Server device and program

Abstract

To provide a server device and a program configured to improve the convenience related to orders for commodities which are on sale in multiple stores.SOLUTION: A server device includes: storage means which stores business days and hours of multiple stores; receiving means which receives an access from a user terminal; and providing means which provides, to the user terminal, a menu screen on which orders can be placed for commodities that are on sale in the stores. The providing means provides, when an access time of the user terminal is outside the business hour of any of the stores, a menu screen that disables an order for commodities that are on sale in the store outside its business hour.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, commercial facilities such as shopping centers have provided food courts, which are areas where customers can eat and drink. In food courts, customers can choose from a number of restaurants (restaurants) and order and pay for their purchases. In these food courts, customers can carry the products and eat or drink themselves.

[0003] In recent years, there have also been systems that allow users to order products sold by each store using a terminal device (hereinafter also referred to as a user terminal) such as a smartphone owned by the user. In such systems, for example, a screen (hereinafter also referred to as a menu screen) on which products sold at each store can be ordered is provided on the user terminal, making it possible to accept product orders from users.

[0004] Incidentally, the above-mentioned stores are open according to the business hours (holidays) of the commercial facility, but there are also commercial facilities where the business hours vary from store to store. In such cases, it is preferable for the service provider that accepts orders from users in the above-mentioned system to provide users with a menu screen that takes into account the business hours of each store. However, conventional technology does not provide a menu screen that corresponds to the business hours of each store, and there is room for improvement in terms of convenience. 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 that can improve convenience in ordering products sold at multiple stores. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The server device of the embodiment includes a storage means and a providing means. The storage means stores the business days and hours of each of a plurality of stores. The accepting means accepts access from a user terminal. The providing means provides the user terminal with a menu screen that allows the user to order products sold at each of the plurality of stores. Furthermore, if the access date and time of the user terminal falls outside the business hours of any of the stores, the providing means provides a menu screen that makes it impossible to order products sold at the store that is closed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an order system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a user terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a facility information table according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a store information table according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the menu management table according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of an order management table according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a store terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional configurations of a user terminal, a server device, and a store terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a timetable showing business hours of the commercial facility and each store according to the embodiment. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit of the user terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit of the user terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit of the user terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit of the user terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the order system according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a menu screen providing process performed by the server device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, a server device and a program according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, an example will be described in which the server device and the program are applied to a food court provided in a commercial facility such as a shopping center. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an order system according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the order system 1 includes a user terminal 10, a server device 20, a store terminal 30, and a payment server 40. The user terminal 10, the server device 20, and the store terminal 30 are communicably connected via a network N such as a local area network (LAN) or a public line provided within a facility. The server device 20 and the payment server 40 are communicably connected via the network N.

[0010] The user terminal 10 is an example of a user terminal. The user terminal 10 is a terminal device used by a customer (hereinafter also referred to as a user) who uses the food court. The user terminal 10 may be a terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal carried by the customer.

[0011] In this embodiment, the user terminal 10 is used to order (hereinafter also referred to as "order") products sold at each store (restaurant) in the food court. Specifically, the user terminal 10 cooperates with the server device 20 to display a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for supporting product ordering. Furthermore, when a product to be ordered is selected by a user operation, the user terminal 10 transmits order information specifying the product to the server device 20.

[0012] In addition, in food courts, it is common to pay for products when ordering them. Therefore, the user terminal 10 displays a GUI to assist in the payment of products when ordering the products. The user terminal 10 then executes a process for paying for the ordered products in cooperation with the server device 20.

[0013] The server device 20 is an example of a server device. The server device 20 is installed inside or outside a commercial facility, and is connected to the user terminal 10, the store terminal 30, the payment server 40, etc. via a network N so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0014] In this embodiment, the server device 20 is realized by a single device, but may be a cloud server (or a cloud system) realized by multiple devices connected to a network. When the server device 20 has a cloud server configuration, it may also have a configuration including the payment server 40.

[0015] The server device 20 executes various data processing related to product orders by cooperating with the user terminal 10 and the store terminal 30. For example, the server device 20 provides the user terminal 10 with various screens on which the user can order products sold at each store in the food court. The server device 20 also receives order information specifying the product to be ordered from the user terminal 10 and notifies the store terminal 30 of the store selling the specified product of the order details. The server device 20 also executes payment processing for the products ordered from the user terminal 10 by cooperating with the payment server 40.

[0016] The store terminal 30 is a terminal device installed in each store in the food court. When the store terminal 30 receives a notification of the order contents from the server device 20, it notifies the store staff by displaying the notified order contents.

[0017] The store terminal 30 may be any device capable of displaying the order details received by the server device 20. For example, the store terminal 30 may be a terminal having a display function and a communication function for communicating with external devices, a POS terminal, a handheld terminal held by a store clerk, a kitchen display placed in the kitchen, or the like.

[0018] The payment server 40 is a server device operated by a payment agency service provider that handles electronic payments. The payment server 40 performs electronic payments based on data provided by the server device 20. The payment server 40 may also be operated by a payment service provider (such as a credit card company).

[0019] Next, the hardware configurations of the user terminal 10, the server device 20, and the store terminal 30 will be described.

[0020] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 10. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the user terminal 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103.

