Cooking assistance device and food / drink provision system

Abstract

Provided is a cooking assistance device comprising: an order sequence data generation unit that, upon obtaining food / drink order information, generates order sequence data including an order sequence and commodity items related to a plurality of orders included in a predetermined time period; and a cooking sequence data generation unit that generates cooking sequence data for defining a cooking sequence on the basis of the order sequence data. In particular, the cooking sequence data generation unit generates a cooking sequence definition data set F1 including a plurality of data frames F11, F12, F13 from order sequence data X1, and executes commodity item correction processing on the cooking sequence definition data set F1 to generate cooking sequence data Y1. Further, in the commodity item correction processing, the commodity items set in the respective data frames F11, F12, F13 are rearranged so that commodity items of the same type are included in one or a plurality of data frames in which a difference in the cooking sequence is within a predetermined value.

Description

Cooking support device and food and drink serving system

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking assistance device and a food and drink serving system.

[0002] JP7239950B discloses a cooking support system that identifies items that should be cooked with priority based on the order order, cooking items, and quantity of ordered menu items, and displays this information to the staff (cooks) in the cooking department.

[0003] The above-mentioned JP7239950B does not provide any specific suggestions as to how to identify the food to be prioritized based on the order order of the menu, the food to be cooked, and the quantity. Therefore, in order to actually improve the efficiency of the work, it is desirable to establish a specific process for identifying the food to be prioritized.

[0004] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a cooking assistance device and a food and drink serving system that can make food and drink cooking operations in a store more efficient.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cooking assistance device that determines a cooking order for food and beverages in a kitchen when multiple food and beverage orders are received. The cooking assistance device has an order order data generation unit that, upon receiving food and beverage order information, generates order order data including the order order and product items for multiple orders included within a predetermined time period, and a cooking order data generation unit that generates cooking order data for determining the cooking order based on the order order data.

[0006] In particular, the cooking order data generation unit generates a cooking order definition data set including multiple data frames from the order data. Each data frame contains one or more product items to be cooked simultaneously and is associated with a cooking order. The cooking order data generation unit also generates cooking order data by performing a product item correction process on the cooking order definition data set. The product item correction process then rearranges the product items set in each data frame so that one or more data frames whose cooking orders differ by no more than a predetermined value contain the same type of product item.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a food and drink serving system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a customer-side transport device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram explaining the configuration of a control device. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of order information. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a specific mode of order sequence data. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a specific mode for generating a cooking sequence definition dataset. FIG. 7 shows an example of the correspondence between the preparation positions of ingredient packs placed on a pack placing table and each sector. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a specific mode of cooking item sequence correction processing. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a food and drink transport system.

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is one aspect of the present invention and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiment described below is assumed to be a restaurant that mainly serves sushi as food and drink, but it can also be appropriately adopted in restaurants that serve food and drink other than sushi (rice bowls such as udon, fried chicken, tempura, ramen, yakiniku, etc.).

[0009] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a food and drink providing system 10 according to this embodiment. The food and drink providing system 10 is configured as a system that distributes and delivers plates carrying food and drink (particularly sushi or gunkan) prepared in multiple kitchens K1, K2 (two in Fig. 1) located within a store to each customer seat. Note that each customer seat in this embodiment is a row of multiple customers seats C (six in Fig. 3) shown in Fig. 3, which will be described later. １１ , C １２ , C ２１ , C ２２ , C ３１ , C ３２ , and each individual table C included therein １１１ ~C １１４ , C １２１ ~C １２４ , C ２１１ ~C ２１４ , C ２２１ ~C ２２４ , C ３１１ ~C ３１４ , C ３２１ ~C ３２４ Assume the following.

[0010] Specifically, the food and beverage serving system 10 has a first kitchen conveyor 12, a second kitchen conveyor 32, a customer seating side transport device (such as a branch conveyor 14), and a control device 100.

[0011] The first kitchen conveyor 12 is configured as a belt conveyor that transports plates D, supplied to its downstream end (base end) by a device (not shown) or store staff, within the kitchen, and places cooked sushi on the plates during the transport process and supplies them to the branch conveyor 14. In particular, the first kitchen conveyor 12 in this embodiment is made up of individually driven conveyor units 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, and 12e.

[0012] Conveyor unit 12a is a unit that sends plates D supplied to its downstream end to conveyor unit 12b via sushi rice placement device 21 and first cooking area K1 (sushi pack preparation device 22). Conveyor unit 12a is configured so that it can be switched between driving and stopping by operating manual switch sw1.

[0013] The rice-mounting device 21 is a device that automatically forms rice balls of a shape and size suitable for the subsequent cooking process (attaching of sushi toppings) onto empty plates D supplied to the conveyor unit 12a.

[0014] The ingredient pack preparation device 22 is positioned opposite the first kitchen K1 (cooking staff O1) via the conveyor unit 12a. The ingredient pack preparation device 22 prepares ingredient packs P1, each containing a plurality of sushi ingredients included in the multiple sushi menus offered at the restaurant, in front of the cooking staff O1.

