Ordering device and program

Abstract

We provide an ordering device and program that can appropriately present available payment methods to customers. [Solution] The ordering device includes an operation display unit (display unit), a settlement screen for settling the price of the order, and an initial screen 510 including a payment method display button 514 (operation button for displaying payment method) that is displayed before the settlement screen, which are displayed on the operation display unit, and a control unit that executes control related to the order. In response to the operation of the payment method display button 514, the control unit displays the payment methods available to the customer on the operation display unit via an intermediate screen 520.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an order device that accepts an order by an operation from a customer and a program that causes the order device to execute a predetermined function.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, in stores adopting a self-order system, an order device that accepts an order by an operation from a customer is installed. After a customer operates the order device to select a product they desire, they perform a payment settlement operation. Thereby, order information including information on the selected product is transmitted to and displayed on a store terminal. A store clerk provides the products displayed on the store terminal to the customer in the order of reception.

[0003] Conventionally, such an order device generally used a cash settlement method. In contrast, recently, order devices that can also support settlement methods using credit cards or electronic money using IC cards have been installed in stores. Furthermore, there are cases where order devices are installed in stores that can perform settlement using electronic money by displaying a two-dimensional barcode on a portable terminal by an application program installed on the portable terminal.

[0004] Under such circumstances, a customer needs to know what settlement methods the order device to be operated supports, and also needs to know what types or services (operators) of settlement can be used in settlement using credit cards, IC cards, or two-dimensional barcodes.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a ticket vending machine that, upon customer operation, issues tickets corresponding to the selected products after product selection and payment processing. This ticket vending machine displays at least an initial screen shown before the customer starts operation and a payment screen shown when payment is made after product selection. In this case, the first display area of ​​the initial screen displays the payment methods that the customer can select, and the payment screen displays the payment methods that the customer can select in a second display area that is larger than the first display area.

[0006] In this way, by displaying available payment methods not only on the checkout screen but also on the initial screen, customers can find out in advance whether they can pay using their intended payment method before selecting products, allowing them to smoothly proceed with selecting their desired products and settling the payment. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7487925 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Incidentally, the initial screen of an ordering device may include advertising information such as an introduction to the store and recommended products. Also, recently, with the increase in foreign tourists, the initial screen may include buttons to allow customers to select the language (Japanese / English / Chinese, etc.) in which explanations and product names are displayed on each screen for ordering. Furthermore, if an ordering device is installed in a restaurant that offers takeout, the initial screen may also include selection buttons to allow customers to choose between dining in or taking the product to go.

[0009] When advertising information and various buttons are placed on the initial screen in this manner, and as described in Patent Document 1 above, if the payment methods available to the customer are also displayed on the initial screen, the display area for the payment methods is naturally limited to a small area. As a result, the types of IC cards and barcode payments that can be selected are displayed as very small shapes, making these displays difficult for customers to see.

[0010] Furthermore, displaying payment methods in this way could lead unfamiliar customers to mistakenly believe that the display area is an interactive element, potentially hindering smooth operation. Additionally, the placement of the payment method display area may restrict the available space for other information, such as advertisements and various buttons. As a result, the advertisements and buttons may be harder to see compared to when the payment method display is not included on the initial screen.

[0011] On the other hand, customers who have visited the store multiple times are already familiar with the payment methods available at that store based on their previous visits. Therefore, for such customers, there is no need to display the payment methods on the initial screen.

[0012] In view of these challenges, the present invention aims to provide an ordering device and program that can appropriately present available payment methods to customers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] A first aspect of the present invention relates to an ordering device that accepts orders through customer operation. The ordering device according to this aspect includes a display unit and An order screen for receiving orders from the aforementioned customer, and the received A payment screen for settling the order price, and the aforementioned order Displayed in front of the screen 、 Operation buttons for displaying payment methods and an operation button to proceed to the aforementioned order screen The system includes a control unit which causes the display unit to display a screen including the above and executes control related to the order. For displaying payment methods In response to the operation of the control buttons, the display unit will show the payment methods available to the customer.

[0014] According to the ordering device of this embodiment, when the operation button for displaying payment methods is operated, the payment methods available to the customer are displayed before the settlement screen is displayed. Therefore, the customer can understand the payment methods appropriately before settlement and proceed with the settlement operation smoothly. In addition, since the display of payment methods can be omitted from the initial screen, other information can be displayed in an easy-to-read manner. Furthermore, since the payment methods are displayed in response to the operation of the operation button, various payment methods can be displayed in a large and easy-to-read manner. Thus, according to the ordering device of this embodiment, the available payment methods can be appropriately presented to the customer.

[0015] In the ordering device according to this embodiment, the control unit has an initial screen that is displayed before the customer starts the operation, The aforementioned Order screen and ,before The system displays the payment screen on the display unit and executes control related to the order, and the initial screen displays the operation buttons for displaying the payment method. and an operation button to proceed to the aforementioned order screen The screen includes the above, and the control unit is the For displaying payment methods Depending on the operation of the operation buttons, the display unit may be configured to show an intermediate screen indicating the payment methods available to the customer before the order screen is displayed.

[0016] With this configuration, the initial screen includes an operation button for displaying payment methods, allowing customers to understand the available payment methods at an early stage. Furthermore, an intermediate screen displaying payment methods appears before the order screen, enabling customers to smoothly proceed with their order after confirming the displayed payment methods. Additionally, because the payment methods are displayed prominently on a separate intermediate screen, customers can easily and clearly understand the payment options. Moreover, since only an operation button for displaying payment methods needs to be added to the initial screen, there are no significant restrictions on the display of other information included on the initial screen, allowing other information to be displayed clearly.

[0017] In this configuration, the order device may be configured to receive an order regarding the provision of food and beverages, and the intermediate screen may be configured to include selection buttons for selecting either in-store dining or takeout.

[0018] According to this configuration, when an operation button for displaying the payment method is operated on the initial screen and the screen transitions to the intermediate screen, the selection buttons can be operated on the intermediate screen. Therefore, the customer can smoothly proceed with confirming the available payment methods and selecting either in-store dining / takeout.

[0019] In the order device according to this aspect, the intermediate screen may be configured to include operation items capable of receiving a selection of the payment method.

[0020] According to this configuration, the customer can select a payment method on the intermediate screen and smoothly proceed with the selection of the payment method.

[0021] In this case, the order screen may be configured to include a display of the payment method selected on the intermediate screen.

[0022] According to this configuration, the customer can proceed with the order operation while confirming the payment method selected by themselves on the order screen. Therefore, the customer can smoothly proceed with the order and settlement.

[0023] In this configuration, the settlement screen may be configured to include operation items capable of changing the payment method selected on the intermediate screen.

[0024] According to this configuration, since the customer can appropriately change the payment method selected on the intermediate screen on the settlement screen, the settlement for the order can be smoothly proceeded.

[0025] Furthermore, in this configuration, the order screen may include a payment method change button for changing the payment method selected on the intermediate screen, and the control unit may, in response to the operation of the payment method change button, hold provisional information of the order made up to that point on the order screen and redisplay the intermediate screen, and the redisplayed intermediate screen may include an order return button for returning the display screen to the order screen, and the control unit may, in response to the operation of the order return button, redisplay the order screen, and the redisplayed order screen may include the display of provisional information of the order and the display of the latest payment method.

[0026] This configuration allows customers to return to an intermediate screen at any time during the ordering process to change their payment method, and then return to the order screen to continue their order from where they left off. This enhances customer convenience.

[0027] In the ordering device configured as described above, the control unit may be configured to acquire indicator information showing the congestion status of the store where the ordering device is installed, and to disable the operation buttons for displaying the payment method based on the indicator information showing that the congestion status exceeds a certain standard.

[0028] With this configuration, when the store is crowded, the display of intermediate screens is omitted, thus reducing the time required to place an order at the ordering machine. Therefore, congestion caused by customers queuing at the ordering machine can be alleviated.

[0029] In the ordering device with the above configuration, the initial screen may include a language selection button for selecting a language to be used for display from a plurality of languages, and the control unit may be configured to change the display form of the intermediate screen according to the selected language.

[0030] This configuration allows customers in each language region to easily confirm whether they can use their preferred payment method in their own country by differentiating the display format of the intermediate screen to prioritize payment methods that are commonly used in the selected language country. This thus enhances customer convenience.

[0033] This invention 2 This aspect relates to a program that causes a control unit of an order-taking device, which accepts orders based on customer operations, to execute a predetermined function. The program according to this aspect is: An order screen for receiving orders from the aforementioned customer, and the received A payment screen for settling the order price, and the aforementioned order Displayed in front of the screen 、 Operation buttons for displaying payment methods and an operation button to proceed to the aforementioned order screen A function to display a screen including the above and to perform control related to the order, For displaying payment methods Depending on the operation of the control buttons, the payment methods available to the customer To represent The control unit is instructed to perform the function of displaying the information.

[0034] According to the program of this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be achieved.

