Order receiving device, order receiving method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides an order-taking device, order-taking method, and program that allow customers to order appropriate all-you-can-drink and all-you-can-eat menus according to their attributes. [Solution] An ordering terminal that accepts orders for all-you-can-eat courses and all-you-can-drink courses includes: an attribute reception unit that receives the number of customers for each age group; an all-you-can-eat course reception unit that receives the name of the all-you-can-eat course and the name of the all-you-can-drink course to be ordered; an alcohol non-serving number reception unit that receives the number of people to whom alcoholic beverages cannot be served when an all-you-can-drink course including alcoholic beverages is ordered; an all-you-can-drink course provision content determination unit that calculates the number of all-you-can-drink courses including alcoholic beverages and the number of all-you-can-drink courses without alcoholic beverages to be served based on the number of people to whom alcoholic beverages cannot be served; and a provision content confirmation reception unit that receives confirmation from the customer of the name and number of all-you-can-eat courses and the provision content and number of all-you-can-drink courses.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an order receiving device, an order receiving method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a restaurant, an all-you-can-drink course where a predetermined beverage can be consumed all-you-can-drink for a fixed price and an all-you-can-eat course where a predetermined food can be consumed all-you-can-eat for a fixed price are set (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Generally, the all-you-can-drink course includes alcoholic beverages. Therefore, when receiving an order for the all-you-can-drink course, it is desired to check whether there are persons under 20 years old who cannot be provided with alcoholic beverages or persons who drive a vehicle in the group that placed the order, and not provide alcoholic beverages to the relevant persons. However, Patent Document 1 does not mention checking for the presence of customers who cannot be provided with alcoholic beverages when placing an order for the all-you-can-drink course.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an order receiving device, an order receiving method, and a program that can order an appropriate all-you-can-eat menu according to the attributes of customers when ordering an all-you-can-drink course and an all-you-can-eat course.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The order receiving device of this embodiment receives order information related to multiple all-you-can-eat courses and multiple all-you-can-drink courses. The order receiving device comprises an attribute receiving unit, an all-you-can-eat course receiving unit, an alcohol non-serving number receiving unit, an all-you-can-drink course provision content determination unit, and a provision content confirmation receiving unit. The attribute receiving unit receives the number of customers from each age group. The all-you-can-eat course receiving unit receives the name of the all-you-can-eat course and the name of the all-you-can-drink course to be ordered. The alcohol non-serving number receiving unit receives the number of customers belonging to a category to which alcoholic beverages cannot be served, when the all-you-can-eat course receiving unit receives an all-you-can-drink course that includes alcoholic beverages. The all-you-can-drink course provision content determination unit calculates the number of all-you-can-drink courses that include alcoholic beverages and the number of all-you-can-drink courses that do not include alcoholic beverages, based on the number of customers received by the alcohol non-serving number receiving unit. The provision content confirmation receiving unit receives confirmation from the customer of the all-you-can-eat course name and number of all-you-can-eat courses received by the all-you-can-eat course receiving unit, and the all-you-can-drink course provision content and number of all-you-can-drink courses determined by the all-you-can-drink course provision content determination unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the ordering system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an order terminal in an order system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of the unlimited menu master. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an order terminal in an order system. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the attribute reception screen displayed on the order terminal. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the all-you-can-eat course order screen displayed on the ordering terminal. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the all-you-can-drink course order screen displayed on the ordering terminal. [Figure 8]Figure 8 shows an example of the screen displayed on the ordering terminal for receiving the number of non-alcoholic beverage customers. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of the order confirmation screen for the unlimited data plan displayed on the ordering terminal. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is the first diagram showing an example of a menu order screen displayed on an ordering terminal. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a second diagram showing an example of a menu order screen displayed on an ordering terminal. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of an order submission screen displayed on an ordering terminal. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of an order history screen displayed on an ordering terminal. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows an example of the payment instruction screen displayed on the ordering terminal. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by an order terminal. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0008] The following describes an embodiment of the ordering system 10 of this disclosure, using the drawings.

[0009] (Outline of the ordering system) The schematic configuration of the ordering system 10 of the embodiment will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the ordering system of the embodiment.

[0010] The ordering system 10 accepts orders from customers at a restaurant for an all-you-can-eat course offering a fixed-price all-you-can-eat menu and an all-you-can-drink course offering a fixed-price all-you-can-drink menu. As will be described later (see Figure 3), there are multiple all-you-can-eat courses, but orders for the same all-you-can-eat course are accepted for each group of customers who visit the restaurant.

[0011] The ordering system 10 comprises a store server 12, multiple order terminals 14, a kitchen terminal 16, and multiple wireless communication units 17. At least one order terminal 14 is provided at each seat. The store server 12, the kitchen terminals 16, and the wireless communication units 17 are connected by a network 18.

[0012] The store server 20 monitors the operation of the order terminal 14 and the kitchen terminal 16. The store server 20 also retrieves customer order history from the kitchen terminal 16 and manages it as sales data.

[0013] The ordering terminal 14 receives the number of customers in each age group. The ordering terminal 14 also receives the name of the all-you-can-eat course and the name of the all-you-can-drink course as order information. Furthermore, if the ordering terminal 14 accepts an order for an all-you-can-drink course that includes alcoholic beverages, it receives the number of customers belonging to categories to which alcoholic beverages cannot be served. These categories include customers under 20 years of age and customers who will be driving.

