Order Management System

Abstract

We provide an order management system that enables efficient store operations. [Solution] An order management system comprising an order receiving device installed at a seat and a management device, wherein the order receiving device includes a first transmission means that transmits order information specifying the ordered items to the management device in response to a customer's operation, and a second transmission means that transmits a cleanup completion notification to the management device in response to a predetermined operation performed by an operation method different from the operation method performed by the customer, indicating that the cleanup of the seat on which the device is installed has been completed, and the management device includes a management means for managing transaction data that associates seat identification information that can identify the seat, transaction identification information that can identify the transaction, and the order information transmitted from the order receiving device for the seat corresponding to the seat identification information, and when the management means receives the cleanup completion notification from the order receiving device while the transaction for the seat on which the order receiving device is installed is unaccounted for, it puts the management means into a state where new transaction data related to the seat identification information of the seat can be generated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an order management system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in stores such as restaurants, a terminal device (hereinafter also referred to as an order receiving device) capable of inputting an order is provided for each table or seat (hereinafter collectively referred to as a seat) used by customers, and the customer himself / herself operates the order receiving device to input an order. Sometimes a system is introduced. In such a system, by associating and managing a transaction related to a customer's order with a seat or an order receiving device, when an order is placed using the order receiving device of that seat while the customer is at the seat, it can be counted as an order for the same transaction. In addition, in stores that introduce such a system, a cashier device operated by a store clerk is provided in the store, and customers who have finished eating and drinking move from their seats to the cashier device to settle the bill.

[0003] By the way, in the above-described conventional system, when a customer moves to the cashier device for settlement, the store clerk performs an operation called "bussing" to tidy up the seat used by the customer and make it available for the next customer.

[0004] However, in the conventional system, even when the tidying up of the seat is completed, until the customer's settlement is completed, the transaction related to the settlement remains associated with that seat or the order receiving device, and there is a problem that a new order (transaction) cannot be started. Therefore, in the conventional system, although the seat is ready, a situation may occur where a new customer cannot be guided to that seat, which may lead to an opportunity loss.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an order management system capable of efficiently operating a store. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The order management system of the embodiment is an order management system having an order receiving device installed at a seat and a management device, wherein the order receiving device includes a first transmission means that transmits order information specifying the products to be ordered to the management device in response to an operation by a customer, and a second transmission means that transmits a cleanup completion notification to the management device in response to a predetermined operation performed by an operation method different from the operation method performed by the customer, indicating that the cleanup of the seat on which the device is installed has been completed, wherein the management device includes a management means for managing transaction data that associates seat identification information that can identify the seat, transaction identification information that can identify the transaction, and the order information transmitted from the order receiving device of the seat corresponding to the seat identification information, wherein when the transaction for the seat on which the order receiving device is installed is unaccounted for and the cleanup completion notification is received from the order receiving device, the management means puts the system in a state where new transaction data related to the seat identification information of the seat can be generated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the system configuration of the order management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an order receiving terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the data structure of a seat management table according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure of the slip management table according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the accounting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the functional configuration of an order receiving terminal, management device, and accounting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8]Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing performed between the order receiving terminal and the management device in the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a waiting screen displayed on the order receiving terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of an order screen displayed on the order receiving terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing performed between the order receiving terminal and the management device in the embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of an authentication screen displayed on the order receiving terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of the completion screen displayed on the order acceptance terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing performed between the order receiving terminal and the management device in the embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing performed between the management device and the accounting device in this embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing that takes place between the order receiving terminal, the management device, and the accounting device in the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The order receiving device and program according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiment describes an example applied to an order management system used in restaurants and other stores, but is not limited to this embodiment.

[0009] Figure 1 shows an example of the system configuration of an order management system according to an embodiment. The order management system 1 includes an order receiving terminal 10, a management device 20, and an accounting device 30. The order receiving terminal 10, the management device 20, and the accounting device 30 are connected to each other via a network N so as to be able to communicate.

[0010] The network N can be used alone or in appropriate combination, such as the Internet, VPN (virtual private network), LAN (local area network), public communication network, mobile communication network, etc. In this embodiment, as an example of the network N, a LAN provided within the store is used.

[0011] The order reception terminal 10 is an example of an order reception device. The order reception terminal 10 is realized by a terminal device such as a tablet terminal, for example, and is provided for each table or seat (hereinafter collectively referred to as a seat) where a customer sits. The order reception terminal 10 receives a product order from a customer sitting at the seat and transmits order information indicating the received product to the management device 20. In FIG. 1, an example is shown in which the order reception terminal 10 is provided for each of a plurality of seats (counter seats) arranged in a row direction, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of table seats are installed in the store and the order reception terminal 10 is provided for each table.

[0012] The management device 20 is an example of a management device. The management device 20 manages the products ordered using the order reception terminal 10 in units of transactions and seats. The management device 20 is realized by, for example, a store server or the like. In the following, a transaction is also expressed by paraphrasing it as a "slip".

[0013] The accounting device 30 executes the accounting process for the products ordered using the order reception terminal 10. At least one accounting device 30 is provided near the exit of the store, for example, and is operated by a store clerk.

[0014] In FIG. 1, the management device 20 is shown as a single device, but in practice, the management device 20 may be realized by the cooperation of a plurality of devices. Further, the management device 20 may be a cloud server (or cloud system) realized by a plurality of network-connected devices.

[0015] In the configuration of FIG. 1, when a customer using the store takes a seat at an available seat under the guidance of a store clerk or the like, the customer starts an order for goods (food and beverages) by operating the order reception terminal 10 provided on the seat. The information on the goods (order information) ordered via the order reception terminal 10 is transmitted to the management device 20. The management device 20 manages the order information transmitted from the order reception terminal 10 in units of tickets and seats, and issues an order ticket with the breakdown of the order information printed thereon in units of tickets.

[0016] When the store prepares the ordered goods, a store clerk transports the prepared goods to the customer's seat together with the order ticket. The customer who has finished eating and drinking moves to the payment device 30 with the order ticket to make a payment. Along with this, the seat used by the customer becomes an available seat. The store clerk at the store performs a busing operation to make the seat available for the next customer by clearing away tableware and the like from the now-available seat.

[0017] On the other hand, the customer who has moved to the payment device 30 hands the order ticket to the store clerk, and the ticket number printed on the order ticket by the store clerk is input into the payment device 30. The payment device 30 acquires the order information corresponding to the ticket number from the management device 20 and executes payment processing for the goods ordered based on the acquired order information.

[0018] Next, the configurations of the above-described order reception terminal 10, management device 20, and payment device 30 will be described.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the order reception terminal 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the order reception terminal 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a communication unit 14, and a storage unit 15.

[0020] The CPU 11 is an example of a processor and comprehensively controls each part of the order reception terminal 10. The ROM 12 stores various programs. The RAM 13 is a workspace for developing programs and various data.

