Server device and program

Abstract

To provide a server device and program which can provide a user with congestion information on seats without installing a large-scale facility.SOLUTION: A server device includes: an order information receiving section that receives order information from a terminal device operated by a customer; an output section that outputs a request for inputting congestion information on seats that can be used by a customer of a store selling a commodity regarding the order information received by the order information receiving section to the terminal device on condition that settlement processing for settling an order of the commodity with the order information received by the order information receiving section has been executed; a congestion information receiving section that receives the congestion information input to the terminal device in response to the input request output by the output section; and a management section that manages a congestion state of the seats on the basis of the congestion information received by the congestion information receiving section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a server device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a system is known that provides a user who is planning to use a store (restaurant) with the congestion status of the store (for example, Patent Document 1). This system acquires congestion information indicating the number of people waiting from multiple stores, and provides the store congestion information in response to a user's request.

[0003] Meanwhile, food courts with multiple stores are provided in shopping centers and the like. The seats provided in food courts are generally not subject to usage restrictions, and can be used by people who do not purchase products at the stores. For this reason, if a system for acquiring congestion information indicating the number of people waiting at a store, such as the above-mentioned conventional technology, is adopted in a food court or the like, it is not possible to provide users with information about seat congestion.

[0004] One option under consideration is to install cameras that take images of food court seats and seat occupancy sensors that detect when a seat is in use to detect how crowded the seats are. However, this would require large-scale equipment, which would increase investment costs. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a server device and a program capable of providing seat congestion information to a user without installing any large-scale equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The server device of the embodiment includes an order information receiving unit that receives order information from a terminal device operated by a customer, and a confirmation process that confirms an order for a product based on the order information received by the order information receiving unit when the confirmation process is executed.to Information on seat congestion available to customers at a store selling the product related to the order information received by the order information receiving unit as any one of the stages of the congestion situation divided into multiple stages an output unit that outputs an input request to the terminal device; a congestion information receiving unit that receives congestion information input to the terminal device in response to the input request output by the output unit; and By aggregating the input numbers of each stage representing the congestion situation for each predetermined time period and storing the aggregated results in the storage unit, and a management unit for managing the congestion status of the seats. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007]

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[0008] Hereinafter, a server device and a program according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a congestion information notification system. The congestion information notification system 1 according to this embodiment is applied to, for example, a food court in a shopping center. A food court is a facility that includes multiple stores and seats shared by customers of the multiple stores. Note that the congestion information notification system 1 is not limited to food courts and can also be applied to individual stores.

[0009] The congestion information notification system 1 includes a server device 2, a store terminal 3, and a mobile terminal 4. The server device 2 and the store terminal 3 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The server device 2 and the mobile terminal 4 are also connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN in a shopping center.

[0010] The server device 2 manages the congestion status of the food court and orders from users, and is managed by the food court operating company. The store terminals 3 are provided in each of the multiple stores (restaurants) installed in the food court. The mobile terminals 4 are information communication terminals such as smartphones carried by users (customers) who use the food court, and are an example of a terminal device operated by a customer.

[0011] Fig. 2 shows the layout of a food court. A food court is a self-service dining space where multiple restaurants gather and share seats for users. The food court has a store area A and a seating area B.

[0012] Store area A has multiple stores S. Each store S is equipped with a store terminal 3. Seating area B is an area where users can eat and drink products purchased from each store S, i.e., an area where seats are arranged for customers to use. However, there are no restrictions on the use of seating area B, and customers who do not purchase products from store S can also use it. Seating area B has multiple seats T. In this embodiment, seat T is a set of chair and table, but seat T may be only a chair or only a table.

[0013] Next, the mobile terminal 4 will be described. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 4. The mobile terminal 4 includes a control unit 40, a memory unit 41, a display 42, a touch panel 43, a positioning unit 44, and a communication unit 45. The control unit 40, the memory unit 41, the display 42, the touch panel 43, the positioning unit 44, and the communication unit 45 are connected to each other via a bus 46 or the like.

[0014] The control unit 40 is configured by a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 401, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 402, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 403. The CPU 401, the ROM 402, and the RAM 403 are connected to each other via a bus 46. The CPU 401 controls the entire mobile terminal 4. The ROM 402 stores various programs, such as a program used to drive the CPU 401, and various data. The RAM 403 is used as a work area for the CPU 401, and develops various programs and various data stored in the ROM 402 and the memory unit 41. The control unit 40 executes various control processes of the mobile terminal 4 by the CPU 401 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 402 and the memory unit 41 and developed in the RAM 403.

[0015] The memory unit 41 is configured with a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory, and maintains the stored contents even when the power is cut off. The memory unit 41 stores a control program 411.

[0016] The control program 411 is a control program that executes various processes for receiving information about congestion at the food court, a web browser for viewing the food court's website, and the like.

[0017] The display 42 is, for example, configured with a liquid crystal panel, and displays various information. For example, the display 42 displays congestion information and menu information received from the server device 2. The display 42 also displays a screen for accepting user operations, such as an input screen for the user to input seat congestion information indicating the congestion state of the seat T.

[0018] Touch panel 43 is provided on the surface of display 42, and inputs information according to the position touched by the user to control unit 40. In response to user operations, touch panel 43 inputs, for example, information for registering as a food court member, information for logging into the food court website, seat congestion information showing the congestion status of seat T, and the like to control unit 40.

[0019] The positioning unit 44 measures the position of the mobile terminal 4. The positioning unit 44 is, for example, a position measurement device that uses a global positioning system (GPS) or a beacon positioning technique. When the positioning unit 44 detects that the mobile terminal 4 is in the food court, the mobile terminal 4 outputs to the server device 2 information indicating that the mobile terminal 4 is in the food court and the member ID.

[0020] The communication unit 45 is an interface for communicating with an external device such as the server device 2. The control unit 40 is connected to the external device via the communication unit 45, thereby enabling transmission and reception of information (data) with the external device.

[0021] Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 40 of the mobile terminal 4 will be described. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the mobile terminal 4. The control unit 40 functions as a receiving unit 4001, a transmitting unit 4002, and a display unit 4003 by the CPU 401 operating according to a control program stored in the ROM 402 or the memory unit 41. Each of these functions may be configured with hardware such as a dedicated circuit. Although two server devices 2 are illustrated in Fig. 4 for convenience, the mobile terminal 4 may transmit and receive data with only one server device 2.

