Store equipment and system for serving food

Abstract

To provide a store device and system that can provide food products in a manner fitting for carrying, and enabling consumers to recognize their containers unmistakably.SOLUTION: A store device 1 provided in a store, and for the purpose of providing food products comprises: a processing unit 11 that receives orders from consumers; a storage unit 12 that inputs information on the order; identification information mechanisms 11 and 15 that attach visually recognizable order identification information capable of identifying the order to a container the food product is supplied to, in which the order identification information is output from an output device based on the information on the order stored in a storage unit 12, and is attached to the container by the output of the output device; and image display mechanisms 11 and 15 that display an image including a label having the order identification information indicated, and an image including a label of a past order stored in the storage device on a display installed in the store.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present application relates to store equipment and systems for serving food. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, various systems for providing food are known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4). Patent Document 1 discloses a system for providing beverages in, for example, a restaurant. In this system, a storefront device and a remote beverage dispenser capable of communicating with the storefront device are arranged in the restaurant. In this system, an order is received at the storefront device, and the ordered beverage is dispensed at the remote beverage dispenser.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a method for serving beverages, for example, in a restaurant. In this method, an order is received in an order entry system, and a display including an order identification is printed on a container in a beverage container printing machine. Then, for example, the container is handed over to a customer by an employee, and at a beverage supply station, the display on the container is read and a beverage is dispensed into the container.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses an apparatus for providing beverages in a self-service environment. In this apparatus, a user purchases a beverage container. The beverage container is pre-provided with a barcode. The user scans the barcode provided on the beverage container at a beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser identifies a usage record (a previous beverage dispensing event) associated with the barcode. Based on the identified usage record, it is determined whether the barcode is valid (e.g., whether a certain amount of time has elapsed, whether a certain volume of beverage has been dispensed, or whether a certain number of refill events have occurred). If the barcode is valid, the beverage dispenser receives a beverage selection from the user.

[0005] US Patent No. 5,399,633 discloses a system for dispensing a mixed product from a product dispenser, in which a consumer can, for example, select a first product recipe for one product and a second product recipe for another product to combine into a mixed recipe, and the product dispenser then dispenses the mixed recipe. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2015-527666 [Patent Document 2] JP 2015-107836 A [Patent Document 3] Special Publication No. 2017-518550 [Patent Document 4] Special Publication No. 2015-520079 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] For example, a food consumer may take home a purchased food product instead of consuming it at the store. In this case, it is desirable to be able to provide the food product in a form suitable for carrying. It is also desirable to be able to provide the food product in a form that allows the consumer to undoubtedly identify his / her own container. This makes it possible to prevent a consumer from mistakenly taking home another consumer's container.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a store device and system that can provide food in a portable form and in a form that allows consumers to unmistakably identify their own containers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure is a store device provided in a store for providing food, the store device comprising: a processing unit that accepts orders from consumers; a storage device that inputs order information; and an identification information assignment mechanism that assigns visible order identification information capable of identifying the order to a container into which the food is supplied, the identification information assignment mechanism being configured to print a label indicating the order identification information by an output device and to assign the label to the container, the order identification information being output from the output device based on order information stored in the storage device and being assigned to the container by the output of the output device; and an image display mechanism that displays an image including the label and an image including labels of past orders stored in the storage device on a display provided in the store, the image including the label being capable of being stored in the storage device.

[0010] Also, one aspect of the present disclosure is a system for accepting orders from consumers to provide food, the system comprising: a processing unit for accepting orders from consumers; a storage device for storing information of orders from consumers; and an output device for outputting visible order identification information capable of identifying the order based on the order information stored in the storage device, the order identification information being affixed to a container into which the food is supplied.

[0011] Furthermore, one aspect of the present disclosure is a system for accepting orders from consumers to provide food, the system comprising: a processing unit for accepting orders from consumers; a storage device for storing information of the order from the consumer; a printing machine for printing a label indicating visible order identification information capable of identifying the order based on the order information stored in the storage device, the label being affixed to a container into which the food is supplied; and a display installed in a store where the container is picked up by the consumer, the display displaying an image including the label. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a store device and system that can provide food in a portable form and in a form that allows consumers to unmistakably identify their own containers. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary concept of a system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a store in which a store device is installed. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the system according to FIG. 1; [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image sent back to an external device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a dispenser. [Figure 6] 11 is a flowchart of food provision using the in-store device and system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a digital sign to notify that food preparation is complete. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a digital sign to display past containers stored in a storage device. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing steps performed by the in-store device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, a store device and a system for providing food according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Similar or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an exemplary concept of a system according to an embodiment. With reference to Fig. 1, in the system 100, a consumer C can pre-order food from a store 50 from the outside (e.g., while commuting to work or school, traveling, going out, or at home) using an external device 10 as an ordering unit. In the store 50, the food is prepared based on the order, and a container B containing the prepared food is prepared.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a store. Referring to FIG. 2, in this embodiment, an employee E prepares food using a dispenser 2 based on an order. In another embodiment, the dispenser 2 may automatically prepare food based on an order. In yet another embodiment, the employee E may prepare food without using the dispenser 2 based on an order. The container B containing the food can be stored in a storage means such as a locker 40 until the consumer C comes to pick up the container B. The storage means is not limited to the locker 40, and may be, for example, a partitioned or unpartitioned shelf or a belt conveyor. The store 50 may be provided with a terminal 5 for a consumer to directly order food at the store 50 without using the external device 10. In this case, for example, a consumer passing in front of the store 50 can order food using the terminal 5. Alternatively, the employee E may receive an order from the consumer C on paper, verbally, or by telephone. In this case, referring to FIG. 3, the employee E may input the order from the consumer C into a store device 1 (described in detail later) as a device. Returning to FIG. 2, a store 50 is provided with a digital signage (display) 4 for displaying various images.