[0021] The communication unit 14 is a wireless communication interface that can connect to the network N. The communication unit 14 communicates with external devices such as the management device 20 via the network N.

[0022] The storage unit 15 has a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory, and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 15 stores programs 151 that the CPU 11 can execute, as well as various setting information. For example, the program 151 includes a program for realizing the functional configuration described later. The storage unit 15 also stores a seat number 152 that can identify the seat on which its own order receiving terminal 10 is located. The seat number 152 can also be described as identification information for identifying the order receiving terminal 10.

[0023] Furthermore, the memory unit 15 stores a product master containing the prices and other information of each product handled by the store. The product master is a master file that stores product codes and product information associated with each product handled by the store. The product information includes, for example, the product name, price (unit price), classification, and product image of the product corresponding to the product code. The classification is information that indicates the type or genre of the product. The product image is image data that shows the appearance of the product.

[0024] The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are connected via a bus or the like to form a control unit 100 of the computer configuration. In the control unit 100, the CPU 11 operates according to a program 151 stored in the ROM 12 or memory unit 15 and loaded into the RAM 13, thereby executing various processes.

[0025] The order receiving terminal 10 also includes a display unit 16 and an operation unit 17, etc.

[0026] The display unit 16 is composed of a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display unit 16 displays various information under the control of the control unit 100. For example, the display unit 16 displays an order acceptance screen in which customers can select the products they wish to order from among the products handled by the store.

[0027] The operation unit 17 is an input device such as a touch panel provided on the display unit 16. The operation unit 17 receives user (e.g., customer) operations on the order receiving terminal 10 and outputs the received operation details to the CPU 11.

[0028] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the management device 20 according to the embodiment. The management device 20 includes a CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, communication unit 24, and storage unit 25.

[0029] The CPU 21 is an example of a processor and comprehensively controls the operation of the management device 20. The ROM 22 stores various programs. The RAM 23 is a workspace for displaying programs and various data.

[0030] The CPU 21, ROM 22, and RAM 23 are connected via a bus or the like to form a control unit 200 of the computer configuration. In the control unit 200, the CPU 21 operates according to a program stored in the ROM 22 or memory unit 25 and loaded into the RAM 23, thereby executing various processes.

[0031] The communication unit 24 is a wired or wireless communication interface that can be connected to the network N. The communication unit 24 communicates with external devices such as the order receiving terminal 10 and the accounting device 30 via the network N.

[0032] The storage unit 25 has a storage medium such as an HDD or flash memory and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 25 stores programs 251 that the CPU 21 can execute and various setting information. For example, the program 251 includes a program for realizing the functional configuration described later.

[0033] The CPU 21, ROM 22, and RAM 23 are connected via a bus or the like to form a control unit 200 of the computer configuration. In the control unit 200, the CPU 21 operates according to a program 251 stored in the ROM 22 or memory unit 25 and loaded into the RAM 23, thereby executing various processes.

[0034] Furthermore, the memory unit 25 stores the seat management table 252 and the slip management table 253.

[0035] The seat management table 252 is a data table for managing the usage status of seats. Figure 4 shows an example of the data structure of the seat management table 252 according to the embodiment. The seat management table 252 stores seat numbers in association with seat status. The seat number is identification information that can uniquely identify each seat (or order receiving terminal 10). The seat number column is pre-registered with the seat numbers of each seat provided in the store. Note that the seat number is an example of seat identification information.

[0036] The seat status is information indicating the status of the seat corresponding to the seat number or the status of the customer using the seat. For example, the seat status column may store one of three statuses: "Vacant" indicating that the seat is empty, "Occupied" indicating that a customer is using the seat, and "Paid" indicating that the seat is empty and the customer using the seat has completed payment. Note that the "Paid" status can be rephrased as a status such as "Waiting to be cleared".

[0037] The slip management table 253 is a data table for managing slips. Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure of the slip management table 253 according to the embodiment. The slip management table 253 stores the slip number, seat number, slip status, and order information in association with each other. Here, the set of slip number, seat number, slip status, and order information, or the data area (also called a data entry) that stores said set, is an example of transaction data generated for each transaction.

[0038] The invoice number is an identifier that allows each invoice to be uniquely identified. For example, the invoice number field stores a unique invoice number, such as a serial number. Note that the invoice number is an example of transaction identification information. The seat number is the seat number of the seat where the order was placed in the transaction corresponding to the invoice number.

[0039] The slip status is information indicating the transaction or seat status related to the slip number, or the accounting status related to that transaction. For example, the slip status column stores one of three statuses: "In Use" indicating that the customer is using the seat, "Cleaned" indicating that the items have been cleared from the seat, and "Accounted" indicating that the payment for the ordered items has been completed. Here, "Cleaned" is an example of a cleaned-up status indicating that the seat has been cleared, while the other two statuses are examples of a cleaned-up status indicating that the seat has not been cleared. Similarly, "Accounted" is an example of an accounting status indicating that the payment has been completed, while the other two statuses are examples of an accounting status indicating that the payment has not been completed. Note that the "Accounted" status can be rephrased as a status such as "Waiting for Seat Cleaned".

[0040] Order information includes details about the ordered items. For example, order information may include the product code and quantity of the ordered items.

[0041] The management device 20 also includes a printer unit 26, etc. The printer unit 26 is a printing device such as a thermal transfer printer. Under the control of the control unit 300, the printer unit 26 prints (hereinafter also referred to as printing) an order slip for each slip number. The order slip is printed with the order details, such as the name of the ordered product, price, and quantity, along with the slip number.

[0042] In this embodiment, the management device 20 is configured to include a printer unit 26, but the configuration is not limited to this, and the printer unit 26 may be provided separately from the management device 20. For example, the printer unit 26 may be an independent printer device, and the management device 20 and the printer device may be connected via a network N or the like.

[0043] Figure 6 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the accounting device 30 according to this embodiment. The accounting device 30 includes a CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, communication unit 34, and storage unit 35.

[0044] The CPU 31 is an example of a processor that comprehensively controls the operation of the accounting device 30. The ROM 32 stores various programs. The RAM 33 is a workspace for displaying programs and various data.

[0045] The CPU 31, ROM 32, and RAM 33 are connected via a bus or the like to form a control unit 300 of the computer configuration. In the control unit 300, the CPU 31 operates according to a program stored in the ROM 32 or memory unit 35 and loaded into the RAM 33, thereby executing various processes.

[0046] The communication unit 34 is a wired or wireless communication interface that can be connected to the network N. The communication unit 34 communicates with external devices such as the management device 20 via the network N.

[0047] The storage unit 35 has a storage medium such as an HDD or flash memory and maintains its contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 35 stores programs 351 that the CPU 31 can execute and various setting information. For example, the program 351 includes a program for realizing the functional configuration described later. The storage unit 25 may also store the product master described above.