[0022] The receiving unit 4001 receives seat congestion information indicating the congestion state of the seat T and store congestion information indicating the congestion state of the store S, which are output by the server device 2 in response to the request transmitted by the transmitting unit 4002. In the following description, the seat congestion information and the store congestion information may be collectively referred to as "crowding information." The receiving unit 4001 also receives various information such as menu information of each store S from the server device 2. Furthermore, the receiving unit 4001 receives information for locating the position of the mobile terminal 4, such as receiving a beacon signal from a beacon device installed in the food court.

[0023] The transmitting unit 4002 transmits a first request for seat congestion information and a second request for store congestion information to the server device 2. The transmitting unit 4002 also transmits information indicating that the mobile terminal 4 is in the food court (hereinafter also referred to as "location information") and various information input to the touch panel 43 to the server device 2 as necessary.

[0024] The display unit 4003 causes the display 42 to display the seat occupancy information and the store occupancy information received by the receiving unit 4001. The display unit 4003 also causes the display 42 to display various other information.

[0025] Next, the server device 2 will be described. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a main hardware configuration of the server device 2. The server device 2 includes a control unit 20, a memory unit 21, a display unit 22, an operation input unit 23, and a communication unit 24. The control unit 20, the memory unit 21, the display unit 22, the operation input unit 23, and the communication unit 24 are connected to each other via a bus 25 or the like.

[0026] The control unit 20 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, and a RAM 203. The CPU 201, the ROM 202, and the RAM 203 are connected to each other via a bus 25. The CPU 201 controls the entire server device 2. The ROM 202 stores various programs, such as a program used to drive the CPU 201, and various data. The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201, and loads various programs and various data stored in the ROM 202 and the memory unit 21. The control unit 20 executes various control processes of the server device 2 by the CPU 201 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 202 and the memory unit 21 and loaded in the RAM 203.

[0027] The memory unit 21 is composed of a storage medium such as a HDD or flash memory, and maintains the stored contents even when the power is cut off. The memory unit 21 stores a control program 211, a member master 212, a store master 213, a menu master 214, a seat congestion information management file 215, a store congestion information management file 216, and an order information management file 217.

[0028] The control program 211 is a control program for managing seat congestion information and store congestion information, a control program for outputting the seat congestion information and store congestion information to the mobile terminal 4, and the like.

[0029] The member master 212 is a master file that manages information of members who can use the congestion information providing service by the server device 2. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the data configuration of the member master 212. In the member master 212, each piece of information indicating a member ID, a member name, a telephone number, an email address, credit information, and a password is associated. The server device 2 acquires each piece of information registered in the member master 212 when a user registers as a member.

[0030] In the item of the member ID, a member ID for identifying a user who is a member is registered. In the item of the member name, information indicating the name of the member is registered. In the item of the telephone number, information indicating the telephone number which is the contact information of the member is registered. In the item of the email address, the email address of the mobile terminal 4 of the member is registered.

[0031] In the item of the credit information, credit information necessary when a member executes a credit settlement using the mobile terminal 4 is registered. Whether or not to register the credit information is optional. A user who does not register the credit information inputs the credit information to the mobile terminal 4 each time the user executes a credit settlement using the mobile terminal 4. In the item of the password, information indicating the password input when logging in to the website of the hood coat is registered.

[0032] The store master 213 is a master file that manages the store S in the hood coat. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the data configuration of the store master 213. In the store master 213, a store ID and a store name are associated. The store master 213 stores the store ID and the store name associated for each store S existing in the hood coat. The store master 213 is updated when a new store S opens in the hood coat or when a store S in the hood coat closes.

[0033] In the item of the store ID, a store ID for identifying the store S is registered. In the item of the store name, information indicating the name of the store S is registered.

[0034] The menu master 214 is a master file that manages the menus of all the stores S in the food court for each store S. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the data structure of the menu master 214. The menu master 214 associates each piece of information indicating a store ID, a product ID, a product name, and a cooking time. The information registered in each item of the menu master 214 is obtained by the server device 2 from the store terminal 3 of each store S.

[0035] In the store ID field, a store ID that identifies the store S is registered. In the product ID field, a product ID that identifies a product that the store S provides to the user is registered. In the product name field, information indicating the name of the product is registered. In the cooking time field, information indicating the time required for the store S to cook the product is registered. In the menu master 214, product images, additional information specific to the product, etc. are registered as necessary.

[0036] The seat congestion information management file 215 is a file that manages the congestion status of the seat T in the food court. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the data configuration of the seat congestion information management file 215. In the seat congestion information management file 215, a time period is associated with information on the congestion status. The information on the congestion status is divided into the items of "crowded", "normal", and "vacant". The seat congestion information management file 215 is updated from time to time based on the seat congestion information transmitted from each user's mobile terminal 4. Note that the information on the congestion status is not limited to the items of "crowded", "normal", and "vacant", and for example, the number of items may be two items of "crowded" and "vacant", or may be increased. The number of items can be set arbitrarily.

[0037] In the time period field, information indicating a divided time period is registered. For example, information indicating 15-minute time periods such as "12:01-12:15" and "12:16-12:30" are registered in the time period field. The time periods to be registered can be set arbitrarily by the food court operating company, etc.

[0038] The crowded item is registered with information indicating the number of members who feel that the crowded state of food court seat T is crowded. The normal item is registered with information indicating the number of members who feel that the crowded state of food court seat T is normal, that is, neither crowded nor empty. The empty item is registered with information indicating the number of members who feel that the crowded state of food court seat T is empty.

[0039] The items of crowded, normal, and vacant are updated every time the server device 2 receives seat congestion information from each member's mobile terminal 4. It can be said that the seat congestion information management file 215 represents the congestion status of the seats T for each time period. Note that the seat congestion information management file 215 may store only information indicating the congestion status for the time period including the current time.

[0040] The store congestion information management file 216 is a file that manages the congestion status of the stores S in the food court. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the data structure of the store congestion information management file 216. The store congestion information management file 216 associates store IDs with information indicating the number of people waiting. The store congestion information management file 216 is updated as needed based on information acquired by the server device 2 from the store terminal 3 of each store S.

[0041] In the store ID field, a store ID that identifies the store S is registered. In the number of people waiting field, information indicating the number of customers waiting for products at the store S is registered. Instead of or in addition to the number of people waiting field, a waiting time field may be provided.

[0042] The order information management file 217 is a file that manages information on orders placed with each store S for each store S. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the data structure of the order information management file 217. The order information management file 217 associates information indicating a reception number, a member ID, a store ID, a product ID, a reception time, a scheduled delivery time, and a status.