[0015] The ingredient pack preparation device 22 is positioned opposite the first kitchen K1 (cooking staff O1) via the conveyor unit 12a. The ingredient pack preparation device 22 prepares ingredient packs P1, each containing a plurality of sushi ingredients included in the restaurant's various sushi menus, in front of the cooking staff O1. More specifically, the ingredient pack preparation device 22 includes a pack placement table on which a predetermined number of ingredient packs P1 (three in FIG. 1 ) are prepared (placed), a pack storage unit that holds the plurality of ingredient packs P1, and a pack exchange mechanism that appropriately retrieves ingredient packs P1 stored in the pack storage unit and replaces them with ingredient packs P1 placed on the pack placement table. In particular, under the command of the control device 100, the ingredient pack preparation device 22 searches for and retrieves ingredient packs P1 corresponding to the order from the pack storage unit and exchanges them for ingredient packs P1 placed on the pack placement table.

[0016] This allows cooking staff O1 to pick up the sushi ingredients according to the order from the ingredient pack P1 placed on the pack placement table and attach them to the rice on the plate D. By adopting the positional relationship between the first kitchen K1 (cooking staff O1) and the ingredient pack preparation device 22 shown in Figure 1, the work of replenishing sushi ingredients to the ingredient pack P1 prepared in front of cooking staff O1 can be done from the opposite side of the ingredient pack preparation device 22 from the position of cooking staff O1. Therefore, the work of replenishing sushi ingredients can be carried out without overlapping with the flow of cooking staff O1's ingredient placement work.

[0017] When a predetermined number of plates D with sushi rice (three in the figure) have been delivered to the first cooking area K1, the cooking staff O1 operates the manual switch sw1 to stop the conveyor unit 12a and places the sushi toppings according to the order on the plates D stopped in front of the first cooking area K1. The cooking staff O1 can understand the order details by, for example, referring to the display on a display device (not shown) installed near the first cooking area K1.

[0018] Furthermore, when the cooking staff O1 operates the manual switch sw1 again after completing the topping, the conveyor unit 12a is driven and the plate D1 on which the topping has been added (the plate D1 on which the cooked sushi is placed) is sent to the conveyor unit 12b.

[0019] The conveyor unit 12b is configured as a belt conveyor unit whose upstream end is connected to the downstream end of the conveyor unit 12a and whose downstream end is connected to (merges with) the upstream end of the conveyor unit 12c.

[0020] An RFID writer 24 is also provided near the upstream end of the conveyor unit 12b. The RFID writer 24 detects the arrival of a plate D1 carrying cooked sushi in the first cooking area K1 and writes specific plate information to the plate D1 (more specifically, to an RF tag embedded in the plate D1). In this embodiment, the concept of writing plate information to the plate D1 (or plate D2, described below) includes not only writing the plate information in an information writing area, such as an RF tag embedded in the plate D1 or D2 itself, but also writing the plate information in an information writing area on an accessory (e.g., a cover for the sushi or gunkan) attached to the plate D1 or D2 and transported together with the plate D1 or D2 (sushi or gunkan). The same concept applies to reading plate information from the plate D1, plate D1', or plate D2, described below.

[0021] Furthermore, the upstream end of conveyor unit 12d is connected to conveyor unit 12b at a position (hereinafter referred to as "branching point B") downstream of RFID writer 24. That is, in this embodiment, the transport path for plate D1 branches off at branching point B.

[0022] In addition, a conveying path switch 13 is provided at branching section B. Conveying path switch 13 is configured as a movable lever that can be switched between a first position (position shown by a solid line in FIG. 1) in which plate D1 is guided from conveyor unit 12b to conveyor unit 12d, and a second position (shown by a dotted line in FIG. 1) in which the conveying path for plate D1 remains on conveyor unit 12b.

[0023] The conveyor unit 12c is configured as a curved belt conveyor unit whose upstream end is connected to the downstream end of the conveyor unit 12b and whose downstream end is connected to (merged with) the conveyor unit 12e.

[0024] The conveyor unit 12d is configured as a belt conveyor unit whose upstream end is connected to the conveyor unit 12b (branched from the conveyor unit 12b) and whose downstream end is connected to the second cooking area K2. Note that the conveyor unit 12d in this embodiment is formed in a curved shape from the conveyor unit 12b toward the automatic roaster 23.

[0025] The automatic griller 23 is a device for performing an additional cooking process (grilling) on ​​the sushi toppings attached to the rice in the first cooking area K1. In particular, the automatic griller 23 is configured as a device that automatically grills the sushi placed on the plates D1 that are sequentially transported via the conveyor unit 12d under the command of the control device 100.

[0026] The conveyor unit 12e is configured as a belt conveyor unit whose upstream end is connected to the automatic roaster 23 and whose downstream end is connected to the branch conveyor 14. The conveyor unit 12e also includes a lower branch conveyor 14. ｄ An RFID reader 26 is provided upstream of the connection to the first cooking area K1. The RFID reader 26 detects the arrival of a plate D1 that has been cooked only (with toppings) in the first cooking area K1 or a plate D1' that has been cooked in addition to searing, and reads the plate information recorded on the plate D1 (plate D1') by an RFID writer 24.

[0027] Furthermore, the downstream end of the conveyor unit 12d is connected to the conveyor unit 12e at a position upstream of the RFID writer 24 (hereinafter referred to as the "junction J"). As a result, the plates D1 that have only been cooked in the first cooking area K1 and the plates D1' that have also been grilled are joined together and fed to the lower branch conveyor 14. ｄ will be sent to.