[0048] The CPU 31, ROM 32, and RAM 33 are connected via a bus or the like to form a control unit 300 of the computer configuration. In the control unit 300, the CPU 31 operates according to a program 351 stored in the ROM 32 or memory unit 35 and loaded into the RAM 33, thereby executing various processes.

[0049] The accounting device 30 also includes a display unit 36, an operation unit 37, and a settlement unit 38, etc.

[0050] The display unit 36 ​​is composed of a display device such as an LCD. The display unit 36 ​​displays various information under the control of the control unit 300. For example, the display unit 36 ​​displays the breakdown of goods and the total amount based on the ordered goods ordered in the transaction (voucher number) subject to accounting.

[0051] The operation unit 37 is an input device such as a keyboard or mouse. The operation unit 37 receives user (employee) operations to the accounting device 30 and outputs the received operation details to the CPU 31. The operation unit 37 may also be an input device such as a touch panel provided on the display unit 36.

[0052] The settlement unit 38 is a device capable of performing various types of payments, such as cash payments, credit card payments, and electronic payments. Under the control of the control unit 300, the settlement unit 38 executes the settlement process for goods ordered in the transaction subject to accounting.

[0053] The accounting device 30 may also include other hardware configurations. For example, the accounting device 30 may include a code reader capable of reading code symbols such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes. This allows the accounting device 30 to read the slip number via the code reader if the slip number printed on the order slip is encoded as a code symbol. The accounting device 30 may also include a printer for printing receipts.

[0054] Next, the functional configuration of the order receiving terminal 10, the management device 20, and the accounting device 30 will be described. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the order receiving terminal 10, the management device 20, and the accounting device 30 according to this embodiment.

[0055] The control unit 100 of the order receiving terminal 10 functions as a display control unit 101, an operation receiving unit 102, an order processing unit 103, and a cleanup notification unit 104, etc., as the CPU 11 operates according to a program 151 stored in the ROM 12 and the memory unit 15. Some or all of these functions may be implemented by hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0056] Furthermore, the control unit 200 of the management device 20 functions as a data management unit 201, an order slip issuing unit 202, etc., as the CPU 21 operates according to the program 251 stored in the ROM 22 and the storage unit 25. Some or all of these functions may be implemented by hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0057] Furthermore, the control unit 300 of the accounting device 30 functions as a slip number input unit 301 and an accounting processing unit 302, etc., as the CPU 31 operates according to the program 351 stored in the ROM 32 and the storage unit 35. Some or all of these functions may be implemented by hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0058] The display control unit 101 of the order receiving terminal 10 displays various operation screens on the display unit 16. For example, the display control unit 101 displays a standby screen, an order screen, an end screen, etc., on the display unit 16, as described later.

[0059] The operation reception unit 102 of the order reception terminal 10 receives the operation details entered via the operation unit 17. For example, the operation reception unit 102 receives the operation details performed on the screen displayed by the display control unit 101 via the operation unit 17 (touch panel, etc.).

[0060] The order processing unit 103 of the order receiving terminal 10 is an example of a first transmission means, a third transmission means. The order processing unit 103 works in cooperation with the display control unit 101 and the operation reception unit 102, etc., to execute the process for ordering the products specified (selected) by the customer. For example, when the order processing unit 103 receives an operation to start ordering products, it sends a slip creation request to the management device 20 requesting the issuance of a slip number. More specifically, the order processing unit 103 sends the seat number 152 stored in the storage unit 15 to the management device 20 together with or included in the slip creation request. Then, when the order processing unit 103 obtains the slip number from the management device 20 as a response to the slip creation request, it stores the slip number in RAM 13, etc. Note that a request to create a voucher is an example of a "request to issue."

[0061] Furthermore, when the order processing unit 103 receives an order from the order screen described later, it transmits order information, including the product code and quantity of the specified product, to the management device 20. More specifically, the order processing unit 103 transmits the seat number 152 stored in the memory unit 15 and the slip number held in the RAM 13, etc., to the management device 20, either together with or included in the order information.

[0062] The cleanup notification unit 104 of the order receiving terminal 10 is an example of a second transmission means. When a user (employee) performs a predetermined operation (hereinafter also referred to as a special operation), the cleanup notification unit 104 sends a cleanup notification to the management device 20 indicating that the seat has been cleaned up. More specifically, the cleanup notification unit 104 sends the seat number 152 stored in the memory unit 15 and the receipt number held in the RAM 13, etc., to the management device 20 together with the cleanup notification, or included in the cleanup notification. Special operations will be described later.

[0063] The data management unit 201 of the management device 20 is an example of a management means. The data management unit 201 manages the data in the seat management table 252 and the slip management table 253. Specifically, the data management unit 201 adds (modifies) data to the seat management table 252 and the slip management table 253 and reads data in response to various notifications and instructions transmitted from the order acceptance terminal 10 and the accounting device 30.

[0064] For example, the data management unit 201 issues a new slip number in response to a slip creation request sent from the order receiving terminal 10, and registers it in the slip management table 253 in association with the seat number attached to the slip creation request. The data management unit 201 also sets the slip status of the registered seat number to "in use" and sets the seat status in the seat management table 252 corresponding to that seat number to "occupied". Finally, the data management unit 201 sends the issued slip number to the order receiving terminal 10 that sent the slip creation request.

[0065] For example, when the data management unit 201 receives order information from the order receiving terminal 10, it registers the received order information in the data entries of the slip management table 253 that correspond to the slip number and seat number attached to the order information.

[0066] For example, when the data management unit 201 receives a cleanup notification from the order receiving terminal 10, it sets the status of the data entry in the slip management table 253 corresponding to the slip number and seat number attached to the cleanup notification to "Cleaned Up". The data management unit 201 also sets the seat status in the seat management table 252 corresponding to the seat number attached to the cleanup notification to "Vacant". If the data status of the data entry in the slip management table 253 corresponding to the slip number and seat number attached to the cleanup notification is "Accounted", the data management unit 201 deletes the data entry from the slip management table 253 at the time the cleanup notification is received.

[0067] For example, when the data management unit 201 receives an order information request from the accounting device 30 (described later) that requests order information specifying a voucher number, it reads the order information from the data entry in the voucher management table 253 corresponding to the voucher number specified in the order information request and sends it to the accounting device 30.

[0068] For example, when the data management unit 201 receives an accounting completion notification from the accounting device 30 (described later) indicating that accounting has been completed, it sets the voucher status of the data entry in the voucher management table 253 corresponding to the voucher number attached to the accounting completion notification to "Accounted". The data management unit 201 also sets the seat status in the seat management table 252 corresponding to the seat number included in the data entry in the voucher management table 253 that has been set to "Accounted". If the voucher status of the data entry in the seat management table 252 corresponding to the voucher number attached to the accounting completion notification is "Cleaned Up", the data management unit 201 deletes the data entry from the seat management table 252 at the time the accounting completion notification is received.