[0021] The CPU 101 is an example of a processor and performs overall control of the operation of the user terminal 10. The ROM 102 stores various programs. The RAM 103 is a workspace for loading programs and various data. The CPU 101, ROM 102, and RAM 103 are connected via a bus 104 and constitute a control unit 100 having a computer configuration. In the control unit 100, the CPU 101 operates in accordance with programs stored in the ROM 102 or memory unit 105 and loaded in the RAM 103, thereby executing various processes.

[0022] The control unit 100 is connected via a bus 104 to a storage unit 105, a display unit 106, an operation unit 107, a communication unit 108, and the like.

[0023] The storage unit 105 is configured with a hard disk drive (HDD), flash memory, etc., and maintains its stored contents even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 105 stores various programs executed by the CPU 101 and various setting information related to the operation of the user terminal 10. For example, the storage unit 105 stores an application program that can cooperate with the server device 20 to perform product orders, etc.

[0024] The display unit 106 is a display device such as an LCD, and displays various information under the control of the control unit 100. The operation unit 107 has various operation buttons, and outputs key information according to the operation of the operator to the control unit 100. In this embodiment, the operation unit 107 includes at least a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 106.

[0025] The communication unit 108 is a wired or wireless communication interface connectable to the network N. The communication unit 108 communicates with external devices such as the server device 20 and the store terminal 30 via the network N.

[0026] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the server device 20. As illustrated in FIG.

[0027] The CPU 201 is an example of a processor and performs overall control of the operation of the server device 20. The ROM 202 stores various programs. The RAM 203 is a workspace for loading programs and various data. The CPU 201, the ROM 202, and the RAM 203 are connected via a bus 204 and constitute a control unit 200 having a computer configuration. In the control unit 200, the CPU 201 operates in accordance with programs stored in the ROM 202 or the storage unit 205 and loaded in the RAM 203, thereby executing various processes.

[0028] The control unit 200 is connected to a storage unit 205 and a communication unit 206 via a bus 204. The storage unit 205 is configured with a hard disk drive (HDD), a flash memory, or the like, and maintains its stored contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 205 stores various programs executed by the CPU 201 and various setting information related to the operation of the server device 20.

[0029] The storage unit 205 also stores a facility information table Ta, a store information table Tb, a menu management table Tc, an order management table Td, and the like.

[0030] The facility information table Ta is an example of a second storage means. The facility information table Ta is a data table for storing and managing information about commercial facilities that have food courts. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the facility information table Ta. As shown in FIG. 4, the facility information table Ta has items such as business days and business hours.

[0031] Information such as dates and days of the week indicating the business days of a commercial facility is registered in the business days. Information such as the time range indicating the business hours of a commercial facility is registered in the business hours. Note that instead of business days of a commercial facility, business days on which the commercial facility is closed may also be registered. Hereinafter, business days and business hours are collectively referred to as business hours.

[0032] The store information table Tb is an example of a second storage means. The store information table Tb is a data table for storing and managing information about each store located in the food court. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the store information table Tb. As shown in FIG. 5, the store information table Tb stores store information about each store in association with a store ID for identifying that store.

[0033] The store information has items such as store name, address, etc. In the store name item, information indicating the store name, trade name, abbreviation, etc. of the store corresponding to the store ID is registered. In the address item, connection destination information such as the IP address of the store terminal 30 is registered.

[0034] Store information also includes items such as business days and business hours. Information such as dates and days of the week indicating the store's business days is registered under business days. Information such as the time range indicating the store's business hours is registered under business hours. Note that store holidays may be registered instead of store business days. For example, if the store's business hours are the same as the commercial facility's business hours, the store's business hours may be left blank.

[0035] The menu management table Tc is an example of a first storage means. The menu management table Tc is a data table for storing and managing information about the product menus sold at each store. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the menu management table Tc. As shown in FIG. 6, the menu management table Tc stores menu information about products sold at each store in association with the store ID of that store.

[0036] Menu information includes items such as product ID, product name, price, product description, and product image. Product ID is identification information for identifying each product. Product name is information indicating the name or abbreviation of the product. Price is information indicating the price per unit of the product. Product description stores various information about the product. For example, product description stores information about the ingredients contained in the product. Product image is image data representing the product.

[0037] The order management table Td is a data table for storing and managing order information received from the user terminal 10. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the order management table Td. As shown in Fig. 7, the order management table Td stores order information in association with a transaction ID.

[0038] Here, the transaction ID is a unique identifier issued for each order (each transaction). The order information includes the terminal ID of the user terminal 10 that sent the order, the product ID and quantity of the product to be ordered, the store ID of the store selling the product, etc. The terminal ID is information that can identify the user terminal 10 or the user operating the user terminal 10. In this embodiment, the terminal ID also serves as connection information for accessing the user terminal 10, such as a telephone number or IP address.

[0039] 3, the communication unit 206 is a wired or wireless communication interface connectable to the network N. The communication unit 206 communicates with external devices such as the user terminal 10, the store terminal 30, and the payment server 40 via the network N.

[0040] 8 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the store terminal 30. As shown in FIG.

[0041] The CPU 301 is an example of a processor and performs overall control of the operation of the store terminal 30. The ROM 302 stores various programs. The RAM 303 is a workspace for loading programs and various data. The CPU 301, ROM 302, and RAM 303 are connected via a bus 304 and constitute a control unit 300 having a computer configuration. In the control unit 300, the CPU 301 operates in accordance with programs stored in the ROM 302 or the storage unit 305 and loaded in the RAM 303, thereby executing various processes.