[0017] Fig. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing the system according to Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 3, the system 100 according to this embodiment may include, for example, a store device 1, a dispenser 2, an output device 3, a digital signage 4, and a terminal 5, and these components may be arranged in a store 50. The store device 1, the output device 3, the digital signage 4, and the terminal 5 may communicate with each other through, for example, a wireless or wired LAN (Local Area Network) and / or Bluetooth (registered trademark). If necessary, the dispenser 2 may also be able to communicate with the store device 1, the output device 3, the digital signage 4, and the terminal 5. The system 100 may further include other components.

[0018] The store device 1 may be, for example, a computer, a server, a tablet, a smartphone, or other communication-enabled device. The store device 1 may have, for example, a processing unit 11, a storage unit (storage device) 12, an input unit 13, a display unit 14, and a communication unit 15, and these components are connected to each other, for example, by a bus or the like. The store device 1 may have other components. The processing unit 11 may be, for example, one or more central processing units (CPUs). Alternatively or additionally, an independent integrated circuit, a microprocessor, and / or firmware may be used as the processing unit 11. The storage unit 12 may include, for example, a storage device such as a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and a hard disk drive. The storage unit 12 may store various programs executed by the processing unit 11. The programs may be installed in the storage unit 12 using a known setup program or the like from a computer-readable portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM.

[0019] The input unit 13 may include, for example, a mouse and a keyboard, and the display unit 14 may include, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. A touch panel may be used as the input unit 13 and the display unit 14. The communication unit 15 may have a communication interface circuit for connecting the in-store device 1 to a network 30. If necessary, a terminal for an employee (for example, a tablet or a smartphone) may be further connected to the in-store device 1. In FIG. 3, the in-store device 1 is provided in the store 50, but in other embodiments, the in-store device 1 may be provided outside the store 50 and may be connected to the output device 3, the digital signage 4, the terminal 5, and the like via the network 30. In addition, as described later, an identification information providing mechanism and an image display mechanism are configured to include the processing unit 11 and the communication unit 15.

[0020] The in-store device 1 can communicate with the external device 10 via a network 30. The network 30 can use, for example, the Internet, WiFi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), a communication method based on a communication standard defined by 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) such as 3G and 4G, or other communication methods, or any combination thereof, and can use wired or wireless communication, or a combination thereof. Other devices (for example, a server for managing orders and / or a server for executing payment for orders, etc.) may be interposed between the in-store device 1 and the external device 10. For example, if the store 50 is a chain store, an order from the external device 10 may be transmitted to a server that manages multiple stores, and the order may be transmitted from the server to the store 50. Similarly, a necessary message from the store 50 may be transmitted to the above server, and a message may be returned from the server to the external device 10.

[0021] The external device 10 can be used by the consumer C to transmit an order for food. The external device 10 can be, for example, a mobile phone such as a smartphone or a feature phone, a tablet, or a personal computer. The external device 10 may include, for example, a storage device such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk drive, and / or an input device and / or a display device such as a touch panel, a mouse, a keyboard, or a liquid crystal display. The consumer C can transmit an order for food from the external device 10, for example, through an application or a website. Furthermore, when the order is completed, payment for the food may be completed in advance through the external device 10. In this case, the consumer C can quickly receive the food at the store 50 without payment.

[0022] An "order" may include various information. For example, if the food is a coffee drink, the order may include information such as the type of base drink of the coffee drink (e.g., black coffee, caffe latte, cappuccino, or espresso), the coffee type (roasty or fruity), the strength (weak, regular, or strong), the flavor type (caramel, chocolate, mint, or no flavor), the temperature (hot or cold, etc.), other characteristics of the coffee drink, the presence or absence or type of milk, the presence or absence or amount of sugar, the presence or absence of gum syrup, the presence or absence of other seasonings or flavorings, the desired time of picking up the coffee drink, information for identifying the consumer, and / or information for identifying the external device 10. If the store 50 is a chain store, the order may include information indicating the store name. The order may further include other information. If the food is other than a coffee drink (e.g., a tea drink (e.g., a drink containing black tea or oolong tea) or a fruit juice drink), the order may include other information depending on the type of food. Information included in the order is stored in the storage unit 12 of the in-store device 1.

