Store operation system and program

Abstract

To provide a store operation system capable of reducing the labor of a store staff by increasing the degree of automation of a self-check-in function.SOLUTION: A store operation system includes a display control part for displaying whether or not it is possible to wait for the turn of a seat for each type of seat of a store on a display device for visitors.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a store management system and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as part of the trend toward automating store operations, a self-check-in function has been proposed in which customers themselves can check in and decide on their seats (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-207469 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is preferable that such a self-check-in function be automated as much as possible to reduce the workload of store staff. However, with the conventional system described above, for example, when the store is full, it is not possible to provide appropriate guidance to customers, and store staff have to go through the trouble of providing guidance.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a store management system that can increase the degree of automation of the self-check-in function and reduce the workload of store staff. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a store management system that includes a display control unit that displays, on a display device for customers, whether or not a seat is available for each type of seat in the store.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to display on a display device for customers whether or not a seat is available for each type of seat in a store. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the degree of automation of the self-check-in function can be increased, thereby reducing the workload of store staff. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device configuration of a store management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a seat arrangement screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a seat status screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a seat allocation screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of a reception device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an order menu screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a kitchen monitor screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow of a system collaboration setting operation according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a waiting reception setting screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waiting reception setting screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a time-slot upper limit setting field according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 shows an example of a reception time slot registration screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of calculation of the remaining number of waiting reservations that can be accepted based on the upper limit number of reservations accepted in this embodiment. FIG. [Figure 14]10 is a diagram showing an example of calculation of the remaining number of available waiting reservations based on the upper limit number of reservations taken into account in this embodiment. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of operations for system collaboration according to the present embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a reception screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a desired seat selection screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a full-booking display screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a waiting order acceptance confirmation screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a waiting acceptance completion screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a reception receipt according to the present embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of operations when placing an order in this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A store management system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example, and the embodiments to which the present invention is applied are not limited to the following embodiment. In all the drawings for explaining the embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for components having the same functions, and repeated explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, in this application, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX," and includes cases where it is based on other elements in addition to XX. Furthermore, "based on XX" is not limited to cases where XX is used directly, but also includes cases where it is based on XX that has been calculated or processed. "XX" is any element (for example, any information).

[0011] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a store operation system 1 according to this embodiment. The store operation system 1 includes a seat management system 10, a reception device 20, a reservation system 30, an order management system 40, and a user terminal device 50.

[0012] The store operation system 1 of this embodiment is widely applicable to facilities where queues may form for visitors, such as restaurants, hospitals, pharmacies, etc. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the store operation system 1 is applied to a restaurant where some (or all) of the processes, such as making reservations, guiding customers to their seats upon arrival, and ordering food and drink, are automated (for example, a so-called self-ordering restaurant where customers themselves place their orders using a user terminal device 50 that they use).

[0013] [About the seat management system] The seat management system 10 is a system that manages the status of seats in a store. The status of seats includes, for example, vacant seats, seats being used by customers, seats waiting to be cleaned up after customers have left the store, seats waiting for customers with reservations to arrive, etc.

[0014] The seat management system 10 includes a seat management calculation unit 11, a storage unit 12, an operation unit 13, and a display unit 14. The seat management calculation unit 11 includes a central processing unit (CPU), and operates based on programs and data stored in the storage unit 12 to provide various functions. The storage unit 12 is configured with, for example, a hard disk drive or semiconductor memory (flash memory, RAM, ROM), and stores various information such as programs and data read by the seat management calculation unit 11. Note that the storage unit 12 may be realized by a virtual storage device such as a cloud server located outside the seat management system 10.

[0015] The operation unit 13 includes, for example, a touch panel, and detects operations by store staff (for example, store employees; in the following description, also referred to as store users). The display unit 14 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various images. In the following description, displaying an image on the display unit 14 is also referred to as presenting an image to the store staff.

[0016] The operation unit 13 and the display unit 14 may be realized by, for example, a personal computer, a tablet, a smartphone, etc. Furthermore, the seat management calculation unit 11, the memory unit 12, the operation unit 13, and the display unit 14 may be configured as a single device or as separate devices.

[0017] The seat management calculation unit 11 has as its functional units a display control unit 111, an operation reception unit 112, a printing control unit 113, a seat processing unit 114, a waiting list information acquisition unit 115, a seat information acquisition unit 116, a self-order information generation unit 117, a reservation information acquisition unit 118, and a number of groups that can be accepted calculation unit 119.

[0018] It should be noted that the functions of the seat management calculation unit 11 described above do not necessarily have to be implemented in a computer device provided in the store, and may be implemented in, for example, a cloud server.

[0019] As an example of the function of the seat management calculation unit 11, the display function of the seat arrangement screen P1 will be described. In this example, seat arrangement information indicating the arrangement of seats in the store is pre-registered in the memory unit 12. The memory unit 12 also stores seat status information indicating the current status of seats in the store. In the following description, this seat arrangement information and seat status information will be collectively referred to as seat information.

[0020] The seat information acquisition unit 116 of the seat management calculation unit 11 acquires seat information from the storage unit 12. The display control unit 111 causes the display unit 14 to display a seat arrangement screen P1 based on the acquired seat information.

[0021] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a seating arrangement screen P1 of this embodiment. The seating arrangement screen P1 includes an image based on seating arrangement information and an image based on seating status information. In the example shown in the figure, the seating arrangement screen P1 displays, as an image based on the seating arrangement information, the arrangement of counter seats (counter 1 to counter 6) and table seats (table 1 to table 11), and the current seating status.

[0022] The seating arrangement information includes information about seats predetermined in the store, such as the seating layout on the store floor, seating capacity, and smoking conditions for seats.

[0023] As an example of a display based on seating arrangement information, the seating arrangement screen P1 shows that the capacity of each counter seat is one person, and that the capacity of each table seat is two people at tables 1 to 4, four people at tables 5 to 10, and six people at table 11.

[0024] Furthermore, the seating arrangement screen P1 indicates, for example, that the smoking conditions for seats include non-smoking seats for counter seats, tables 1 to 8, and table 11. It also indicates that smoking is permitted seats (smoking seats) for tables 9 to 11.

[0025] The seat status information includes information that changes daily or from moment to moment, such as whether the seat is in use or vacant, the time elapsed since the seat began to be used, whether the seat is reserved, and the expected arrival time if there is a reservation.

