Ordering system, ordering device, ordering method, and program

Abstract

To enable prompt notification of order information to staff even when an ordering device cannot transmit order information via a network.SOLUTION: An ordering system includes: an ordering device having a receiving unit that accepts orders for articles or services from customers, an output unit that outputs order information corresponding to the orders accepted by the receiving unit, and a switching unit capable of switching output methods of the order information by the output unit; and an information processing device having a notification unit that receives the order information output by the output unit via a network and notifies staff of the order information. The output unit has a first output method that transmits the order information to the notification unit via the network, and a second output method that prints the order information on paper media or displays the order information on the screen of the ordering device without transmitting the ordering information to the notification unit via the network. The switching unit can switch the order information output method used by the output unit between the first output method and the second output method according to predetermined conditions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ordering system, an ordering device, an ordering method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a remote maintenance system in which a remote maintenance device is equipped with a monitoring and control means for monitoring and controlling the status of each terminal device, and a necessary information acquisition means for, when receiving a message output by a fault notification means, identifying the nature of the fault from the error code contained in the message and acquiring the information necessary to recover from the fault, and the necessary information acquisition means acquires the maintenance manual for the corresponding terminal device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-210729 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is an ordering system in which an ordering device transmits order information to an information processing device via a network, and the information processing device receives the order information and notifies a store clerk. However, in such an ordering system, if the ordering device becomes unable to transmit the order information via the network, the order information cannot be promptly notified to the store clerk. Even if the situation where the ordering device cannot transmit the order information via the network can be resolved, the order information cannot be quickly notified to the store clerk when the ordering device is unable to transmit the order information via the network. Furthermore, in an environment where the ordering device cannot transmit the order information via a network, such as outdoors, the order information cannot be promptly notified to the store clerk.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to enable the ordering device to quickly notify a store clerk of order information even when the ordering device is unable to transmit the order information via a network. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] With this objective in mind, the present invention provides an ordering system comprising: an ordering device having a reception unit that receives orders for goods or services from customers; an output unit that outputs order information corresponding to the orders received by the reception unit; and a switching unit that can switch the method by which the output unit outputs the order information; and an information processing device having a notification unit that receives the order information output by the output unit via a network and notifies a store clerk of the order information, wherein the output unit has a first output method that sends the order information to the notification unit via the network and a second output method that prints the order information on a paper medium or displays it on the screen of the ordering device without sending it to the notification unit via the network, and the switching unit can switch the method by which the output unit outputs the order information between the first output method and the second output method depending on predetermined conditions.

[0007] The order information may include the identification and quantity of the product or service ordered by the customer, but not the cost of the product or service. The specified condition is whether or not a store clerk has instructed the output unit to switch the method by which the order information is output, and the switching unit may switch the output method in accordance with the instruction when the store clerk has instructed the output unit to switch the method by which the order information is output using a specified instruction means. The predetermined condition may be whether the output unit is in a state where it can output the order information via the network, and the switching unit may switch the method by which the output unit outputs the order information from the first output method to the second output method if the output unit is not in a state where it can output. In the second output method, the output unit may print the order information on a paper medium such as a receipt or an order form different from a receipt that is given to the customer to prove that the customer has ordered and paid for the product or service. In the second output method, the output unit may further include a reading unit that prints a code including order information on a paper medium, such as a receipt or an order form different from a receipt, which is given to a customer to prove that the customer has ordered and paid for a product or service, and reads the order information from the code, and a notification unit that notifies a store clerk of the order information read by the reading unit. In the second output method, the output unit may further include a reading unit that displays a code including the order information on the screen of the ordering device and reads the order information from the code, and a notification unit that notifies the store clerk of the order information read by the reading unit. The switching unit may switch the products or services that the customer can order depending on whether the method of outputting the order information by the output unit is the first output method or the second output method.

[0008] The present invention also provides an ordering device comprising: a reception unit that receives orders for goods or services from customers; an output unit that outputs order information corresponding to the orders received by the reception unit; and a switching unit that can switch the method by which the output unit outputs the order information, wherein the output unit has a first output method that transmits the order information to an information processing device via a network to notify a store clerk of the order information; and a second output method that prints the order information on paper media or displays it on the screen of the device itself without transmitting the order information to the information processing device via the network, and the switching unit can switch the method by which the output unit outputs the order information between the first output method and the second output method depending on predetermined conditions.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention also provides an ordering method in an ordering system comprising an ordering device and an information processing device, the ordering system including the steps of: a reception unit of the ordering device receiving an order for a product or service from a customer; an output unit of the ordering device outputting order information corresponding to the order received by the reception unit; a switching unit of the ordering device switching the output method of the order information by the output unit; and a notification unit of the information processing device receiving the order information output by the output unit via a network and notifying a store clerk of the order information, wherein the output unit has a first output method of sending the order information to the notification unit via the network, and a second output method of printing the order information on a paper medium or displaying it on the screen of the ordering device without sending it to the notification unit via the network, and the switching unit is capable of switching the output method of the order information by the output unit between the first output method and the second output method depending on predetermined conditions.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a program that causes a computer to function as a reception unit that receives orders for products or services from customers, an output unit that outputs order information corresponding to the orders received by the reception unit, and a switching unit that can switch the method by which the output unit outputs the order information, wherein the output unit has a first output method that transmits the order information to an information processing device via a network to notify a store clerk of the order information, and a second output method that prints the order information on a paper medium or displays it on a computer screen without transmitting it to the information processing device via the network, and the switching unit can switch the method by which the output unit outputs the order information between the first output method and the second output method depending on predetermined conditions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, even when the ordering device is unable to transmit the order information via the network, the order information can be quickly notified to the store clerk. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an ordering system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic operation of an ordering system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic operation of an ordering system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic operation of an ordering system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an ordering device in the ordering system according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a management server in the ordering system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a store terminal in the ordering system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of an ordering device in the ordering system according to the first aspect of the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ordering device in the ordering system according to the second aspect of the present embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a store terminal in the ordering system according to the second aspect of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] [Overall configuration of the ordering system] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an ordering system 1 in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the ordering system 1 includes an ordering device 10, a management server 20, a store terminal 30, a printing device 40, and a reading device 50. The ordering device 10, management server 20, and store terminal 30 are connected via a network 80. The ordering device 10, store terminal 30, printing device 40, and reading device 50 are installed in a store, and the store terminal 30 and printing device 40 are connected via a communication line 91, and the store terminal 30 and reading device 50 are connected via a communication line 92.