[0043] In the reception number field, a reception number that identifies order information received by the server device 2 from the mobile terminal 4 is registered. When the server device 2 receives order information from the mobile terminal 4 and the payment related to the order information is completed, the server device 2 issues a reception number and registers it in the reception number field. A reception number is issued for each reception of order information, and may include orders to multiple stores S.

[0044] The member ID field is registered with a member ID that identifies the member who placed the order. The store ID field is registered with a store ID that identifies the store S that sells the product related to the order information (hereinafter also referred to as the "ordered product"). The product ID field is registered with a product ID that identifies the ordered product.

[0045] The reception time field registers information indicating the time when the server device 2 received an order from the mobile terminal 4. The planned serving time field registers information indicating the planned time to provide the ordered item to the customer. The server device 2 calculates the planned serving time based on the cooking time for the ordered item and information indicating the number of people waiting received from the store terminal 3 of the store S that provides the ordered item, and registers the calculated planned serving time in the planned serving time field.

[0046] In the status item, information indicating the status of a received order is registered. Examples of the information indicating the status include "cooking" and "product provided". The information indicating the status is updated based on information acquired by the server device 2 from the store terminal 3 of each store S. Information indicating the reception time, the scheduled service time, and the status is set and registered for each ordered product.

[0047] If it is possible for each store S to accept orders individually, the server device 2 can obtain information regarding orders from the store terminal 3 of each store S and update the order information management file 217 as appropriate.

[0048] Returning to FIG. 5, the hardware configuration of the server device 2 will be described.

[0049] The display unit 22 is configured with a liquid crystal panel or the like, and displays various information. For example, the display unit 22 displays an input screen for inputting various information.

[0050] The operation input unit 23 is composed of a keyboard, a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 22, and the like. The operation input unit 23 inputs various information, such as information for setting a time period in the seat congestion information management file 215, to the control unit 20 based on an operation by an operator.

[0051] The communication unit 24 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the store terminal 3 and the mobile terminal 4. The control unit 20 is connected to the external device via the communication unit 24, thereby enabling transmission and reception of information (data) with the external device.

[0052] Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 20 of the server device 2 will be described. Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the server device 2. The control unit 20 functions as a reception unit 2001, an extraction unit 2002, a position detection unit 2003, an output unit 2004, an order information processing unit 2005, and a management unit 2006 by the CPU 201 operating in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 202 or the memory unit 21. Each of these functions may be configured with hardware such as a dedicated circuit. Although two server devices 2 are illustrated in Fig. 12 for convenience, the mobile terminal 4 may transmit and receive data to and from only one server device 2.

[0053] The reception unit 2001 functions as an order information reception unit that receives order information from a terminal device operated by a customer. Specifically, the reception unit 2001 receives order information from a mobile terminal 4 carried by a user. The order information includes the member ID of the user who orders the product, the store ID of the store S that handles the ordered product, a product ID that indicates the ordered product, and the like.

[0054] The reception unit 2001 also functions as a congestion information reception unit that receives congestion information input to a terminal device in response to an input request output by the output unit 2004. Specifically, the reception unit 2001 receives from the mobile terminal 4 seat congestion information that a user inputs to the mobile terminal 4 in response to a seat congestion information input request (described later) output by the output unit 2004 to the mobile terminal 4. The seat congestion information received by the reception unit 2001 is, for example, information indicating any one of "vacant," "normal," and "crowded."

[0055] Furthermore, the reception unit 2001 functions as a completion information reception unit that receives preparation completion information indicating that the store is ready to provide the product related to the order information received by the order information reception unit to the customer. Specifically, the reception unit 2001 receives a cooking completion notification indicating that cooking of the ordered product has been completed from the store terminal 3. The cooking completion notification is an example of preparation completion information.

[0056] The reception unit 2001 receives various other information from the store terminal 3 and the mobile terminal 4. For example, the reception unit 2001 receives store congestion information from the store terminal 3. The store congestion information received by the reception unit 2001 is information indicating, for example, the number of people waiting (the number of customers waiting for products to be provided), the waiting time (the estimated time until the ordered products are received), the number of accepted orders, or the number of accepted but unprovided orders. The store congestion information may be based on information generated by combining these pieces of information. Furthermore, the reception unit 2001 receives, from the mobile terminal 4, a first request which is a request for seat congestion information and a second request which is a request for store congestion information.

[0057] The extraction unit 2002 extracts seat congestion information from the seat congestion information management file 215. For example, when the reception unit 2001 receives a first request, the extraction unit 2002 refers to the seat congestion information management file 215. Then, the extraction unit 2002 extracts, as seat congestion information, an item of congestion status with the largest number of registered people in a time period including the time when the first request was received or in the time period immediately before the time period. The extracted congestion status item is any of "crowded", "normal", and "vacant" set as items in the seat congestion information management file 215. The selection of either the time period including the time when the first request was received or the time period immediately before the time period can be arbitrarily set by the food court operating company that manages the server device 2.

[0058] Furthermore, the extraction unit 2002 extracts store congestion information from the store congestion information management file 216. For example, when the reception unit 2001 receives the second request, the extraction unit 2002 refers to the store congestion information management file 216 and extracts information indicating the number of people waiting at each store S as store congestion information. When the second request includes a store ID specifying the store S, the extraction unit 2002 extracts information indicating the number of people waiting corresponding to the store ID from the store congestion information management file 216, and also extracts a product ID, etc. corresponding to the store ID from the menu master 214.

[0059] The position detection unit 2003 detects that the terminal device that output the order information is located within the area in which the seats T are arranged. Specifically, the position detection unit 2003 detects that the mobile terminal 4 that transmitted the order information is located within the food court including the seating area B, based on the position information and member ID received by the reception unit 2001 from the mobile terminal 4.

[0060] The output unit 2004 outputs to the terminal device a request for inputting information on seat congestion available to customers in a store selling a product related to the order information accepted by the order information accepting unit, on the condition that the confirmation process has been executed by the order information processing unit 2005. For example, the output unit 2004 outputs the request for inputting seat congestion information to the mobile terminal 4, on the condition that payment for the order information has been made.

[0061] In addition, in response to a request from the mobile terminal 4, the output unit 2004 outputs the seat congestion information managed in the seat congestion information management file 215 and the store congestion information managed in the store congestion information management file 216 to the mobile terminal 4.

