Order management apparatus and order management method

Abstract

To easily manage an order.SOLUTION: The order management apparatus includes a display unit configured to display a list of product names and order quantities of products ordered by a customer as one unit of order information, a display control unit configured to control a quantity change display for changing the order quantity included in the order information selected from the order information displayed on the display unit, and a quantity change unit configured to change the order quantity included in the selected order information in response to receiving a predetermined operation while the quantity change display is displayed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an order management device and an order management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in establishments such as restaurants, orders for products are received from customers, and the products are cooked and served in accordance with the received orders. To efficiently carry out this series of processes, technologies related to ordering systems have been disclosed. For example, Patent Document 1 can be cited as an example of a document disclosing such an ordering system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-067463 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Here, some customers may order multiple items of the same product. When multiple items of the same product are ordered, the items are cooked and served in order in the kitchen and serving area. In such cases, it is not easy to manage how many of the multiple ordered items have already been cooked and how many have already been served.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide an order management device and an order management method that enable easy order management. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) One aspect of the present invention is an order management device that includes a display unit that displays a list of product names and order quantities of products ordered by customers as a single unit of order information; a display control unit that controls a quantity change display for performing a process to change the ordered quantity for any order information selected from the order information displayed on the display unit; and a quantity change unit that changes the ordered quantity included in the selected order information in response to receiving a predetermined operation while the quantity change display is displayed.

[0007] (2) Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is that in the order management device described in (1), the display control unit displays the quantity change display only when the number of ordered items is two or more, and does not display the quantity change display when the number of ordered items is one.

[0008] (3) Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, in the order management device described in (1) or (2), when any order information is selected from the order information displayed on the display unit, the display control unit enters an undetermined period in which the order quantity is provisionally changed, and when a predetermined period has passed since the last operation was accepted, the undetermined period ends and the change in the order quantity is confirmed.

[0009] (4) Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is that in the order management device described in any one of (1) to (3), when any order information is selected from the order information displayed on the display unit, the display control unit enters an unconfirmed period in which the order quantity is provisionally changed, and when a predetermined period has passed since the last operation was received without any order confirmation operation being performed, the unconfirmed period ends and the change in the order quantity is canceled.

[0010] (5) Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is that in the order management device described in any one of (1) to (4), the quantity change unit subtracts the number of orders depending on the number of times a specified operation is received.

[0011] (6) Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is that in the order management device described in any one of (1) to (5), the quantity change unit subtracts the number of ordered items depending on the time when a specified operation is received.

[0012] (7) Another aspect of the present invention is an order management method including: a display step of displaying a list of product names and order quantities of products ordered by customers as one unit of order information; a display control step of controlling a quantity change display for performing a process of changing the ordered quantity for any order information selected from the order information displayed in the display step; and a quantity change step of changing the ordered quantity included in the selected order information in response to receiving a predetermined operation while the quantity change display is displayed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an order management device and an order management method that enable easy order management. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an order management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the order management device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a screen configuration diagram showing an example of a display of an order management screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart showing a series of steps in an order management method according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of single order processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of multiple order processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a screen configuration diagram showing an example of an order ticket display according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8]10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen layout of a display label for the number of selected items to be cooked that is included in the order ticket screen layout according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a timing chart showing an example of timing employed in the order management method according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a screen configuration diagram showing an example of an order ticket display in this embodiment, specifically, an example of a display when multiple orders have been placed. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of a linked device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] [Embodiment] The following describes in detail preferred embodiments of an order management system and an order management system according to the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and includes various modifications and improvements. In other words, the components described below include those that would be easily conceivable to a person skilled in the art or that are substantially identical, and the components described below can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, in the drawings, the scale and number of components may differ from the scale and number of the actual components to make each component easier to understand.

[0016] First, the premise of this embodiment will be described. The order management device and order management method according to this embodiment are assumed to be used in a store such as a restaurant. The order management device and order management method according to this embodiment can be applied to a wide range of stores, including restaurants and stores where customers receive products and services. In the following description, as an example, a case will be described in which the order management device and order management method according to this embodiment are applied to a restaurant where customers sit in the store, order products such as food and drink, the ordered products are cooked, and the cooked products are served to the customers.

[0017] In the following description, a person who visits a store to which the order management system 1 is applied and receives goods or services will be referred to as a customer. Furthermore, a person who uses the order management system 1 (specifically, store staff, which may include customers) will be referred to as a user. Store staff are assumed to include hall staff who serve food and take orders from customers in the serving area (hall), and kitchen staff who cook in the kitchen. However, this embodiment is not limited to this example and may be used by other people. Furthermore, hall staff and kitchen staff do not necessarily have to be different people and may be the same person.