[0015] The ordering device 10 accepts orders for products and services from customers. As shown in the figure, the ordering device 10 includes an operation and display unit 13, a printing unit 15, a code reader 16, a payment terminal 17, a banknote processing unit 18, and a coin processing unit 19.

[0016] The operation display unit 13 displays an operation reception screen and images, and receives input operations. The operation display unit 13 may be, for example, a touch panel that combines a display device that displays still images, moving images, etc. with a position input device. Fig. 1 shows an example in which a food and drink button 131 is displayed, which displays images of food or beverages that the restaurant can provide to customers. The printing unit 15 prints receipts and the like that are given to customers to prove that they have ordered and paid for goods or services. The code reader 16 reads, for example, a barcode or a two-dimensional code displayed on a mobile terminal.

[0017] The payment terminal 17 is a terminal for performing payment processing. The payment terminal 17 performs payment processing using, for example, a credit card inserted by a customer or an IC card held up by a customer. The banknote processing unit 18 processes deposits and withdrawals of banknotes. The banknote processing unit 18 has a banknote insertion port 18a through which banknotes are inserted into the ordering device 10, and a banknote ejection port 18b through which banknotes are ejected from the ordering device 10. The coin processing unit 19 processes the deposit and withdrawal of coins. The coin processing unit 19 has a coin insertion port 19a through which coins are inserted into the ordering device 10, and a coin ejection port 19b through which coins are ejected from the ordering device 10.

[0018] The management server 20 receives order information corresponding to an order accepted by the ordering device 10 and transmits the order information to the store terminal 30 of the store where the ordering device 10 is installed. The management server 20 may be provided on a cloud to manage multiple stores. Alternatively, the management server 20 may be provided within a single store to manage that store. The management server 20 may be realized by a general-purpose computer or the like. The management server 20 is an example of an information processing device.

[0019] The store terminal 30 receives order information corresponding to the order accepted by the ordering device 10 from the management server 20 via the network 80 and notifies the store staff of the order information. If the store is a restaurant, the store terminal 30 may be installed in both the kitchen where food and beverages are prepared and the dishwasher where the food and beverages prepared in the store's kitchen are delivered. Alternatively, the store terminal 30 may be installed only in the dishwasher and not in the kitchen, or only in the kitchen and not in the dishwasher. The store terminal 30 may be a computer such as a laptop PC, desktop PC, tablet PC, tablet terminal, or personal digital assistant (PDA) with an order management app installed. Alternatively, the store terminal 30 may be a terminal dedicated to the store and equipped with order management functions. In this case, the store terminal 30 may have a POS (Point of Sale) function. Note that if the management server 20 is installed in the store, the store terminal 30 may be the same device as the management server 20. The store terminal 30 is an example of an information processing device.

[0020] The printing device 40 receives order information corresponding to an order accepted by the ordering device 10 from the store terminal 30 via the communication line 91, and prints this order information on paper media. If the store is a restaurant, the printing device 40 may be provided in both the kitchen and the dish-up counter. Alternatively, the printing device 40 may be provided only in the dish-up counter and not in the kitchen, or only in the kitchen and not in the dish-up counter. For example, if the store terminal 30 is provided only in the dish-up counter, the printing device 40 may be provided only in the kitchen, and if the store terminal 30 is provided only in the kitchen, the printing device 40 may be provided only in the dish-up counter. Note that if the store terminal 30 is provided in both the kitchen and the dish-up counter, the printing device 40 does not have to be provided.

[0021] The reading device 50 reads information from the paper medium and transmits the read information to the store terminal 30 via the communication line 92 .

[0022] The network 80 is not particularly limited as long as it is a communication network used for data communication between devices, and may be, for example, the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), or a local area network (LAN). The communication line used for data communication may be either wired or wireless, or a combination of both. The wireless LAN may be, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The communication lines 91 and 92 may be, for example, a wireless LAN or a wired LAN. Again, the wireless LAN may be, for example, WiFi (registered trademark).

[0023] [Outline of ordering system operation] 2 to 4 are diagrams showing an example of the general operation of the ordering system 1 in this embodiment. The ordering system 1 in this embodiment operates differently during online operation and offline operation. Online operation is operation via the management server 20 when no communication failure or the like occurs, and offline operation is operation without the management server 20 when a communication failure or the like occurs. Furthermore, two operations are possible for the ordering system 1 in this embodiment during offline operation. Therefore, the ordering system 1 that performs one of these operations will be referred to as the ordering system 1 of a first aspect, and the ordering system 1 that performs the other of these operations will be referred to as the ordering system 1 of a second aspect.

[0024] Here, an example is shown in which the ordering system 1 is applied to a restaurant and a customer orders two cheeseburgers and three orange juices. Also, store terminals 30 are assumed to be installed in both the kitchen and the dishappa, and the store terminal 30 installed in the kitchen will be referred to as the "kitchen store terminal 30a," and the store terminal 30 installed in the dishappa will be referred to as the "dishappa store terminal 30b."

[0025] 2 shows an example of the general operation of the ordering system 1 during online operation. In other words, this is an example of the general operation of the ordering system 1 when the ordering device 10 can transmit information to the store terminals 30a and 30b via the management server 20.

