Information processing device, information processing program, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide a technique for reducing a waiting time for reception in a store and improving efficiency in ordering a commodity.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus includes: an order method reception unit which receives, from a first terminal device provided at a reception of a store, a mode of use of a customer regarding the store and an order method regarding an order of a commodity; an issuance unit which issues a two-dimensional code including location information of a WEB site in which an order reception screen according to the order method is to be displayed; a display control unit which reads the two-dimensional code through a second terminal carried by the customer and causes the second terminal device to display the order reception screen in accordance with a request based on the two-dimensional code generated by the second terminal device; an order reception unit which receives an order from the order reception screen displayed on the second terminal device; and a notification unit which transmits a predetermined notification regarding the order based on the mode of use to the second terminal device in a method according to the order method.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing program, and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] With the development of communication technology, reservation systems that connect to the Internet and reserve seats at stores, event venues, etc., via websites, have become known. In this case, a user can make a reservation for a store by accessing a web server device that manages the website using a user terminal such as a personal computer (PC), smartphone, or tablet terminal, and inputting the information required for the reservation.

[0003] One example of a system that is introduced in such restaurants is an ordering system that reduces customer dissatisfaction caused by waiting times (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses an ordering system that receives product orders from customers, the ordering system comprising a provisional ordering means for receiving a provisional order before receiving a formal order from the customer, and a reward granting means for granting a reward according to the time required from the provisional order to the formal order or the time required to provide the ordered product.

[0004] Furthermore, as a system to be introduced in a restaurant, for example, an ordering system has been disclosed that allows each user to easily order their favorite items freely and without incurring any costs (for example, Patent Document 2). In Patent Document 2, a smartphone displays a menu screen including items for which an order can be accepted. When the smartphone accepts an order from the menu screen, it notifies an information processing device of the order information. The information processing device then transfers log information related to the order information accepted from the smartphone to an analysis device. When the analysis device receives the log information, it stores the log information in a graph DB. The analysis device then detects recommended items based on the log information stored in the graph DB, and transmits information related to the detected recommended items to the smartphone. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-035075 A [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7118203 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Traditionally, most restaurants have offered dine-in service, and customers often had to wait in line depending on the availability of seats. A system installed in front of the restaurant would issue call numbers in the order in which customers were waiting.

[0007] In addition to accepting customers who want to eat in (waiting in line) at the store, in recent years stores have also started accepting orders for take-out items. This has resulted in cumbersome reception work at the store during busy times, and long wait times for both eat-in and take-out. In particular, when a common terminal is used at the store to accept eat-in customers and take-out orders, if it takes a long time to place a take-out order, the terminal cannot be used to accept eat-in customers waiting in line or to place orders for the next take-out customer, which results in longer wait times.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention provides a technique for shortening the waiting time required for reception at a store and improving the efficiency of ordering products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An information processing device in one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising: an order method receiving unit that receives a customer's usage pattern for the store and an ordering method for ordering products from a first terminal device placed at the store's reception desk; an issuing unit that issues a two-dimensional code including location information of a website that displays an order acceptance screen corresponding to the ordering method; a display control unit that reads the two-dimensional code with a second terminal device held by the customer and displays the order acceptance screen on the second terminal device in response to a request based on the two-dimensional code generated by the second terminal device; an order acceptance unit that accepts orders from the order acceptance screen displayed on the second terminal device; and a notification unit that sends a predetermined notification regarding an order based on the usage pattern to the second terminal device in a manner corresponding to the ordering method.

[0010] The issuing unit issues a two-dimensional code including location information of a website that displays an order reception screen corresponding to the mode of use and the method of ordering.

[0011] The issuing unit is characterized in that if the pre-set display method for the two-dimensional code is a display method by screen display, the issuing unit displays the two-dimensional code on a screen, and if the pre-set display method for the two-dimensional code is a display method by printing, the issuing unit prints the two-dimensional code on a paper medium.

[0012] The display control unit displays the order reception screen based on an expiration date set in the two-dimensional code.

[0013] The notification unit is characterized in that, when the usage mode is a take-out of a product, it notifies an order completion message when the acceptance of the order has been completed, and notifies a preparation completion message when the preparation of the product for the order has been completed.

[0014] The notification unit is further characterized by transmitting a predetermined notification regarding a call based on the usage pattern to the second terminal device in a method corresponding to the order method.

[0015] The notification unit is characterized in that when the usage mode is eating in a restaurant and a request is made based on the two-dimensional code, it notifies the second terminal device of a call number, and further, when it is the customer's turn to operate the second terminal device to which the call number was issued, it notifies the second terminal device that the customer's turn has arrived.

[0016] The notification unit is characterized in that if the order reception screen is not displayed within a predetermined time after notifying the second terminal device of the call number, it notifies the second terminal device of a urging message to place an order.

[0017] An information processing program in one embodiment of the present invention causes a computer to execute the following: an order method reception process that receives a customer's usage pattern for the store and an ordering method for ordering products from a first terminal device located at the store's reception desk; an issuance process that issues a two-dimensional code including location information of a website that displays an order reception screen corresponding to the order method; a display control process that reads the two-dimensional code with a second terminal device held by the customer, and displays the order reception screen on the second terminal device in response to a request based on the two-dimensional code generated by the second terminal device; an order reception process that accepts an order from the order reception screen displayed on the second terminal device; and a notification process that sends a specified notification regarding an order based on the usage pattern to the second terminal device in a manner corresponding to the order method.

[0018] In one embodiment of the information processing method, a computer receives a customer's usage pattern for the store and an ordering method for ordering a product from a first terminal device located at the store's reception desk, issues a two-dimensional code including location information of a website that displays an order acceptance screen corresponding to the ordering method, reads the two-dimensional code with a second terminal device held by the customer, causes the second terminal device to display the order acceptance screen in response to a request based on the two-dimensional code generated by the second terminal device, accepts an order from the order acceptance screen displayed on the second terminal device, and transmits a specified notification regarding the order based on the usage pattern to the second terminal device in a manner corresponding to the ordering method. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the waiting time required for reception at a store and to improve the efficiency of ordering products. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a store management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a store management server according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of a two-dimensional code management DB managed by a store management server in this embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a reception setting screen in the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overall processing flow in the present embodiment (Example 1). [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a reception screen displayed as a top screen on a store reception terminal in this embodiment (Example 1). [Figure 8]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an ordering method selection screen displayed on a store reception terminal in this embodiment (Example 1). [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a two-dimensional code display screen displayed on a store reception terminal in the present embodiment (Example 1). [Figure 10] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of a printing guide screen displayed on a store reception terminal and a two-dimensional code label to be printed in this embodiment (Example 1). [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an order reception screen in the present embodiment (Example 1). [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a cart confirmation screen in the present embodiment (Example 1). [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an order execution screen in the present embodiment (Example 1). [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a notification message sent to a user terminal in the present embodiment (Example 1). [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a registration process flow of setting information input from a reception setting screen in this embodiment (Example 1). [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow for issuing a two-dimensional code by a store management server in this embodiment (Example 1). [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an order processing flow based on a two-dimensional code by a store management server in this embodiment (Example 1). [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a message notified to a user terminal in the present embodiment (Example 2). [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a call process and order process flow based on a two-dimensional code by a store management server in this embodiment (Example 2). [Figure 20] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a two-dimensional code and an example of a data structure of a two-dimensional code management DB according to the present embodiment (Example 3). FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow for issuing a two-dimensional code by a store management server in this embodiment (Example 3). [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of order processing based on a two-dimensional code by the store management server 12 in this embodiment (Example 3). [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a hardware environment of a computer that executes a program according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing device in an embodiment of the present invention. The information processing device 1 includes an order method receiving unit 2, an issuing unit 3, a display control unit 4, an order receiving unit 5, and a notification unit 6. An example of the information processing device 1 is a store management server 12, which will be described later.

[0022] The ordering method receiving unit 2 receives a customer's usage pattern for the store (e.g., "dine in," "takeout," etc.) and an ordering method for ordering products (e.g., "order via chat app," "order via web browser") from a first terminal device placed at the reception desk of the store. An example of the first terminal device is the store reception terminal 20 described below. An example of the ordering method receiving unit 2 is the acquisition unit 32 described below.