[0036] According to the program of this embodiment, the same effects as those of the second embodiment described above can be achieved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0037] As described above, the present invention provides an ordering device and program that can appropriately present available payment methods to customers.

[0038] The effects and significance of the present invention will become even clearer from the description of the embodiments shown below. However, the embodiments shown below are merely examples of how to implement the present invention, and the present invention is not limited in any way to those described in the embodiments below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the ordering system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ordering system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the main control operations performed by the control unit of the order device when receiving an order from a customer, according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Figures 4(a) to 4(c) schematically show examples of the configurations of the initial screen, intermediate screen, and order screen according to Embodiment 1, respectively. [Figure 5] Figures 5(a) and 5(b) schematically show examples of the configuration of the order screen and the payment screen according to Embodiment 1, respectively. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the main control operations performed by the control unit of the ordering device when receiving an order from a customer, according to Modification Example 1. [Figure 7] Figures 7(a) and 7(b) schematically show example configurations of the intermediate screen and order screen related to Change Example 1, respectively. [Figure 8] Figure 8(a) schematically shows an example of the configuration of the redisplayed intermediate screen related to Change Example 1. Figure 8(b) schematically shows an example of the configuration of the redisplayed order screen related to Change Example 1. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the control for restricting the display of payment methods related to Change Example 2. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the process that the control unit executes in response to the operation of the language selection button, according to Change Example 3. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the main control operations performed by the control unit of the ordering device when receiving an order from a customer, according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 12] Figures 12(a) to 12(c) schematically show examples of the configurations of the screen saver, intermediate screen, and order screen according to Embodiment 2, respectively. [Figure 13] Figures 13(a) and 13(b) schematically show examples of the configuration of the container purchase screen and product distribution screen according to Embodiment 3, respectively. Figure 13(c) schematically shows an example of the configuration of the settlement screen according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the distribution screen displayed on the store terminal according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 15] Figures 15(a) and 15(b) schematically show examples of the configuration of the product distribution screen when multiple orders of the same type of product are placed, according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 16] Figure 16(a) schematically shows an example of the configuration of the product distribution screen according to Embodiment 3 when only one storage container is ordered. Figure 16(b) schematically shows an example of the configuration of the product distribution screen according to a modified example of Embodiment 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0041] <Embodiment 1> Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the ordering system 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0042] The ordering system 1 comprises an ordering device 10, a server 20, and a store terminal 30. The ordering device 10 is installed in the store and handles the store's products. The ordering device 10 receives orders from customers. Once payment for an order is completed, the ordering device 10 prints out a receipt containing order information for the ordered products and transmits the order information to the server 20. The order information includes identification information for the ordered products and a reference number for providing the products to the customer.

[0043] Server 20 can communicate with the ordering device 10 and the store terminal 30 via an external network 40 such as the Internet. Server 20 stores the order information received from the ordering device 10 and transmits the order information to the store terminal 30.

[0044] The store terminal 30 is installed in the store and accessed by store staff. The store terminal 30 is, for example, a tablet device. The store terminal 30 displays order information received from the server 20. Store staff refer to the order information displayed on the store terminal 30, prepare the products included in the order information, and provide the products to the customer with the order number included in the order information.

[0045] The store where the ordering device 10 is installed is, for example, a restaurant. In this case, the store is a hamburger shop. However, it is not limited to this, and the store may be any other type of restaurant, or a store that provides goods other than food and beverages. Furthermore, the ordering device 10 may be installed in a store or facility that provides services other than goods, such as massage.

[0046] The ordering device 10 has a roughly cubic shaped housing that forms the outer casing of the device. An operation display unit 11, a code reader 12, a receipt output port 13, a payment terminal 14, a banknote processing unit 15, a coin processing unit 16, and a human presence sensor 17 are arranged on the front of the ordering device 10.

[0047] The operation display unit 11 is comprised of a touch panel with a transparent touch sensor positioned on the top surface of the display. The display is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and the touch sensor is, for example, a pressure-sensitive (resistive) touchpad. However, the operation display unit 11 is not limited to this configuration; for example, the touch sensor may be a capacitive touchpad.

[0048] The code reader 12 reads one-dimensional and two-dimensional barcodes held up by the customer. The code reader 12 is used, for example, for electronic money payments using two-dimensional barcodes. In this case, the customer launches an application program installed on their mobile device to display a two-dimensional barcode, such as a QR code (registered trademark), on the mobile device. The customer holds the mobile device displaying the two-dimensional barcode up to the code reader 12 to make an electronic money payment.

[0049] The receipt dispenser 13 dispenses a receipt provided to the customer upon payment. This receipt includes the details of the items ordered by the customer, the unit price of each item and the total amount, information related to the settlement of the total amount, and the aforementioned reference number. The customer receives the items they ordered from the store clerk based on the reference number printed on the receipt.

[0050] The payment terminal 14 accepts payments by credit card and electronic money using IC cards. The payment terminal 14 is equipped with slots for scanning these cards and operation keys for entering PINs, etc.

[0051] The banknote processing unit 15 includes a banknote storage section for storing banknotes of each denomination, a transport section for transporting banknotes, and a denomination identification section for identifying the denomination of the transported banknotes, and performs banknote deposit and withdrawal processing during cash settlement. The coin processing unit 16 includes a coin storage section for storing coins of each denomination, a transport section for transporting coins, and a denomination identification section for identifying the denomination of the transported coins, and performs coin deposit and withdrawal processing during cash settlement.

[0052] The motion sensor 17 detects when a customer is facing the ordering device 10. When the motion sensor 17 detects that a customer is facing the ordering device 10, the operation display unit 11 starts processing to accept the order and process payment. In this process, the initial screen, order screen, and payment screen, which will be described later, are displayed in order, and in response to customer input, an intermediate screen is displayed to inform the customer of the available payment methods.

[0053] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of Order System 1.

[0054] In addition to the configuration shown in Figure 1, the ordering device 10 includes a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, a communication unit 103, a printing unit 104, and a speaker 105.

[0055] The control unit 101 is equipped with an arithmetic processing circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls each part according to the program stored in the memory unit 102. The memory unit 102 is equipped with a storage medium such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory) and stores the program executed by the control unit 101 and various data. The memory unit 102 is also used as a work area when the control unit 101 performs control operations.

[0056] The communication unit 103 communicates with the server 20 under control from the control unit 101. The printing unit 104 generates a receipt by printing on paper under control from the control unit 101, and sends out the generated receipt from the receipt output port 13 (see Figure 1). The speaker 105 outputs a predetermined sound under control from the control unit 101. The sound from the speaker 105 is output to the outside through an audio output window (not shown) formed in the housing of the ordering device 10.

[0057] The server 20 comprises a control unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a communication unit 203. The control unit 201 is equipped with an arithmetic processing circuit such as a CPU and controls each unit according to the program stored in the storage unit 202. The storage unit 202 is equipped with a storage medium such as ROM, RAM, or hard disk and stores the program executed by the control unit 201 and various data, and is also used as a work area when the control unit 201 performs control. The communication unit 203 communicates with the communication unit 103 of the ordering device 10 and the store terminal 30 under control from the control unit 201.

[0058] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the main control operations performed by the control unit 101 of the ordering device 10 when it receives an order from a customer.

[0059] When the motion sensor 17 detects that a customer is facing the ordering device 10, the control unit 101 executes the process shown in Figure 3. Until a customer faces the ordering device 10, the operation display unit 11 does not display a screen for accepting orders. When the motion sensor 17 detects that a customer is facing the ordering device 10, the control unit 101 executes the process shown in Figure 3 to display a series of screens for accepting orders.

[0060] The control unit 101 first displays the initial screen described below on the operation display unit 11 (S101) and accepts an operation on the initial screen. The initial screen includes an operation button for displaying the payment method (payment method display button) and an operation item for the customer to select either the type of product to be provided, i.e., in-store dining or product to go (takeout) (product type selection button). If the customer operates the product type selection button without operating the payment method display button (S102: NO) (S103: YES), the control unit 101 displays an order screen on the operation display unit 11 corresponding to the product type selected by the customer (S106).

[0061] On the other hand, if the customer operates the payment method display button without operating the service type selection button (S103: NO), the control unit 101 displays an intermediate screen showing the available payment methods on the operation display unit 11 (S104). This intermediate screen also includes the same service type selection button as the initial screen. If the customer refers to the payment methods displayed on the intermediate screen and then operates the service type selection button on the intermediate screen (S105: YES), the control unit 101 displays an order screen on the operation display unit 11 corresponding to the service type selected by the customer (S106).

[0062] The order screen includes multiple product selection items for selecting a range of products available from the store. After the customer selects the product selection item corresponding to their desired product, they press the confirmation button to finalize the order (S107), at which point the control unit 101 displays the payment screen (S108). The payment screen includes the payment amount and a payment method selection item for selecting a payment method. The payment methods in the payment method selection item correspond to the same payment methods displayed on the intermediate screen. After the customer selects their desired payment method and completes the payment using that method (S109: YES), the control unit 101 executes the order management process (S110). Specifically, the control unit 101 sends a receipt corresponding to the customer's order to the printing unit 104, and further sends the order information corresponding to the customer's order to the server 20. With this, the control unit 101 completes the process shown in Figure 3.

