Food and drink information providing device

Abstract

To provide a food and drink information providing device that can eliminate concerns about deterioration of material of food and drink and increase per-customer spending in a store.SOLUTION: A food and drink information providing device 2 is used in a restaurant, and has: a display 3 that extends in a longitudinal direction along customers' seats; and an operation unit 25 that is connected to the display 3 and stores identification information specifying an eating-and-drinking-customer, attribute information of the eating-and-drinking-customer, and area information defining an area in the display 3 in association with each other. The operation unit 25 displays image data 30 of food and drinks in circulation on the display 3, and refers to the area information to display, while changing, the image data 30 of specific food and drinks, in the area in the display 3, according to the attribute information associated with the identification information identifying the eating-and-drinking customer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a food and drink information providing device installed in a restaurant. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, labor-saving restaurants, such as conveyor belt sushi restaurants, typically use a system in which actual food and drink circulates on a circular conveyor path, and customers select and eat the food and drink that is circulating. However, when actual food and drink is conveyed on a conventional circular conveyor path, the ingredients of the conveyed food and drink deteriorate over time, and food and drink that customers do not select is discarded without being eaten, resulting in cost losses. For this reason, in recent years, a system has become mainstream in which customers order food and drink from the kitchen using an ordering device located at the customer's seat, and the ordered food and drink is delivered directly to the customer's seat on the ordering conveyor path (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-185326 A (page 7, Figure 2) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] By providing an order conveying path as in Patent Document 1, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of food and drink waste. For example, in the case of a conveyor belt sushi restaurant, as the name suggests, food and drink are circulated on a circular conveying path, which has the effect of promoting the food and drink, encouraging consumers to purchase, and is expected to have the effect of increasing the average customer spending. However, when customers order food and drink from the dining area to the kitchen using an ordering device as in Patent Document 1, there is a problem in that the effect of increasing the average customer spending cannot be expected.

[0005] To solve such problems, the present invention aims to provide a food and drink information providing device that eliminates the need to worry about deterioration of food and drink ingredients and can increase the average customer spending in a store. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the food and drink information providing device of the present invention comprises: A food and drink information providing device used in a restaurant, The system has a display unit arranged longitudinally along the seating area, and a calculation unit connected to the display unit, which stores identification information for identifying diners, attribute information for the diners, and area information for defining the areas on the display unit in association with each other, The calculation unit is characterized by cyclically displaying image data of food and drink on the display unit, and by referring to the area information, changing and displaying image data of specific food and drink in the area on the display unit according to the attribute information associated with identification information that identifies the customer. According to this feature, by circulating image data of food and beverages on the display units that are lined up in the left-right direction along the customer seats, it is possible to eliminate losses such as deterioration of food and beverage ingredients and disposal while maintaining the effect of increasing the average customer spending. Also, the image data of food and beverages can be changed and displayed in areas on the display units according to attribute information associated with identification information that identifies diners. For example, by changing the image data of food and beverages in the corresponding area according to attribute information such as the diners' preferences, allergies, budget, etc., it is possible to encourage diners to make proactive food and beverage selections and increase the average customer spending at the restaurant.

[0007] The calculation unit is characterized by changing the image data of the specific food or drink to an invisible state in the corresponding area on the display unit depending on the attribute information associated with identification information that identifies the customer. According to this feature, image data of specific foods and drinks can be made invisible depending on, for example, the customer's allergies or specific dietary preferences, thereby encouraging them to make active choices about the foods and drinks that can be ordered.

[0008] The calculation unit is characterized by changing the language of the explanatory display of image data of the specific food or drink in the corresponding area on the display unit depending on the attribute information associated with the identification information that identifies the customer. According to this feature, explanatory displays of image data of food and drink can be displayed in the language used by the customer in each area of ​​the display unit, thereby enhancing the sales promotion effect.

[0009] The production unit is characterized by continuously changing the image data of the specific food and drink at the boundary between adjacent areas on the display unit. According to this feature, the image data of a particular food or drink can be changed naturally without interrupting the flow of the cyclical display, and the promotional effect can be further enhanced while maintaining the dramatic effect of the cyclical display.