[0026] As an example of a display based on seat status information, the seat arrangement screen P1 displays that the seat is in use, the time elapsed since the seat began to be used, and the expected arrival time if there is a reservation.

[0027] [Integration with reservation systems] Returning to Fig. 1, the seat management system 10 is connected to the reservation system 30 via the network N1. Seat reservation information indicating the details of seat reservations is provided from the reservation system 30. The reservation information acquisition unit 118 of the seat management calculation unit 11 acquires the seat reservation information.

[0028] The seat reservation information includes information such as the planned date and time of visit, the number of customers expected to visit, the breakdown of customers (e.g., number of adults, number of children), preference for smoking / non-smoking, preferred seating type (e.g., counter, table, private room, etc.), reservation of meal contents (e.g., course meal or special menu for an anniversary), food allergies or disliked ingredients, etc.

[0029] The seat reservation information includes information that is referenced when determining which seat to reserve from among multiple seats in the store. For example, the seat reservation information includes the planned date and time of visit, the number of customers expected to visit, smoking / non-smoking preference, and desired seat type.

[0030] The display control unit 111 causes the display unit 14 to display the seat status screen P2 based on the seat information and seat reservation information.

[0031] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the seat status screen P2 of this embodiment. The seat status screen P2 includes a seat status field P21, a display switching tab P22, and a sub-display field P23.

[0032] The seat status column P21 is a column that shows the current status of seats in the store. The seat status column P21 displays, for each seat, the seat usage status (for example, whether the seat is in use or vacant), the elapsed time since the seat began to be used, whether the seat is reserved, and the expected arrival time if there is a reservation.

[0033] The display switching tab P22 is an operation image for switching the information displayed in the sub-display field P23. The sub-display field P23 can switch between displaying a seating information field (not shown), a today's reservations field (not shown), and a waiting field P231. The waiting line column P231 is a column that displays information about customers who have not yet been assigned a seat and are waiting in line to enter the store. The waiting line column P231 displays a visit button P2311. The visit button P2311 is an operation image that allows the store staff to manually assign a seat to a customer when the customer arrives at the store.

[0034] When automatic reception of customers is not performed, the store staff operates the operation unit 13 when a customer arrives at the store to assign a seat to the customer.

[0035] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the seat allocation screen P3 of this embodiment. The seat allocation screen P3 includes a seat candidate field P31 and a customer information field P32. The seat candidate column P31 is a column showing candidate seats for allocation. The customer information column P32 is a column showing the number of customers, their smoking / non-smoking preference, and the type of seat they prefer.

[0036] The seat management system 10 of this embodiment can perform seat allocation operations for both customers who come with reservations and customers who come without reservations.

[0037] When a customer with a reservation (i.e., a customer with a reservation) comes to the store, the store staff inquires the customer about the reservation name (such as the name of the customer who made the reservation), selects a seat to which the customer with a reservation should be seated from the seat candidates shown in the seat candidate column P31, and operates the decision button P321 to decide the seat.

[0038] On the other hand, when a customer comes to the store without a reservation, the store staff inquires about the number of people and seating preferences (non-smoking / smoking preference, type of seat) from the customer and registers this as customer information in the seat management system 10. The store staff checks seats available to accommodate the customer from among the seat candidates displayed in the seat candidate column P31. If there is an empty seat, the store staff selects the empty seat and confirms the seat by operating the decision button P321. If there is no empty seat, the store staff guides the customer to line up in a queue to enter the store.

[0039] The store management system 1 of this embodiment is capable of automatically accepting customers. The automatic acceptance of customers means that the above-mentioned process by store staff to inquire with customers, determine seats, and guide them to their seats is automated by a computer program. The store management system 1 of this embodiment automatically accepts customers using the acceptance device 20.

[0040] [About the reception device] The seat management system 10 is connected to a reception device 20 via a network N2. The reception device 20 is a computer device that is installed at the entrance of a store or the like and is operated by customers.

[0041] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the reception device 20 of this embodiment. The reception device 20 includes a reception display unit 21, a reception operation unit 22, and a printing unit .

[0042] The reception display unit 21 is equipped with, for example, a liquid crystal display and displays various images. In one example of the present embodiment, the reception display unit 21 displays various images based on the control of the display control unit 111 of the seat management system 10. The reception operation unit 22 is provided with, for example, a touch panel, and detects operations performed by customers. The reception display unit 21 and the reception operation unit 22 may be realized by, for example, a personal computer, a tablet, a smartphone, or the like.

[0043] The printing unit 23 is equipped with, for example, a thermal printer for roll paper, and prints information such as seating guides for customers.

[0044] In the seat management system 10 of this embodiment, when the reception device 20 receives a store visit operation from a customer, the store staff automatically determines a seat, guides the customer to the seat, and guides the customer to the waiting queue to enter the store.

[0045] [About the order management system] The seat management system 10 of this embodiment has a function of linking with the order management system 40. Returning to FIG. 1, the configuration of the order management system 40 will be described.

[0046] The order management system 40 includes an order management calculation unit 41, a storage unit 42, an operation unit 43, and a display unit 44.

[0047] The order management calculation unit 41 includes a central processing unit (CPU), and operates based on programs and data stored in the storage unit 42 to provide various functions. The storage unit 42 is configured by, for example, a hard disk drive or semiconductor memory (flash memory, RAM, ROM), and stores various information such as programs and data read by the order management calculation unit 41. Note that the storage unit 42 may be realized by a virtual storage device such as a cloud server located outside the order management system 40.

[0048] The operation unit 43 includes, for example, a touch panel, and detects operations performed by store staff. The display unit 44 is equipped with, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various images. In the following description, displaying an image on the display unit 44 is also referred to as presenting an image to the store staff.

[0049] The operation unit 43 and the display unit 44 may be realized by, for example, a personal computer, a tablet, a smartphone, etc. Furthermore, the order management calculation unit 41, the storage unit 42, the operation unit 43, and the display unit 44 may be configured as a single device or as separate devices.

[0050] In one example of this embodiment, the operation unit 43 and the display unit 44 of the order management system 40 function as a so-called kitchen monitor. A kitchen monitor is a device that displays customer orders to restaurant staff (particularly kitchen staff) in a restaurant.