[0023] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image returned to the external device. For example, the store apparatus 1 may be configured to return a completion notification N as shown in Fig. 4 to the external device 10 when food preparation is completed. The completion notification N may be returned to the external device 10, for example, when an employee E inputs to the store apparatus 1 that food preparation is completed.

[0024] The "completion notification N" may include various information. For example, the completion notification N may include order identification information (described in detail below) that can identify the order. For example, the completion notification N may include an image of a label L (described in detail below) that is attached to the container B. In FIG. 4, the image includes the container B, but the image may include only the label L. When the container B is displayed, the container B may have a color (e.g., black or brown) that corresponds to the type of food ordered (e.g., black coffee, caffe latte, cappuccino, or espresso, etc.). Alternatively or additionally, for example, the completion notification N may include at least one of the information included in the order described above. In addition, the completion notification N may include information such as an order number set for the order, a QR code (registered trademark), a barcode, and / or information for identifying the location where the container B is stored (e.g., the number of the locker 40). The information included in the completion notification N may be stored in the storage unit 12 of the store device 1.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a dispenser. The dispenser 2 is used to prepare food. In the present disclosure, "food" can mean all food and drink (excluding drugs, quasi-drugs, and regenerative medicine products, etc., as defined in the Act on Ensuring Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety of Drugs, Medical Devices, etc.). For example, the food can be a food for specified health uses, a food with nutritional functions, or a general food. For example, the food can be a beverage or food that can be contained in a container B and can be prepared from multiple ingredients by an employee E at the store 50. For example, the beverage can be various beverages. For example, the beverage can include an extract extracted from an extraction raw material (e.g., ground roasted coffee beans or tea leaves) by hot water or water (e.g., a coffee beverage or a tea beverage (e.g., a beverage containing black tea or oolong tea)). The beverage may be other than a coffee beverage and a tea beverage (e.g., a fruit juice beverage). In other embodiments, the food may be other beverages or foods (e.g., an alcoholic beverage, a soup, or a confectionery, etc.). In this embodiment, the food is a coffee beverage.

[0026] The dispenser 2 may include a tank (not shown) for storing the coffee extract and a nozzle 21 for discharging the coffee extract stored in the tank. The dispenser 2 may further include a tank for storing the flavoring and a nozzle for discharging the flavoring. Alternatively, the dispenser 2 may include a tank for storing the flavoring, and the nozzle 21 may discharge the coffee extract and the flavoring mixed inside the dispenser 2. Alternatively, the flavoring may be stored in a container D separate from the dispenser 2. The employee E can inject the coffee extract and / or the flavoring into the container B by setting the container B in the dispenser 2 and, for example, operating a lever 22 provided on the dispenser 2. The dispenser 2 may be provided with a switch 23 for adjusting the strength and / or temperature of the coffee extract, etc. The dispenser 2 may have other switches for adjusting other characteristics of the coffee extract.

[0027] The coffee extract can be prepared in advance, for example, in a device outside the store or in a device arranged in the store. The cultivated species of coffee beans is not limited to a specific type, and may be, for example, Arabica, Robusta, or Liberica. The variety of coffee beans is not limited to a specific type, and may be, for example, Mocha, Brazilian, Colombian, Guatemalan, Blue Mountain, Kona, Mandheling, or Kilimanjaro. The coffee beans may be one type, or multiple types may be blended. Regarding the method of roasting coffee beans, there is no specific restriction on the roasting temperature and roasting environment, and a general method may be adopted. Regarding the method of extraction from roasted coffee beans, there is no specific restriction, and for example, the coffee extract can be extracted with water or hot water (0 to 100°C) from roasted coffee beans ground into coarse, medium, or fine grinds. The extraction method may be, for example, a continuous multi-tube type, a drip type, a siphon type, a boiling type, or a jet type. For example, in a continuous multi-tube extraction method, multiple extraction columns containing coffee extraction raw materials (e.g., roasted coffee beans ground to a coarse, medium, or fine grind) are connected in series. A coffee extract is produced by passing an extraction solvent (e.g., water or hot water) through the multiple extraction columns in sequence. Such a coffee extract can be prepared, for example, by equipment for continuous multi-tube extraction for canned coffee (which may also be referred to as ready-to-drink coffee).

[0028] The coffee extract may be heat sterilized in advance. However, it should be noted that canned coffee is generally produced by mixing a coffee extract extracted by a continuous multi-tube extraction method with a flavoring and then heat sterilizing the mixture, whereas the heat sterilized coffee extract according to the present embodiment is heat sterilized without adding any flavoring.

