Control device

Abstract

The convenience for the customer can be improved.SOLUTION: A control device includes a control unit that, in a display device provided in a seat, causes images of a plurality of products that can be ordered to be displayed in a first region, causes an image of a product selected as an order candidate and an order button for ordering the product to be displayed in a second region, and causes the image of the selected product to be displayed in the second region in response to an operation indicating that the image of the product is selected in the first region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device. [Background technology]

[0002] Various systems for accepting customer orders have been proposed in stores that provide food and beverages. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that detects a customer's selection action on image data of food and beverages that are scrolled on a display means, and displays data about the selected food and beverage on the display means using masking processing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5715942 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is still a demand for technology that is more convenient for customers. Furthermore, such demands are not limited to stores that sell food and beverages, but are common to all stores that sell merchandise. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and provides technology that makes it possible to improve convenience for customers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A control device according to one aspect of the present invention is a control device that controls a display device provided in a seat, and is equipped with a display means on the display device for displaying an order screen to be used by a customer seated in the seat when ordering a product, the order screen including a product movement area in which images of a plurality of products to be ordered are displayed so as to move in a predetermined direction, and further equipped with an information acquisition means for acquiring information about the customer, and a selection means for selecting, based on the information about the customer, priority display products which are products to be displayed preferentially to the customer from the plurality of products whose images are displayed in the product movement area, and the display means displays images of the priority display products as images of a predetermined number of products from the images of the plurality of products displayed so as to move in a predetermined direction per unit time on the order screen.

[0006] A control device according to another aspect of the present invention is a control device that controls a display device provided in a seat, and includes a display means on the display device that displays an order screen to be used by a customer seated in the seat when ordering a product, and the order screen includes a product movement area that is an area that displays images of multiple products to be ordered so that each moves in a predetermined direction, and a menu screen that is displayed when a predetermined button is operated and displays menu content corresponding to the specified button operated, and includes buttons related to the multiple products to be ordered, and the menu screen is displayed superimposed on the images of the products that are displayed so that they move in the product movement area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present invention makes it possible to improve convenience for customers. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the system configuration of a management system 100 according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a specific example of the exterior of a store system 110. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of an order screen. [Figure 4]10A and 10B are diagrams showing specific examples of changes in display when a customer performs an operation to order a product. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing specific examples of changes in display when a customer performs an operation to order a product. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a support setting screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a product display function. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which a product image 432 showing campaign information is displayed. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when campaign information is operated. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when campaign information is operated. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a menu screen 436. [Figure 12] 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of a management device 20. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a customer information table. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of a store control device 30. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing a specific example of processing by the store control device 30. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device 90 applied to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the system configuration of a management system 100 of the present invention. The management system 100 includes a customer terminal device 10, a management device 20, and a store system 110. The customer terminal device 10, the management device 20, and the store system 110 are communicatively connected via a network 70. The network 70 may be a network using wireless communication or a network using wired communication. The network 70 may be configured using, for example, the Internet or a local area network (LAN). The network 70 may also be configured by combining multiple networks.

[0010] The customer terminal device 10 is a terminal device used by customers who order and receive products at a store that is the object of management system 100 management. The store that is the object of management may be, for example, a store that provides food and beverages to customers. In this case, the products are food and beverages. However, the products provided to customers at the store that is the object of management do not have to be limited to food and beverages. The customer terminal device 10 is, for example, an information processing device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a portable game console, or a wearable computer. The customer terminal device 10 is capable of communicating with other devices via a network 70.

[0011] The management device 20 is a device that manages the store system 110 installed in a store that is the object of management by the management system 100. The management device 20 is configured using an information processing device such as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a server device. The management device 20 accepts registration of data related to a group of products that can be offered as menu items in a store that is the object of management by the management system 100 (hereinafter referred to as "product group data"). The product group data includes, for example, images of each of a plurality of products that can be offered as menu items, and information about each product (for example, the offering price, information about ingredients, information about cooking, etc.).

[0012] The product group data is registered by a person with predetermined authority, such as an administrator of the management device 20. The product group data may be registered in any manner. For example, the product group data may be registered by the administrator operating an input / output device (user interface) provided in the management device 20. For example, the product group data may be registered by the administrator transmitting the product group data from another information processing device to the management device 20.