[0051] The order management system 40 is connected to a user terminal device 50 via a network N4. The user terminal device 50 is a terminal device for ordering operated by a customer. In one example of this embodiment, the user terminal device 50 is a computer device such as a smartphone or tablet owned by the customer.

[0052] The user terminal device 50 includes a terminal display unit 51, a terminal operation unit 52, and an imaging unit 53. The terminal display unit 51 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various images. In the following description, displaying an image on the terminal of the customer (or user) is also referred to as presenting the image on the terminal of the customer (or user).

[0053] The order management calculation unit 41 of the order management system 40 includes an order processing unit 411 and a self-order information acquisition unit 412 as its functional units.

[0054] It should be noted that the functions of the order management calculation unit 41 described above do not necessarily have to be implemented in a computer device provided in the store, and may be implemented in, for example, a cloud server.

[0055] The order processing unit 411 communicates with the user terminal device 50 via the network N4, and causes the user terminal device 50 to display a menu screen (order menu screen P4) of food and drink provided by the store.

[0056] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the order menu screen P4 of this embodiment. The order menu screen P4 includes buttons for selecting food and drink menu categories, buttons for ordering food and drink, and a shopping cart display button. A customer places an order for food and drink by operating each button image displayed on the terminal display unit 51 of the user terminal device 50. When the user terminal device 50 accepts the order operation, it transmits information indicating the order details (order information) to the order management system 40 via the network N4.

[0057] When the order processing unit 411 of the order management system 40 receives the order information from the user terminal device 50, it displays a kitchen monitor screen P5 on the display unit 44, which is a kitchen monitor.

[0058] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the kitchen monitor screen P5 in this embodiment. The kitchen monitor screen P5 displays the orders of customers divided by seat. The restaurant kitchen staff prepares food and drinks while checking the kitchen monitor screen P5 displayed on the display unit 44.

[0059] [Linkage between the order management system 40 and the user terminal device 50] When placing an order from the user terminal device 50, it is desirable that the seat from which the order is being placed can be determined on the kitchen monitor screen P5. As described above, in one example of this embodiment, the user terminal device 50 is not a computer device permanently stored in the store, but is a computer device brought into the store by a customer (for example, owned by the customer). Therefore, the order management system 40 and the user terminal device 50 are not linked until the customer arrives at the store. For this reason, it is necessary to perform a linking process between the order management system 40 and the user terminal device 50 at the timing when the seat of the customer is confirmed.

[0060] In the past, the linking process between the order management system 40 and the user terminal device 50 involved, for example, presenting information indicating an ordering link, such as a two-dimensional code prepared for each seat, to a customer after they were shown to their seat. The customer would acquire the ordering link by capturing an image of the two-dimensional code using the imaging unit 53 of the user terminal device 50 that they brought with them, and the order management system 40 and the user terminal device 50 would then be linked.

[0061] With this conventional method, after guiding customers to their seats, store staff would hand out a 2D code prepared for each seat to the customer, who would then present it to them. This method requires store staff to intervene between the time the customer is received and the time they begin ordering.

[0062] Alternatively, a unique ordering link may be prepared for each seat, and a two-dimensional code indicating the ordering link may be displayed on the seat. In this case, the order management system 40 and the user terminal device 50 can be linked by having a seated customer read the two-dimensional code of the ordering link.

[0063] However, with this method, the user terminal device 50 remains linked to the order management system 40 after leaving the store until the two-dimensional code is updated, which can lead to problems such as incorrect orders being placed due to incorrect operation by the customer after leaving the store. Furthermore, if an attempt to overcome this problem is made to periodically update the two-dimensional code displayed on the seat, another problem arises in that it is time-consuming for the store staff.

[0064] [Linkage between the order management system 40 and the seat management system 10] The store management system 1 of this embodiment has a function for linking the seating management system 10 and the order management system 40, as described below. Specifically, in the store management system 1 of this embodiment, the seating management system 10 and the reservation system 30 are connected via a network N3, allowing them to exchange information with each other. In the following description, the linking between the seating management system 10 and the order management system 40 is also simply referred to as "system linking."

[0065] In this embodiment, the system cooperation between the seat management system 10 and the order management system 40 is described as being set from the seat management system 10 side, but this is not limited to this. The system cooperation between the seat management system 10 and the order management system 40 may also be set from the order management system 40 side.

[0066] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the system linkage setting operation of this embodiment. (Step S101) The store staff (user) starts setting up system linkage by operating the operation unit 13 of the seat management system 10. The display control unit 111 of the seat management system 10 displays the waiting reception setting screen P6 on the display unit 14.

[0067] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the waiting order reception setting screen P6 of the present embodiment. The waiting order reception setting screen P6 is a setting screen of the seat management system 10 for setting whether or not to perform system cooperation with the order management system 40.

[0068] (Step S102) Returning to FIG. 8, the seating management system 10 determines whether or not the store is using the order management system 40. If the seating management system 10 determines that the store is using the order management system 40, the seating management system 10 displays a system linkage setting field P61 on the waiting reception setting screen P6.

[0069] (Step S103) The store staff operates the system linkage setting field P61 to set whether or not to use system linkage. (Step S104) When the system cooperation is to be used (the system cooperation flag is ON), the seat management system 10 enables the system cooperation function.

[0070] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the waiting reception setting screen P6 of this embodiment. When the system collaboration function is enabled, the seat management system 10 changes the display mode of the system collaboration setting field P61 to the state of the system collaboration setting completed display P611 shown in the same figure. In addition, the seat management system 10 displays an upper limit number setting selection field P62 on the waiting reception setting screen P6. The upper limit number setting selection field P62 is an operation image for setting the upper limit number of groups that can be accepted on a waiting list for a seat.

[0071] The upper limit number setting selection field P62 may display an upper limit number setting field for each time period P621. An example of the upper limit number setting field for each time period P621 is shown in FIG.

[0072] 11 is a diagram showing an example of the time slot upper limit number setting field P621 of this embodiment. The time slot upper limit number setting field P621 is an operation image for setting the upper limit number for each reception time slot. Reception time slots are divisions of the store's business hours. For example, reception time slots include "normal business hours" (normal hours), "lunch business hours" (lunchtime), and "late night business hours" (late night hours).

[0073] That is, the upper limit of the number of accepted groups may be set for each acceptance time period that is determined by dividing the opening hours of the store.