[0029] Heat sterilization can be performed by various methods. For example, heat sterilization can be performed by heating at a high temperature for a short time, and then filling a storage container that has been heat sterilized under aseptic conditions (UHT heat sterilization method). In the case of UHT heat sterilization, the conditions can usually be 120 to 150°C for about 1 to 120 seconds, preferably 130 to 145°C for about 30 to 120 seconds.

[0030] The flavoring may include a first flavoring for improving and / or enhancing the inherent aroma of the extract, and a second flavoring for adding a flavor different from the inherent aroma of the extract, and these first and second flavorings may be distinguished and stored separately. The first flavoring may be a liquid containing aroma components derived from the raw material of the extract (e.g., ground roasted coffee beans or tea leaves) extracted from the raw material of the extract. The first flavoring may further include other ingredients. For example, when the beverage is a coffee beverage, the first flavoring may be a liquid containing aroma components derived from roasted coffee beans extracted from roasted coffee beans, and may include, for example, roasty type and fruity type. The roasted coffee beans may include, for example, Arabica, Robusta, and / or Liberica, and may be determined based on the desired aroma. The second flavoring may be, for example, caramel, chocolate, mint, etc.

[0031] The container B is sealable. In the present disclosure, "sealable" may mean, for example, that the food does not leak from the container B when the container B is turned upside down or shaken. The container B may also be recapturable. For example, the container B may be a plastic bottle. The plastic bottle may be made of plastic, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene (PE). The container B may have, for example, a body that contains food and a cap for closing the mouth of the body. The container B may be made of materials other than plastic (for example, metal, glass, and / or paper). For example, the container B may have a paper body and a paper or plastic cap. For example, the container B may have a glass body and a metal or plastic cap.

[0032] The output device 3 outputs order identification information based on order information stored in the memory unit 12. In this embodiment, the output device 3 is a printer and can print a label L indicating the order identification information. The label L may also include information other than the order identification information. The output device 3 can be various printers capable of printing the label L, such as an inkjet printer or a laser printer. The output device 3 may be incorporated in the dispenser 2, for example, or may be provided separately from the dispenser 2.

[0033] The "order identification information" may include various information that can be used to identify individual orders stored in the storage unit 12. For example, the order identification information may include characters (e.g., a name or a nickname, etc.) LT for identifying the consumer and a mark M selected for the order. For example, the characters LT may be set by the consumer C via the external device 10 when the consumer C transmits an order from the external device 10. The mark M may be a shape, a pattern, a color, or a combination thereof, and a plurality of patterns may be prepared in advance in the system 100. The mark M may be selected by the consumer C via the external device 10 when the consumer C transmits an order from the external device 10, or may be automatically selected by a component (e.g., the store device 1) in the system 100. For example, the order identification information may include at least one of the information included in the order stored in the storage unit 12 and the information included in the completion notification N, as described above. The order identification information may also include, for example, the time when the food was prepared. The order identification information may include other information.

[0034] It should be noted that in this embodiment, since the coffee beverage is prepared in a store, in contrast to canned coffee, for example, the label L does not need to include the names of ingredients and the expiration date. For this reason, the label L can have a simple design. The label L may include, for example, an indication such as "Please consume as soon as possible."

[0035] As described above, in this embodiment, the output device 3 is, for example, a printer capable of printing the label L to be affixed to the container B. However, the output device 3 can be various devices capable of attaching the order identification information to the container B. For example, the output device 3 may be a printer capable of directly attaching the order identification information to the container B. In this case, the output device 3 can be various printers capable of directly printing on the container B based on the order information stored in the memory unit 12, such as an inkjet printer or a laser printer. Also, for example, the output device 3 may be a laser processing machine capable of directly attaching the order identification information to the container B. In this case, the output device 3 can directly engrave the order identification information on the container B based on the order information stored in the memory unit 12.

[0036] 3, the digital signage 4 can display, for example, that an order has been received and / or that food preparation has been completed in real time. The digital signage 4 may display other information. The image displayed on the digital signage 4 may be a moving image and / or a still image.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a digital signage to notify that food preparation is complete. The digital signage 4 may display, for example, an image including a container B with order identification information attached. For example, when an employee E inputs to the store device 1 that food preparation is complete, the digital signage 4 may display an image including a container B with a label L attached thereto, as shown in FIG. 7, along with the completion of food preparation. Alternatively or additionally, when the store device 1 receives an order, the digital signage 4 may display an image including a container B along with a notification that the order has been received. Note that when the label L is displayed, the image displayed on the digital signage 4 may or may not include the container B. When the container B is displayed, the container B may have a color according to, for example, the type of food ordered.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a digital signage to display past containers stored in a storage device. In the system 100, a storage device in the system 100 (e.g., the storage unit 12 of the store device 1) can be configured to store various information related to an order (e.g., an image of a label L) when the store device 1 receives an order. Thus, the storage device can store information related to a plurality of orders received in the past. Based on the past information stored in the storage device, the digital signage 4 may display, for example, an image including a past container B with order identification information attached. For example, the digital signage 4 may be configured to display, during standby (e.g., when not displaying completion of food preparation and receipt of an order), an image including a plurality of past containers B with a label L stored in the storage device attached thereto, as shown in FIG. 8. Thus, a consumer C who has experience of purchasing food at the store 50 in the past can enjoy looking at the digital signage 4 after purchasing food, such as searching for his / her own container B among the plurality of containers B displayed on the digital signage 4. Although a plurality of past containers B are displayed in FIG. 8, only a single past container B may be displayed on the digital signage 4.