[0023] The issuing unit 3 issues a two-dimensional code including location information of a website that displays an order reception screen corresponding to the ordering method. Here, the order reception screen corresponding to the ordering method indicates, for example, an order reception screen for chat app that can be displayed in a chat app when the ordering method is "order via chat app", and indicates an order reception screen for web browser that can be displayed in a web browser when the ordering method is "order via web". An example of the issuing unit 3 is the display control unit 33 described later. The two-dimensional code may be displayed on the screen of the first terminal device, for example, or may be printed on a paper medium.

[0024] The display control unit 4 reads the two-dimensional code by the second terminal device held by the customer, and causes the second terminal device to display an order reception screen in response to a request based on the two-dimensional code generated by the second terminal device. An example of a request based on the two-dimensional code is, for example, a request to display an order reception screen, which will be described later. An example of a second terminal device is a user terminal 21, which will be described later. An example of the display control unit 4 is a display control unit 33, which will be described later.

[0025] The order receiving unit 5 receives an order from an order receiving screen displayed on the second terminal device. Examples of the order receiving screen include the screens in Figs. 11 to 13, which will be described later. An example of the order receiving unit 5 includes an acquisition unit 32, which will be described later.

[0026] The notification unit 6 transmits a predetermined notification regarding an order based on the usage mode to the second terminal device in a manner corresponding to the order method. The predetermined notification regarding an order or a call based on the usage mode is, for example, a notification regarding an order completion or a call when a waiting customer's turn arrives when the usage mode is "dine-in", and a notification regarding an order completion or product preparation completion when the usage mode is "take-out". The method corresponding to the order method is to display the notification in a format that can be displayed on a web browser when the order method is "order on the web", and to display the notification in a format that can be displayed on a chat app when the order method is "order on chat app". An example of the notification unit 6 is the output unit 35 described later. By configuring in this way, it is possible to shorten the waiting time required for reception at the store and to improve the efficiency of product ordering.

[0027] The issuing unit 3 may issue a two-dimensional code including location information of a website that displays an order reception screen corresponding to the usage mode and the ordering method. The order reception screen corresponding to the usage mode and the ordering method refers to, for example, an order reception screen to which the standard tax rate (10% consumption tax) is applied and which can be displayed on a web browser when the usage mode is "eating in" and the ordering method is "ordering on the web". Also, for example, an order reception screen to which the standard tax rate (10% consumption tax) is applied and which can be displayed on a chat app when the usage mode is "eating in" and the ordering method is "ordering on a chat app". Also, for example, an order reception screen to which the reduced tax rate (8% consumption tax) is applied and which can be displayed on a web browser when the usage mode is "takeout" and the ordering method is "ordering on the web". Also, for example, an order reception screen to which the reduced tax rate (8% consumption tax) is applied and which can be displayed on a chat app when the usage mode is "takeout" and the ordering method is "ordering on a chat app".

[0028] By configuring in this way, it is possible to display an order reception screen that is optimal for the customer's usage pattern and the user terminal environment.

[0029] The issuing unit 3 displays the two-dimensional code on a screen if the pre-set display method for the two-dimensional code is a display method by screen display, and prints the two-dimensional code on a paper medium if the pre-set display method for the two-dimensional code is a display method by printing.

[0030] With this configuration, a two-dimensional code can be output according to a preset two-dimensional code display method, so that the device can be easily adapted to the hardware environment of the store.

[0031] The display control unit 4 displays the order reception screen based on the expiration date set in the two-dimensional code. By configuring in this way, it is possible to control the validity of a request based on a two-dimensional code.

[0032] When the usage mode is a takeaway product, the notification unit 6 notifies the user of an order completion message when the acceptance of the order is completed, and notifies the user of a preparation completion message when the preparation of the ordered product is completed. By configuring in this way, the user can be notified of the order status by message.

[0033] The notification unit 5 may further transmit a predetermined notification regarding a call based on the usage pattern to the second terminal device in a manner corresponding to the order method.

[0034] By configuring in this manner, in the case where the usage pattern is "eating in the restaurant," the customer can be called when it is his / her turn to wait.

[0035] When the usage mode is eating in the restaurant, if there is a request based on the two-dimensional code, the notification unit 6 notifies the second terminal device of the call number, and further, when it is the customer's turn to operate the second terminal device to which the call number was issued, notifies the second terminal device that their turn has arrived.

[0036] By configuring in this way, customers can place their orders in advance before being called, making efficient use of waiting time. In addition, when notifying the second terminal device of the call number, the call number may be notified together with an order completion message on the order reception screen after the order is completed.

[0037] If the order reception screen is not displayed even after a predetermined time has elapsed after notifying the second terminal device of the call number, the notification unit 6 may notify the second terminal device of a message urging the user to place an order.

[0038] By configuring in this way, customers can be encouraged to place their orders in advance before their turn comes, which makes it possible to streamline the waiting time for customers and also allows the store to efficiently receive orders and prepare and proceed with cooking.

[0039] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0040] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a store management system in this embodiment. The store management system 11 includes a store management server 12, a Web server 13, a store terminal 17, an order management terminal 18, a guide display 19, a visitor reception terminal 20, a user terminal 21, and a communications network 22. The store management server 12, the Web server 13, and the user terminal 21 are connected to the communications network 22 wirelessly or via wires. The store terminal 17, the order management terminal 18, the guide display 19, and the visitor reception terminal 20 are located in a store 16, and are connected to the communications network 22 via a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0041] The Web server 13 is, for example, one or more information processing devices managed by each company that provides a reservation service. The Web server 13 manages a website for accepting reservations for the store 16, and provides users with a service (hereinafter, referred to as a Web reservation service) for accepting reservations for various stores via the website.

[0042] In this embodiment, the store management server 12 has, among other things, a reservation management function, a seat management function, a queue management function, and an order management function. When the store management server 12 functions as a reservation management function, the store management server 12 is used to realize centralized management (Web reservation management) of reservations for stores such as restaurants that are made via multiple websites. The store management server 12 accepts reservations entered at each of the reservation sites of the multiple Web servers 13 via the communication network 22.

[0043] The store management server 12 (reservation management function) accepts reservations input via the Web server 13 and manages the accepted reservations. The store management server 12 (reservation management function) stores a seat type management database (hereinafter, database is referred to as "DB"), a medium linkage management DB, a reservation management DB, an inventory management DB, etc. in the storage unit. The seat type management DB is a database that stores seat type information for each store (the number of people that a table can accommodate, the environment in which the table is installed (private room or non-private room, etc.), the type of seat (tatami room, table, sunken kotatsu), etc.). The medium linkage management DB is a database in which media that accept reservations for stores handled by the store management server 12 (reservation management function) are registered. The reservation management DB is a database that stores information about reserved seats (tables) for each store. The inventory management DB is a database that stores information including the maximum number of tables that can be reserved, the number of tables that have been reserved, the number of tables that can be reserved (the remaining number of tables (table inventory)), etc., for the seats (tables) corresponding to the seat type information.

[0044] When the store management server 12 functions as a queue management function, the store management server 12 is an information processing device that manages queues for customers entering the store 16. Queues for customers entering the store 16 can be accepted by the store reception terminal 20 or the user terminal 21.

[0045] The store management server 12 (queueing management function) acquires reception information when a customer who visits the store waits for his / her turn at a reception desk, and check-in information when a customer with a reservation visits the store, from the store reception terminal 20.

[0046] When the store management server 12 functions as a seat management function, the store management server 12 manages seating arrangements and allocated seats based on reservations accepted by the reservation management function and waiting lists accepted by the waiting list management function, and also manages before entering the store, already entered the store, already entered the store, etc.

[0047] The store management server 12 (seat management function) acquires reservation information, acquires customer information whose turn has arrived (information on customers whose turn has arrived), and manages the reservation information and customer information whose turn has arrived in a seat management DB. The store management server 12 also manages take-out order information acquired from the user terminal 21. The store management server 12 also manages congestion information for the store, for each area within the store, or for each type of seat based on the seat management DB.

[0048] When the store management server 12 functions as an order management function, the store management server 12 is an information processing device that manages the reception and orders of customers who place regular orders (orders at the seat they are shown) when choosing to dine in, advance orders, and orders when choosing takeout, at the front of the store 16. The reception and orders of such customers can be received by the store reception terminal 20 and the user terminal 21, respectively.

[0049] The store management server 12 (order management function) can handle, for example, normal ordering, advance ordering, and take-out ordering. The normal ordering is a format in which a customer places an order after taking a seat when eating in a restaurant. The advance ordering is a format in which an order is placed in advance after reception (including waiting in line) at the store reception terminal 20 and before it is the customer's turn and they are called (including after being called). The take-out ordering is a format in which an order is placed after reception at the store reception terminal 20.