[0013] The store system 110 is installed in one or more stores that are the object of management by the management system 100. A store system 110 is installed, for example, in each store that serves food and beverages. In this case, each product included in the product group data is food and beverages. The store system 110 includes a store control device 30, a kitchen display device 40, a transport control device 41, a transport device 42, and multiple store display devices 43. Each device in the store system 110 is communicably connected via a network 71 installed in the store system 110. The network 71 may be configured using, for example, a LAN or a wireless LAN.

[0014] The store control device 30 is a device that controls each device provided in the store system 110. The store control device 30 is configured using information processing devices such as personal computers and server devices. The store control device 30 receives product group data transmitted from, for example, the management device 20, determines products to be displayed on the store display device 43 of the store system 110 (hereinafter referred to as "display target products"), and displays images of the display target products on the store display device 43. The store control device 30 may determine, for example, products selected on the kitchen display device 40 as display target products.

[0015] The kitchen display device 40 is a device used by the kitchen manager in the store system 110. The kitchen display device 40 is an information processing device such as a smartphone, mobile phone, personal computer, tablet device, portable game console, wearable computer, or dedicated terminal. The kitchen display device 40 displays products included in the product group data transmitted from the management device 20 as product candidates. The kitchen display device 40 notifies the store control device 30 of the products selected by the kitchen manager. The kitchen display device 40 also displays information regarding orders placed by customers via operations on the store display device 43 or the customer terminal device 10 (hereinafter referred to as "order information"). The order information may include, for example, information indicating the seat where the customer who placed the order is seated, information indicating the ordered products, and information indicating the number of ordered products. The kitchen manager prepares and serves products (food and beverages) to customers according to the order information displayed on the kitchen display device 40.

[0016] The transport control device 41 controls the operation of the transport device 42. The transport control device 41 may control the operation of the transport device 42 in accordance with control signals transmitted from, for example, the store control device 30 or the kitchen display device 40. The transport device 42 transports products prepared by the kitchen manager to customers. The transport device 42 is configured using, for example, a conveyor.

[0017] The store display device 43 may be an image display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc. The store display device 43 may be configured as a touch panel further equipped with an input device.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specific example of the exterior of the store system 110. A store is provided with multiple unit seats 44. A unit seat 44 is a seat used by a group of one or more customers who make a payment together. A unit seat 44 may be configured as a seat used by a single customer (for example, a single seat provided at a counter), or as shown in FIG. 2, as a seat used by multiple customers. One or more store display devices 43 may be provided for each unit seat 44.

[0019] 2, one store display device 43 is provided for one unit seat 44. For example, a store display device 43a is provided for unit seat 44a, a store display device 43b is provided for unit seat 44b, and a store display device 43c is provided for unit seat 44c.

[0020] Conveying device 42 is provided so as to be able to transport merchandise from at least the kitchen to each unit seat 44. Each unit seat 44 is provided with at least one receiving opening 421. Conveying device 42 is configured to transport merchandise, for example, from the kitchen to receiving opening 421, and to stop the merchandise at receiving opening 421.

[0021] A store display device 43 provided at each unit seat 44 displays a screen that is used by a customer seated at each unit seat 44 when ordering a product. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a specific example of a normal screen. In the specific example of FIG. 3, at least an image of the conveying device 42 and one or more product images 432 are displayed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, an information display area 431, an order operation area 433, and a setting operation area 441 may also be displayed.

[0022] The image of the conveying device 42 may be displayed as moving in a predetermined direction at a predetermined speed. The product images 432 may each be displayed as moving in a predetermined direction at a predetermined speed. For example, the image of the conveying device 42 and each product image 432 may be displayed as moving from right to left at a predetermined speed. By displaying the image of the conveying device 42 and the product images 432 as moving at the same speed in the same direction, it appears as if the products in each product image 432 are being loaded onto the conveying device 42 and moving. More specifically, by displaying in this manner, it becomes possible for customers to see products (e.g., sushi) moving on a conveyor belt, as in a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant.

[0023] The store control device 30 or the store display device 43 may change the speed and direction of movement of these images in response to a customer's operation. The customer's operation may be accepted as an operation on the store display device 43 configured using, for example, a touch panel. For example, in response to a customer performing a flick operation on the touch panel that has a component in a direction opposite to a predetermined direction, the image of the conveying device 42 and the product image 432 may be displayed so as to temporarily move in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction.

