Store departure notification system, store departure notification method, and program

Abstract

To provide a store leaving notification system which can improve turnover ratio of users to contribute to sale increase.SOLUTION: A store leaving notification system 1 comprises: a store leaving request coefficient determination unit 311 which determines a store leaving request time coefficient on the basis of utilization ratio of a seat 50 of a user 60 to a table 40 of a store 100; a store leaving request time determination unit 312 which determines store leaving request time on the basis of the determined store leaving request time coefficient; and a notification unit 313 which starts timer countdown of the store leaving request time to perform notification for requesting the user to leave a store when the determined store leaving request time elapses.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a store closure notice system, a store closure notice method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in the food service industry such as coffee shops and family restaurants, increasing the turnover rate of customers directly contributes to improving sales. However, there are also customers who stay in the store all day over a single cup of coffee, etc., and use the store for a long time, which has become a major problem of loss of sales opportunities. Therefore, although operations such as having store staff monitor the situation of customers in the store and talk to them are attempted, the burden on the staff is also large, and directly talking face to face has been stressful for the staff.

[0003] Also, depending on the composition of the customers, such as an elderly group or a family with infants, it is necessary to allow a certain amount of time, and the burden of relying on the staff for such judgments has also been large.

[0004] Therefore, for example, a technique has been proposed in which it is added every time the elapsed time since an order is input on a terminal elapses, and when no additional order is input on the terminal even after the set monitoring time has elapsed, an order reminder notice is transmitted to the terminal according to the value of a reminder flag (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, stores were tracking customers' entry times and having staff monitor their clocks to directly approach customers who were staying for extended periods to encourage them to leave. This added a significant workload to the already busy tasks of taking orders and serving food. Furthermore, direct approaches sometimes resulted in resistance from customers, causing considerable stress. In larger stores in particular, the large number of customers made it extremely difficult for staff to monitor the situation of each individual customer.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a store departure notification system that can improve customer turnover and contribute to increased sales. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the store departure notification system of the present invention is used in stores Each table placed in the relevant location A customer departure prompting coefficient determination unit determines a customer departure prompting time coefficient based on the seating rate of customers at tables, In the aforementioned table unit, A customer departure reminder time determination unit determines the customer departure reminder time based on the determined customer departure reminder time coefficient, In the aforementioned table unit, The system is characterized by comprising: a notification unit that starts a timer countdown for the time to be urged to leave the store, and when the determined time to be urged to leave has elapsed, it notifies the user to leave the store.

[0009] Furthermore, the store departure notification method of the present invention is a store departure notification method executed by a computer of a store departure notification system, and the store Each table placed in the relevant location The system is characterized by determining a customer departure time coefficient based on the seating rate of customers at tables, determining the departure time based on the determined customer departure time coefficient, starting a timer countdown for the departure time, and, once the determined departure time has elapsed, notifying the customer to leave the premises.

[0010] Furthermore, the program of the present invention sends a message to the computer of the store departure notification system. Each table placed in the relevant locationThe system is characterized by determining a customer departure time coefficient based on the seating rate of customers at tables, determining the customer departure time based on the determined customer departure time coefficient, starting a timer countdown for the customer departure time, and executing a process to notify the customer to leave once the determined customer departure time has elapsed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the turnover rate of customers and contribute to increased sales. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the store departure notification system in this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of an ordering terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of a handheld terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of a store exit notification device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of a store exit notification system including a store exit notification device in this embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of an age group table stored in the memory unit. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a menu type table stored in the memory unit. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a customer unit price table stored in the memory unit. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a seat information table stored in the memory unit. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a seat occupancy rate table stored in the memory unit. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the first congestion prediction table stored in the memory unit. [Figure 12]It is a diagram showing an example of a second congestion prediction table stored in a memory unit. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a store closure notice process executed by a store closure notice system. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a store closure notice process executed by a store closure notice system. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a store closure urging time determination process executed by a store closure notice device of a store closure notice system.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, a store closure notice system including a store closure notice device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a store closure notice system 1 in the present embodiment.

[0014] The store closure notice system 1 includes ordering terminals 10-1, 10-2,... 10-n (n≧1), a handy terminal 20, and a store closure notice device 30. The store closure notice device 30 and the ordering terminals 10-1, 10-2,... 10-n are communicably connected by wireless communication. Similarly, the store closure notice device 30 and the handy terminal 20 are communicably connected by wireless communication. The type of wireless communication is not particularly limited, and Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc. can be used.

[0015] The store closure notice system 1 is used, for example, in a food service store 100 such as a coffee shop or a family restaurant where users sit at seats 50 arranged at tables 40-1, 40-2,... 40-n and use the facilities. When the tables 40-1, 40-2,... 40-n are not particularly distinguished for description, they will be hereinafter also referred to as "table 40". The store 100 is not limited to the food service industry, and may be a store 100 of other industries where users sit at seats 50 arranged at tables 40 and use the facilities.