[0014] Furthermore, the ordering terminal 14 determines the contents of the all-you-can-drink course based on the number of customers who belong to a category to which alcoholic beverages cannot be served. The ordering terminal 14 then receives confirmation from the customer regarding the contents and quantities of the all-you-can-eat course and the all-you-can-drink course. The ordering terminal 14 also receives orders from the customer for various menu items belonging to the all-you-can-eat course and all-you-can-drink course that have already been ordered. The ordering terminal 14 is, for example, a tablet terminal. Note that the ordering terminal 14 is an example of an order receiving device in this disclosure.

[0015] The kitchen terminal 16 acquires order information from the order terminal 14. The person in charge in the kitchen cooks based on the order information acquired by the kitchen terminal 16.

[0016] The wireless communication unit 17 is a unit that wirelessly connects the order terminal 14 and the network 18. The wireless communication unit 17 is, for example, a wireless LAN router. The wireless communication unit 17 is provided with a number such that all the order terminals 14 included in the order system 10 and the network 18 can communicate with each other.

[0017] The network 18 is, for example, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) that connects the store server 12, the order terminal 14, and the kitchen terminal 16 to each other. Note that the network 18 may be composed of a wireless LAN.

[0018] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the order system 10 further includes a cash register. A customer who has finished eating pays the food and beverage charges at the cash register. The cash register supports cash settlement and cashless settlement.

[0019] (Hardware configuration of the order terminal) Using FIG. 2, the hardware configuration of the order terminal 14 will be described. FIG. 2 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the order terminal included in the order system.

[0020] The order terminal 14 has a configuration in which a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a peripheral device controller 24, and a communication controller 25 are connected to each other by an internal bus 23.

[0021] The control unit 21 controls the overall operation of the order terminal 14. The control unit 21 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 212, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 213. The CPU 211 connects to the ROM 212 and the RAM 213 via internal buses such as an address bus and a data bus. The CPU 211 loads various programs stored in the ROM 212 and the memory unit 22 into the RAM 213. The CPU 211 controls the operation of the order terminal 14 by operating according to the various programs loaded into the RAM 213. In other words, the control unit 21 has the configuration of a typical computer.

[0022] The storage unit 22 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). Alternatively, the storage unit 22 may be a non-volatile memory such as flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 22 stores the control program 221, the all-you-can-eat menu master 222, and the order information file 223. Although not shown in Figure 2, the storage unit 22 also stores a regular menu master (not shown) which stores the contents of the menus that can be ordered normally, in order to accept orders for the regular menu.

[0023] The control program 221 is a program that controls the overall operation of the order terminal 14. The control program 221 may be provided stored in the storage unit 22, or it may be provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD. The control program 221 may also be provided by storing it on a computer connected to a network and downloading it via the network. Furthermore, the control program 221 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0024] The All-You-Can-Eat Menu Master 222 is a master file that stores the contents of the all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink menus offered by the store. The specific data structure of the All-You-Can-Eat Menu Master 222 will be described in detail later (see Figure 3). Note that the contents of the All-You-Can-Eat Menu Master 222 may be changed from time to time; therefore, the ordering terminal 14 will obtain the latest All-You-Can-Eat Menu Master 222 from the store server 12 as needed.

[0025] The order information file 223 is a file that records the order history from the start of the order to the present. The order information file 223 is used to calculate the payment amount at checkout. Alternatively, the order information file 223 may be configured so that the store server 12 stores the order history associated with table numbers.

[0026] The control unit 21 is connected to various input / output devices, namely the display device 241 and the operation device 242, via the peripheral device controller 24.

[0027] The display device 241 is a device that displays various information to customers operating the order terminal 14. The display device 241 is composed of, for example, an LCD monitor or an OLED monitor.

[0028] The operating device 242 is a device that acquires various operation instructions from the customer operating the order terminal 14. The operating device 242 is composed of, for example, a touch panel stacked on the display device 241.

[0029] Furthermore, the control unit 21 transmits and receives various information between the kitchen terminal 16 and the store server 12 via the communication controller 25 and the wireless communication unit 17. For example, the order terminal 14 outputs order information to the kitchen terminal 16. Also, at the time of payment, the order terminal 14 outputs an order information file 223 to the store server 12.

[0030] (Data structure of the all-you-can-eat menu master) The data structure of the unlimited menu master 222 will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the unlimited menu master.

[0031] The all-you-can-eat menu master 222 is a master file that stores the course name 26, price 27, and menu name 28 associated with each of the all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink courses.

[0032] Course name 26 is the specific name of the all-you-can-eat course and all-you-can-drink course. Even though they are both all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink courses, the price and the menu items available will differ depending on the course name 26.

[0033] Price 27 stores the food and beverage charges corresponding to the course name 26. Price 27 may be a uniform price regardless of age group, or it may be a price that varies depending on age group.

[0034] Menu name 28 stores the menu name corresponding to course name 26. Menu name 28 stores the specific menu name and its menu code in association. Note that the same menu name may be stored in different course name fields.

[0035] (Functional configuration of the ordering terminal) Figure 4 will be used to explain the functional configuration of the order terminal 14 provided by the order system 10. Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the order terminal provided by the order system.