[0024] The information display area 431 is an area where information to be provided to customers is displayed. The type of information displayed in the information display area 431 may be controlled by the management device 20 or the store control device 30. For example, the information to be provided may be transmitted from the management device 20 to the store control device 30 via the network 70, and information selected by the store control device 30 may be displayed in the information display area 431. For example, advertising information to be provided to customers, information such as coupons, or a game screen that can be operated by customers may be displayed. The advertising information to be provided to customers may be advertising related to the operator of the store in which the store system 110 is installed, or advertising related to another entity. If the advertising related to another entity is provided, an advertising fee may be paid by the advertiser to the operator of the store.

[0025] The order operation area 433 is an area used by the customer when ordering a product. Figures 4 and 5 are diagrams showing specific examples of changes in the display when a customer orders a product. The order operation area 433 displays an order button 434 and multiple order candidate areas 435. The order button 434 is a button with the words "Order." The order candidate areas 435 are areas that show products selected by the customer as candidate products to order. As shown in Figure 3, when the customer has not selected an order candidate, no product images are displayed in any of the order candidate areas 435, and an image indicating that no product has been selected is displayed.

[0026] When a product image 432 to be ordered (desired to be ordered) is displayed on the display screen, the customer performs a selection operation on the product image 432 to be ordered. For example, the selection operation may be a drag operation, a tap operation, or another type of operation. When a drag operation is performed, the customer drags the product image 432 to be ordered to the order operation area 433. When a tap operation is performed, the customer taps the product image 432 to be ordered. When the customer performs a selection operation on the product image 432, the selected product image 432 is displayed in the order candidate area 435 as shown in FIG. 5. As described above, the product image 432 displayed in the order candidate area 435 indicates that the product image 432 has been selected by the customer as a candidate for ordering.

[0027] When a customer operates the order button 434, an order is placed for the product shown in the product image 432 displayed in the order candidate area 435 at the time the order was made. When a product order is placed, the store control device 30 registers information indicating the identification information of the unit seat 44 where the order was placed and the identification information of the ordered product. The store control device 30 displays this information on the kitchen display device 40. A kitchen manager (e.g., a cook) prepares the product based on the information displayed on the kitchen display device 40, and places it on a conveying device 42 to be transported to the destination (the unit seat 44 where the customer who placed the order is located). The transported product (the ordered product) is transported by the conveying device 42 to the receiving door 421 of the unit seat 44 where the customer who placed the order is located. The customer who placed the order can pick up and collect the product that has been transported to the receiving door 421.

[0028] The settings operation area 441 displays a support / settings button, a product menu button, and an order history / checkout button. When the support settings button is operated, a support settings screen is displayed. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of the support settings screen. In FIG. 6, a support settings screen 442 is displayed, replacing part or all of the area where the settings operation area 441 was displayed. The support settings screen displays a call button, an operation explanation tutorial button, an allergen information button, a language selection button, a design switch button, an ON / OFF button for displaying information about products on the lane, and an ON / OFF button for the mini-game.

[0029] When a call button is operated, an output indicating that the call button has been operated is made at the unit seat 44 where the call button has been operated via an output device provided in the store system 110. For example, a lamp provided for each unit seat 44 may be lit, or the seat identification information of the unit seat 44 may be displayed or output as audio.

[0030] When the operation instruction tutorial button is pressed, an operation instruction screen is displayed. The operation instruction screen may display a video or still image explaining the operation. When the allergen information button is pressed, information about the allergens in the products offered at the store is displayed. For example, a table listing the products offered and the substances that cause the allergens may be displayed.

[0031] When the language selection button is operated, language buttons for multiple other languages ​​are displayed. For example, language buttons for English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean may be displayed. When a language button is operated, the store display device 43 displays in the language assigned to the operated language button. When the design switching button is operated, the display design of the store display device 43 is switched to another design. Note that the effect of operating the language selection button and design switching button is limited to the store display device 43 on which the operation is performed.

[0032] When the product information display ON / OFF button on the lane is operated, the product information display function is switched on and off. In the state shown in FIG. 6, the product information display function is off. Therefore, product information (e.g., product name and price) is not displayed on each product image 432 moving down the lane on the screen. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the product display function. In FIG. 7, the product information display function is on. In this case, product information is displayed on each product image 432 moving down the lane on the screen. In the specific example shown in FIG. 7, the product name and price are displayed as product information. A product information display area is arranged for each product image 432 moving down the lane, for example, and moves in synchronization with the movement of the product image 432. Therefore, the product image 432 and the image of the tag showing the product information appear to be moving down the lane together.