[0028] Therefore, in the first kitchen conveyor 12 of this embodiment, the path consisting of conveyor units 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12e functions as a first transport path that leads directly from the first cooking area K1 to the branch conveyor 14. In addition, the path consisting of conveyor units 12a, 12b, 12d, and 12e functions as a second transport path that connects the first cooking area K1 to the branch conveyor 14 via the automatic roaster 23, which is an additional cooking area.

[0029] The second kitchen conveyor 32 is configured as a belt conveyor that transports plates D supplied to its downstream end (base end) by a device (not shown) or store staff within the kitchen, and carries cooked gunkan during the transport process and supplies them to the branch conveyor 14. In particular, the second kitchen conveyor 32 in this embodiment is configured by conveyor units 32a and 32b that are driven individually.

[0030] Conveyor unit 32a is a unit that sends plates D supplied to its downstream end to conveyor unit 32b via gunkan sushi rice placing device 41 and first kitchen K1 (neta pack preparation device 22). Conveyor unit 32a is configured so that it can be switched between driving and stopping by operating manual switch sw2.

[0031] The gunkan sushi rice placing device 41 is a device that automatically forms sushi rice balls of a shape and size suitable for the subsequent cooking process (attaching gunkan toppings) onto plates D supplied to the conveyor unit 32a, and automatically wraps seaweed around the sushi rice balls to produce gunkan sushi rice.

[0032] The gunkan sushi pack preparation device 42 is positioned opposite the second kitchen K2 (cooking staff O2) via the conveyor unit 32a. The gunkan sushi pack preparation device 42 prepares sushi packs P2, each containing a plurality of gunkan sushi ingredients included in the multiple gunkan menu items offered at the restaurant, in front of the cooking staff O2. More specifically, the gunkan sushi pack preparation device 42 includes a pack placement table on which a predetermined number of sushi packs P2 (three in FIG. 1) are prepared (placed), a pack storage unit that holds the plurality of sushi packs P2, and a pack exchange mechanism that appropriately removes sushi packs P2 stored in the pack storage unit and exchanges them with sushi packs P2 placed on the pack placement table. In particular, under the command of the control device 100, the gunkan sushi pack preparation device 42 searches for and removes the sushi pack P2 corresponding to the order from the pack storage unit and exchanges it for the sushi pack P2 placed on the pack placement table.

[0033] This allows cooking staff O2 to take the gunkan sushi ingredients according to the order from the ingredient pack P2 placed on the pack placement table and attach them to the gunkan rice on plate D. By adopting the positional relationship between the second kitchen K2 (cooking staff O2) and the gunkan ingredient pack preparation device 42 shown in Figure 1, the work of supplying gunkan sushi ingredients to the ingredient pack P2 prepared in front of cooking staff O2 can be done from the opposite side of the gunkan ingredient pack preparation device 42 relative to cooking staff O2's position. Therefore, the work of supplying gunkan sushi ingredients can be carried out without overlapping with the flow of cooking staff O2 attaching the ingredients.

[0034] When the predetermined number of plates D (three in the figure) carrying sushi rice are delivered to the second kitchen K2, the cook O2 operates the manual switch sw2 to stop the conveyor unit 32a and places the gunkan sushi rice according to the order on the plates D stopped in front of the second kitchen K2. The cook O2 can understand the order by referring to the display on a display device (not shown) installed near the second kitchen K2, for example.

[0035] Furthermore, when the cooking staff member O2 operates the manual switch sw2 again after completing the topping, the conveyor unit 32a is driven and the plate D2 on which the topping has been added (plate D2 with cooked sushi on it) is sent to the conveyor unit 32b.

[0036] The conveyor unit 32b conveys the plate D2 carrying the gunkan after cooking in the second cooking area K2 from the second cooking area K2 to the branch conveyor 14 (particularly the upper branch conveyor 14 ｕ More specifically, the conveyor unit 32b has an upstream end connected to the downstream end of the conveyor unit 32a, and a downstream end connected to the upper branch conveyor 14. ｕ The conveyor unit 32b is configured as a belt conveyor unit connected to the RFID writer 44 and the RFID reader 46, which are provided in this order from the upstream side.

[0037] The RFID writer 44 is a device that detects the arrival of a plate D2 carrying a cooked gunkan in the second kitchen K2 and writes predetermined plate information onto the plate D2 (more specifically, onto an RF tag embedded in the plate D2). The information written onto the plate D2 by the RFID writer 44 includes, for example, an ID for uniquely identifying the plate D2, product information indicating the type (item) of the product (gunkan), and a table ID for identifying the seat (individual table) to which the product will be served. The RFID reader 46 detects the passage of the plate D2, reads the information recorded on the plate D by the RFID writer 44, and transmits it to the control device 100.

[0038] Next, the passenger seat side transport device including the branch conveyor 14 will be described in detail.

[0039] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the seat-side conveying device. As shown in FIG. 2, the seat-side conveying device of this embodiment includes a branch conveyor 14 and each pair of upper seat conveyors R １ｕ , R ２ｕ , R ３ｕ and each lower seat conveyor pair R １ｄ , R ２ｄ , R ３ｄ It is composed of the following:

[0040] The branch conveyors 14 of this embodiment are arranged one above the other, and are an upper branch conveyor 14 ｕ and the lower branch conveyor 14 ｄ It has.