[0026] As shown in the figure, first, a customer orders food and drink using the ordering device 10 (A1). In response, the ordering device 10 issues a receipt R1 (A2). The customer then receives the receipt R1 and waits at the counter to receive the food and drink (A3). Meanwhile, the ordering device 10 transmits order information corresponding to the food and drink order to the management server 20 (A4), and the management server 20 transmits the order information to the store terminal 30a in the kitchen and the store terminal 30b in the dishappa (A5).

[0027] As a result, the order information is displayed on the store terminal 30a in the kitchen, and the kitchen staff prepares the food and drink while looking at this order information, and after the food and drink is cooked, they cancel the food and drink on the store terminal 30a (A6). Alternatively, the kitchen staff may prepare the food and drink while looking at the order information printed on paper media by the printing device 40 (see FIG. 1), and after the food and drink is cooked, they may cancel the food and drink on the paper media. The order information is then displayed on the store terminal 30b of Dessapp, and the staff at Dessapp look at this order information, serve the cooked food and drink to the customer, and after the food and drink has been served, cancel the food and drink on the store terminal 30b (A7). Alternatively, the staff at Dessapp may look at the order information printed on paper media by the printing device 40 (see FIG. 1), serve the cooked food and drink to the customer, and after the food and drink has been served, cancel the food and drink on the paper media. In response, the customer receives the food and drink in exchange for the receipt R1 (A8). However, "in exchange for the receipt R1" may mean that the customer simply has the store clerk check the contents of the receipt R1 and then has the receipt R1 returned to them.

[0028] Here, we have taken the example of a case where one piece of order information corresponding to one order from a customer is sent, so only this one piece of order information is displayed on the kitchen store terminal 30a and the dishappa store terminal 30b, but this is not limited to this. If multiple pieces of order information corresponding to multiple orders from a customer are sent consecutively, these multiple pieces of order information may be displayed on the kitchen store terminal 30a and the dishappa store terminal 30b. Then, when all the food and beverage items in a certain piece of order information are cleared, that order information may not be displayed. Alternatively, when order information is sent from the management server 20, the order information may initially be displayed only on the store terminal 30a in the kitchen, and once all the food and beverage items in the order information have been deducted, the order information may be displayed on the store terminal 30b in the dessert section.

[0029] 3 shows an example of the general operation of the ordering system 1 of the first mode during offline operation. In other words, this is an example of the general operation of the ordering system 1 of the first mode when the ordering device 10 cannot transmit information to the store terminals 30a, 30b via the management server 20, as indicated by "x" in the figure.

[0030] As shown in the figure, first, a customer orders food and drink using the ordering device 10 (B1). The ordering device 10 then issues a receipt R1 and order slips O1 and O2 with the order information printed on them (B2). The customer then receives the receipt R1 and order slips O1 and O2, hands them to the counter staff, and waits at the counter to receive their food and beverages (B3). Meanwhile, the counter staff passes order slip O1 to the kitchen staff and order slip O2 to the dishwasher staff, thereby conveying the order information to the kitchen staff and dishwasher staff (B4).

[0031] As a result, the kitchen staff will check the order information on the order slip O1, prepare the food and drink, and after the food and drink has been prepared, cancel the food and drink on the order slip O1 (B5). The staff at the dessert counter then checks the order information on order slip O2, serves the prepared food and drink to the customer, and after the food and drink has been served, cancels the food and drink on order slip O2 (B6). In response, the customer receives the food and drink in exchange for receipt R1 (B7). However, "in exchange for receipt R1" may mean that the customer simply has the store clerk check the contents of receipt R1 and then has receipt R1 returned to them.

[0032] Here, the ordering device 10 prints the order information on the order slips O1 and O2, but this is not limitative. For example, the ordering device 10 may print the order information on an easily detachable piece of paper from the receipt R1. In this case, the counter clerk may detach the piece of paper on which the order information is printed from the receipt R1 and hand it to the kitchen staff and the dishwasher staff, who may then cancel the order on the piece of paper. Alternatively, the ordering device 10 may display the order information on the operation display unit 13 (see FIG. 1). In this case, the counter staff verbally conveys the order information to the kitchen staff and the dishwasher staff, and the kitchen staff and the dishwasher staff select and input the conveyed order information into the store terminals 30a and 30b, respectively, and cancel the order on the store terminals 30a and 30b.

[0033] 4 shows an example of the general operation of the ordering system 1 of the second mode during offline operation. In other words, this is an example of the general operation of the ordering system 1 of the second mode when the ordering device 10 cannot transmit information to the store terminals 30a, 30b via the management server 20, as indicated by "x" in the figure.

[0034] As shown in the figure, first, a customer orders food and drink using the ordering device 10 (C1). The ordering device 10 then issues a receipt R2 on which a code CD containing the order information is printed (C2). Here, the code CD is a QR code (registered trademark), but it may be another two-dimensional code or barcode. The customer then receives the receipt R2, has the counter clerk read the code CD on the receipt R2 using the reader 50 (see FIG. 1), and waits at the counter to receive the food and drink (C3). Meanwhile, the reader 50 transmits the order information read from the code CD on the receipt R2 to the store terminal 30a in the kitchen and the store terminal 30b in the dishappt (C4).

[0035] As a result, the order information is displayed on the store terminal 30a in the kitchen, and the kitchen staff prepares the food and drink while looking at this order information, and after the food and drink is cooked, they cancel the food and drink on the store terminal 30a (C5). Alternatively, the kitchen staff may prepare the food and drink while looking at the order information printed on paper media by the printing device 40 (see FIG. 1), and after the food and drink is cooked, they may cancel the food and drink on the paper media. The order information is then displayed on the store terminal 30b of Dessapp, and the Dessapp staff member looks at this order information, serves the cooked food and drink to the customer, and after the food and drink has been served, cancels the food and drink on the store terminal 30b (C6). Alternatively, the Dessapp staff member may look at the order information printed on paper media by the printing device 40 (see FIG. 1), serves the cooked food and drink to the customer, and after the food and drink has been served, cancels the food and drink on the paper media. In response, the customer receives the food and drink in exchange for receipt R2 (C7). However, "in exchange for receipt R2" may mean that the customer simply has the store clerk check the contents of receipt R2 and then has receipt R2 returned to them.