[0010] The calculation unit refers to the area information and causes the display unit to visually display the boundaries between adjacent areas. According to this feature, it is possible to reliably provide a customer with image data of food and drink that corresponds to the customer's attribute information.

[0011] The calculation unit is characterized in that, based on a selection being made on the image data of the food and beverages that are displayed in a circular manner, it displays an order selection screen on top of the image data of the food and beverages that are displayed in a circular manner in the area of ​​the display unit where the selection was made. According to this feature, the order selection screen can be displayed without interrupting the cyclical display of image data of food and drink being offered to other diners.

[0012] The calculation unit is characterized in that, based on a selection being made on the image data of the food and drink that is displayed in a cyclical manner, it performs a masking process on the image data of the food and drink that is displayed in a cyclical manner in the area of ​​the display unit where the selection was made, and displays the order selection screen on the mask. According to this feature, by masking the image data of the food and drink that is displayed in a cyclical manner, the order selection screen displayed above it can be made easier to see. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a top view showing an overall image of a food and drink conveying device equipped with a food and drink information providing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a display unit. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are perspective views illustrating operations of a display unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an information providing device. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure for selecting and ordering food and drink. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a selection screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an order screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the area of ​​the display unit. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are front views showing changes in the explanatory display of image data of food and drink between adjacent regions. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view showing an attribute information setting screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating a change process for hiding image data of the target food and drink. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a replacement change process for replacing image data of the target food and drink. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are perspective views illustrating the operation of a display unit and a display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A food and drink information providing device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the following examples. [Example]

[0015] A food and drink information providing device according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 12. Reference numeral 1 in Figure 1 denotes a food and drink conveying device that conveys food and drink such as sushi. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, this food and drink conveying device 1 is provided in a restaurant such as a conveyor belt sushi restaurant with a support platform that extends from a kitchen C where a chef prepares food and drink and an interior K where diners eat and drink, and as shown in Figure 2, is a device that conveys plates 22 on which food and drink 20 prepared by the chef is placed to diners who have placed orders in the restaurant, thereby providing the food and drink 20.

[0016] The food and beverage conveying device 1 has three islands 4 (4a, 4b, 4c) extending parallel to the restaurant interior K. Surrounding the islands 4a, 4b, and 4c are a dining counter 5 and dining tables 6, which serve as seating areas, and dining seats 7 where customers sit at the dining counter 5 and dining tables 6. As shown in FIG. 2, the island 4 is a housing equipped with an order conveying path 21 (described below). A display device 3 (display unit) surrounds the island 4, except for the base end facing the kitchen C. The display device 3 may be formed as a continuous, long, integrated unit using organic electroluminescence (EL) or the like, or it may be physically configured as multiple adjacent displays, creating a virtual, continuous, long display device for computational purposes. When this configuration is adopted, there may be a slight delay between adjacent displays in the image data 30 of food and beverages displayed in a circular display (described below).

[0017] The display device 3 displays image data 30 of food and drink in a cyclical manner (see Figure 2), and is capable of detecting customer selections from the image data 30 of food and drink that are being displayed in a cyclical manner, and data such as the selected food and drink and seat number is sent to the kitchen C.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, the display device 3 is capable of being operated using a capacitive touch panel, and the image data 30 of the food and drink displayed in a cyclical manner is constantly linked to a code representing the type of food and drink by a computer (calculation unit 25) described later (food and drink selection means).

[0019] Above each of the island sections 4a, 4b, and 4c in Fig. 1, there is arranged an order conveying path 21 for conveying plates 22 carrying food and drink 20 ordered by customers from the kitchen C to customers seated on eating and drinking seats 7 arranged in front of and behind each of the island sections 4a, 4b, and 4c (see Fig. 2). The order conveying path 21 in each of the island sections 4a, 4b, and 4c has the same configuration, and furthermore, the order conveying path 21 has the same configuration at the front and rear, so in this embodiment only one side of the order conveying path 21 in the island section 4a will be described.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, order conveying path 21 is arranged directly above display device 3, stretching from kitchen C to the ends of island sections 4a, 4b, and 4c. On order conveying path 21, there are arranged conveying trays 23 that travel with plates 22 on which food and drink 20 are placed, and a drive unit (not shown) for driving conveying trays 23 along approximately the entire length of order conveying path 21. Note that the order conveying path is not limited to a configuration for conveying conveying trays, and may also be configured to have, for example, a high-speed belt that directly conveys plates 22.