[0039] When multiple containers B in the past are displayed on the digital signage 4, the container B may be incorporated into the list of multiple containers B displayed on the digital signage 4 after, for example, a predetermined period of time stored in a storage device. Also, the container B may be removed from the list of multiple containers B displayed on the digital signage 4 after, for example, a predetermined period of time stored in a storage device.

[0040] It should be noted that when label L is displayed, the image displayed on digital signage 4 may or may not include container B. When container B is displayed, container B may have a color according to the type of food ordered, for example. Also, multiple containers B may be displayed on digital signage 4 simultaneously as shown in FIG. 8, or may be displayed on digital signage 4 in sequence at a predetermined interval (e.g., hundreds of milliseconds or seconds, etc.).

[0041] 3, the terminal 5 may be, for example, a tablet, a computer, or other communication-enabled device. The terminal 5 may include, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a storage device such as a hard disk drive, and / or an input device and / or a display device such as a touch panel, a mouse, a keyboard, a liquid crystal display, etc. The consumer C can order food using the terminal 5. The order from the terminal 5 may include at least one of the information included in the order from the external device 10 described above.

[0042] The system 100 may further include other components. For example, the system 100 may include a means (e.g., a reader, etc.) for identifying an order when delivering food to the consumer C. The reader may be configured to read information (e.g., a QR code Q or a barcode) included in the completion notification N returned to the external device 10. The reader may be, for example, a QR code reader or a barcode reader. The reader (or other components of the system 100) may determine whether the information read by the reader is valid. For example, when it is determined that the information read by the reader is valid, the employee E may hand over the container B identified by the read information to the consumer C.

[0043] Next, the effects of the in-store device and the system according to the present embodiment will be described through an explanation of a flowchart relating to the provision of food products.

[0044] Fig. 6 is a flowchart related to the provision of food using the in-store device and system according to the embodiment. Referring to Fig. 6, provision of food begins with the in-store device 1 accepting an order from a consumer C (step S100). The order may be input from the external device 10 or the terminal 5. Alternatively, an employee E may receive an order from the consumer C on paper, verbally, or by telephone, etc., and may input the order from the consumer C into the in-store device 1 via the input unit 13. Next, the in-store device 1 inputs the accepted order into the memory unit 12 (step S101).

[0045] Next, the in-store device 1 notifies the employee E of the accepted order (step S102). The notification may take various forms. For example, the in-store device 1 may display on the display unit 14 that a new order has been accepted. The in-store device 1 may also display by sound that a new order has been accepted. The in-store device 1 may also display at least one of the pieces of information included in the order on the display unit 14 as a notification or in addition to the notification. For example, when a plurality of orders are accepted, the in-store device 1 may display the orders on the display unit 14 in the order of the order with the earliest desired pick-up time to the latest desired pick-up time. For example, when the preparation time differs depending on the type of coffee beverage, the preparation time may be taken into consideration in the display order. For example, an order for a coffee beverage with a long preparation time may be prioritized over an order for a coffee beverage with a short preparation time. The display order may be changed as appropriate.

[0046] Next, the employee E prepares the coffee beverage and supplies the coffee beverage to the container B (step S104). For example, the employee E may prepare the coffee beverage based on an order shown on the display unit 14. Also, for example, the in-store device 1 may be configured to transmit an instruction to print a label L to the output device 3 by automatically selecting an order to be prepared from the orders shown on the display unit 14, or by the employee E selecting an order by the input unit 13. The employee E may prepare the coffee beverage based on the printed label L. When multiple orders are accepted, the employee E may prepare the coffee beverages according to the order displayed on the in-store device 1, or the order may be changed in a specific situation (for example, when a consumer of a certain order arrives at the store early before the preparation of the container B is completed, etc.).

[0047] For example, the employee E can inject a coffee extract from the dispenser 2 into the container B, and after (or before) injecting the coffee extract, inject a first flavoring from the dispenser 2 (or from a container D separate from the dispenser 2) into the container B. The employee E may also inject a second flavoring, milk, sugar, gum syrup, and / or other seasonings into the container B, for example, based on an order shown on the display unit 14. If the coffee extract has a higher concentration than a commonly consumed coffee beverage, the employee E may dilute the coffee extract with a diluent (for example, water, hot water, and / or milk (for example, one containing a milk component such as cow's milk or milk), etc.).

