Conveyance facility

Abstract

To provide a conveyance facility capable of checking a commodity.SOLUTION: Arithmetic units 4 and 5 perform: an order reception process for registering commodity order reception information as information indicating that a commodity F corresponding to commodity identification information has been ordered by receiving the commodity identification information set for each commodity F from an order terminal 5, and registering sample order reception information as information indicating that a sample S corresponding to the sample identification information has been ordered by receiving the sample identification information set for each sample S from the order terminal 5; and a conveyance process for conveying the corresponding commodity F using a conveyance device 2 to a customer seat associated with the order terminal 5 that has placed an order based on the registered commodity order reception information, and conveying the corresponding sample S using a conveyance transport device 3 to the customer seat associated with the order terminal 5 that has placed an order based on the registered sample order reception information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying facility that provides products to customers who have placed orders using a conveying path. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been known a conveyance system that has a conveyance path for conveying food and beverages and that can deliver ordered food and beverages from a kitchen area to a customer area without the need for human intervention. Some of these conveyance systems are also known to be capable of receiving orders from an ordering terminal.

[0003] For example, in the delivery equipment of Patent Document 1, an order terminal is provided at each customer seat, and food and drink ordered from the order terminal can be delivered to the customer seat associated with the order terminal. Note that a customer's own smartphone may also be used as the order terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-75099 A (page 4, Figure 1) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the conveyance equipment of Patent Document 1, customers can operate the ordering terminal and the kitchen can accept the order, which reduces the manpower and labor required to take orders. However, although the ordering terminal displays an image of the product, it is difficult to grasp the specific quantity and size.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to provide a conveying facility that allows products to be checked. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the conveying equipment of the present invention comprises: an ordering terminal associated with a seat; a conveying device capable of conveying products and samples to a customer seat associated with the ordering terminal; a calculation unit connected to the order terminal, The calculation unit performs order processing by receiving product identification information set for each product from the order terminal and registering product order information as if a product corresponding to the product identification information has been ordered, and by receiving sample identification information set for each sample from the order terminal and registering sample order information as if a sample corresponding to the sample identification information has been ordered, and performs transport processing by using the transport device to transport the corresponding product to the customer seat associated with the order terminal that placed the order based on the registered product order information, and by using the transport device to transport the corresponding sample to the customer seat associated with the order terminal that placed the order based on the registered sample order information. This feature allows a sample of the product to be delivered to the customer's seat, allowing them to check the product in three dimensions. Checking the sample allows customers to order the appropriate quantity and size of the product, which increases customer satisfaction, increases their desire to order, and increases the average customer spending.

[0008] the transport device has a transport path and a transport body that travels along the transport path and on which the sample can be placed, and the transport body is provided with an order button for ordering a product corresponding to the sample identification information; The calculation unit stores the product identification information, the sample identification information, and the correspondence between the product identification information and the sample identification information, and is characterized in that, in response to operation of the order button, it identifies the corresponding product identification information from the sample identification information and registers the product order information. This feature allows customers to place an order after thoroughly checking the product. In addition, by prompting customers to decide whether or not to place an order, it is possible to effectively increase their desire to place an order. Furthermore, since orders for corresponding products can be received based on sample order information, it is possible to simplify the process.

[0009] the carrier is provided with a non-order button for not ordering the product corresponding to the sample identification information; The calculation unit is characterized by carrying out a return process for returning the transport body in response to operation of the order button or the non-order button. According to this feature, a sample is returned after the customer has selected whether or not to place an order, allowing the customer to thoroughly check the product while reducing the amount of work required and increasing customer satisfaction.

[0010] The calculation unit displays on the ordering terminal an order icon for ordering the product corresponding to the sample identification information and a non-order icon for not ordering the product corresponding to the sample identification information, and is characterized in that it hides both the order icon and the non-order icon based on the operation of either the order button or the non-order button. This feature makes it possible to prevent overlapping of processing on the sample side and processing on the order terminal side.

[0011] The transport device is characterized by including a product transport device for transporting the product and a sample transport device for transporting the sample. According to this feature, the transportation of products and samples can be carried out smoothly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a top view showing a conveying facility according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a product transport device and a sample transport device. [Figure 3]FIG. 10 is a side view of the sample running body. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a kitchen terminal on which an order screen is displayed. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an ordering terminal on which a menu screen is displayed. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an ordering terminal on which an ordering screen is displayed. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a product table. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an ordering terminal on which an order determination screen is displayed. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a kitchen terminal on which an order entry screen is displayed after a non-order signal is received. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a kitchen terminal on which an order receiving screen is displayed after an order signal is received. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a side view of a sample running body according to Example 2 of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views for explaining another embodiment of the product transport device and the sample transport device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A mode for carrying out a conveying facility according to the present invention will be described below based on an embodiment. [Example]

[0014] A conveying equipment according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 10. Fig. 1 is an image diagram showing the inside of a restaurant in which a conveying equipment 1 of the present invention is installed. The inside of the restaurant is divided by a partition wall W into a dining area G (diner side) where customers eat and drink, and a kitchen area K (kitchen side) where staff prepare food and drink F.