[0062] The output unit 2004 outputs other information to the mobile terminal 4. For example, the output unit 2004 outputs an order completion notification indicating that an order based on the order information has been completed, together with a reception number that identifies the order information and information indicating the scheduled serving time of the ordered items, to the mobile terminal 4. The output unit 2004 also outputs a cooking completion notification indicating that cooking of the ordered items has been completed, together with information indicating the reception number, item name, etc., to the mobile terminal 4.

[0063] Furthermore, the output unit 2004 outputs various information to the store terminal 3. For example, the output unit 2004 outputs a product ID and the like included in the order information accepted by the acceptance unit 2001 from the mobile terminal 4 to the store terminal 3 of the store S that sells the product identified by the product ID.

[0064] The order information processing unit 2005 executes a confirmation process for confirming an order for a product based on the order information received by the order information receiving unit. Specifically, the order information processing unit 2005 executes a payment-related process for the order information received by the receiving unit 2001, and as the confirmation process, determines that the payment related to the order information has been completed. The confirmation process is a process for confirming the received order information as a valid order. In this embodiment, the confirmation process is a process for determining that the payment has been completed, but the confirmation process is not limited to this. For example, the confirmation process may be a process in which the output unit 2004 outputs a confirmation request for the order information received by the receiving unit 2001 to the mobile terminal 4, and the receiving unit 2001 receives confirmation information indicating that the order information has been confirmed from the mobile terminal 4. In other words, the output unit 2004 may output a seat congestion information input request on the condition that the receiving unit 2001 has received the confirmation information. The payment-related process is a process executed by the server device 2 to perform a payment related to the order information, such as communicating with a payment server (not shown) managed by a payment agent.

[0065] The order information processing unit 2005 also updates the order information management file 217 based on the order information received by the reception unit 2001. More specifically, the order information processing unit 2005 issues a reception number to the order information received by the reception unit 2001 and registers it in the order information management file 217. The order information processing unit 2005 also registers in the order information management file 217 a member ID that identifies the user who received the order, a store ID that identifies the store S that handles the ordered item, a product ID that identifies the ordered item, and the reception time at which the order information was received. Furthermore, the order information processing unit 2005 refers to the menu master 214 to extract the cooking time for the ordered item, and registers the estimated serving time calculated from the cooking time and the reception time. In addition, the order information processing unit 2005 updates the status based on information from the store terminal 3.

[0066] The management unit 2006 manages the seat congestion status based on the congestion information received by the congestion information reception unit. For example, the management unit 2006 updates the seat congestion information management file 215 based on the seat congestion information received by the reception unit 2001. Furthermore, the management unit 2006 updates the store congestion information management file 216 based on the store congestion information received by the reception unit 2001.

[0067] Furthermore, the management unit 2006 manages the congestion status of seat T by importing the congestion information received by the congestion information receiving unit, on the condition that the order information processing unit 2005 has executed the confirmation process. For example, the management unit 2006 imports the seat congestion information received by the receiving unit 2001 before the payment related to the order information is completed, into the seat congestion information management file 215, on the condition that the payment is completed.

[0068] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the congestion information notification system 1. First, a description will be given of the operation when the server device 2 provides congestion information to the user's mobile terminal 4. Fig. 13 is a sequence chart showing the flow of the operation of the congestion information notification system 1 when notifying congestion information.

[0069] A user operates the mobile terminal 4 to log in to the food court's website. For example, the mobile terminal 4 executes a process for logging in by reading a two-dimensional code displayed in a shopping center (step S1). When the process for logging in is executed, the mobile terminal 4 outputs the member ID of the member who owns the mobile terminal 4 and a request for seat congestion information (first request) to the server device 2 (step S2).

[0070] When the server device 2 receives the first request, it refers to the seat congestion information management file 215 and extracts seat congestion information (step S3). The extracted seat congestion information is, for example, the item (either "crowded", "normal", or "vacant") with the largest number of people registered in the seat congestion information management file 215 during the time period when the first request is received. The server device 2 outputs the extracted seat congestion information to the mobile terminal 4 of the member identified by the member ID (step S4).

[0071] The mobile terminal 4 displays a screen (top screen) including a display of the seat congestion information acquired from the server device 2 (step S5). Fig. 14(1) is a diagram showing the top screen displayed on the mobile terminal 4. On the top screen, a store selection area 51, a seat congestion information area 52, and a menu area 53 are formed.

[0072] The store selection area 51 displays icons of each store S that opens in the food court. The icons also serve as selection buttons for selecting the store S. The seat congestion information area 52 displays seat congestion information acquired from the server device 2. The seat congestion information area 52 has three display areas indicating "vacant," "normal," and "crowded" from the left in the figure, and the display area corresponding to the congestion information acquired from the server device 2 is brightened, and the other two are grayed out. In FIG. 14(1), in response to the seat congestion information acquired from the server device 2 being "normal," the display area indicating "normal" is brightened on the mobile terminal 4, and the other two display areas are grayed out. In the menu area 53, for example, recommended menus of each store S are displayed. The recommended menus displayed on the top screen can be set arbitrarily.

[0073] Returning to FIG. 13, when a request for store congestion information (second request) is input to the mobile terminal 4 (step S6), the mobile terminal 4 outputs the member ID and the second request to the server device 2 (step S7). The user can select whether to request congestion information for all stores S or a specific store S. In FIG. 14(1), the user can request congestion information for all stores S by touching the seat congestion information area 52, and can request congestion information for a specific store S by touching the icon of any store S in the store selection area 51.

[0074] When the server device 2 receives the second request, it refers to the store congestion information management file 216 and extracts store congestion information (step S8). The extracted store congestion information is, for example, information indicating the number of people waiting. If the received second request is a request for congestion information of all stores S, the server device 2 extracts the store congestion information of all stores S. If the received second request is a request for congestion information of a specific store S, the server device 2 extracts the store congestion information of the specific store S and also extracts menu information of the specific store S from the menu master 214.

[0075] The server device 2 outputs the extracted store congestion information to the mobile terminal 4 of the member identified by the member ID (step S9). If the received second request is a request for congestion information of a specific store S, the server device 2 also outputs the extracted menu information to the mobile terminal 4.

[0076] The mobile terminal 4 displays the store congestion information acquired from the server device 2 (step S10). Fig. 14(2) shows a display screen when the mobile terminal 4 acquires congestion information for all stores S. A store-specific congestion information area 54 is formed on the display screen. In the store-specific congestion information area 54, store congestion information is displayed that associates the store name with the number of people waiting for the store S where there are people waiting at the time the second request is received.