[0036] The control unit 21 of the order terminal 14 deploys the control program 221 to the RAM 213 and operates it to realize the following functions as shown in Figure 4: an age-group-specific number reception unit 31, an all-you-can-drink course reception unit 32, a non-alcoholic number reception unit 33, an all-you-can-drink course content determination unit 34, a content confirmation reception unit 35, a menu reception unit 36, and an accounting processing unit 37. Note that all or part of these functions may be implemented with dedicated hardware.

[0037] The age-group-based customer count reception unit 31 receives the number of customers from each age group who have visited the store. The age-group-based customer count reception unit 31 is an example of an attribute reception unit in this disclosure.

[0038] The all-you-can-eat course reception desk 32 takes orders from customers, specifying the name of the all-you-can-eat course and the name of the all-you-can-drink course they wish to order.

[0039] The non-alcoholic beverage provider reception unit 33 receives the number of people from the customer who belong to a category to which alcoholic beverages cannot be served, when the all-you-can-drink course reception unit 32 accepts an all-you-can-drink course that includes alcoholic beverages.

[0040] The all-you-can-drink course content determination unit 34 calculates the number of all-you-can-drink courses that include alcoholic beverages and the number of all-you-can-drink courses that do not include alcoholic beverages, based on the number of people received by the non-alcoholic beverage recipient unit 33.

[0041] The service content confirmation reception unit 35 displays the name and number of all-you-can-eat courses received by the all-you-can-eat course reception unit 32, and the contents and number of all-you-can-drink courses determined by the all-you-can-drink course service content determination unit 34, on the display device 241 of the order terminal 14. The service content confirmation reception unit 35 also receives confirmation from the customer regarding the name and number of all-you-can-eat courses received by the all-you-can-eat course reception unit 32, and the contents and number of all-you-can-drink courses determined by the all-you-can-drink course service content determination unit 34.

[0042] The menu reception desk 36 takes orders from customers for the menu items that include the all-you-can-eat course they have ordered, and the menu items that include the all-you-can-drink course they have ordered.

[0043] The accounting processing unit 37 receives payment instructions from the customer, associates the table number with the food and beverage charges, and outputs the information to the payment machine. The customer pays for their food and beverages by entering the table number they used into the payment machine. The accounting processing unit 37 may also be configured to instruct the store server 12 to perform accounting processing related to the order details from the order terminal 14 that issued the payment instruction.

[0044] (Example of a screen displayed on the ordering terminal) The following describes an example of a screen displayed on the display device 241 of the order terminal 14, using Figures 5 to 14.

[0045] (Attribute registration screen) Figure 5 shows an example of an attribute reception screen displayed on the order terminal. The attribute reception screen 40 displays the age group 41, the number of customers 42, a 10-key key 43, and a confirmation key 44. The attribute reception screen 40 is displayed when a customer who has come to the store selects the option to "Enter Number of Customers" on the initial screen (not shown) displayed on the display device 241 of the order terminal 14.

[0046] Age group 41 indicates the age group of the customers. In this embodiment, the age group classification is set according to the pricing structure of the all-you-can-eat menu.

[0047] The "Customer Count 42" field accepts input for the number of customers corresponding to each age group. Initially, each field in "Customer Count 42" contains "0". When a customer clicks, for example, the field corresponding to seniors (60 years and older), the system becomes available for inputting the number of seniors (60 years and older). At this time, the color of the clicked field may change. The customer then inputs the number of seniors (60 years and older) by operating the 10-key keypad 43, which will be described later.

[0048] The 10-key 43 is an operator used to input the number of customers. The 10-key 43 includes numeric keys from 0 to 9 and a clear key to clear the entered number.

[0049] The confirmation key 44 is an operator used to inform the order terminal 14 that the input of customer numbers for all age groups has been completed. When the order terminal 14 detects that the confirmation key 44 has been pressed, it retrieves the values ​​entered in each field of the customer count 42 at that time, i.e., the number of customers by age group.

[0050] (All-you-can-eat course registration screen) Figure 6 shows an example of the all-you-can-eat course order screen displayed on the ordering terminal. The all-you-can-eat course order screen 50 displays the all-you-can-eat course name 51, a back key 52, and a confirm key 53. Note that the all-you-can-eat course order screen 50 is displayed after the input of the number of customers by age group is completed on the attribute order screen 40.

[0051] The "All-You-Can-Eat Course Name 51" option shows the name of a specific all-you-can-eat course. Next to "All-You-Can-Eat Course Name 51," the price for each course is clearly displayed. Generally, the price of each all-you-can-eat course varies depending on the age group of the customers.

[0052] The back key 52 is an operator that deselects the all-you-can-eat course name 51 that has been pressed once. The back key 52 remains active until the confirm key 53, which will be described later, is pressed.

[0053] The confirmation key 53 is an operator used to confirm the selected all-you-can-eat course name 51. When the ordering terminal 14 detects that the confirmation key 53 has been pressed, it determines that the all-you-can-eat course name 51 that was selected at that time has been selected.

[0054] Furthermore, customers who visit the restaurant must select the same all-you-can-eat course name 51 as a group, or more precisely, as a seating unit. The all-you-can-eat course order screen 50 includes a note to that effect.