[0021] 4, the information providing device 2 of the present invention is mainly composed of a display device 3, a calculation unit 25, an image database 26 in which data such as image data of food and drink is recorded, a selection database 27, a food and drink information database 28, an order database 29, and a cash register terminal. In this embodiment, the calculation unit 25, the image database 26, the selection database 27, and the food and drink information database 28 are all built into a computer installed on the kitchen C side.

[0022] In this embodiment, the longitudinal end of the display device 3 in island portion 4a is continuous with the longitudinal start of the display device 3 in island portion 4b in terms of arithmetic processing, the longitudinal end of the display device 3 in island portion 4b is continuous with the longitudinal start of the display device 3 in island portion 4c in terms of arithmetic processing, and the longitudinal end of the display device 3 in island portion 4c is continuous with the longitudinal start of the display device 3 in island portion 4a in terms of arithmetic processing. In other words, food and drink image data 30 is continuously and cyclically displayed on all display devices 3 in store K. Note that separate food and drink image data 30 may be cyclically displayed on the display device 3 in island portion 4a, the display device 3 in island portion 4b, and the display device 3 in island portion 4c. In other words, the continuous food and drink image data 30 cyclically displayed is not limited to one for the entire store.

[0023] Using a display screen and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse of a computer installed in kitchen C (not shown here), a restaurant employee can select and determine the type of image data of food and drink to be displayed on display device 3 as appropriate, and the arrangement of the image data of food and drink. Once the arrangement of the image data of food and drink has been determined, calculation unit 25 refers to image database 26 and causes display device 3 to display the image data of food and drink in the determined arrangement.

[0024] The food and drink image data 30 is three-dimensional image data, and on the display device 3, it is moved in one direction with rotation in the horizontal direction based on the plane of the plate, so that detailed information about the food and drink can be provided to diners that cannot be provided by a photograph taken from one direction. Note that the food and drink image data 30 may also be two-dimensional photographic data.

[0025] Next, the procedure from selecting food and drink and ordering to serving will be explained using Figures 3 to 7. In this embodiment, the explanation will be given taking the seat number C-2 as an example of a customer selecting food and drink.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, when a customer selects food or drink by operating the touch panel of display device 3 (see S1 in FIG. 5), information about the position on the screen where the customer's fingertip touches is transmitted to calculation unit 25 (see S2 in FIG. 5). Calculation unit 25 associates the information about the position on the screen where the customer's fingertip touched with area information about the area where the selection was made. The area information includes a seat number (here, C-2) and information indicating the extent of the area on display device 3, such as coordinate information about both ends in the longitudinal direction. Calculation unit 25 also manages a group of one or more customers identified by their seat number as identification information that identifies the customer as a unit for managing orders, which is seat number C-2 in this case.

[0027] 4 and 5, the calculation unit 25 reads image data of food and drink corresponding to a code indicating the type of food and drink linked to data such as on-screen position information received from the display device 3, from the selection database 27, and creates selection data (see S3 in FIG. 5). Then, based on the created selection data, the calculation unit 25 displays a selection screen 32 in an area on the display device 3 located in front of the customer (C-2) who placed the order (see S4 in FIG. 5). At this time, the calculation unit 25 performs mask processing 31 within a predetermined range on the food and drink image data 30 that is displayed in a cyclical manner in the area of ​​the seat number (C-2) on the display device 3, and displays the selection screen 32 on top of the mask processing 31. Note that the food and drink image data 30 on the display device 3 continues to be displayed in a cyclical manner even while the selection screen 32 is being displayed (see FIG. 6).

[0028] As shown in Figure 6, the selection screen 32 is composed of an image 321 of the selected food or drink, a description of the food or drink, the price, a button 10 for canceling the selection and returning to the original scrolling screen, and a button 11 for proceeding to the order screen. The image 321 of the food or drink is displayed larger than the image data 30 of the other multiple foods and drinks that are displayed in a cyclical manner. At this time, the image 321 of the food or drink that is the same as the selected food or drink is displayed as is on the selection screen 32, so that the image data 30 of the food or drink appears to the customer as if it had stopped in place at the time of selection.