[0042] The control unit 300 is connected via a bus 304 to a storage unit 305 , a display unit 306 , an operation unit 307 , a communication unit 308 , and the like.

[0043] The storage unit 305 is configured with a hard disk drive (HDD), flash memory, etc., and maintains its stored contents even when power is cut off. The storage unit 305 stores various programs executed by the CPU 301 and various setting information related to the operation of the store terminal 30.

[0044] The display unit 306 is a display device such as an LCD, and displays various information under the control of the control unit 300. The operation unit 307 has various operation buttons, and outputs key information according to the operation of the operator to the control unit 300. In this embodiment, the operation unit 307 includes at least a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 306.

[0045] The communication unit 308 is a wired or wireless communication interface connectable to the network N. The communication unit 308 communicates with external devices such as the user terminal 10 and the server device 20 via the network N.

[0046] Next, a description will be given of the functional configurations of the user terminal 10, the server device 20, and the store terminal 30. FIG.

[0047] The user terminal 10 includes a communication control unit 151, a display control unit 152, an operation control unit 153, and an order support unit 154 as functional components.

[0048] Some or all of the functional configuration of the user terminal 10 may be a software configuration realized by cooperation between a processor (e.g., CPU 101) of the user terminal 10 and a program stored in a memory (e.g., ROM 102, storage unit 105). Also, some or all of the functional configuration of the user terminal 10 may be a hardware configuration realized by a dedicated circuit or the like installed in the user terminal 10.

[0049] The communication control unit 151 controls the communication unit 108 to communicate with external devices such as the server device 20 and the store terminal 30. The communication control unit 151 also cooperates with other functional configurations to exchange information with external devices.

[0050] The display control unit 152 displays various types of information on the display unit 106. Specifically, the display control unit 152 displays a GUI related to the operation of the user terminal 10 on the display unit 106. Furthermore, the display control unit 152 cooperates with other functional configurations to display a GUI for supporting product ordering operations on the display unit 106.

[0051] The operation control unit 153 accepts operations by a user who operates the user terminal 10 via the operation unit 107. For example, the operation control unit 153 accepts operations on a GUI displayed by the display control unit 152. The operation control unit 153 also accepts operations on hardware keys such as a keyboard.

[0052] The order support unit 154 executes processing to support operations related to ordering products sold in stores. Specifically, the order support unit 154 cooperates with the server device 20 to display an operation screen (GUI) for supporting product ordering on the display unit 106. For example, the order support unit 154 displays an operation screen (hereinafter also referred to as a menu screen) on the display unit 106 that allows a product to be ordered to be selected from products sold in each store. The various operation screens displayed by the order support unit 154 will be described later.

[0053] When a product to be ordered is selected, the order support unit 154 generates order information indicating the product and sends it to the server device 20 together with payment information related to the payment (electronic payment) for the product, thereby placing an order for the transaction.

[0054] In this embodiment, the order support unit 154 transmits the order information together with the terminal ID of its own user terminal 10, but this is not limiting and the terminal ID may be transmitted separately from the order information. For example, the terminal ID may be transmitted when accessing the server device 20. Alternatively, the terminal ID may be transmitted each time transmission is made to the server device 20.

[0055] Furthermore, when the order support unit 154 receives a notification from the server device 20 that the ordered product is ready, the order support unit 154 notifies the user that the product is ready by displaying the product name of the notified product, the name of the store selling the product, etc. on the display unit 106. Note that the notification method is not limited to a screen display, and if the user terminal 10 has a speaker or vibration function, the notification may be made by voice or vibration.

[0056] Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the server device 20. As shown in Fig. 9, the server device 20 includes a communication control unit 251, an order receiving unit 252, and a payment processing unit 253 as functional components.

[0057] A part or all of the functional configuration of the server device 20 may be a software configuration realized by cooperation between a processor (e.g., CPU 201) of the server device 20 and a program stored in a memory (e.g., ROM 202, storage unit 205). Also, a part or all of the functional configuration of the server device 20 may be a hardware configuration realized by a dedicated circuit or the like mounted on the server device 20.

[0058] The communication control unit 251 controls the communication unit 206 to communicate with external devices such as the user terminal 10, the store terminal 30, and the payment server 40. The communication control unit 251 also cooperates with other functional configurations to exchange information with external devices.

[0059] The order receiving unit 252 is an example of a receiving means and a providing means. The order receiving unit 252 executes various data processing related to product orders. In response to access from the user terminal 10, the order receiving unit 252 provides the user terminal 10 with an operation screen that can support the ordering of products sold at each store in the food court.

[0060] Specifically, the order receiving unit 252 provides the user terminal 10 with an operation screen such as a menu screen that allows the user to order products sold at each store based on the menu information of each store stored in the menu management table Tc.

[0061] Here, providing an operation screen to the user terminal 10 is a concept that includes not only the meaning of transmitting the operation screen generated by the order receiving unit 252 to the user terminal 10, but also the meaning of transmitting information for displaying the operation screen to the user terminal 10. In the latter case, in the user terminal 10, the order support unit 154 generates an operation screen based on the information transmitted from the server device 20 and displays it on the display unit 106, thereby providing the operation screen to the user terminal 10.