[0055] (All-you-can-drink course booking screen) Figure 7 shows an example of the all-you-can-drink course order screen displayed on the ordering terminal. The all-you-can-drink course order screen 60 displays the all-you-can-drink course name 61, a back key 62, and a confirm key 63. The all-you-can-drink course order screen 60 is displayed after the name of the all-you-can-eat course to be ordered has been decided on the all-you-can-eat course order screen 50.

[0056] The "All-You-Can-Drink Course Name 61" option is a selection of specific all-you-can-drink course names. The price for each course is clearly displayed next to "All-You-Can-Drink Course Name 61." If the price for the all-you-can-eat course varies depending on the customer's age group, the age-specific price will be displayed next to "All-You-Can-Drink Course Name 61."

[0057] The back key 62 is used to deselect the all-you-can-drink course name 61 that has been pressed once. The back key 62 remains active until the confirm key 63, which will be described later, is pressed.

[0058] The confirmation key 63 is an operator used to confirm the selected all-you-can-drink course name 61. When the ordering terminal 14 detects that the confirmation key 63 has been pressed, it determines that the all-you-can-drink course name 61 that was selected at that time has been selected.

[0059] Furthermore, customers who visit the restaurant must select the same all-you-can-drink course name 61 as a group, or more precisely, as a seating unit. In other words, even if the group includes persons under 20 years of age or drivers, if at least one person in the group will be drinking alcoholic beverages, they must select an all-you-can-drink course that includes alcoholic beverages. The all-you-can-drink course selection screen 60 includes a notice to that effect.

[0060] (Screen for receiving the number of non-alcohol providers) Figure 8 shows an example of the screen for receiving the number of non-alcoholic beverage customers displayed on the ordering terminal. The screen for receiving the number of non-alcoholic beverage customers 70 displays the number of senior drivers 71, the number of general drivers 72, the number of people under 20 years old 73, a decrease key 74, an increase key 75, a back key 76, and a confirm key 77. Note that the screen for receiving the number of non-alcoholic beverage customers 70 is displayed after an all-you-can-drink course including alcoholic beverages is selected on the all-you-can-drink course selection screen 60.

[0061] The "Number of Senior Drivers 71" input field accepts input for the number of drivers among customers belonging to the senior demographic (60 years of age or older). Initially, the "Number of Senior Drivers 71" input field contains "0". Customers input the number of senior drivers into the "Number of Senior Drivers 71" input field by operating the decrease key 74 located to the left of the input field and the increase key 75 located to the right of the input field. Each time the decrease key 74 is pressed, the value in the "Number of Senior Drivers 71" input field is decreased by 1, with a minimum of 0. Each time the increase key 75 is pressed, the value in the "Number of Senior Drivers 71" input field is increased by 1, with a maximum of the number of senior customers entered on the attribute reception screen 40 (see Figure 5) (1 person in this embodiment).

[0062] The "Number of General Drivers 72" input field accepts input for the number of drivers among customers belonging to the general category (junior high school students and older). Initially, the "Number of General Drivers 72" input field stores "0". Customers input the number of drivers from the general category into the "Number of General Drivers 72" input field by operating the decrement key 74 located to the left of the "Number of General Drivers 72" input field and the increment key 75 located to the right of the "Number of General Drivers 72" input field. Each time the decrement key 74 is pressed, the value in the "Number of General Drivers 72" input field is subtracted by 1, up to a minimum of 0. Each time the increment key 75 is pressed, the value in the "Number of General Drivers 72" input field is added by 1, up to a maximum of the number of people in the general category entered on the attribute reception screen 40 (see Figure 5) (3 people in this embodiment).

[0063] The "Number of Under 20" field (73) is an input field that accepts input for the number of customers under 20 years old. Initially, the "Number of Under 20" field (73) contains "0". Customers input the number of customers under 20 years old into the "Number of Under 20" field (73) by operating the subtraction key (74) located to the left of the input field (73) and the increase key (75) located to the right of the input field (73). Each time the subtraction key (74) is pressed, it subtracts 1 from the value in the "Number of Under 20" field (73), with 0 as the lower limit. Each time the increase key (75) is pressed, it adds 1 to the value in the "Number of Under 20" field (73), with the upper limit being the number of general customers entered on the attribute reception screen (see Figure 5) (3 people in this embodiment).

[0064] The back key 76 is an operator that returns the display on the display device 241 to the all-you-can-drink course reception screen 60 (see Figure 7). When the ordering terminal 14 detects that the back key 76 has been pressed, it resets all the numbers entered on the non-alcoholic beverage customer reception screen 70 and displays the all-you-can-drink course reception screen 60 on the display device 241. The back key 76 is used, for example, when you want to change your selection of the all-you-can-drink course.

[0065] The confirmation key 77 is an operator used to confirm each entered number of people. When the order terminal 14 detects that the confirmation key 77 has been pressed, it confirms each of the numbers entered at that time.

[0066] The ordering terminal 14 will provide the all-you-can-drink soft drink course to senior drivers, general drivers, and those under 20 years of age, as declared on the non-alcoholic beverage reception screen 70. In addition, the ordering terminal 14 will also provide the all-you-can-drink soft drink course to customers who are elementary school students, toddlers, or under 3 years old, as entered on the attribute reception screen 40 (see Figure 5).

