting unit 1914 and the second support setting unit 1915 can also be made into one module.

[0107] In the above-described embodiment, the event is started by transmitting an event start signal, but other methods may also be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 30, when the control device 87 incorporates a timer and the both supports 101 and 102 are installed in the conveyance path 12, the timer can be set so as to drive the actuator (or display device) at the timing when they pass the target table. In this case, an operation device (for example, an operation switch, a touch panel) for inputting seat information for performing an event may be provided in the control device 87, and a timer corresponding to the seat information input by the operation device may be set. For example, the operation device may not be incorporated in the control device 87 but may be connected to the control device 87 by wire or wirelessly and may be conveyed together with the control device 87 in the conveyance path 12. Further, when the operation device is connected to the control device wirelessly, the operation device may be a device such as a touch panel installed in the store.

[0108] For example, a store staff member uses the store management device 19 to confirm the seat information of the customer's table 13. Next, the store staff member uses the operation device to input the seat information for performing the event, whereby the timer is set at the time corresponding to the input table. Thereafter, when the both supports 101 and 102 are conveyed to the conveyance path 12, the actuator (or display device) is driven by the control device 87 at the timing of passing the input table, and the lid body 7 is automatically opened (or at least one of the images and videos used for the event is displayed). Note that the seat information may be, for example, a table number or position information of the seat, and is not limited thereto as long as the seat can be specified.

[0109] Also, when a display terminal such as a tablet computer or a smartphone is used as the display device 89, as shown in FIG. 31, a timer-equipped app that can be executed on the tablet computer or the smartphone may be used. That is, without using the above-described control device 87, the display time of an image or a video can be set by a timer or an operation device (input means) built in the display device 89. For example, when seat information for performing an event is input by an input means (for example, a touch panel or various buttons) provided in a tablet computer or a smartphone, the timer of the app is set according to the input seat information. Thereafter, the timer-equipped app is executed, and at the timing of passing through the target table, at least one of the image and the video used for the event is displayed on the display device 89.

[0110] In addition, when a display terminal such as a tablet computer or a smartphone is used as the display device 89, a timer-equipped app (executed by the processor of the display terminal) for displaying an image or the like at a predetermined timing is used, while a control device (for example, a controller including a small CPU, a PLC, etc.) 87 and a timer for opening the lid 7 of the first support 101 at a predetermined timing are used. Thus, while effectively utilizing a general-purpose display terminal, the device configuration and control on the support 101 side can be performed with a simple configuration. In this case, the control device 87 can have the same hardware configuration (control unit and storage unit) as the above-described store management device 19. The control unit can be configured to control the actuator 501 to open the lid 7 when the first support 101 passes through the table assigned to the customer based on the seat information stored in the storage unit. Further, without using the control device 87, a controller such as a PLC including a processor may be provided in the first support 101, and the actuator can be driven at a predetermined time by this controller.

[0111] As described above, in the present embodiment, when performing an event (opening the lid, displaying an image, etc.) based on the seat information stored in the storage unit 22, the seat information may be automatically input, so that the event when passing the table is activated, or the seat information may be input via the operating device as an input device, so that the event at a specific table is activated.

[0112] In addition, in the system of the above embodiment, when executing the step of opening the lid 7 of the support 101 and the step of displaying an image or the like on the display device 89, it may be executed by separate processors as the control device (control unit), or may be executed by the same processor.

[0113] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of the usage state of the system according to the present embodiment. On the conveyance path 12, the speaker 103, the second support 102, the control device 87, and the first support 101 are arranged in parallel in the conveyance order (from the right side to the left side). As shown in FIG. 32, the object on the conveyance path 12 is provided with a decoration. As an example of the display device 89, a smartphone is used for the second support 102.