[0015] The conveying equipment 1 includes a product conveying device 2 for conveying food and drink F as products to customer seats, a sample conveying device 3 for conveying samples S to customer seats, a kitchen terminal 4, and a plurality of customer seat terminals 5 as ordering terminals. In this embodiment, the kitchen terminal 4 and the customer seat terminal 5 are information terminals each equipped with a processing device, and the processing devices of the kitchen terminal 4 and the customer seat terminal 5 constitute the calculation unit of the present invention.

[0016] The product conveying device 2 includes a product conveying path 20 that extends linearly from the kitchen area K to the dining customer area G, and a product runner 21 that can travel along the product conveying path 20.

[0017] 2, the product transport path 20 is provided on the upper stage of the frame 22. The product transport path 20 is also disposed above and spaced apart from the sample transport path 30, which will be described later.

[0018] The product runner 21 has a placement surface 21a on which a container 8 containing food or drink F such as ramen can be placed, and is capable of traveling on the product conveying path 20 by a drive belt provided on the product conveying path 20. The drive belt is driven by a motor (not shown) connected to the kitchen terminal 4, and causes the product runner 21 to travel to the target customer's seat.

[0019] The product runner 21 is wirelessly connected to the kitchen terminal 4. Note that the product runner 21 may be wired to the kitchen terminal 4, or may be wirelessly connectable to each customer seat terminal 5.

[0020] The sample transport device 3 is provided in the middle of the frame 22 and includes a sample transport path 30 extending parallel to the product transport path 20 and a sample runner 31 as a transport body that can run along the sample transport path 30.

[0021] The sample runner 31 has a placement surface 31a on which the sample S can be placed, and, like the product runner 21, can be moved by a drive belt provided on the sample transport path 30.

[0022] The sample runner 31 has operation surfaces 31b and 31c on both sides in the width direction, that is, on the counter seat C side and the table seat T side, which are inclined from the bottom to the top toward the center in the width direction.

[0023] 3, the operation panel 31b on the counter seat C side is provided with, from the left as viewed from the counter seat C side, a cancel button 32 as a non-order button, an add button 33, an order quantity display 34, a subtract button 35, and an order button 36. The same applies to the operation panel 31c on the table seat T side.

[0024] The sample running body 31 is wirelessly connected to the kitchen terminal 4. Note that the sample running body 31 may be wired to the kitchen terminal 4, or may be wirelessly connectable to each customer seat terminal 5.

[0025] 4, kitchen terminal 4 includes display 40 with a touch panel function, and is wirelessly connected to a plurality of customer seat terminals 5. Kitchen terminal 4 may also be connected to customer seat terminal 5 via a wired connection.

[0026] The kitchen terminal 4 stores an order table in which order information is registered, and displays an order screen 41 on the display 40, which shows a part of the order table and the departure train line.

[0027] The order information is composed of an order number, product name, quantity, product ID (product identification information) or sample ID (sample identification information), and customer seat ID (customer seat information), all of which are associated with each other. Order information that includes a product ID is product order information, and order information that includes a sample ID is sample order information.

[0028] Referring to the order screen 41, the order table has an order number column, an item name column, a quantity column, an item name target ID column, and a seat ID column.

[0029] The order number column is registered with the order number assigned in the order information received from the customer terminal 5. The item name column is registered with the item name identified from the product ID or sample ID in the order information. The quantity column is registered with the number of items ordered in the order information, or "1". The item name target ID column is registered with the product ID or sample ID identified from the order information. The customer seat ID column is registered with the customer seat ID column in the order information.

[0030] The departure queue is divided into a product column where a product departure icon 42 is displayed and a sample column where a sample departure icon 43 is displayed. The product departure icon 42 is displayed in association with product order information. The sample departure icon 43 is displayed in association with sample order information.

[0031] Returning to Figure 1, the dining area G is provided with a plurality of counter seats C (10 in this embodiment) and a plurality of table seats T (4 sets in this embodiment) as seating for customers. Ten counter seats C are arranged at predetermined intervals on one side of the width of the conveying paths 20, 30. The table seats T are sofa-type seats that face each other and are assigned to each table, and four sets are provided on the other side of the width of the conveying paths 20, 30.

[0032] The counter seats C are assigned customer seat IDs "CI" to "C10" in order from the counter seat C located most upstream in the dining customer area G to the downstream side, with the kitchen area K side of the product conveying path 20 shown in Figure 1 being the upstream side. Similarly, the table seats T are assigned customer seat IDs "T1" to "T4".