[0018] [Order Management System 1 Overview] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an order management system according to one embodiment. As shown in the figure, the order management system 1 includes at least a customer ordering device 10, a store ordering device 20, and an order management device 30. The order management system 1 preferably includes multiple customer ordering devices 10, multiple store ordering devices 20, and at least one order management device 30. In the following description, for simplicity, a case will be described in which one customer ordering device 10, one store ordering device 20, and one order management device 30 are included.

[0019] The customer ordering device 10 is operated by a customer. The customer ordering device 10 may be, for example, a terminal device such as a tablet terminal device provided at each seat in a store. The customer ordering device 10, for example, presents available products to the customer and accepts orders in response to the customer's operation. Furthermore, the customer ordering device 10 is not limited to being provided at each seat in a store, but may be, for example, a terminal device such as a smartphone owned by the customer. When the customer ordering device 10 is a terminal device owned by a customer, the customer may read predetermined information (for example, a two-dimensional code, etc.) attached to the seat and access a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) indicated by the two-dimensional code, etc., to function as the customer ordering device 10.

[0020] The customer order device 10 is connected to a predetermined communication network NW1. The communication network NW1 is, for example, the Internet. The customer order device 10 communicates information with the store order device 20 and the order management device 30 via the communication network NW1. The customer order device 10 transmits information about an order received from a customer to the order management device 30, for example. An order by a customer is sometimes referred to as a self-order. A configuration including either the customer order device 10 or the store order device 20 may also be referred to as an order management system 1.

[0021] The store ordering device 20 is operated by a wait staff member of the store. For example, the store ordering device 20 may be a device loaned to the wait staff member by the store and carried by the wait staff member while on duty. Specifically, the store ordering device 20 may be a general-purpose device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal device, or a dedicated device such as a handheld terminal. When a wait staff member receives an order verbally from a customer, the wait staff operates the store ordering device 20 to register the order as electronic information in the order management system 1.

[0022] The store ordering device 20 is connected to a predetermined communication network NW2. The predetermined communication network NW2 is connected to a predetermined communication network NW1. The predetermined communication network NW2 is, for example, a store network, and may use a communication standard such as Wi-Fi. Note that the store network is not limited to the example of using Wi-Fi, and other known communication standards may be used. The store ordering device 20 communicates information with the order management device 30 via the predetermined communication network NW2, and communicates information with the customer ordering device 10 via the predetermined communication network NW1.

[0023] The order management device 30 is operated by kitchen staff of the store. The order management device 30 may also be operated by hall staff of the store. Specifically, the order management device 30 may be a tablet terminal device or a dedicated terminal device installed in the kitchen. The order management device 30 may also be installed in the hall so that it can be operated by hall staff. The order management device 30 may also be installed between the hall and the kitchen. Furthermore, the order management device 30 may also be carried by kitchen staff, hall staff, etc.

[0024] The order management device 30 is connected to a predetermined communication network NW2. The order management device 30 communicates with the store ordering device 20 via the predetermined communication network NW2, and with the customer ordering device 10 via the predetermined communication network NW1. The order management device 30 displays product orders accepted by the customer ordering device 10 or the store ordering device 20. Kitchen staff confirm the product orders by checking the display screen of the order management device 30. The kitchen staff prepares the confirmed products. Once the cooking is complete, the kitchen staff hands the cooked products over to the wait staff and cancels the product orders by operating the order management device 30. According to this embodiment, when multiple orders for the same product have been placed, the kitchen staff can cancel the ordered products in units of the number of products.

[0025] [Function Configuration] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the order management device according to this embodiment. An example of the functional configuration of the order management device 30 will be described with reference to the diagram. The order management device 30 includes an operation reception unit 31, a communication unit 32, a control unit 33, a display unit 36, and a storage unit 37. Each of these functional units is implemented using, for example, electronic circuits. Each functional unit may also include internal storage means such as a semiconductor memory or a magnetic hard disk drive, as necessary. Each function may also be implemented by a computer having a central processing unit (CPU) and software. All or part of each functional unit may also be implemented using hardware such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Each functional unit may also be implemented by a combination of software and hardware.

[0026] The storage unit 37 includes, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, a read only memory (ROM), etc. The storage unit 37 stores computer programs such as an order management program that is a program for operating the order management device 30. The storage unit 37 may also include a random access memory (RAM), etc., thereby storing temporary information used in the operation of the order management device 30.