[0050] For example, in the case of a take-out order, when a customer who visits a store makes a take-out order, the store reception terminal 20 obtains the reception information and accordingly issues a two-dimensional code to the customer. The customer reads the issued two-dimensional code with the user terminal 21 and performs an operation to order the take-out item. The store management server 12 (order management function) can process the order in response to an order request for the take-out item.

[0051] For example, in the advance ordering format, when a customer who visits a store makes a reservation to eat and drink in the store, the reception information is obtained from the store reception terminal 20, and a two-dimensional code is issued to the customer accordingly. When the customer reads the issued two-dimensional code with the user terminal 21, a call number is notified to the user terminal 21 and an order reception screen is displayed (including the case where the order reception screen is displayed by performing a predetermined operation), and the customer performs an operation to order a product. The store management server 12 (order management function) can process orders in response to product order requests.

[0052] The store terminal 17 is a terminal for displaying a store management screen that enables an employee of the store to check seat reservations for the store 16 in which the store terminal 17 is installed, which are accepted by the store management server 12 as a reservation management function, the waiting status at the store 16, which are accepted by the store management server 12 as a waiting-to-turn management function, and the availability of seats at the store 16. The store terminal 17 may be, for example, a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like.

[0053] The order management terminal 18 is used to confirm and manage order information received from customers. The order management terminal 18 is placed at each table in the store 16 and is a terminal for customers to place orders themselves, and may be, for example, a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like.

[0054] The store reception terminal 20 is a terminal installed at the front of the store 16, and is a terminal for customers who visit the store to register their turn to wait, to check in to notify the store that a customer who has made a reservation has arrived, and to order take-out products. The store reception terminal 20 may be, for example, a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like.

[0055] The store reception terminal 20 is used by customers at the store to input information such as waiting in line to enter the store, reception of take-out orders, and check-in. The store management server 12 receives waiting information, take-out order reception information, and check-in information input by the store reception terminal 20. The store management server 12 also displays on the information display 19 the waiting status, and information required to call customers whose turn it is to enter the store and customers waiting for take-out orders. Orders are input to the store management server 12 by customers at each table.

[0056] The information display 19 is a display device for displaying the current waiting status to customers who are waiting in line, and for calling customers when it is their turn to enter the store or when their takeout order has been prepared.

[0057] The user terminal 21 is, for example, an information communication terminal with a communication function and a camera that is owned or occupied by a user who has reserved or waited for a seat at the store 16, and includes, for example, a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, a tablet computer, etc. Also, an application (hereinafter sometimes referred to as an "app") that reads and analyzes a two-dimensional code captured by the camera, i.e., a two-dimensional code reader, is installed in the user terminal 21.

[0058] The store management server 12 may be a seat management server, a queue management server, a reservation management server, an order management server, etc. The store management server 12 may be a server system made up of one or more physical information processing devices, or a virtual server system made up of one or more virtual server devices.

[0059] 3 is a functional block diagram of the store management server 12 in this embodiment. The store management server 12 includes a control unit 31 and a storage unit 41. The control unit 31 reads and executes the programs in this embodiment, thereby functioning as an acquisition unit 32, a display control unit 33, a seating arrangement processing unit 34, an output unit 35, an order processing unit 36, and a payment processing unit 37.

[0060] When a customer who has visited the store performs a reception operation on the store reception terminal 20 to enter the store, wait in line, or place a take-out order, the acquisition unit 32 acquires reception information, check-in information, etc. from the store reception terminal 20. Alternatively, when a customer who has visited the store is a customer with a reservation and performs a check-in operation on the store reception terminal 20, the acquisition unit 32 acquires check-in information, etc. from the store reception terminal 20.

[0061] The display control unit 33 displays a predetermined screen or input contents on the display unit of the order management terminal 18, the visit reception terminal 20 and the store terminal 17, or the user terminal 21, based on a display request from the order management terminal 18, the visit reception terminal 20 and the store terminal 17, or the user terminal 21. The display control unit 33 issues (displays / prints) a two-dimensional code, for example.

[0062] The seating arrangement processing unit 34 performs seating arrangement processing to determine which table seat or counter seat, etc., the customer with the reservation is to be seated at when a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes, 2 hours, etc.) arrives before the reservation date and time.

[0063] When the turn of a waiting customer arrives, the output unit 35 outputs that fact to the information display 19, the visit reception terminal 20, the user terminal 21, etc. Also, the output unit 35 notifies the user terminal 21 of a predetermined message based on a predetermined condition.

[0064] The order processing unit 36 ​​performs order processing for receiving an order request (an order for eating in a restaurant (including an order in advance), a take-out order) from the user terminal 21 and displaying an order instruction on the order management terminal 18.

[0065] The settlement processing unit 37 performs processing of transmitting settlement target information to the POS register in response to a settlement request accepted from the user terminal 21, and accepting settlement target information (payment information) for which settlement has been completed at the POS register.

[0066] The storage unit 41 stores a setting information management DB 42, a reception management DB 43, a two-dimensional code management DB 44, a seat management DB 45, an order management DB 46, a payment management DB 47, etc. In addition, DB is an abbreviation for database (DataBase). ID written below is an abbreviation for identification indicating identification information.

[0067] The setting information management DB 42 is a database that manages setting information related to the display format, display contents, etc. of the screen to be displayed on the visit reception terminal 20. The reception management DB 43 is a database that manages reception information (including call numbers) of customers who are waiting in line.

[0068] The two-dimensional code management DB 44 is a database that manages two-dimensional codes issued when a take-out order or in-store dining is selected. The seat management DB 45 is a database that manages seat management information such as the usage status and usage schedule of each seat inside the store 16 (including outdoor seats such as terrace seats) by time period.

[0069] The order management DB 46 is a database that manages information (order information) about orders (dine-in orders, take-out orders) made at the store 16. The payment management DB 47 is a database that manages information (payment information) about payments for orders made at the store 16.

[0070] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the two-dimensional code management DB managed by the store management server 12 in this embodiment.

[0071] The two-dimensional code management DB37 includes data items such as "store ID," "authentication code," "two-dimensional code creation date and time," "validity period," and "validity flag." The "store ID" item stores identification information (store ID) that identifies a store. The "authentication code" item stores an authentication code to be embedded as the two-dimensional code to be issued. The "two-dimensional code creation date and time" item stores the date and time when the two-dimensional code to be issued was created. The "validity period" item stores the validity period (or expiration date) of the issued two-dimensional code. The "validity flag" item stores whether the issued two-dimensional code is valid or not (if valid, validity flag = 1 is stored, if invalid, validity flag = 0 is stored).

[0072] The two-dimensional code management DB 37 may include a "call number" as a data item. The "call number" is generated in the order in which customers are received, and is used for waiting customers' turn and for calling customers whose turn has arrived.

[0073] Next, a description will be given of a setting screen for setting in advance the reception screen to be displayed on the store reception terminal 20. On the store reception terminal 20, the customer can select whether to dine in or take out when receiving a reservation at the store, and if either option is selected, the customer can select the medium (web browser, chat app, SMS, etc.) to use to place the order. On the setting screen, the customer can perform a pre-setting to enable this selection.

[0074] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a reception setting screen in this embodiment. When a store staff member uses a store terminal 17 to access the store management server 12 and performs a predetermined operation, a reception setting screen 51 is displayed on the display device of the store terminal 17.

[0075] The reception setting screen 51 is a setting screen for setting in advance the reception screen to be displayed on the store reception terminal 20. The reception setting screen 51 includes an “In-store order reception use” setting field 52, a “Two-dimensional code display method” setting field 53, a “Two-dimensional code type” setting field 54, and a “Two-dimensional code validity period” setting field 55.

[0076] It is possible to set whether or not to use in-store order reception by setting the "Use in-store order reception" setting field 52. If "Do not use" is selected as the use of in-store order reception, the in-store reception function cannot be used, i.e., the dedicated user interface (UI) is not displayed.

[0077] If "Eat-in available" is selected as the in-store order reception use, "Eat in" and "Order take-out" can be selected using the check boxes. When this setting is made, a dedicated UI can be displayed as shown in Figure 7.

[0078] If "Takeout only (no eat-in)" is selected as the in-store order reception option, the option to change from "eat-in" to "dine-in" will be unavailable (hidden). If this setting is selected, the dedicated UI can be displayed, but only takeout can be selected.