[0033] When the mini-game ON / OFF button is operated, the mini-game can be played using part or all of the screen of the store display device 43. For example, when the mini-game ON / OFF button is operated, a mini-game application is launched and the mini-game screen is displayed. The customer can then play the mini-game by operating the operation buttons displayed on the store display device 43. Coupons may be issued depending on the performance of the mini-game.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which a product image 432 showing campaign information is displayed. The product image 432 on the lane of the store display device 43 may display an image showing a campaign being carried out in the store, rather than the product itself. FIGS. 9 and 10 are diagrams showing an example of a screen when campaign information is operated. When the image showing the campaign is operated, a campaign display area 444 showing the details of the campaign is displayed. The campaign display area 444 is displayed in a layer above the lane image and other product images 432. Therefore, the campaign display area 444 is displayed statically, but the lane and product images 432 may be displayed in a continuously flowing manner in the background.

[0035] When the menu button is operated in the campaign display area 444, characters and images indicating a menu (campaign menu image) 445 are displayed in the campaign display area 444. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of the campaign menu image 445 being displayed. The campaign menu image 445 displayed in the campaign display area 444 displays images, names, and prices of products being sold in the campaign. When a specific product is operated in the campaign menu image 445, the operated product is displayed in the order candidate area 435 and becomes available for ordering.

[0036] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a specific example of a menu screen 436. When one of the buttons on the menu selection screen is operated, a menu screen 436 with menu content corresponding to the operated button is displayed. The menu screen 436 may be displayed, for example, superimposed on the product images 432 in the area where the product images 432 are displayed. In this case, the menu screen 436 is displayed in a fixed position, but each product image 432 may continue to move in a predetermined direction at a predetermined speed. Buttons related to one or more products are displayed on the menu screen 436. A product selected on the menu screen 436 (e.g., a product whose button was operated) is displayed in the order candidate area 435. In this way, the operation of selecting a product to be ordered may be, for example, an operation of dragging and dropping the product image 432 into the order candidate area 435, an operation on a button displayed on the menu screen 436, or another implementation.

[0037] 12 is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of the management device 20. The management device 20 is configured using information equipment such as a personal computer, a server device, etc. The management device 20 includes a communication unit 21, an input unit 22, an output unit 23, a storage unit 24, and a control unit 25.

[0038] The communication unit 21 is a communication device. The communication unit 21 may be configured as, for example, a network interface. The communication unit 21 communicates data with other devices via the network 70 in accordance with the control of the control unit 25. The communication unit 21 may be a device that performs wireless communication or a device that performs wired communication.

[0039] The input unit 22 is configured using existing input devices such as a keyboard, a pointing device (mouse, tablet, etc.), buttons, a touch panel, etc. The input unit 22 is operated by a user (administrator) of the management device 20 when inputting the administrator's instructions to the management device 20. The input unit 22 may be an interface for connecting the input device to the management device 20. In this case, the input unit 22 inputs an input signal generated in the input device in response to the administrator's input to the management device 20. The input unit 22 may be configured using a microphone and a voice recognition device. In this case, the input unit 22 acquires an acoustic signal generated by the administrator's speech, performs voice recognition on the words spoken by the administrator, and inputs character string information of the recognition result to the management device 20. The voice recognition process may be performed by the control unit 25. The input unit 22 may be configured in any way as long as it is configured to input the administrator's instructions to the management device 20.

[0040] The output unit 23 outputs information in a form recognizable by the administrator. The output unit 23 may be, for example, an image display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The output unit 23 may be an interface for connecting the image display device to the management device 20. In this case, the output unit 23 generates a video signal for displaying image data and outputs the video signal to the image display device connected to the output unit 23. The output unit 23 may be a device for outputting sound, such as a speaker. The output unit 23 may be an interface for connecting an audio output device, such as a speaker or headphones, to the management device 20. In this case, the output unit 23 generates an audio signal for reproducing audio data and outputs the audio signal to the audio output device connected to the output unit 23. The output unit 23 may be configured as a touch panel integrated with the input unit 22.

[0041] The storage unit 24 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 24 stores data used by the control unit 25. The storage unit 24 stores data required when the control unit 25 performs processing. The storage unit 24 functions as, for example, a content information storage unit 241, a customer attribute information storage unit 242, and an estimation model storage unit 243.

[0042] The content information storage unit 241 stores content information. The content information includes characters, images, and the like that are displayed on the store display device 43 of the store system 110. The content information includes, for example, information (product group data) about products that may be provided in a store that is managed by the management system 100, information about advertisements, and information about games that are provided to customers.