[0048] Subsequently, employee E seals the container B containing the dispensed coffee beverage (step S106). For example, employee E closes the body of a plastic bottle with a cap.

[0049] Next, the order identification information is attached to the container B (step S108). In this embodiment, the output device 3 prints a label L based on the order information stored in the storage unit 12, and the employee E attaches the label L to the container B. Next, the employee E stores the container B in the storage means (step S110). For example, the employee E can place the container B in the locker 40 with the number printed on the label L. This completes the preparation of the container B. It should be understood that if the consumer C is in the store 50 before placing the container B in the locker 40 (for example, if the consumer C orders a coffee drink from the terminal 5, if the employee E inputs the order received from the consumer C into the store device 1, or if the consumer C arrives at the store 50 before the container B is stored in the locker 40), the employee E may directly hand the container B to the consumer C without performing step S110.

[0050] Next, when the employee E inputs to the in-store device 1 via the input unit 13 that the coffee drink preparation is complete, the in-store device 1 displays an image as shown in Fig. 7 as a completion notification on the digital signage 4 (step S112). If the consumer C is in the store 50 when the completion notification is displayed on the digital signage 4 (for example, when the consumer C orders the coffee drink from the terminal 5, when the employee E inputs the order received from the consumer C into the in-store device 1, or when the consumer C arrives at the store 50 before the container B is stored in the locker 40), the consumer C can know that the coffee drink preparation is complete based on the display on the digital signage 4.

[0051] Next, the in-store device 1 returns an image including the label L to the external device 10 as a completion notification N (step S114). The in-store device 1 may be configured to send the completion notification N to the external device 10 together with sending the instruction to print the label L to the output device 3 in step S104. Step S114 may be performed, for example, before step S112, or simultaneously with step S112.

[0052] Next, the consumer C receives the container B (step S116). For example, the consumer C can find and pick up his / her own container B (container B with corresponding order identification information) from among the multiple containers B in the storage means based on the order identification information included in the completion notification N sent to his / her external device 10. Alternatively or additionally, the consumer C may use a reader when he / she arrives at the store 50. For example, the reader reads a QR code (registered trademark) or a barcode displayed on the external device 10 (or printed on paper). If the information read by the reader is determined to be valid, the employee E hands over the container B identified by the read information to the consumer C.

[0053] 8 during standby (step S118). When consumer C is still in store 50 or when consumer C visits store 50 again, consumer C can enjoy the display on digital signage 4, such as finding container B that he or she previously ordered among multiple containers B.

[0054] Next, the steps performed by the in-store device 1 in the flow related to the provision of food described above will be described in more detail. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the steps performed by the in-store device 1. The processing performed by the in-store device 1 below can be realized, for example, by the processing unit 11 operating in accordance with a program stored in the storage unit 12.

[0055] The processing unit 11 of the in-store device 1 receives an order from a consumer C from the external device 10 or the terminal 5 via the communication unit 15, or from the input unit 13 by the employee E (step S200). Then, the processing unit 11 inputs the received order into the storage unit 12 (step S201). Then, the processing unit 11 notifies the employee E of the received order (step S202). Steps S200, S201, and S202 can be similar to the above-mentioned steps S100, S101, and S102, respectively.

[0056] Next, the identification information providing mechanism 11, 15 transmits an instruction to the output device 3 to output the order identification information (step S204). Specifically, the processing unit 11 transmits an instruction to the output device 3 via the communication unit 15 to output the order identification information. In this embodiment, the processing unit 11 can transmit an instruction to the output device 3 to print a label L including the order identification information (for example, at least one of the following: characters LT for identifying the consumer, a mark M selected for the order, a type of base drink of the coffee beverage (for example, black coffee, cafe latte, cappuccino, or espresso, etc.), a coffee type for identifying the first flavoring (roasty or fruity, etc.), strength (light, regular, or strong, etc.), a flavor type for identifying the second flavoring (caramel, chocolate, mint, or flavorless, etc.), temperature (hot or cold, etc.), the presence or absence and amount of milk, the presence or absence and amount of sugar, the presence or absence and amount of gum syrup, a desired pick-up time of the coffee beverage, and information for identifying the external device 10).

[0057] Next, the image display mechanism 11, 15 transmits an instruction to the digital signage 4 to display an image including the label L as a completion notification (step S206). Specifically, the processing unit 11 receives an input of the completion of the preparation of the coffee drink from the employee E via the input unit 13, and then transmits an instruction to the digital signage 4 via the communication unit 15 to display an image including the label L as shown in FIG. 7 as a completion notification. Next, the image display mechanism 11, 15 transmits an image including the label L to the external device 10 as a completion notification N (step S208). Step S208 may be performed, for example, before step S206, or may be performed simultaneously with step S206. Next, the image display mechanism 11, 15 transmits an instruction to the digital signage 4 to display an image including the past multiple containers B as shown in FIG. 8 during standby (step S210). Steps S206, S208, and S210 can be similar to steps S112, S114, and S118, respectively, described above.