[0079] If "Eat-in available" or "Take-out only (no eat-in available)" is selected in the "In-store order reception available" setting field 52, the accordion menu becomes active and subsequent settings become possible.

[0080] By setting the "2D code display method" setting field 53, it is possible to select the usage form of the "2D code" to be displayed when taking orders at the store. If "display on screen" is selected as the "2D code display method", the 2D code is displayed on a dedicated UI and can be read directly by the user terminal 21, etc. In this case, the 2D code cannot be printed.

[0081] When "Print" is selected as the "2D code display method", the 2D code is not displayed on the screen, and printing is performed with the set printer each time a specific button on the screen is pressed. In this case, the 2D code cannot be displayed on the screen.

[0082] For each function, only one side can be used, and changes cannot be made from the dedicated UI (user screen). Also, for each function, one order is allowed per 2D code. (The 2D code becomes invalid once an order is completed.)

[0083] By setting the "2D code type" setting field 54, the user can select (or be forced to select) whether to display a 2D code for a chat application (chat app) or a 2D code for the "WEB (web browser)" when taking an order at the store.

[0084] If you select "Use both chat app and WEB" as the "2D code type," a screen will appear on the dedicated UI asking you to select which URL type to display as the 2D code just before displaying (or printing) the 2D code. After selecting one of them, the 2D code display (print) screen will be displayed.

[0085] If you select "Chat app only" as the "2D code type", the 2D code for chat apps will be displayed (printed) as is, without any screen transition immediately before displaying (printing) the 2D code.

[0086] If you select "WEB only" as the "2D code type", the 2D code for web browsers will be displayed (printed) as is, without any screen transition immediately before displaying (printing) the 2D code.

[0087] By setting the "2D code validity period" setting field 55, it is possible to set a time limit for placing an order with the displayed (printed) 2D code. If "Short Term" is selected as the "2D code validity period," the pull-down menu is narrowed down to, for example, "5 minutes," "10 minutes," and "15 minutes." If "Long Term" is selected as the "2D code validity period," the pull-down menu is narrowed down to, for example, "1 hour," "6 hours," and "24 hours." The selected time becomes the "validity period," and is the time limit from the moment the 2D code is issued (the moment the user presses the issue button).

[0088] Example 1 6 is a diagram showing an overall process flow in this embodiment (Example 1). In order to place an order for take-out or dine-in at a store, a customer operates the store reception terminal 20 provided at the reception desk of the store 16 to display a reception screen (FIG. 7) (S1).

[0089] The reception screen (Fig. 7) displays buttons to select between "dine in" (eating in) and "takeaway" as usage patterns. Customers can select either "dine in" (eating in) or "takeaway" displayed on the reception screen (S2).

[0090] If "take-out" is selected in S2, an order method selection screen (FIG. 8) is displayed on the store reception terminal 20. The customer selects an order method ("order via the web" or "order via chat app") on the order method selection screen (FIG. 8) (S11).

[0091] Then, a two-dimensional code is displayed on the store reception terminal 20, or a printed matter with the two-dimensional code is printed by a printer installed nearby (S12). The two-dimensional code is generated from information including the usage mode, the authentication code, and the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of a specified website. The URL of the specified website is adjusted according to the ordering method.

[0092] The customer reads the issued (displayed or printed) two-dimensional code using the user terminal 21. The user terminal 21 accesses a website based on the URL included in the two-dimensional code. An order acceptance screen based on the mode of use and ordering method is then displayed on the display unit of the user terminal 21, and the customer places an order from the displayed order acceptance screen (S13). Here, the order acceptance screen is a screen in which a reduced tax rate of 8% is applied to the price of each ordered item. Once the order details are confirmed, the customer presses the "Order" button (S14).

[0093] Then, an order completion message informing the user that the order has been completed is sent to the user terminal 21 by a method corresponding to the selected ordering method (for example, a chat application, email, or short mail service (SMS)) (S15). After that, when the preparation of the ordered items is completed, a call (item preparation completed) message is sent to the user terminal 21 by a chat application, email, or short mail service (SMS) to request the user to pick up the item because the preparation of the item has been completed (S16).

[0094] Next, if "Dine in" (dine in) is selected in S2, an order method selection screen (FIG. 8) is displayed on the restaurant reception terminal 20. The customer selects an order method on the order method selection screen (FIG. 8) (S21). At this time, a screen for inputting the number of people using the restaurant, the type of seating, contact information (email address, smartphone phone number, etc.) may be displayed.

[0095] Then, a two-dimensional code is displayed on the store reception terminal 20, or a printed matter with the two-dimensional code is printed by a printer installed nearby (S22). The two-dimensional code is generated from information including the usage mode, the authentication code, and the URL of a specific website. The URL of the specific website is adjusted according to the ordering method.

[0096] The customer reads the issued (displayed or printed) two-dimensional code using user terminal 21. User terminal 21 accesses a website based on the URL included in the two-dimensional code. An order acceptance screen based on the mode of use and ordering method is then displayed on the display unit of user terminal 21, and the customer places an order from the displayed order acceptance screen (S23). Here, the order acceptance screen is a screen in which a standard tax rate of 10% is applied to the price of each ordered item. Once the order details are confirmed, the customer presses the "Order" button (S24).

[0097] Then, an order completion message (which may include a call number) informing the user that the order has been completed is sent to the user terminal 21 by a method corresponding to the selected ordering method (for example, a chat app, email, or short mail service (SMS)) (S25). The call number is a number that identifies the customer waiting in line.

[0098] Thereafter, when the customer's turn arrives, the user terminal 21 is notified by a call message informing the customer that it is their turn via a method corresponding to the selected ordering method (e.g., a chat app, email, or short message service (SMS)) (S26).

[0099] Here, the order acceptance screen based on the usage mode and the ordering method will be described. First, the order acceptance screen based on the usage mode (eating in, takeaway) refers to an order acceptance screen to which, for example, the standard tax rate (10% consumption tax) is applied when eating in is selected, and to which, for example, the reduced tax rate (8% consumption tax) is applied when takeaway is selected. The order acceptance screen based on the ordering method ("order via WEB", "order via chat app") refers to an order acceptance screen that can be displayed in a WEB browser when "order via WEB" is selected, and to which, for example, the chat app is displayed when "order via chat app" is selected. And, the order acceptance screen based on the usage mode and the ordering method is a combination of the order acceptance screen based on the usage mode and the order acceptance screen based on the ordering method.

[0100] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a reception screen displayed as a top screen on the store reception terminal 20 in this embodiment (Example 1).

[0101] The reception screen 61 includes a "Dine in" button 62 and a "Take out" button 63. When the "Dine in" button 62 is pressed, a preparation screen for waiting in line to eat and drink in the store is displayed. When the "Take out" button 63 is pressed, a preparation screen for taking products home is displayed. As a first embodiment, it is assumed that the "Take out" button 63 is pressed. Then, the screen in FIG. 8 is displayed.

[0102] 8 is a diagram showing an example of an order method selection screen displayed on the store reception terminal 20 in this embodiment (Example 1). The order method selection screen 71 includes an "Order via chat app" button 72, an "Order via WEB" button, and a "Return to top screen" button 74.

[0103] Pressing the "Order via chat app" button 72 generates a two-dimensional code for the chat app, and transitions to the screen of Fig. 9 or Fig. 10(A). Pressing the "Order via web" button 73 generates a two-dimensional code for web browser display, and transitions to the screen of Fig. 9 or Fig. 10(A). Pressing the "Return to top screen" button 74 returns to the reception screen 61 (Fig. 7).

[0104] It is assumed that a chat app is installed in advance and predetermined settings are configured on the smartphone of a customer who selects the "Order via chat app" button 72. It is also assumed that a customer who selects the "Order via web" button 73 has an email address, smartphone phone number, etc., registered in advance in the store management server 12. If an email address, smartphone phone number, etc. is not registered, a screen for registering an email address, smartphone phone number, etc. may be displayed before the screen of FIG. 9 is displayed.

[0105] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a two-dimensional code display screen displayed on the store reception terminal 20 in this embodiment (Example 1). The two-dimensional code display screen 81 is displayed when "Display on screen" is set in "Two-dimensional code display method" on the reception setting screen 51. The two-dimensional code display screen 81 includes a two-dimensional code display field 82 and a "Return to top screen" button 83.