[0043] The customer attribute information storage unit 242 stores a customer attribute information table containing information about the attributes of customers registered in the management system 100 (hereinafter referred to as "customer attribute information"). FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of a customer attribute information table. The customer attribute information table has multiple customer attribute information records. A customer attribute information record has, for example, values ​​for customer identification information, attribute information, order history, and store visit frequency. One customer attribute information record contains customer information registered by one customer.

[0044] Customer identification information is identification information assigned to each customer. Attribute information may include, for example, information related to gender and age. Order history is information indicating the history of past orders placed by the customer. Order history may indicate a history for a predetermined period going back in time, or a history for a predetermined number of items going back in time, or may be defined in other ways. Visit frequency is information indicating how often the customer visits the store. For example, predetermined categories (daily, several times a week, once a week, once a month, etc.) may be defined in advance, and information indicating which category the customer falls into may be used as the visit frequency value.

[0045] The estimation model storage unit 243 stores estimation models. The estimation model is a model used to estimate products that a customer may order based on customer attribute information. The estimation model may be configured as a trained model obtained by machine learning using training data, for example. In this case, for example, a combination of actual customer attribute information (e.g., attribute information or order history) and products actually ordered by a customer corresponding to the customer attribute information may be used as a combination of explanatory variables and a target variable of the training data. The combination of the explanatory variables and the target variable may be defined in any other way. For example, a combination of past order history and a product classification actually ordered may be used. For example, a combination of the elapsed time from a first action (described below) and a product or product classification actually ordered thereafter may be used. For example, a combination of the time required from a first action to a second action (described below) by the customer and a product or product classification actually ordered thereafter may be used. The estimation model may be information such as a look-up table (LUT) obtained by performing an analysis process based on past statistics, etc.

[0046] The control unit 25 is configured using a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory (main storage device). The control unit 25 functions as a content control unit 251, a customer attribute information control unit 252, and a determination unit 253 by the processor executing a program. All or part of the functions of the control unit 25 may be realized using hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The above program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include portable media such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, and a semiconductor storage device (e.g., a solid-state drive (SSD)), as well as storage devices such as a hard disk or semiconductor storage device built into a computer system. The above program may be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0047] The content control unit 251 accepts the registration of content information. For example, the content control unit 251 receives content information received via the communication unit 21 or content information input via the input unit 22. The content control unit 251 records the received content information in the content information storage unit 241. The content control unit 251 may transmit the content information stored in the content information storage unit 241 to all store systems 110 at a predetermined timing (for example, once a day at a predetermined time). The content information transmitted from the content control unit 251 is received by, for example, the store control device 30 of each store system 110.

[0048] The customer attribute information control unit 252 controls the customer attribute information stored in the customer attribute information storage unit 242. For example, the customer attribute information control unit 252 may receive customer attribute information transmitted as a registration request from the customer terminal device 10, and may use the received customer attribute information to generate a new customer attribute information record and register it in the customer attribute information table. The customer attribute information control unit 252 may receive information indicating a customer's order history from the store control device 30, and update the order history in the customer attribute information.

[0049] When the determination unit 253 receives a determination request, it determines the products (hereinafter referred to as "priority display products") that are to be preferentially displayed to the customer identified by the customer attribute information included in the determination request. The determination unit 253 transmits the priority display products that are the determination result to the sender of the determination request. The sender of the determination request (for example, the store control device 30) displays product images 432 of the products included in the priority display products on the store display device 43 of the unit seat 44 where the customer is seated.

[0050] The determination unit 253 may, for example, estimate products that are likely to be ordered by a customer and determine the estimated products as priority display products. Such a determination may be made by any process. More specifically, it is as follows.

[0051] For example, the determination unit 253 may estimate products that are likely to be ordered by a customer based on the customer attribute information and an estimation model stored in the estimation model storage unit 243. The determination unit 253 may estimate products that are likely to be ordered based on, for example, customer attribute information included in the customer attribute information. For example, products may be estimated based on information such as gender and generation (age) included in the attribute information and an estimation model. The determination unit 253 may estimate products that are likely to be ordered based on, for example, the customer's past order history included in the customer attribute information. In this case, the determination unit 253 may estimate products that are likely to be ordered by the customer based on the estimation model stored in the estimation model storage unit 243 and the order history.