[0077] 14(3) shows a display screen when the mobile terminal 4 acquires congestion information for a specific store S. The display screen includes a store name area 55, a seat congestion information area 52, a menu area 53, and a store congestion information area 56.

[0078] The store name area 55 displays the name of the store S identified in the second request. The seating congestion information area 52 displays information similar to that in the seating congestion information area 52 on the top screen. The menu area 53 displays the menu of the store S displayed in the store name area 55. The mobile terminal 4 can display all of the menu of the store S displayed in the store name area 55 by scrolling the menu area 53.

[0079] 13, the congestion information notification system 1 can provide the user with the congestion status of the seats T in the food court and the congestion status of the store S. In this embodiment, the server device 2 accepts the first request and the second request at different times, but the first request and the second request may be accepted as a single request. The server device 2 may also output the seat congestion information and the store congestion information at the same time.

[0080] Next, a description will be given of the operation performed by the server device 2 when collecting seat occupancy information from the user's mobile terminal 4. Fig. 15 is a sequence chart showing the flow of the operation when updating seat occupancy information.

[0081] A user can order products by operating the mobile terminal 4 whether inside or outside the food court. The user inputs the order into the mobile terminal 4 (step S11). FIG. 16(1) is a diagram showing an order input screen. The order input screen is displayed, for example, when the user touches a product displayed in the menu area 53 of FIG. 14(3). The order input screen has a product information area 61, an additional information area 62, and an order input area 63 formed thereon.

[0082] The product information area 61 displays information about a product specified by the user. The displayed product information is, for example, the product name, product image, and price. The additional information area 62 functions as an input screen area for inputting additional information about the product. The input additional information is additional information about the product, such as the type of sauce and the amount of the product, such as large or regular serving, and is set in advance for each product. The order input area 63 functions as an input screen area for identifying the product displayed in the product information area 61 as an ordered product.

[0083] When the user touches the order input area 63 and inputs the product displayed in the product information area 61 as the ordered product, the mobile terminal 4 displays a confirmation screen as shown in Fig. 16(2). The confirmation screen includes an ordered product area 64, an additional order button 65, and a checkout button 66.

[0084] The order item area 64 displays item information and the total price of the order item selected by the user. The additional order button 65 is operated when inputting further order information in addition to the items displayed in the order item area 64. When the additional order button 65 is operated, the mobile terminal 4 displays the top screen or a menu screen of the store S that sells the ordered item previously input. The checkout button 66 is a button for confirming the order and instructing payment.

[0085] Returning to Fig. 15, when input of the order information is completed, the mobile terminal 4 outputs the order information to the server device 2 (step S12). The order information output from the mobile terminal 4 includes a member ID, a product ID that identifies the input ordered product, a store ID that identifies the store S that provides the ordered product, etc.

[0086] The server device 2 executes a payment-related process and a confirmation process based on the order information acquired from the mobile terminal 4 (step S13). For example, the server device 2 reads out credit information corresponding to the acquired member ID from the member master 212, and executes a payment-related process for making a payment for the ordered items by communicating with a payment server (not shown) managed by a payment agent. If the user has not registered credit information in the member master 212, the server device 2 outputs a request to input credit information to the mobile terminal 4 as part of the payment-related process. The server device 2 executes a confirmation process by determining that it has received information indicating that the payment process for the order information has been completed from the payment server during the payment-related process.

[0087] The server device 2 also issues a reception number for the received order information and calculates the estimated time for providing the ordered items (step S14). Next, the server device 2 performs order allocation processing based on the received order information and confirms that the mobile terminal 4 that received the order information is located within the food court (step S15). The order allocation processing is processing in which the server device 2 allocates the ordered items indicated in the order information received by the server device 2 to each store S that provides the ordered items. As will be described in detail later, the server device 2 outputs information related to the allocated ordered items to the store terminal 3 of each store S. Confirmation that the mobile terminal 4 is located within the food court is performed by determining whether or not information indicating that the mobile terminal 4 is located within the food court is received from the mobile terminal 4.

[0088] After completing the payment-related processing, if the server device 2 has confirmed that the payment related to the order information has been completed and that the mobile terminal 4 is located within the food court, the server device 2 outputs to the mobile terminal 4 an order completion notification indicating that the acceptance of the order has been completed, the issued acceptance number, information indicating the calculated scheduled serving time, and a request to input seat congestion information (step S16). Note that it is not necessarily necessary to confirm that the mobile terminal 4 is located within the food court.

[0089] The mobile terminal 4 displays an order completion notification screen based on each piece of information acquired from the server device 2 (step S17). Fig. 16(3) is a diagram showing the order completion notification screen. The order completion notification screen includes a message area 67, a reception information area 68, an order information area 69, a receipt button 70, a vacant button 71, a normal button 72, a busy button 73, etc.

[0090] A message indicating that the order has been accepted is displayed in the message area 67. The acceptance information area 68 displays the acceptance number issued by the server device 2 and the estimated serving time calculated by the server device 2. The order information area 69 displays the accepted order details. For example, the order information area 69 displays the name, price, and quantity of the ordered item in association with each other.

[0091] The receipt button 70 is a button for receiving an electronic receipt. When the receipt button 70 is operated, a receipt issuance request is output to the server device 2. The server device 2, which has acquired the light emission request, outputs a receipt issuance instruction to the store terminal 3 of each store S that provides the ordered items. The store terminal 3, which has acquired the receipt issuance instruction, transmits the electronic receipt to the mobile terminal 4 via the server device 2 or directly.

[0092] The vacant button 71, the normal button 72, and the crowded button 73 are buttons for inputting seat congestion information, and are displayed based on a seat congestion information input request received from the server device 2. The user operates any of the vacant button 71, the normal button 72, and the crowded button 73 based on the congestion state of the seat T in the food court that the user feels. This enables the server device 2 to collect the seat congestion information input by the user. The mobile terminal 4 may display a message on the order completion notification screen prompting the user to input congestion information, or may be set to return to the top page on the condition that seat congestion information is input. In this way, the server device 2 can collect a large amount of seat congestion information.