[0106] A two-dimensional code generated based on the ordering method selected on the ordering method selection screen 71 ("Order via chat app" or "Order via web") is displayed in the two-dimensional code display field 82. The customer can read the two-dimensional code using the camera and two-dimensional code reader of the user terminal 21. Pressing the "Return to top screen" button 83 returns to the reception screen 61 (Fig. 7). The two-dimensional code display screen 81 automatically returns to the reception screen 61 (Fig. 7) after a certain period of time (e.g., 10 seconds, 20 seconds) has elapsed.

[0107] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a printing guide screen displayed on the store reception terminal 20 and a two-dimensional code ticket to be printed in this embodiment (Example 1). The printing guide screen 91 in Fig. 10A is displayed when "Print" is set in "Two-dimensional code display method" on the reception setting screen 51.

[0108] The print guide screen 91 displays, for example, "Please read the issued two-dimensional code and proceed to place your order." If "Print" is set in "Two-dimensional code display method," the two-dimensional code displayed on the screen may be the one generated as described above, but is not limited to this, and may be a symbolic display that has no information as a two-dimensional code and is merely intended for design effects. Pressing the "Return to top screen" button 92 returns to the reception screen 61 (FIG. 7). The two-dimensional code display screen 81 automatically returns to the reception screen 61 (FIG. 7) after a certain period of time (for example, 10 seconds, 20 seconds) has elapsed.

[0109] At the same time that the print guide screen 91 in Fig. 10(A) is displayed, the two-dimensional code label 93 in Fig. 10(B) is printed. The two-dimensional code label 93 includes a two-dimensional code display field 94 and an expiration date display field 95.

[0110] The two-dimensional code display field 94 displays a two-dimensional code generated based on the ordering method selected on the ordering method selection screen 71 ("Order via chat app" or "Order via web"). The customer can read the two-dimensional code using the camera and two-dimensional code reader of the user terminal 21. The expiration date display field 95 displays the expiration date of the two-dimensional code.

[0111] 11 is a diagram showing an example of an order reception screen in this embodiment (Example 1). When a customer (user) reads the issued two-dimensional code with a camera provided in the user terminal 21, an order reception screen 101 is displayed on the screen of the user terminal 21.

[0112] The order reception screen 101 includes a store name display field 102, a category selection button 103, a product image display field 105 (105a, 105b,...), an add product button 106 (106a, 106b,...), a delete product button 107 (107a, 107b,...), a total price display field 108, and a "Confirm cart" button 109.

[0113] The store name display field 102 displays the name of the store 16. When a category selection button 103 is selected (pressed), images of one or more products corresponding to the pressed category are displayed in a product image display field 105 (105a, 105b, . . .).

[0114] In the product image display field 105 (105a, 105b,...), images of products belonging to the category selected by the category selection button 104 are displayed. When the user presses the product addition button 106 (106a, 106b,...), the product displayed in the product image display field 105 (105a, 105b,...) can be added to the cart. Here, the cart refers to an electronic space in which the product added by the user with the product addition button 106 (106a, 106b,...) to be purchased is temporarily stored until the payment is completed. When the product deletion button 107 (107a, 107b,...) is tapped, the product displayed in the product image display field 105 (105a, 105b,...) and added to the cart can be deleted.

[0115] The total price of the products added to the cart is displayed in a total price display field 108. When a "Confirm Cart" button 109 is tapped, the screen transitions to that shown in Fig. 12, where the products added to the cart can be confirmed.

[0116] 12 is a diagram showing an example of a cart confirmation screen in this embodiment (Example 1). A cart confirmation screen 111 includes a store name display field 112, a list of products in the cart 114, a "Back" button 115, and a "Next" button .

[0117] The store name display field 112 displays the name of the store 16. The cart product list 114 displays the details of the products added to the cart and their subtotal. Pressing the "Back" button 115 returns to the order reception screen 101 (FIG. 11). Pressing the "Next" button 116 transitions to a screen for placing the order.

[0118] 13 is a diagram showing an example of an order execution screen in this embodiment (Example 1). The order execution screen 121 includes a store name display field 122, a list of ordered items 124, a "Back" button 125, and an "Order" button 126.

[0119] The store name display field 122 displays the name of the store 16. The ordered item list 124 displays the details of the ordered items, their subtotals, consumption tax, and the total amount. Pressing the "Back" button 125 returns to the cart confirmation screen 111 (Fig. 12). Pressing the "Order" button 126 sends the order information to the store management server 12, and the store management server 12 performs the settlement process using the order information as payment information.

[0120] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a message notified to the user terminal 21 in this embodiment (Example 1).

[0121] Fig. 14(A) shows an example of an order completion message 131 notified as a response message after pressing the "Order" button 126 in Fig. 13 when the usage mode is "dine in" or "takeout" and the ordering method is a chat app. Note that the order completion message 131 may include a call number, or the order number may double as the call number.

[0122] FIG. 14(B) shows an example of a call message 132 sent to call a customer after the product is ready and the order is placed in a case where the usage mode is "take-out" and the ordering method is a chat app.

[0123] FIG. 14(C) shows an example of a call message 133 that is sent to call a customer when it is the customer's turn to order when the usage pattern is "dine-in" and the ordering method is a chat app.

[0124] 15 is a diagram showing an example of a registration process flow for setting information input from the reception setting screen in this embodiment (Example 1). A store staff member uses the store terminal 17 to access the store management server 12, causes the store terminal 17 to display the reception setting screen 51, and inputs settings to be displayed on the reception screen. The input setting information is transmitted from the store terminal 17 to the store management server 12. The store management server 12 accepts the setting information (S31) and stores it in the setting information management DB 42 of the storage unit 41 (S32).

[0125] 16 is a diagram showing an example of a process flow for issuing a two-dimensional code by the store management server 12 in this embodiment (Example 1). The store management server 12 refers to the setting information management DB 42, and causes the visit reception terminal 20 to display a reception screen 61 based on the setting information (S40). The store management server 12 receives the usage type selected by the customer (e.g., "dine in," "takeout," etc.) from the reception screen 61 (S41).

[0126] The store management server 12 displays the ordering method selection screen 71 (S42). At this time, the store management server 12 references the setting information management DB 42 and causes the store reception terminal 20 to display the ordering method selection screen 71 based on the setting information.

[0127] The store management server 12 accepts the ordering method selected by the customer from the ordering method selection screen 71 (for example, "order via chat app", "order via web", etc.) (S43). The store management server 12 generates a two-dimensional code (for example, a two-dimensional code for chat app, a two-dimensional code for web browser, etc.) based on the accepted usage pattern and ordering method (S44). The two-dimensional code is generated from information including an authentication code and the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of a specified website.

[0128] The store management server 12 registers information about the generated two-dimensional code in the two-dimensional code management DB 44 (S45). At this time, the store management server 12 obtains the validity period of the two-dimensional code from the setting information management DB 42, calculates the expiration date of the two-dimensional code from the generation time of the two-dimensional code, and registers the expiration date in the two-dimensional code management DB 44. The store management server 12 also registers a valid flag of 1 in the two-dimensional code management DB 44.

[0129] The store management server 12 issues the generated two-dimensional code according to the issuing format preset on the reception setting screen 51 (S46). If "Display on screen" is set for "Two-dimensional code display method" on the reception setting screen 51, the store management server 12 displays a two-dimensional code display screen 81 and displays the generated two-dimensional code in a two-dimensional code display field 82. If "Print" is set for "Two-dimensional code display method" on the reception setting screen 51, the store management server 12 displays a printing guide screen 91 and prints out a two-dimensional code ticket 93 on which the generated two-dimensional code is printed.

[0130] 17 is a diagram showing an example of an order processing flow based on a two-dimensional code by the store management server 12 in this embodiment (Example 1). A customer reads the issued (displayed or printed) two-dimensional code with the camera of the user terminal 21. The user terminal 21 analyzes the two-dimensional code to obtain a URL, accesses the URL, and makes a request to display an order reception screen.

[0131] The store management server 12 receives an order reception screen display request from the user terminal 21 (S51). The store management server 12 references the two-dimensional code management DB 44 to determine whether the order reception screen display request is valid. Specifically, the store management server 12 references the two-dimensional code management DB 44 to determine whether the valid flag corresponding to the combination of the store ID and authentication code included in the order reception screen display request is 1 (S52).

[0132] If the combination of the store ID and authentication code, i.e., the order reception screen display request, is not valid (validity flag = "0", NO in S52), the store management server 12 displays on the screen of the user terminal 21 that the expiration date has expired (S61).