[0029] 5, when the "Proceed to Order Screen" button 11 is pressed (S5), the calculation unit 25 receives a predetermined signal (S6). In response to this, the calculation unit 25 reads the image data, obtains the order history for the seat number (C-2), and creates order data (S9). Then, based on the created order data, the order screen 33 is displayed on the display device 3 (see S10 in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7). Note that if the "Proceed to Order Screen" button 11 is not pressed and the "Back" button 10 is pressed, the selection screen 32 for that area is closed, as shown at S7 and S8 in FIG. 5.

[0030] 7, the order screen 33 displays an image 331 of food and drink, a seat number (C-2) display 13, the current order history 14 for that seat number, the name of the ordered item, the unit price, a quantity selection button 15, the total amount of the order, an order confirmation button 16, and a cancel button 17. After selecting the order quantity using the quantity selection button 15 (see S12 in FIG. 5), the order confirmation button 16 is pressed (see S13 in FIG. 5), and the order details are sent from the display device 3 to the calculation unit 25 (see S14 in FIG. 5). When the cancel button 17 is pressed, the order screen 33 in that area is closed (see S15 and S16 in FIG. 5).

[0031] When the order details are sent from the display device, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the calculation unit 25 sends the received order details to the kitchen display 9 where the chef can confirm them, and also sends the order data to the order database 29 for storage. The order is then received through the ordering operation described above, the chef prepares the food and drink, and the plate 22 on which the food and drink 20 is placed is conveyed from the kitchen C via the order conveying path 21 to the seat number (C-2) where the food and drink has been ordered, completing the series of steps of serving the food and drink. Although not described in detail here, when a payment processing request is made from the display device, the order history is sent from the order database 29 to the cash register terminal.

[0032] In this way, the food and beverage information providing device 2 displays multiple food and beverage image data 30 in a cyclical manner on a display device (display unit) 3 arranged along the customer seating (eating counter 5, dining tables 6, dining seats 7), and includes a food and beverage selection means for detecting a customer's selection from the cyclically displayed food and beverage image data 30 and identifying the food and beverage. When a customer selects a food or beverage using this food and beverage selection means, data about the selected food and beverage is provided to the customer independently of the cyclically displayed food and beverage image data 30. Therefore, because the food and beverage image data 30 is displayed in a cyclical manner on the display device 3 arranged along the customer seating, it is possible to eliminate waste, such as deterioration and disposal of food and beverage ingredients, while at least maintaining the original effect of the circulation. Furthermore, when a customer selects a food or beverage using the food and beverage selection means, data about the selected food and beverage is provided to the customer independently as a selection screen 32, which does not impede the movement of the cyclical display and allows the customer to be provided with sufficient information about the selected food and beverage.

[0033] Furthermore, when a customer selects image data 30 of a food or drink using the food or drink selection means, the image on the display device 3 is displayed in an area directly in front of the customer, either by stopping or slowing down the image, without substantially changing the speed of the cyclical display. Therefore, when a customer selects image data 30 of a food or drink, the content displayed on the display device 3 in the area directly in front of other customers does not change, allowing multiple customers to view and select (i.e., order) food or drink from a single cyclical display on a single display device 3. Furthermore, by displaying data on the image data 30 of the selected food or drink in an image that stops or slows down on the display device 3 directly in front of the customer, customers are given more time to make their selection. Furthermore, a special display device is not required, which reduces the manufacturing cost of the entire device.

[0034] Furthermore, the image data 30 of the food and drink images displayed in a cyclical manner is managed so as to be linked to the area information, and the correspondence between the seat (diner or group of diners) that operates the capacitive touch panel provided on the display device 3 and the code of the selected food and drink can be identified, so information can be accurately provided to the diners sitting in front of the intended area. Note that diners may also be identified by other methods. For example, the location of the diners may be estimated by short-range communication with a smartphone or the like carried by the diners. In this case, the area corresponding to the diners may change as needed. In this case, the identification information for identifying the diners is managed by the calculation unit 25 as the identification information of the diners' smartphones, rather than the seat number.