[0074] The above-mentioned reception time slots can be registered by the store staff by operating the reception time slot registration screen P7.

[0075] 12 shows an example of a reception time slot registration screen P7 of this embodiment. The reception time slot registration screen P7 includes a reception time slot input field P71. The reception time slot input field P71 has input fields for items such as the registration name of the reception time slot, reception time, and the maximum number of reception groups waiting in line. In the following description, the maximum number of reception groups waiting in line will also be referred to as the maximum number of reception groups. The information entered in each item of the reception time slot input field P71 is displayed in the above-mentioned time slot upper limit number setting field P621. By providing the reception time slot registration screen P7, the store management system 1 can set reception time slots that are suited to the business style of each store.

[0076] [Regarding the maximum number of groups accepted] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of calculation of the remaining number of waiting customers that can be accepted based on the upper limit number of customers that can be accepted in this embodiment. In this example store, the new customer entry time during "normal business hours" is set to be from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The new customer entry time is the time period during which the store accepts customers. Generally, in stores where customers tend to stay inside, such as restaurants, there are cases where a time is set for the end of the provision of products and services in order to smoothly provide products and services to customers and to properly manage the labor of store staff.

[0077] As an example, in the store of this embodiment, opening time T1, closing time T2, order acceptance end time T3, business end time T4, and staff leaving time T5 are set.

[0078] Opening time T1 is the time when the store starts welcoming customers. In the case of a store that operates in a single business hours per day, opening time T1 is the time when the store opens. In the case of a store that operates in multiple business hours per day, opening time T1 is the time when the store opens in each business hours. Note that there may be a store that starts accepting customers before welcoming them into the store. In such a store, the time when the store starts accepting customers may be set as the opening time T1.

[0079] Closing time T2 is the time when the store stops accepting new customers. Note that even at closing time T2, the store continues to provide products and services to customers who remain in the store. The order end time T3 is the time when orders for new products or services from customers remaining in the store are finished (the so-called last order time). Note that the closing time T2 and the order end time T3 may be the same time. The closing time T4 is the time when the provision of goods and services in the store ends and customers leave the store. Staff exit time T5 is the time when store staff leave the store after customers have left and have finished cleaning and tidying up the store and preparing for the next business day (for example, the time when all entrances and exits to the store are locked).

[0080] In some stores, a break time is set between the "lunch business hours" and the "regular business hours." In this case, the opening time T1 to closing time T4 are repeated for each business hour, and the staff leaving time T5 is set at the end of the last business hour of the day.

[0081] In a store such as the one described above, if the number of customers visiting the store is greater than the number of seats in the store, the seats in the store may become full and a queue may form between opening time T1 and closing time T2. In this embodiment, the number of vacant seating groups in a store (e.g., the number of vacant tables, vacant counter seats, vacant private rooms, etc.) is also referred to as the number of vacant seating groups. The number of customer groups waiting in line (e.g., the number of visiting groups) is also referred to as the number of waiting groups.

[0082] In addition, in restaurants and other establishments, it is preferable for groups of customers to be seated at the same table or in a private room rather than being seated far apart. The "number of groups" used in this embodiment is an expression based on the premise that it is preferable to seat customers at the same table or in a private room, and a "group" does not necessarily refer to multiple seats or multiple customers. In other words, the "number of groups" also includes cases where the number of seats or the number of customers is singular. For example, if a customer is visiting a restaurant and is generally seated at a counter seat, which is a seat for one person, this is also included in the "group of customers visiting the restaurant" or the "group of seats."

[0083] Generally, the more people waiting in line, the more prosperous the store is. On the other hand, if there are a lot of people waiting in line, it is more likely that the store will not be able to seat customers who are waiting by closing time T2. If a situation arises in which customers who are waiting in line cannot be seated by closing time T2, the store will have no choice but to either make the customers wait in line and then refuse entry, or to extend the opening hours after closing time T2 (from closing time T2 to staff leaving time T5) for those customers.

[0084] If customers are forced to wait in line and then refused entry, customer satisfaction will decrease, leading to fewer repeat customers and a negative reputation for the store through word of mouth, which is undesirable. Also, extending the closing times after closing time T2 is undesirable, as it would make it difficult to manage the labor of store staff.

[0085] Generally, to avoid these undesirable situations, store staff may decline to ask new customers to wait their turn, based on their experience and taking into account the number of customers waiting in line and the situation of customers remaining in the store (for example, how many tables are likely to be occupied by customers who are about to leave). However, such operations require a lot of work for store staff, so it is preferable that they be automated.

[0086] The store management system 1 of this embodiment has a function to determine whether to decline an invitation to wait in line for a seat based on the maximum number of groups that can be accepted for waiting in line (i.e., the maximum number of groups that can be accepted).

[0087] That is, the operation receiving unit 112 described above receives a seat waiting order operation based on the upper limit number of accepted groups of people waiting for a seat.

[0088] In the example shown in FIG. 13, the upper limit of the number of groups that can be accepted during the normal business hours of the store (17:00-21:00) is set to 10 groups. In this example, during normal business hours, opening time T1 is set to 5:00 p.m., closing time T2 is set to 9:00 p.m., order acceptance ends at T3 at 9:30 p.m., business closes at T4 at 10:00 p.m., and staff leave at T5 at 11:00 p.m. (not shown).

[0089] The acceptable number of groups calculation unit 119 of the seat management system 10 calculates the number of groups of new customers who can be guided to wait their turn based on the upper limit number of groups that can be accepted and the number of groups waiting their turn. The number of groups of new customers who can be guided to wait their turn is also referred to as the remaining number of groups that can be accepted in the waiting room. In other words, the acceptable number of groups calculation unit 119 calculates the remaining number of groups that can be accepted in the waiting room based on the upper limit number of groups that can be accepted and the number of groups waiting their turn. For example, the acceptable number calculation unit 119 calculates the remaining number of acceptable waiting reservations based on the following formula (1).

[0090] (New waiting list available) = (previous waiting list available) - (number of people waiting)...(1)

[0091] In the example shown in the figure, at opening time T1, the upper limit number of groups that can be accepted is 10, and the number of groups waiting is 0. In this case, the number-of-groups-that-can-be-accepted calculation unit 119 calculates the remaining number of groups that can be accepted as 10. That is, the remaining number of people who can be accepted on the waiting list is calculated based on the integrated value of the number of people on the waiting list for each business hour.