[0063] The control unit 201 of the server 20 stores and manages the order information received from the ordering device 10 in the storage unit 202 in step S110 of Figure 3, and also transmits the received order information to the store terminal 30. The store terminal 30 displays the received order information. This allows the store staff to understand the new order and prepare the goods related to that order. The store staff then provides the prepared goods to the customer with the reference number included in the order information. In this way, the process from ordering to providing the goods is completed.

[0064] Figures 4(a) to 4(c) schematically show examples of the configurations of the initial screen 510, intermediate screen 520, and order screen 530 that are displayed by the process shown in Figure 3.

[0065] The initial screen 510, the intermediate screen 520, and the order screen 530 are displayed in steps S101, S104, and S106 of Figure 3, respectively.

[0066] First, referring to Figure 4(a), the initial screen 510 includes an advertisement display area 511, offer type selection buttons 512a and 512b, language selection buttons 513a, 513b and 513c, and a payment method display button 514.

[0067] The advertising display area 511 displays information related to the store where the ordering device 10 is installed, such as the store's content (for example, an image of the store) and recommended products (for example, seasonal products). The service type selection buttons 512a and 512b are buttons that allow the customer to choose between eating in the store or taking the product to go (takeout), as described above. If the customer will eat the purchased product in the store, they operate the service type selection button 512a; if the customer will take the purchased product to go without eating it in the store, they operate the service type selection button 512b.

[0068] The language selection buttons 513a, 513b, and 513c are used to select the language to be used for display from several languages. When language selection button 513a is pressed, messages and text on the screen are displayed in Japanese. When language selection button 513b or 513c is pressed, these texts are displayed in English or Chinese.

[0069] The payment method display button 514 is a button for displaying the payment methods available at the store. The payment methods available at the store are pre-configured in the order device 10 by the store's administrator. When the payment method display button 514 is operated, step S102 in Figure 3 becomes YES, and step S104 displays the intermediate screen 520 in Figure 4(b). When either the service type selection button 512a or 512b is operated, step S103 in Figure 3 becomes YES, and step S106 displays the order screen 530 in Figure 4(c).

[0070] Referring to Figure 4(b), the intermediate screen 520 includes a message 521 and a back button 522 in the upper area. Message 521 informs the customer that the available payment methods are shown in the following area. The back button 522 is a button to return the display screen to the initial screen 510. Note that the flowchart in Figure 3 does not show the flow when the back button 522 is operated. If the back button 522 is operated in the middle of the flowchart in Figure 3, the process up to that point is reset and returns to step S101 in Figure 3. This process is the same when the back buttons 532 and 542 included in the respective screens in Figures 4(c) and 5(b) are operated.

[0071] In the center of the intermediate screen 520, the available payment methods are displayed. Here, the available payment methods are shown as cash, electronic money, credit card, and barcode payment.

[0072] The cash item 523, indicating "cash," displays a currency image 523a showing that both banknotes and coins are accepted. The electronic money item 524, indicating "electronic money," displays multiple logos 524a of corresponding IC cards as multiple types of electronic money that can be used. The credit card item 525, indicating "credit card," displays logos 525a of multiple types of credit cards that can be used. The barcode item 526, indicating "barcode payment," displays multiple logos 526a of corresponding payment methods as multiple types of barcode payment that can be used. In Figure 4(b), for convenience, logos 524a, 525a, and 526a are shown with dashed lines, and the image displays are omitted.

[0073] From these displays in the center of the intermediate screen 520, customers can understand that they can use cash, electronic money, credit cards, and barcode payments as payment methods for purchasing goods. Furthermore, from the multiple logos 524a included in the electronic money item 524, the credit card item 525, and the barcode item 526, respectively, they can understand the types of services (businesses) that can be used with each payment method.

[0074] If there are many logos 524a for available payment methods, and including all logos 524a in the electronic money item 524 would make each logo 524a too small and difficult to grasp smoothly, then each logo 524a may be displayed larger, and the logos 524a displayed in the electronic money item 524 may be changed by horizontal scrolling (flick, swipe, etc.) on the electronic money item 524. The same applies to the display in the credit card item 525 and the barcode item 526. In these cases, it would be good to include further messages prompting the customer to scroll through each item.

[0075] Alternatively, the intermediate screen 520 could display, for example, only the electronic money item 524 in a large size in the center, and the remaining payment methods—cash item 523, credit card item 525, and barcode item 526—could be displayed sequentially by scrolling across the center of the intermediate screen 520. In this case as well, it would be preferable to include a message prompting the customer to scroll across the center of the intermediate screen 520.

[0076] However, with this method, only the electronic money item 524 is displayed as a payment method item on the initial intermediate screen 520, so the customer cannot see the other payment methods. Therefore, in order to efficiently let the customer know the available payment methods, it is preferable that the initial intermediate screen 520 includes the cash item 523, electronic money item 524, credit card item 525, and barcode item 526, which correspond to all available payment methods.

[0077] At the bottom of the intermediate screen 520, the same type selection buttons 527a and 527b as those on the initial screen 510 in Figure 4(a) are displayed. When either type selection button 527a or 527b is pressed, step S105 in Figure 3 becomes YES, and step S106 displays the order screen 530 in Figure 4(c).

[0078] Referring to Figure 4(c), the order screen 530 includes messages 531a and 531b and a back button 522 in the upper area. Message 531a indicates whether the customer has selected dine-in or take-out for the service type selection buttons 512a and 512b in Figure 4(a) or 527a and 527b in Figure 4(b). In this case, the customer has selected take-out. Therefore, the products available for selection on the order screen 530 are limited to those that are available for take-out, and products that are only available for dine-in are excluded. Message 531b prompts the customer to select the desired product. The back button 532 is a button to return the display screen to the initial screen 510.

[0079] The area below message 531b is divided into two sections, left and right. The right-hand section, R1, displays multiple product selection items 533 for selecting products. Here, multiple product selection items 533 are displayed, categorized into hamburger sets and individual hamburgers. If there are too many selectable products to display all product selection items 533 in section R1, it may be possible to scroll through section R1 to view the displayed product selection items 533 vertically. Each product selection item 533 displays an image of the product, its name, and its unit price. For convenience, the image display area is indicated by a dashed border, and the image rendering is omitted.

[0080] The left-hand area R2 contains multiple product type selection buttons 534 for selecting product types and a confirmation button 535 for confirming the order. Each product type selection button 534 displays the name of the corresponding product type. Here, five product types are available for selection: recommended products, hamburgers, salads, drinks, and fries. In the order screen 530 of Figure 4(c), the hamburger product type selection button 534 is selected. Therefore, the right-hand area R1 displays multiple product selection items 533 corresponding to the group of products that are included in the hamburger product type and are available for takeout.

[0081] The customer selects all desired product selection items 533 from the right-hand area R1, and then operates the confirmation button 535. The selected product selection items 533 are set to have different brightness, color, etc., than the other product selection items 533 to indicate that they are selected. If the selected product selection items 533 are operated again, they are deselected. The customer can select multiple product selection items 533.

[0082] Figure 5(a) shows the state in the order screen 530 where one product selection item 533a has been selected. When the confirmation button 535 is pressed in this state, step S107 in Figure 3 becomes YES, and step S108 displays the checkout screen 540 in Figure 5(b).

[0083] Referring to Figure 5(b), the checkout screen 540 includes messages 541a and 541b and a back button 542 in the upper area. Message 541a prompts the customer to select a payment method. Message 541b displays the payment amount to be settled, that is, the sum of the unit prices of the items selected by the customer on the order screen 530 in Figure 5(a). In this case, only item selection 533a is selected, so message 541b displays 800 yen, which is the unit price of item selection 533a, as the payment amount. The back button 542 is a button to return the displayed screen to the initial screen 510.

[0084] The payment methods available for payment are displayed in the center of the settlement screen 540. The payment methods displayed in the center of the settlement screen 540 are the same as the payment methods displayed on the intermediate screen 520 in Figure 4(b). The center of the settlement screen 540 displays the cash item 543, the electronic money item 544, the credit card item 545, and the barcode item 546, similar to the intermediate screen 520 in Figure 4(b). The currency images 543a and logos 544a, 545a, and 546a included in the cash item 543, the electronic money item 544, the credit card item 545, and the barcode item 546, respectively, are the same as the currency images 523a and logos 524a, 525a, and 526a included in the cash item 523, the electronic money item 524, the credit card item 525, and the barcode item 526, respectively, in the intermediate screen 520 in Figure 4(b).