[0036] Here, the ordering device 10 prints the code CD including the order information on the receipt R2, but this is not limited to this. For example, the ordering device 10 may print a code containing the order information on the order slip. In this case, the counter staff reads the order information from the code on the order slip using the reading device 50 (see FIG. 1) and transmits it to the store terminals 30a and 30b, and the kitchen staff and the dishwasher staff then debit the order on the store terminals 30a and 30b, respectively. Alternatively, the ordering device 10 may display a code including the order information on the operation and display unit 13 (see FIG. 1). In this case, the counter staff reads the order information from the code on the operation and display unit 13 using the reading device 50 (see FIG. 1) and transmits it to the store terminals 30a and 30b, and the kitchen staff and the dishwasher staff can then debit the order on the store terminals 30a and 30b, respectively.

[0037] Here, the receipt number when multiple ordering devices 10 exist will be considered. In the case of Figure 2, multiple ordering devices 10 are connected online, so each ordering device 10 can generate a receipt number that is the serial number of the multiple ordering devices 10. For example, in Figure 2, the ordering device 10 generates the serial number "005" of the multiple ordering devices 10 as the receipt number and prints it on receipt R1. On the other hand, in the cases of Figures 3 and 4, since the multiple ordering devices 10 are not connected online, each ordering device 10 cannot generate a receipt number that is the serial number of the multiple ordering devices 10. Therefore, each ordering device 10 generates a receipt number that does not overlap among the multiple ordering devices 10 by including its own device number. For example, in Figures 3 and 4, the ordering device 10 generates "1-005," the serial number of one ordering device 10, as a receipt number and prints it on receipts R1 and R2. In this case, the "1" before the hyphen corresponds to the device number. Alternatively, the ordering device 10 may generate a receipt number such as "105," with the device number set as the first digit.

[0038] 2 to 4, the kitchen has one cooking section capable of preparing all of the multiple foods and beverages. However, the kitchen may have a separate cooking section for each food and beverage. In this case, the order information for the multiple foods and beverages may be separated into separate order information for each food and beverage and sent to the cooking section for each food and beverage. For example, in FIG. 3, the ordering device 10 may output separate order slips for a cheeseburger and an orange juice as order slips O1 to be handed to the kitchen staff. On the other hand, all food and drink order information may be sent to Deshaup all at once. The staff may be able to set whether to send the order information for multiple food items to the kitchen and the dessert counter separately or all at once.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ordering device 10 may switch the foods and drinks that a customer can order between when operating online and when operating offline. That is, during offline operation, only food and beverages that can be handled in the event of a communication failure are sold. Here, food and beverages that can be handled in the event of a communication failure are, for example, single items of food and beverages or food and beverages with few cooking steps, which do not take much time to prepare. This reduces the load on the store and alleviates disadvantages to customers (such as waiting for service). In other words, when offline operation is performed, customers can only order food and beverages that correspond to the store's cooking capacity, reducing confusion in the kitchen and, as a result, minimizing the impact of making customers wait. The ordering device 10 can be switched to offline operation manually, for example, by a store clerk. Specifically, first, a plurality of menu screens corresponding to a plurality of patterns of food and drink that can be ordered are prepared. The menu screen switching method is one of the following two switching methods. The first switching method is a method in which the store clerk selects one menu screen from the plurality of menu screens described above on the store clerk-only screen. The second switching method is a method in which the appropriate menu screen is automatically selected from the multiple menu screens by the waiter selecting answers to several questions on the waiter-only screen. Here, possible questions include, "How many waiters can concentrate on cooking?" and "What categories of food and drink can be cooked?"

[0040] [Functional configuration of the ordering device] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the ordering device 10 in the ordering system 1 of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the ordering device 10 includes a control unit 11, a memory unit 12, an operation and display unit 13, a communication unit 14, a printing unit 15, a code reader 16, a payment terminal 17, a banknote processing unit 18, and a coin processing unit 19.

[0041] The control unit 11 controls the entire device and will be described in detail later. The memory unit 12 stores data and the like. The memory unit 12 may be, for example, a storage device such as a semiconductor memory. The memory unit 12 stores address information of the management server 20 and store identification information that identifies a store. The memory unit 12 also stores whether the mode of the ordering device 10 is set to a mode for online operation (hereinafter referred to as "online mode") or a mode for offline operation (hereinafter referred to as "offline mode"). Furthermore, the memory unit 12 stores information on products and services that can be provided at the store when set to online mode, and information on products and services that can be provided at the store when set to offline mode. The operation display unit 13 has already been described with reference to FIG. 1, so a description thereof will be omitted here. The communication unit 14 is a communication interface used for communication with the management server 20 and the like. The printing unit 15, code reader 16, payment terminal 17, banknote handling unit 18, and coin handling unit 19 have already been described with reference to FIG. 1, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0042] The control unit 11 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown), a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown), and a RAM (Random Access Memory) (not shown). The ROM stores a basic program (operating system) executed by the CPU, various settings, etc. The CPU uses the RAM as a working area and executes application programs read from the ROM or the storage unit 12. The control unit 11 includes a reception unit 111, a receiving unit 112, a transmission unit 113, a print control unit 114, a display control unit 115, and a switching unit .

[0043] The reception unit 111 receives information from a customer. Specifically, when a customer touches an order button displayed on the operation display unit 13, the reception unit 111 receives an order for a product or service related to the order button. For example, when a customer presses the eat and drink button 131 (see FIG. 1), the reception unit 111 receives an order for the food or beverage product shown in the image displayed on the eat and drink button 131. In this case, the reception unit 111 is an example of a reception unit that receives an order for a product or service from a customer.