[0067] (All-you-can-eat course order confirmation screen) Figure 9 shows an example of the order confirmation screen for the all-you-can-drink course displayed on the ordering terminal. The all-you-can-drink course order confirmation screen 80 displays the number of customers 81, the food and drink price 82, a back key 83, and a confirm key 84. Note that the all-you-can-drink course order confirmation screen 80 is displayed after the number of customers corresponding to each attribute has been determined on the non-alcoholic beverage customer acceptance screen 70.

[0068] The customer count of 81 represents the number of customer stratums entered on the attribute reception screen 40 (see Figure 5).

[0069] The food and beverage charge 82 is calculated based on the contents of the all-you-can-eat course received on the all-you-can-eat course order screen 50 (see Figure 6), the contents of the all-you-can-drink course received on the all-you-can-drink course order screen 60 (see Figure 7), and the number of non-alcoholic customers received on the non-alcoholic customer count screen 70 (see Figure 8). The breakdown of the food and beverage charge 82 is displayed on the left side of the all-you-can-eat course order confirmation screen 80.

[0070] The back key 83 is an operator that instructs the customer to change the order details displayed on the all-you-can-eat course order confirmation screen 80. When the ordering terminal 14 detects that the back key 83 has been pressed, it displays the all-you-can-eat course reception screen 50 (see Figure 6) on the display device 241. The customer then changes the order details for the all-you-can-eat course and the all-you-can-drink course.

[0071] The confirmation key 84 is an operator used to confirm the order details displayed on the all-you-can-eat course order confirmation screen 80. When the ordering terminal 14 detects that the confirmation key 84 has been pressed, it accepts the order details displayed on the all-you-can-eat course order confirmation screen 80 and enables the ordering of specific menu items.

[0072] (Menu selection screen) Figure 10 is the first diagram showing an example of a menu reception screen displayed on an ordering terminal. The menu reception screen 90 displays multiple menu selection buttons 91, an order screen display button 92, an order history confirmation button 93, a payment button 94, and a submit button 95. The menu reception screen 90 is displayed after the order details are confirmed on the all-you-can-eat course order confirmation screen 80, that is, after the confirmation key 84 is pressed.

[0073] The menu selection button 91 is an operator that allows the user to select specific menu items belonging to the ordered all-you-can-eat or all-you-can-drink course. The ordering terminal 14 indicates that a menu item has been selected by changing the color of the selected menu selection button 91. Once a menu item has been selected, it can be deselected by pressing the same menu selection button 91 again. Figure 10 shows an example where menu item B and drink item c have been selected.

[0074] The menu reception screen 90 displays multiple menu selection buttons 91 indicating specific menu names. However, since it is not possible to display all menus on one screen, page-turning buttons 96 and 97 are also displayed on the screen. The customer can turn the menu selection buttons 91 to the right by pressing page-turning button 96. The customer can also turn the menu selection buttons 91 to the left by pressing page-turning button 97. In this way, the customer finds the desired menu selection button 91. Alternatively, the customer may turn the pages by swiping left or right within the area where the menu selection buttons 91 are displayed.

[0075] The order screen display button 92 is an operator that transitions from the order history screen 120 (see Figure 13) or the payment instruction screen 130 (see Figure 14), which will be described later, to the menu reception screen 90. Therefore, when the menu reception screen 90 is displayed, the order screen display button 92 is in an inactive state and does not respond when pressed. For this reason, on the menu reception screen 90, the order screen display button 92 is distinguished from other operators, for example, by being colored. This also has the effect of clearly indicating that the currently displayed screen is the order screen. Note that on the menu reception screen 90, the order screen display button 92 may be hidden, and the space where the order screen display button 92 would be displayed may be left blank.

[0076] The Order History Confirmation button 93 is an operator used to check the contents of previously ordered menu items. When the Order History Confirmation button 93 is pressed, the ordering terminal 14 displays the Order History screen 120 on the display device 241. The Order History screen 120 will be described in more detail later (see Figure 13).

[0077] The payment button 94 is an operator that instructs the customer to pay. When the payment button 94 is pressed, the order terminal 14 displays the payment instruction screen 130 on the display device 241. The payment instruction screen 130 will be described in more detail later (see Figure 14).

[0078] The send button 95 is an operator that confirms the table number and the selected menu item when there are no problems with the selections made on the menu reception screen 90. In other words, pressing the send button 95 confirms the order. Note that when the menu selection button 91 is not selected, it is not possible to place an order, so the order terminal 14 displays the send button 95 faintly and does not respond when pressed (inactive state). On the other hand, when the menu selection button 91 is selected, the order terminal 14 displays the send button 95 darkly and responds when pressed (active state). In Figure 10, the menu selection button 91 indicating menu B and the menu selection button 91 indicating drink c are selected, so the send button 95 is in the active state.

[0079] Although not shown in Figure 10, if the non-alcohol-serving-number reception screen 70 reports that there are customers with attributes that prohibit them from consuming alcohol, a warning information prohibiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages for drivers and customers under 20 years of age may be displayed on the menu reception screen 90. Alternatively, a confirmation button may be displayed on the menu reception screen 90 to allow drivers and customers under 20 years of age to agree that they are prohibited from consuming alcoholic beverages.