[0085] However, on the payment screen 540, the cash item 543, electronic money item 544, credit card item 545, and barcode item 546 are selectable items that can be chosen by the customer. The customer operates on the item from cash item 543, electronic money item 544, credit card item 545, and barcode item 546 that corresponds to the payment method they intend to use to pay for their purchase. As a result, the payment screen 540 switches to a payment screen corresponding to the payment method selected by the customer. This payment screen displays the operating procedure for executing the corresponding payment method. This operating procedure may also be announced by voice output from speaker 105.

[0086] At the bottom of the checkout screen 540 is an order return button 547 to return the display screen to the order screen 530. Customers can use the order return button 547 to add or remove items from their purchase.

[0087] Once payment is completed via the payment screen 540, step S109 in Figure 3 becomes YES, and step S110 initiates the order management process. This completes the order acceptance process for that customer. Subsequently, the control unit 101, in step S101 in Figure 3, displays the initial screen 510 in Figure 4(a) again to accept the order for the next customer. In this way, each screen is displayed sequentially for each customer, and the order processing is executed.

[0088] Figures 4(a) to 5(b) show various screens for placing an order. The control unit 101 may also output message audio related to each screen to the speaker 105. For example, in the display of the intermediate screen 520 in Figure 4(b), the control unit 101 may further output audio corresponding to message 521 and audio explaining the types of available payment methods to the speaker 105. This allows customers to proceed with ordering and payment more smoothly.

[0089] <Effects of Embodiment 1> According to Embodiment 1, the following effects can be achieved.

[0090] As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4(a), the ordering device 10 includes an operation display unit 11 (display unit), a settlement screen 540 for settling the order price, and an initial screen 510 (screen including operation buttons) which includes a payment method display button 514 (operation button for displaying payment methods) that is displayed before the settlement screen 540, and a control unit 101 that performs control related to the order by displaying these on the operation display unit 11 (display unit). As shown in Figures 3 and 4(a) to (c), the control unit 101 displays the payment methods available to the customer on the operation display unit 11 (display unit) in response to an operation on the payment method display button 514 (S102: YES) (S104).

[0091] With this configuration, when the payment method display button 514 is operated, the intermediate screen 520 displays the payment methods available to the customer before the settlement screen 540 is displayed. Therefore, the customer can understand the payment methods appropriately before settlement and proceed smoothly with the settlement operation. In addition, since the display of payment methods can be omitted from the initial screen 510, other information such as advertising information can be displayed in an easy-to-read manner. Furthermore, since the payment methods are displayed by operating the payment method display button 514 (operation button), various payment methods can be displayed in a large and easy-to-read manner. Thus, the ordering device 10 according to Embodiment 1 can appropriately present the customer with the available payment methods.

[0092] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 4(a), (c), and 5(a), (b), the control unit 101 displays an initial screen 510, which is displayed before the customer starts an operation, an order screen 530 for accepting an order from the customer, and a settlement screen 540 for settling the payment for the accepted order on the operation display unit 11 (display unit), and performs control related to the order. As shown in Figure 4(a), the initial screen 510 includes a payment method display button 514 (operation button for displaying payment methods). As shown in Figures 3 and 4(a) to (c), in response to an operation on the payment method display button 514 (S102: YES), the control unit 101 displays an intermediate screen 520 on the operation display unit 11 (display unit) that shows the payment methods available to the customer before the order screen 530 is displayed (S104).

[0093] With this configuration, the payment method display button 514 (an operation button for displaying payment methods) is included in the initial screen 510, so customers can understand the available payment methods at an early stage. Also, since the intermediate screen 520 is displayed before the order screen 530 and the payment methods are shown, customers can smoothly place an order on the order screen 530 after confirming the displayed payment methods. Furthermore, because the payment methods are displayed on the separately displayed intermediate screen 520, the payment methods can be displayed prominently, allowing customers to understand the payment methods appropriately without confusion. Moreover, since only the payment method display button 514 (an operation button for displaying payment methods) needs to be added to the initial screen 510, there are no significant restrictions on the display of other information included in the initial screen 510, and other information can be displayed in an easy-to-read manner.

[0094] As shown in Figures 4(a) to 4(c), the ordering device 10 accepts orders for food and beverages, and the intermediate screen 520 includes selection buttons 527a and 527b (selection buttons for choosing either dine-in or take-out).

[0095] With this configuration, when the payment method display button 514 is operated on the initial screen 510 and the user moves to the intermediate screen 520, the service type selection buttons 527a and 527b can be operated on the intermediate screen 520. Therefore, the customer can smoothly proceed with confirming the available payment methods and selecting between dine-in and takeout.

[0096] <Example of change 1> In Embodiment 1 described above, only the available payment methods were displayed on the intermediate screen 520. In contrast, in Modified Example 1, the available payment methods can be further selected on the intermediate screen 520. Furthermore, in Modified Example 1, when transitioning from the intermediate screen 520 to the order screen 530, the selected payment method is displayed on the order screen 530, and the order screen 530 includes an operation button that allows the user to return from the order screen 530 to the intermediate screen 520 and change the payment method.

[0097] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the main control operations performed by the control unit 101 of the ordering device 10 when receiving an order from a customer, according to Modification Example 1.

[0098] For convenience, Figure 6 shows the steps S106 to S108 in the flowchart of Figure 3. In Modification Example 1, steps S121 to S126 are added to the flowchart of Figure 3.

[0099] If the order screen 530 is displayed via the intermediate screen 520 (S121:YES), the control unit 101 determines whether the payment method change button for changing the payment method has been operated on the order screen 530 (S122). If the payment method change button has been operated (S122:YES), the control unit 101 stores the order details related to the products selected up to that point on the order screen 530 in the storage unit 102 (S123), and redisplays the intermediate screen 520 (S124). The redisplayed intermediate screen 520 includes an order return button for returning the display screen to the order screen 530.

[0100] When the order recovery button is pressed (S125: YES), the control unit 101 redisplays the order screen 530 and reflects the order details stored in step S123 on the redisplayed order screen (S126). This allows the customer to continue the order from the state immediately before changing the payment method in step S122. If the customer changes the payment method on the intermediate screen 520 that is redisplayed in step S124, the changed payment method will be displayed on the order screen 530 that is redisplayed in step S126. After redisplaying the order screen 530 in this way, the control unit 101 returns to step S107 and executes the subsequent processes.

[0101] Figures 7(a) and 7(b) schematically show example configurations of the intermediate screen 520 and the order screen 530 related to change example 1, respectively. The order screen 530 in Figure 7(b) is displayed when either the service type selection button 527a or 527b is operated on the intermediate screen 520 in Figure 7(a).

[0102] The intermediate screen 520 in Figure 7(a) is displayed when the payment method display button 514 in Figure 4(a) is operated. The configuration of this intermediate screen 520 is generally the same as that of Figure 4(b). However, in the intermediate screen 520 of Figure 7(a), the cash item 523, electronic money item 524, credit card item 525, and barcode item 526 are selectable. These items include marks 523b, 524b, 525b, and 526b to indicate that they are selectable.

[0103] In the intermediate screen 520 of Figure 7(a), when either the service type selection button 527a or 527b is operated, the order screen 530 of Figure 7(b) is displayed. Compared to the order screen 530 of Figure 4(c), the order screen 530 of Figure 7(b) includes a message 531c and a payment method change button 536. Message 531c displays the payment method selected in the intermediate screen 520 of Figure 7(a). In this case, after the barcode item 526 was operated in the intermediate screen 520 of Figure 7(a), the service type selection button 527b was operated, and the order screen 530 of Figure 7(b) is displayed. Therefore, message 531c indicates that barcode payment has been selected.

[0104] Furthermore, in the intermediate screen 520 of Figure 7(a), if the cash item 523, electronic money item 524, credit card item 525, and barcode item 526 are not operated, and either of the service type selection buttons 527a or 527b is operated, and the order screen 530 of Figure 7(b) is displayed, then the message 531c will indicate that no payment method has been selected (for example, displaying "Payment method not selected").

[0105] In the order screen 530 in Figure 7(b), when the customer operates the payment method change button 536, step S122 in Figure 6 becomes YES, and step S124 causes the intermediate screen 520 to be displayed again (S124).

[0106] Figure 8(a) is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the re-displayed intermediate screen 520.

[0107] The redisplayed intermediate screen 520 is the same as the intermediate screen 520 in Figure 7(a), but the service type selection buttons 527a and 527b are omitted, and an order return button 528 is added. Furthermore, in the redisplayed intermediate screen 520, the item corresponding to the currently selected payment method among the cash item 523, electronic money item 524, credit card item 525, and barcode item 526 is highlighted in a way that distinguishes it from the other items. Here, the barcode item 526 corresponding to the currently selected barcode payment is highlighted.

[0108] The customer operates on the item for the payment method they wish to change from among the cash item 523, electronic money item 524, credit card item 525, and barcode item 526, and then operates the order return button 528. As a result, step S125 in Figure 6 becomes YES, and step S126 causes the order screen 530 in Figure 8(b) to be redisplayed. The configuration of the redisplayed order screen 530 is the same as the order screen 530 in Figure 7(b).