[0027] The operation reception unit 31 receives a predetermined operation from a person operating the order management device 30. The person operating the order management device 30 may be, for example, a store staff member, kitchen staff member, or hall staff member. The predetermined operation received by the order management device 30 may be an operation of touching a touch screen (not shown) provided in the order management device 30, or the like.

[0028] The communication unit 32 communicates information with the customer ordering device 10 or the store ordering device 20. When a product order is accepted by the customer ordering device 10 or the store ordering device 20, the customer ordering device 10 or the store ordering device 20 transmits information relating to the accepted product order to the order management device 30. The communication unit 32 receives the information. The communication unit 32 outputs the received information to the control unit 33. The communication unit 32 may also transmit predetermined information to the customer ordering device 10 or the store ordering device 20 via the control unit 33.

[0029] Display unit 36 ​​displays various types of information in response to instructions from control unit 33. Display unit 36 ​​may be, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, or the like. Specifically, display unit 36 ​​displays a list of order information in response to instructions from control unit 33. The order information displayed by display unit 36 ​​includes at least information that represents the product name and the ordered quantity of each product ordered by a customer as one unit.

[0030] The control unit 33 executes the functions of the order management device 30 by executing an order management program (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as a program) stored in the storage unit 37. The control unit 33 includes at least a quantity change unit 34 and a display control unit 35 as functional units.

[0031] The display control unit 35 controls the display on the display unit 36. Specifically, when a selection operation is performed on order information displayed on the display unit 36, the display control unit 35 controls the display to display a quantity change display for any selected order information. The quantity change display is a display screen for performing a process to change the order quantity. The quantity change display may be displayed, for example, as an overlay on the order information.

[0032] The quantity change unit 34 changes the order quantity. Specifically, the quantity change unit 34 changes the order quantity included in the selected order information in response to receiving a predetermined operation while the above-mentioned quantity change display is displayed. The changed order quantity is output to the display control unit 35 as quantity change information and displayed on the display unit 36.

[0033] [Display screen] 3 is a screen configuration diagram showing an example of the display of the order management screen according to this embodiment. With reference to the same figure, an example of the screen configuration diagram of the order management screen 40 displayed by the display unit 36 ​​will be described.

[0034] The order management screen 40 has table order information 41 as a screen configuration for each table. In the example shown, table order information 41-1, table order information 41-2, and table order information 41-3 are displayed. Table order information 41-1 is table order information for table 1. Table order information 41-2 is table order information for tatami room 1. Table order information 41-3 is table order information for counter 1. In the following explanation, for simplicity, only table order information 41-1 will be explained.

[0035] The table order information 41 has a screen layout consisting of 41a and 41b. 41a indicates information that identifies the table. 41b indicates the number of people. By referring to this information, the wait staff can determine which seats to serve the food to.

[0036] The table order information 41 also includes one or more pieces of first order information 42. The first order information 42 indicates the products ordered in one order and the quantity of each product ordered. In the example shown, the table order information 41 includes first order information 42-1 and first order information 42-2. In other words, it can be seen from Table 1 that two orders have been placed. The common configuration of each piece of first order information 42 will be explained with reference to the first order information 42-1.

[0037] Each piece of first order information 42 has a common screen configuration with reference numerals 42a and 42b. Reference numeral 42a indicates how much time has passed since the order was placed. In the example shown, six minutes have passed. Reference numeral 42b is an "all cooked" button. By operating this button, all of the orders included in the corresponding first order information 42 can be marked as "cooked." In other words, by operating this button, the user can easily mark each order as "cooked" without having to mark each order as "cooked" one by one. In other words, it saves time and effort.

[0038] The first order information 42 also includes one or more pieces of second order information 43. The second order information 43 indicates the ordered products and the quantity of the ordered products. The second order information 43 has a screen configuration consisting of symbols 43a and 43b. Symbol 43a indicates the ordered products, and symbol 43b indicates the quantity of the ordered products. In the following description, the second order information 43 may be referred to as an order ticket. Either the first order information 42 or the second order information 43, or both the first order information 42 and the second order information 43, may be referred to simply as order information.

[0039] Specifically, the first order information 42-1 includes the second order information 43-11 as a screen configuration. The first order information 42-1 can also be said to include one order ticket. Specifically, the second order information 43-11 indicates that two pieces of the product "standard green soybeans as an appetizer" have been ordered.

[0040] The first order information 42-2 also includes, as a screen configuration, second order information 43-21, second order information 43-22, second order information 43-23, second order information 43-24, and second order information 43-25. It can also be said that the first order information 42-2 includes five order tickets. Details of each piece of second order information 43 included in the first order information 42-2 will not be explained here.