[0080] The ordering terminal 14 may also display a different form of menu reception screen 100, as shown in Figure 11. Figure 11 is a second diagram showing an example of a menu reception screen displayed on the ordering terminal. The menu reception screen 100 displays a category button 101 indicating the attributes of the menu, a menu selection button 102 for menus belonging to the selected category button 101, an order screen display button 103, an order history confirmation button 104, a payment button 105, and a submit button 106.

[0081] The customer selects the menu items to order by pressing the category button 101 and then the menu selection button 102 for the menu items belonging to the pressed category. The subsequent ordering method is as described in the menu order screen 90. Although not shown in Figure 11, if all menu items belonging to each category do not fit on a single screen, the aforementioned page-turning buttons 96 and 97 may be displayed. The functions of the order screen display button 103, the order history confirmation button 104, the payment button 105, and the submit button 106 are the same as the functions of the buttons with the same names as described in the menu order screen 90.

[0082] (Order submission screen) Next, the order submission screen 110 will be explained using Figure 12. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of an order submission screen displayed on an order terminal.

[0083] When the send buttons 95 and 106 are pressed on the menu reception screen 90 or menu reception screen 100, the order terminal 14 displays the order submission screen 110. The order submission screen 110 displays a sub-window 111 superimposed on the menu reception screen 90 or menu reception screen 100. At this time, in order to improve the visibility of the sub-window 111, it is desirable to display the background menu reception screen 90 or menu reception screen 100 with reduced transparency. Inside the sub-window 111, a yes button 112 and a no button 113 are displayed. The yes button 112 is an operation that instructs the submission of the order. The no button 113 is an operation that cancels the submission of the order.

[0084] When the "Yes" button 112 is pressed on the order submission screen 110, the order terminal 14 sends the order information to the kitchen terminal 16. After that, the order terminal 14 displays the menu acceptance screen 90 or the menu acceptance screen 100.

[0085] On the other hand, if the "No" button 113 is pressed on the order submission screen 110, the order terminal 14 displays the menu reception screen 90 or menu reception screen 100 that was displayed before the order submission screen 110 was displayed. The customer reconfirms the order details, corrects the order details if necessary, and places the order again.

[0086] Furthermore, if it is necessary to specify the quantity of the menu items selected on the menu order screens 90 and 100, a quantity specification screen (not shown) may be displayed between the menu order screens 90 and 100 and the order submission screen 110, allowing the user to enter the order quantity for the selected menu items.

[0087] (Order history screen) Next, we will explain the order history screen 120 using Figure 13. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of the order history screen displayed on the ordering terminal.

[0088] The order history screen 120 displays the order history 121, the order screen display button 122, the order history confirmation button 123, and the checkout button 124.

[0089] Order history 121 shows the names and quantities of menu items that have been ordered so far.

[0090] The order screen display button 122 is an operator that displays the menu acceptance screen 90 or the menu acceptance screen 100.

[0091] The order history confirmation button 123 is an operator that displays the order history screen 120. Note that on the order history screen 120, the order history confirmation button 123 is in an inactive state and does not respond when pressed.

[0092] The accounting button 124 is an operator that displays the accounting instruction screen 130 (see Figure 14).

[0093] (Payment instruction screen) Next, the accounting instruction screen 130 will be explained using Figure 14. Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of an accounting instruction screen displayed on an order terminal.

[0094] The order history screen 120 displays the payment amount 131, the order screen display button 132, the order history confirmation button 133, the checkout button 134, and the confirm button 135.

[0095] The payment amount 131 represents the total price of the ordered menu items. Note that the details of the order displayed on the all-you-can-eat course order confirmation screen 80 (see Figure 9) may also be displayed at this time.

[0096] The order screen display button 132 is an operator that displays either the menu acceptance screen 90 or the menu acceptance screen 100.

[0097] The order history confirmation button 133 is an operator that displays the order history screen 120.

[0098] The accounting button 134 is an operator that displays the accounting instruction screen 130. However, on the accounting instruction screen 130, the accounting button 134 is in an inactive state and does not respond when pressed.

[0099] The confirmation button 135 is an operator used to confirm the details of the payment. When the confirmation button 135 is pressed, the order terminal 14 instructs the store server 12 to process the payment for the order related to the table number to which the order terminal 14 is located. The specific payment method is not specified. That is, the customer may pay for their food and drinks at a payment machine (not shown in Figure 1) that receives payment instructions from the store server 12, or the order terminal 14 itself may be equipped with a function to read card media such as credit cards and perform the payment process (cashless payment) itself.

[0100] Furthermore, each of the aforementioned screens may also be equipped with a call button to summon a staff member if the user is unsure of what to do.

[0101] (Process flow performed by the ordering terminal) Figure 15 illustrates the processing flow performed by the order terminal 14 of the order system 10. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the order terminal.

[0102] The age-group-based customer count reception unit 31 receives the number of customers from each age group who have come to the store (step S11). Specifically, the age-group-based customer count reception unit 31 receives the number of customers from each age group who have come to the store based on the attribute reception screen 40 displayed on the display device 241 of the order terminal 14.