[0041] Upper branch conveyor 14 ｕ is connected to the terminal position of the second kitchen conveyor 32 (more specifically, the downstream end of the conveyor unit 32b) and １１ , C １２ , seat row C ２１ , C ２２ , and audience row C ３１ , C ３２ In particular, the upper branch conveyor 14 is configured as a belt conveyor having a conveying path that branches off individually toward the entrance of the upper branch conveyor 14. ｕ is the first upper conveying path 14a ｕ and the second upper conveying path 14b ｕ and the third upper conveying path 14c ｕ and,

[0042] First upper transport path 14a ｕ is the distance from the end position of the second kitchen conveyor 32 to the seat row C １１ , C １２ Entrance (more specifically, upper seating conveyor belt R １ｕ The second upper conveying path 14b is configured as a conveyor area that directly connects to the base end of the second upper conveying path 14b. ｕ is the distance from the end position of the second kitchen conveyor 32 to the seat row C ２１ , C ２２ Entrance (more specifically, upper seating conveyor belt R ２ｕ The third upper conveying path 14c is configured as a conveyor area that directly connects to the base end of the third upper conveying path 14c. ｕ is the distance from the end position of the second kitchen conveyor 32 to the seat row C ３１ , C ３２ Entrance (more specifically, upper seating conveyor belt R ３ｕ The upper conveying path 14a is configured as a conveyor area that directly connects to the base end of the upper conveying path 14a. ｕ , 14b ｕ , 14c ｕEach upper conveying path 14a is configured with a plurality of conveyor units that can be individually switched between driving and stopping. This allows the conveying status of the plates D2 (such as whether there is a local congestion of plates D2) to be taken into consideration. ｕ , 14b ｕ , 14c ｕ The conveyance and stopping of the tray D2 can be adjusted partially above.

[0043] In addition, the upper branch conveyor 14 ｕ At the portion where the second kitchen conveyor 32 is connected to the terminal position, a first upper stage path switch 16 ｕ The first upper stage path switch 16 is provided. ｕ The tray D2 is conveyed to the first upper conveying path 14a. ｕ a first position (position shown by a solid line in FIG. 2) for guiding the tray D2 to the second upper conveying path 14b; ｕ (Third upper conveying path 14c ｕ 2), and a second position (position shown by the dotted line in FIG. 2) that guides the lever to the first position.

[0044] Furthermore, the upper branch conveyor 14 ｕ The second upper stage path switch 17 ｕ The second upper stage path switcher 17 is provided. ｕ Plate D2 is placed on the upper seat conveyor R ２ｕ a first position (position shown by a solid line in FIG. 2) for guiding the tray D2 to the third upper conveying path 14c; ｕ a first position (position shown by the dotted line in FIG. 2) in which the first guide is guided to the first position;

[0045] Lower branch conveyor 14 ｄ is connected to the end position of the first kitchen conveyor 12 (more specifically, the downstream end of the conveyor unit 12e) and １１ , C １２ , seat row C ２１ , C ２２ , and audience row C ３１ , C ３２ In particular, the lower branch conveyor 14 is configured as a belt conveyor having a conveying path that branches off individually toward the entrance of the lower branch conveyor 14. ｄ is the first lower conveying path 14a ｄand the second lower conveying path 14b ｄ and the third lower conveying path 14c ｄ and,

[0046] First lower transport path 14a ｄ is the distance from the end position of the first kitchen conveyor 12 to the seat row C １１ , C １２ Entrance (more specifically, the lower seating conveyor belt R １ｄ The second lower conveying path 14b is configured as a conveyor area that directly connects to the base end of the second lower conveying path 14b. ｄ is the distance from the end position of the first kitchen conveyor 12 to the seat row C ２１ , C ２２ Entrance (more specifically, the lower seating conveyor belt R ２ｄ The third lower conveying path 14c is configured as a conveyor area that directly connects to the base end of the third lower conveying path 14c. ｄ is the distance from the end position of the first kitchen conveyor 12 to the seat row C ３１ , C ３２ Entrance (more specifically, the lower seating conveyor belt R ３ｄ The lower conveying path 14a is configured as a conveyor area that directly connects to the base end of the lower conveying path 14a. ｄ , 14b ｄ , 14c ｄ Each lower conveying path 14a is configured with a plurality of conveyor units that can be individually switched on and off. This allows the conveying status of the plate D1 or plate D'1 to be taken into consideration (such as whether there is a local congestion of the plate D1 or plate D'1). ｄ , 14b ｄ , 14c ｄ The conveyance and stopping of the tray D1 or the tray D'1 can be adjusted partially above.

[0047] In addition, the lower branch conveyor 14 ｄ At the portion where the first kitchen conveyor 12 is connected to the end position, a first lower stage path switch 16 is provided. ｄ The first lower stage path switch 16 is provided. ｄ The tray D1 or the tray D'1 is conveyed to the third lower conveying path 14c. ｄ a first position (position indicated by a solid line in the drawing) for guiding the tray D1 or the tray D'1 to the first lower conveying path 14a; ｄ (Second lower conveying path 14b ｄ) and a second position (position shown by the dotted line in the figure) that guides the lower branch conveyor 14. ｄ The second lower stage path switch 17 ｄ The second lower stage path switch 17 is provided. ｄ The tray D1 or D'1 is conveyed to the lower seat conveyor R ２ｄ a first position for guiding the tray D1 or the tray D'1 to the first lower conveying path 14a; ｄ and a second position that guides the lever to the first position.