[0016] At least one seat 50 is provided for every n tables 40-1, 40-2, ... 40-n. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, four seats 50 are provided for table 40-1, four seats 50 are provided for table 40-2, and two seats 50 are provided for table 40-n. Each seat 50 is configured to accommodate at least one user 60.

[0017] Ordering terminals 10-1, 10-2, ... 10-n are tablet terminals placed for every n tables 40. Unless otherwise specified, ordering terminals 10-1, 10-2, ... 10-n will also be referred to as "ordering terminal 10" below. Ordering terminal 10 is not limited to tablet terminals; any small terminal capable of input and output is acceptable. For example, a smartphone, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or notebook PC (Personal Computer) can be used as ordering terminal 10. Ordering terminal 10 can accept product orders based on the operations of users 60 seated at tables 40. In addition, ordering terminal 10 can notify users 60 seated at tables 40 of messages sent from the departure notification device 30.

[0018] The handheld terminal 20 is a tablet device held by the store clerk 70 of store 100. The handheld terminal 20 is not limited to a tablet device; any small device capable of input and output is acceptable. For example, a smartphone, PDA, or notebook PC can be used as the handheld terminal 20. Based on the operation of the store clerk 70, when a user 60 enters the store, the handheld terminal 20 can accept input of the table name, the number of users 60, and the age group of users 60. In addition, the handheld terminal 20 can notify the user 60 via the store clerk 70 of messages sent from the store departure notification device 30.

[0019] The departure notification device 30 is a server managed by the store manager (e.g., employee 70) of the store 100. The departure notification device 30 is not limited to a server; any terminal with a control unit can be used. For example, a desktop PC, notebook PC, smartphone, PDA, etc., can be used as the departure notification device 30. The departure notification device 30 manages the usage time of the user 60 of the store 100 and changes the threshold time based on the usage rate parameter of the user 60's seat 50 relative to the table 40 of the store 100. Then, when the user 60's usage time exceeds a predetermined threshold time, the departure notification device 30 can send a notification to the user 60 prompting them to leave the store. The specific processing by the departure notification device 30 will be described later.

[0020] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an ordering terminal 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] The ordering terminal 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a display unit 13, an input unit 14, and a communication interface 15. The ordering terminal 10 may also have other hardware configurations not shown in Figure 2. The ordering terminal 10 can be composed of, for example, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or a notebook PC (Personal Computer).

[0022] The control unit 11 comprehensively controls the entire ordering terminal 10 and has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) that reads programs and executes control processing.

[0023] The control unit 11 controls the overall operation of the ordering terminal 10 by loading programs stored in the RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), etc., of the storage unit 12 into the RAM of the storage unit 12 and executing them sequentially. The control unit 11 controls the overall operation of the ordering terminal 10 by executing various programs such as OS (Operating System) programs and application programs.

[0024] The storage unit 12 is a RAM, ROM, HDD, SSD, etc., and stores programs executed by the control unit 11, various setting information, etc. The storage unit 12 can also store menu (product) information entered at the ordering terminal 10, and information transmitted from the store exit notification device 30.

[0025] The display unit 13 is, for example, an LCD display, and displays an operation screen, etc., to the user 60 who operates the ordering terminal 10 under the control of the control unit 11. The input unit 14 is a touch panel integrated with the display unit 13 and receives input instructions from the user 60. The input information is notified to the control unit 11. Based on the input instructions from the user 60, the input unit 14 accepts the order for the product.

[0026] The communication interface 15 communicates with the store departure notification device 30 via wireless communication under the control of the control unit 11. The ordering terminal 10 transmits and receives signals sent from the store departure notification device 30 by communicating through the communication interface 15.

[0027] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a handheld terminal 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] The handheld terminal 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a display unit 23, an input unit 24, and a communication interface 25. The handheld terminal 20 may also have other hardware configurations not shown in Figure 3. The handheld terminal 20 can be composed of, for example, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a notebook PC, etc.

[0029] The control unit 21 comprehensively controls the entire handheld terminal 20 and has a CPU (not shown) that reads programs and executes control processing.

[0030] The control unit 21 controls the overall operation of the handheld terminal 20 by loading programs stored in the RAM, ROM, HDD, SSD, etc. of the storage unit 22 into the RAM of the storage unit 22 and executing them sequentially. The control unit 21 controls the overall operation of the handheld terminal 20 by executing various programs such as OS programs and application programs.

[0031] The storage unit 22 is a RAM, ROM, HDD, SSD, etc., and stores programs executed by the control unit 21, various setting information, etc. The storage unit 22 can also store information entered on the handheld terminal 20 and information transmitted from the store exit notification device 30.

[0032] The display unit 23 is, for example, an LCD display, and displays the operation screen, etc., to the store clerk 70 who is operating the handheld terminal 20 under the control of the control unit 21. The input unit 24 is a touch panel integrated with the display unit 23 and receives input instructions from the store clerk 70. The input information is notified to the control unit 21. Based on the input instructions from the store clerk 70, the input unit 24 receives input such as the name of the table the user 60 is seated at, the number of people, and the age group.