[0035] Furthermore, if the system is used in a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, for example, customers can see that image data of food and drink is constantly being displayed in a rotating manner on the display devices 3 installed along the seating areas when they look inside the restaurant, making it difficult to perceive a significant difference from the image of a traditional conveyor-belt sushi restaurant.

[0036] The display device also has an attribute input means for inputting attribute information of diners. The attribute information that can be input by this attribute input means is various, and the input methods used for input are also diverse. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a language selection button 40 is displayed within each area of ​​the display device 3. When a diner operates this language selection button 40, information in the selected language is transmitted to the calculation unit 25 along with the seat number (C-2). The calculation unit 25 performs processing to display the cyclically displayed image data 30 of food and drink in the area of ​​the seat number (C-2) in the language selected by the operation.

[0037] The border between adjacent areas is made visible. For example, an inconspicuous boundary line may be displayed along the border, or the border may be made visible by a difference in color or design of the background image 41 of the food and drink image data 30 that is displayed in a cyclical manner. In this embodiment, the border between adjacent areas is indicated by a virtual border line 42 (see FIG. 8).

[0038] Furthermore, based on the received language information, the calculation unit 25 also performs a process to display a translation into the language of the image data 30 of food and drink selected from the area (here, seat number (C-2)), i.e., the order screen 33 (see Figure 7) that is displayed when an order is placed.

[0039] When the information in different languages ​​is used between adjacent regions, the display of the food and drink image data 30 (the image of the food and drink itself and its description) changes across the boundary line 42 between the adjacent regions.

[0040] For example, in Figure 9, in the adjacent seat number (C-3) area, seat number (C-2) area, and seat number (C-1) area, English (customer attribute information) is set in the seat number (C-2) area, and Japanese is set in the seat number (C-3) area and the seat number (C-1) area that sandwich the seat number (C-2) area. The language of the food and drink image data (here, description display 35) changes from Japanese to English across boundary line 42 between the seat number (C-3) area and the seat number (C-2) area. Also, the language of the food and drink image data (here, description display 35) changes back (changes again) from English to Japanese across boundary line 42 between the seat number (C-2) area and the seat number (C-1) area.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 8, a setting button 43 is displayed in each area on the display device 3. When a customer operates the setting button 43, an attribute information setting screen 44 is displayed (see Fig. 10).

[0042] As shown in FIG. 10, the attribute information setting screen 44 displays an allergy item button 441, a health setting button 442, a food philosophy button 443, and a budget button 444, each of which can be selected by the customer.

[0043] When the allergy item button 441 is selected, a screen (not shown) that allows the customer to select an allergy item is displayed, and the allergy information (attribute information) selected by the customer is sent to the calculation unit 25 along with the seat number (e.g., "C-2").

[0044] The calculation unit 25 queries the food and drink information database 28 for the received allergy information, creates a list of foods and drinks that include the allergy information, and associates this list with the seat number (C-2). The foods and drinks in the list are associated with the foods and drinks in the image database 26, and the calculation unit 25 performs a change process to hide the image data 30 of the foods and drinks in the list only within the area of ​​the seat number (C-2) on the display device 3.

[0045] For example, in Figure 11(a), in the area of ​​seat number (C-3), the area of ​​seat number (C-2), and the area of ​​seat number (C-1), which are adjacent to each other, specific allergy information (customer attribute information) is selected in the area of ​​seat number (C-2), while the specific allergy information selected for seat number (C-2) is not selected in the areas of seat number (C-3) and seat number (C-1) that are sandwiched between the area of ​​seat number (C-2). Then, across boundary line 42 between the area of ​​seat number (C-3) and the area of ​​seat number (C-2), the image data of the food and drink (here, "shrimp") 30 in the list described above becomes transparent and disappears. Furthermore, although not shown here, the image data of the same food and drink is displayed (changed) again across boundary line 42 between the area of ​​seat number (C-2) and the area of ​​seat number (C-1).

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11(b), in the area of ​​seat number (C-2) where specific allergy information (customer attribute information) has been selected, the image data of the food and drink in the list may be hidden by being blacked out.

[0047] Furthermore, when the health setting button 442 is selected, a screen (not shown) is displayed that allows the user to set upper limits on intake of, for example, salt or carbohydrates, and this intake information (attribute information) is sent to the calculation unit 25 along with the seat number (for example, "C-2").