[0062] In addition, the order receiving unit 252 switches the availability status indicating whether or not the product displayed on the menu screen is available for order based on the date and time when the access was received and the business hours of the commercial facility and each store stored in the facility information table Ta and the store information table Tb.

[0063] Specifically, when the order receiving unit 252 receives access from the user terminal 10, it determines whether the date and time at which the access was received (hereinafter also referred to as the access date and time) is within the business hours of the commercial facility and each store, based on the business hours of the commercial facility and each store stored in the facility information table Ta and the store information table Tb.

[0064] If the order receiving unit 252 determines that the access date and time is outside the business hours of the commercial facility, it sets all products sold at the store to a state where they cannot be ordered. Furthermore, if the access date and time is within the business hours of the commercial facility and the store, the order receiving unit 252 sets all products sold at the store to a state where they can be ordered. Furthermore, if the access date and time is within the business hours of the commercial facility but outside the business hours of the store, the order receiving unit 252 sets all products sold at the store to a state where they cannot be ordered.

[0065] The order receiving unit 252 may use, for example, a timetable as shown in FIG. 10 to determine the relationship between the access date and time and the opening hours (business hours) of the commercial facility and each store.

[0066] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a timetable indicating the business hours of the commercial facility and each store. The timetable TT is derived from the business hours of the commercial facility and each store stored in the facility information table Ta and the store information table Tb, and indicates the business hours of the commercial facility and each store for each day. Note that the timetable TT may be generated by the order receiving unit 252 for each day or for each access from the user terminal 10, for example.

[0067] In the timetable TT of FIG. 10, the vertical axis represents the time of day, and the horizontal axis represents the commercial facilities and stores (Stores A to E). The arrows in the figure indicate business hours. Specifically, in FIG. 10, the commercial facilities and stores B to D are open from 10:00 to 22:00. Stores A and E are open from 11:00 to 21:00, which is within the commercial facility's business hours.

[0068] The order receiving unit 252 determines whether the access date and time (access time) of the user terminal 10 is within the business hours of the commercial facility and each store, based on the business hours of the commercial facility and each store, which are expressed in the form of a timetable TT, etc. Then, the order receiving unit 252 switches the order availability status of the products displayed on the menu screen according to the determination result.

[0069] 9, the order receiving unit 252 receives order information indicating the product to be ordered selected based on the menu screen and payment information related to the payment for the product from the user terminal 10. Then, when payment based on the payment information is successfully completed, the order receiving unit 252 officially accepts the order information as an order for one transaction and transmits a notification of completion of order acceptance to the user terminal 10.

[0070] Specifically, when the payment processing unit 253 completes payment, the order receiving unit 252 issues a transaction ID to the order information for which payment has been completed, and stores the transaction ID in association with the order information in the order management table Td.

[0071] Furthermore, when the order receiving unit 252 receives an order for one transaction, it notifies the store terminal 30 of the store selling the product of the order details of the product included in the corresponding order information. Specifically, the order receiving unit 252 extracts the order details (product ID, quantity) of the ordered product for each store ID based on the store ID included in the order information. Next, the order receiving unit 252 transmits the extracted order details for each store ID together with the transaction ID to each store terminal 30 corresponding to the store ID. Then, the order receiving unit 252 transmits the issued transaction ID to the user terminal 10 that transmitted the order information, thereby notifying the user terminal 10 that the order has been received.

[0072] Furthermore, when the order receiving unit 252 receives a preparation completion notification specifying a transaction ID from the store terminal 30, it identifies the order information corresponding to the specified transaction ID from the order management table Td. Next, the order receiving unit 252 notifies the user terminal 10 of the terminal ID included in the identified order information that the product preparation is complete. Specifically, the order receiving unit 252 notifies the user terminal 10 of the product IDs of the products included in the order information, including the product IDs of the products sold at the store of the store terminal 30 that sent the preparation completion notification, the store ID of the store, etc.

[0073] The payment processing unit 253 executes payment processing for the order information accepted by the order accepting unit 252, in cooperation with the payment server 40. Specifically, the payment processing unit 253 executes payment for the products specified in the order information, based on the payment information transmitted together with the order information.

[0074] More specifically, the payment processing unit 253 calculates the total price of the products specified in the order information based on the menu management table Tc. Next, the payment processing unit 253 sends a payment instruction to the payment server 40 instructing that the calculated total price be paid using the payment information, thereby causing the payment server 40 to execute electronic payment for the total price. As a result of this payment, the amount of the payment received from the electronic payment service provider is deposited into a predetermined account, such as an account managed by the food court or commercial facility.

[0075] In addition, if the payment processing by the payment processing unit 253 fails due to insufficient balance or the like, the order receiving unit 252 will refrain from issuing a transaction ID and notify the user terminal 10 that sent the order information that the payment processing has failed.

[0076] Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the store terminal 30. As shown in Fig. 9, the store terminal 30 includes a communication control unit 351, a display control unit 352, an operation control unit 353, and an order management unit 354 as functional components.

[0077] Some or all of the functional components of the store terminal 30 may be software components realized by cooperation between a processor (e.g., CPU 301) of the store terminal 30 and a program stored in memory (e.g., ROM 302, storage unit 305). Also, some or all of the functional components of the store terminal 30 may be hardware components realized by a dedicated circuit or the like installed in the store terminal 30.

[0078] The communication control unit 351 controls the communication unit 308 to communicate with external devices such as the user terminal 10 and the server device 20. The communication control unit 351 also works in cooperation with other functional configurations to exchange information with external devices.