[0044] Furthermore, when a store clerk inputs a mode switching instruction to switch the mode of the ordering device 10 between online mode and offline mode using a predetermined instruction means, the reception unit 111 accepts this mode switching instruction. Here, the predetermined instruction means may be an operation input screen for switching modes that is displayed on the operation display unit 13. Alternatively, the predetermined instruction means may be a physical button for switching modes. However, it is preferable that the physical button be covered with a cover that can only be locked and unlocked by the store clerk so that customers cannot operate it.

[0045] The receiving unit 112 receives information from the management server 20 .

[0046] The transmitting unit 113 transmits information to the management server 20 . Specifically, when a customer orders a product or service and completes payment, the transmitting unit 113 transmits order information corresponding to the order received by the receiving unit 111 to the management server 20 if the ordering device 10 is in online mode. As a result, the order information is transmitted to the display control unit 312 (see FIG. 7) or the transmitting unit 313 (see FIG. 7) of the store terminal 30. In this case, the transmitting unit 113 is an example of an output unit that outputs order information corresponding to the order received by the receiving unit. Furthermore, the transmitting unit 113 is an example of an output unit that has a first output method for transmitting the order information to the notification unit via a network.

[0047] Furthermore, even if a customer orders a product or service and payment is completed, if the ordering device 10 is in offline mode, the transmitting unit 113 does not transmit order information corresponding to the order received by the receiving unit 111 to the management server 20. As a result, the order information is not transmitted to the display control unit 312 (see FIG. 7) or the transmitting unit 313 (see FIG. 7) of the store terminal 30. Furthermore, the transmitting unit 113 is an example of an output unit that does not transmit order information to a notification unit via a network.

[0048] Here, the order information may include identification information such as the name of the product or service ordered by the customer and the quantity, but may not include the price of the product or service.

[0049] The print control unit 114 controls the print unit 15 to print information. Specifically, when a customer orders a product or service and completes payment, the printing control unit 114 controls the printing unit 15 to print information on a receipt, whether the ordering device 10 is in online mode or offline mode. As described above, a receipt is a paper medium given to a customer to prove that they have ordered and paid for a product or service. For example, the name, quantity, price, etc. of the product or service are printed on the receipt.

[0050] Furthermore, when a customer orders a product or service and completes payment, if the ordering device 10 is in offline mode, the printing control unit 114 controls the printing unit 15 to print order information corresponding to the order accepted by the acceptance unit 111 on a paper medium. In this case, the printing control unit 114 is an example of an output unit that outputs order information corresponding to the order accepted by the acceptance unit. The printing control unit 114 is also an example of an output unit that has a second output method for printing order information on a paper medium.

[0051] For example, in the ordering device 10 of the first aspect, the printing control unit 114 controls the printing unit 15 to print order information corresponding to the order accepted by the reception unit 111 on an order slip that is different from a receipt. Here, an order slip is a paper medium used to communicate the order details to a store clerk. Alternatively, the printing control unit 114 may control the printing unit 15 to print order information corresponding to the order accepted by the reception unit 111 on a receipt. In this case, the printing control unit 114 is an example of an output unit that prints order information on a paper medium, such as a receipt or an order slip that is different from this receipt, that is given to a customer to prove that the customer has ordered and paid for a product or service, in the second output method.

[0052] In the ordering device 10 of the second aspect, the printing control unit 114 controls the printing unit 15 to print a code including order information corresponding to the order accepted by the reception unit 111 on a receipt. Alternatively, the printing control unit 114 may control the printing unit 15 to print a code including order information corresponding to the order accepted by the reception unit 111 on an order form other than a receipt. Here, the code may be a barcode or a two-dimensional code. The code may include, for example, the processing date and time, a receipt number, product or service identification information and quantity, payment information, etc. The receipt number may also include the device number of the ordering device 10 that processed the order. In this case, the printing control unit 114 is an example of an output unit that prints a code including order information on a paper medium, such as a receipt or an order form other than a receipt, given to a customer to prove that the customer has ordered and paid for a product or service.

[0053] The display control unit 115 controls the operation display unit 13 to display information. Specifically, the display control unit 115 displays order buttons for products and services that can be provided at the store on the operation display unit 13. Fig. 1 shows an example in which the display control unit 115 displays, on the operation display unit 13, an order button, as an example of an order button, a food and drink button 131 that displays an image of a food or drink item that the restaurant can provide to customers. In particular, when the ordering device 10 is in the online mode, the display control unit 115 controls the operation display unit 13 to display a menu screen (hereinafter referred to as the "online menu screen") containing products and services that can be ordered by customers in the online mode. On the other hand, when the ordering device 10 is in the offline mode, the display control unit 115 controls the operation display unit 13 to display a menu screen (hereinafter referred to as the "offline menu screen") containing products and services that can be ordered by customers in the offline mode.

[0054] Furthermore, when a customer orders a product or service and completes payment, the display control unit 115 controls the operation display unit 13 to display order information corresponding to the order if the ordering device 10 is in offline mode. In this case, the display control unit 115 is an example of an output unit that outputs order information corresponding to the order accepted by the acceptance unit 111. Furthermore, the display control unit 115 is an example of an output unit that has a second output method for displaying order information on the screen of the ordering device 10.

[0055] For example, in the ordering device 10 of the first embodiment, the display control unit 115 controls the operation display unit 13 to display order information corresponding to the order accepted by the acceptance unit 111.

[0056] Furthermore, in the ordering device 10 of the second aspect, the display control unit 115 controls the operation display unit 13 to display a code including order information corresponding to the order accepted by the accepting unit 111. Here, the code may be a barcode or a two-dimensional code. The code may include, for example, the processing date and time, a receipt number, identification information and quantity of the product or service, payment information, etc. Furthermore, it is preferable that the receipt number includes the device number of the ordering device 10 that processed the order. In this case, the display control unit 115 is an example of an output unit that displays a code including the order information on the screen of the ordering device in the second output method.