[0048] The calculation unit 25 obtains the order history for the seat number (C-2) from the order database 29 and constantly updates the total intake of the ordered foods and drinks. Based on the received intake information, the calculation unit 25 then creates a list of foods and drinks from the food and drink information database 28 that would exceed the intake amount at that time, and associates this list with the seat number (C-2). The foods and drinks in the list are associated with the foods and drinks in the image database 26, and the calculation unit 25 performs a change process (see FIG. 11) to hide the image data 30 of the foods and drinks in the list only within the area of ​​the seat number (C-2) on the display device 3.

[0049] Furthermore, when the food philosophy button 443 is selected, a screen (not shown) is displayed on which food philosophy, including alcohol and seasonings, such as religious or vegetarian diets, can be set, and this food philosophy information (attribute information) is sent to the calculation unit 25 along with the seat number (for example, "C-2").

[0050] The calculation unit 25 queries the food and drink information database 28 for the received food philosophy information, creates a list of foods and drinks that cannot be provided for the food philosophy information, and associates this list with the seat number (C-2). The foods and drinks in the list are associated with the foods and drinks in the image database 26, and the calculation unit 25 performs a change process (see FIG. 11) to hide the image data 30 of the foods and drinks in the list only within the area of ​​the seat number (C-2) on the display.

[0051] Furthermore, when the budget button 444 is selected, a screen (not shown) is displayed that allows the user to preset the maximum payment amount for orders on that day, and the maximum payment amount information (attribute information) is sent to the calculation unit 25 along with the seat number (e.g., "C-2").

[0052] The calculation unit 25 obtains the order history for the seat number (C-2) from the order database 29 and constantly updates the total price of the ordered food and drink. Then, based on the received maximum payment amount information, the calculation unit 25 creates a list of food and drink items from the food and drink information database 28 whose unit price, when added to the current total price, exceeds the maximum payment amount, and associates this list with the seat number (C-2). The food and drink items in the list are associated with the food and drink items in the image database 26, and the calculation unit 25 performs a change process (see FIG. 11) to hide the image data 30 of the food and drink items in the list only within the area of ​​the display for the seat number (C-2).

[0053] In this way, the calculation unit 25 of the food and drink information providing device 2 causes the display device 3 to cyclically display the food and drink image data 30, and also refers to the area information and changes the image data 30 of a specific food and drink in accordance with the attribute information associated with the identification information that identifies the customer, for the area on the display device 3. This allows the food and drink image data 30 to be changed as needed in accordance with the attribute information associated with the identification information that identifies the customer, for the area on the display device 3. For example, by changing the food and drink image data 30 in the corresponding area in accordance with the customer's attribute information such as their preferences, allergies, budget, etc., it is possible to encourage customers to make proactive food and drink selections and increase the average customer spending at the restaurant.

[0054] If the attribute information selected between adjacent areas is different, the image data of the food and drink (the image of the food and drink itself and its explanatory display) in the cyclic image display will change across the boundary between the adjacent areas. Furthermore, if the attribute information selected between adjacent areas is the same, the image data of the food and drink in the cyclic image display will not change across the boundary between the adjacent areas.

[0055] Furthermore, the calculation unit 25, in accordance with the attribute information associated with the identification information that identifies the customer, makes the image data 30 of the specific food or drink invisible in the corresponding area on the display device 3. This makes it possible to make the image data 30 of the specific food or drink invisible in accordance with, for example, the customer's allergies or specific dietary preferences, thereby encouraging the customer to make an active selection of the food or drink that can be ordered.

[0056] Furthermore, in accordance with the attribute information associated with the identification information that identifies the customer, the calculation unit 25 changes the language of the explanatory display 35 of the image data 30 of the specific food and drink for the corresponding area on the display device 3. This allows the explanatory display 35 of the image data 30 of the food and drink to be displayed in the language used by the customer for each area on the display device 3, thereby enhancing the sales promotion effect.

[0057] Furthermore, the calculation unit 25 continuously changes the image data 30 of a specific food or drink at the boundary between adjacent areas on the display device 3, so that the image data 30 of a specific food or drink can be changed naturally without interrupting the flow of the cyclical display, thereby further enhancing the promotional effect while maintaining the dramatic effect of the cyclical display.