[0079] The display control unit 352 displays various types of information on the display unit 306. Specifically, the display control unit 352 displays an operation screen related to the operation of the store terminal 30 on the display unit 306. The display control unit 352 also works in cooperation with other functional configurations to display various operation screens on the display unit 306.

[0080] The operation control unit 353 accepts operations by an operator who operates the store terminal 30 via the operation unit 307. For example, the operation control unit 353 accepts operations on an operation screen displayed by the display control unit 352. The operation control unit 353 also accepts operations on hardware keys such as a keyboard.

[0081] The order management unit 354 receives notification of products ordered from its own store from the server device 20. Specifically, when the order management unit 354 receives notification of the order contents from the server device 20, it displays the order contents on the display unit 306. For example, the order management unit 354 displays the product name, quantity, transaction ID, etc. of the ordered product.

[0082] Furthermore, when the order management unit 354 receives a predetermined operation indicating that preparation, such as cooking, for the product displayed on the display unit 306 is complete, it notifies the server device 20 that the preparation of the ordered product is complete. Specifically, when preparation of the products for one transaction is complete, the order management unit 354 transmits a preparation completion notification indicating the transaction ID of the transaction to the server device 20.

[0083] Next, an example of the operation of the above-mentioned order system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 11 to Fig. 15. Here, Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the order system 1, showing the flow of operations when a product order is placed. Also, Fig. 12 to Fig. 15 are examples of operation screens displayed on the display unit 106 of the user terminal 10.

[0084] First, in the user terminal 10, the order support unit 154 accesses the server device 20 in response to a user operation (step P11). Here, the location where the user terminal 10 accesses the server device 20 may be inside or outside a commercial facility, and may be, for example, the user's home.

[0085] In the server device 20, when the order receiving unit 252 receives access from the user terminal 10, it determines the business hours described above based on the access date and time and the business hours of the commercial facility and the store (step P12). Next, the order receiving unit 252 provides a menu screen corresponding to the determination result to the user terminal 10 that is the access source (step P13). Then, in the user terminal 10, the order support unit 154 causes the display unit 106 to display the menu screen provided by the server device 20 (step P14).

[0086] For example, assume that access from the user terminal 10 to the server device 20 is made during the time slot Za of 11:00 to 21:00 in the timetable TT shown in Fig. 10. In this case, the order receiving unit 252 determines that the access date and time is within the business hours of the commercial facility and also within the business hours of stores A to E. Based on the determination result, the order receiving unit 252 then provides the accessing user terminal 10 with a menu screen as shown in Fig. 12, in which products sold at stores A to E can be ordered.

[0087] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen displayed on the display unit 106 of the user terminal 10. As shown in Fig. 12, the menu screen A has a first area Aa, a second area Ab, and a third area Ac.

[0088] Various controls related to screen operation are displayed in the first area Aa. For example, a cart button Ad and an order history button Ae are displayed in the first area Aa. The controls in the first area Aa will be described later.

[0089] The second area Ab displays store marks Aba, which indicate the store names and logos of stores A to E. The store marks Aba also function as controls for selecting a store, and when one of the store marks Aba is selected, the products sold at the store corresponding to the selected store mark Aba are displayed in the third area Ac. The second area Ab can be scrolled left and right, and stores not currently displayed on the screen can be displayed by scrolling.

[0090] The third area Ac displays products sold at the store selected in the second area Ab. FIG. 12 shows an example in which the store mark Aba for store A is selected in the second area Ab, and the products sold at store A are displayed in the third area Ac. In the third area Ac, a rectangular small area Aca is provided for each product, and menu information such as the product name, price, product image, and store name is displayed in the small area Aca. In other words, by looking at the third area Ac, the user of the user terminal 10 can check the menu of products sold at the store selected in the second area Ab. The third area Ac can be scrolled up and down, and products not displayed on the screen can be displayed by scrolling.

[0091] Furthermore, the small area Aca displayed in the third area Ac functions as an operator for selecting a product to be ordered. Specifically, when the small area Aca is enabled, the product displayed in the small area Aca can be selected, and when it is disabled, the product cannot be selected. Note that FIG. 12 shows the small area Aca in an enabled state.

[0092] If the access date and time of the user terminal 10 is within the business hours of the commercial facility and within the business hours of stores A to E, the order receiving unit 252 enables product selection, i.e., enables order acceptance, for each of the stores selectable in the second area Ab by enabling a small area Aca displayed in the third area Ac when that store is selected. More specifically, if the user access date and time is within the business hours of the store corresponding to the store mark Aba selected in the second area Ab, the order receiving unit 252 enables the viewing and selection of products sold at that store by enabling a small area Aca displayed in the third area Ac.

[0093] This allows the user of the user terminal 10 to select a desired product to order from the products sold in each store via the second area Ab and the third area Ac of the menu screen A.

[0094] Also, for example, suppose that the user terminal 10 accesses the server device 20 during a time slot Zb of 10:00 to 11:00 or a time slot Zc of 21:00 to 22:00 in the timetable TT shown in FIG. 10. In this case, the order receiving unit 252 determines that the access is within the business hours of the commercial facility and stores B to D. In other words, the order receiving unit 252 determines that the access date and time of the user terminal 10 is outside the business hours of stores A and E. Then, based on the determination result, the order receiving unit 252 provides the user terminal 10 with a menu screen in which products sold at stores B to D are available for order and products sold at stores A and E are unavailable for order. In this case, the order receiving unit 252 provides the user terminal 10 with, for example, menu screen A shown in FIG. 13.