[0048] Each upper seat conveyor pair R １ｕ , R ２ｕ , R ３ｕ and each lower seat conveyor pair R １ｄ , R ２ｄ , R ３ｄ are arranged one above the other.

[0049] More specifically, the upper seating conveyor R １ｕ is seating row C １１ Each individual table C included in １１１ ~C １１４ and seating row C. １２ Each individual table C included in １２１ ~C １２４ The upper seat conveyor pair R ２ｕ is seating row C ２１ Each individual table C included in ２１１ ~C ２１４ and seating row C. ２２ Each individual table C included in ２２１ ~C ２２４ and a belt conveyor extending along the upper seating area. ３ｕ is seating row C ３１ Each individual table C included in ３１１ ~C ３１４ and seating row C. ３２ Each individual table C included in ３２１ ~C ３２４and a belt conveyor extending along the

[0050] Each lower seat conveyor pair R １ｄ , R ２ｄ , R ３ｄ is the upper seat conveyor pair R １ｕ , R ２ｕ , R ３ｕ It has the same structure as

[0051] In addition, each individual table C １１１ ~C １１４ , C １２１ ~C １２４ , C ２１１ ~C ２１４ , C ２２１ ~C ２２４ , C ３１１ ~C ３１４ , C ３２１ ~C ３２４ The table terminals T operated by customers are １１１ ~T １１４ , T １２１ ~T １２４ , T ２１１ ~T ２１４ , T ２２１ ~T ２２４ , T ３１１ ~T ３１４ , T ３２１ ~T ３２４ When each table terminal T receives an input operation by a customer (such as an operation on a touch panel for an item to be ordered), it generates order information I and transmits it to the control device 100.

[0052] Furthermore, each upper conveying path 14a ｕ , 14b ｕ , 14c ｕ and each upper seat conveyor R １ｕ , R ２ｕ , R ３ｕ At the connection part of the upper seat conveyor pair R １ｕ , R ２ｕ , R ３ｕ Each upper seat path switch S for selectively guiding the passengers to one of the belt conveyors included in １ｕ , S ２ｕ , S ３ｕ Similarly, each of the lower conveying paths 14aｄ , 14b ｄ , 14c ｄ and each lower seat conveyor R １ｄ , R ２ｄ , R ３ｄ At the connection part of the lower seat conveyor pair R, the plate D1 or the plate D'1 is １ｄ , R ２ｄ , R ３ｄ Each lower seat path switch S for selectively guiding the passengers to one of the belt conveyors included in １ｄ , S ２ｄ , S ３ｄ is provided.

[0053] The control device 100 is configured by a computer programmed to be able to execute the functions described below.

[0054] 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control device 100. As shown in the figure, the control device 100 has an order order data generation unit 102, a cooking order data generation unit 104, a display processing unit 106, a rice remover control unit 108, a neta pack preparation device control unit 112, a plate information writing unit 114, a broil cooking determination unit 115, a kitchen switch drive unit 116, a broiler drive unit 118, a branch conveyor drive unit 122, and a customer conveyor drive unit 124.

[0055] When the order sequence data generating unit 102 acquires the order information I from each table terminal T, it generates the order sequence data X (first order sequence data X １ and second order sequence data X ２ ) to generate the

[0056] 4 shows an example of the order information I. As shown in the figure, the order information I includes the time when the order was placed (hereinafter referred to as the "order time"), identification information for the plate D used in each order (hereinafter referred to as the "plate ID"), information identifying the individual table where the order was placed (hereinafter referred to as the "table ID"), information indicating the product items to be ordered (order details), the kitchen where cooking should be performed, and whether additional cooking is required (whether or not the food needs to be seared).

[0057] The order sequence data generation unit 102 refers to the order time included in the order information I and classifies each ordered product item into a first product item (sushi menu) to be cooked in the first kitchen K1 and a second product item (gunkan menu) to be cooked in the second kitchen K2. In particular, in this embodiment, the order sequence data generation unit 102 classifies each product item included in the acquired order information I into a first product item and a second product item by, for example, referring to a database that pre-stores product items to be cooked in the first kitchen K1 and product items to be cooked in the second kitchen K2.

[0058] The order sequence data generating unit 102 also references the order time of each product item to determine the order sequence for each order classified as the first product item and the order sequence for each order classified as the second product item. The order sequence data generating unit 102 also generates first order sequence data X, which is formed by linking the order sequence of the first product item, the plate ID of the plate D supplied to the first kitchen conveyor 12, the table ID, the item name, and cooking information (whether or not the dish needs to be grilled). １ The order sequence data generating unit 102 also generates second order sequence data X , which is composed of the order sequence of the second product items, the plate ID of the plate D supplied to the second kitchen conveyor 32, the table ID, the item name, and whether or not additional cooking (broiling) is required, all of which are linked together. ２ Generate.