[0058] The calculation unit 25 may refer to the area information and visually display the boundaries between adjacent areas on the display device 3. This makes it possible to reliably provide the customer with image data 30 of food and drink that corresponds to the customer's attribute information.

[0059] The calculation unit 25 may perform processing to make a corresponding area on the display device 3 unselectable, rather than making it invisible, in accordance with the attribute information associated with the identification information that identifies the customer.

[0060] Furthermore, the calculation unit 25 may create a list of foods and drinks that cannot be provided according to the attribute information associated with the identification information that identifies the customer, and if the image data 30 of the food or drink that arrives within the corresponding area on the display device 3 is on the list, perform a replacement change process to replace and display the image data 30 of the food or drink with image data 30 of a food or drink that is not on the list. For example, in Figure 12, the display of "shrimp" that has moved from the area of ​​seat number (C-3) on the display to the area of ​​seat number (C-2) on the display has changed to "squid." [Example]

[0061] Second Embodiment Next, an information providing device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Note that the same configuration as in the previous embodiment will be omitted.

[0062] As shown in Figure 13, the food and beverage conveying device 1 is provided with a display device 3 (display unit) on the K side of the store, and is equipped with a food and beverage counter 5 and food and beverage tables 6 where customers can sit on food and beverage seats 7, and individual display devices 8 are provided above each customer seat on the food and beverage counter 5 and each food and beverage table 6.

[0063] Image data 30 of food and drink is displayed in a cyclical manner on the display device 3. When a customer selects food and drink by operating the touch panel of the display device 3, the seat number (C-2) at which the selection was made and the position information on the screen where the fingertip touched are transmitted to the calculation unit 25.

[0064] The calculation unit 25 (see FIG. 4) creates image data of the food and drink corresponding to the code linked to the on-screen position information received from the display device 3, and a selection screen 32 (see FIG. 6) based on the code, and transmits this selection screen 32 to the individual display device 8 corresponding to the seat number for which the order was placed. When the button 11 to proceed to the order screen is pressed, the calculation unit 25 causes the individual display device 8 to display an order screen 33 similar to that shown in FIG. 7.

[0065] In this way, the selection screen 32 and the order screen 33 are temporarily displayed on a display device 8 located near the selected customer, separate from the display device 3 that circulates the image data 30 of the food and drink. Therefore, even when a customer selects food and drink, the display in the area in front of other customers is not displayed. Since the content remains the same, multiple customers can view and select image data 30 of food and drink in the longitudinal direction of one display device 3.

[0066] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention also includes modifications and additions that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

[0067] In this embodiment, the display device 3 is described as cyclically displaying image data 30 of food and drink, but it goes without saying that the "circulation" in this invention is based on the set arrangement information of the image data 30 and does not necessarily refer to a physically endless circulation. Furthermore, the cyclical display is a continuous display of image data 30 across multiple adjacent diners (including seat units and individual units), and for example, the image data 30 may be displayed in an area (display) spanning two adjacent seats at the smallest unit, and the image data 30 may be cyclically displayed in a different timing or in a different arrangement in the area two seats beyond the starting area.

[0068] The display may also be equipped with a display adjustment means for setting and changing the type of food and drink displayed in a cyclical manner, the number of items displayed, and the display location. This allows the store to increase the number of types of food and drink it wants to sell, and to adjust the number of items sold depending on the type of food and drink.

[0069] Furthermore, the display device 3 may be configured to display image data of the selected food and drink together with an explanation of the food and drink. By displaying added value of the selected food and drink, such as its freshness and place of origin, on the display unit, it is possible to enhance sales promotion effects, such as appealing to customers about the safety and quality of the food.

[0070] In this embodiment, it has been explained that when selecting food or drink on the display device 3, the image data 30 of the food or drink is displayed to the customer as if it were frozen in place at the same time as the selection is made, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the selection screen display may be displayed while slowly moving in a circular direction, so that the image data of the food or drink appears to the customer as if it is slowing down at the same time as the selection is made.