[0092] As time passes, the number of customers increases, and by 6:00 PM there are 0 vacant seats (i.e., the restaurant is fully booked). At 6:30 PM there are 3 groups of customers waiting to enter. In other words, at 6:30 PM there are 10 groups (the number of people currently available to wait in line) and 3 groups (the number of people waiting in line). In this case, the acceptable number calculation unit 119 calculates that the remaining number of acceptable waiting groups at 18:30 (that is, the new remaining number of acceptable waiting groups) is seven groups.

[0093] The remaining number of people who can be accepted in the waiting list is calculated in the same way, and the time has passed by 8 PM. In the example shown in the same figure, the remaining number of people who can be accepted in the waiting list is 1 at 8 PM, and when the remaining one person has to wait in line, the remaining number of people who can be accepted in the waiting list becomes 0 (zero).

[0094] At 8:30 PM, one group is waiting in line, and the number of groups that can be accepted calculation unit 119 calculates that the remaining number of groups that can be accepted in line is 0 (zero). Since the remaining number of groups that can be accepted in line has become 0 (zero), the store management system 1 performs processing to refuse new customers from waiting in line if the number of vacant seats in the store is 0 (zero) (i.e., the store is fully booked).

[0095] According to the store management system 1 configured in this way, it is possible to operate so as to automatically decline waiting customers when the store is full.

[0096] When a store is full and customers start waiting to enter, the conditions under which customers should be turned away vary depending on the type of store, business hours, the time remaining until closing, etc., and are generally determined by store staff based on past experience. For example, store staff may turn away new customers by empirically predicting the time when customers currently lingering in the store will leave. In this way, determining the conditions under which customers should be turned away when a queue occurs involves an element of future prediction in store operations, and it is generally difficult to set the conditions.

[0097] In the store management system 1 of this embodiment, the upper limit number of pairs of customers that can be accepted can be set by store staff for each store. In other words, the store management system 1 allows intuitive setting of conditions for refusing to wait in line, which are generally difficult to set, by quantifying the experience of store staff (i.e., the upper limit number of pairs of customers that can be accepted).

[0098] Furthermore, the store operation system 1 determines whether to automatically decline waiting orders when the store is full based on the remaining number of available waiting orders, which is based on the maximum number of groups that can be accepted. As described above, the remaining number of available waiting orders is calculated based on the cumulative number of groups waiting.

[0099] It is also possible to configure the system to automatically determine whether to turn away people waiting when the restaurant is full based on the number of groups waiting immediately before (i.e., the instantaneous value of the number of groups waiting). However, if the system is configured to make the determination based on the instantaneous value of the number of groups waiting, for example, if the number of customers suddenly increases just before closing time T2, the time between the maximum number of groups that can be accepted and closing time T2 is relatively short, and it may not be possible to turn away people waiting, and customers in a number that exceeds the maximum number of groups that can be accepted may end up being forced to wait their turn. Furthermore, if the maximum number of groups that can be accepted is kept low in order to avoid forcing more groups than the maximum number of groups to wait in line, it may result in a situation where even customers who could be accepted are turned away from waiting in line (i.e., customers are lost). In other words, if a decision is made automatically on whether to turn away customers when the restaurant is full based on the instantaneous number of people waiting, a situation may arise in which the restaurant reacts sensitively to fluctuations in the number of customers over time.

[0100] The store management system 1 of this embodiment calculates the remaining number of customers who can be accepted for waiting based on the cumulative number of groups waiting. The remaining number of customers who can be accepted for waiting calculated by the store management system 1 of this embodiment is a more appropriate indicator of the degree of congestion at the store, as it smooths out the fluctuations in the number of customers over time and reflects the trend in the number of customers on that day (or during that business hours). Therefore, the store management system 1 of this embodiment can more accurately determine whether or not to accept customers for waiting when the store is full.

[0101] In the store management system 1 of this embodiment, the acceptable number calculation unit 119 may calculate the remaining number of acceptable waiting groups by taking into account the number of reservations.

[0102] 14 is a diagram showing an example of calculation of the remaining number of available waiting tables based on the upper limit of the number of reservations taken into account in this embodiment. In this example, during the "normal business hours" of a store, one reservation is made at 6:00 PM, two at 7:00 PM, two at 7:30 PM, and three at 8:00 PM.

[0103] The acceptable number calculation unit 119 calculates the remaining number of acceptable waiting reservations based on the following formula (2).

[0104] (New waiting list available) = (previous waiting list available) - (number of reservations) - (number of waiting lists)...(2)

[0105] In the example shown in the figure, at 18:00, the previous remaining number of groups that can be accepted for turn-taking is 10, the number of groups waiting for turn-taking is 0 (zero), and the number of reservations is 1. In this case, the number-of-groups-acceptable-number calculation unit 119 calculates the new remaining number of groups that can be accepted for turn-taking, that is, the remaining number of groups that can be accepted for turn-taking, at 18:00 as 9 groups.

[0106] In the example shown in the figure, at 7 PM, the number of groups that can be accepted immediately before the queue is 6, the number of groups waiting is 4, and the number of groups with reservations is 2. In this case, the number-of-groups-acceptable calculation unit 119 calculates the number of groups that can be accepted as 0 (zero) at 7 PM. At this point, the store management system 1 performs a process to refuse new customers from waiting in line.

[0107] In this example, the reservation information acquisition unit 118 acquires seat reservation information. The acceptable number of groups calculation unit 119 calculates the acceptable number of groups based on the number of reservation groups indicated by the reservation information.

[0108] According to the store management system 1 configured in this manner, even in the case of a system configuration that can accept reservations in which the reservation system 30 and the seat management system 10 are linked, it is possible to operate the system so that waiting requests are automatically refused when the store is full.

[0109] [System integration operation] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of operations for system cooperation according to this embodiment.

[0110] [Linkage between reception equipment and seat management system] (Step S211) The customer (user) starts reception input by operating the reception operation unit 22 of the reception device 20 (self-check-in device). The reception device 20 displays the reception screen P8 on the reception display unit 21.

[0111] 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the reception screen P8 of this embodiment. The reception screen P8 has a reservation operation button P81 and a no reservation operation button P82. The reservation operation button P81 is an operation image that is operated when a customer has made a reservation (i.e., a customer with a reservation). The no reservation operation button P82 is an operation image that is operated when a customer does not have a reservation. The customer (user) operates either the reservation operation button P81 or the no reservation operation button P82 to perform reception input.