[0109] However, in the redisplayed order screen 530, the content of message 531c is changed to reflect the changed payment method. In addition, the display of area R1 in the redisplayed order screen 530 retains the selections of product selection items 533a and 533b that were selected before the payment method change button 536 was operated on the order screen 530 in Figure 7(b). This allows the customer to proceed with the order smoothly.

[0110] Furthermore, the settlement screen 540 displayed when the confirmation button 535 is operated on the order screen 530 in Figure 7(b) or Figure 8(b), that is, the settlement screen 540 displayed in step S108 of Figure 6, has the same configuration as in Figure 5(b). Therefore, the customer can also change the payment method selected on the intermediate screen 520 on the settlement screen 540. However, this is not limited to this case; if the confirmation button 535 is operated on the order screen 530 after the payment method has been selected on the intermediate screen 520, the display of the settlement screen 540 in Figure 5(b) may be omitted, and the settlement screen corresponding to the payment method selected on the intermediate screen 520 may be displayed. As described above, this settlement screen displays the operating procedure for executing the corresponding payment method.

[0111] <Effect of Change Example 1> As shown in Figure 7(a), the intermediate screen 520 includes a cash item 523, an electronic money item 524, a credit card item 525, and a barcode item 526 (operation item) that can accept the selection of a payment method, and as shown in Figure 7(b), the order screen 530 includes a message 531c as a display of the payment method selected on the intermediate screen 520.

[0112] With this configuration, customers can select a payment method on the intermediate screen 520 and proceed with the order while confirming their selected payment method on the order screen 530. Therefore, customers can proceed with ordering and payment smoothly.

[0113] As described above, in Change Example 1 as well, when the confirmation button 535 is pressed on the order screen 530 in Figure 7(b) or Figure 8(b), a settlement screen 540 similar to that in Figure 5(b) is displayed. This settlement screen 540 includes a cash item 543, an electronic money item 544, a credit card item 545, and a barcode item 546 (operation item) which allow the user to change the payment method selected on the intermediate screen 520.

[0114] With this configuration, customers can change the payment method they selected on the intermediate screen 520 as needed on the settlement screen 540, thus enabling smooth settlement of orders.

[0115] As shown in Figures 7(b) and 8(b), the order screen 530 includes a payment method change button 536 for changing the payment method selected on the intermediate screen 520. In the flowchart of Figure 6, the control unit 101, in response to the operation of the payment method change button 536 (S122:YES), retains the contents of the order made up to that point (provisional information) on the order screen 530 (S123), and redisplays the intermediate screen 520 (S124). The redisplayed intermediate screen 520 includes an order return button 528 for returning the display screen to the order screen 530, as shown in Figure 8(a). The control unit 101, in response to the operation of the order return button 528 (S125:YES), redisplays the order screen 530 (S126). The redisplayed order screen 530 includes the display of product selection items 533a and 533b indicating the contents of the order (provisional information) stored in step S123, and the display of a message 531c indicating the latest payment method.

[0116] With this configuration, customers can return to the intermediate screen 520 at any time during the ordering process to change their payment method, and after changing the payment method, they can return to the order screen 530 and continue ordering from where they left off. Therefore, customer convenience can be enhanced.

[0117] <Example of change 2> In Embodiment 1 described above, the customer could optionally display available payment methods on the initial screen 510. In contrast, in Modified Example 2, the display of available payment methods is restricted when the store is crowded.

[0118] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the control for restricting the display of payment methods related to Change Example 2.

[0119] The control unit 101 acquires indicator information showing the store's congestion status (S201) and determines whether the congestion status exceeds a certain standard based on the acquired indicator information (S202). If the determination in step S202 is YES, the control unit 201 disables the payment method display button 514 included in the initial screen 510 (S203), and if the determination in step S202 is NO, it enables the payment method display button 514 included in the initial screen 510 (S204).

[0120] In step S201, the control unit 101 acquires, for example, the number of order operations (processes from order initiation to settlement completion) received within a recent fixed period (for example, 10 minutes), i.e., the frequency of order operations, as congestion index information. In this case, in step S202, the control unit 101 determines whether this frequency exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0121] Alternatively, in step S201, the control unit 101 may acquire the number of orders currently pending, that is, the number of orders for which the goods have not yet been delivered to the customer, as congestion indicator information. In this case, in step S202, the control unit 101 determines whether or not this number of orders exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0122] Alternatively, if the control unit 101 can acquire images captured by a camera capable of capturing images of customers near the ordering device 10, the control unit 101 may, in step S201, analyze these images to obtain the number of customers (customer faces) included in the captured images and acquire the number of acquired customers as congestion index information. In this case, the control unit 101 may, in step S202, determine whether the number of customers exceeds a predetermined threshold. The camera may be integrated with the ordering device 10, or a camera located separately from the ordering device 10 may be used.

[0123] In step S203, the control unit 101 may gray out the payment method display button 514 to make it inoperable, or it may remove the payment method display button 514 from the initial screen 510. In step S204, the control unit 101, as in Embodiment 1 above, displays the payment method display button 514 on the initial screen 510 in an operable state and accepts an operation on the payment method display button 514.

[0124] <Effect of Change Example 2> As shown in Figure 9, the control unit 101 acquires congestion index information indicating the congestion status of the store where the ordering device 10 is installed (S201), and based on the congestion index information indicating that the congestion status exceeds a certain standard (S202: YES), it disables the payment method display button 514.

[0125] With this configuration, the display of the intermediate screen 520 is omitted when the store is crowded, thus reducing the time required for ordering operations at the ordering device 10. Therefore, congestion caused by customers lining up at the ordering device 10 can be alleviated.

[0126] <Example of change 3> In Embodiment 1 described above, the available payment methods were displayed on the intermediate screen 520 in a predetermined layout. In contrast, in Modification Example 3, the layout of the payment method display on the intermediate screen 520 is changed according to the operation of the language selection buttons 513a, 513b, and 513c in Figure 4(a). More specifically, the control unit 101 displays the payment method that is easier for customers in the region corresponding to the selected language to use on the intermediate screen 520, prioritizing it over other payment methods.

[0127] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the processes that the control unit 101 executes in response to the operation of the language selection buttons 513a, 513b, and 513c.

[0128] When the initial screen 510 is displayed, if any of the language selection buttons 513a, 513b, or 513c are operated and a predetermined language is selected (S301: YES), the control unit 101 changes the language display on the initial screen 510 and each subsequent screen to the selected language (S302). The control unit 101 then sets the display layout of the payment method displayed on the intermediate screen 520 and the settlement screen 540 to a layout corresponding to the selected language (S303). The storage unit 102 has pre-stored display layouts for the payment method for each language selected by the language selection buttons 513a, 513b, and 513c. In step S303, the control unit 101 applies the display layout corresponding to the selected language to the display of the payment method on the intermediate screen 520 and the settlement screen 540.

[0129] For example, if the selected language is English or Chinese, the customer may be assumed to be a foreigner. In this case, it may be assumed that the customer would find it easier to use credit cards or barcode payment methods that are also accepted in their home country, rather than paying with Japanese currency (cash). Therefore, in this case, the display layout of the payment methods is changed in the intermediate screen 520 of Figure 4(b) so that, for example, the credit card item 525 is placed at the top and the barcode item 526 is placed second from the top.

[0130] Furthermore, if the selected language is Chinese, the layout of logo 526a in barcode item 526 will be changed so that the logos of barcode payment methods commonly used in China are arranged sequentially from the top left corner to the right. Similarly, for electronic money item 524 and credit card item 525, the layout of logos 524a and 525a will be changed so that the logos of payment methods commonly used in China are arranged sequentially from the top left corner to the right.

[0131] The display layout of the payment method on the settlement screen 540 may also be changed in the same way as described above.

[0132] <Effect of Change Example 3> As shown in Figure 4(a), the initial screen 510 includes language selection buttons 513a, 513b, and 513c for selecting a language to be used for display from several types of languages, and in the flowchart of Figure 10, the control unit 101 changes the display format of the intermediate screen 520 according to the selected language (S303).

[0133] With this configuration, as described above, the display format of the intermediate screen 520 is changed to prioritize the display of payment methods that are likely to be used in the country of the selected language, for example, payment methods that are widespread and established in that country. This allows customers in each language region to easily check whether they can use the payment method they use in their own country. Therefore, customer convenience can be improved.

[0134] <Embodiment 2> In Embodiment 2, a screen saver is displayed on the operation display unit 11 until the customer is facing the ordering device 10. The configuration of the ordering system 1 and the ordering device 10 is the same as that of Embodiment 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0135] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the main control operations performed by the control unit 101 of the ordering device 10 when receiving an order from a customer, according to Embodiment 2.

[0136] The flowchart in Figure 11 is the same as the flowchart in Figure 3, but with steps S101-S105 replaced by steps S131-S134. The processing from step S106 onwards is the same as the processing from step S106 onwards in Figure 3.