[0059] 5A and 5B, the first order sequence data X １ and second order sequence data X ２ As shown in the figure, the first order sequence data X １ is a plurality of first order sequence data units X that compile information for one or more order units included in a predetermined cooking sequence change unit time Δt. １－１ , X １－２ Here, the cooking order change unit time Δt is set to a suitable value from the viewpoint of identifying orders that are close enough to be subject to a change in the cooking order of each product item, as will be described later. Similarly, the second order order data X ２ Also, a plurality of second order sequence data units X that compile information for one or more order units included in the cooking sequence change unit time Δt２－１ , X ２－２ The order sequence data generating unit 102 then generates the first order sequence data X １ and second order sequence data X ２ to the cooking sequence data generation unit 104.

[0060] The cooking sequence data generating unit 104 generates the first order sequence data X １ First cooking order data Y １ , and the second order sequence data X ２ 2nd cooking order data Y ２ For the sake of simplicity, the first order sequence data X １ One unit included in the first order sequence data unit X １－１ ) First cooking order data Y １ and the second order sequence data X ２ One unit (second order sequence data unit X ２－１ ) Second cooking order data Y ２ On the other hand, the following description focuses on the generation of the first order sequence data X １ Other order sequence data units X included in １－２ First cooking order data Y from ... １ and the second order sequence data X ２ Other order sequence data units X included in ２－２ Second cooking order data Y from ２ The same can be applied to the generation of

[0061] First, the cooking order data generating unit 104 generates the order order data X １ , X ２ From the cooking order definition dataset F (first cooking order definition dataset F １ and the second cooking order definition data set F ２ More specifically, the cooking sequence data generating unit 104 generates the first order sequence data X １ (See FIG. 5A) from the first cooking order definition data set F １ Generate.

[0062] FIG. 6A shows the first cooking sequence definition data set F １As shown in the figure, the cooking sequence data generating unit 104 generates the first order sequence data X １ Each product item (sushi topping to be cooked) included in the first cooking order definition data set F １ A predetermined number (three in the figure) of data frames F are prepared in advance as data elements constituting the １１ , F １２ , F １３ By sequentially setting the first cooking order definition data set F １ Generate.

[0063] Here, each data frame F １１ , F １２ , F １３ Each data frame is associated with a cooking order "1", "2", or "3" in advance, and each data frame has multiple sectors (three in the figure) for storing one product item. More specifically, the first data frame F １１ The cooking order "1" is linked to the sector F １１１ , F １１２ , F １１３ Similarly, the second data frame F １２ The cooking order "2" is linked to the sector F, and one product item is set in each sector. １２１ , F １２２ , F １２３ Furthermore, the third data frame F １３ The cooking order "3" is linked to the sector F １３１ , F １３２ , F １３３ is provided.

[0064] Then, the cooking sequence data generating unit 104 generates the first order sequence data X １ The data frame F １１ Each sector F １１１ , F １１２ , F １１３ , data frame F for cooking order “2” １２ Each sector F １２１ , F １２２ , F１２３ , and the data frame F of cooking order “3” １３ Each sector F １３１ , F １３２ , F １３３ Set to.

[0065] More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 6A, the cooking sequence data generating unit 104 stores the order order "1" of "tuna," the order order "2" of "shrimp," and the order order "3" of "seared marinated mackerel" in the first data frame F. １１ Each sector F １１１ , F １１２ , F １１３ The cooking sequence data generating unit 104 also sets the order number "4" of "octopus", the order number "5" of "salmon", and the order number "6" of "spear squid" in the second data frame F １２ Each sector F １２１ , F １２２ , F １２３ Furthermore, the cooking sequence data generating unit 104 sets the order order "7" of "tuna", the order order "8" of "seared blackthroat seaperch", and the order order "9" of "salmon" in the third data frame F １３ Each sector F １３１ , F １３２ , F １３３ Set to.

[0066] The first cooking order definition data set F １ The number of data frames included in is not limited to three, and can be changed as appropriate depending on the length of the cooking order change unit time Δt to be set.

[0067] Also, each data frame F １１ , F １２ , F １３ It is preferable that the number of sectors in each of the first and second cooking areas K1 and K2 be set to match the number of product items that the cooking staff O1 will cook in one cooking process (the number of dishes that will be cooked in one stop of the conveyor unit 12a).

[0068] In particular, each sector included in one data frame is read out from the pack preparation position A of the pack P placed on the pack placement table 22a of the pack preparation device 22. １ , A２ , A ３ It is particularly preferable to associate

[0069] 7, the neta pack P is placed on the pack placement table 22a at a preparation position A. １ , A ２ , A ３ As shown in the figure, the data frame F １１ Sector F included in １１１ is preparation position A １ , Sector F １１２ is preparation position A ２ , and sector F １１３ is preparation position A ３ In addition, the data frame F １２ Sector F included in １２１ is preparation position A １ , Sector F １２２ is preparation position A ２ , and sector F １２３ is preparation position A ３ Furthermore, the data frame F １３ Sector F included in １３１ is preparation position A １ , Sector F １３２ is preparation position A ２ , and sector F １３３ is preparation position A ３ are associated with the following:

[0070] Similarly, the cooking sequence data generating unit 104 generates the second order sequence data X ２ (See FIG. 5B) from the second cooking order definition data set F ２ (See FIG. 6B). In the example shown in FIG. 5B, the second order sequence data X ２ The cooking sequence data generating unit 104 therefore uses the first data frame F ２１ Each sector F ２１１ , F ２１２ , F ２１３ Set "Tuna Tataki Gunkan", "Natto", and "Squid and Okra" in the second data frame F２２ and the third data frame F ２３ Blank (n ｕ ll).