[0057] The switching unit 116 switches the mode of the ordering device 10. Specifically, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the switching unit 116 switches the mode of the ordering device 10 between the online mode and the offline mode. At that time, the switching unit 116 may store the mode of the ordering device 10 in the storage unit 12.

[0058] As a result, switching unit 116 switches between sending the order information to management server 20 and printing the order information on a paper medium by printing unit 15 or displaying it on operation display unit 13 without sending it to management server 20. In this case, switching unit 116 is an example of a switching unit that can switch the method of outputting the order information by the output unit. Also, switching unit 116 is an example of a switching unit that can switch the method of outputting the order information by the output unit between a first output method and a second output method according to a predetermined condition.

[0059] For example, when a store clerk issues a mode switching instruction on the operation / display unit 13 and the reception unit 111 receives the mode switching instruction, the switching unit 116 may switch the mode of the ordering device 10 in accordance with the mode switching instruction. Here, the mode switching instruction may be an instruction to switch from online mode to offline mode, or an instruction to switch from offline mode to online mode. In this case, the predetermined condition is whether or not the store clerk has instructed the output unit to switch the output method of the order information, and the switching unit 116 is an example of a switching unit that switches the output method in accordance with an instruction when the store clerk uses a predetermined instruction means to instruct the output unit to switch the output method of the order information.

[0060] Alternatively, the switching unit 116 may automatically detect a communication failure, and if a communication failure occurs, switch the mode of the ordering device 10 from online mode to offline mode. In this case, the above-mentioned predetermined condition is whether the output unit is in a state where it can output the order information via a network, and the switching unit 116 is an example of a switching unit that switches the method of outputting the order information by the output unit from the first output method to the second output method when the output unit is not in a state where it can output the order information.

[0061] Furthermore, the switching unit 116 switches between displaying an online menu screen and displaying an offline menu screen on the operation display unit 13. In this case, the switching unit 116 is an example of a switching unit that switches products or services that a customer can order depending on whether the method of outputting the order information by the output unit is the first output method or the second output method.

[0062] The switching unit 116 may be configured to switch the mode of the ordering device 10 or to notify a store clerk that the mode has been switched.

[0063] [Management Server Functionality Configuration] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the management server 20 in the ordering system 1 of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the management server 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a display unit 23, an operation unit 24, and a communication unit 25.

[0064] The control unit 21 controls the entire device and will be described in detail later. The storage unit 22 stores data, etc. The storage unit 22 may be, for example, a semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive (HDD), etc. The storage unit 22 stores identification information, quantities, etc. of products and services ordered by the ordering device 10 of this store in association with store identification information. The display unit 23 displays an operation acceptance screen and images. The display unit 23 may be, for example, a display device that displays still images, moving images, etc. Alternatively, the display unit 23 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The operation unit 24 receives input operations from the user and may be, for example, a button, a switch, or a touch panel. The communication unit 25 communicates with the ordering device 10 and the store terminal 30. The communication unit 25 may be, for example, a communication interface.

[0065] The control unit 21 is composed of a CPU (not shown), a ROM (not shown), and a RAM (not shown). The control unit 21 includes a receiving unit 211 , a memory control unit 212 , and a transmitting unit 213 .

[0066] The receiving unit 211 receives the order information from the ordering device 10. When the receiving unit 211 receives order information from the ordering device 10, the storage control unit 212 associates this order information with store identification information and stores the order information in the storage unit 22. The store identification information may be included in the order information transmitted by the ordering device 10 to the receiving unit 211, or may be transmitted from the ordering device 10 to the receiving unit 211 as information accompanying the order information. Alternatively, the storage unit 22 may store the store identification information in advance. In this case, the storage control unit 212 can store the order information received by the receiving unit 211 from the ordering device 10 in the storage unit 22 in association with the store identification information stored in the storage unit 22. The transmitting unit 213 transmits the order information received by the receiving unit 211 to the store terminal 30. For example, the transmitting unit 213 transmits the name and quantity of the ordered product or service received by the receiving unit 211 to the store terminal 30 installed in the store where the order was placed.

[0067] [Store terminal functional configuration] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the store terminal 30 in the ordering system 1 of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the store terminal 30 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a display unit 33, an operation unit 34, and a communication unit 35.

[0068] The control unit 31 controls the entire device and will be described in detail later. The storage unit 32 stores data, etc. The storage unit 32 may be, for example, a semiconductor memory, a HDD, etc. The storage unit 32 stores the names and ordered quantities of products and services ordered by the ordering device 10 installed in the store where the store terminal 30 is installed. The display unit 33 displays an operation acceptance screen and images. The display unit 33 may be, for example, a display device that displays still images, moving images, etc. Alternatively, the display unit 33 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The operation unit 34 receives input operations from the user and may be, for example, a button, a switch, or a touch panel. The communication unit 35 communicates with the management server 20. The communication unit 35 may be, for example, a communication interface.

[0069] The control unit 31 is composed of a CPU (not shown), a ROM (not shown), and a RAM (not shown). The control unit 31 includes a receiving unit 311 , a display control unit 312 , and a transmitting unit 313 . The receiving unit 311 receives order information from the management server 20. When the reading device 50 (see FIG. 1) reads the order information from a code printed on a receipt or order slip or a code displayed on the operation display unit 13 of the ordering device 10, the receiving unit 311 receives the order information from the reading device 50. The reading device 50 is an example of a reading unit that reads the order information from a code. The display control unit 312 controls the display unit 33 to display the order information received by the receiving unit 311. The display control unit 312 is an example of a notification unit that receives the order information output by the output unit via a network and notifies a store clerk of the order information. The store terminal 30 is an example of a notification unit that notifies a store clerk of the order information read by the reading unit. The transmitting unit 313 transmits the order information received by the receiving unit 311 to the printing device 40 (see FIG. 1). The transmitting unit 313 is an example of a notification unit that receives the order information output by the output unit via a network and notifies the store clerk of the order information. The printing device 40 is an example of a notification unit that notifies the store clerk of the order information read by the reading unit.