[0133] If the combination of the store ID and authentication code, i.e., the request to display the order reception screen, is valid (valid flag = "1", YES in S52), the store management server 12 obtains the expiration date corresponding to the combination of the store ID and authentication code from the two-dimensional code management DB 44, and determines whether the combination is within the expiration date (S53).

[0134] If the combination of the store ID and authentication code, i.e., the order reception screen display request, is not within the validity period (NO in S53), the store management server 12 causes the screen of the user terminal 21 to display a message indicating that the validity period has expired (S61).

[0135] If the combination of the store ID and authentication code, that is, the order reception screen display request, is within the validity period (YES in S53), the store management server 12 causes the user terminal 21 to display the order reception screen 101 (S54).

[0136] In response to a user operation, the store management server 12 stores the product selected on the order reception screen 101 in the cart, or displays the cart confirmation screen 111 or the order execution screen 121 (S55). The user operates the user terminal 21 to select the product to be taken out on the order reception screen 101. The selected product is temporarily stored in a storage area called a cart.

[0137] The store management server 12 determines whether the "Order" button 126 on the order execution screen 121 has been pressed on the user terminal 21 (S56). The process of S34 continues until the "Order" button 126 on the order execution screen 121 is pressed (NO in S56).

[0138] When the "Order" button 126 on the order execution screen 121 is pressed (YES in S56), the store management server 12 determines whether the combination of the store ID and authentication code is within the expiration date (S57). Note that the expiration date here may be determined by determining whether the time since the order reception screen 101 was displayed in S54 is within a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes, 20 minutes, etc.).

[0139] If the combination of the store ID and authentication code, i.e., the order reception screen display request, is not within the validity period (NO in S57), the store management server 12 causes the screen of the user terminal 21 to display a message indicating that the validity period has expired (S61).

[0140] If the combination of the store ID and authentication code, i.e., the request to display the order reception screen, is within the validity period (YES in S57), the store management server 12 executes order processing to accept the order for the products held in the cart and payment processing to settle the order details (S58).

[0141] After the order and payment are processed, the store management server 12 updates the validity flag for the combination of the store ID and authentication code in the two-dimensional code management DB 44 to “0” (S59). After that, the store management server 12 notifies the user terminal 21 of an order completion message in a manner appropriate to the ordering method (S60).

[0142] According to the first embodiment, customers can shorten the waiting time for reception at the store and improve the efficiency of take-out orders. That is, the operation at the store reception terminal 20 is limited to the issuance of a two-dimensional code, and the ordering operation can be performed by operating the user terminal 21 of each customer, so that the waiting time for reception operations at the store reception terminal 20 can be reduced.

[0143] Example 2 Next, as Example 2, another example regarding screen transitions and processing when eating and drinking in a restaurant, a so-called eat-in order, will be described. In the case of an eat-in order, in Example 1, the call number was notified when the order was completed, but in Example 2, an example will be described in which the call number is notified before the order is completed. Below, Figs. 18 and 19 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Note that the same reference numerals will be given to configurations and functions similar to those described in Example 1, and their description will be omitted. Also, Figs. 15 and 16 are similar to Example 1, so their description will be omitted.

[0144] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a message notified to the user terminal 21 in this embodiment (Example 2). The message notified to the user terminal 21 is notified by a method corresponding to the selected ordering method. Fig. 18 illustrates an example of a case where a message is notified via a chat app as a method corresponding to the case where the selected ordering method is "order via chat app."

[0145] Fig. 18(A) shows an example of a call number notification message that notifies a call number when the ordering method is a chat application. When the two-dimensional code displayed on the store reception terminal 20 is read by the camera of the user terminal 21, the chat application installed on the user terminal 21 is started, and an order reception screen 101 is displayed on the chat application. The customer places an order on the order reception screen 101, and when the order is completed on the order execution screen 121 via the cart confirmation screen 111, a call number notification message 141 is notified via the chat application. The call number notification message 141 includes the call number, date and time, and the name of the facility along with the message "We will call you at the above call number, so please wait for a moment."

[0146] 18B shows an example of an order completion message notifying the completion of an order when the ordering method is a chat app. The order completion message 142 includes the content notifying the completion of the order, the call number, the date and time of the order completion, the total amount, etc.

[0147] 18C shows an example of a call message sent to call a customer whose turn has come when the ordering method is a chat app. The call message 144 includes the call number, a message saying "Your turn has come, please come to the reception desk", the notification date and time, and the name of the facility.

[0148] 19 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of call processing and order processing based on a two-dimensional code by the store management server 12 in this embodiment (example 2). The flowchart in FIG. 19 is obtained by adding the processing of S71 to S72 to the flowchart in FIG.

[0149] The store management server 12 receives an order reception screen display request from the user terminal 21 (S51). The store management server 12 references the two-dimensional code management DB 44 to determine whether the order reception screen display request is valid. Specifically, the store management server 12 references the two-dimensional code management DB 44 to determine whether the valid flag corresponding to the combination of the store ID and authentication code included in the order reception screen display request is 1 (S52).

[0150] If the combination of the store ID and authentication code, i.e., the order reception screen display request, is not valid (validity flag = "0", NO in S52), the store management server 12 displays on the screen of the user terminal 21 that the expiration date has expired (S61).

[0151] If the combination of the store ID and authentication code, i.e., the request to display the order reception screen, is valid (valid flag = "1", YES in S52), the store management server 12 obtains the expiration date corresponding to the combination of the store ID and authentication code from the two-dimensional code management DB 44, and determines whether the combination is within the expiration date (S53).

[0152] If the combination of the store ID and authentication code, i.e., the order reception screen display request, is not within the validity period (NO in S53), the store management server 12 causes the screen of the user terminal 21 to display a message indicating that the validity period has expired (S61).

[0153] If the combination of the store ID and authentication code, i.e., the call number notification request, is within the validity period (YES in S53), the store management server 12 generates a call number and registers it in the reception management DB 43 (S71). The store management server 12 then notifies the user terminal 21 of a call number notification message 141 (S72). Since the process thereafter is the same as that from S54 onwards in FIG. 17, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0154] According to the second embodiment, in the eat-in area, customers can place an order in advance before being called, so that the waiting time can be used efficiently. In other words, since the order is processed in advance before being called, the customer does not need to place an order at the seat shown to after being called, and the time until the product is served can be shortened.

[0155] Furthermore, by notifying the call number notification message separately from the order completion message, even if it takes time to place an order and the customer is called before placing the order, the customer can place the order at the seat to which he or she is guided.

[0156] In addition, if the customer has not completed the order even after a predetermined time (e.g., 60 seconds, 90 seconds, 120 seconds, etc.) has elapsed after the call number notification message 141 has been notified, a reminder message may be sent to encourage the customer to place the order since the order has not yet been placed.

[0157] In addition, if a customer does not complete an order even after a predetermined time (e.g., 60 seconds, 90 seconds, 120 seconds, etc.) has elapsed after the call number notification message 141 is notified and before the call message 144 is notified, a reminder message may be sent to encourage the customer to place an order since the order has not been placed yet.

[0158] Furthermore, if the customer has not completed the order within a predetermined time (e.g., 60 seconds, 90 seconds, 120 seconds, etc.) after the notification of the call message 144, a reminder message may be sent to encourage the customer to place the order since the order has not been placed yet.

[0159] Example 3 In the embodiment 3, a modified example of the embodiment 1 will be described. Note that the same configurations and functions as those in the above embodiments are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0160] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of a two-dimensional code and an example of the data structure of a two-dimensional code management DB in this embodiment (Example 3). Fig. 20(A) shows an example of the data configuration of a two-dimensional code. Fig. 20(B) shows an example of the data structure of a two-dimensional code management DB 44a. When a two-dimensional code is generated, it is stored in the two-dimensional code management DB 44a.

[0161] In FIG. 20A, two-dimensional code 151 includes data items of "store ID", "access code", "WEB / chat application order reception screen display URL", and "in-store reception flag".

[0162] The item "store ID" stores identification information (store ID) for identifying a store. The item "access code" stores an identification code for identifying an order reception screen display request (access).

[0163] The item "WEB / Chat App Order Reception Screen Display URL" stores the URL to be accessed to display the order reception screen for the web browser when "Order via WEB" is selected as the ordering method, and stores the URL to be accessed to display the order reception screen for the chat app when "Order via Chat App" is selected as the ordering method. The item "In-store Reception Flag" stores "1" if the usage type is dining in the store, and stores "0" if the usage type is takeout.