[0114] The lid 7 of the first support 101 is provided with a member having an opaque characteristic so that the internal product cannot be visually recognized by the customer when the lid 7 is closed (for example, an opaque cover may be attached to the lid 7, or the material of the lid 7 itself may have an opaque characteristic, or the lid 7 may be coated with an opaque coating). Usually, a transparent or translucent lid 7 is used for the lid 7 so that the internal product can be visually recognized. However, in this case, the internal product can be visually recognized, lacking a sense of surprise. Therefore, when the lid 7 is made opaque, the internal product cannot be visually recognized when the lid 7 is closed, and the internal product can be visually recognized when the lid 7 is opened, so that a sense of surprise can be produced.

[0115] Also, as another example, Fig. 33 can be cited. As shown in Fig. 33, in this example, in addition to the example shown in Fig. 32, ornaments 104 are arranged on the upstream side and the downstream side of the conveyance path 12, respectively. Each ornament 104 can be constituted by, for example, paper or a resin material with a design for celebration, and this is placed on a stand like the above-described mounting table 6 and conveyed. However, the design of the ornament is not limited to this, and various changes are possible. In addition, the articles to be conveyed are not particularly limited, and at least one (including at least one of the first support 101 and the second support 102) of the above-described articles may be conveyed.

[0116] In the above embodiment, at the start of the event, the store staff inputs to the store management device 19 that the arrangement of the first and second supports 101 and 102 on the conveyance path 12 has been completed. However, for example, when any one of the first and second supports 101 and 102 and the control device is arranged on the conveyance path 12, or when it is detected that a predetermined position on the conveyance path 12 has been passed, the first support setting unit 1914 may perform the start process of the above-described event. In this case, based on the seat information, the position of the conveyance path 12 where the event starts may be automatically set, or the position on the conveyance path 12 where the event starts may be set by inputting the seat information via the operation device.

[0117] (2) When the first and second supports 101 and 102 are conveyed to the corresponding table, it is also possible to display, on the display image 89 of the second support 102, a display that prompts the customer to pay attention to the first support 101 and to take out a present from the first support 101. Figs. 34 to 38 are diagrams showing display examples of the display device in the system according to the present embodiment. In the examples of Figs. 34 to 38, the second support 102 on which the display device 89 is mounted is conveyed in a state where it is arranged in front of the first support 101 in which the merchandise for the present is stored. Also, in these examples, the description of the control device 87 is omitted. The control device 87 may display at least one of an image and a moving image (hereinafter, image etc.) associated with the step of opening the lid 7 of the support 101 in the step of displaying the image etc. of the display device 89.

[0118] As for the display of an image or the like associated with the step of opening the lid 7 of the support 101, for example, before the lid 7 is opened, a display of an image or the like that prompts attention to the support 101 may be performed. By such a display, attention is focused on the support 101 before the lid 7 is opened, so that the possibility that the customer misses the event of the lid 7 being opened can be reduced.

[0119] As for the display of an image or the like associated with the step of opening the lid 7 of the support 101, for example, after the lid 7 is opened, a display of an image or the like that prompts the removal of the product placed on the support 101 may be performed. By such a display, the possibility that the food and drink moves to another table without the product being removed by the customer can be reduced.

[0120] As for the display of an image or the like associated with the step of opening the lid 7 of the support 101, for example, when the product provided by the support 101 is a gift item, an image or the like that congratulates the customer may be displayed. Thereby, the event of opening the lid 7 can be livened up. Also, without being limited to this, a display that notifies the content of the product provided by the support 101 may be performed.

[0121] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 34, before the first support 101 and the second support 102 reach the table where the event is to be held, it is displayed on the display device 89 that it is a product corresponding to the table where the event is to be held. Thereby, the customers at other tables can recognize the table where the event is to be held.

[0122] When the first support 101 and the second support 102 arrive at the table where the event is being held, the event begins, and an image or the like (e.g., at least one of a congratulatory message, diagram, or picture) congratulating the customer is displayed on the display device 89 as shown in Fig. 35. After that, an image or the like (e.g., at least one of a message, diagram, or picture) that draws attention to the first support 101 is displayed on the display device 89 as shown in Fig. 36. As an image or the like that draws attention, an arrow corresponding to the placement position may be displayed on the first support 101.