[0058] As described above, according to the store device and system of this embodiment, after an order is received, food can be supplied to container B and container B can be sealed. Therefore, food can be provided in a form suitable for portability. Also, order identification information is output from output device 3 based on the order information stored in memory unit 12, and the order identification information can be attached to container B by this output. Therefore, the order identification information can be attached to container B more accurately than when, for example, the above-mentioned information is attached to a container by hand. This allows consumer C to identify his or her own container B without a doubt.

[0059] Moreover, the food provided by the store device and system according to the present embodiment is, for example, a beverage. The beverage contains a heat-sterilized extract. Such an extract can be prepared, for example, by equipment for producing heat-sterilized extracts for canned beverages. Here, the beverage is specifically a coffee beverage, and the coffee beverage contains a heat-sterilized coffee extract, which is an extract that has been heat-sterilized after continuous multi-tube extraction. Such a coffee extract can be prepared, for example, by existing equipment for continuous multi-tube extraction for canned coffee. Since the coffee beverage is prepared using a heat-sterilized coffee extract prepared in advance by such equipment, the coffee beverage can be provided more quickly than when coffee is extracted in a store from ground coffee beans.

[0060] Furthermore, according to the store device and system of this embodiment, when food is supplied to a container, a first flavoring agent containing an aroma component derived from the raw material extracted from the raw material of the coffee extract can be added to the heat-sterilized coffee extract. Therefore, the coffee beverage can contain again the aroma that is lost from the extract by heat sterilization, and it is possible to provide a high-quality coffee beverage with a high aroma that does not lose aroma compared to a case where the coffee extract is heat-sterilized after the flavoring agent is added to the coffee extract (for example, canned coffee). As a result, the store device and system of this embodiment can provide a high-quality coffee beverage more quickly.

[0061] In addition, container B is resealable, which improves portability.

[0062] Furthermore, in the in-store device and system according to this embodiment, the container B is a plastic bottle, which provides superior portability compared to carrying coffee in a paper cup, for example.

[0063] Various devices can be used as the device for attaching the order identification information to the container. In this embodiment, the identification information attaching mechanisms 11, 15 are configured to be able to print the label L indicating the order identification information by a printer and attach the label L to the container B. Alternatively or additionally, the identification information attaching mechanisms 11, 15 may be configured to be able to directly print the order identification information on the container B by a printer. Alternatively or additionally, the identification information attaching mechanisms 11, 15 may be configured to be able to directly engrave the order identification information on the container B by a laser processing machine.

[0064] In this embodiment, the order identification information includes the letters LT for identifying the consumer C and the mark M selected for the order. Therefore, the container B to which the order identification information is attached can be easily visually identified by the two elements including the letters LT and the mark M. Therefore, the consumer C can easily find his / her own container B.

[0065] Furthermore, according to the store device and system of this embodiment, an order is transmitted from an external device 10 outside the store 50 to the storage unit 12, and the provision of food can return order identification information to the external device 10 as a completion notification N. Therefore, the consumer C can easily find his / her container B in the store 50 based on the order identification information returned to the external device 10.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the store device and system of this embodiment, an image including the label L can be displayed on the digital signage 4 installed in the store 50. Therefore, by displaying an image including the label L on the digital signage 4 together with a notification that food preparation is complete, the consumer C can easily know that food preparation is complete based on his / her own label L displayed on the digital signage 4.

[0067] Furthermore, the store device and system according to this embodiment can store images of labels L in a storage device, and can display images including past labels L stored in the storage device on the digital signage 4. As labels L of past orders stored in the storage device are displayed on the digital signage 4, consumer C can enjoy the display of the digital signage 4 after purchasing food, such as searching for his or her own label L. This can provide consumer C with a high sense of satisfaction.

[0068] Furthermore, the in-store device and system according to the present embodiment can store the container B that has been filled with food. This is convenient for the consumer C, for example, when the consumer C cannot immediately receive the food.

[0069] Although the embodiments of the store device and the system for providing food have been described, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications of the above embodiments are possible. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that features included in one embodiment can be incorporated into or exchanged with features included in other embodiments, unless there is a contradiction. The steps for providing the above food do not necessarily need to be performed in the above order, and may be performed in a different order, unless there is a contradiction.

[0070] For example, in the above embodiment, the label L is printed when the food is prepared. However, the label L may be printed, for example, when the preparation of the container B is completed (e.g., when the sealing of the container B is completed).