[0069] Furthermore, for example, if the data management unit 201 receives a cleanup completion notification from the order acceptance terminal 10 for the seat number related to a data entry in the slip management table 253 that has a slip status of "in use" indicating that it has not been accounted for, it will be able to generate new transaction data for that seat number.

[0070] The order slip issuing unit 202 of the management device 20 issues an order slip that prints the breakdown of the order information by controlling the printer unit 26. Specifically, each time order information is registered in the slip management table 253, the order slip issuing unit 202 issues an order slip that prints the breakdown of the order information and the slip number included in the data entry in which the order information was registered.

[0071] The order slip issuing unit 202 may print the slip number on the order slip after encoding it into a code symbol such as a two-dimensional code. The order slip issuing unit 202 may also include the seat number, which is included in the data entry of the slip management table 253, in the order slip. In this case, the seat number may be encoded or printed in plain text.

[0072] The slip number input unit 301 of the accounting device 30 accepts the input of the slip number printed on the order slip. For example, the slip number input unit 301 accepts the slip number entered via the operation unit 37. For example, the slip number input unit 301 accepts the slip number read via a code reading unit (not shown). If the seat number is printed on the slip number, the slip number input unit 301 may accept the input of the seat number along with the slip number.

[0073] The accounting processing unit 302 of the accounting device 30 performs accounting processing for the goods ordered by the customer. Specifically, the accounting processing unit 302 obtains order information associated with the slip number from the management device 20 by sending an order information request specifying the slip number to the management device 20 based on the slip number input unit 301.

[0074] The accounting processing unit 302 calculates the total amount of the ordered goods based on the product codes and quantities included in the acquired order information. For example, the accounting processing unit 302 refers to the product master, multiplies the price of the product corresponding to the product code by the quantity, and calculates the total amount by summing the multiplied amounts. The accounting processing unit 302 also works in cooperation with the settlement unit 38 to perform accounting processing to settle the total amount of the goods with the amount paid by the customer.

[0075] Then, once the accounting processing unit 302 has completed the accounting process, it sends an accounting completion notice to the management device 20 to notify it that the accounting has been completed. More specifically, the accounting processing unit 302 sends the voucher numbers that were the subject of the accounting process to the management device 20 together with the accounting completion notice, or included in the accounting completion notice. The accounting processing unit 302 may also send the seat numbers to the management device 20.

[0076] The following describes examples of the operation of the order receiving terminal 10, management device 20, and accounting device 30 mentioned above.

[0077] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing performed between the order receiving terminal 10 and the management device 20 in the embodiment.

[0078] As a prerequisite for this process, we assume that the seat number held by the order receiving terminal 10 is "12". We also assume that the initial state of the seat management table 252 and the slip management table 253 related to seat number "12" is state Da. In state Da, there is no data entry in the slip management table 253 related to seat number "12", and the seat status in the seat management table 252 is "vacant". In other words, the seat with seat number "12" is vacant, and the customer has not operated the order receiving terminal 10.

[0079] First, the display control unit 101 of the order receiving terminal 10 displays a waiting screen on the display unit 16, indicating that it is waiting for customer input (step S11).

[0080] Figure 9 shows an example of a standby screen displayed on the order receiving terminal 10 of the embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the standby screen Ga displays messages and images prompting customer action. For example, in Figure 9, the standby screen Ga displays a message prompting touch operation on the screen and an illustration representing touch operation. The operation reception unit 102 waits for user action (customer action) while the standby screen Ga is displayed.

[0081] Returning to Figure 8, when the operation reception unit 102 receives an operation to start an order, such as a touch operation on the standby screen Ga (step S12), the order processing unit 103 sends a slip creation request to the management device 20 (step S13). Specifically, the order processing unit 103 sends the seat number "12" of its own order reception terminal 10 to the management device 20 together with or included in the slip creation request.

[0082] When the data management unit 201 of the management device 20 receives a slip creation request from the order acceptance terminal 10, it issues a new slip number (step S14). For example, suppose it issues slip number "8". Next, the data management unit 201 associates the issued slip number "8" with the seat number "12" attached to the slip creation request and registers a data entry in the slip management table 253 with the slip status set to "in use" (step S15). The data management unit 201 also updates the seat status in the seat management table 252 corresponding to the seat number "12" attached to the slip creation request to "occupied" (step S16). As a result of the processing in steps S14 to S16, the seat management table 252 and the slip management table 253 change from state Da to state Db.

[0083] Next, the data management unit 201 of the management device 20 sends (replies to) the order receiving terminal 10 that sent the slip creation request with the slip number issued in step S14 (step S17).

[0084] The order processing unit 103 of the order receiving terminal 10 obtains the slip number from the management device 20 and stores the slip number in RAM 13 or the like. Next, the order processing unit 103 works in cooperation with the display control unit 101 to display an order screen on the display unit 16 that allows the customer to order products (step S18).

[0085] Figure 10 shows an example of an order screen displayed on the order receiving terminal 10 of the embodiment. The order screen is displayed based on, for example, a product master.

[0086] As shown in Figure 10, the order screen Gb includes a header section Gba, a classification display section Gbb, a product list section Gbc, a footer section Gbd, and so on.

[0087] The header section Gba contains various information such as the signal strength of the radio waves received by the communication unit 14, the remaining battery level of the order receiving terminal 10, and the seat number "12" of the order receiving terminal 10, as well as a staff call button Ba. When the staff call button Ba is operated, for example, the control unit 100 will, The customer will be summoned by sending their seat number to a mobile device (not shown) carried by the staff member.

[0088] The classification display section Gbb displays controls that represent the classification of products sold in the store. For example, the classification display section Gbb displays controls that represent classifications such as snacks, drinks, and meals. If product classifications are set at multiple levels (major classification, sub-classification, etc.), the controls for lower-level classifications may be displayed sequentially according to the controls for the selected higher-level classification.

[0089] The product list section Gbc displays controls for selecting products. Specifically, the product list section Gbc displays areas Bb, each representing a product belonging to the category selected in the category display section Gbb. Each area Bb is associated with a product code, and the product name, price, product image, etc., of the product corresponding to that product code are displayed within the area. Area Bb also functions as a control, allowing selection via touch operation, for example. Furthermore, it is possible to indicate a score based on the number of touch operations.

[0090] The footer section Gbd is provided with various controls such as the Top button Bc, the Order button Bd, the History button Be, and the Order Confirmation button Bf.

[0091] The Top button Bc is an operator used to return to a predetermined screen state. When the Top button Bc is pressed, the display control unit 101 sets the display contents of the classification display unit Gbb and the product list unit Gbc to a predetermined state.