[0123] The control device 87 performs control so that the lid 7 is opened after an image or the like that draws attention to the first support 101 as shown in Fig. 36 is displayed on the display device 89. That is, the timing at which the display device 89 starts displaying an image or the like and the timing at which the lid 7 of the first support 101 is opened are adjusted in advance. As a result, the lid 7 is opened after an image or the like that draws attention to the first support 101 is displayed.

[0124] After the lid 7 is opened, the display device 89 displays an image or the like (for example, at least one of a message, diagram, and picture) encouraging the user to remove the product (present) placed on the support 101, as shown in Fig. 37. After that, when both supports 101 and 102 pass the table where the event is being held and move to another table, the display device 89 displays that the event has been held at the specific table, as shown in Fig. 38.

[0125] In the above description, images and the like associated with the step of opening the lid 7 of the first support 101 are displayed, but audio may also be played in accordance with the content displayed in the images and the like. Of course, this embodiment can also be applied to cases where only audio is used without using images and the like. Regarding the content of the audio, for example, the same content as the message when the images and the like are displayed may be used as audio.

[0126] In the above description, examples in which events, images, etc. are selected have been shown. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and an event may be performed triggered by the selection of a specific product by a customer. Further, even when the event content or the image is single, the present embodiment can be applied.

[0127] (3) In the above embodiment, in the event, both the first and second supports 101 and 102 are conveyed on the conveyance path 12, but it is also possible to convey only one of them. Further, the order in which the first support 101 and the second support 102 are arranged can be appropriately changed. Furthermore, the first support 101 and the second support 102 do not have to be conveyed side by side, and can also be conveyed with a predetermined time interval.

[0128] (4) The configuration of the first support 101 described above is an example and is not particularly limited. That is, it suffices that it has a lid 7 that covers the product and the lid 7 is configured to automatically open at a predetermined timing. The first support 101 described above houses the dish 4, but the dish 4 may not be arranged and the product may be directly arranged. In addition, the lid 7 of the first support 101 may be configured to open by a customer's operation in addition to the mode of automatically opening as described above. For example, it may be configured such that the lid 7 opens when a sensor detects that a customer has waved a hand or made contact. Further, the customer may open it manually. However, when the lid 7 is opened by a customer's operation, for example, it is preferable to display characters or a figure prompting the opening of the lid on the touch panel display 14 or attach such a display to the first support 1. In this case, for example, based on the seat information where the event is held, when the first support 101 passes by the table where the event is held, a sensor provided on any of the supports 101, 102 or the control device 87 detects the table where the event is held, and the lid 7 opens based on the detection result. When adding another table, the lid 7 may not be opened regardless of the detection result of the sensor.

[0129] (5) The configuration of the second support 102 described above is also an example. For example, the configuration of the mounting portion 62 may be different from that of the first support 101, and any structure that can support at least the display device 89 is acceptable. Further, when the display device 89 is not provided with a speaker function, a speaker may be provided on the mounting portion 62, or only the speaker may be conveyed on the conveyance path 12 (see, for example, FIG. 32 described later). Also, the mounting portion 62 and the display device 89 can be integrated. Furthermore, the control device 87 described above can also be incorporated in the first support 101 and the second support 102.

[0130] (6) The above-described normal support 1 for conveying food and drink is obtained by omitting the actuator 501 from the first support 101, but is not limited thereto, and various modes are possible as long as it can convey food and drink or a dish on which food and drink are placed.

[0131] (7) When an event is held, a display for the event can also be performed on the touch panel display 14 installed on the table 13. For example, characters such as "Happy Birthday" and designs can be displayed. Such characters can also be those input at the time of the customer's reservation as described above.