[0164] In FIG. 20(B), the two-dimensional code management DB 44a includes the data items of “store ID”, “access code”, “URL for displaying order reception screen for WEB / chat application”, “in-store reception flag”, “issue date and time”, and “processing flag”.

[0165] The "Store ID", "Access Code", "Web / Chat App Order Reception Screen Display URL", and "In-Store Reception Flag" are the same as the items in Figure 20(A), so their explanation will be omitted. The item "Issuance Date and Time" stores the issue date and time of the two-dimensional code. The item "Processing Flag" stores "0" if the record has not been processed, and stores "1" if it has been processed.

[0166] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a process flow for issuing a two-dimensional code by a store management server in this embodiment (Example 3). The flowchart in Fig. 21 is obtained by replacing the process of S44 in the flowchart in Fig. 16 with the processes of S81 to S83.

[0167] The store management server 12 refers to the setting information management DB 42 and causes the visitor reception terminal 20 to display a reception screen 61 based on the setting information (S40). The store management server 12 receives the usage type selected by the customer (e.g., "dine in," "takeout," etc.) from the reception screen 61 (S41).

[0168] The store management server 12 then refers to the setting information management DB 42 and causes the store reception terminal 20 to display the order method selection screen 71 based on the setting information (S42). The store management server 12 then accepts the ordering method selected by the customer from the order method selection screen 71 (for example, "order via chat app", "order via web", etc.) (S43).

[0169] The store management server 12 performs processing of S82 or S83 according to the accepted order type (S81). In S81, if the accepted order type is "WEB order", the store management server 12 acquires from the storage unit 41 a URL to access (WEB / chat app order acceptance screen display URL) for displaying an order acceptance screen for a WEB browser, which is an order acceptance screen to which a consumption tax rate (standard tax rate or reduced tax rate) corresponding to the accepted usage type ("dining in" or "takeout") is applied. The store management server 12 generates a unique access code using a hash function. The store management server 12 acquires a "store ID" and an "in-store acceptance flag" from the information accepted from the store acceptance terminal 20 in response to the customer's operation. The store management server 12 generates a two-dimensional code based on the acquired "store ID", "access code", "WEB / chat app order acceptance screen display URL", and "in-store acceptance flag" (S82).

[0170] Furthermore, in S81, if the accepted ordering method is "order via chat app", the store management server 12 acquires from the storage unit 41 a URL to access (WEB / chat app order reception screen display URL) for displaying an order reception screen for chat app, which is an order reception screen to which a consumption tax rate (standard tax rate or reduced tax rate) corresponding to the accepted usage mode ("dine in" or "takeout") is applied. The store management server 12 generates a unique access code using a hash function. The store management server 12 acquires a "store ID" and an "in-store reception flag" from the information accepted from the store reception terminal 20 in response to the customer's operation. The store management server 12 generates a two-dimensional code based on the acquired "store ID", "access code", "WEB / chat app order reception screen display URL", and "in-store reception flag" (S83).

[0171] The store management server 12 registers information related to the generated two-dimensional code ("store ID", "access code", "URL for displaying order reception screen for WEB / chat application", and "in-store reception flag") in the two-dimensional code management DB 44 (S45). At this time, the store management server 12 registers the time the two-dimensional code was generated in the two-dimensional code management DB 44a. The store management server 12 also sets the "processing flag" to "0" as the default.

[0172] The store management server 12 issues the generated two-dimensional code according to the issuing format preset on the reception setting screen 51 (S46). If "Display on screen" is set for "Two-dimensional code display method" on the reception setting screen 51, the store management server 12 displays a two-dimensional code display screen 81 and displays the generated two-dimensional code in a two-dimensional code display field 82. If "Print" is set for "Two-dimensional code display method" on the reception setting screen 51, the store management server 12 displays a printing guide screen 91 and prints out a two-dimensional code ticket 93 on which the generated two-dimensional code is printed.

[0173] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of an order processing flow based on a two-dimensional code by the store management server 12 in this embodiment (Example 3). A customer reads the issued (displayed or printed) two-dimensional code with the camera of the user terminal 21. The user terminal 21 analyzes this two-dimensional code to obtain a "store ID," an "access code," an "order reception screen display URL for WEB / chat app," and an "in-store reception flag." The user terminal 21 accesses the URL and makes a request to display the order reception screen. Here, the order reception screen display request includes the "store ID," "access code," "order reception screen display URL for WEB / chat app," and "in-store reception flag" obtained from the read two-dimensional code.

[0174] The store management server 12 receives an order reception screen display request ("store ID", "access code", "WEB / chat application order reception screen display URL", "in-store reception flag") from the user terminal 21 (S91).

[0175] The store management server 12 refers to the two-dimensional code management DB 44a and determines whether the order reception screen display request is within the validity period (S92). That is, the store management server 12 acquires the "store ID" and "access code" from the order reception screen display request. The store management server 12 acquires a record corresponding to the acquired "store ID" and "access code" from the two-dimensional code management DB 44a. If the current time is within a preset time (e.g., 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 1 hour, 6 hours, or 24 hours) from the "issue date and time" of the record, the store management server 12 determines that the request is within the validity period. If the current time is not within the preset time from the "issue date and time" (NO in S92), the store management server 12 displays on the screen of the user terminal 21 that the request has expired (S107), and the flow ends.

[0176] If the current time is within a preset time from the "issue date and time" (YES in S92), the store management server 12 determines whether the order processing based on the order reception screen display request has been processed or not based on the "processing flag" of the acquired record (S93). If the "processing flag" is "1" (processed), the store management server 12 displays on the screen of the user terminal 21 that the expiration date has expired (or that the order has already been placed) (S107), and this flow ends.

[0177] If the "processing flag" is "0" (unprocessed), the store management server 12 determines whether the usage is for in-store dining or takeout based on the "in-store reception flag" in the order reception screen display request (S94).

[0178] If the "in-store reception flag" is "1" (dine-in), the store management server 12 determines the ordering method based on the URL for displaying the order reception screen for the web / chat application (S95).

[0179] In S95, if the WEB / chat app order reception screen display URL is the URL of the WEB browser order reception screen, the store management server 12 responds by displaying the WEB browser order reception screen to the user terminal 21. When the user terminal 21 receives the response, it starts up the WEB browser and displays the WEB browser order reception screen. At this time, 10% consumption tax is added to the order received on the WEB browser order reception screen (S96).

[0180] In S95, if the WEB / chat app order reception screen display URL is the URL of the chat app order reception screen, the store management server 12 responds by displaying the chat app order reception screen to the user terminal 21. When the user terminal 21 receives the response, it starts the chat app and displays the chat app order reception screen. At this time, 10% consumption tax is added to the order received on the chat app order reception screen (S97).

[0181] If the "in-store reception flag" is "0" (take-out) in S94, the store management server 12 determines the ordering method based on the URL for displaying the order reception screen for the web / chat application (S98).

[0182] In S98, if the WEB / chat app order reception screen display URL is the URL of the WEB browser order reception screen, the store management server 12 responds by displaying the WEB browser order reception screen to the user terminal 21. When the user terminal 21 receives the response, it starts up the WEB browser and displays the WEB browser order reception screen. At this time, 8% consumption tax is added to the order received on the WEB browser order reception screen (S99).

[0183] In S98, if the WEB / chat app order reception screen display URL is the URL of the chat app order reception screen, the store management server 12 responds by displaying the chat app order reception screen to the user terminal 21. When the user terminal 21 receives the response, it starts the chat app and displays the chat app order reception screen. At this time, 8% consumption tax is added to the order received on the chat app order reception screen (S100).

[0184] After displaying the order reception screen 101, the store management server 12, in response to a user operation, stores the product selected on the order reception screen 101 in the cart, or displays a cart confirmation screen 111 or an order execution screen 121 (S101). The user operates the user terminal 21 to select a product to take out on the order reception screen 101. The selected product is temporarily stored in a storage area called a cart.

[0185] The store management server 12 determines whether the "Place Order" button 126 on the order execution screen 121 has been pressed on the user terminal 21 (S102). The process of S101 continues until the "Place Order" button 126 on the order execution screen 121 is pressed (NO in S102).

[0186] When the "Order" button 126 on the order execution screen 121 is pressed (YES in S102), the store management server 12 again determines whether the order reception screen display request is within the validity period (S103). That is, the store management server 12 determines that the request is within the validity period if the current time is within a preset time (e.g., 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 1 hour, 6 hours, or 24 hours) from the "issue date and time" acquired in S92. Note that the validity period here may be determined by determining whether the time since the order reception screen 101 was displayed in S101 is within a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes, 20 minutes, etc.).