[0052] The determination unit 253 may determine, as the priority display product, a product similar to a product that a customer has ordered relatively frequently in the past, for example, based on a predefined relationship between similar products. For example, if many products related to "tuna" have been ordered in the past, a group of products defined as products similar to tuna may be determined as the priority display product. For example, products in the same or similar price range as a product that has been ordered relatively frequently in the past may be determined as the priority display product. If more products classified as high-priced products have been ordered in the past than a predetermined standard, a group of products classified as high-priced products may be determined as the priority display product. It is desirable that the relationship between price ranges and products be predefined.

[0053] For example, the determination unit 253 may determine a priority display commodity based on the time elapsed since a first action of the customer. A specific example of the first action is entering a store. In this case, the determination unit 253 determines a priority display commodity based on the time elapsed since the customer entered the store. Specifically, if the time elapsed since entering the store is shorter than a predetermined time (e.g., 1 minute or 5 minutes), a beverage (e.g., soft drink or alcoholic beverage) may be determined to be the priority display commodity. If the time elapsed since entering the store is longer than a predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes or 1 hour, or if the store has a usage time limit, a predetermined time before the usage time limit (e.g., 10 minutes before), etc.), a product categorized as a dessert or a product categorized as tea (including coffee) may be determined to be the priority display commodity.

[0054] Such a determination may be made when a predetermined condition (for example, the condition that the customer has not yet placed an order) is met, rather than based on the time elapsed since entering the restaurant. Furthermore, the determination may be made based on the time elapsed since the customer sat down, rather than based on the time elapsed since entering the restaurant, or based on the time elapsed since the seat identification information and customer identification information were registered. In this case, the first action would be the action of sitting down, or the action of registering the seat identification information and customer identification information.

[0055] Another specific example of the first action is an action of placing an order. In this case, the determination unit 253 determines the priority display item based on the time elapsed since the customer last placed an order. Specifically, if a predetermined amount of time or more has passed since the customer last placed an order, the determination unit 253 may determine that an item categorized as a final meal (for example, a rice bowl or ramen), an item categorized as a dessert, or an item categorized as tea (including coffee) is the priority display item.

[0056] For example, the determination unit 253 may determine the prioritized display product based on the time required from the first action to the second action of the customer. For example, specific examples of the first action and the second action may be the second-to-last ordering action and the last ordering action, respectively. In other words, the prioritized display product may be determined based on the length of time required between orders. If this required time is longer than a predetermined threshold, the prioritized display product may be a product classified as a final meal (for example, a rice bowl or ramen), a product classified as a dessert, or a product classified as tea (including coffee).

[0057] 14 is a schematic block diagram showing a specific example of the store control device 30. The store control device 30 is configured using information devices such as a personal computer or a server device. The store control device 30 includes a communication unit 31, an input unit 32, an output unit 33, a memory unit 34, and a control unit 35.

[0058] The communication unit 31 is a communication device. The communication unit 31 may be configured as, for example, a network interface. The communication unit 31 communicates data with other devices via the network 71 in accordance with the control of the control unit 35. The communication unit 31 may be a device that performs wireless communication or a device that performs wired communication.

[0059] The input unit 32 is configured using existing input devices such as a keyboard, a pointing device (mouse, tablet, etc.), buttons, and a touch panel. The input unit 32 is operated by a user (store manager) of the store control device 30 when inputting instructions from the store manager to the store control device 30. The input unit 32 may be an interface for connecting the input device to the store control device 30. In this case, the input unit 32 inputs an input signal generated on the input device in response to an input from the store manager to the store control device 30. The input unit 32 may be configured using a microphone and a voice recognition device. In this case, the input unit 32 acquires an acoustic signal generated by the speech of the store manager, performs voice recognition on the words spoken by the store manager, and inputs character string information of the recognition result to the store control device 30. The voice recognition process may be performed by the control unit 35. The input unit 32 may be configured in any way as long as it is capable of inputting instructions from the store manager to the store control device 30.

[0060] The output unit 33 outputs information in a form recognizable by the store manager. The output unit 33 may be an image display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The output unit 33 may be an interface for connecting the image display device to the store control device 30. In this case, the output unit 33 generates a video signal for displaying image data and outputs the video signal to the image display device connected to the output unit 33. The output unit 33 may be a device for outputting sound, such as a speaker. The output unit 33 may be an interface for connecting an audio output device, such as a speaker or headphones, to the store control device 30. In this case, the output unit 33 generates an audio signal for reproducing audio data and outputs the audio signal to the audio output device connected to the output unit 33. The output unit 33 may be configured as a touch panel integrated with the input unit 32.