[0033] 1, one seat terminal 5 is provided for each seat, and the seat ID assigned to each seat is registered in the seat terminal 5. The seat terminal 5 is provided with a display 50 (see FIG. 5) having a touch panel function.

[0034] The ordering terminal does not have to be a built-in terminal, but may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone owned by the customer. In such a case, for example, by registering the seat ID of the seat where the customer is seated in the application on the mobile terminal, it is possible to give the mobile terminal the same functions as the seat terminal 5. Hereafter, the explanation of using a mobile terminal as an ordering terminal will be omitted as it overlaps with the explanation of the seat terminal 5.

[0035] Next, we will explain the ordering and delivery of food and drink F and sample S. Note that overlapping explanations will be omitted or simplified.

[0036] In this embodiment, the types of food and drink F are "small ramen," "medium ramen," and "large ramen," and a sample S is prepared for each type. When not in use, each sample S is stored on a shelf 6 (see FIG. 1) provided in the kitchen. Furthermore, the sample S in this embodiment is a three-dimensional model that imitates the actual food and drink F, but is not limited to this and may be a sample food and drink F.

[0037] 5, the customer terminal 5 displays a menu screen for selecting an item on the display 50. The menu screen displays a product icon 51 for "small ramen," a product icon 51 for "medium ramen," and a product icon 51 for "large ramen."

[0038] When the product icon 51 for "large ramen" is operated, the customer terminal 5 displays the order screen for "large ramen" shown in Fig. 6. This order screen displays an image of "large ramen," a sample icon 52, an addition icon 53, an order quantity display section 54, a subtraction icon 55, a back icon 56 for returning to the menu screen, and an order icon 57. This is also the case for the order screen products "small ramen" and "medium ramen."

[0039] The customer terminal 5 stores a product table R shown in Fig. 7. In the product table R, product IDs "F01" to "F03", product names, and sample IDs "S01" to "S03" are registered in association with each other.

[0040] When the addition icon 53 or subtraction icon 55 shown in Fig. 6 is operated, the customer seating terminal 5 adds or subtracts the order quantity displayed in the order quantity display section 54 and displays it. When the order icon 57 is operated, the customer seating terminal 5 sends the customer seating ID assigned to the customer seating terminal 5, the product ID "F03" corresponding to "large ramen," and product order information including the order quantity to the kitchen terminal 4, and returns to the menu screen of Fig. 5. Note that if the order screen is for "small ramen," the product ID will be "F01," and if the order screen is for "medium ramen," the product ID will be "F02."

[0041] 6 is operated, the customer seat terminal 5 transmits the customer seat ID assigned to itself and sample order information including the sample ID "S03" for "large ramen" to the kitchen terminal 4. Note that if the order screen is for "small ramen," the sample ID will be "S01," and if the order screen is for "medium ramen," the sample ID will be "S02."

[0042] Then, the order determination screen shown in Fig. 8 is displayed. On the order determination screen, the sample icon 52 is hidden. This prevents duplicate sample order information from being sent from the same customer seat terminal 5 to the kitchen terminal 4.

[0043] Additionally, an addition icon 53, an order quantity display section 54, a subtraction icon 55, and an order icon 57 are moved and displayed below the position where the sample icon 52 was displayed. Also, the back icon 56 is hidden, and a cancel icon 58 is displayed as a non-order icon. This is also the case for the order decision screen for "small ramen" and "medium ramen."

[0044] The kitchen terminal 4 can identify the name of the target product by referencing the product ID or sample ID included in the received order information in the product table R (see FIG. 7) stored therein.

[0045] When the kitchen terminal 4 receives product order information from the customer terminal 5 by referring to an order number other than "00245" in Figure 4, it registers the new order number, the product name identified from the product ID in the product order information, the order quantity in the product order information, the product ID in the product order information, and the customer ID in the product order information as product order information in the bottom row of the order table.

[0046] Referring to the order number "00245" in Figure 4, when the kitchen terminal 4 receives the sample order information from the customer terminal 5, it registers the new order number, the product name and (sample) identified from the sample ID of the sample order information, the order quantity "1", the sample ID of the sample order information, and the customer ID of the sample order information as product order information at the bottom of the order table.

[0047] The kitchen terminal 4 displays the order information including the order number with the smallest value at that time and the product dispatch icon 42 or sample dispatch icon 43 at the top of the order screen 41 displayed on the display 40. After this, the order information for four items and the product dispatch icon 42 or sample dispatch icon 43 are displayed in ascending order of the order number.

[0048] This makes it easier to display order information that has been received a long time ago on a priority basis, preventing excessive delays in serving food and drink F and samples S. The number of items such as order numbers that can be displayed on display 40 may be changed as needed.

[0049] When the store clerk provides the food or drink F that is the subject of the product order information to the target customer, he places the container 8 containing the food or drink F on the placement surface 21a of the product runner 21, and then operates the target product launch icon 42.