[0092] The order button Bd is an operator used to determine which products are candidates for an order. For example, after a specific product area Bb is selected in the product list section Gbc, if the order button Bd is operated, the order processing unit 103 stores the product code and quantity of the selected area Bb as order candidates in RAM 13 or the like.

[0093] The history button Be is an operator used to display the history of ordered items. When the history button Be is pressed, the order processing unit 103, for example, sends an order information request specifying the slip number to the management device 20, thereby obtaining the order information associated with the slip number from the management device 20. Then, the order processing unit 103 works in cooperation with the display control unit 101 to display a screen (not shown) showing the ordered items on the display unit 16.

[0094] The order confirmation button Bf is an operator used to confirm an order. When the order confirmation button Bf is pressed, the order processing unit 103 transmits order information, including the product code and quantity combination stored in RAM 13, etc., to the management device 20, along with the slip number and seat number.

[0095] Returning to Figure 8, the order processing unit 103 of the order receiving terminal 10 transmits order information to the management device 20 in response to the operation on the order screen Gb (step S19). Specifically, the order processing unit 103 transmits the slip number "8" and the seat number "12" of its own order receiving terminal 10 to the management device 20, either together with the order information or included in the order information.

[0096] When the data management unit 201 of the management device 20 receives order information from the order receiving terminal 10, it registers the order information in the data entry of the slip management table 253 corresponding to the slip number "8" and seat number "12" attached to the order information (step S20). Next, the order slip issuing unit 202 of the management device 20 issues an order slip based on the order information registered in step S20 (step S21).

[0097] As a result of the processing in step S20, the seat management table 252 and the slip management table 253 change from state Db to state Dc. Note that in state Dc, an example is shown where "product A" is registered as order information, and the illustration of the points is omitted.

[0098] Through the process described above, order information for products ordered using the order receiving terminal 10 is managed by the management device 20, and an order slip for that order information is issued by the management device 20. The store staff carry the order slip issued by the management device 20, along with the ordered products, to the customer's seat. After finishing their meal, the customer moves to the payment device 30 with the order slip and leaves their seat.

[0099] Next, referring to Figure 11, we will explain an example of what happens after a customer who was using seat number "12" moves to the payment machine 30 for payment.

[0100] Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing performed between the order receiving terminal 10 and the management device 20 in the embodiment.

[0101] As a prerequisite for this process, the order receiving terminal 10 and the management device 20 are assumed to be in the state after the process shown in Figure 8 has been performed. Specifically, the order screen Gb is displayed on the display unit 16 of the order receiving terminal 10, and the seat management table 252 and the slip management table 253 are in state Dc. Furthermore, the customer who was using seat number "12" has moved to the payment device 30 for payment, but is in a waiting state for payment because there are other customers who are ahead of them in line.

[0102] First, the operation reception unit 102 of the order reception terminal 10 waits for user input while the order screen Gb is displayed.

[0103] While the operation reception unit 102 is waiting for user input, when the store staff clear the dishes and other items placed on seat number "12" and the seat is ready to receive the next customer, the staff member performs a special operation on the order reception terminal 10 to input that the clearing is complete.

[0104] Here, a special operation is an operation that can only be performed by a store employee. The method of performing a special operation can be set arbitrarily, but it is preferable that it be a method that is different from the operations performed by the customer (hereinafter also referred to as a normal operation) and is unknown to the customer. For example, in the header section Gba of the order screen Gb shown in Figure 10, information other than the employee call button Ba functions as an indicator, so it is unlikely that the customer would recognize it as an operation. Therefore, a special operation may be a touch operation on any of the indicators displayed in the header section Gba, such as signal strength, battery level, and seat number. Also, since operations such as selecting products performed by the customer are basically single touches, a special operation may be a double touch, triple touch, or other touch operation on any of the indicators, such as signal strength, battery level, and seat number.

[0105] Alternatively, for example, after a touch operation is performed on the indicator mentioned above, an authentication screen (see Figure 12) that authenticates that the operator is a store employee may be displayed on the display unit 16, and special operations may be accepted only if it is confirmed that the operator is a store employee.

[0106] Figure 12 shows an example of an authentication screen displayed on the order receiving terminal 10 of the embodiment. As shown in Figure 12, the authentication screen Gc displays an input area Gca and a key area Gcb, along with a message prompting the user to enter a password after the cleanup is complete.

[0107] The input area Gca is for entering the password. The key area Gcb displays controls such as a numeric keypad, and touching it inputs the corresponding number into the input area Gca. The password is assumed to have been notified to the store clerk in advance and to be stored in the memory unit 15 of the order receiving terminal 10.

[0108] Furthermore, the authentication screen Gc is provided with a cancel button Bg and an OK button Bh. The cancel button Bg is an operator used to cancel the input of a special operation. When the cancel button Bg is pressed, for example, the display control unit 101 clears the authentication screen Gc and returns the display to the order screen Gb. The OK button Bh is an operator used to instruct password authentication. When the OK button Bh is pressed, for example, the operation reception unit 102 compares the password entered in the input area Gca with a password that has been stored in advance, and determines that a special operation has been accepted if they match. If the passwords do not match, it is preferable for the display control unit 101 to display a message on the authentication screen Gc indicating an authentication error.

[0109] Returning to Figure 11, when the operation reception unit 102 of the order reception terminal 10 receives a special operation (step S31), the cleanup notification unit 104 sends a cleanup completion instruction to the management device 20 (step S32). Specifically, the cleanup notification unit 104 sends the slip number "8" and the seat number "12" of its own order reception terminal 10 to the management device 20 together with or included in the cleanup completion notification.

[0110] When the data management unit 201 of the management device 20 receives a cleanup completion notification from the order acceptance terminal 10, it updates the slip status in the slip management table 253 and the seat status in the seat management table 252 (step S33). Specifically, the data management unit 201 sets the slip status of the data entry in the slip management table 253 corresponding to the slip number "8" and seat number "12" attached to the cleanup completion notification to "Cleaned Up". The data management unit 201 also sets the seat status in the seat management table 252 corresponding to seat number "12" attached to the cleanup completion notification to "Vacant". In this way, by setting the slip status to "Cleaned Up" and / or the seat status to "Vacant", the data management unit 201 makes it possible to accept a new customer order from the order acceptance terminal 10 for seat number "12". In other words, the data management unit 201 makes it possible to generate new transaction data related to seat number "12". Then, as a result of the processing in step S33, the seat management table 252 and the slip management table 253 change from state Dc to state Dd.

[0111] Next, the data management unit 201 of the management device 20 sends a seat availability notification to the order receiving terminal 10 for seat number "12", which has been updated to "vacant", informing it that the seat has become vacant (step S34).

[0112] In the order receiving terminal 10, for example, when the order processing unit 103 receives a seat availability notification, it works in cooperation with the display control unit 101 to display the completion screen on the display unit 16 for a predetermined time (step S35).