[0093] Returning to FIG. 15, the explanation will be given. When seat congestion information is inputted (step S18), the mobile terminal 4 outputs the input seat congestion information to the server device 2 (step S19). The server device 2 updates the seat congestion information management file 215 based on the seat congestion information acquired from the mobile terminal 4 (step S20). For example, the server device 2 adds 1 to the number of people stored in the item of the congestion state indicated by the seat congestion information acquired from the mobile terminal 4 in the seat congestion information management file 215. Note that the server device 2 may output information for giving a privilege, such as points, to the mobile terminal 4 that transmitted the seat congestion information. This can further encourage the user to input seat congestion information.

[0094] Through the operations shown in FIG. 15 described above, the server device 2 can collect seat congestion information from the mobile terminal 4 of the user who orders a product, and manage the congestion state of the seats T in the food court.

[0095] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the server device 2 when collecting store congestion information from the store terminal 3. Fig. 17 is a sequence chart showing the flow of the operation when updating store congestion information. In Fig. 17, the processing of steps S11 to S15 is the same as in Fig. 15, so duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0096] After executing the order allocation process and the location confirmation process of the mobile terminal 4 in step S15, the server device 2 outputs store-specific order information to the store terminal 3 of each store S that sells the ordered items (step S21). The store-specific order information output from the server device 2 is information including the member ID of the user placing the order, the reception number issued for the order information, and the product ID indicating the ordered product.

[0097] Each store terminal 3 executes an order reception process for the store-specific order information acquired from the server device 2 (step S22). The order reception process may involve, for example, outputting a print instruction for the ordered items indicated in the store-specific order information to a kitchen printer (not shown) provided in the store S. After executing the order reception process, each store terminal 3 outputs a store ID indicating its own store S and information indicating the number of people waiting, i.e., store congestion information, to the server device 2 (step S23). The information indicating the number of people waiting output by the store terminal 3 may be managed by the store terminal 3 and output automatically, or may be output by manual input by a staff member of the store S.

[0098] The server device 2 updates the store congestion information management file 216 based on the store congestion information acquired from the store terminal 3. Specifically, in the store congestion information management file 216, the item of the number of people waiting corresponding to the store ID acquired from the store terminal 3 is rewritten based on the information indicating the number of people waiting acquired from the store terminal 3 (step S24).

[0099] Thereafter, when cooking of the ordered items is completed in each store S, cooking completion is input to each store terminal 3 (step S25). When cooking completion is input, the store terminal 3 outputs the store ID indicating its own store S, the reception number, the item ID of the ordered item, and a cooking completion notification indicating that cooking has been completed to the server device 2 (step S26).

[0100] The server device 2 emails the cooking completion notification along with information indicating the reception number, the product name of the ordered product, and the name of the store S that provides the ordered product to the mobile terminal 4 (step S27). The server device 2 reads out the email address of the user who placed the order from the member master 212, and sends the cooking completion notification, the reception number, the product name, and the store name to the mobile terminal 4 associated with that email address. The server device 2 may output the cooking completion notification, the reception number, the product name, and the store name after cooking of all products ordered by the user is completed, or may output the information each time cooking of an item ordered by the user is completed.

[0101] The mobile terminal 4 displays a cooking completion notification screen based on the information acquired from the server device 2 (step S28). Fig. 18 is a diagram showing the cooking completion notification screen. The cooking completion notification screen includes a message area 81, a store name area 82, a reception number area 83, a reception date and time area 84, an order content area 85, and the like.

[0102] The message area 81 displays a message indicating that cooking of the ordered items at the store S has been completed. The store name area 82 displays the name of the store S providing the cooked items. The reception number area 83 displays the reception number issued for the order information including the ordered items that have been cooked. The reception number area 83 also displays a barcode indicating that the user has received the ordered items. By reading the barcode when providing the cooked items to the user, the store S can change the status of the ordered items managed by the store terminal 3 to "provided."

[0103] The date and time of order receipt of the cooked product is displayed in the receipt date and time area 84. The product name, price, and quantity of the cooked ordered product are displayed in association with each other in the order details area 85. The user who receives the cooking completion notification can go to the store S displayed in the store name area 82 to pick up the product.

[0104] The server device 2 may transmit a request to input seat congestion information together with the cooking completion notification to the mobile terminal 4. In other words, when the server device 2 receives a cooking completion notification from the store terminal 3, it may output the cooking completion notification and the request to input seat congestion information to the mobile terminal 4. In this case, the mobile terminal 4 may display, on the cooking completion notification screen shown in FIG. 18, an empty button 71, a normal button 72, and a crowded button 73 for inputting the seat congestion information displayed on the order completion notification screen of FIG. 16(3).

[0105] Doing so is expected to allow for more accurate input of seat congestion information. When the cooking completion notification screen is displayed, the user goes to store S to pick up the ordered items, and therefore, when the cooking completion notification screen is displayed, it is assumed that the user is located in the food court.

[0106] Through the operations shown in FIG. 17 described above, the server device 2 can collect store congestion information from the store terminal 3 and manage the congestion state of the store S in the food court.

[0107] Next, a description will be given of the seat congestion information update process performed by the control unit 20 of the server device 2. Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing the seat congestion information update process performed by the control unit 20 of the server device 2.

[0108] The control unit 20 judges whether the receiving unit 2001 has received the order information (step S31), and if not (N in step S31), returns to the process of step S31 and waits.

[0109] When the reception unit 2001 receives the order information (Y in step S31), the order information processing unit 2005 executes a payment-related process (step S32) and determines whether the payment is completed (step S33). When the payment is completed (Y in step S33), the control unit 20 determines whether the location detection unit 2003 has detected that the mobile terminal 4 that transmitted the order information is located in the food court (step S34).

[0110] When the mobile terminal 4 is located in the food court (Y in step S34), the output unit 2004 outputs an order completion notification and a request to input seat congestion information to the mobile terminal 4 (step S35). The control unit 20 determines whether the reception unit 2001 has received seat congestion information from the mobile terminal 4 within a predetermined time in response to the seat congestion information input request output in step S35 (step S36).

[0111] When the reception unit 2001 receives the seat occupancy information (Y in step S36), the management unit 2006 updates the seat occupancy information management file 215 based on the received seat occupancy information (step S37). Then, the control unit 20 ends the congestion information update process.

[0112] In the process of step S33, if the payment cannot be completed (N in step S33), the output unit 2004 outputs error information indicating that the payment cannot be completed to the mobile terminal 4 (step S38). Then, the control unit 20 ends the congestion information update process.