[0041] [Processing flow] An example of the processing flow performed by the order management device 30 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0042] 4 is a flowchart showing a series of steps in the order management method according to this embodiment. First, the overall flow of the order management method will be described with reference to the same figure.

[0043] (Step S11) When a kitchen staff member has finished cooking a menu item corresponding to a given order ticket, the kitchen staff member first taps the order ticket corresponding to the cooked menu item. If the order ticket has been tapped, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0044] (Step S12) If the number of orders indicated in the tapped order ticket is two or more (i.e., Step S12; YES), the process proceeds to Step S13. If the number of orders indicated in the tapped order ticket is not two or more, in other words, if it is a single order (i.e., Step S12; NO), the process proceeds to Step S14.

[0045] (Step S13) In this case, multiple order processing is performed. The specific flow of multiple order processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0046] (Step S14) In this case, single order processing is performed. The specific flow of single order processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0047] (Step S15) If, as a result of multiple order processing or single order processing, the number of uncooked items (uncooked number) becomes zero (i.e., Step S15; YES), processing proceeds to Step S16. If the number of uncooked items (uncooked number) does not become zero (i.e., Step S15; NO), processing proceeds to Step S17.

[0048] (Step S16) If the number of uncooked items is zero, the order ticket is erased from the screen.

[0049] (Step S17) If the number of uncooked items is not zero (that is, if there are still uncooked items), only the number displayed on the order ticket is updated.

[0050] 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of single order processing according to this embodiment. The processing shown in the figure is an example of the specific processing of the single order processing in step S14 described above. With reference to the figure, an example of the specific processing of the single order processing will be described.

[0051] (Step S21) When a kitchen staff member performs an operation to delete a ticket corresponding to a cooked menu item, in single order processing, the kitchen staff member taps the corresponding order ticket, which causes a cancel operation button to appear on the order ticket. The cancel operation button is, as the name suggests, a button for canceling the most recent operation performed by the user (in this case, the kitchen staff member), and is a button for canceling an operation error made by the user, including when the screen is accidentally touched. Therefore, in this operation, the cancel operation button functions as a button for canceling the deletion process of the tapped order ticket.

[0052] (Step S22) Next, the order management device 30 waits for a further operation by the user. That is, the order management device 30 waits for a predetermined time with the operation cancel button displayed in step S21 to see if it is pressed. If the operation cancel button displayed in step S21 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S24. If a predetermined period of time (e.g., 1.5 seconds) has passed without any operation, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0053] (Step S23) If a predetermined period of time (e.g., 1.5 seconds) has passed without any operation, the order ticket is deleted. That is, the selected order ticket is marked as cooked (served) and is removed from the list of uncooked order tickets on the order management screen. Note that the system may be designed so that deleted order tickets can be viewed on the cooked order ticket list display screen.

[0054] (Step S24) When the operation cancel button is operated, the operation is canceled. That is, the order ticket becomes unselected and returns to the state before the order ticket was tapped in step S11.

[0055] With this configuration, if a user accidentally touches the order ticket, they can easily undo the mistake. Also, even if the operation was correct, there is no need to press the "confirm" button again; the operation will be executed if the user leaves it as is. This minimizes the amount of work required for the user to perform the operation. In some cases, there are strict restrictions on the operation time (taking too long to perform the operation may affect the outcome of other dishes being cooked), or their hands may be dirty with ingredients, making it difficult to perform complex operations. This type of specification is particularly effective for kitchen staff at restaurants, where such situations are common.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of multiple order processing according to this embodiment. The processing shown in the figure is an example of a specific multiple order processing in step S13 described above. An example of a specific multiple order processing will be described with reference to the figure. Note that in the description of multiple order processing, explanations of matters similar to those in single order processing may be omitted.

[0057] (Step S31) In multiple order processing, similar to single order processing, when the kitchen staff taps the corresponding order ticket, a cancel operation button is displayed on the order ticket. At this time, in multiple order processing, a button for selecting the number of dishes to be cooked and a label displaying the number of dishes currently selected are displayed along with the cancel operation button. The button for selecting the number of dishes to be cooked is a button for selecting or changing the number of dishes to be cooked. The label displaying the number of dishes currently selected is a label for displaying the number selected or changed using the button for selecting the number of dishes to be cooked.

[0058] (Step S32) In this step, as in step S22 described above, the order management device 30 waits for further operation by the user. Step S32 differs from step S22 in that there is a branch in which the button for selecting the number of dishes to be prepared is selected. If the button for selecting the number of dishes to be prepared is selected, the process proceeds to step S35. Step S33 is the same as step S23, and step S34 is the same as step S24, so their explanations will be omitted.