[0061] The storage unit 34 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 34 stores data used by the control unit 35. The storage unit 34 stores data required when the control unit 35 performs processing. The storage unit 34 functions as, for example, an inventory information storage unit 341, a content information storage unit 342, and an order information storage unit 343.

[0062] The inventory information storage unit 341 stores information about inventory in the store in which the store control device 30 is installed. The inventory information may be input by, for example, a store manager operating the input unit 32. The inventory information may be updated based on current inventory information, information about newly purchased items, and information about products provided to customers upon order.

[0063] The content information storage unit 342 stores content information. The content information stored in the content information storage unit 342 may be content information transmitted from the management device 20. The content information may include information about products (food and drink) that are out of stock in the store.

[0064] The order information storage unit 343 stores information about the history of orders placed by customers in the store where its own device (store control device 30) is installed. The order information storage unit 343 includes, for example, for each unit seat 44, customer information (e.g., identification information), order information, information indicating whether the products included in the order have been provided, and information indicating whether the transaction has been completed.

[0065] The control unit 35 is configured using a processor such as a CPU and a memory (main storage device). The control unit 35 functions as a customer attribute information management unit 351, a display control unit 352, and an order control unit 353 by the processor executing a program. All or part of the functions of the control unit 35 may be realized using hardware such as an ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The above program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and semiconductor storage devices (e.g., SSDs: Solid State Drives), as well as storage devices such as hard disks and semiconductor storage devices built into computer systems. The above program may be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0066] The customer attribute information management unit 351 manages information about customers who visit the store in which the store control device 30 is installed. The customer attribute information management unit 351 associates unit seats 44 with customer attribute information and registers them in the order information storage unit 343. The association between unit seats 44 and customer attribute information may be obtained by any process.

[0067] For example, when a customer enters a store, a predetermined reading device of the store system 110 reads code information displayed on the customer terminal device 10, and a store employee registers the unit seat 44 provided to the customer, thereby associating the unit seat 44 with customer attribute information. The unit seat 44 provided to the customer may be selected by the customer attribute information management unit 351 from among available unit seats 44 depending on the number of customers. The code information read by the predetermined reading device may include customer identification information. The customer attribute information management unit 351 obtains the customer identification information by decoding the read code information. The customer attribute information management unit 351 associates the seat identification information indicating the unit seat 44 with the customer identification information and registers them in the order information storage unit 343.

[0068] For example, the unit seat 44 may be associated with the customer attribute information by capturing an image of the code information displayed on the customer terminal device 10 with a predetermined imaging device provided at the unit seat 44. In this case, the imaging device transmits seat identification information indicating the unit seat 44 in which the imaging device is provided and the captured code information to the store control device 30. The customer attribute information management unit 351 associates the customer identification information indicated by the code information with the seat identification information and registers them in the order information storage unit 343.

[0069] For example, a customer may read code information provided for each unit seat 44 using the customer terminal device 10, thereby associating the unit seat 44 with the customer attribute information. In this case, for example, the customer terminal device 10 may transmit to the management device 20 the customer identification information stored therein, as well as the store identification information and seat identification information obtained by decrypting the code information. The management device 20 then associates the customer identification information and seat identification information and transmits them to the store control device 30 of the store system 110 indicated by the store identification information. The customer attribute information management unit 351 associates the received customer identification information and seat identification information and registers them in the order information storage unit 343.

[0070] The display control unit 352 controls the display of the store display device 43. For example, when no particular operation is performed by the customer, the display control unit 352 selects display target products from the product group data stored in the content information storage unit 342. At this time, the display control unit 352 may select, for example, products that are in stock at the store where the display device is installed, as display target products. The display control unit 352 displays products included in the display target products on the store display device 43. For example, the display control unit 352 may randomly select products from the products included in the display target products and display them on the store display device 43 in the selected order.

[0071] The display control unit 352 may determine products to be preferentially displayed (priority display products) for each unit seat 44 based on predetermined criteria. For example, the display control unit 352 may send a determination request to the management device 20 for each unit seat 44 and determine the priority display products according to the priority display products received as the determination result. At this time, the display control unit 352 may determine the priority display products from among the priority display products determined by the management device 20 and products that are available to customers (e.g., in stock) in the store where the device is installed. The determination request includes information required for the management device 20 to determine the priority display products. Products determined as priority display products are displayed on the store display device 43 more frequently than products not determined as priority display products. Products displayed other than the priority display products may be determined according to normal display control. For example, products displayed other than the priority display products may be randomly selected from products included in the display target products as described above.