[0071] Also, for example, in the above embodiment, some steps are performed by employee E. However, some or all of the steps performed by employee E may be automatically performed by system 100. For example, system 100 may further include at least one of a device for setting container B in dispenser 2, a mechanism for automatically injecting heat-sterilized coffee extract and flavor into container B from dispenser 2 based on an order, a device for closing a cap on container B, and a device for placing the sealed container B in a storage means. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1 Store equipment 2 Dispenser 3 Output Device 4. Digital signage (display) 5. Terminal 10 External device 11 Processing section (identification information providing mechanism, image display mechanism) 12 Storage unit (storage device) 13 Input section 14 Display section 15 Communication unit (identification information assignment mechanism, image display mechanism) 21 Nozzle 22 Lever 23 Switch 30 Network 40 Locker 50 stores 100 Systems B container L Label LT character M sign

Claims

1. A store device for providing food in a store, comprising: A processing unit that accepts orders inputted from an order input terminal; A storage device that stores information about the order; an identification information assigning mechanism that assigns visible order identification information capable of identifying the order to a container into which the food is supplied, the identification information assigning mechanism being configured to print a label indicating the order identification information by an output device and to attach the label to the container, the order identification information being output from the output device based on information of the order stored in the storage device, and being attached to the container by the output of the output device; a reader for reading the order identification information output to the order input terminal; a locker for receiving the container into which the food product has been dispensed; Equipped with the order identification information includes at least one of consumer selectable characters and indicia; The characters and marks include characters and marks different from information indicating the contents of the food product that has been ordered and information indicating the consumer that has placed the order, The container is picked up by the consumer directly from the locker after the order identification information is read by the reader.

2. A store device for providing food in a store, comprising: an order department that accepts orders in advance online from consumers' order input terminals; A storage device that stores information about the order; an identification information assigning mechanism that assigns visible order identification information capable of identifying the order to a container into which the food is supplied, the identification information assigning mechanism being configured to print a label indicating the order identification information by an output device and to attach the label to the container, the order identification information being output from the output device based on information of the order stored in the storage device, and being attached to the container by the output of the output device; a reader for reading the order identification information output to the order input terminal; a locker for receiving the container into which the food product has been dispensed; Equipped with the order identification information includes letters or indicia selectable by the consumer; The characters or marks include characters or marks different from information indicating the contents of the food product that has been ordered and information indicating the consumer that has placed the order; The container is picked up by the consumer directly from the locker after the order identification information is read by the reader.

3. In a system for receiving orders from consumers to provide food, an order unit for inputting orders from the consumers inputted to an order input terminal; A processing unit that accepts orders from the consumers; A storage device that stores information on orders from the consumers; an output device that outputs visible order identification information that can identify the order based on the order information stored in the storage device, the order identification information being attached to a container into which the food is supplied; Equipped with a reader for reading the order identification information output to the order input terminal; a locker for receiving the container into which the food product has been dispensed; the order identification information includes at least one of letters and indicia selectable by the consumer; The characters and marks include characters and marks different from information indicating the contents of the food product that has been ordered and information indicating the consumer that has placed the order, The container is picked up by the consumer directly from the locker after reading the order identification information by the reader.

4. In a system for receiving orders from consumers to provide food, an order section where the consumer sets an order online in advance via an order input terminal; A processing unit that accepts orders from the consumers; A storage device that stores information on orders from the consumers; an output device that outputs visible order identification information that can identify the order based on the order information stored in the storage device, the order identification information being attached to a container into which the food is supplied; a reader for reading the order identification information output to the order input terminal; a locker for receiving the container into which the food product has been dispensed; Equipped with the order identification information includes letters or indicia selectable by the consumer; The characters or marks include characters or marks different from information indicating the contents of the food product that has been ordered and information indicating the consumer that has placed the order; The container is picked up by the consumer directly from the locker after reading the order identification information by the reader.

5. 1. A method for serving food using an in-store device provided in an establishment, comprising: accepting an order inputted from an order input terminal; inputting said order information into a storage device; applying visible order identification information to a container into which the food product is dispensed, the order being identified; a step of printing a label showing the order identification information by an output device based on the order information input to the storage device, and attaching the label to the container; storing the container with the food product in a locker; and reading the order identification information output to the order input terminal with a reader. the order identification information includes at least one of consumer selectable characters and indicia; The characters and marks include characters and marks different from information indicating the contents of the food product that has been ordered and information indicating the consumer that has placed the order, The method, wherein the container is picked up by the consumer directly from the locker after reading the order identification information by the reader.

6. 1. A method for serving food using an in-store device provided in an establishment, comprising: a consumer pre-setting an order online via an order entry terminal; inputting said order information into a storage device; applying visible order identification information to a container into which the food product is dispensed, the order being identified; a step of printing a label showing the order identification information by an output device based on the order information input to the storage device, and attaching the label to the container; storing the container with the food product in a locker; and reading the order identification information output to the order input terminal with a reader. the order identification information includes letters or indicia selectable by the consumer; The characters or marks include characters or marks different from information indicating the contents of the food product that has been ordered and information indicating the consumer that has placed the order; The method, wherein the container is picked up by the consumer directly from the locker after reading the order identification information by the reader.

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