[0059] (Step S35) When the cooking quantity selection button is selected, the cooking quantity is updated according to the number of times the button is operated (for example, the number of times it is tapped). The cooking quantity change process is performed by the quantity change unit 34 described above. The quantity change unit 34 can also subtract from the ordered quantity according to the number of times a predetermined operation is received. Furthermore, this embodiment is not limited to this example, and the number of deleted items can be added. Furthermore, this embodiment is not limited to this example, and the ordered quantity can be subtracted or the deleted quantity can be added according to the tapping time (long press time). The quantity change unit 34 can also subtract from the ordered quantity according to the time the predetermined operation is received (the time the tap is continued).

[0060] As explained with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, according to this embodiment, single order processing and multiple order processing are different. Specifically, in single order processing, the display for changing the quantity is not displayed, and the transaction is completed when a predetermined time has passed after tapping. On the other hand, in multiple order processing, the display for changing the quantity is displayed. This processing is performed by the display control unit 35. The display control unit 35 can also display the display for changing the quantity only when the number of ordered items is two or more, and not display the display for changing the quantity when the number of ordered items is one.

[0061] According to the example described above, after the display for changing the quantity is displayed, the deletion is confirmed after a certain period of time has passed. This process is performed by the display control unit 35. When any order information is selected from the order information displayed on the display unit 36, the display control unit 35 enters an unconfirmed period during which the order quantity is provisionally changed, and when a predetermined period of time has passed since the last operation was accepted, the unconfirmed period ends and the change in the order quantity is confirmed. The predetermined period may be approximately 1.5 seconds. A specific example of setting the unconfirmed period will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0062] Although different from the example described above, if a certain period of time has passed since the display for changing the quantity was displayed, the display control unit 35 may be configured to determine that the tap was a mistap and return to the original screen. That is, when any order information is selected from the order information displayed on the display unit 36, the display control unit 35 may enter an unconfirmed period during which the order quantity is provisionally changed, and if no order confirmation operation is performed and a certain period has passed since the last operation was accepted, the unconfirmed period may end and the change in the order quantity may be canceled.

[0063] [Order ticket display example] Next, an example of a display in the single order process and an example of a display in the multiple order process will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0064] Fig. 7 is a screen layout diagram showing an example of an order ticket display according to this embodiment. First, an example of a display in single order processing will be described with reference to the same figure. Fig. 7(A) shows an example of a display before the user selects an order ticket to be cancelled. Fig. 7(B) shows an example of a display after the user selects an order ticket to be cancelled.

[0065] The first order information 42 shown in Figure 7(A) includes second order information 43-31 and second order information 43-32 as second order information 43. Both second order information 43-11 and second order information 43-12 are order tickets for a single item. Figure 7(B) shows an example of the display when second order information 43-11 is selected.

[0066] As shown in Figure 7(B), when an order ticket with a single order quantity is selected, an operation cancel button 51 is displayed as an overlay. When the operation cancel button 51 is operated, the operation is canceled and the display returns to that of Figure 7(A). Furthermore, if the operation cancel button 51 remains displayed for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 1.5 seconds), the operation is confirmed and the target order ticket is deleted.

[0067] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display label for the number of selected items to be cooked that is included in the screen configuration of an order ticket according to this embodiment. Next, an example of a display for multiple order processing will be described with reference to the same figure. The same figure shows an example of a display after a user has selected an order ticket for a case in which multiple items are to be ordered.

[0068] As shown in the figure, when an order ticket with multiple order quantities is selected, a selected cooking quantity display label 52 is overlaid in addition to an operation cancel button 51. The selected cooking quantity display label 52 further includes components 521 and 522. Reference numeral 521 indicates the ordered quantity. Reference numeral 522 is a button for changing the ordered quantity. For example, the number displayed in reference numeral 521 may decrease depending on the number of times the button is tapped. When the order ticket is first tapped, reference numeral 521 displays the number of items ordered by the customer, and each time the button 522 is tapped, the number decreases by one. Note that the button 522 is used to decrease the quantity, so a "-" symbol is displayed; however, both a "-" and a "+" symbol may be displayed to allow the quantity to be increased or decreased. Alternatively, only a "+" symbol may be displayed.

[0069] [Timing chart] 9 is a timing chart showing an example of timing employed in the order management method according to this embodiment. Next, an example of the timing of order confirmation will be described with reference to the same diagram.