[0071] Furthermore, the cooking sequence data generation unit 104 generates the first cooking sequence definition data set F １ and the second cooking order definition data set F ２ , and executes the cooking item order correction process for the first cooking order definition dataset F ＊ １ and the second cooking order definition data set F ＊ ２ In particular, in the cooking item order correction process, when different data frames contain the same type of product items, the product items set in each data frame are rearranged so that the same type of product items are contained in data frames (particularly, the same data frame in this embodiment) where the difference in cooking order is within a predetermined value.

[0072] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a specific aspect of the cooking item order correction process. In particular, in FIG. 8, the first cooking order definition data set F １ In the illustrated example, a different data frame F １１ and data frame F １３ The same "tuna" is included in the data frame F １２ and data frame F １３ contains the same "salmon".

[0073] Therefore, in this case, the cooking sequence data generating unit 104 generates, for example, the data frame F １３ Sector F in １３１ "Tuna" in data frame F １１ Sector F in １１２ and the sector F １１２ The "shrimp" set in the data frame F １２ Sector F １２２ and the sector F １２２ "Salmon" set in data frame F １３ Sector F １３１ Move to.

[0074] As a result, the first data frame F １１ "Tuna" is set together in the third data frame F １３ Therefore, the first cooking order definition data set F is a data set in which the same type of product items ordered within the cooking order change unit time are set in one data frame (corrected so that they are cooked at once). ＊ １ Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, the third data frame F １３ Sector F in １３２ "Grilled Blackthroat Seaperch" and Sector F １３３ By swapping the "salmon" of each sector, the same kind of "salmon" can be placed in adjacent sectors F. １３１ , F １３２ As a result, the display device displays adjacent sectors F １３１ or F １３２ Preparation position A of the pack placement table 22a corresponding to １ or A ２ is displayed as the place to prepare the "salmon" ingredient pack P. This allows the operator to take out two plates' worth of ingredients without making a mistake from one ingredient pack P that holds the same type of sushi ingredients, which reduces the burden on the operator compared to when the ingredients are displayed separately, and improves work efficiency.

[0075] In the above cooking item order correction process, each data frame F １１ , F １２ , F １３ The specific algorithm for rearranging the product items among the above can be changed as appropriate.

[0076] For example, the first cooking order definition data set F １When three or more product items of the same type are set in a data frame, it is preferable to employ an algorithm that shuffles the product items so that at least two, and more preferably three, of the three are set in the same data frame. This reduces the number of product items that need to be rearranged between different data frames. In particular, by setting three product items of the same type in the same data frame, i.e., by setting the same product items in all sectors of the data frame, multiple orders of the same product items can be cooked at once, improving cooking efficiency. On the other hand, for example, if the target data frame contains other product items that require urgent cooking because they require a certain amount of time to be cooked (product items whose preset serving time is approaching), setting only two product items of the same type in the data frame can improve cooking efficiency to a certain extent while preventing the other product items that require urgent cooking from being moved down in the cooking order.

[0077] Also, the first cooking order definition data set F １ In the case where two or more of the same type of product items are set in a data frame and the data frames in which the product items are set are not consecutive (the cooking order is not consecutive), an algorithm may be adopted that rearranges the product items so that these product items are set in consecutive data frames and in sectors linked to the same preparation position of the ingredient pack P on the pack placement table 22a.

[0078] This allows the ingredient pack P to be kept on the pack placement table without being replaced throughout successive cooking, thereby improving cooking efficiency.

[0079] Furthermore, the cooking sequence data generation unit 104 generates a second cooking sequence definition data set F ２ Similarly, the cooking item order correction process is performed on the second cooking order definition data set F ＊ ２ The second cooking order definition data set F ２ As mentioned above, the first data frame F ２１Therefore, in this embodiment, the product items are set only in the second cooking order definition data set F ２ Therefore, the cooking sequence data generating unit 104 does not change the actual data content even if the cooking sequence correction process is performed on the second cooking sequence definition data set F ２ The second cooking order definition data set F is the same as ＊ ２ This will generate:

[0080] Then, the cooking sequence data generation unit 104 generates the first cooking sequence definition data set F ＊ １ The first cooking order data Y is composed of the dish ID, table ID, and additional cooking information corresponding to each product item included in the first cooking order data Y. １ Similarly, the cooking sequence data generation unit 104 generates the second cooking sequence definition data set F ＊ ２ The second cooking order data Y is generated by linking the dish ID, table ID, and additional cooking information corresponding to each product item included in the second cooking order data Y. ２ Generate.

[0081] Returning to FIG. 3, the cooking sequence data generation unit 104 generates the first cooking sequence data Y １ and second cooking order data Y ２ are output to the display processing unit 106, the rice removal device control unit 108, the neta pack preparation device control unit 112, the dish information writing unit 114, and the broil cooking determination unit 115.