[0113] In the process of step S34, if the mobile terminal 4 is not located in the food court (N in step S34), the output unit 2004 outputs a reception completion notification to the mobile terminal 4 (step S39). After that, the control unit 20 returns to the process of step S34. Note that after returning to the process of step S34, if the mobile terminal 4 is located in the food court and the process proceeds to step S35, the output unit 2004 may output only a seat congestion information input request to the mobile terminal 4 in the process of step S35.

[0114] In the processing of step S36, if a request to input seat congestion information is output but the reception unit 2001 does not accept the seat congestion information even after a predetermined time has elapsed (N in step S36), the control unit 20 determines that the user has not input seat congestion information and terminates the congestion information update processing.

[0115] The congestion information update process allows the server device 2 to collect seat congestion information without installing large-scale equipment such as a sensor that detects customers using seats T in the food court. Moreover, the collected seat congestion information is input by users who have actually placed orders and are located in the food court, so reliability can be expected to be ensured.

[0116] (Modification) Next, a modified example of the congestion information update process will be described. The modified example differs from the above example in that a seat congestion information input request is output to the mobile terminal 4 before the order is confirmed, in other words, seat congestion information can be input on the mobile terminal 4 before the order is confirmed. Fig. 20 is a sequence chart showing the flow of operations when updating seat congestion information in the modified example.

[0117] The mobile terminal 4 executes a process for logging in to the food court's website (step S41). When the process for logging in is executed, the mobile terminal 4 outputs the member ID of the member who owns the mobile terminal 4 to the server device 2 (step S42).

[0118] When the server device 2 accepts the member ID, it executes a request output process for outputting a seat occupancy information input request (step S43), and transmits the seat occupancy information input request to the mobile terminal 4 (step S44).

[0119] When the seat occupancy information is input (step S45), the mobile terminal 4 transmits the input seat occupancy information to the server device 2 (step S46). The mobile terminal 4 can input seat occupancy information at any time while logged in to the food court website. The server device 2 temporarily stores the received seat occupancy information in the RAM 203 (step S47).

[0120] Thereafter, when an order is input to the mobile terminal 4 (step S48), the mobile terminal 4 outputs the order information to the server device 2 (step S49). The order information output from the mobile terminal 4 includes a member ID, a product ID that identifies the input ordered product, a store ID that identifies the store S that provides the ordered product, etc.

[0121] The server device 2 executes a payment-related process and a confirmation process based on the order information acquired from the mobile terminal 4 (step S50). The server device 2 also issues a reception number to the received order information, calculates a scheduled time for providing the ordered items (step S51), and executes an order allocation process based on the received order information (step S52).

[0122] Next, if the payment related to the order information is completed, the server device 2 updates the seat congestion information management file 215 based on the seat congestion information temporarily stored in step S47 (step S53). After that, the server device 2 outputs information indicating the order completion notification, the reception number, and the scheduled serving time to the mobile terminal 4 (step S53). The mobile terminal 4 displays an order completion notification screen based on each piece of information acquired from the server device 2 (step S55).

[0123] 20, even before receiving the order completion notification, the user can input seat occupancy information to the mobile terminal 4. This is expected to allow collection of more seat occupancy information.

[0124] Next, a description will be given of seat congestion information update processing by the control unit 20 of the server device 2. Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing seat congestion information update processing by the control unit 20 of the server device 2 in a modified example.

[0125] The control unit 20 judges whether the reception unit 2001 has received the member ID (step S61), and if not (N in step S61), returns to the process of step S61 and waits.

[0126] When the reception unit 2001 receives the member ID (Y in step S61), the output unit 2004 outputs a seat occupancy information input request to the mobile terminal 4 (step S62). Next, the control unit 20 judges whether the reception unit 2001 has received the seat occupancy information (step S63). When the seat occupancy information is received (Y in step S63), the control unit 20 temporarily stores the received seat occupancy information in the RAM 203 (step S64).

[0127] Next, the control unit 20 judges whether the reception unit 2001 has received the order information (step S65). When the order information is received (Y in step S65), the order information processing unit 2005 executes a payment-related process (step S66) and judges whether the payment has been completed (step S67). When the payment is completed (Y in step S67), the management unit 2006 updates the seat congestion information management file 215 based on the seat congestion information stored in the RAM 203 (step S68). Then, the control unit 20 ends the congestion information update process.

[0128] In the process of step S63, if the reception unit 2001 does not accept seat congestion information even after a predetermined time has elapsed (N in step S63), the control unit 20 determines that the user has not input seat congestion information and ends the seat congestion information update process. Also, in the process of step S65, if the reception unit 2001 does not accept order information even after a predetermined time has elapsed (N in step S65), the control unit 20 ends the seat congestion information update process.

[0129] Furthermore, in the process of step S67, if the payment cannot be completed (N in step S67), the output unit 2004 outputs error information indicating that the payment cannot be completed to the mobile terminal 4 (step S69). Then, the control unit 20 ends the seat congestion information update process.

[0130] The above-mentioned congestion information update process allows the server device 2 to receive seat congestion information even before sending an order completion notification, so that it is expected that more seat congestion information will be collected. Moreover, since the seat congestion information management file 215 is updated based on the seat congestion information input by the user who actually placed the order, it is expected that the reliability of the managed seat congestion information will be ensured.

[0131] As described above, the server device 2 of the embodiment includes an order information receiving unit (reception unit 2001) that receives order information from a terminal device (mobile terminal 4) operated by a customer, an output unit 2004 that outputs to the terminal device a request for input of congestion information of seats available to customers in a store that sells a product related to the order information received by the order information receiving unit, on the condition that a confirmation process for confirming an order for the product based on the order information received by the order information receiving unit has been executed, a congestion information receiving unit (reception unit 2001) that receives the congestion information input to the terminal device in response to the input request output by the output unit 2004, and a management unit 2006 that manages the congestion status of seat T based on the congestion information received by the congestion information receiving unit.

[0132] Alternatively, the server device 2 includes an order information receiving unit (reception unit 2001) that receives order information from a terminal device (mobile terminal 4) operated by a customer, a congestion information receiving unit (reception unit 2001) that receives from the terminal device congestion information of seats T available for use by customers of a store S that sells a product related to the order information received by the order information receiving unit, and a management unit 2006 that imports the congestion information received by the congestion information receiving unit and manages the congestion status of the seats T on the condition that a confirmation process has been executed to confirm the order of the product based on the order information received by the order information receiving unit.