[0095] Fig. 13 shows another example of the menu screen displayed on the display unit 106 of the user terminal 10. Note that Fig. 13 shows an example in which the store mark Aba of store A is selected in the second area Ab, similar to Fig. 12.

[0096] 13 shows a state in which the small area Aca displayed in the third area Ac is disabled. Specifically, the disabled small area Aca is displayed in a grayed-out state, and a message Mg indicating that the store is closed is displayed within the small area Aca. In other words, the user of the user terminal 10 can check the products sold at store A by looking at the third area Ac, but cannot select a product.

[0097] Similarly, store E is also closed, so the small area Aca that is displayed when store E is selected is also grayed out, as in Fig. 13. Stores B to D are open, so as explained in Fig. 12, it is possible to select products sold at each store as items to be ordered.

[0098] The method of disallowing orders for products from stores that are closed is not limited to the method shown in Fig. 13. For example, the order receiving unit 252 may disable the store mark Aba of a store that is closed among the store marks Aba displayed in the second area Ab, thereby disallowing selection of the store. Furthermore, for example, when the store mark Aba of a store that is closed is selected, a message informing the user that the store is closed may be displayed in the third area Ac without displaying the small area Aca in the third area Ac.

[0099] In this way, if the access date and time of the user terminal 10 falls outside the business hours of any of the stores, the ordering system 1 provides a menu screen that makes it impossible to order products sold at stores that are closed, thereby controlling the order availability status on a store-by-store basis. This allows the ordering system 1 to provide users with a menu screen that takes into account the business hours of each store, preventing situations where an order is placed for a store that is closed. Therefore, the ordering system 1 improves the convenience of ordering products sold at multiple stores.

[0100] Also, for example, suppose that access from the user terminal 10 to the server device 20 is made before 10:00 or after 22:00 in the timetable TT shown in Fig. 10. In this case, the order receiving unit 252 determines that the commercial facility is outside its business hours. Based on the determination result, the order receiving unit 252 then provides the user terminal 10 with a menu screen that indicates that product orders are not permitted at any store.

[0101] In this case, the order receiving unit 252 may provide a menu screen in a form (hereinafter also referred to as a first form) in which products can be seen but selection operation is disabled by displaying a disabled small area Aca in the third area Ac, as described in Fig. 13, for example. Furthermore, for example, the order receiving unit 252 may provide a menu screen in a form (hereinafter also referred to as a second form) in which both product viewing and selection operation are disabled by disabling store selection in the second area Ab. Furthermore, for example, the order receiving unit 252 may provide a menu screen in the second form by hiding the second area Ab and the third area Ac. However, in either form, it is preferable to display information on the menu screen informing the user that the commercial facility is closed.

[0102] Furthermore, if the access date and time falls outside the business hours of the commercial facility, the order receiving unit 252 may switch the form of the menu screen depending on the time period in which the access is received. For example, in the timetable TT of Fig. 10, the menu screen of the first form may be provided in the time period Zd before 9:00 or the time period Ze after 23:00, and the menu screen of the second form may be provided in the time period Zf from 9:00 to 10:00 or the time period Zg from 22:00 to 23:00.

[0103] In addition, when switching the menu screen format depending on the time period when access is accepted, the format of the menu screen to be provided for each time period may be stored in advance as setting information. In this case, the order accepting unit 252 can identify the menu screen format corresponding to the time period when access is accepted from the setting information, and provide a menu screen format that corresponds to the time period.

[0104] Alternatively, the menu screen may be switched depending on the time difference between the access date and time and the opening time of the next business day after the access date and time. In this case, the menu screen can be switched depending on the time difference by associating the time difference divided into predetermined time intervals (e.g., less than one hour, one hour or more) with the form of the menu screen and storing this information in advance as setting information. Specifically, the order receiving unit 252 calculates the time difference between the access date and time and the opening time of the business day after the access date and time, and identifies the form of the menu screen corresponding to the calculated time difference from the setting information, thereby providing a menu screen in a form depending on the time difference.

[0105] In this way, the ordering system 1 can prevent orders from all stores at once by providing a menu screen that makes it impossible to order products sold at all stores when the access date and time of the user terminal 10 falls outside the business hours of the commercial facility. This prevents the ordering system 1 from placing an order for a store that is closed. Therefore, the ordering system 1 can improve the convenience of ordering products sold at multiple stores.

[0106] When a product is selected by operating the enabled small area Aca, the order support unit 154 displays an operation screen (hereinafter referred to as the product confirmation screen) on the display unit 106 to confirm the order details of the selected product.

[0107] 14 is a diagram showing an example of a product confirmation screen displayed on the display unit 106 of the user terminal 10. As shown in Fig. 14, the product confirmation screen B has a first area Ba and a second area Bb. Here, the first area Ba displays a cart button Ad and an order history button Ae, similar to the first area Aa of the menu screen A.

[0108] The second area Bb displays information about the product selected in the third area Ac of the menu screen A. Specifically, menu information such as the product name, product image, price, and store name of the selected product is displayed. Note that the information about the product displayed in the second area Bb is not limited to this. For example, the second area Bb may also display other information such as a product description registered in the menu information.