[0033] The communication interface 25 communicates with the store departure notification device 30 via wireless communication under the control of the control unit 21. The handheld terminal 20 transmits and receives signals sent from the store departure notification device 30 by communicating via the communication interface 25.

[0034] Figure 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the store exit notification device 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] The store departure notification device 30 includes a device control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a display unit 33, an input unit 34, and a communication interface 35. The store departure notification device 30 may also have other hardware configurations not shown in Figure 4. The store departure notification device 30 can be configured as, for example, a PC, smartphone, tablet terminal, etc.

[0036] The device control unit 31 comprehensively controls the entire store departure notification device 30 and has a CPU (not shown) that reads programs and executes control processing.

[0037] The device control unit 31 controls the overall operation of the store departure notification device 30 by loading programs stored in the RAM, ROM, HDD, SSD, etc. of the storage unit 32 into the RAM of the storage unit 32 and executing them sequentially. The device control unit 31 controls the overall operation of the store departure notification device 30 by executing various programs such as OS programs and application programs.

[0038] The storage unit 32 is a RAM, ROM, HDD, SSD, etc., and stores programs executed by the device control unit 31, various setting information, etc. The storage unit 32 can also store information transmitted from the ordering terminal 10 and information transmitted from the handheld terminal 20. The storage unit 32 also stores various tables as described later.

[0039] The display unit 33 is, for example, an LCD display, and displays an operation screen, etc., to the administrator (for example, an employee 70) who operates the store departure notification system 1 under the control of the device control unit 31. The input unit 34 is a touch panel integrated with the display unit 33 and receives input instructions from the administrator. The input information is notified to the device control unit 31. Based on the administrator's input instructions, the input unit 34 accepts the setting of the threshold time for store departure notification. The threshold time may be set in advance, or it may be set arbitrarily based on the administrator's input instructions.

[0040] The communication interface 35 communicates with the ordering terminal 10 and the handheld terminal 20 via wireless communication under the control of the device control unit 31. The store departure notification device 30 transmits and receives signals sent from the ordering terminal 10 by communicating through the communication interface 35. Similarly, the store departure notification device 30 transmits and receives signals sent from the handheld terminal 20 by communicating through the communication interface 35.

[0041] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the store departure notification system 1, including the store departure notification device 30 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the device control unit 31 of the store departure notification device 30 includes a store departure prompt coefficient determination unit 311, a store departure prompt time determination unit 312, a notification unit 313, and a reward granting unit 314. The device control unit 31 of the store departure notification device 30 may also include other functional configurations not shown in Figure 5. The storage unit 32 of the store departure notification device 30 includes an age group table 321, a menu type table 322, a customer average spending table 323, a seat information table 324, a seat occupancy rate table 325, a first congestion prediction table 326, and a second congestion prediction table 327. The storage unit 12 may also include a database (DB) not shown in Figure 5. The store departure notification device 30 has computer functions and executes the store departure notification process described later according to the store departure notification program.

[0042] When user 60 enters the store, the control unit 21 of the handheld terminal 20 receives the name of the table where user 60 will be seated, the number of users 60, and the age group of users 60, based on the input operation of the store employee 70 to the input unit 24. The control unit 21 of the handheld terminal 20 notifies the exit notification device 30 of the received information of the table name, the number of users 60, and the age group of users 60. The table name is identification information that uniquely identifies tables 40-1, 40-2, and 40-n in Figure 1.

[0043] After the user 60 is seated at a seat 50 on the table 40, the control unit 11 of the ordering terminal 10 accepts the menu (product) to be ordered (hereinafter also referred to as "ordered items") based on the user 60's input operation to the input unit 14. The control unit 11 of the ordering terminal 10 determines whether the acceptance of the ordered items has been confirmed by determining whether or not the input of the order confirmation button (not shown) displayed on the display unit 13 has been accepted. If the acceptance of the ordered items has been confirmed, the control unit 11 of the ordering terminal 10 notifies the exit notification device 30 of the type of ordered items and the total amount of the ordered items.

[0044] The customer departure prompting coefficient determination unit 311 determines the customer departure prompting time coefficient based on the utilization rate of seats 50 of customers 60 relative to tables 40 in store 100 (hereinafter also referred to as the "seat utilization rate"). The seat utilization rate of customers 60 relative to tables 40 is, for example, the proportion of customers 60 who are seated in seats 50 arranged at tables 40.

[0045] The customer departure prompting coefficient determination unit 311 can also determine the customer departure prompting time coefficient based on the age group of the user 60. Furthermore, the customer departure prompting coefficient determination unit 311 can also determine the customer departure prompting time coefficient based on the average customer price of the products ordered by the user 60. Furthermore, the customer departure prompting coefficient determination unit 311 can also determine the customer departure prompting time coefficient based on the attributes of the products ordered by the user 60 at the store 100. Furthermore, the customer departure prompting coefficient determination unit 311 can also determine the customer departure prompting time coefficient based on the seat utilization rate of the entire store 100 (hereinafter also referred to as the "seat utilization rate"). Furthermore, the customer departure prompting coefficient determination unit 311 can also determine the customer departure prompting time coefficient based on the time of day when food and beverages are served at the store 100. The method for determining the customer departure prompting time coefficient will be described later.