[0050] When the product launch icon 42 is operated, the kitchen terminal 4 associates the product runner ID "Tr1", which is the identification number of the product runner 21, with the product order information of the product.

[0051] The kitchen terminal 4 drives the drive belt of the product conveying path 20 based on the running object ID "Tr1" and moves the product running object 21 to the front of the target customer seat based on the customer seat ID of the target product order information. This allows the food or drink F to be served to the customer.

[0052] When the product runner 21 detects with a weight sensor (not shown) that a container 8 has been removed from the product runner 21, it transmits the runner ID "Tr1" and a transport end signal to the kitchen terminal 4. Note that the sensor used to confirm that the container 8 has been removed is not limited to a weight sensor, and may be an infrared sensor or may be changed as appropriate.

[0053] When the kitchen terminal 4 receives the traveling object ID "Tr1" and the conveyance end signal, it drives the drive belt of the product conveying path 20 to move the product traveling object 21 to a standby position in the kitchen area K shown by the dashed line.

[0054] Thereafter, the kitchen terminal 4 marks the target product order information registered in the order table as processed. Also, the target product order information and product dispatch icon 42 displayed on the order screen 41 are hidden, and the product order information below this target product order information is moved up and displayed. Also, the product dispatch icon 42 or sample dispatch icon 43 corresponding to the order information is displayed. Hereinafter, this update of the display content will simply be referred to as "updating the order screen 41."

[0055] When the store clerk provides the sample S that is the subject of the sample order information to the target customer, the store clerk places the sample S on the placement surface 31a of the sample runner 31, and then operates the target sample dispatch icon 43.

[0056] When the sample departure icon 43 is operated, the kitchen terminal 4 associates the running object ID "Tr2", which is the identification number of the sample running object 31, with the target sample order information.

[0057] The kitchen terminal 4 transmits a counter seat reception signal to the sample runner 31 if the customer seat ID of the target sample order information is for counter seat C (for example, customer seat ID "C10"), or a table seat reception signal if the customer seat ID is for table seat T (for example, customer seat ID "T3").

[0058] When the sample runner 31 receives the counter seat reception signal, it places the cancel button 32 on the operation surface 31b on the counter seat C side in an operation-receiving state, and places the cancel button 32 on the operation surface 31c on the table seat T side in an operation-inoperable state. Similarly, when the sample runner 31 receives the table seat reception signal, it places the counter seat C side in an operation-inoperable state, and places the table seat T side in an operation-receiving state.

[0059] This prevents a customer sitting on the opposite side of the seat where the sample S is ordered from operating the cancel button 32 or the like from having the operation reflected.

[0060] The kitchen terminal 4 drives the drive belt of the sample transport path 30 based on the traveler ID "Tr2" and moves the sample traveler 31 to the target customer seat based on the customer seat ID. This allows the customer to check the sample S.

[0061] Next, a case will be described where, after checking the sample S, the customer does not order the food or drink F corresponding to the sample S. The customer can cancel the order for the food or drink F corresponding to the sample S by operating the cancel button 32.

[0062] When the cancel button 32 of the sample runner 31 is operated, the sample runner 31 transmits its own runner ID "Tr2" and a runner-side non-order signal to the kitchen terminal 4, and disables the cancel buttons 32 on the counter seat C side and the table seat T side. This prevents unintended operations from being reflected after the cancel button 32 is operated.

[0063] When the kitchen terminal 4 receives the running body ID "Tr2" and the running body side non-order signal, it drives the drive belt of the sample conveying path 30 to move the sample running body 31 to a waiting position in the kitchen area K on the sample conveying path 30.

[0064] The kitchen terminal 4 also sends a terminal-directed reception completion signal to the target customer terminal 5 based on the customer seat ID of the target sample order information. The target sample order information registered in the order table is also marked as processed. The order screen 41 is updated with the target sample order information and sample dispatch icon 43 hidden (see FIG. 9). In FIG. 9, the order number "00245" in FIG. 4 and its order information are hidden.

[0065] When the customer seat terminal 5 receives the terminal-directed reception end signal, it returns the order determination screen of FIG. 8 to the menu screen of FIG. 5. In other words, it hides the order icon 57 and the cancel icon 58. This prevents overlapping of processing on the sample S side with processing on the customer seat terminal 5 side. It also reduces the number of operations required to select products other than those confirmed in sample S. The customer seat terminal 5 may return the order determination screen of FIG. 8 to the order screen of FIG. 7.

[0066] The customer can also cancel the order of the food and drink F corresponding to the sample S by operating the cancel icon 58 on the order determination screen of FIG.

[0067] When the cancel icon 58 is operated, the customer seat terminal 5 transmits its own customer seat ID, the sample ID corresponding to the order determination screen, and a terminal-side non-order signal to the kitchen terminal 4. Thereafter, in the same way as when the terminal-side reception end signal is received, the customer seat terminal 5 returns the order determination screen of FIG. 8 to the order screen of FIG. 7.