[0187] If the current time is not within the preset time from the "issue date and time" (NO in S103), the store management server 12 displays on the screen of the user terminal 21 a message indicating that the validity period has expired (S107), and this flow ends.

[0188] If the current time is within a preset time from the “issue date and time” (YES in S103), the store management server 12 executes order processing to accept an order for the products held in the cart and payment processing to settle the order (S104).

[0189] After the order processing and payment processing, the store management server 12 updates the processing flag in the two-dimensional code management DB 44a to "1" (processed) (S59). After that, the store management server 12 notifies the user terminal 21 of an order completion message in a manner corresponding to the order method (S106). For example, if the order method is "order via WEB", the store management server 12 may notify the user terminal 21 of an order completion message in data in HTML (HyperText Markup Language) format via HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) (including HTTP / 2). Also, for example, if the order method is "order via chat app", the store management server 12 may notify the user terminal 21 of an order completion message in data in a format usable by the chat app via HTTP / 2.

[0190] In the third embodiment, the usage pattern is dine-in (consumption tax 10%), but it may be used in a similar flow to take-out, such as in a food court, where after ordering, cooking is completed, and the product is called to the receipt window to be handed over. In this case, although it is dine-in, it is possible to order without waiting in line, which can eliminate congestion caused by people waiting in line at interchanges and large food courts.

[0191] According to the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, customers can shorten the waiting time for reception at the store and improve the efficiency of take-out orders. That is, the operation at the store reception terminal 20 is limited to the issuance of a two-dimensional code, and the ordering operation can be performed by operating the user terminal 21 of each customer, so that the waiting time for reception operations at the store reception terminal 20 can be reduced.

[0192] 23 is an example of a configuration block diagram of a hardware environment of a computer that executes a program in this embodiment. The computer 201 may be the store management server 12, the Web server 13, the user terminal 21, or another terminal. The computer 201 is composed of a CPU 202, a ROM 203, a RAM 204, a storage device 205, an input I / F 206, an output I / F 207, a communication I / F 208, a reading device 209, and a bus 210.

[0193] Here, CPU refers to a central processing unit. ROM refers to a read-only memory. RAM refers to a random access memory. I / F refers to an interface. A CPU 202, a ROM 203, a RAM 204, a storage device 205, an input I / F 206, an output I / F 207, a communication I / F 208, and a reading device 209 as necessary may be connected to the bus 210.

[0194] The CPU 202 reads out the program according to this embodiment from the storage device 205, and when functioning as the store management server 12, for example, executes the program as an acquisition unit 32, a display control unit 33, a seating arrangement processing unit 34, an output unit 35, an order processing unit 36, and a payment processing unit 37. The ROM 203 is a read-only memory. The RAM 204 is a temporary storage memory.

[0195] The storage device 205 is a device that stores large amounts of information. Various types of storage devices, such as a hard disk, a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory card, can be used as the storage device 205. For example, when functioning as the storage unit 41 of the store management server 12, the storage device 205 stores a program according to an embodiment of the present invention and various data stored in the storage unit 41.

[0196] The input I / F 206 can be connected to input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, an electronic camera, a web camera, a microphone, a scanner, a sensor, a tablet, a touch panel, an information reading device, etc. The output I / F 207 can be connected to output devices such as a display, a touch panel, a projector, a printer, a speaker, etc.

[0197] The communication I / F 208 is an interface such as a port for connecting to a communication network and communicating with other devices. The communication network may be the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a dedicated line, a wired line, a wireless line, etc. The reading device 209 is a device for reading a portable recording medium.

[0198] The program for realizing the process described in the above embodiment may be stored in, for example, the storage device 205 from the program provider via the communication network and the communication I / F 208. The program for realizing the process described in the above embodiment may be stored in a portable storage medium that is commercially available and distributed. In this case, the portable storage medium may be set in the reading device 209, and the program may be read and executed by the CPU 202. As the portable storage medium, various types of storage media such as CD-ROM, flexible disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, IC card, USB memory device, and semiconductor memory card can be used. The program stored in such a storage medium is read by the reading device 209.

[0199] Furthermore, the program may be installed on a stand-alone computer, or may be installed by a cloud computer and provide only its functions to the user.

[0200] According to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the waiting time required for reception at the store and to improve the efficiency of ordering products.

[0201] Although the present aspect has been described above based on the embodiment and modified examples, the above-mentioned embodiment of the aspect is intended to facilitate understanding of the present aspect and does not limit the present aspect. The present aspect may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and equivalents are included in the present aspect. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it may be deleted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0202] 1. Information processing device 2. Ordering Method Reception 3 Publishing Department 4. Display control section 5. Order Reception Department 6 Notification section 11 Store management system 12 Store management server 13 Web Server 16 stores 17 Store terminal 18 Order reception terminal 19 Information displays 20. Visitor reception terminal 21 User terminal 22 Communication Networks 31 Control Unit 32 Acquisition Department 33 Display control section 34 Seating Processing Unit 35 Output section 36 Order Processing Unit 37 Payment Processing Section 41 Storage section 42 Setting information management DB 43 Reception management DB 44 Two-dimensional code management database 45 Seat management DB 46 Order Management DB 47 Payment Management DB

Claims

1. an order method receiving unit that receives a customer's usage pattern for the store and an ordering method for ordering a product from a first terminal device disposed at a reception desk of the store; an issuing unit that issues a two-dimensional code including location information of a website that displays an order reception screen corresponding to the ordering method; a display control unit that causes a second terminal device held by the customer to read the two-dimensional code, and that causes the second terminal device to display the order acceptance screen in response to a request based on the two-dimensional code and generated by the second terminal device; an order receiving unit that receives an order from the order receiving screen displayed on the second terminal device; a notification unit that transmits a predetermined notification regarding an order based on the usage form to the second terminal device in a manner corresponding to the order method; An information processing device comprising:

2. The issuing unit issues a two-dimensional code including location information of a website that displays an order reception screen corresponding to the mode of use and the method of ordering.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

3. The issuing unit displays the two-dimensional code on a screen when the preset display method of the two-dimensional code is a display method by screen display, and prints the two-dimensional code on a paper medium when the preset display method of the two-dimensional code is a display method by printing.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

4. The display control unit displays the order reception screen based on the expiration date set in the two-dimensional code.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

5. The notification unit notifies an order completion message when the acceptance of the order is completed in a case where the usage mode is a takeaway of the product, and notifies a preparation completion message when the preparation of the product for the order is completed.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

6. The notification unit further transmits a predetermined notification regarding a call based on the usage form to the second terminal device in a manner corresponding to the order method.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

7. When the usage mode is eating in a restaurant, if there is a request based on the two-dimensional code, the notification unit notifies the second terminal device of a call number, and further, when it is the customer's turn to operate the second terminal device to which the call number has been issued, notifies the second terminal device that the customer's turn has arrived.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

8. The notification unit notifies the second terminal device of a urging message to place an order if the order acceptance screen is not displayed even after a predetermined time has elapsed after notifying the second terminal device of the call number.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7,

9. On the computer, an order method receiving process for receiving a customer's usage pattern for the store and an ordering method for ordering a product from a first terminal device disposed at a reception desk of the store; An issuing process for issuing a two-dimensional code including location information of a website that displays an order reception screen corresponding to the ordering method; a display control process for causing a second terminal device held by the customer to read the two-dimensional code, and for causing the second terminal device to display the order reception screen in response to a request based on the two-dimensional code and generated by the second terminal device; an order receiving process for receiving an order from the order receiving screen displayed on the second terminal device; a notification process for transmitting a predetermined notification regarding an order based on the usage form to the second terminal device in a manner corresponding to the order method; An information processing program characterized by causing the program to execute the above steps.

10. The computer receiving, from a first terminal device arranged at a reception desk of the store, a customer's usage pattern regarding the store and an ordering method regarding an order for a product; issuing a two-dimensional code including location information of a website that displays an order reception screen corresponding to the ordering method; reading the two-dimensional code with a second terminal device held by the customer, and displaying the order reception screen on the second terminal device in response to a request based on the two-dimensional code generated by the second terminal device; Accepting an order from the order acceptance screen displayed on the second terminal device; A predetermined notification regarding the order based on the usage form is transmitted to the second terminal device in a manner corresponding to the order method.

23. An information processing method comprising:

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