[0046] The store departure reminder time determination unit 312 determines the store departure reminder time based on the store departure reminder time coefficient determined by the store departure reminder coefficient determination unit 311. The store departure reminder time determination unit 312 can determine the store departure reminder time by multiplying the store departure reminder standard time by at least one store departure reminder time coefficient determined by the store departure reminder coefficient determination unit 311.

[0047] The standard time for urging customers to leave the store is the time elapsed before urging customers to leave. The time for urging customers to leave can be determined by multiplying the standard time for urging customers to leave by a predetermined time for urging customers to leave coefficient. The time for urging customers to leave coefficients (1st to 6th) are examples of parameters. The method for determining the 1st to 6th time for urging customers to leave coefficients will be explained below.

[0048] The customer departure reminder time determination unit 312 determines the first customer departure reminder time coefficient by referring to the age group table 321. Figure 6 shows an example of the age group table 321 stored in the memory unit 32. As shown in Figure 6, the age group table 321 has a set of age group types and a first customer departure reminder time coefficient corresponding to the age group type. The ages for the age groups can be set arbitrarily. For example, 65 to 100 years old can be set as elderly, 20 to 64 years old as adults, 7 to 19 years old as children, and 0 to 6 years old as infants. If the user 60 seated in seat 50 on table 40 is 50 years old, the customer departure reminder time determination unit 312 refers to the age group table 321 and determines "1" as the first customer departure reminder time coefficient corresponding to adults, which is the age group corresponding to 50 years old.

[0049] If there are multiple users 60, the departure reminder time determination unit 312 determines the highest coefficient among the first departure reminder time coefficients determined based on the age group of the users 60 as the first departure reminder time coefficient. If there are multiple users 60, the departure reminder time determination unit 312 may also determine the lowest coefficient among the first departure reminder time coefficients determined based on the age group of the users as the first departure reminder time coefficient. Alternatively, if there are multiple users 60, the departure reminder time determination unit 312 may also determine the average or median of the first departure reminder time coefficients determined based on the age group of the users as the first departure reminder time coefficient.

[0050] The first exit prompting time coefficient is set to be lower for customers 60 who eat and drink quickly. This allows for a shorter exit prompting time for customers 60 who eat and drink quickly, improving customer turnover and contributing to increased sales.

[0051] On the other hand, the first customer departure time coefficient is set to be higher for customers who eat and drink slowly (60%). This allows for a longer customer departure time for customers who eat and drink slowly (60%), thereby improving customer satisfaction and contributing to increased sales.

[0052] The departure reminder time determination unit 312 determines the second departure reminder time coefficient by referring to the menu type table 322. Figure 7 shows an example of the menu type table 322 stored in the storage unit 32. As shown in Figure 7, the menu type table 322 contains the type of menu (product) and the second departure reminder time coefficient corresponding to the menu type. The menu type can be set arbitrarily. If a user 60 seated at table 40 orders a hamburger, the departure reminder time determination unit 312 refers to the menu type table 322 and determines "1.3" as the second departure reminder time coefficient corresponding to the main menu item that corresponds to the hamburger.

[0053] If multiple items are ordered, the departure reminder time determination unit 312 determines the highest coefficient among the second departure reminder time coefficients determined based on the user's menu as the second departure reminder time coefficient. If multiple items are ordered, the departure reminder time determination unit 312 may also determine the lowest coefficient among the second departure reminder time coefficients determined based on the user's menu as the second departure reminder time coefficient. Alternatively, if multiple items are ordered, the departure reminder time determination unit 312 may also determine the average or median of the second departure reminder time coefficients determined based on the ordered menus as the second departure reminder time coefficient.

[0054] The second exit prompting time coefficient is set to be lower when customers order menu items with a low average customer spend. This allows for shorter exit prompting times for customers with low average customer spends (60), reducing the number of customers who do not contribute to sales, improving the turnover rate of customers (60), and contributing to increased sales.

[0055] On the other hand, the second exit prompting time coefficient is set to be higher when customers order menu items with a high average customer spend. This allows for longer exit prompting times for customers with high average customer spends (60), improving customer satisfaction among these customers who contribute to sales and ultimately contributing to increased sales.

[0056] The customer departure reminder time determination unit 312 determines the third customer departure reminder time coefficient by referring to the customer unit price table 323. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the customer unit price table 323 stored in the storage unit 32. As shown in Figure 8, the customer unit price table 323 contains the customer unit price and the third customer departure reminder time coefficient corresponding to the customer unit price. The customer unit price is the total amount of the menu (products) ordered by the user 60. If there are multiple users 60, the total amount of the menu (products) ordered by each user 60 can be used as the customer unit price.