[0112] If a reservation has been made, the reception display unit 21 displays an input screen (not shown) for inputting information for identifying the customer making the reservation, such as the customer's name.

[0113] (Step S111) The seat management system 10 compares the information for identifying a seat input to the reception device 20 with the seat information to determine whether the seat desired by the customer is available. If a seat is available, the seat management system 10 identifies the seat, updates the seat information, changes the seat status to in use, and starts measuring the elapsed time since the seat began to be used.

[0114] In one example of this embodiment, all seats in the store are full except for reserved seats, and seats cannot be offered to customers other than those who have made reservations. In this case, a full seat notification image P83 is displayed on the reception screen P8. The full seat notification image P83 is an image that informs customers who have not made reservations that the store is full and that they will have to wait their turn.

[0115] A customer who comes without a reservation operates the no reservation operation button P82. When the no reservation operation button P82 is operated, the display control unit 111 displays the desired seat selection screen P9 on the reception display unit 21.

[0116] 17 is a diagram showing an example of a desired seat selection screen P9 of this embodiment. In this example of this embodiment, the display control unit 111 displays the desired seat selection screen P9 on the reception display unit 21. The desired seat selection screen P9 is an image that indicates whether or not waiting for a seat is available for each type of seat in the store.

[0117] That is, the display control unit 111 displays whether or not a seat is available for each type of seat in the store on the reception display unit 21 (display device) for customers.

[0118] The desired seat selection screen P9 includes a seat type designation operation field P91, a no designation operation field P92, and a next screen operation button P93. The seat type designation operation field P91 is an operation image that displays whether or not waiting for a seat is available for each type of seat in the store, and also accepts seat type selection operations by customers.

[0119] The seat type designation operation field P91 includes a selectable field P911 and an unselectable field P912. The selectable field P911 is a display field that shows the seat types that can be selected by customers. The unselectable field P912 is a display field that shows the seat types that cannot be selected by customers.

[0120] In this example, the selectable column P911 indicates that non-smoking table seats or non-smoking counter seats, and smoking table seats or non-smoking counter seats are available for selection. Of these seat types, non-smoking table seats and non-smoking counter seats are displayed with a "full seat available waiting" indicator P9111. The "full seat available waiting" indicator P9111 is an image indicating that the seat of that type is full and that waiting for that seat is available.

[0121] In this way, the seat type designation operation field P91 displays an image indicating whether or not it is possible to choose to wait for a seat when the venue is full, for each type of seat, depending on whether smoking is permitted and the type of seat (for example, table seats, counter seats, private rooms, etc.). Among the types of seats, the type based on whether smoking is permitted or not is also called the first type. Among the types of seats, the type that differs in seat format is also called the second type.

[0122] That is, the types of seats include at least one of a first type depending on whether smoking is permitted or not and a second type depending on the type of seat. The display control unit 111 displays whether or not waiting for a seat is possible for at least one of the first type and the second type.

[0123] Furthermore, the unselectable field P912 indicates that, among the seat types, private rooms cannot be selected. In this store, when private rooms are full, the unselectable field P912 is set to be displayed for the full private rooms. As an example, the selectable field P911 is displayed as an operation image surrounded by a solid frame, whereas the unselectable field P912 is displayed in a dotted frame or a grayed-out frame. In other words, the selectable field P911 and the unselectable field P912 are displayed in different ways so that they can be distinguished from each other. Among the types of seats, the third type is the type that determines whether or not a seat will be available on a waiting list when the train is full.

[0124] That is, there is a third type of seat, depending on whether it is possible to wait for a seat when the seat is full, or whether it is not possible to wait for a seat when the seat is full. When a seat is full, the display control unit 111 displays whether or not waiting for the seat is possible in different ways depending on which of the third types the seat is.

[0125] As mentioned above, when the restaurant is fully booked and the remaining number of groups that can be accepted as accepted calculated by the acceptance number calculation unit 119 is 0 (zero), the display control unit 111 displays a screen that refuses new customers from waiting in line. As an example, when the seats are full and the remaining number of seats available for waiting is 0 (zero), the display control unit 111 displays an unavailable selection field P912 in the seat type designation operation field P91.

[0126] That is, when the number of accepted groups waiting in line for a seat exceeds the upper limit, the display control unit 111 displays that waiting in line for a seat is not possible.

[0127] In the example shown on the desired seat selection screen P9 described above, the reception screen P8 indicates that all seats are full if there is no reservation, but it also indicates that some types of seats can be entered without waiting in line. Specifically, the selectable column P911 indicates that smoking table seats or smoking counter seats can be entered without waiting in line. In this way, the store management system 1 can expand the range of choices available to customers by displaying for each type of seat whether they can enter the store without waiting in line or whether they will need to wait in line.

[0128] The upper limit of the number of groups waiting in line for a seat may be set for each of the above-mentioned seat types. In this case, the display control unit 111 may be configured to display, for each seat type, that it is not possible to wait in line for a seat when the number of groups waiting in line for a seat exceeds the upper limit set for each seat type.

[0129] The no specification operation field P92 is an operation image that is operated when the customer does not desire a particular type of seat. The next screen operation button P93 is an operation image that is operated by the customer after selecting the type of seat. When the next screen operation button P93 is operated, the display control unit 111 causes the reception display unit 21 to display the full occupancy display screen P10.

[0130] 18 is a diagram showing an example of a full occupancy display screen P10 of this embodiment. In this example of this embodiment, if there is no reservation, the restaurant is full. The display control unit 111 causes the reception display unit 21 to display the full occupancy display screen P10 when the type of seat selected by the customer on the desired seat selection screen P9 is full.

[0131] The full-booking display screen P10 includes a reception order display field P101, a waiting number display field P102, and a waiting order operation button P103. The reception order display field P101 is a display field that shows the reception number indicating the reception order, the number of customers who have been received, and the type of seating they have selected. The waiting group number display field P102 is a display field that shows the number of groups currently waiting in line. The display control unit 111 shows the reception order display field P101 and the waiting group number display field P102 to the customer, thereby providing the customer with information to decide whether to wait in line or give up on entering the store.