[0070] [Example of operation of the ordering system according to the first embodiment] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ordering device 10 in the ordering system 1 according to the first aspect of the present embodiment.

[0071] As shown in the figure, in the ordering device 10, first, the reception unit 111 determines whether or not a mode switching instruction has been received from a customer (step 101). If it is determined in step 101 that a mode switching instruction has been received, the switching unit 116 rewrites the mode of the ordering device 10 stored in the storage unit 12 in response to the mode switching instruction (step 102), and the process proceeds to step 103. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 101 that a mode switching instruction has not been received, the switching unit 116 proceeds to step 103 without rewriting the mode of the ordering device 10 stored in the storage unit 12.

[0072] The display control unit 115 determines whether the mode of the ordering device 10 stored in the storage unit 12 is the online mode or the offline mode (step 103). Assume that it is determined in step 103 that the mode of the ordering device 10 is the online mode. In this case, the display control unit 115 displays an online menu screen including a menu of products and services that can be provided in the online mode on the operation display unit 13 (step 104), and the process proceeds to step 106. On the other hand, suppose that it is determined in step 103 that the mode of the ordering device 10 is the offline mode. In this case, the display control unit 115 displays an offline menu screen including a menu of products and services that can be provided in the offline mode on the operation display unit 13 (step 105), and the process proceeds to step 106.

[0073] Thereafter, the reception unit 111 receives an order for a product or service from the customer on the menu screen displayed on the operation display unit 13 (step 106).

[0074] Then, the print control unit 114 and the transmission unit 113 determine whether the mode of the ordering device 10 stored in the storage unit 12 is the online mode or the offline mode (step 107). Alternatively, the display control unit 115 may determine whether the mode of the ordering device 10 stored in the storage unit 12 is the online mode or the offline mode. Assume that the ordering device 10 is determined to be in online mode in step 107. In this case, the printing control unit 114 causes the printing unit 15 to print a receipt, and the transmission unit 113 transmits the order information corresponding to the order accepted in step 106 to the management server 20 via the network 80 (step 108). Assume that it is determined in step 107 that the ordering device 10 is in offline mode. In this case, the printing control unit 114 causes the printing unit 15 to output a receipt and an order form on which the order information corresponding to the order accepted in step 106 is printed (step 109). Here, the printing control unit 114 may cause the printing unit 15 to output a receipt on which the order information corresponding to the order accepted in step 106 is printed. Alternatively, the display control unit 115 may display the order information corresponding to the order accepted in step 106 on the operation display unit 13.

[0075] [Example of operation of the ordering system according to the second embodiment] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ordering device 10 in the ordering system 1 according to the second aspect of the present embodiment.

[0076] Steps 151 to 156 are the same as steps 101 to 106 in FIG. 8, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. When an order for a product or service is accepted from a customer in step 156, the print control unit 114 and the transmission unit 113 determine whether the mode of the ordering device 10 stored in the memory unit 12 is the online mode or the offline mode (step 157). Alternatively, the display control unit 115 may determine whether the mode of the ordering device 10 stored in the memory unit 12 is the online mode or the offline mode. Assume that the ordering device 10 is determined to be in online mode in step 157. In this case, the printing control unit 114 causes the printing unit 15 to print a receipt, and the transmission unit 113 transmits the order information corresponding to the order accepted in step 156 to the management server 20 via the network 80 (step 158). Assume that it is determined in step 157 that the ordering device 10 is in offline mode. In this case, the printing control unit 114 causes the printing unit 15 to output a receipt on which a code containing order information corresponding to the order accepted in step 156 is printed (step 159). Here, the printing control unit 114 may cause the printing unit 15 to output a receipt and an order form on which a code containing order information corresponding to the order accepted in step 156 is printed. Alternatively, the display control unit 115 may display on the operation display unit 13 a code containing order information corresponding to the order accepted in step 156.

[0077] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the store terminal 30 in the ordering system 1 according to the second aspect of the present embodiment.

[0078] 9, if it is determined in step 157 that the mode of the ordering device 10 is the online mode, the ordering device 10 transmits the order information to the management server 20 in step 158. As a result, the management server 20 transmits the order information to the store terminal 30. Then, in the store terminal 30, the receiving unit 311 determines whether or not the order information has been received from the management server 20 (step 301). If it is determined in step 301 that order information has been received from the management server 20, the display control unit 312 displays the order information on the display unit 33, or the transmission unit 313 transmits the order information to the printing device 40 to print it (step 303). If it is determined in step 301 that the order information has not been received from the management server 20 , the receiving unit 311 advances the process to step 302 .

[0079] 9, if it is determined in step 157 that the ordering device 10 is in offline mode, the ordering device 10 outputs a code including the order information in step 159. This causes the reading device 50 to read the order information from the code and transmit the order information to the store terminal 30. Then, in the store terminal 30, the receiving unit 311 determines whether or not the order information has been received from the reading device 50 (step 302). If it is determined in step 302 that the order information has been received from the reading device 50, the display control unit 312 displays the order information on the display unit 33, or the transmission unit 313 transmits the order information to the printing device 40 to print it (step 303). If it is determined in step 302 that the order information has not been received from the reading device 50 , the receiving unit 311 returns the process to step 301 .