[0113] Figure 13 shows an example of the completion screen displayed on the order receiving terminal 10 of the embodiment. As shown in Figure 13, the completion screen Gd displays a message informing the user that the transaction has ended, a message thanking the user, etc. The display time of the completion screen Gd is not particularly limited and can be set arbitrarily, but it is preferable to set it to a short time, such as 3 seconds.

[0114] Returning to Figure 11, the display control unit 101 of the order receiving terminal 10 displays the completion screen Gd for a predetermined time, then displays the standby screen Ga on the display unit 16 (step S36).

[0115] As a result of the above process, after the processing in step S36, the order receiving terminal 10 becomes ready for a new customer to operate.

[0116] Next, referring to Figure 14, we will explain an example of how to handle a situation where a new passenger is seated in the vacant seat number "12".

[0117] Figure 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing performed between the order receiving terminal 10 and the management device 20 in the embodiment.

[0118] As a prerequisite for this process, the order receiving terminal 10 and the management device 20 are assumed to be in the state after the process shown in Figure 11 has been performed. Specifically, the display unit 16 of the order receiving terminal 10 shows the waiting screen Ga, and the seat management table 252 and the slip management table 253 are assumed to be in state Dd. Furthermore, the customer who was previously using seat number "12," i.e., the customer with slip number "8," is assumed to be in a waiting state for payment at the accounting device 30.

[0119] First, in step S41, the display control unit 101 of the order receiving terminal 10 maintains the display of the standby screen Ga. When a new customer starts operating the device, the operation reception unit 102 of the order receiving terminal 10 accepts the operation. Accordingly, the order processing unit 103 sends a slip creation request with seat number "12" added to it to the management device 20.

[0120] When the data management unit 201 of the management device 20 receives a slip creation request from the order acceptance terminal 10, it issues a new slip number, for example, slip number "9" (step S44). Next, the data management unit 201 associates the issued slip number "9" with the seat number "12" attached to the slip creation request, and registers a data entry with the slip status set to "in use," that is, new transaction data, in the slip management table 253 (step S45). The data management unit 201 also updates the seat status in the seat management table 252 corresponding to the seat number "12" attached to the slip creation request to "occupied" (step S46). As a result of the processing in steps S44 to S46, the seat management table 252 and the slip management table 253 change from state Dd to state De. Furthermore, if the data management unit 201 receives a request to create a voucher and there is existing transaction data with the seat number "12" attached to that request, it may create new transaction data after confirming that the voucher status of the existing transaction data is "completed" and / or that the seat status of seat number "12" is "vacant".

[0121] Now, focusing on the slip management table 253 in state De, we see that there are data entries with the same seat number but different slip numbers. Specifically, the data entry with slip number "8" is the data entry for a customer who was waiting to pay and had previously used seat number "12," and the data entry with slip number "9" is the data entry for a customer who is currently using seat number "12."

[0122] Thus, the management device 20 can individually manage data entries for slips that use the same seat number "12" as an element by assigning a new slip number to seat number "12" if the previous customer using seat number "12" has not yet paid. Therefore, in the order management system 1 of this embodiment, even if a customer's payment is not yet completed, if the seat has been cleared, a new customer can be guided to that seat and a new order (transaction) can be started.

[0123] Next, the data management unit 201 of the management device 20 sends (replies to) the order receiving terminal 10 that sent the slip number issued in step S44 (step S47). The processes in steps S48 and S49 executed by the order receiving terminal 10 are the same as the processes in steps S18 and S19 described in Figure 8, except that the slip number attached to the order information is different.

[0124] When the data management unit 201 of the management device 20 receives order information from the order receiving terminal 10, it registers the order information in the data entry of the slip management table 253 corresponding to the slip number "9" and seat number "12" attached to the order information (step S50). Next, the order slip issuing unit 202 of the management device 20 issues an order slip based on the order information registered in step S50 (step S51).

[0125] As a result of the processing in step S50, the seat management table 252 and the slip management table 253 change from state De to state Df. State Df shows an example where "product B" is registered as order information in the data entry of the slip management table 253 corresponding to the pair of slip number "9" and seat number "12".

[0126] Through the process described above, the order management system 1 can generate a data entry (transaction data) in the slip management table 253 with a different slip number but the same seat number, even if a customer has left their seat to pay and is waiting to pay. This allows the store to guide a new customer to a seat and immediately start a new order (transaction) without waiting for the previous customer to complete their payment.

[0127] Next, referring to Figure 15, an example of the processing that takes place between the management device 20 and the accounting device 30 when the payment for customer number "8" is processed will be explained.

[0128] Figure 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing performed between the management device 20 and the accounting device 30 in this embodiment.

[0129] As a prerequisite for this process, the management device 20 is assumed to be in the state after the process shown in Figure 14 has been performed. That is, the seat management table 252 and the slip management table 253 are assumed to be in state Df. In addition, the payment for the customer who was previously using seat number "12," i.e., the customer with slip number "8," is assumed to be processed by the accounting device 30.

[0130] First, the slip number input unit 301 of the accounting device 30 waits until the slip number printed on the order slip is entered. When the slip number input unit 301 receives the slip number (step S61), the accounting processing unit 302 of the accounting device 30 sends an order information request specifying the entered slip number to the management device 20 (step S62).

[0131] When the data management unit 201 of the management device 20 receives an order information request from the accounting device 30, it reads the order information from the data entry in the voucher management table 253 corresponding to the voucher number specified in the order information request (step S63). For example, if the order information request specifies voucher number "8", the data management unit 201 reads the order information (product A) from the data entry in the voucher management table 253 corresponding to voucher number "8".

[0132] Next, the data management unit 201 of the management device 20 transmits the order information read in step S63 to the accounting device 30 that sent the order information request (step S64).

[0133] When the accounting processing unit 302 of the accounting device 30 obtains order information from the management device 20, it performs accounting processing based on the obtained order information (step S65). Next, when the accounting processing is completed, the accounting processing unit 302 sends an accounting completion notification to the accounting device 30 (step S66). Specifically, the accounting processing unit 302 sends the voucher number "8" to the management device 20 together with or included in the accounting completion notification.

[0134] When the data management unit 201 of the management device 20 receives an accounting completion notification from the accounting device 30, it deletes the data entry in the voucher management table 253 corresponding to the voucher number attached to the accounting completion notification (step S67).

[0135] Specifically, the data management unit 201 identifies the data entry in the voucher management table 253 corresponding to the voucher number attached to the accounting completion notice. Next, the data management unit 201 determines whether the voucher status included in the identified data entry is "in use," "completed," or "accounted." Of the three possible voucher statuses, the "accounted" status is set after accounting is completed, so it is effectively excluded from the determination. In status Dc, the voucher status of the data entry corresponding to voucher number "8" is "completed," so the data management unit 201 determines it to be "completed." If the voucher status is "completed," the data management unit 201 deletes the data entry, provided that the accounting completion notice has been received.