[0109] The second area Bb also includes a quantity area Bba that displays the quantity of the product to be ordered, and an operator Bbb that can increase or decrease the quantity. For example, when the operator Bbb with a "+" sign is pressed, the quantity in the quantity area Bba is increased according to the number of times it is pressed. The initial state of the quantity area Bba is set to "1."

[0110] Additionally, the second area Bb has an operator Bbc for confirming the order. When the operator Bbc is operated, the order support unit 154 associates the product ID of the product displayed in the second area Bb with the quantity set in the quantity area Bba and the store ID selling the product, and stores the associated order information in the RAM 103 or the like. Hereinafter, storing the order information in the RAM 103 or the like is also referred to as "adding to cart." Note that when the order support unit 154 adds an item to the cart by operating the operator Bbc, it closes the product confirmation screen B and returns the display to the product selection screen A, thereby continuing to support the selection of the item to be ordered.

[0111] In addition, the second area Bb is provided with an operator Bbd that confirms the order and instructs the execution of payment. When the order support unit 154 accepts the operation of the operator Bbd, it adds the product displayed in the second area Bb to the cart and causes the display unit 106 to display, for example, the operation screen shown in FIG.

[0112] Additionally, the second area Bb is provided with an operator Bbe for returning to the product selection screen A. When the operator Bbe is operated, the order support unit 154 erases the product confirmation screen B and returns the display to the product selection screen A.

[0113] The cart button Ad provided in the first area Aa of the product selection screen A (or the first area Ba of the product confirmation screen B) is an operator that is operated when checking the products added to the cart. When the order support unit 154 accepts the operation of the cart button Ad, it reads out the order information and displays, for example, an operation screen shown in FIG. 15 on the display unit 106.

[0114] 15 is an example of a screen for checking products added to a cart (hereinafter also referred to as a cart screen). The cart screen C displays order details such as product names, prices, and quantities of products added to the cart in the order in which they were added. Note that the order details displayed on the cart screen C are not limited to this, and other information such as the store name may also be displayed.

[0115] Furthermore, a payment execution button Ca for instructing the execution of payment is provided on the cart screen C. When the order support unit 154 accepts the operation of the payment execution button Ca, it executes payment processing to pay for the products included in the order information in cooperation with the payment processing unit 253 of the server device 20.

[0116] Specifically, when the order support unit 154 accepts operation of the payment execution button Ca, it transmits payment information to be used for electronic payment together with the order information to the server device 20. When transmitting the order information to the server device 20, the order support unit 154 also transmits the terminal ID of its own user terminal 10. A method for inputting the payment information can be performed using known technology, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0117] Returning to FIG. 11, when the product to be ordered is selected on the user terminal 10 and order information indicating the product and payment information are sent to the server device 20 (step P15), the order receiving unit 252 of the server device 20 receives the order information and payment information.

[0118] Next, the payment processing unit 253 calculates the total amount of the products specified in the order information (step P16), and transmits a payment instruction to the payment server 40 instructing that the calculated total amount be paid using the payment information (step P17). The payment server 40 executes payment for the total amount based on the payment instruction, and notifies the server device 20 of the payment result (step P18).

[0119] When the order receiving unit 252 confirms that the payment has been made successfully, it issues a transaction ID and stores the order information and the like in the order management table Td in association with the transaction ID (step P19). Next, the order receiving unit 252 notifies the store terminal 30 of the store selling the ordered product of the order details based on the stored order information (step P20). In response, the order management unit 354 of the store terminal 30 displays the notified order details on the display unit 306, thereby notifying the customer that the order has been placed (step P21).

[0120] The order receiving unit 252 also notifies the user terminal 10 that the order has been received by transmitting the issued transaction ID, etc. to the user terminal 10 (step P22). In the user terminal 10, the order support unit 154, in response to the notification from the server device 20, associates the transaction ID with the order information and stores it, thereby managing it as information on an ordered item.

[0121] The following describes an example of processing performed by the server device 20. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of menu screen providing processing performed by the server device 20. This processing corresponds to steps P11 to P13 described with reference to Fig. 11.

[0122] First, the order receiving unit 252 waits until it receives access from the user terminal 10 (step S11; No). When the order receiving unit 252 receives access from the user terminal 10 (step S11; Yes), it determines whether the access is within the business hours of the commercial facility based on the date and time of the access and the business hours of the commercial facility (step S12).

[0123] If it is determined that the commercial facility is outside its business hours (step S12; No), the order receiving unit 252 provides the user terminal 10 with a menu screen that does not allow product orders from any store in the commercial facility (food court) (step S13), and terminates the processing.

[0124] Furthermore, if it is determined that the commercial facility is open (step S12; Yes), the order receiving unit 252 determines whether it is open to all stores based on the access date and time of the user terminal 10 and the opening hours of each store (step S14).

[0125] If it is determined that all stores are open (step S14; Yes), the order receiving unit 252 provides the user terminal 10 with a menu screen that allows ordering of products from all stores (step S15), and ends the process.

[0126] Furthermore, if it is determined that some stores are outside business hours (step S14; No), the order receiving unit 252 will not allow orders for products at stores determined to be outside business hours, and will provide the user terminal 10 with a menu screen that allows orders for products at stores determined to be within business hours (step S16), and will terminate the process.