[0072] The display control unit 352 may control the number of products displayed per unit timing to display a predetermined number (hereinafter referred to as the "priority display number") of product images 432 of products determined as priority display products. The unit timing may be defined, for example, as a unit of time (e.g., 30 seconds, 1 minute, etc.) or as a unit number of products (e.g., 5 products, 10 products). If the unit timing is defined as 30 seconds and the priority display number is defined as 5, the display is controlled so that 5 priority display products are displayed in 30 seconds.

[0073] The order control unit 353 accepts orders in accordance with customer operations. For example, when an order is placed based on a customer operation as described in FIGS. 4 to 11, the order control unit 353 may associate the ordered product with the unit seat 44 where the order was placed and register the association in the order information storage unit 343. The order control unit 353 causes the kitchen display device 40 to display the association between the ordered product and the unit seat 44 where the order was placed.

[0074] 15 is a flowchart showing a specific example of processing by the store control device 30. First, the display control unit 352 receives and acquires content information from the management device 20 (step S101). The display control unit 352 records the received content information in the content information storage unit 342. The display control unit 352 determines display content for each store display device 43 (step S102) and causes each store display device 43 to display an image (step S103). By repeatedly executing the processing of steps S102 and S103, product images and the like are displayed on each store display device 43.

[0075] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an example hardware configuration of an information processing device 90 applied to this embodiment. The information processing device 90 includes a processor 91, a main memory device 92, a communication interface 93, an auxiliary memory device 94, an input / output interface 95, and an internal bus 96. The processor 91, the main memory device 92, the communication interface 93, the auxiliary memory device 94, and the input / output interface 95 are communicably connected to each other via the internal bus 96. The information processing device 90 may be applied to, for example, the management device 20 and the store control device 30. In this case, for example, the communication units 21 and 31 may be configured using the communication interface 93. For example, the memory units 24 and 34 may be configured using the auxiliary memory device 94. Furthermore, the control units 25 and 35 may be configured using the processor 91 and the main memory device 92.

[0076] (Variation)

[0077] In this embodiment, the management device 20 and the store control device 30 are configured as separate devices, but they may also be configured as an integrated device. Also, a part of the management device 20 and the store control device 30 may be configured as an integrated device. For example, the store control device 30 may be configured to include an estimation model storage unit 243 and a determination unit 253. When configured in this manner, the store control device 30 can determine priority display products without communicating with the management device 20 (sending a determination request).

[0078] The management device 20 may be implemented using a plurality of information processing devices. For example, the management device 20 may be implemented using a device such as a cloud. For example, in the management device 20, the storage unit 24 and the control unit 25 may be implemented in different information processing devices. For example, the storage unit 24 of the management device 20 may be implemented in a distributed manner across a plurality of information processing devices. For example, the control unit 25 of the management device 20 may be implemented in a distributed manner across a plurality of information processing devices.

[0079] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 100... management system, 110... store system, 10... customer terminal device, 20... management device, 21... communication unit, 22... input unit, 23... output unit, 24... memory unit, 25... control unit, 30... store control device, 31... communication unit, 32... input unit, 33... output unit, 34... memory unit, 35... control unit, 40... kitchen display device, 41... transport control device, 42... transport device, 421... receiving port, 43... store display device, 431... information display area, 432... product image, 433... order operation area, 434... order screen, 435... order button, 436... menu screen, 44... unit seat

Claims

1. A control device that controls a display device provided in a seat, The display device is provided with a display means for displaying an order screen used by the customer seated at the seat when ordering a product, the order screen includes a product movement area that is an area in which images of a plurality of products to be ordered are displayed so as to move in a predetermined direction, information acquisition means for acquiring information about the customer; a selection means for selecting a priority display commodity, which is a commodity to be preferentially displayed for the customer, from among the plurality of commodity images to be displayed in the commodity movement area based on information about the customer; The display means displays images of the priority display products as images of a predetermined number of products among images of multiple products displayed on the order screen so as to move in the predetermined direction per unit time.

2. A control device that controls a display device provided in a seat, The display device is provided with a display means for displaying an order screen used by the customer seated at the seat when ordering a product, The order screen is a product movement area in which images of a plurality of products to be ordered are displayed so as to move in a predetermined direction; a menu screen that is displayed when a predetermined button is operated, and that displays menu content corresponding to the operated predetermined button; the menu screen includes buttons relating to a plurality of products to be ordered, The control device wherein the menu screen is displayed superimposed on an image of a commodity displayed to move in the commodity movement area.

Images