[0136] Furthermore, the data management unit 201 identifies the coordinate number from the data entry in the voucher management table 253 corresponding to the voucher number attached to the accounting completion notice, and determines whether there are other voucher numbers in the voucher management table 253 that have the same seat number as the identified coordinate number. In state Dc, there is another voucher number "9" with seat number "12", so the data management unit 201 determines that there are other voucher numbers with the same seat number. If there are other voucher numbers with the same seat number, the data management unit 201 maintains the seat status in the seat management table 252 as is, even if it has received an accounting completion notice with that seat number attached.

[0137] As a result of the processing in step S67, the seat management table 252 and the slip management table 253 change from state Df to state Dg. Specifically, in the slip management table 253 in state Dg, the data entry related to slip number "8" is deleted. On the other hand, the data entry related to slip number "9" for the same seat number as slip number "8" remains. Therefore, the customer currently using seat number "12" can continue to place orders using the order receiving terminal 10 at their seat.

[0138] Next, referring to Figure 16, we will describe an example of operation when the accounting process for a customer who used an empty seat is performed by the accounting device 30 before the seat has been cleared away.

[0139] Figure 16 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing performed between the order receiving terminal 10, the management device 20, and the accounting device 30 in this embodiment.

[0140] It should be noted that, as a prerequisite for this process, the order receiving terminal 10 and the management device 20 are assumed to be in the state after the process shown in Figure 8 has been performed. Specifically, the order screen Gb is displayed on the display unit 16 of the order receiving terminal 10, and the seat management table 252 and the slip management table 253 are assumed to be in state Dc. Furthermore, it is assumed that the customer who was using seat number "12" has moved to the payment device 30 for payment and is in the state to make a payment.

[0141] First, when the accounting device 30 receives the slip number printed on the order slip, it executes steps S71 and S72, which are the same as steps S61 and S62 described in Figure 15.

[0142] When the data management unit 201 of the management device 20 receives the order information request sent in step S72, it reads the order information from the data entry in the document management table 253 corresponding to the document number specified in the order information request (step S73). For example, if the document number "8" is specified in the order information request, the data management unit 201 reads the order information (product A) from the data entry in the document management table 253 corresponding to the document number "8". Then, the data management unit 201 transmits the read order information to the accounting device 30 (step S74).

[0143] When the accounting processing unit 302 of the accounting device 30 obtains order information from the management device 20, it executes the processes of steps S75 and S76, which are the same as steps S65 and S66 described in Figure 15.

[0144] When the data management unit 201 of the management device 20 receives the accounting completion notification sent in step S76, it updates the voucher status in the voucher management table 253 and the seat status in the seat management table 252 (step S77).

[0145] Specifically, the data management unit 201 identifies the data entry in the voucher management table 253 corresponding to the voucher number attached to the accounting completion notice. Next, the data management unit 201 determines whether the voucher status included in the identified data entry is "in use" or "completed". Of the three possible voucher statuses, the "accounted" status is set after accounting is completed, so it is effectively excluded from the determination. In status Dc, the voucher status of the data entry corresponding to voucher number "8" is "in use," so the data management unit 201 determines it to be "in use." If the voucher status is "in use," the data management unit 201 changes the voucher status to "accounted," provided that the accounting completion notice has been received.

[0146] Furthermore, the data management unit 201 identifies the coordinate number from the data entry in the voucher management table 253 corresponding to the voucher number attached to the accounting completion notice, and determines whether there are other voucher numbers in the voucher management table 253 that have the same seat number as the identified coordinate number. In state Dh, there are no other voucher numbers with seat number "12", so the data management unit 201 determines that there are no other voucher numbers with the same seat number. If there are no other voucher numbers with the same seat number, the data management unit 201 determines whether the seat status in the seat management table 252 corresponding to the identified seat number is "occupied", "vacant", or "accounted". Note that of the three possible seat statuses, the "accounted" status is set after accounting is completed, so it is effectively excluded from the determination. In state Dc, the seat status corresponding to seat number "12" is "occupied", so the data management unit 201 determines that it is "occupied". If the seat status is "occupied," Data Management Unit 201 will change the seat status to "accounted" upon receiving the payment completion notification.

[0147] Therefore, as a result of the processing in step S77, the seat management table 252 and the voucher management table 253 change from state Dc to state Dh. Specifically, in the voucher management table 253 in state Dh, the voucher status of the data entry related to voucher number "8" is set to "Accounted". Also, in the seat management table 252 in state Dh, the seat status of seat number "12" is set to "Accounted".

[0148] Next, after the processing in step S77, suppose a special operation is performed at the order receiving terminal 10 with seat number "12". When the operation reception unit 102 of the order receiving terminal 10 receives the special operation (step S78), the cleanup notification unit 104 of the order receiving terminal 10 sends a cleanup completion instruction to the management device 20 (step S79). Specifically, the cleanup notification unit 104 sends the slip number "8" and the seat number "12" of its own order receiving terminal 10 to the management device 20 together with or included in the cleanup completion notification.

[0149] When the data management unit 201 of the management device 20 receives a cleanup completion notification from the order acceptance terminal 10, it deletes the data table in the slip management table 253 corresponding to the slip number and seat number pair attached to the cleanup completion notification, and updates the seat status in the seat management table 252 (step S80).

[0150] Specifically, the data management unit 201 identifies the data entries in the slip management table 253 corresponding to the slip number and seat number attached to the cleanup completion notification. Next, the data management unit 201 determines whether the slip status included in the identified data entry is "in use," "cleaned up," or "paid." In status Dh, the slip status of the data entry corresponding to slip number "8" and seat number "12" is "paid," so the data management unit 201 determines it to be "paid." If the slip status is "paid," the data management unit 201 deletes the corresponding data entry, provided that the cleanup completion notification has been received.

[0151] Furthermore, the data management unit 201 determines, based on the seat number attached to the cleanup completion notification, whether there are other slip numbers in the slip management table 253 that have the same seat number as the coordinate number. In state Dh, there are no other slip numbers with seat number "12", so the data management unit 201 determines that there are no other slip numbers with the same seat number. If there are no other slip numbers with the same seat number, the data management unit 201 determines whether the seat status in the seat management table 252 corresponding to the seat number attached to the cleanup completion notification is "occupied", "vacant", or "paid". In state Dh, the seat status corresponding to seat number "12" is "paid", so the data management unit 201 determines it is "paid". If the seat status is "paid", the data management unit 201 sets the seat status to "vacant", provided that the cleanup completion notification has been received.

[0152] Therefore, as a result of the processing in step S80, the seat management table 252 and the voucher management table 253 change from state Dh to state Di. Specifically, in the voucher management table 253 in state Di, the data entry related to voucher number "8" is deleted. Also, in the seat management table 252 in state Di, the seat status of seat number "12" is set to "vacant".