[0103] The all-you-can-eat course reception unit 32 accepts the name of the all-you-can-eat course (step S12). Specifically, the all-you-can-eat course reception unit 32 accepts the name of the all-you-can-eat course from the all-you-can-eat course reception screen 50 displayed on the display device 241 of the order terminal 14.

[0104] The all-you-can-drink course reception unit 32 accepts the name of the all-you-can-drink course (step S13). Specifically, the all-you-can-drink course reception unit 32 accepts the name of the all-you-can-drink course via the all-you-can-drink course reception screen 60 displayed on the display device 241 of the order terminal 14.

[0105] The non-alcohol provider reception unit 33 determines whether an all-you-can-drink course including alcohol has been accepted (step S14). If it is determined that an all-you-can-drink course including alcohol has been accepted (step S14: Yes), the process proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if it is not determined that an all-you-can-drink course including alcohol has been accepted (step S14: No), the process proceeds to step S17.

[0106] In step S14, if it is determined that an all-you-can-drink course including alcohol has been accepted, the non-alcoholic beverage provider count receiving unit 33 receives from the customer the number of people who belong to a category to which alcoholic beverages cannot be served (number of non-alcoholic beverage providers) (step S15). Specifically, the non-alcoholic beverage provider count receiving unit 33 receives the number of non-alcoholic beverage providers via the non-alcoholic beverage provider count receiving screen 70 displayed on the display device 241 of the order terminal 14.

[0107] The all-you-can-drink course content determination unit 34 determines the content of the all-you-can-drink course based on the number of non-alcoholic customers received by the non-alcoholic customer reception unit 33 and the number of customers by age group received by the age group customer reception unit 31 (step S16).

[0108] The service content confirmation reception unit 35 displays an all-you-can-eat course order content confirmation screen 80 on the display device 241 of the order terminal 14, which includes the name and number of all-you-can-eat courses received by the all-you-can-eat course reception unit 32, and the contents and number of all-you-can-drink courses determined by the all-you-can-drink course content determination unit 34 (step S17).

[0109] The service content confirmation reception unit 35 determines whether it has received approval from the customer for the order details displayed on the all-you-can-eat course order details confirmation screen 80 (step S18). If it is determined that the order details have been approved (step S18: Yes), the process proceeds to step S19. On the other hand, if it is determined that the order details have not been approved (step S18: No), the process returns to step S12.

[0110] In step S18, if it is determined that the order has been approved, the menu reception unit 36 ​​receives the customer's order for the menu items included in the ordered all-you-can-eat course and the menu items included in the ordered all-you-can-drink course (step S19). Specifically, the menu reception unit 36 ​​receives the order for the menu items selected by the menu selection button 91 displayed on the menu reception screen 90. More specifically, after receiving the menu selection on the menu reception screen 90, the menu reception unit 36 ​​receives the customer's instructions on the order transmission screen 110 and places the order for the menu items.

[0111] The accounting processing unit 37 determines whether the customer has given an accounting instruction (step S20). If it is determined that the customer has given an accounting instruction (step S20: Yes), the process proceeds to step S21. On the other hand, if it is determined that the customer has not given an accounting instruction (step S20: No), the process returns to step S19.

[0112] In step S20, if it is determined that the customer has given a payment instruction, the accounting processing unit 37 performs accounting processing related to the order (step S21). The form of accounting processing is not specified. After that, the order terminal 14 terminates processing.

[0113] (Effects of the embodiment) As described above, the order terminal 14 (order receiving device) of the embodiment receives order information related to all-you-can-eat courses and all-you-can-drink courses, and includes an age group number receiving unit 31 (attribute receiving unit) that receives the number of customers by age group, an all-you-can-eat course receiving unit 32 that receives the name of the all-you-can-eat course and the name of the all-you-can-drink course to be ordered from the customer, an alcohol non-serving number receiving unit 33 that receives the number of people belonging to a category to which alcoholic beverages cannot be served when the all-you-can-eat course receiving unit 32 receives an all-you-can-drink course that includes alcoholic beverages, an all-you-can-drink course provision content determination unit 34 that calculates the number of all-you-can-drink courses that include alcoholic beverages and the number of all-you-can-drink courses that do not include alcoholic beverages based on the number of people received by the alcohol non-serving number receiving unit 33, and a provision content confirmation receiving unit 35 that receives confirmation from the customer of the all-you-can-eat course name and number of courses received by the all-you-can-eat course receiving unit 32 and the provision content and number of courses determined by the all-you-can-drink course provision content determination unit 34. Therefore, when ordering an all-you-can-drink course or an all-you-can-eat course, customers can choose the appropriate all-you-can-eat menu according to their attributes.

[0114] Furthermore, in the order terminal 14 (order receiving device) of the embodiment, the non-alcohol-serving-number-receiving-unit 33 receives at least the number of customers under 20 years old and the number of vehicle drivers. Therefore, the number of customers who cannot be served alcohol can be easily and reliably received.

[0115] Furthermore, in the order terminal 14 (order receiving device) of the embodiment, the all-you-can-drink course content determination unit 34 allocates the number of people who belong to the category to which alcoholic beverages cannot be served, as received by the non-alcoholic beverage recipient unit 33, from the number of all-you-can-drink courses including alcoholic beverages received by the all-you-can-drink course reception unit 32, to all-you-can-drink courses that do not include alcoholic beverages. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine the appropriate content of the all-you-can-drink course according to the number of customers who cannot consume alcohol.