[0071] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the selection screen 32 is described as being displayed on a cyclic display with mask processing 31, but the selection screen 32 may be displayed directly on a cyclic display without mask processing.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display effects accompanying the display of the image data 30 of the food and drink are not limited to horizontal rotation, but may be, for example, complex rotations so that the food and drink can be viewed from all directions 360 degrees without displaying the plate.

[0073] In addition, although the display device 3 in this embodiment is a two-dimensional display, a three-dimensional display may be used to enable stereoscopic viewing, and a hologram or the like may be used to display the food and drink in three dimensions in space and circulate it to represent the conventional circular transportation. This allows more detailed information about the appearance of the food and drink to be provided to diners.

[0074] In addition, as a method for diners to select food and drink images, a combination of methods may be used, such as touching the image data of food and drink once to slow down the scrolling speed, and touching it again to stop it in place and display it larger while rotating.

[0075] Furthermore, the display device 3 is designed to allow any food or drink to be selected by operating a capacitive touch panel, but the present invention is not limited to this, and food or drink may also be selected using, for example, an infrared sensor or physical buttons.

[0076] Furthermore, although a food and drink conveying device is used to provide ordered food and drink, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the food and drink may be brought directly to the customer's seat by a waiter without using an order conveying path.

[0077] Furthermore, the image data 30 of food and drink displayed on the display device 3 is not limited to sushi, but may be, for example, meat, drink, etc.

[0078] Furthermore, orders by diners are not limited to selection of food and drink by operating the touch panel of the display device 3, but may also be made by voice recognition, for example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1 Food and beverage conveying equipment 2 Information provision device 3 Display device (display unit) 8 Display device 9 Kitchen Display 10 Back button 11 Proceed to order screen button 12 Image data 13 Seat number display 14 Order History 15 Quantity selection button 16 Order confirmation button 17 Cancel button 20 Food and Drinks 21 Order transport route 23 Transport tray 25 Arithmetic section 26 Image Database 27 Selected Databases 28 Food and Drink Information Database 30 Food and drink image data 31 Mask processing 32 Selection screen 33 Order screen 35 Explanation display 40 Language selection button 41 background images 42 Borderline 43 Settings button 44 Attribute information setting screen 441 Allergy Item Button 442 Health Settings Button 443 Thought Button 444 Budget Button

Claims

1. A food and drink information providing device used in a restaurant, The system has a display unit arranged longitudinally along the seating area, and a calculation unit connected to the display unit, which stores identification information for identifying diners, attribute information for the diners, and area information for defining the areas on the display unit in association with each other, The calculation unit causes the display unit to cyclically display image data of the food and beverages, and by referring to the area information, changes and displays image data of specific food and beverages in the area on the display unit according to the attribute information associated with identification information that identifies the customer.This is a food and beverage information providing device characterized by the calculation unit causing the display unit to cyclically display image data of specific food and beverages, and by referring to the area information, changes and displays image data of specific food and beverages in the area on the display unit according to the attribute information associated with identification information that identifies the customer.

2. The food and beverage information providing device described in claim 1, characterized in that the calculation unit changes the image data of the specific food and beverage to an invisible state in the corresponding area on the display unit depending on the attribute information associated with the identification information that identifies the customer.

3. The food and beverage information providing device described in claim 1, characterized in that the calculation unit changes the language of the explanatory display of image data of the specific food and beverage for the corresponding area on the display unit depending on the attribute information associated with identification information that identifies the customer.

4. 2. The food and drink information providing device according to claim 1, wherein the production unit continuously changes the image data of the specific food and drink at a boundary between adjacent areas on the display unit.

5. 2. The food and drink information providing device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit references the area information and causes the display unit to visually display boundaries between adjacent areas.

6. A food and beverage information providing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the calculation unit, based on a selection made on the image data of the food and beverage displayed in a circular manner, displays an order selection screen on top of the image data of the food and beverage displayed in a circular manner in the area of ​​the display unit where the selection was made.

7. The food and beverage information providing device described in claim 6, characterized in that the calculation unit, based on a selection made on the image data of the food and beverage that is displayed in a circular manner, performs a masking process on the image data of the food and beverage that is displayed in a circular manner in the area of ​​the display unit where the selection was made, and displays the order selection screen on the mask.

Images