[0127] As described above, when the access date and time of the user terminal 10 falls outside the business hours of any of the stores, the server device 20 provides a menu screen that disables ordering of products sold at the store that is closed. This allows the server device 20 to control the order availability status of products sold at each store on a store-by-store basis based on the business hours of each store. Therefore, the server device 20 can provide the user with a menu screen that takes into account the business hours of each store, thereby improving convenience when ordering products sold at multiple stores.

[0128] Furthermore, for multiple stores located in the same commercial facility (or food court), the server device 20 provides a menu screen that disables ordering of products sold at all stores when the access date and time of the user terminal 10 is outside the business hours of the commercial facility, based on the business hours of each store and the business hours of the commercial facility. This allows the server device 20 to disable orders for all stores at once when the access date and time of the user terminal 10 is outside the business hours of the commercial facility. This allows the server device 20 to control the order availability status of products sold at each store on a larger commercial facility basis, thereby efficiently controlling the order availability status.

[0129] The above-described embodiments can be modified as needed by partially changing the configuration or functions of each of the above-described devices. Therefore, below, several modifications of the above-described embodiments will be described as other embodiments. The following mainly focuses on differences from the above-described embodiments, and detailed descriptions of commonalities with the contents already described will be omitted. The modifications described below may be implemented individually or in appropriate combination.

[0130] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, the server device 20 is configured to accept orders from the user terminal 10 for products sold at stores located in the same commercial facility (food court), but the target stores are not limited to this. Specifically, the server device 20 may be configured to accept orders even from stores outside the commercial facility. For example, the server device 20 may be configured to accept orders for products sold at stores located in the same area.

[0131] (Variation 2) In the above-described embodiment, when the preparation of the ordered product is completed, a preparation completion notification is sent to the user terminal 10 via the server device 20, but this is not limited to this, and the preparation completion notification may also be sent directly from the store terminal 30 of each store to the user terminal 10.

[0132] In this case, for example, when the server device 20 notifies the store terminal 30 of the order contents, the store terminal 30 can be notified of the terminal ID associated with the order information of the order contents, thereby making it possible for the store terminal 30 to notify the user terminal 10.

[0133] (Variation 3) In the above embodiment, the server device 20 provides the menu screen in response to the first access from the user terminal 10, but the timing for providing the menu screen is not limited to this.

[0134] For example, even after a menu screen is displayed on the user terminal 10, the server device 20 may provide the latest menu screen in response to an operation to redisplay (or update) the menu screen performed on the user terminal 10. As an example, when an instruction to return to the menu screen is given from an operation screen other than the menu screen on the user terminal 10, the order receiving unit 252 may provide the user terminal 10 with a menu screen based on the latest information. More specifically, in cooperation with the order support unit 154, the order receiving unit 252 may determine the timing at which an instruction to return to the menu screen is given as the access timing, and provide the user terminal 10 with a menu screen based on the access date and time.

[0135] This allows the latest menu screen to be displayed on the user terminal 10. Therefore, for example, if the server device 20 is accessed just before the opening time of a commercial facility and then the opening time arrives, it is possible to continue ordering products sold at each store.

[0136] The programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments are provided in advance in a ROM, etc. The programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments may be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable file format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0137] Furthermore, the programs executed by each device of the above-described embodiments may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network.Furthermore, the programs executed by each device of the above-described embodiments may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0138] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1 Order System 10 User terminal 20 Server device 30 store terminals 40 Payment Server 151 Communication control unit 152 Display control unit 153 Operation control section 154 Order Support Department 251 Communication Control Unit 252 Order Reception Department 253 Payment Processing Unit 351 Communication Control Unit 352 Display control unit 353 Operation control section 354 Order Management Department [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0140] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-5852

Claims

1. a storage means for storing the opening hours of each of a plurality of stores; Accepting means for accepting access from a user terminal; a providing means for providing the user terminal with a menu screen on which products sold at each of the plurality of stores can be ordered; Equipped with The providing means is a server device that, when the access date and time of the user terminal falls outside the business hours of any of the stores, provides a menu screen that makes it impossible to order products sold at stores that are closed.

2. the storage means stores the business hours of each of a plurality of stores located in the same commercial facility and the business hours of the commercial facility; The server device according to claim 1, wherein the providing means provides a menu screen that makes it impossible to order products sold at all stores in the commercial facility when the access date and time of the user terminal is outside the business hours of the commercial facility.

3. the providing means switches the form of the menu screen in accordance with the time zone of the access date and time when the access date and time of the user terminal is outside the business hours of the commercial facility. The server device according to claim 2 .

4. when the access date and time of the user terminal is outside the business hours of the commercial facility, the providing means switches the form of the menu screen according to the time difference between the access date and time and the opening time of the commercial facility immediately after the access date and time; The server device according to claim 2 .

5. the providing means switches the form of the menu screen between a first form in which merchandise sold at each of the stores is displayed in a visible state and a second form in which merchandise sold at each of the stores is displayed in an invisible state; 5. The server device according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The computer of the server device, Accepting means for accepting access from a user terminal; providing means for providing the user terminal with a menu screen on which products sold at each of a plurality of stores can be ordered; It functions as The providing means is a program that, based on the business days and hours of each of the plurality of stores stored in the storage means, provides a menu screen in which, if the access date and time of the user terminal falls outside the business hours of any of the stores, products sold at the store that is closed cannot be ordered.

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