[0132] (8) Various image, video, and audio data used for events other than those prepared by the customer can be stored in advance in the storage unit of at least one of the reception device 201 and the store management device 19, and events can be held using the various data stored in the storage unit.

[0133] (9) In the above embodiment, the management system is configured by two computers, the reception device 201 and the accounting device 202, but the number of computers constituting these is not particularly limited.

[0134] In the above-described embodiment, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the reception device 201, the accounting device 202, and the store management device 19 have been described separately. However, the functional configurations of these devices may be realized by any one of one or more computers. Further, the locations where these are arranged are not particularly limited, and they may be arranged at at least one location in each store or management facility. Also, although the various processes described above are realized by a computer having a general-purpose CPU, part or all of the processes may be realized by one or more dedicated processors.

[0135] (10) The reservation screen of the customer terminal 20 and the reception screen of the reception terminal 11 shown in the above-described embodiment are examples, and various changes are possible. For example, the items to be input may be other than those described above.

[0136] (11) Further, in the above-described embodiment, on the touch panel display 14 installed on the table 13, at least one of the event content, video, and image, and at least one of the products may be selectable. In this case, as an event to be performed when the support 1 passes through the table 13 corresponding to the touch panel display 14 on which the above selection has been made, for example, it may be at least one of an event of opening the lid 7 of the support 1 on which the selected product is placed and an event of displaying at least one of the selected video and image on the display device 89. Also, sound may be made selectable, and sound may be played during the event.

[0137] (12) Further, in the above-described embodiment, at least one of the video and image selected by the customer is displayed on the display device 89 that is moved along the conveyance path 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, at the timing when a specific product arrives at the table 13, at least one of the video and image previously selected by the customer on the customer terminal 20 may be displayed on the touch panel display 14 installed on the table 13.

[0138] (13) Also, in the above embodiment, the support 1 conveyed by the conveyance path 12 is configured to perform an event at the timing of passing through the customer's table 13, but it is not limited to this. For example, when a food delivery robot capable of moving on the store floor arrives at the table 13, at least one of the videos and images selected by the customer may be displayed on a display device. In this case, as the display device, for example, a touch panel 14 provided on the table 13 may be used, or a display device provided on the food delivery robot may be used.

[0139] (14) In the above embodiment, the food and beverage providing system of the present invention is applied to a conveyor belt sushi providing system, but it may be applied to the provision of other foods and beverages. Also, the configuration of the conveyance path and the configuration of the guest booths described above are examples and can be changed as appropriate. In the above embodiment, an event is held at the table 13 where customer seats are arranged on both sides, but the shape of the table, the position and number of customer seats are not particularly limited. For example, an event may be held at a table where customer seats are arranged in a row with respect to the conveyance path 12.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0140] 7: Lid 12: Conveyance path 13: Table 89: Display device 99: Commodity 101: First support 102: Second support 212: Image processing unit 222: Reservation information 501: Actuator 1914: First support setting unit 1915: Second support setting unit

Claims

1. A food and drink providing system having a conveyance path that passes along a customer's table and conveys a support on which food and drink can be placed, a storage unit that stores reservation information from a customer, and stores seat information regarding a table assigned as the table at which the customer will eat or drink when the customer visits the store, in association with the reservation information, a first support for an event that has an openable and closable lid, and the conveyance path is conveyed in a state where the lid is closed, a control unit, comprising: The control unit, based on the seat information stored in the storage unit, when the first support for the event passes the table assigned to the customer, executes a first step for the event of opening the lid, and is characterized in that it is a food and drink providing system.

2. further comprising a second support for an event that can be conveyed along the conveyance path and supports a display device, The storage unit, stores at least one of an image and a video used for the event received from the customer, in association with the reservation information, The control unit, based on the seat information stored in the storage unit and at least one of the image and the video, when the second support for the event passes the table assigned to the customer, executes a second step for the event of displaying at least one of the image and the video on the display device, and is characterized in that it is the food and drink providing system according to Claim 1.