[0132] The wait-your-turn operation button P103 is an operation image that is operated when a customer decides to wait their turn.

[0133] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a waiting reception confirmation screen P11 of this embodiment. The waiting reception confirmation screen P11 is an image that shows the details of the waiting reception to a customer. The waiting reception confirmation screen P11 includes a waiting reception operation button P111. The customer checks the contents of the waiting reception confirmation screen P11 and operates the waiting reception operation button P111. When the customer operates the waiting reception operation button P111, the display control unit 111 displays a waiting reception completion screen P12 on the reception display unit 21.

[0134] 20 is a diagram showing an example of the waiting order reception completion screen P12 according to this embodiment. The waiting order reception completion screen P12 indicates that a guide ticket (reception receipt R1) bearing the customer's reception number will be issued.

[0135] Link information for displaying store entry instructions is printed on the reception receipt R1 in the form of a two-dimensional code or the like. This link information indicates a link for accessing a status display screen (not shown) that shows the status of the waiting queue. Customers waiting in line can use this link information (for example, a two-dimensional code) to check whether they are able to enter the store, the estimated time until they can enter, and so on.

[0136] [Integration with seat management system and order management system] In the store operation system 1, by linking the seat management system 10 and the order management system 40, the link information printed on the reception receipt R1 can have two functions: link information to a status display screen showing the status of the waiting queue, and link information for ordering by self-ordering within the store.

[0137] That is, the link information may also serve as link information for displaying an order screen at the store.

[0138] In the following explanation, we will explain the case where the link information printed on the reception receipt R1 has two functions: link information to a status display screen that shows the status of the waiting queue, and link information for ordering by yourself in the store (i.e., link information that displays the ordering screen in the store).

[0139] (Step S112) If the system linkage flag is ON (if system linkage is being used), the self-service ordering information generation unit 117 of the seat management system 10 generates self-service ordering information C1. The self-service ordering information C1 is a two-dimensional code that is read by the user terminal device 50 when starting an order. This two-dimensional code contains information about an order link that the order management system 40 uses for order management.

[0140] In one example of this embodiment, the self-ordering information C1 is generated by the following procedure. (Step S112-1) If the system cooperation flag is ON, the seat management system 10 transmits the seat number of the customer to the order management system 40. (Step S112-2) The order management system 40 receives the seat number of the customer from the seat management system 10. (Step S112-3) The order management system 40 generates an order link for accepting an order from the received seat number. (Step S112-4) The order management system 40 transmits the generated order link to the seat management system 10. (Step S112-5) The seat management system 10 receives the order link from the order management system 40. (Step S112-6) The seat management system 10 generates self-ordering information C1 (for example, a two-dimensional code) indicating the received ordering link.

[0141] In other words, the order code (self-order information C1) is information linked to at least one of the seat location, order slip, or reservation information in a management system that performs at least one of the store's seat management, order management, or reservation management.

[0142] Through the above-described series of steps, the self-service ordering information C1 (e.g., a two-dimensional code) read by the user terminal device 50 is linked to the seat number of the customer using the user terminal device 50. Therefore, the order management system 40 can identify which seat the customer is sitting at when the user terminal device 50 accesses the order link indicated by the self-service ordering information C1. In other words, when an order is placed from the user terminal device 50, the order management system 40 can identify which seat the order is coming from.

[0143] The above-described procedure is an example. For example, the self-ordering information C1 (e.g., a two-dimensional code) may be generated by the order management system 40 and transmitted to the seat management system 10. Alternatively, the order management system 40 may be configured to directly transmit the self-ordering information C1 (e.g., a two-dimensional code) to the reception device 20.

[0144] (Step S113) The printing control unit 113 of the seat management system 10 instructs the printing unit 23 to print the self-ordering information C1 generated in step S112 on a guide ticket (reception receipt R1). The printing unit 23 prints the reception receipt R1 based on the instruction of the printing control unit 113.

[0145] 21 is a diagram showing an example of a reception receipt R1 according to this embodiment. The reception receipt R1 includes a link information display field R11, a reception number field R12, and a guidance text field R13. Link information to a status display screen showing the status of the waiting queue is printed in the link information display field R11. The link information also serves as self-ordering information C1 (for example, a two-dimensional code). The reception number column R12 prints the result of the seat waiting order reception (for example, the reception order number).

[0146] That is, the print control unit 113 prints the seat waiting order acceptance result and link information to a status display screen showing the status of the waiting queue.

[0147] Here, the order code (self-service order information C1) can also be said to be information indicating seat identification information that identifies the seat location of the customer selected based on the self-service check-in operation. Here, seat identification information is information that can identify the customer's seat, such as the seat number or the slip number linked to the seat number.

[0148] The guidance text field R13 is printed with text entered in the display setting field P63 of the waiting line reception setting screen P6 shown in Fig. 10 etc. For example, the guidance text field R13 is printed with information about waiting locations, such as an indication that customers should wait somewhere other than in front of the store until a call screen appears on the status display screen that shows the status of the waiting line. Also, because the link information printed on the reception receipt R1 also serves as link information for self-ordering, the guidance text field R13 is printed with information urging customers not to discard the reception receipt R1 after entering the store.

[0149] [Staffed reception with seat management system] In the example of the above-mentioned embodiment, it is assumed that the seat management system 10 and the reception device 20 work together and the store management system 1 automatically (i.e., without the intervention of store staff) determines the seating of customers, but this is not limited to this. As an example, the store operation system 1 may have a function of allowing a store staff member to select a seat for a customer whose turn has been accepted by the reception device 20.

[0150] For example, information about customers whose waiting order has been accepted by the reception device 20 is displayed in the waiting order column P231 on the seating status screen P2 shown in Fig. 3. As described above, the waiting order column P231 is a column that displays information about customers who have not yet been assigned a seat and are waiting in line to enter the store.

[0151] Specifically, the waiting information acquisition unit 115 acquires waiting information including the number of customers input in the seat waiting operation and the desired conditions for the type of seat. The seat information acquisition unit 116 acquires seat information indicating the number of seats and the type of seats for each seat unit in the store. The display control unit 111 displays an image showing the number of customers indicated in the waiting information and the seating units that match the desired conditions on the store display unit 14 (display device) based on the acquired waiting information and seating information. As a result, information about customers waiting in line to enter the store is displayed in the waiting column P231.