[0057] The type of customer spending can be set arbitrarily. If a user 60 seated at table 40 orders items priced at "800 yen" and "500 yen," the customer spending will be "1300 yen." In this case, the customer departure time determination unit 312 refers to the customer spending table 323 and determines "1.2" as the third customer departure time coefficient corresponding to customer spending between 1000 yen and 2000 yen.

[0058] The third exit prompting time coefficient is set to decrease as the average customer spending decreases. This allows for shorter exit prompting times for customers with low average spending (60), reducing the number of customers who do not contribute to sales, improving the turnover rate of customers (60), and contributing to increased sales.

[0059] On the other hand, the third exit prompting time coefficient is set to increase as the average customer spending increases. This allows for longer exit prompting times for customers with high average spending (60), improving customer satisfaction among these customers who contribute to sales and ultimately contributing to increased sales.

[0060] The customer departure reminder time determination unit 312 determines the fourth customer departure reminder time coefficient by referring to the seat information table 324 and the seat utilization rate table 325. Figure 9 shows an example of the seat information table 324 stored in the storage unit 32. Figure 10 shows an example of the seat utilization rate table 325 stored in the storage unit 32. The fourth customer departure reminder time coefficient can be determined based on the seat utilization rate of the seats 50 (hereinafter also referred to as the "seat utilization rate"). First, an embodiment for calculating the seat utilization rate will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10.

[0061] The seat information table 324 shown in Figure 9 has the number of seats (hereinafter also referred to as "number of seats") set for each table name A, B, and C. In Figure 9, table names A, B, and C correspond to tables 40-1, 40-2, and 40-n in Figure 1, respectively. As shown in Figures 1 and 9, table names A, B, and C have the number of seats set for 4 people, 4 people, and 2 people, respectively.

[0062] The unit 312 that determines the time to prompt customers to leave calculates the seat occupancy rate by dividing the number of customers 60 seated at each table 40 by the number of seats 50 at each table 40. As shown in Figure 1, if three customers 60 are seated at a four-seater table 40-1 (table name A) which has four seats 50, the unit 312 calculates the seat occupancy rate of customers 60 at table 40-1 (table name A) as (3 / 4) = "75%".

[0063] The customer departure reminder time determination unit 312 determines the fourth customer departure reminder time coefficient based on the calculated seat occupancy rate. The seat occupancy rate table 325 shown in Figure 10 has the fourth customer departure reminder time coefficient set for each seat occupancy rate (%). The seat occupancy rate table 325 has the fourth customer departure reminder time coefficient set for when the seat occupancy rate is below a predetermined percentage.

[0064] The case where the seat occupancy rate calculated in the above embodiment is "75%" will be explained. In the case of a seat occupancy rate of "75%", the departure reminder time determination unit 312 refers to the "80%" column in the seat occupancy rate table 325 shown in Figure 10 and determines "0.9" as the fourth departure reminder time coefficient corresponding to a seat occupancy rate of "80%".

[0065] The fourth exit prompting time coefficient is set to decrease as the seat occupancy rate decreases. This means that if 50 seats are being wasted relative to 40 tables, the exit prompting time can be shortened, improving the turnover rate of 60 customers and contributing to increased sales.

[0066] On the other hand, the fourth exit prompting time coefficient is set to increase as the seat occupancy rate increases. This means that when 50 seats are effectively utilized for 40 tables, the exit prompting time can be extended, improving customer satisfaction among 60 users and contributing to increased sales.

[0067] The customer departure reminder time determination unit 312 determines the fifth customer departure reminder time coefficient by referring to the first congestion prediction table 326. Figure 11 shows an example of the first congestion prediction table 326 stored in the storage unit 32. As shown in Figure 11, the first congestion prediction table 326 contains the seat utilization rate for the entire store 100 and the fifth customer departure reminder time coefficient corresponding to the seat utilization rate for the entire store 100. The seat utilization rate for the entire store 100 is the ratio of the number of users 60 to the total number of seats 50 located in all tables 40-1, 40-2, ... 40-n within the store 100. Information on the total number of seats 50 located in all tables 40-1, 40-2, ... 40-n within the store 100 is stored in advance in the storage unit 32 of the customer departure notification device 30. Information on the number of users 60 can be obtained based on the input operation of the store employee 70 to the input unit 24 of the handheld terminal 20.

[0068] The number of users 60 may be obtained based on the input operations of users 60 to the input unit 14 of the ordering terminal 10. Alternatively, the number of users 60 may be obtained by analyzing captured images obtained by imaging devices such as surveillance cameras (not shown) installed in the store 100. Furthermore, the number of users 60 may be obtained based on reservation information entered by users into a reservation terminal (not shown) when making a reservation at the store 100.

[0069] If the total number of seats 50 in all tables 40-1, 40-2, ..., 40-n within store 100 is "100", and the number of users 60 is "60", then the overall seat occupancy rate of store 100 is "60%". In this case, the store departure reminder time determination unit 312 refers to the first congestion prediction table 326 and determines "0.7" as the fifth store departure reminder time coefficient corresponding to the overall seat occupancy rate of store 100 being "60%".