[0133] This allows the server device 2 to manage the congestion status of seat T based on the seat congestion information from the user's mobile terminal 4. Therefore, seat congestion information can be collected without the need for large-scale equipment. Furthermore, since the server device 2 collects seat congestion information from the mobile terminal 4 that has placed an order for a product, the accuracy of the collected congestion information can be ensured. This is because the user who has placed the order recognizes the congestion status by using seat T. Furthermore, the server device 2 can output a request for input of congestion information to the mobile terminal 4 in a series of information exchanges with the mobile terminal 4 that take place from the time the user places an order until receiving the product. This prevents the user from overlooking the input screen for congestion information, making it possible to collect a large amount of congestion information.

[0134] In addition, when the confirmation process is executed, the output unit 2004 of the server device 2 in the embodiment outputs to the terminal device (mobile terminal 4) order completion information indicating that the product order based on the order information accepted by the order information accepting unit (receiving unit 2001) has been completed, and a request for input of congestion information.

[0135] This allows the server device 2 to prompt the user to input congestion information at the timing when the user checks the order completion information. This makes it possible to prevent the user from overlooking the congestion information input screen, and makes it possible to collect a large amount of congestion information.

[0136] Furthermore, the server device 2 of the embodiment further includes a completion information receiving unit (reception unit 2001) that receives preparation completion information indicating that the store is able to provide the product related to the order information received by the order information receiving unit (reception unit 2001) to the customer, and when the preparation completion information receiving unit receives the preparation completion information, the output unit 2004 outputs the preparation completion information and an input request for congestion information to the terminal device (mobile terminal 4).

[0137] This makes it easier for the server device 2 to collect seat congestion information input by a user located in the area in which the seat T is located, and improves the reliability of the collected seat congestion information.

[0138] In addition, the server device 2 of the embodiment further includes a position detection unit 2003 that detects that the terminal device (mobile terminal 4) that output the order information is located within the area in which the seats T are located, and the output unit 2004 outputs a request for input of congestion information to the terminal device on condition that the position detection unit 2003 detects that the terminal device is located within the area.

[0139] This allows the server device 2 to collect seat congestion information input by a user located in the area in which the seat T is located, and further improves the reliability of the collected seat congestion information.

[0140] The control programs used in the server device 2, the store terminal 3, and the mobile terminal 4 of this embodiment may be configured to be provided by recording them on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Also, the control programs executed in the server device 2, the store terminal 3, and the mobile terminal 4 of this embodiment may be configured to be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading them via the network, or may be configured to be provided via a network such as the Internet.

[0141] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1. Congestion Information Notification System 2. Server equipment 4. Mobile devices 2001 Reception section (order information reception section, congestion information reception section, completion information reception section) 2003 Position detection unit 2004 Output section 2005 Order information processing section 2006 Management Department

[0143] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-71550 A

Claims

1. an order information receiving unit that receives order information from a terminal device operated by a customer; an output unit that outputs to the terminal device a request for input of one of a plurality of congestion levels as congestion information of seats available for customers of a store selling the product related to the order information received by the order information receiving unit, on condition that a confirmation process for confirming an order for the product based on the order information received by the order information receiving unit has been executed; a congestion information receiving unit that receives congestion information input to the terminal device in response to the input request output by the output unit; a management unit that manages the seat congestion status by tallying up the number of inputs of each stage representing the congestion status for each predetermined time period based on the congestion information received by the congestion information receiving unit and storing the tallying results in a storage unit; A server device comprising:

2. When the determination process is executed, the output unit outputs, to the terminal device, order completion information indicating that the order for the product based on the order information accepted by the order information accepting unit has been completed, and a request to input the congestion information. The server device according to claim 1 .

3. a completion information receiving unit that receives preparation completion information indicating that the store is ready to provide the product related to the order information received by the order information receiving unit to the customer, When the completion information receiving unit receives the preparation completion information, the output unit outputs the preparation completion information and an input request for the congestion information to the terminal device. The server device according to claim 1 .

4. a position detection unit that detects whether the terminal device that output the order information is located within an area in which the seats are arranged, the output unit outputs a request for input of the congestion information to the terminal device on condition that the position detection unit has detected that the terminal device is located within the area. The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. an order information receiving unit that receives order information from a terminal device operated by a customer; a congestion information receiving unit that receives, from the terminal device, an input of one of a plurality of congestion levels as congestion information of seats available for customers in a store that sells the product related to the order information received by the order information receiving unit; an acquisition means for acquiring the congestion information received by the congestion information receiving unit on condition that a confirmation process for confirming an order for a product based on the order information received by the order information receiving unit has been executed; a management unit that manages the seat congestion status by tallying up the number of inputs of each stage representing the congestion status for each predetermined time period based on the congestion information acquired by the acquisition unit and storing the tallying up results in a storage unit; A server device comprising:

6. a position detection unit that detects whether the terminal device that output the order information is located within an area in which the seats are arranged, the management unit, on condition that the location detection unit detects that the terminal device is located within the area, imports the congestion information received by the congestion information reception unit and manages the congestion state of the seats. The server device according to claim 5.

7. The method further includes an order information processing unit that determines whether a payment related to the order information accepted by the order information accepting unit has been completed as the confirmation process.

7. The server device according to claim 1.

8. A program for controlling a server device, The server device, an order information receiving unit that receives order information from a terminal device operated by a customer; an output unit that outputs to the terminal device a request for input of one of a plurality of congestion levels as congestion information of seats available for customers of a store selling the product related to the order information received by the order information receiving unit, on condition that a confirmation process for confirming an order for the product based on the order information received by the order information receiving unit has been executed; a congestion information receiving unit that receives congestion information input to the terminal device in response to the input request output by the output unit; a management unit that manages the seat congestion status by tallying up the number of inputs of each stage representing the congestion status for each predetermined time period based on the congestion information received by the congestion information receiving unit and storing the tallying results in a storage unit; A program that makes it work.

9. A program for controlling a server device, The server device, an order information receiving unit that receives order information from a terminal device operated by a customer; a congestion information receiving unit that receives, from the terminal device, an input of one of a plurality of congestion levels as congestion information of seats available for customers in a store that sells the product related to the order information received by the order information receiving unit; an acquisition means for acquiring the congestion information received by the congestion information receiving unit on condition that a confirmation process for confirming an order for a product based on the order information received by the order information receiving unit has been executed; a management unit that manages the seat congestion status by tallying up the number of inputs of each stage representing the congestion status for each predetermined time period based on the congestion information acquired by the acquisition unit and storing the tallying up results in a storage unit; A program that makes it work.

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