[0070] FIG. 9(A) shows an example where there is one single order ticket. When an order ticket is selected at time t1, an unconfirmed period for that ticket begins. This unconfirmed period is a period during which the order is awaited for confirmation. If no further operations are performed until time t2, the operations are confirmed and transmission is performed. Upon transmission, a message is sent to the order management system 1 indicating that the cooking of the items indicated in the order ticket has been completed. Furthermore, upon completion of cooking, the order ticket is cancelled. The period from time t1 to time t2 may be arbitrarily set by the store or system management. Specifically, the waiting time is preferably approximately 1.5 seconds.

[0071] FIG. 9(B) shows an example in which multiple order tickets are tapped to be deleted. In this example, when an order ticket for 1 fries is selected at time t1, an unconfirmed period for that ticket begins. In the illustrated example, a subsequent order ticket is selected during the unconfirmed period. Specifically, in the illustrated example, an order ticket for 5 fried chicken is selected immediately before time t2. In this case, both the order ticket for 1 fried chicken and the order ticket for 5 fried chicken are in the unconfirmed period. In this case, all selected order tickets are confirmed after a predetermined period has elapsed since the last operation. In the illustrated example, the last operation was an operation on the order ticket for 5 fried chicken (no operation to change the quantity was performed), so both operations are confirmed simultaneously at time t3, a predetermined period after the time t2 when the operation was performed. In other words, after the tap (deletion operation) on the order ticket for 5 fried chicken is performed, instructions to delete the order tickets for 1 fried chicken and 5 fried chicken are sent together after a predetermined period (unconfirmed period) has elapsed. Specifically, the period from time t2 to time t3 may be approximately 1.5 seconds.

[0072] FIG. 9(C) shows an example where there is only one order ticket. At time t1, an order ticket is selected, and an unconfirmed period for that ticket begins. In the illustrated example, a quantity change occurs during the unconfirmed period. Specifically, in the illustrated example, a quantity change operation for an order ticket for 5 fried chicken is performed immediately before time t2. This operation may be, specifically, a tap on reference numeral 522 shown in FIG. 8. In this case, a single tap changes the order ticket for 5 fried chicken to 4 fried chicken. In other words, the number of items ordered decreases. Furthermore, accepting the quantity change operation extends the unconfirmed period. In other words, the processing content is confirmed and the operation content is transmitted after a predetermined period has elapsed since the last operation. Therefore, theoretically, if a quantity change button or the like is continuously operated near the end of the unconfirmed period, the timing process for the unconfirmed period is cleared to zero when a new operation is detected, and the unconfirmed period continues indefinitely with each new operation.

[0073] The unconfirmed period when a quantity change is made may be different from the unconfirmed period simply for clearing. In other words, the unconfirmed period may be different depending on whether the last operation is a tap on the order ticket or a tap on reference numeral 522 shown in FIG. 8. In the example shown in the figure, the last operation is a tap on reference numeral 522 to change the quantity, so the quantity change operation is confirmed at time t4, a predetermined period after time t2 when the operation was made. Specifically, the period from time t2 to time t4 may be approximately 2.5 seconds.

[0074] FIG. 9(D) shows an example where there are multiple order tickets and a quantity change has been made. At time t1, an order ticket for 1 fries is selected, and timing of the pending period for that ticket begins. In the example shown, during the pending period related to the deletion of the order ticket for 1 fries, a subsequent order ticket is selected. Specifically, in the example shown, an order ticket for 5 fried chicken is selected immediately before time t2. In this case, timing of the pending period related to the deletion of the order ticket for 1 fries is cleared to zero, and timing of the pending periods for the order tickets for 1 fries and 5 fried chicken begins simultaneously (i.e., the pending period related to the order ticket for 1 fries is extended). Furthermore, in the example shown, a quantity change is made during the pending period. Specifically, in the example shown, a quantity change is made to the order ticket for 5 fried chicken immediately before time t3. By accepting the quantity change operation, the timing of the undetermined period is reset to zero again, and timing starts again from this point. In this case, all operations are simultaneously determined at time t5, which is a predetermined period after the last operation. The period from time t3 to time t5 may be approximately 2.5 seconds.

[0075] 10 is a screen configuration diagram showing an example of an order ticket display in this embodiment, which shows an example of a display when multiple orders have been placed. With reference to this figure, an example of a display when there are multiple order tickets and the quantity has been changed will be described.