[0137] The control unit 101 first displays a screen saver on the operation display unit 11 (S131). Then, when the motion sensor 17 detects that a customer is facing the ordering device 10 (S132: YES), the control unit 101 displays an intermediate screen on the operation display unit 11 (S133). The intermediate screen displayed here includes a display of the payment methods available to the customer, as well as the same service type selection button and language selection button as in Embodiment 1 above. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the customer faced the device (for example, a few seconds), the display may switch from the screen saver to the intermediate screen.

[0138] When the service type selection button included in the intermediate screen is operated (S134: YES), the control unit 101 displays the order screen (S106). As described above, the processing from step S106 onwards is the same as in Embodiment 1 above.

[0139] Figures 12(a) to 12(c) schematically show examples of the configurations of the screen saver 550, intermediate screen 560, and order screen 530 according to Embodiment 2, respectively.

[0140] Referring to Figure 12(a), the screen saver 550 comprises only an advertising display area 551. Similar to Embodiment 1, the advertising display area 551 displays information related to the store's advertising, such as the store's contents (e.g., an image of the store) and recommended products (e.g., seasonal products). Since the advertising display area 551 is larger than the advertising display area 511 in Figure 4(a), the information related to advertising can be displayed more clearly. The content displayed in the advertising display area 551 can also be made more detailed compared to the advertising display area 511 in Figure 4(a).

[0141] Referring to Figure 12(b), the intermediate screen 560 is equipped with language selection buttons 561a to 561c and service type selection buttons 562a and 562b at its top. The language selection buttons 561a to 561c are the same as the language selection buttons 513a to 513c in Figure 4(a), and the service type selection buttons 562a and 562b are the same as the service type selection buttons 512a and 512b in Figure 4(a).

[0142] The area below the service type selection buttons 562a and 562b displays the available payment methods. Specifically, this area displays items similar to those in the center of Figure 4(b). The cash item 563, electronic money item 564, credit card item 565, and barcode item 566 are the same as the cash item 523, electronic money item 524, credit card item 525, and barcode item 526 in Figure 4(b), respectively. The cash item 563 displays a currency image 563a, while the electronic money item 524, credit card item 525, and barcode item 526 display the logos 564a, 565a, and 566a of the available services.

[0143] When the screen saver 550 shown in Figure 12(a) is displayed and the customer faces the ordering device 10, step S132 in Figure 11 becomes YES, and step S133 displays the intermediate screen 560 shown in Figure 12(b). The customer can refer to the intermediate screen 560 to understand the available payment methods. When either the service type selection button 562a or 562b is operated on the intermediate screen 560, step S134 in Figure 11 becomes YES, and step S106 displays the order screen 530 shown in Figure 12(c).

[0144] The configuration of the order screen 530 is the same as the order screen 530 in Figure 4(c) in Embodiment 1. After an item is selected on the order screen 530, when the confirmation button 535 is pressed, step S107 in Figure 11 becomes YES, and step S108 displays the payment screen 540 in Figure 5(b). Subsequent processing and screen transitions are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0145] <Effects of Embodiment 2> As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 11, 122, the ordering device 10 includes an operation display unit 11 (display unit), a human presence sensor 17 (sensor) that detects the approach of a customer to the ordering device 10, a screen saver 550 containing information about the store where the ordering device 10 is installed, an intermediate screen 560 that is switched from the screen saver 550 based on the detection of a customer by the human presence sensor 17, an order screen 530 that is displayed after the intermediate screen 560 for accepting orders from customers, and a settlement screen 540 for settling the payment for accepted orders, which are displayed on the operation display unit 11 (display unit), and a control unit 101 that executes control related to orders. The intermediate screen 560 includes a display of payment methods available to the customer (cash item 563, electronic money item 564, credit card item 565, and barcode item 566).

[0146] With this configuration, when a customer approaches the ordering device 10 and the screen transitions from the screen saver 550 to the intermediate screen 560, the payment methods available to the customer are displayed. This allows the customer to smoothly confirm the available payment methods before placing an order. Furthermore, since information about the store where the ordering device 10 is installed (advertisement display area 551) is included in the screen saver 550, this type of information can be displayed clearly on the screen saver 550. Also, since the display of this type of information can be omitted on the intermediate screen 560, the payment methods can be displayed on the intermediate screen 560 in a large and easy-to-read manner. Moreover, since the screen saver 550 is essentially an initial screen displayed before the customer starts operating, and automatically switches to the intermediate screen 560 upon the customer's arrival, even if the intermediate screen 560 is displayed before the ordering screen 530, it does not significantly affect the flow of operations from ordering to payment. In this way, the ordering device 10 according to this embodiment can appropriately present the available payment methods to the customer.

[0147] Furthermore, the configurations of the above modified examples 1 and 3 may also be applied to the configuration of Embodiment 2.

[0148] <Embodiment 3> In Embodiment 3, when "takeaway" is selected as the type of product provided, the ordering device 10 is further configured to process the purchase of a storage container (bag, box) for taking the product home.

[0149] In other words, in Embodiment 3, customers can purchase storage containers to take home their take-out items. Information regarding the purchase of storage containers is transmitted to the store terminal 30 along with the order information and displayed on the store terminal 30. However, in this case, it is usually left to the discretion of the store staff which items go into which storage containers. In this case, for example, if a customer wants to pack their purchased items into two storage containers, one for souvenirs and one for home, the customer must either verbally instruct the store staff which items go into each container, or the customer must repackage the items into each container themselves.

[0150] In Embodiment 3, control to avoid such cumbersome tasks is performed in conjunction with the purchase of storage containers. Specifically, when an order is placed using the ordering device 10, the control unit 101 processes the customer to specify which storage container to use for which product. This process is added between steps S107 and S108 in the flowchart of Figure 3.

[0151] Figures 13(a) and 13(b) schematically show examples of the configuration of the container purchase screen 570 and the product distribution screen 580 according to Embodiment 3, respectively. Figure 13(c) schematically shows an example of the configuration of the settlement screen 540 according to Embodiment 3. The configuration of the settlement screen 540 is the same as the configuration in Figure 5(b).

[0152] In the flowchart of Figure 3, when step S107 is YES, the control unit 101 displays the container purchase screen 570 shown in Figure 13(a) on the operation display unit 11.

[0153] At the top of the container purchase screen 570 are the container purchase buttons 571a and 571b. Container purchase button 571a is for purchasing bags at 3 yen each, and container purchase button 571b is for purchasing boxes at 5 yen each. In this example, container purchase button 571a is being operated by the customer.

[0154] In the center of the container purchase screen 570, a list of the products ordered by the customer on the order screen 530 is displayed. Specifically, in the center of the container purchase screen 570, the ordered product display item 572, the delete button 573, and the increase / decrease buttons 574 are displayed in association with each product.

[0155] The ordered product display item 572 includes the product's image, name, and unit price. In Figure 13(a), for convenience, the image is omitted, and the area where the image would normally be displayed is indicated by a dashed border. The delete button 573 is used to remove the product from the order. The increase / decrease button 574 is used to increase or decrease the quantity of the product ordered. Customers can scroll the product list up and down by scrolling vertically around the center of the container purchase screen 570.

[0156] At the bottom of the container purchase screen 570 are the total amount field 575, the product division button 576, the return to order button 577, and the checkout button 578. The total amount field 575 displays the total amount of the ordered products. The product division button 576 is used to specify the distribution of products to the purchased storage containers. If no storage containers have been ordered, the product division button 576 is disabled. The return to order button 577 is used to return the display screen to the order screen 530. The checkout button 578 is used to proceed to the checkout process.

[0157] In the example shown in Figure 13(a), two bags are ordered as storage containers. When the product portioning button 576 is operated in this state, the control unit 101 displays the product distribution screen 580 shown in Figure 13(b) on the operation display unit 11.

[0158] At the top of the product distribution screen 580, a message 581 is displayed prompting the customer to specify how to distribute the ordered products.

[0159] In the center of the product distribution screen 580, a list of products ordered by the customer on the order screen 530 is displayed. Specifically, in the center of the product distribution screen 580, the ordered product display item 582 and the storage container specification buttons 583a and 583b are displayed in association with each product. The ordered product display item 582 is the same as the ordered product display item 572 in Figure 13(a). The storage container specification buttons 583a and 583b are buttons for specifying the storage container to which the product will be stored. Here, one bag (1) is assigned to the storage container specification button 583a, and the other bag (2) is assigned to the storage container specification button 583b. The customer can scroll the display of the product list up and down by scrolling vertically in the center of the product distribution screen 580.

[0160] At the bottom of the product distribution screen 580 are the total amount field 584, the deselection button 585, the order return button 586, and the checkout button 587. The total amount field 584, the order return button 586, and the checkout button 587 are the same as the total amount field 575, the order return button 577, and the checkout button 578 in Figure 13(a). The deselection button 585 is a button used to deselect all the storage destinations for each product that have been specified by operating the storage container specification buttons 583a and 583b.