3. The food and drink providing system according to Claim 2, wherein the first support for the event and the second support for the event are configured to be conveyed along the conveyance path in a state of being arranged in a row.

4. The first support for the event includes an actuator for opening and closing the lid, The control unit, in the first step for the event, when the first support for the event passes the table assigned to the customer, drives the actuator to open the lid, and is characterized in that it is the food and drink providing system according to Claim 1 or 2.

5. The food and drink providing system according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the goods provided to the customer in the event are stored in the first support for the event.

6. The control unit, after at least one of the image and the video is displayed by the display device in the second step for the event, The food and drink providing system according to claim 2, wherein the lid is opened in the first step for the event.

7. Further comprising an operating device for inputting seat information for holding the event, The control unit, as the first step for the event, Based on the seat information stored in the storage unit, when a timer corresponding to the seat information input by the operating device is set, and the first support for the event passes by the table assigned to the customer, the lid is opened. The food and drink providing system according to claim 1, characterized in that

8. Further comprising an operating device for inputting seat information for holding the event, The control unit, as the second step for the event, Based on the seat information stored in the storage unit, when a timer corresponding to the seat information input by the operating device is set, and the second support for the event passes by the table assigned to the customer, at least one of the image and the moving image is displayed on the display device. The food and drink providing system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that

9. The control unit includes a first processor that executes the first step for the event and a second processor that executes the second step for the event. The food and drink providing system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that

10. The control unit includes a single processor that executes the first step for the event and the second step for the event. The food and drink providing system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that

11. The control unit, in the second step for the event, The food and drink providing system according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one of an image and a moving image associated with the first step for the event is displayed.

12. The control unit, as an image and a moving image associated with the first step for the event, performs a display that prompts attention to the first support for the event before the lid is opened. The food and drink providing system according to claim 11, characterized in that

13. The control unit, as an image and a moving image associated with the first step for the event, performs a display that prompts the removal of the product placed on the first support for the event after the lid is opened. The food and drink providing system according to claim 11, characterized in that

14. A method for processing an event occurring in a conveyance path that passes along a customer's table and conveys a support on which food and drink can be placed, comprising: storing reservation information from a customer in a storage unit; storing, in the storage unit, seat information regarding a table assigned as a table for the customer to eat and drink when the customer arrives at the store, in association with the reservation information; conveying a first support for an event having an openable and closable lid through the conveyance path with the lid closed; a first step for an event of opening the lid when the first support for the event passes by the table assigned to the customer, based on the seat information stored in the storage unit; An event processing method, comprising the above steps.

15. A food and drink providing system having a conveyance path that passes along a customer's table and conveys a support on which food and drink can be placed, comprising: a storage unit that stores reservation information from a customer, and stores seat information regarding a table assigned as a table for the customer to eat and drink when the customer arrives at the store, in association with the reservation information; a second support for an event that can be conveyed through the conveyance path and supports a display device; a control unit; The storage unit stores: at least one of an image and a video used for an event received from the customer, in association with the reservation information; The control unit executes: a second step for an event of displaying at least one of the image and the video on the display device when the second support for the event passes by the table assigned to the customer, based on the seat information stored in the storage unit and at least one of the image and the video. A food and drink providing system characterized by this.

16. A control device for a food and drink providing system having a conveyance path that passes along a customer's table and conveys a support on which food and drink can be placed, comprising: a storage unit that stores reservation information from a customer, and stores seat information regarding a table assigned as a table for the customer to eat and drink when the customer arrives at the store, in association with the reservation information; a control unit; A first support for an event having an openable and closable lid and an actuator for opening the lid is conveyed through the conveyance path with the lid closed, and The control unit is: ​ ​ ​ A control device, characterized in that when the first support for an event passes through the table assigned to the customer based on the seat information stored in the memory unit, the actuator is controlled to open the lid body.

Images