[0070] The fifth factor, the time required to prompt customers to leave, is set to decrease as the overall seat occupancy rate of the store increases. This allows for shorter customer turnover times when the entire store is crowded, contributing to increased sales.

[0071] On the other hand, the fifth customer departure time coefficient is set to increase as the overall seat occupancy rate of the 100 stores decreases. This allows for longer customer departure times when the 100 stores as a whole are not crowded, thereby improving customer satisfaction and contributing to increased sales.

[0072] The customer departure reminder time determination unit 312 determines the sixth customer departure reminder time coefficient by referring to the second congestion prediction table 327. Figure 12 shows an example of the second congestion prediction table 327 stored in the storage unit 32. As shown in Figure 12, the second congestion prediction table 327 contains the time periods during which food and beverages are served at the store 100, and the sixth customer departure reminder time coefficient corresponding to those time periods. A time period is a fixed period between certain times when the store 100 serves each meal. Dinner time is the time period during which dinner is served, from 18:00 to 21:00; lunch time is the time period during which lunch is served, from 11:00 to 13:00; morning time is the time period during which breakfast is served, from 7:00 to 9:00; and usually, time periods other than dinner time, lunch time, and morning time are set. Each time period can be set arbitrarily. Information on the time period can be obtained from a clock circuit (not shown) that is timed by the customer departure reminder time determination unit 312.

[0073] If user 60 orders a menu item at 12:00, the departure reminder time determination unit 312 determines lunchtime as the time period corresponding to 12:00. In this case, the departure reminder time determination unit 312 refers to the second congestion prediction table 327 and determines "0.8" as the sixth departure reminder time coefficient corresponding to lunchtime.

[0074] The sixth customer departure time coefficient is set to decrease as the store becomes more crowded. This allows for shorter customer departure times when the entire store is crowded, improving the turnover rate of customers and contributing to increased sales.

[0075] On the other hand, the sixth exit prompting time coefficient is set to increase as the store becomes less crowded. This allows for longer exit prompting times when the store as a whole is not crowded, improving customer satisfaction among users and contributing to increased sales.

[0076] The customer departure reminder time determination unit 312 determines the customer departure reminder time by multiplying the customer departure reminder standard time by at least one of the first to sixth customer departure reminder time coefficients determined by the customer departure reminder coefficient determination unit 311.

[0077] The notification unit 313 starts a timer countdown process for the departure reminder time determined by the departure reminder time determination unit 312. During the timer countdown process, the notification unit 313 counts down one second at a time from the departure reminder time determined by the departure reminder time determination unit 312. If the departure reminder time has elapsed as a result of the timer countdown process, that is, if the determined departure reminder time becomes 0, the notification unit 313 sends a notification to the user 60 urging them to leave the store.

[0078] Specifically, the notification unit 313 sends a departure notification to the ordering terminal 10. Upon receiving the departure notification, the ordering terminal 10 displays a departure request screen (not shown) on the display unit 13, prompting the user 60 to leave the store. The departure request screen displays a message requesting the user 60 to leave the store. This allows the store to encourage users 60 who are not contributing to sales to leave, thereby improving the turnover rate of users 60 and contributing to increased sales.

[0079] Furthermore, the notification unit 313 may display a message requesting the user 60 to place an additional order instead of a message requesting the user 60 to leave the store. This can increase the average customer spending per user 60 and contribute to increased sales.

[0080] The reward granting unit 314 grants a reward to the user 60 who has left the store in response to a notification from the notification unit 313. For example, in response to a notification from the notification unit 313 prompting the user 60 to leave the store, the reward granting unit 314 can display a discount coupon that can be used on the next visit, by adding a one-dimensional code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark).

[0081] Users 60 who scan a barcode or QR code (registered trademark) with their smartphone can receive advantageous benefits such as a discount or a free product on their next visit to the store 100 by immediately leaving the store. This encourages users 60 to leave the store, improves the turnover rate of users 60, and contributes to increased sales.

[0082] Next, we will explain the store departure notification process performed by the store departure notification system 1. Figures 13 and 14 show an example of a flowchart of the store departure notification process performed by the store departure notification system 1.

[0083] First, based on the input operation of the handheld terminal 20 by the store clerk 70 to the input section 24, the store 100 accepts the arrival of customers 60 (step S11). Based on the information of table 40 displayed on the handheld terminal 20, the store clerk 70 guides customers 60 to table 40 (step S12).

[0084] The handheld terminal 20 receives information entered by the employee 70 on the input unit 24 of the handheld terminal 20, including the name of the table where the user 60 is seated, the number of users 60, and the age group of users 60. The handheld terminal 20 notifies the exit notification device 30 of the table name, the number of users 60, and the age group of users 60 entered by the employee 70 (step S13).

[0085] Based on the input operations of the user 60 to the input section 14 of the ordering terminal 10, the order is accepted (step S14).