[0068] When the kitchen terminal 4 receives the customer seat ID, sample ID, and terminal-side non-order signal, it identifies the target sample order information from the customer seat ID and sample ID in the order table and identifies the associated vehicle ID "Tr2." Referring to Figure 4, if the customer seat ID is "C10" and the sample ID is "S03," it identifies the sample order information including the order number "00245" as the target sample order information.

[0069] The kitchen terminal 4 sends a vehicle direction acceptance completion signal to the sample vehicle 31 based on the terminal-side non-order signal and the identified vehicle ID "Tr2", and returns the sample vehicle 31. The target sample order information registered in the order table is marked as processed. The target sample order information and the sample departure icon 43 are hidden, and the order screen 41 is updated (see FIG. 9).

[0070] When the sample traveling body 31 receives the reception end signal for the traveling body, it disables the cancel buttons 32 on the counter seat C side and the table seat T side. This prevents the process on the sample S side from overlapping with the process on the customer seat terminal 5 side.

[0071] Next, we will explain how to order food or drink F corresponding to sample S after checking sample S. The customer can order food or drink F corresponding to sample S by operating the add button 33 or subtract button 35 on the sample runner 31 to adjust the order number displayed on the order number display unit 34 and then operating the order button 36.

[0072] When the order button 36 is operated, the sample traveling object 31 transmits its own traveling object ID "Tr2", the number of orders, and a traveling object order signal to the kitchen terminal 4, and disables the cancel button 32 and other buttons on both the counter seat C side and the table seat T side. This prevents unintended operations made after operating the order button 36 from being reflected.

[0073] When the kitchen terminal 4 receives the traveling object ID "Tr2", the number of orders, and the traveling object side order signal, it moves the sample traveling object 31 to the standby position.

[0074] In addition, kitchen terminal 4 transmits a terminal-directed reception end signal to the target customer seat terminal 5 based on the customer seat ID of the target sample order information. As described above, customer seat terminal 5 returns the order determination screen of FIG. 8 to the menu screen of FIG. 5.

[0075] Furthermore, the kitchen terminal 4 references the sample ID of the target sample order information in the product table R (see FIG. 7) to acquire the target product name and product ID.

[0076] 10, the kitchen terminal 4 registers and displays the acquired product name in the product name column, registers and displays the acquired product ID in the product name target ID, and registers and displays the received order quantity in the quantity column, while maintaining the order number of the target sample order information. In other words, the sample order information is changed to product order information. Furthermore, a product dispatch icon 42 is displayed based on the newly registered product ID.

[0077] In Figure 10, the order number "00245" in Figure 4 is maintained, but "Large Ramen" is registered and displayed in the product name column, "F03" in the product name target ID column, and "1" in the quantity column, and the sample release icon 43 corresponding to it in Figure 4 is hidden, and the product release icon 42 is displayed.

[0078] In this way, since the order number is maintained, even if sample S is confirmed, the time until food and drink F is served is unlikely to be excessively delayed.

[0079] In addition, customers can also order food or drink F corresponding to sample S by adjusting the order quantity displayed in the order quantity display section 54 by operating the addition icon 53 or subtraction icon 55 on the order determination screen of Figure 8, and then operating the order icon 57.

[0080] When the order icon 57 is operated, the customer seat terminal 5 transmits its own customer seat ID, the sample ID corresponding to the order determination screen, the order quantity, and a terminal-side order signal to the kitchen terminal 4. Thereafter, the customer seat terminal 5 returns the order determination screen of FIG. 8 to the order screen of FIG. 7.

[0081] When the kitchen terminal 4 receives the customer seat ID, sample ID, order quantity, and terminal side order signal, it identifies the target sample order information from the customer seat ID and sample ID, and identifies the associated vehicle ID "Tr2."

[0082] The kitchen terminal 4 transmits a travel object direction reception end signal to the sample travel object 31 based on the terminal side order signal and the identified travel object ID "Tr2", and causes the sample travel object 31 to return.

[0083] Then, the kitchen terminal 4 registers and displays the acquired product name, acquired product ID, and received order quantity while maintaining the order number of the target sample order information (see FIG. 10). In other words, the sample order information is changed to product order information. Furthermore, the product dispatch icon 42 is displayed based on the newly registered product ID.

[0084] Although the above description has been given in relation to ordering food and drink F and samples S, the present invention is not limited to the above description, and the layout and configuration of each icon and each process may be changed as appropriate.

[0085] For example, the quantity of a product or sample (such as "large," "medium," "small," "1 serving," "2 servings," or "3 servings") may be adjustable on the order screen. For example, if food or drink F is "kalbi," the order screen may allow the user to select the number of servings, allowing the user to order a product or sample according to the specified quantity (for example, 3 servings).