[0152] The store staff selects a seat from the available seats shown in the seating status column P21 for the customer who is waiting in line to enter the store, which is displayed in the waiting list column P231. According to the store management system 1 configured in this manner, store staff can compare the list of customers waiting in line to enter the store with the availability of seats and consider which seat to guide the customer to. Generally, when deciding where to seat customers, it is necessary to consider seating arrangements that shorten the work flow for taking orders and serving food, and seating arrangements that allow multiple adjacent seats to be combined when accommodating a large number of customers, which can require a lot of experience. According to the store operation system 1 configured as described above, it is possible to guide customers to any seat by comparing the list of customers waiting in line at the store with the availability of seats, so even store staff with little experience in seating can assign seats relatively easily.

[0153] When a seat is selected by a store staff member, the seat management system 10 may notify the user terminal device 50 that the seat has been selected, as well as the number and location of the selected seat. According to the store operation system 1 configured in this manner, customers who are waiting in line to enter the store can be smoothly guided into the store.

[0154] Furthermore, the seat management system 10 may have a function that allows store staff to select a seat for a new customer even when the store is not ready to accept a new customer, such as when the previous customer is still waiting or the seat is being cleaned. In this case, the seat management system 10 may notify the user terminal device 50 that the seat selected by the store staff is ready to accept a new customer.

[0155] [Ordering process] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of operations when placing an order in this embodiment. (Step S221) The customer (user) operates the user terminal device 50 to read the link information display field R11 on the reception receipt R1. As described above, the self-ordering information C1 (e.g., a two-dimensional code) is printed in the link information display field R11. The user terminal device 50 accesses the ordering link indicated by the self-ordering information C1.

[0156] (Step S121) The order management system 40 identifies the seat number of the order link accessed from the user terminal device 50, and causes the user terminal device 50 to display the order menu screen P4.

[0157] (Step S222) The customer operates the order menu screen P4 displayed on the user terminal device 50 to perform an order operation (order registration).

[0158] (Step S122) The order management system 40 displays the order details registered by the user terminal device 50 on the display unit 44 (for example, a kitchen monitor).

[0159] [Summary of the embodiment] With the store management system 1 configured in this way, even if the store's seats are full, it is possible to automate the process of waiting in line and guiding customers who have performed the self-check-in operation to a seat. Furthermore, with the store management system 1, it is possible to automate the process of refusing new customers from waiting in line when the seats are full. With the store management system 1 configured in this way, it is possible to reduce the situation where customers wait in line to enter the store when the store is full, and as a result are unable to enter in time for closing time T2.

[0160] In other words, according to the store management system 1 of this embodiment, the degree of automation of the self-check-in function can be increased, thereby reducing the workload of store staff.

[0161] Furthermore, in the store operation system 1 of this embodiment, the self-check-in function, which includes automatic response when the restaurant is full, and the self-order function are linked, so that the seat selection by the customer's self-check-in operation and the issuance of self-ordering information C1 corresponding to the seat can be performed simultaneously and automatically without human intervention. Therefore, the store operation system 1 reduces the workload of store staff compared to when store staff prepare self-ordering information C1 for customers.

[0162] In addition, the self-order information generation unit 117 may generate updated self-order information C1 each time a customer performs a self-check-in operation, or may generate a unique (fixed) order code (self-order information C1) for each seat each time a customer performs a self-check-in operation.

[0163] For example, the order code (self-service order information C1) may be updated in correspondence with the seat position in the store each time a self-service check-in operation is performed.

[0164] With the store management system 1 configured in this way, the self-service ordering information C1 becomes disposable information and is not shared among other customers. This prevents other customers who have obtained the self-service ordering information C1 from mistakenly (or intentionally) using the self-service ordering information C1 after leaving the store from placing an incorrect order.

[0165] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like are also included within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. For example, a computer program for implementing the functions of each of the above-described devices may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read and executed by a computer system. Note that the term "computer system" may include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

[0166] In addition, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to writable non-volatile memory such as a flexible disk, optical magnetic disk, ROM, or flash memory, portable media such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes those that retain a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) within a computer system that serves as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line.

[0167] The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may also be a program for implementing some of the functions described above, or may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the functions described above in combination with a program already stored in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0168] 1... store operation system, 10... seat management system, 20... reception device, 30... reservation system, 40... order management system, 50... user terminal device

Claims

1. A display control unit that displays on a display device for customers whether or not a seat is available for each type of seat in the store. A store management system equipped with the above.

2. The seat types include at least one of a first type based on whether smoking is permitted or not and a second type based on differences in seat type, The display control unit Displaying whether or not a seat is available for waiting in line for at least one of the first type and the second type The store management system according to claim 1 .

3. The seat types include a third type depending on whether or not waiting lists are accepted when the seat is full, and whether or not waiting lists are accepted when the seat is full. The display control unit When a seat is full, whether or not the seat is available for waiting is displayed in different manners depending on which of the third types the seat is. The store management system according to claim 1 .

4. an operation reception unit that receives seat waiting operations based on the upper limit of the number of groups that can be accepted for seat waiting; The store management system according to claim 1 , further comprising:

5. The upper limit is set for each reception time period divided into store business hours. The store management system according to claim 4.

6. The display control unit displays that it is not possible to wait in line for a seat when the number of accepted groups waiting in line for a seat exceeds the upper limit number. The store management system according to claim 4.

7. a reservation information acquisition unit that acquires seat reservation information; an acceptability number calculation unit that calculates the upper limit number based on the number of reservations indicated by the reservation information; The store management system according to claim 4 , further comprising:

8. a waiting information acquisition unit that acquires waiting information including the number of passengers and desired seat type input in a seat waiting operation; a seat information acquisition unit that acquires seat information indicating the number of seats and the type of seats for each seat unit in the store; Furthermore, The display control unit Based on the acquired waiting information and seating information, an image showing the number of customers indicated by the waiting information and the seating unit that matches the desired conditions is displayed on a store display device. The store management system according to claim 1 .

9. A print control unit that prints the seat waiting order acceptance result and link information to a status display screen that shows the status of the waiting order queue. The store management system according to claim 1 , further comprising:

10. The link information also serves as link information for displaying an order screen at the store. The store management system according to claim 9.

11. On the computer, For each type of seat in the store, a display device for customers will be displayed indicating whether or not a seat is available for waiting. A program to execute.

Images