[0086] The control unit 11 of the ordering terminal 10 determines whether or not the order has been confirmed (step S15). In this process, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has received input from an order confirmation button (not shown) based on the user 60's input operation to the input unit 14. If the order has not been confirmed, that is, if it has not received input from an order confirmation button (not shown) based on the user 60's input operation to the input unit 14 (step S15: NO), the process returns to step S14 and waits until the order is confirmed.

[0087] When an order is confirmed, that is, when the user 60 inputs an order confirmation button (not shown) based on the user's input operation to the input unit 14 (step S15: YES), the control unit 11 of the ordering terminal 10 notifies the store departure notification device 30 of the type of ordered items and the total amount of the ordered items received by the user 60 (step S16).

[0088] Based on the order information received from the ordering terminal 10, the store clerk 70 prepares the ordered items (step S17).

[0089] The control unit 21 of the handheld terminal 20 receives the menu type of the ordered item served by the employee 70 based on the employee's input operation to the input unit 24 of the handheld terminal 20. The control unit 21 of the handheld terminal 20 notifies the departure notification device 30 of the menu type of the served ordered item (step S18).

[0090] The control unit 21 of the handheld terminal 20 determines whether or not the serving is complete (step S19). In this process, the control unit 21 determines whether or not it has received input from a serving completion button (not shown) based on the input operation of the employee 70 to the input unit 24. If the serving is not complete, that is, if it has not received input from a serving completion button (not shown) based on the input operation of the employee 70 to the input unit 24 (step S19: NO), the process returns to step S17 and waits until the serving is complete.

[0091] When serving is complete, that is, when the staff member 70 inputs a "serving complete" button (not shown) to the input unit 24 (step S19: YES), the handheld terminal 20 notifies the departure notification device 30 that serving is complete, and the process proceeds to step S20.

[0092] When the handheld terminal 20 receives notification that the meal has been served, the departure notification device 30 executes a process to determine the time to prompt departure, which will be explained later with reference to Figure 15 (step S20).

[0093] Figure 15 shows an example of a flowchart of the process for determining the time to prompt customers to leave, which is performed by the store departure notification device 30 of the store departure notification system 1.

[0094] First, the control unit 31 of the store departure notification device 30 refers to the age group table 321 shown in Figure 6 and determines the first store departure reminder time coefficient (step S31). Next, the control unit 31 of the store departure notification device 30 refers to the menu type table 322 shown in Figure 7 and determines the second store departure reminder time coefficient (step S32). Next, the control unit 31 of the store departure notification device 30 refers to the customer average price table 323 shown in Figure 8 and determines the third store departure reminder time coefficient (step S33).

[0095] Next, the device control unit 31 of the exit notification device 30 refers to the seat information table 324 shown in Figure 9 and calculates the seat occupancy rate from the table name and the number of users 60. Then, the device control unit 31 refers to the seat occupancy rate table 325 shown in Figure 10 and determines the fourth exit prompting time coefficient from the calculated seat occupancy rate (step S34).

[0096] Next, the control unit 31 of the store departure notification device 30 refers to the first congestion prediction table 326 shown in Figure 11 and determines the fifth store departure reminder time coefficient (step S35). Next, the control unit 31 of the store departure notification device 30 refers to the second congestion prediction table 327 shown in Figure 12 and determines the sixth store departure reminder time coefficient (step S36).

[0097] The device control unit 31 of the store departure notification device 30 determines the store departure reminder time by multiplying the first to sixth store departure reminder time coefficients calculated in steps S31 to S36 (step S37). In the above embodiment, the device control unit 31 multiplies all of the first to sixth store departure reminder time coefficients calculated in steps S31 to S36, but this is not limited to this. The device control unit 31 may determine the store departure reminder time by multiplying at least one to five or more of the calculated first to sixth store departure reminder time coefficients. Once this process is completed, the store departure reminder time determination process in Figure 15 is completed, and the process proceeds to step S21 in Figure 14.

[0098] In step S21 of Figure 14, the device control unit 31 of the store departure notification device 30 starts a timer countdown based on the store departure reminder time determined in the store departure reminder time determination process in step S20 (step S21). As a result of starting the timer countdown, the device control unit 31 of the store departure notification device 30 determines whether the user's usage time has exceeded the store departure reminder time (step S22).

[0099] If the user 60's usage time has not exceeded the time limit for prompting them to leave (Step S22: NO), the process will be put into standby mode. If the user 60's usage time has exceeded the time limit for prompting them to leave (Step S22: YES), the device control unit 31 of the departure notification device 30 will send a departure notification to the ordering terminal 10. Upon receiving the departure notification, the ordering terminal 10 will display a departure request screen (not shown) on the display unit 13, which will include a message prompting the user 60 to leave. This will allow the system to encourage users 60 who are not contributing to sales to leave, thereby improving the turnover rate of users 60 and contributing to increased sales. Once this process is complete, the departure notification process executed by the departure notification system 1 will be terminated.