[0080] [Variations] Although not mentioned above, this embodiment may be applied to a food court that includes online-enabled stores and non-online-enabled stores. In this case, in online-enabled stores, the ordering device 10 communicates the order information to the staff by sending it to the store terminal 30 via the network 80, and in non-online-enabled stores, the ordering device 10 communicates the order information to the staff by printing it on an order slip or the like.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above, a communication failure caused by the network 80 is assumed, but a communication failure may also occur due to the ordering device 10. In that case, even if there is a normal ordering device 10 among the multiple ordering devices 10 installed in one store, all of the multiple ordering devices 10 may be uniformly changed to offline operation.

[0082] Furthermore, although not mentioned above, any one of the multiple ordering devices 10 installed in one store may be the parent device. Then, through parent-child communication between the multiple ordering devices 10, a serial receipt number may be printed, or one of the multiple ordering devices 10 may collectively transmit sales information of the multiple ordering devices 10 to the management server 20.

[0083] Furthermore, although the above description assumes that this embodiment is applied to an operation in which customers receive food and drink at a counter, this is not limited to this. This embodiment can also be applied to an operation in which a waiter delivers food and drink to the customer's seat.

[0084] [summary] In this embodiment, during offline operation, instead of the ordering device 10 transmitting order information to the store terminal 30 via the network 80 and communicating it to the store clerk, the ordering device 10 prints the order information on an order slip or the like to communicate it to the store clerk. This makes it possible to prevent the time it takes to provide products or services from becoming too long, and to prevent missed orders, mistakes, and missed deliveries, even during offline operation. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the menu screen displayed on the ordering device 10 during offline operation is different from the menu screen displayed on the ordering device 10 during online operation. This allows customers to order only products and services that are within the store's capacity during offline operation, reducing confusion in the store and, as a result, minimizing the impact of making customers wait. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1... ordering system, 10... ordering device, 11... control unit, 13... operation display unit, 20... management server, 30... store terminal, 40... printing device, 50... reading device, 111... reception unit, 113, 313... transmission unit, 114... printing control unit, 115, 312... display control unit, 116... switching unit

Claims

1. an ordering device having a reception unit that receives orders for products or services from customers, an output unit that outputs order information corresponding to the orders received by the reception unit, and a switching unit that can switch the method of outputting the order information by the output unit; an information processing device having a notification unit that receives the order information output by the output unit via a network and notifies a store clerk of the order information; Equipped with the output unit has a first output method of transmitting the order information to the notification unit via the network, and a second output method of printing the order information on a paper medium or displaying it on a screen of the ordering device without transmitting the order information to the notification unit via the network, the switching unit is capable of switching the method of outputting the order information by the output unit between the first output method and the second output method according to a predetermined condition. Ordering system.

2. The ordering system of claim 1 , wherein the order information includes the identification and quantity of the product or service ordered by the customer, but does not include the cost of the product or service.

3. the predetermined condition is whether or not a store clerk has instructed the output unit to switch the output method of the order information; When the store clerk uses a predetermined instruction means to instruct the output unit to switch the output method of the order information, the switching unit switches the output method in response to the instruction. The ordering system of claim 1 .

4. the predetermined condition is whether the output unit is in a state where it can output the order information via the network; the switching unit switches the method of outputting the order information by the output unit from the first output method to the second output method when the output unit is not in the output-enabled state. The ordering system of claim 1 .

5. 5. The ordering system according to claim 1, wherein in the second output method, the output unit prints the order information on the paper medium, that is, a receipt or an order form different from the receipt, which is given to the customer to prove that the customer has ordered and paid for the product or service.

6. In the second output method, the output unit prints, as the paper medium, a code including the order information on a receipt or an order form different from the receipt, which is given to the customer to prove that the customer has ordered and paid for the product or service, and a reading unit that reads the order information from the code; a notification unit that notifies the store clerk of the order information read by the reading unit; The ordering system according to claim 1 , further comprising:

7. In the second output method, the output unit displays a code including the order information on a screen of the ordering device, a reading unit that reads the order information from the code; a notification unit that notifies the store clerk of the order information read by the reading unit; The ordering system according to claim 1 , further comprising:

8. 5. The ordering system according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit switches the products or services that the customer can order depending on whether the output method of the order information by the output unit is the first output method or the second output method.

9. a reception unit that receives orders for products or services from customers; an output unit that outputs order information corresponding to the order accepted by the accepting unit; a switching unit that can switch an output method of the order information by the output unit; Equipped with the output unit has a first output method of transmitting the order information to an information processing device via a network in order to notify a store clerk of the order information, and a second output method of printing the order information on a paper medium or displaying it on a screen of the information processing device without transmitting the order information to the information processing device via the network, the switching unit is capable of switching the method of outputting the order information by the output unit between the first output method and the second output method according to a predetermined condition. Ordering device.

10. In an ordering system including an ordering device and an information processing device, a step in which a reception unit of the ordering device receives an order for a product or service from a customer; an output unit of the ordering device outputting order information corresponding to the order accepted by the accepting unit; a step of switching an output method of the order information by the output unit by a switching unit of the ordering device; a notification unit of the information processing device receiving the order information output by the output unit via a network and notifying a store clerk of the order information; Including, the output unit has a first output method of transmitting the order information to the notification unit via the network, and a second output method of printing the order information on a paper medium or displaying it on a screen of the ordering device without transmitting the order information to the notification unit via the network, the switching unit is capable of switching the method of outputting the order information by the output unit between the first output method and the second output method according to a predetermined condition. How to order:

11. Computer, a reception unit that receives orders for products or services from customers; an output unit that outputs order information corresponding to the order accepted by the accepting unit; a switching unit that can switch an output method of the order information by the output unit; and make it work, the output unit has a first output method of transmitting the order information to an information processing device via a network to notify a store clerk of the order information, and a second output method of printing the order information on a paper medium or displaying it on a screen of the computer without transmitting the order information to the information processing device via the network, the switching unit is capable of switching the method of outputting the order information by the output unit between the first output method and the second output method according to a predetermined condition. program.

Images