[0076] The first order information 42 shown in the figure includes second order information 43-41, second order information 43-42, and second order information 43-43 as second order information 43. Second order information 43-41 is for an ordered number of tickets, second order information 43-42 is for an ordered number of tickets, and second order information 43-43 is for an ordered number of tickets. The figure shows an example of the display when ordered tickets are selected in this first order information 42, starting with second order information 43-41.

[0077] First, the second order information 43-43, which was last operated, has a multiple order quantity, so the cancel operation button 51-43 and the currently selected number of items to be cooked display label 52-43 are displayed. Furthermore, the currently selected number of items to be cooked display label 52-43 are active. Meanwhile, the second order information 43-41 also has a multiple order quantity, so the cancel operation button 51-43 and the currently selected number of items to be cooked display label 52-43 are displayed, but the currently selected number of items to be cooked display label 52-43 is inactive. That is, according to this embodiment, only the last ticket tapped can be changed in quantity. By adopting such a configuration, visibility can be improved. Note that this embodiment is not limited to this example, and all order tickets with multiple order quantities during an unconfirmed period may be configured to allow the quantity to be changed. That is, when multiple tickets are tapped, the quantity change display appears for all tickets, allowing them to be changed in any order. By adopting such a configuration, the flexibility in changing the quantity is increased, and even if an input error is made, it can be quickly corrected.

[0078] As for the second order information 43-42, since the number of items ordered is one, the operation cancel button 51-42 is displayed, but the selected number of items to be cooked display label 52 is not displayed.

[0079] [Internal configuration] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of an order management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. At least some of the functions of the order management device 30 can be implemented using a computer. As shown in the figure, the computer includes a central processing unit 901, a RAM 902, an input / output port 903, input / output devices 904 and 905, and a bus 906. The computer itself can be implemented using existing technology. The central processing unit 901 executes instructions contained in a program read from the RAM 902 or the like. In accordance with each instruction, the central processing unit 901 writes data to the RAM 902, reads data from the RAM 902, and performs arithmetic and logical operations. The RAM 902 stores data and programs. Each element in the RAM 902 has an address and can be accessed using the address. RAM stands for "random access memory." The input / output port 903 is a port through which the central processing unit 901 exchanges data with external input / output devices. The input / output devices 904 and 905 are input / output devices. The input / output devices 904 and 905 exchange data with the central processing unit 901 via the input / output port 903. The bus 906 is a common communication path used within the computer. For example, the central processing unit 901 reads and writes data from and to the RAM 902 via the bus 906. Also, for example, the central processing unit 901 accesses the input / output port via the bus 906. Furthermore, all or part of the functional units provided in the order management device 30 may be realized using hardware such as an ASIC, a PLD, or an FPGA. Furthermore, all or part of the functional units may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0080] [Summary of the embodiment] According to the above-described embodiment, the order management device 30 includes a display unit 36, a display control unit 35, and a quantity change unit 34. The display unit 36 ​​displays a list of the product names and order quantities of products ordered by customers as a single unit of order information. The display control unit 35 controls a quantity change display for changing the order quantity for any order information selected from the order information displayed on the display unit 36. The quantity change unit 34 changes the order quantity included in the selected order information in response to a predetermined operation while displaying the quantity change display. By adopting this configuration, the order management device 30 is able to change the quantity of ordered products. Here, some customers may order multiple units of the same product. When multiple units of the same product are ordered, the products are cooked and served in the kitchen and dining area in sequence. In such cases, it has been difficult to keep track of how many of the multiple ordered products have already been cooked and served. According to this embodiment, the order management device 30 can change the number of ordered items, making it easy to manage how many items have already been cooked and how many have already been served. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to easily manage orders.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the display control unit 35 displays the quantity change display only when the number of ordered items is two or more, and does not display the quantity change display when the number of ordered items is one. In other words, the display control unit 35 does not display the quantity change display when a single item is ordered. The order management device 30 can ensure user visibility without displaying unnecessary information. Therefore, according to this embodiment, orders can be easily managed.

[0082] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, when any order information is selected from the order information displayed on the display unit 36, the display control unit 35 enters an unconfirmed period during which the order quantity can be provisionally changed. When a predetermined period has passed since the last operation was received, the unconfirmed period ends and the change in the order quantity is confirmed. In other words, after the quantity change display is displayed, the change in quantity is confirmed after a certain period has passed. In other words, according to this embodiment, the user can confirm the change in quantity without operating a confirmation button or the like. Therefore, according to this embodiment, orders can be easily managed.