[0161] Customers can specify the distribution of products into each bag by operating the storage container designation buttons 583a and 583b. When a customer operates either of the storage container designation buttons 583a or 583b, the operated button is highlighted to inform the customer that the button is selected. The highlighting is done, for example, by changing the display color of the button to one that differs from the other buttons.

[0162] When one of the two storage container designation buttons 583a and 583b for the same product is operated, and the other button is then operated, the bag corresponding to the other button is designated as the distribution destination for that product. In this case, the highlighting of one button is cleared, and the other button is highlighted.

[0163] Furthermore, if one of the storage container designation buttons 583a and 583b for the same product is operated, and the other button is operated again, the designation of the distribution destination for that button will be canceled. In this case, the highlighting of the button will be removed, and no bag will be designated as a distribution destination for that product.

[0164] Additionally, if the customer wants to redo the distribution to the two bags from scratch, they can operate the deselect button 585. This resets the distribution destinations for all ordered items, and the container selection buttons 583a and 583b for either item will no longer be highlighted.

[0165] In the example shown in Figure 13(b), one bag (1) is designated as the storage location for the first and fourth items from the top of the product list, and the other bag (2) is designated as the storage location for the remaining items. Once the destination for each item has been specified, the customer operates the checkout button 587. This displays the payment screen 540 shown in Figure 13(c). The subsequent processing is the same as in Embodiment 1 described above.

[0166] However, the order information sent from the order device 10 to the server 20, and then transferred from the server 20 to the store terminal 30, upon completion of payment, further includes information on the distribution destination of each product specified on the product distribution screen 580 in Figure 13(b). Therefore, the store terminal 30 displays the group of ordered products and their reference numbers, along with the storage container to which each product will be allocated. For example, a distribution screen 600 as shown in Figure 14 is displayed on the store terminal 30. The store clerk places each product in its corresponding storage container (storage destination) according to this distribution screen 600. As the store clerk completes storing the product in each storage destination, they check the stored checkbox associated with that product. This ensures that the products corresponding to each storage container are stored correctly.

[0167] Furthermore, in the container purchase screen 570 of Figure 13(a), if the payment button 578 is operated without operating the product portioning button 576, the control unit 101 displays the settlement screen 540 on the operation display unit 11 without displaying the product distribution screen 580. In this case, since the destination for the products is not specified, the order information transmitted to the server 20 and the store terminal 30 does not include information on the destination for each product. Therefore, in this case, the items for storage destination and stored are omitted from the distribution screen 600 of Figure 14, and instead, a message indicating that no destination is specified is displayed on the distribution screen 600. In this case, the store clerk can, for example, provide the customer with the purchased products and storage containers without storing the purchased products in any of the storage containers.

[0168] However, in this case, the store clerk may place the purchased items in one of the storage containers purchased by the customer and provide them to the customer. In this case, a screen similar to that in Figure 14 may be displayed on the store terminal 30 to allow the store clerk to check which storage container each purchased item was placed in. On this screen, the "Storage Destination" item should, for example, allow the store clerk to select the storage container to which each purchased item will be placed through operation. Alternatively, the "Storage Destination" item may be omitted on the screen in Figure 14.

[0169] Figure 15(a) schematically shows an example of the configuration of the product distribution screen 580 when multiple orders for the same type of product are placed.

[0170] In this example, three items from the top row of the product list have been ordered. In this case, an expand button 583c is added to the product distribution screen 580, corresponding to the top row of items. If the customer wants to store the three top row of items in the same bag (storage container), they can operate either the storage container selection button 583a or 583b. In the example in Figure 15(a), the storage destination for the three top row of items is specified as bag (1).

[0171] On the other hand, when distributing the top three items into different bags (storage containers), the customer operates the expand button 583c. This changes the display of the product distribution screen 580 as shown in Figure 15(b). That is, in the product distribution screen 580 described above, the item displayed at the top of the product list (order quantity = 3) is expanded into three individual items, and storage container specification buttons 583a and 583b are associated with each of these three items. The expand button 583c is highlighted to indicate that it has been operated.

[0172] The customer can specify the storage container for each of three items of the same type using the modified product distribution screen 580, as shown in Figure 15(b). In the example in Figure 15(b), one of the three items of the same type is designated as being stored in bag (1), and the other two are designated as being stored in bag (2). When the payment button 587 is pressed and the payment is completed, the information regarding the storage destination of each item specified by the product distribution screen 580 in Figure 15(b) is transmitted to the store terminal 30. Based on this information, the store terminal 30 configures and displays the distribution screen 600 shown in Figure 14.

[0173] Furthermore, in the product distribution screen 580 of Figure 15(b), if the expand button 583c is operated again, the three expanded products of the same type will be consolidated into one and displayed as shown in Figure 15(a). This allows the customer to smoothly specify whether to store multiple products of the same type in the same storage container or to distribute them to different storage containers. The expansion and consolidation of multiple products of the same type is not limited to the method performed by operating and re-operating the expand button 583c; for example, it may also be performed by placing a button for consolidation directly below the expand button 583c in Figure 15(b).

[0174] Figure 16(a) schematically shows an example of the configuration of the product distribution screen 580 when only one storage container (in this case, a bag) is ordered.

[0175] As shown in Figure 16(a), if only one bag is ordered, only the storage container designation button 583a assigned to bag (1) is associated with each product. If the customer wants to store the product in bag (1), they operate the storage container designation button 583a to highlight it. If the customer does not want to store the product in bag (1), they do not operate the storage container designation button 583a, or they deselect it by operating the storage container designation button 583a again, so that the storage container designation button 583a is not highlighted.

[0176] In this case, the sorting screen 600 of the store terminal 30 is configured to indicate whether or not each item should be placed in bag (1). The store clerk places the items designated to be placed in bag (1) into bag (1), and provides the other items to the customer without placing them in bag (1). The customer places the items not placed in bag (1) into, for example, their own reusable bag. This allows the customer to, for example, take home their purchased items separated into souvenirs and items to keep at home.

[0177] Note that the configuration of the product distribution screen 580 is not limited to the configurations shown in Figures 13(b), 15(a), (b), and 16(a). For example, in Figure 13(b), since two storage containers were ordered, the product distribution screen 580 includes two storage container selection buttons 583a and 583b. However, it is sufficient to assign the same number of storage container selection buttons to each product as the number of storage containers ordered. Also, if bags and boxes are ordered as storage containers, then bags and boxes should be assigned to the storage container selection buttons 583a and 583b, respectively.

[0178] Alternatively, instead of assigning a storage container designation button to each product, for example, as shown in Figure 16(b), storage container designation areas 588a and 588b may be arranged, and the storage destination for each product may be specified by dragging and dropping the ordered product display item 582 into either storage container designation area 588a or 588b. In this case, the ordered product display items 582 that were dragged and dropped into the storage container designation areas 588a and 588b will be displayed side by side. Products in the ordered product display item 582 contained in storage container designation area 588a will be designated as being stored in bag (1), and products in the ordered product display item 582 contained in storage container designation area 588b will be designated as being stored in bag (2). The ordered product display items 582 may also be movable between storage container designation areas 588a and 588b by drag-and-drop operation.

[0179] <Effects of Embodiment 3> As described above, according to the configuration of Embodiment 3, the customer can specify in advance in the ordering device 10 where the products ordered on the order screen 530 will be stored. Therefore, when receiving the products, the customer does not have to go through the trouble of instructing the store clerk on where each product should be stored or repacking each product into its respective storage container. Thus, customer convenience can be improved.

[0180] <Other examples of changes> In the above embodiment, cash, electronic money, credit card, and barcode payment were given as examples of payment methods usable in a store where the ordering device 10 is installed, but the usable payment methods are not limited to these. For example, it is not necessary for any of cash, electronic money, credit card, or barcode payment to be available in the store, or other payment methods may also be available. The ordering device 10 only needs to be configured to support at least all payment methods usable in the store where it is installed.

[0181] Furthermore, the configuration of the ordering system 1 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 1; for example, the server 20 may be omitted from the ordering system 1. In this case, the order information transmitted from the ordering device 10 may be transmitted to the store terminal 30 via the store's internal communication network.

[0182] Furthermore, the configuration of the ordering device 10 does not have to be as shown in embodiments 1 to 3 above. For example, the ordering device 10 may be a ticket vending machine that issues meal tickets.

[0183] Furthermore, the configuration of the various screens for placing orders is not limited to the above configuration and may be changed in various ways.

[0184] For example, in the intermediate screen 520 where the language used is Japanese, the cash payment method does not necessarily have to be laid out in the top position; for example, credit card payment may be laid out in the top position. Also, if there is empty space on the initial screen 510, the available payment methods may be included in a small size on the initial screen 510 as well. Furthermore, in the intermediate screen 560 of Embodiment 2 shown in Figure 12(b), an image similar to the image of the advertisement display area 551 in Figure 12(a) may be displayed as the background image. In addition, although the transition from the initial screen 510 to the order screen 530 was triggered by operation on the service type selection buttons 512a and 512b, it is not limited to this, and a separate button for this transition may be placed on the initial screen 510.