[0116] In this embodiment, the ordering terminal 14 determined the order contents for the all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink menus based on the number of customers who cannot be served alcohol. However, the contents of this disclosure may be applied to other examples. For example, if there are customers who cannot eat or drink certain menu items, the contents of this disclosure may be used to determine the order contents and quantity that take those customers into consideration.

[0117] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 10. Ordering System 12 Store Servers 14. Order terminal (order receiving device) 16 Kitchen terminals 18 Network 21 Control Unit 22 Memory section 222 All-you-can-eat menu master 223 Order Information File 26 Course Names 27. Price 28 Menu Names 31. Number of people by age group (attribute-based reception department) 32 All-you-can-eat course reception desk 33. Reception desk for the number of non-alcohol providers 34. Department responsible for determining the contents of the all-you-can-drink course. 35. Service Content Confirmation and Reception Department 36 Menu Reception Desk 37 Accounting Processing Department 40 Attribute Reception Screen 50 All-you-can-eat course registration screen 60 All-you-can-drink course registration screen 70. Screen for receiving the number of non-alcohol providers. 80 All-You-Can-Eat Course Order Confirmation Screen 90,100 Menu Reception Screen 110 Order Submission Screen 120 Order History Screen 130 Accounting Instruction Screen [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0119] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-149441

Claims

1. An order receiving device that accepts order information for all-you-can-eat courses and all-you-can-drink courses, The attribute reception department takes records of the number of customers by age group, The aforementioned customer will be asked to provide the name of the all-you-can-eat course and the name of the all-you-can-drink course they wish to order, and the all-you-can-eat course reception desk will be responsible for taking orders. When the aforementioned all-you-can-drink course reception desk accepts an all-you-can-drink course that includes alcoholic beverages, the non-alcoholic beverage provider reception desk receives the number of people from the aforementioned customer who belong to a category for which alcoholic beverages cannot be served, Based on the number of people received by the aforementioned non-alcoholic beverage provider reception unit, the all-you-can-drink course provision content determination unit calculates the number of all-you-can-drink courses that include alcoholic beverages and the number of all-you-can-drink courses that do not include alcoholic beverages. The system includes a service content confirmation reception unit that receives confirmation from the customer of the name and number of all-you-can-eat courses received by the all-you-can-eat course reception unit, and the contents and number of all-you-can-drink courses determined by the all-you-can-drink course service content determination unit. Order taking device.

2. The aforementioned non-alcohol-serving reception desk will receive at least the number of customers under 20 years of age and the number of vehicle drivers. The order receiving device according to claim 1.

3. The unit that determines the contents of the all-you-can-drink course is: Of the number of all-you-can-drink courses including alcoholic beverages that the aforementioned all-you-can-drink course reception desk has received, the number of people belonging to the category for which alcoholic beverages cannot be served, as received by the aforementioned non-alcoholic beverage recipient reception desk, will be allocated to all-you-can-drink courses that do not include alcoholic beverages. The order receiving device according to claim 1.

4. For an order receiving device that accepts order information for multiple all-you-can-eat courses and multiple all-you-can-drink courses, An attribute-based registration process that records the number of customers by age group, The customer will then specify the name of the all-you-can-eat course and the name of the all-you-can-drink course they wish to order, and the all-you-can-eat course order process will be used to receive this information. In the aforementioned all-you-can-drink course reception process, when an all-you-can-drink course including alcoholic beverages is accepted, a non-alcoholic beverage provider reception process is performed to receive the number of people from the customer who belong to a category for which alcoholic beverages cannot be provided. Based on the number of people registered in the aforementioned non-alcoholic beverage registration process, a process for determining the contents of all-you-can-drink courses is performed to calculate the number of all-you-can-drink courses that include alcoholic beverages and the number of all-you-can-drink courses that do not include alcoholic beverages. The system executes a service content confirmation request process, which receives confirmation from the customer regarding the name and number of all-you-can-eat courses received in the all-you-can-eat course request process, and the contents and number of all-you-can-drink courses determined in the all-you-can-drink course content determination process. How to place an order.

5. A computer that controls an order receiving device that accepts order information for multiple all-you-can-eat courses and multiple all-you-can-drink courses, The attribute reception department takes records of the number of customers by age group, The aforementioned customer will be asked to provide the name of the all-you-can-eat course and the name of the all-you-can-drink course they wish to order, and the all-you-can-eat course reception desk will be responsible for taking orders. When the aforementioned all-you-can-drink course reception desk accepts an all-you-can-drink course that includes alcoholic beverages, the non-alcoholic beverage provider reception desk receives the number of people from the aforementioned customer who belong to a category for which alcoholic beverages cannot be served, Based on the number of people received by the aforementioned non-alcoholic beverage provider reception unit, the all-you-can-drink course provision content determination unit calculates the number of all-you-can-drink courses that include alcoholic beverages and the number of all-you-can-drink courses that do not include alcoholic beverages. The service content confirmation reception unit operates to receive confirmation from the customer of the name and number of all-you-can-eat courses received by the all-you-can-eat course reception unit, and the contents and number of all-you-can-drink courses determined by the all-you-can-drink course content determination unit. program.

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