[0083] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, when any order information is selected from the order information displayed on the display unit 36, the display control unit 35 enters an unconfirmed period during which the order quantity can be provisionally changed. If a predetermined period has passed since the last operation was received without an order confirmation operation being performed, the unconfirmed period ends and the change to the order quantity is canceled. According to this aspect, if a certain period has passed since the quantity change display was displayed, it is determined to be a mistap and the screen returns to the original screen. In other words, according to this embodiment, cancellation is possible without operating the cancel button. Therefore, according to this embodiment, orders can be easily managed.

[0084] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the quantity change unit 34 subtracts the ordered quantity depending on the number of times a predetermined operation is received. The number of times a predetermined operation is received may be, for example, the number of times the screen of a touch screen is tapped. According to this aspect, the user can change the quantity through an intuitive operation. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to easily manage orders.

[0085] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the quantity change unit 34 subtracts the ordered quantity depending on the time when a predetermined operation is received. The time when the predetermined operation is received may be, for example, the time from when a finger is tapped on the touch screen to when the finger is lifted from the screen. This aspect allows the user to change the quantity through an intuitive operation. Furthermore, this aspect does not require the user to tap the screen multiple times. Therefore, this embodiment makes it possible to easily manage orders.

[0086] [Variation 1] 10, it is desirable that the operation cancel button 51 and the selected cooking quantity display label 52 are displayed simultaneously, but this embodiment is not limited to this example. For example, the selected cooking quantity display label 52 may be changed first to display only the information for changing the quantity, and then the operation cancel button 51 may be displayed.

[0087] [Variation 2] In the above embodiment, an example in which the in-store ordering device 20 is operated by a kitchen staff member to finish cooking has been described, but the present embodiment is not limited to this example. For example, the same behavior may be observed when the in-store ordering device 20 is operated by a hall staff member to finish serving food.

[0088] [Variation 3] Furthermore, the store ordering device 20 may be operated by both kitchen staff and hall staff. In such cases, the kitchen staff may perform an operation to indicate that cooking is complete or that serving is complete, and the hall staff may perform an operation to indicate that cooking is complete or that serving is complete.

[0089] In addition, all or part of the functions of each unit of each device provided in the order management device 30 in the above-mentioned embodiment may be realized by recording a program for realizing these functions on a computer-readable recording medium, and having a computer system read and execute the program. Note that the "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

[0090] Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage units such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" may also include devices that dynamically store programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines when transmitting programs over networks like the Internet or communication lines like telephone lines, or devices that store programs for a fixed period of time, such as volatile memory within computer systems that serve as servers or clients in such cases. Furthermore, the above-mentioned programs may be programs that realize some of the aforementioned functions, or may be programs that can realize the aforementioned functions in combination with programs already stored in the computer system.

[0091] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine multiple embodiments described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1...order management system, 10...customer order device, 20...store order device, 30...order management device, 31...operation reception unit, 32...communication unit, 33...control unit, 34...quantity change unit, 35...display control unit, 36...display unit, 37...memory unit, 40...order management screen, 41...table order information, 42...first order information, 43...second order information, 51...operation cancel button, 52...selected cooking quantity display label

Claims

1. a display unit that displays a list of product names and order quantities of products ordered by customers as one unit of order information; a display control unit that controls a quantity change display for performing a process to change the order quantity for any order information selected from the order information displayed on the display unit; a quantity change unit that changes the order quantity included in the selected order information in response to receiving a predetermined operation while the quantity change display is displayed; An order management device comprising:

2. the display control unit displays the quantity change display only when the number of ordered items is two or more, and does not display the quantity change display when the number of ordered items is one. The order management system according to claim 1 .

3. the display control unit, when any order information is selected from the order information displayed on the display unit, enters an undetermined period in which the order quantity is provisionally changed, When a predetermined period has passed since the last operation was accepted, the unconfirmed period ends and the change in the order quantity is confirmed. The order management device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the display control unit, when any order information is selected from the order information displayed on the display unit, enters an undetermined period in which the order quantity is provisionally changed, If a predetermined period has passed since the last operation was accepted without any operation to confirm the order, the unconfirmed period ends and the change in the order quantity is canceled. The order management device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the quantity change unit subtracts the ordered quantity in accordance with the number of times a predetermined operation has been accepted. The order management device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the quantity change unit subtracts the ordered quantity depending on the time when a predetermined operation is received. The order management device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. a display step of displaying a list of product names and order quantities of products ordered by customers as one unit of order information; a display control step of controlling a quantity change display for performing a process of changing the ordered quantity for any order information selected from the order information displayed in the display step; a quantity changing step of changing the order quantity included in the selected order information in response to receiving a predetermined operation while the quantity change display is displayed; An order management method having

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