[0086] Furthermore, if the quantity of a product or sample (such as "large," "medium," "small," "1 serving," "2 servings," or "3 servings") can be adjusted on the order screen, the quantity information can be adjusted by operating the increase icon, quantity display section, and decrease icon described below, allowing the user to order a product or sample corresponding to the desired quantity.

[0087] As described above, the conveying equipment 1 of this embodiment comprises a customer seat terminal 5, a product conveying device 2, a sample conveying device 3, and a calculation unit, and the calculation unit performs order processing by registering product order information by receiving a product ID from the customer seat terminal 5, and registering sample order information by receiving a sample ID from the customer seat terminal 5, and performs conveying processing by using the product conveying device 2 to convey the target food or beverage F to the customer seat associated with the customer seat terminal 5 that placed the order based on the registered product order information, and by using the sample conveying device 3 to convey the target sample S to the customer seat associated with the customer seat terminal 5 that placed the order based on the sample order information.

[0088] This allows a sample S that resembles the actual product to be delivered to the customer's seat where the order was placed, allowing the customer to see the amount of food or drink F in three dimensions. Checking the sample S will help customers order the appropriate amount of food or drink F, which not only reduces food waste and increases customer satisfaction, but also increases customer motivation and increases the average customer spending. It also reduces the effort required for store staff to explain the products to customers.

[0089] The sample runner 31 is also provided with an order button 36, and the calculation unit stores product IDs, sample IDs, and their correspondence. When the order button 36 is operated, the calculation unit identifies the corresponding product ID from the sample ID and registers the product order information. This allows customers to place an order after thoroughly checking the product. In addition, by prompting them to decide whether or not to place an order, it is possible to effectively increase their desire to order. Furthermore, since orders for corresponding products can be received based on sample order information, the process can be simplified.

[0090] The sample runner 31 is also provided with a cancel button 32 and an order button 36, and the calculation unit performs a return process to return the sample runner 31 in response to the operation of the cancel button 32 or the order button 36. This allows the customer to choose whether or not to order the food or drink F corresponding to the sample S, and therefore reduces the effort required for operation while allowing the customer to thoroughly check the food or drink F, thereby increasing customer satisfaction.

[0091] Furthermore, since the product conveying device 2 and the sample conveying device 3 are provided separately, the conveyance of the food and drink F and the conveyance of the sample S can be carried out smoothly.

[0092] Although the product ID is a combination of alphabet (F) and numbers (01-03) as product identification information, it is not limited to this and may be the product name itself, only alphabets, or only numbers, and may be changed as appropriate as long as it can identify the target product. The same applies to sample identification information and customer seat information.

[0093] The sample S may be provided with an RFID tag, a barcode, or the like, on which the target sample identification information is registered. The sample runner 31 may also be provided with a reading device capable of reading the RFID tag, barcode, or the like provided on the sample S to obtain the registered sample identification information.

[0094] With this configuration, the sample runner 31 may acquire sample identification information of the sample S placed on the placement surface 31a and transmit the sample identification information to the kitchen terminal 4, thereby enabling operation of only the target sample launch icon 43. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent erroneous delivery of the sample S. [Example]

[0095] Next, a transfer facility according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Note that the same configuration as in the previous embodiment will be omitted.

[0096] In this embodiment, the sample runner 131 stores product IDs "F01" to "F03" for the product type "ramen" in association with quantity information "small," "medium," and "large." This sample-related information is stored in the product table of the kitchen terminal 4, and is transmitted by the kitchen terminal 4 to the sample runner 131 based on the operation of the sample launch icon 43. The kitchen terminal 4 also transmits the product ID corresponding to the sample S, and causes the quantity display unit 134 of the sample runner 131 to display the quantity information corresponding to the product ID.

[0097] In addition, the sample runner 131 may store all sample-related information (i.e., product ID and quantity information), may have the same product table registered as the kitchen terminal 4, may have the same product order information registered as the kitchen terminal 4, or may be changed as appropriate.

[0098] The operation surface 131b of the sample runner 131 is provided with a cancel button 32, an increase button 133, a quantity display unit 134, a decrease button 135, and an order button 36. The increase button 133 is a button for increasing the quantity displayed in the quantity display unit 134 by one step with one operation, changing the display from "small" to "medium" and from "medium" to "large." The decrease button 135 is a button for decreasing the quantity displayed in the quantity display unit 134 by one step with one operation, changing the display from "large" to "medium" and from "medium" to "small."

[0099] For example, when transporting a "large ramen" sample S, the sample runner 131 displays "large" on the quantity display unit 134 based on the corresponding product ID "F03" and transports the sample to the target customer's seat.

[0100] When a customer checks the sample S of "large ramen" and orders "large ramen," the customer operates the order button 36 with "large" still displayed on the quantity display unit 134. In this case, the sample traveling vehicle 131 transmits its own traveling vehicle ID "Tr2," the product ID "F03" corresponding to "large," and a traveling vehicle side order signal to the kitchen terminal 4. Note that after the decrease button 135 or the increase button 133 is operated to display quantity information other than "large" on the quantity display unit 134, the order button 36 may be operated again with "large" displayed.