[0100] As described above, the store departure notification system 1 of this embodiment comprises a store departure prompting coefficient determination unit 311, a store departure prompting time determination unit 312, and a notification unit 313. The store departure prompting coefficient determination unit 311 determines a store departure prompting time coefficient based on the utilization rate of seats 50 of the customer 60 relative to tables 40 in the store 100. The store departure prompting time determination unit 312 determines a store departure prompting time based on the store departure prompting time coefficient determined by the store departure prompting coefficient determination unit 311. The notification unit 313 then starts a timer countdown for the store departure prompting time determined by the store departure prompting time determination unit 312 and determines whether the determined store departure prompting time has elapsed. If the determined store departure prompting time has elapsed, the notification unit 313 sends a notification to the customer 60 urging them to leave the store. This improves the turnover rate of the customer 60 and contributes to increased sales.

[0101] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and the components can be modified and implemented in a manner that does not depart from the spirit of the invention during implementation. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, all the components shown in the embodiments may be combined as appropriate. Moreover, components from different embodiments may be combined as appropriate. It goes without saying that various modifications and applications are possible within the scope that does not depart from the spirit of the invention.

[0102] The store departure prompting coefficient determination unit may further determine a store departure prompting time coefficient based on the time the customer placed their last order. This allows the store to prompt customers 60 to leave after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since their last order, thereby improving customer turnover and contributing to increased sales.

[0103] Furthermore, the store departure prompting coefficient determination unit may also determine a store departure prompting time coefficient based on the time it took to serve the last item to the customer. This allows the store to prompt customers 60 who have been served a predetermined amount of time since their last item was served to leave, thereby improving the customer turnover rate and contributing to increased sales. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1: Store Exit Notification System 10, 10-1, 10-2, 10-n: Ordering terminal 11: Control Unit 12: Storage section 13: Display section 14: Input section 15: Communication Interface 20: Handheld terminal 21: Control Unit 22: Storage section 23:Display section 24: Input section 25: Communication Interface 30: Store Exit Notification Device 31: Device Control Unit 32: Storage section 33:Display section 34: Input section 35: Communication Interface 40, 40-1, 40-2, 40-n: Table 50: Seats 60: User 70: Shop staff 100: Stores 311: Determination Department for Customer Departure Coefficient 312: Department for Determining the Time to Urge Customers to Leave the Store 313: Notification Department 314: Special Offer Department 321: Age Group Table 322: Menu Type Table 323: Customer Price Table 324: Seating Information Table 325: Seat occupancy rate table 326: First congestion prediction table 327: Second congestion prediction table

Claims

1. A system for determining the time it takes to prompt customers to leave the store, based on the seating occupancy rate of customers at each table in the store, and A unit for determining the time to prompt a customer to leave, which determines the time to prompt a customer to leave based on the time coefficient for prompting a customer to leave determined for each table, A notification unit that, for each table, starts a timer countdown for the time to prompt the user to leave the store, and when the determined time to prompt the user to leave has elapsed, sends a notification to the user prompting them to leave the store. A store departure notification system characterized by having the following features.

2. The aforementioned store departure prompting coefficient determination unit further determines the store departure prompting time coefficient based on the age group of the user. The store departure notification system according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned store departure prompting coefficient determination unit further determines the store departure prompting time coefficient based on the average customer price of the products ordered by the user. The store departure notification system according to feature 1.

4. The store departure prompting coefficient determination unit further determines the store departure prompting time coefficient based on the attributes of the products ordered by the user at the store. A store departure notification system according to any one of features 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned store departure prompting coefficient determination unit further determines the store departure prompting time coefficient based on the overall seating utilization rate of the store. A store departure notification system according to any one of features 1 to 3.

6. The aforementioned store departure prompting coefficient determination unit further determines the store departure prompting time coefficient based on the time of day when food and beverages are served at the store. A store departure notification system according to any one of features 1 to 3.

7. The system further includes a benefit granting unit that grants benefits to the aforementioned user who leaves the store in response to the aforementioned notification. A store departure notification system according to any one of features 1 to 3.

8. A method for notifying a customer to leave a store, which is performed by a computer in a store departure notification system. Each table in the store The time coefficient for prompting customers to leave the restaurant is determined based on the occupancy rate of the seats at the table in question. The time to ask customers to leave the store is determined based on the aforementioned time coefficient for prompting customers to leave the store. The timer countdown for the time when customers are asked to leave the store is started, and once the determined time has elapsed, a notification is sent to the customer urging them to leave the store. A method for notifying customers of their departure from a store, characterized by the following features.

9. The computer in the store departure notification system, Each table in the store The time coefficient for prompting customers to leave the restaurant is determined based on the occupancy rate of the seats at the table in question. The time to ask customers to leave the store is determined based on the aforementioned time coefficient for prompting customers to leave the store. The timer countdown for the time when customers are asked to leave the store is started, and once the determined time has elapsed, a notification is sent to the customer urging them to leave the store. A program characterized by executing a process.

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