[0185] Furthermore, the operation button for displaying the payment method may be included not only on the initial screen 510, but also on screens displayed before the settlement screen 540, such as the order screen 530. In this case as well, similar to the modification example 2 above, the operation button for displaying the payment method may be disabled depending on the congestion level, and the processing in the modification example 3 above may also be applied.

[0186] Furthermore, in embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the types of product provision were assumed to be in-store dining and takeout, but the type of product provision may be either in-store dining or takeout. In this case, the product provision type selection buttons 512a, 512b, 527a, and 527b are omitted from the initial screen 510 and the intermediate screen 520, and the message 531a is omitted from the order screen 530.

[0187] Furthermore, in the above embodiment 2, a human presence sensor 17 was used as a sensor to detect a customer approaching the ordering device 10, but other sensors such as cameras may be used as this sensor.

[0188] Furthermore, the configuration of Embodiment 3 may be applied not only to take-out orders at stores but also to delivery orders using mobile terminals. However, in this case, since it is not assumed that customers will be taking their purchases home in their own bags, the storage location for each product must be specified as one of the designated storage containers.

[0189] In addition, embodiments of the present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0190] 10 Ordering device 11 Operation display section (display section) 17. Motion sensor (sensor) 101 Control Unit 510 Initial screen 512a, 512b Selection button for service type (selection button) 513a~513c Language selection button 514 Payment Method Display Button (Operation button for displaying payment methods) 520 Intermediate screen 523 Cash items 524 Electronic Money Items 525 Credit Card Items 526 barcode items 527a, 527b Selection button for service type (selection button) 528 Order Restoration Button 530 Order screen 531c Message (Display of the latest payment method) 536 Change Payment Method button 540 Payment screen 543 Cash items 544 Electronic Money Items 545 Credit Card Items 546 barcode items 550 Screen Savers 560 Intermediate screen

Claims

1. An ordering device that accepts orders through customer operation, Display unit and The system comprises an order screen for receiving orders from the customer, a settlement screen for settling the payment for the received orders, and a control unit that displays a screen on the display unit that is shown before the order screen and includes operation buttons for displaying payment methods and operation buttons for proceeding to the order screen, and performs control related to the order. The control unit, in response to an operation on the operation button for displaying the payment method, causes the customer to display the payment methods available to them on the display unit. An ordering device characterized by the following features.

2. In the ordering apparatus described in claim 1, The control unit displays the initial screen shown before the customer starts the operation, the order screen, and the payment screen on the display unit, and performs control related to the order. The initial screen is a screen that includes an operation button for displaying the payment method and an operation button for proceeding to the order screen. The control unit, in response to an operation on the operation button for displaying the payment method, causes the display unit to display an intermediate screen showing the payment methods available to the customer before the order screen is displayed. An ordering device characterized by the following features.

3. In the ordering apparatus described in claim 2, The ordering device accepts orders for the provision of food and beverages. The aforementioned intermediate screen includes selection buttons for choosing either dine-in or takeout. An ordering device characterized by the following features.

4. In the ordering apparatus described in claim 2, The aforementioned intermediate screen includes an operation item that allows the selection of the payment method, An ordering device characterized by the following features.

5. In the ordering apparatus described in claim 4, The order screen includes a display of the payment method selected on the intermediate screen. An ordering device characterized by the following features.

6. In the ordering apparatus described in claim 4, The settlement screen includes an operation item that allows the user to change the payment method selected on the intermediate screen. An ordering device characterized by the following features.

7. In the ordering apparatus described in claim 4, The order screen includes a payment method change button for changing the payment method selected on the intermediate screen. The control unit, in response to the operation of the payment method change button, retains provisional information of orders made up to that point on the order screen, and redisplays the intermediate screen. The redisplayed intermediate screen includes an order return button for returning the display screen to the order screen. The control unit, in response to the operation of the order return button, redisplays the order screen, and the redisplayed order screen includes the display of provisional information of the order and the display of the latest payment method. An ordering device characterized by the following features.

8. In the ordering apparatus described in claim 2, The control unit acquires indicator information showing the congestion status of the store where the ordering device is installed, and, based on the indicator information showing that the congestion status exceeds a certain standard, disables the operation button for displaying the payment method. An ordering device characterized by the following features.

9. In the ordering apparatus described in claim 2, The initial screen includes a language selection button for selecting the language to be used for display from several types of languages. The control unit causes the display mode of the intermediate screen to change according to the selected language. An ordering device characterized by the following features.

10. An ordering device that accepts orders for food and beverages from customers, Display unit and The system includes an initial screen displayed before the customer initiates an operation, which includes operation buttons for displaying payment methods; an order screen for receiving orders from the customer; and a settlement screen for settling the payment for accepted orders. The system also includes a control unit that displays these on the display unit and performs control related to the order. The control unit, in response to an operation on the operation button, causes the display unit to display an intermediate screen showing the payment methods available to the customer before the display of the order screen. The aforementioned intermediate screen includes selection buttons for choosing either dine-in or takeout. An ordering device characterized by the following features.

11. An ordering device that accepts orders through customer operation, Display unit and The system includes an initial screen displayed before the customer initiates an operation, which includes operation buttons for displaying payment methods; an order screen for receiving orders from the customer; and a settlement screen for settling the payment for accepted orders. The system also includes a control unit that displays these on the display unit and performs control related to the order. The control unit, in response to an operation on the operation button, causes the display unit to display an intermediate screen showing the payment methods available to the customer before the display of the order screen. The aforementioned intermediate screen includes an operation item that allows the selection of the payment method, The order screen includes a display of the payment method selected on the intermediate screen. An ordering device characterized by the following features.

12. An ordering device that accepts orders through customer operation, Display unit and The system includes an initial screen displayed before the customer initiates an operation, which includes operation buttons for displaying payment methods; an order screen for receiving orders from the customer; and a settlement screen for settling the payment for accepted orders. The system also includes a control unit that displays these on the display unit and performs control related to the order. The control unit, in response to an operation on the operation button, causes the display unit to display an intermediate screen showing the payment methods available to the customer before the display of the order screen. The aforementioned intermediate screen includes an operation item that allows the selection of the payment method, The order screen includes a payment method change button for changing the payment method selected on the intermediate screen. The control unit, in response to the operation of the payment method change button, retains provisional information of orders made up to that point on the order screen, and redisplays the intermediate screen. The redisplayed intermediate screen includes an order return button for returning the display screen to the order screen. The control unit, in response to the operation of the order return button, redisplays the order screen, and the redisplayed order screen includes the display of provisional information of the order and the display of the latest payment method. An ordering device characterized by the following features.

13. In the control unit of the order taking device that accepts orders from customers, A function that controls orders by displaying an order screen for receiving orders from the customer, a settlement screen for settling the payment for the received orders, and a screen that is displayed before the order screen and includes operation buttons for displaying payment methods and operation buttons for proceeding to the order screen, A program that performs a function to display the payment methods available to the customer in response to an operation on the operation button for displaying the payment method.

14. In the control unit of an ordering device that receives orders for food and beverages from customers, A function that displays an initial screen, including operation buttons for displaying payment methods, which is shown before the customer starts an operation; an order screen for accepting the customer's order; and a settlement screen for settling the payment for the accepted order, and performs control related to the order. In response to an operation on the aforementioned operation button, the system executes a function that displays an intermediate screen showing the payment methods available to the customer before the order screen is displayed. The aforementioned intermediate screen is a program that includes selection buttons for choosing either dine-in or take-out.

15. In the control unit of the order taking device that accepts orders from customers, A function that displays an initial screen, including operation buttons for displaying payment methods, which is shown before the customer starts an operation; an order screen for accepting the customer's order; and a settlement screen for settling the payment for the accepted order, and performs control related to the order. In response to an operation on the aforementioned operation button, the system executes a function that displays an intermediate screen showing the payment methods available to the customer before the order screen is displayed. The aforementioned intermediate screen includes an operation item that allows the selection of the payment method, The order screen is a program that includes a display of the payment method selected on the intermediate screen.

16. In the control unit of the order taking device that accepts orders from customers, A function that displays an initial screen, including operation buttons for displaying payment methods, which is shown before the customer starts an operation; an order screen for accepting the customer's order; and a settlement screen for settling the payment for the accepted order, and performs control related to the order. In response to an operation on the aforementioned operation button, the system executes a function that displays an intermediate screen showing the payment methods available to the customer before the order screen is displayed. The aforementioned intermediate screen includes an operation item that allows the selection of the payment method, The order screen includes a payment method change button for changing the payment method selected on the intermediate screen. Furthermore, the control unit is instructed to execute a function in response to the operation of the payment method change button, which holds provisional information of orders made up to that point on the order screen and redisplays the intermediate screen, and the redisplayed intermediate screen includes an order return button for returning the display screen to the order screen. Furthermore, the control unit is instructed to execute a function to redisplay the order screen in response to the operation of the order return button, and the redisplayed order screen includes a program that displays provisional information of the order and the latest payment method.

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