[0101] The kitchen terminal 4 queries the product ID "F03" in the product table R (see Figure 7), obtains the product name "Large Ramen", and, while maintaining the order number of the target sample order information, registers the obtained product name and received product ID in the order table and displays them on the order screen 41.

[0102] In this embodiment, the addition button 33, order quantity display section 34, and subtraction button 35 are not provided, and the order quantity cannot be changed, but the addition button 33, order quantity display section 34, and subtraction button 35 may be provided separately so that the order quantity can also be changed.

[0103] Furthermore, if a customer checks the "large ramen" sample S and then orders a "medium ramen," he or she operates the decrease button 135 to change the display on the quantity display unit 134 to "medium," and then operates the order button 36. In this case, the sample traveling body 131 transmits its own traveling body ID "Tr2," the product ID "F02" corresponding to the "medium," and an order signal to the kitchen terminal 4.

[0104] The kitchen terminal 4 queries the product table R for the product ID "F02", obtains the product name "medium ramen", and, while maintaining the order number of the sample order information in question, registers the obtained product name and received product ID in the order table and displays them on the order screen 41. The same applies when changing to "small ramen".

[0105] If a "medium ramen" sample S is to be delivered, "medium" is displayed in the quantity display unit 134 based on the corresponding product ID "F02", and if a "small ramen" sample S is to be delivered, "small" is displayed in the quantity display unit 134 based on the corresponding product ID "F01". The ordering procedure and processing after confirming the sample S is the same as for "large ramen".

[0106] As described above, the conveying equipment of this embodiment allows the customer to select the quantity after checking the sample S, so the quantity can be changed in a shorter time and with fewer operations than in the first embodiment. This increases customer satisfaction, encourages them to order, and increases the average customer spending.

[0107] Furthermore, an increase icon, a quantity display, and a decrease icon may be displayed on customer seat terminal 5, and by operating these, the quantity of the product to be ordered after checking the sample S may be changed. In this configuration, customer seat terminal 5 can transmit a product ID to kitchen terminal 4 in addition to the customer seat ID, sample ID, order quantity, and terminal side order signal described in the first embodiment, thereby causing kitchen terminal 4 to identify the sample order information and register the product ID transmitted to the product name target ID, as in the first embodiment.

[0108] Also, if the type of product is grilled meat "Kalbi" and the products are "1 serving of Kalbi," "2 servings of Kalbi," and "3 servings of Kalbi," by transmitting each product ID and sample-related information including the associated quantity information to the sample runner 131, after checking the sample S, the amount displayed on the quantity display unit 134 (for example, "2 servings") can be adjusted and an order can be placed.

[0109] In this case, it goes without saying that the kitchen terminal 4 stores a product table in which product names such as "1 serving of kalbi," "2 servings of kalbi," and "3 servings of kalbi," product IDs associated with any of the product names, sample IDs associated with any of the product names, and quantity information associated with any of the product names are registered.

[0110] Furthermore, when the only samples S available are "1 serving of kalbi," "2 servings of kalbi," and "3 servings of kalbi," it may be possible to order "4 servings of kalbi" or "5 servings of kalbi," for which no sample S is available, in other words, for which no sample ID is assigned. Even with this configuration, after operating the sample launch icon 43, the kitchen terminal 4 can send all product IDs related to "kalbi" and the corresponding quantity information to the sample runner 131, thereby enabling an order to be placed.

[0111] Furthermore, even if the product table contains various types of "ramen" and "kalbi" as mentioned above, each time the sample launch icon 43 is operated, the sample-related information in question is sent from the kitchen terminal 4 to the sample runner 131, so that the quantity can be selected after checking the sample S on the same sample runner 131.

[0112] The sample runner 131 may be provided with a reader that has at least all sample-related information registered therein and can acquire sample identification information from an RFID tag or the like attached to the sample S. With this configuration, the target sample-related information can be identified based on the acquired sample identification information.

[0113] 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 additions and modifications within the scope of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

[0114] For example, in the first and second embodiments, food and drink F was used as an example of the product, but the product is not limited to this and may be, for example, a key chain with the store's name on it, a T-shirt, etc., and may be changed as appropriate. For example, if the product is a T-shirt, it is possible to try on a sample, so that the appropriate size can be ordered, thereby increasing customer satisfaction.

[0115] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned Examples 1 and 2, it was explained that the calculation unit is composed of processing devices for the kitchen terminal 4 and the customer terminal 5, but this is not limited to this, and the calculation unit may be composed of only the kitchen terminal, or calculation units other than the kitchen terminal and the order terminal may be provided.