[0153] Next, the data management unit 201 of the management device 20 sends a seat availability notification to the order receiving terminal 10 for seat number "12", which has been updated to "vacant", informing it that the seat has become vacant (step S81). The processing in steps S82 and S83 performed in the order receiving terminal 10 thereafter is the same as steps S35 and S36 described in Figure 11.

[0154] As described above, the order management system 1 of this embodiment comprises an order receiving terminal 10 and a management device 20. The order receiving terminal 10 transmits order information specifying the ordered items to the management device 20 in response to customer operations, and transmits a cleanup completion notification to the management device 20 in response to a predetermined operation performed using an operation method different from that performed by the customer, indicating that the cleanup of the seat where the device is installed has been completed. The management device 20 also manages transaction data that associates a seat number that can identify a seat, a slip number that can identify a slip, and order information transmitted from the order receiving terminal 10 of the seat corresponding to the seat number. When the management device 20 receives a cleanup completion notification from the order receiving terminal 10 while the transaction for the seat where the order receiving terminal 10 is installed is still pending, it makes it possible to generate new transaction data related to the seat number of that seat.

[0155] According to the order management system 1 of this embodiment, for example, when a seat that has become vacant for payment is cleared, even if the customer who was using that seat has not yet paid for their purchase due to waiting for payment or other reasons, a new data entry related to the seat number of that seat can be generated in the slip management table 253. As a result, the store can guide a new customer to a seat without waiting for the customer to complete their payment. Therefore, the order management system 1 can make it possible to start a new order (transaction) immediately upon completion of seat clearing, thereby enabling efficient store operations.

[0156] The embodiments described above can also be modified and implemented as appropriate by changing some of the configurations or functions of each of the devices described above. Therefore, several modifications of the embodiments described above will be described below as other embodiments. In the following, we will mainly describe the differences from the embodiments described above, and will omit detailed explanations of points that are common with what has already been described. Furthermore, the modifications described below may be implemented individually or in combination as appropriate.

[0157] (Variation 1) In the above-described embodiment, an order-taking terminal 10 was installed at each seat in a restaurant, but the environment in which the order-taking terminal 10 is used is not limited to this configuration.

[0158] For example, some karaoke boxes and similar establishments have a transaction model where customers pay for food and drinks consumed within the karaoke box upon leaving. Furthermore, after a customer leaves the karaoke box, the staff are responsible for cleaning and other tidying tasks.

[0159] In stores with the above-described transaction format, the same effects as the embodiment described above can be achieved by installing the order receiving terminal 10 in each room of the karaoke box.

[0160] (Modification 2) In the above-described embodiment, the management device 20 is configured to store and manage the seat management table 252 and the slip management table 253, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the accounting device 30 may have the functions of the management device 20, so that the accounting device 30 stores and manages the seat management table 252 and the slip management table 253.

[0161] This allows the order management system 1 to be configured using the order receiving terminal 10 and the accounting device 30, thus simplifying the system configuration.

[0162] (Variation 3) In the above-described embodiment, the accounting device 30 is configured to acquire order information from the management device 20 based on the slip number printed on the order slip. However, the method of transmitting order information to the accounting device 30 is not limited to this.

[0163] For example, the product code and quantity included in the order information, as well as the total amount calculated based on the order information, and other information necessary for accounting processing, may be encoded into code symbols such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes and printed on the order slip. In this case, the accounting device 30 can read the code symbols printed on the order slip, thereby transmitting the order information and other information necessary for accounting processing to the accounting device 30 offline.

[0164] This reduces the communication capacity and frequency between the management device 20 and the accounting device 30, thereby reducing the network load.

[0165] While embodiments (and modifications) of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, 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.

[0166] Furthermore, the programs executed by each device in the above embodiments are provided pre-installed in the storage medium (ROM or storage unit) provided by the device, but are not limited to this. For example, the programs may be configured to be provided as installable or executable files recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Moreover, the storage medium is not limited to a medium independent of the computer or embedded system, but also includes storage media that have downloaded and stored or temporarily stored programs transmitted via a LAN, the Internet, etc.

[0167] Furthermore, the programs executed by each device of the above embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by allowing users to download them via the network, or they may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0168] 1. Order Management System 10 Order receiving terminal 20 Management device 30 Accounting device 101 Display Control Unit 102 Operation Reception Section 103 Order Processing Section 104 Cleanup Notification Department 201 Data Management Department 202 Order Slip Issuance Department 301 Invoice Number Input Section 302 Accounting Processing Department [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0169] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-134673

Claims

1. An order management system having an order receiving device installed at each seat and a management device, The order receiving device is A first transmission means transmits order information specifying the ordered products to the management device in response to customer operations, A second transmission means transmits a cleanup completion notification to the management device in response to a predetermined operation performed by a method different from the method performed by the aforementioned customer, indicating that the cleanup of the seat on which the device is installed has been completed. Equipped with, The aforementioned control device is The system includes a management means for managing transaction data that associates seat identification information capable of identifying the seat, transaction identification information capable of identifying the transaction, and order information transmitted from the order receiving device for the seat corresponding to the seat identification information. When the management means receives a cleanup completion notification from the order receiving device while the transaction for a seat equipped with the order receiving device is still pending, it makes it possible to generate new transaction data related to the seat identification information of that seat. Order management system.

2. The management means manages the accounting status of the transaction identified by the transaction identification information in association with the transaction identification information, and includes the accounting status of the transaction identified by the transaction identification information in the transaction data. When the accounting status is unaccounted for, and the management means receives a cleanup completion notification from the order receiving device installed at the seat of the seat identified by the seat identification information included in the transaction data, it makes it possible to generate new transaction data related to the seat identification information of that seat. The order management system according to claim 1.

3. The order receiving device is The system further includes a third transmission means that, on the condition that operation of the device itself is initiated, transmits an issuance request to the management device requesting the issuance of the transaction identification information, When the management means receives the issuance request from the order receiving device, it issues new transaction identification information and generates new transaction data in association with the seat identification information of the seat where the order receiving device is installed. The order management system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The management means manages the cleanup status of a seat corresponding to the seat identification information associated with the transaction identification information, including it in the transaction data, and when it receives a cleanup completion notification from the order receiving device installed at the seat, it sets the cleanup status to cleaned up, thereby making it possible to generate new transaction data related to the seat identification information of that seat, and if the cleanup status of the transaction data including the seat identification information corresponding to the seat of the order receiving device that sent the issuance request is cleaned up, it generates new transaction data at the time the issuance request is received. The order management system according to claim 3.

5. The management means deletes the transaction data if the transaction identified by the transaction identification information has been accounted for and the cleanup completion notification has been received from the order receiving device installed at the seat of the seat identification information included in the transaction data of the transaction. The order management system according to claim 1.

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