[0116] Furthermore, in the above-described first and second embodiments, a configuration was described in which the product conveying device 2 and the sample conveying device 3 were provided separately, but this is not limited to this, and food and drink F and samples S may be conveyed by a single conveying device.

[0117] Furthermore, in the above-described Examples 1 and 2, a configuration was described in which one product conveying device 2 and one sample conveying device 3 were provided, but this is not limited to this, and multiple product conveying devices 2 and / or sample conveying devices 3 may be provided.

[0118] Furthermore, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the product conveying device 2 and the sample conveying device 3 are shared by the counter seat C and the table seat T. However, this is not limiting, and as shown in FIG. 12, the product conveying device 2 and the sample conveying device 103 may be provided separately on the counter seat C side and the table seat T side. In such a configuration, it is preferable to provide a partition plate 23 between the sample conveying devices 103 provided side by side, from the viewpoint of ensuring privacy. Furthermore, when conveying bodies are provided separately on the counter seat C side and the table seat T side, the cancel button 32 and the like may be provided only on the corresponding customer seat side.

[0119] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned Examples 1 and 2, the transport body was described as the sample runner 31, 131, but it is not limited to this and may be a serving tray placed on the sample runner 31, 131 on which the sample S is placed, a base formed integrally with the sample, or it may be formed directly on the sample.

[0120] In addition, in the above-described first and second embodiments, it was explained that the sample runner 31 is returned in response to the operation of the cancel button 32 or the order button 36, but this is not limited to this, and a return button for returning the carrier may be provided separately from the cancel button 32 and the order button 36.

[0121] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the sample S or food or drink F is placed on a carrier and transported to the target customer's seat by driving a drive belt provided on the transport path. However, this is not limited to this. The sample S may be placed directly on a transport belt and transported to the target customer's seat, as in the sample transport device 103 shown in FIG. 12. In other words, a carrier does not have to be used. In such a configuration, it is preferable that the target product can be ordered from a customer seat terminal after the sample arrives.

[0122] In addition, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the target product can be ordered by operating various buttons on the transporter or a customer seat terminal after the sample S arrives, but this is not limited to this, and the target product may be ordered only through the customer seat terminal. In such a configuration, as shown in Fig. 12, by blocking the opening between the sample transport device 103 and the customer seat with a highly transparent panel material 24 such as glass or an acrylic panel, it is possible to prevent customers from touching the sample S while ensuring visibility of the sample S.

[0123] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned Examples 1 and 2, when the food or beverage F corresponding to the sample S is ordered after the sample S is confirmed, the order number of the sample order information in question is maintained, but this is not limited to this, and a new order number may be assigned and registered at the bottom of the order table. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1. Transport equipment 2 Product conveying equipment 3,103 Sample transport device 4 Kitchen terminal (computing unit) 5. Audience terminal (computing unit) 30 Sample transport path 31 Sample carrier (carrier) 32 Cancel button (non-order button) 36 Order button 41 Orders table 57 Order Icon 58 Cancel icon (non-order icon) 131 Sample running body (transport body) C Counter seats (customer seats) F Food and drink F01~F03 Product ID (product identification information) G Dining area (dining and drinking side) K Kitchen area (kitchen side) R Product Table S Sample S01~S03 Sample ID (sample identification information) T table seats (audience seats)

Claims

1. an ordering terminal associated with a seat; a conveying device capable of conveying products and samples to a customer seat associated with the ordering terminal; a calculation unit connected to the order terminal, The calculation unit performs order processing by receiving product identification information set for each product from the order terminal and registering product order information as if a product corresponding to the product identification information has been ordered, and by receiving sample identification information set for each sample from the order terminal and registering sample order information as if a sample corresponding to the sample identification information has been ordered, and performs transport processing by using the transport device to transport the corresponding product to a customer seat associated with the order terminal that placed the order based on the registered product order information, and by using the transport device to transport the corresponding sample to a customer seat associated with the order terminal that placed the order based on the registered sample order information.

2. the transport device has a transport path and a transport body that travels along the transport path and on which the sample can be placed, and the transport body is provided with an order button for ordering a product corresponding to the sample identification information; The conveying equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that the calculation unit stores the product identification information, the sample identification information, and a correspondence between the product identification information and the sample identification information, and, in response to operation of the order button, identifies the corresponding product identification information from the sample identification information and registers the product order information.

3. the carrier is provided with a non-order button for not ordering the product corresponding to the sample identification information; 3. The conveying facility according to claim 2, wherein the calculation unit performs a return process to return the conveyed object in response to an operation of the order button or the non-order button.

4. The conveying equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that the calculation unit causes the ordering terminal to display an order icon for ordering the product corresponding to the sample identification information and a non-order icon for not ordering the product corresponding to the sample identification information, and hides both the order icon and the non-order icon based on the operation of either the order button or the non-order button.

5. 5. The transport facility according to claim 1, wherein the transport devices include a product transport device that transports the products and a sample transport device that transports the samples.

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