[0082] The display processing unit 106 displays the first cooking order data Y １ When the display processor 106 receives the second cooking order data Y , the display processor 106 displays the various information contained therein (dish ID, table ID, product item, cooking order, and additional cooking information) on the display device of the first cooking area K1. ２ When the first cooking sequence definition data set F is received, the display unit 106 displays the various information contained therein (dish ID, table ID, product item, cooking sequence, and additional cooking information) on the display unit of the second kitchen K2. ＊ １ Based on this, each product item and its corresponding preparation position A in each neta pack P １, A ２ , A ３ The display processor 106 displays the correspondence between the second cooking order definition data set F and the corresponding sushi ingredients (more specifically, the information on which sushi ingredients of which ingredient pack P should be attached to which position) on the display device in a predetermined display format. ＊ ２ The same display is made based on the information (more specifically, the display of information on which position the gunkan sushi ingredients from which ingredient pack P should be attached) so that the cooking staff O1 and O2 can take out the sushi ingredients or gunkan sushi ingredients from the correct ingredient pack P and attach them to the sushi rice or gunkan sushi rice.

[0083] The rice-removing device control unit 108 uses the first cooking order data Y １ When the first cooking order definition data set F is received, various information contained therein (particularly the first cooking order definition data set F ＊ １ ) and drives the rice-removing device 21. More specifically, the rice-removing device control unit 108 refers to the first cooking order definition data set F ＊ １ Each data frame F １１ , F １２ , F １３ The rice placing device 21 is driven so that rice is placed on the same number of plates D as the number of merchandise items set in the tray (12 in this embodiment).

[0084] The rice-removing device control unit 108 uses the second cooking order data Y ２ When receiving the cooking order definition data set F ＊ ２ ) and drives the rice-removing device 41. More specifically, the rice-removing device control unit 108 refers to the second cooking order definition data set F ＊ ２ Each data frame F ２１ , F ２２ , F ２３ The gunkan rice placing device 41 is driven so that the gunkan rice wrapped in nori seaweed is placed on the same number of plates D as the number of merchandise items set in the tray (three in this embodiment).

[0085] The ingredient pack preparation device control unit 112 uses the first cooking order data Y１ When the first cooking order definition data set F is received, various information contained therein (particularly the first cooking order definition data set F ＊ １ ) and drives the ingredient pack preparation device 22. More specifically, the ingredient pack preparation device control unit 112 first refers to the first cooking order definition data set F ＊ １ Data frame F １１ The ingredient pack preparation device 22 is driven so that the ingredient packs P of the sushi ingredients corresponding to the product items (in FIG. 8, "tuna" and "grilled marinated mackerel") set in the pack placement table 22a are prepared on the pack placement table 22a. １ , A ２ , A ３ The ingredient packs P placed on the pack storage unit 22a are returned to the pack storage unit, and then the ingredient packs P of "tuna" and "grilled marinated mackerel" are taken out from the pack storage unit and prepared on the pack placement table 22a (first pack exchange process). １１ If the same type of product (tuna) is grouped together in Sector F, １１１ and Sector F １１２ Preparation position A linked to １ or preparation position A ２ It is preferable to adopt a logic that prepares only the ingredient pack P that corresponds to the ingredient pack P. This reduces the frequency of replacing ingredient packs P. In this embodiment, as described above, the display device displays information on which position the sushi ingredient of which ingredient pack P should be attached. For this reason, for the same type of product item, １ and preparation position A ２ Even if a topping pack P is prepared in only one of the two, the cooking staff O1 can take out the sushi topping from the correct topping pack P without making a mistake and stick the topping on the sushi.

[0086] Next, the content pack preparation device control unit 112 receives the data frame F １１When a signal indicating that cooking of each product item set in the data frame F is completed (such as a signal indicating the driving of the conveyor unit 12a or a detection signal from the RFID writer 24), or other appropriate timing, is detected, the data frame F １２ The ingredient pack preparation device 22 is driven so that ingredient packs P of sushi ingredients corresponding to each product item (in FIG. 8, "octopus," "shrimp," and "spear squid") set in the pack placement table 22a are prepared on the pack placement table 22a. In other words, in this case, the ingredient packs P of "tuna" and "seared marinated mackerel" that were previously placed on the pack placement table 22a are returned to the pack storage section, and then ingredient packs P1 of "octopus," "shrimp," and "spear squid" are taken out from the pack storage section and prepared on the pack placement table 22a (second pack exchange process).

[0087] Furthermore, the information pack preparation device control unit 112 １２ When a signal indicating that the cooking of each product item set in the data frame F is completed is detected, １３ The neta pack preparation device 22 is driven so that the neta packs P of the sushi ingredients corresponding to each product item (in FIG. 8, "salmon" and "seared blackthroat seaperch") set in the data frame F are prepared on the pack placement table 22a. In other words, in this case, the neta packs P of "octopus", "shrimp", and "spear squid" that were previously placed on the pack placement table 22a are returned to the pack storage section, and then the neta packs P of "salmon" and "seared blackthroat seaperch" are taken out from the pack storage section and prepared on the pack placement table 22a (third pack exchange process). In this case, too, the data frame F １３ Since the same type of product item ("salmon") is grouped in the data frame F １３ Sector F in １３１ and Sector F １３３ Preparation position A linked to either １ or preparation position A ３ It is preferable to prepare the ingredient pack P only for the following reasons.

[0088] Here, each process by the ingredient pack preparation device control unit 112 is performed on the first cooking order definition data set F that has not undergone the cooking item order correction process. １ (see FIG. 8), the first data frame F １１ and the third data frame F １３ Since the same "tuna" is set in each pack, the "tuna" ingredient pack P is taken out from the pack storage section to the pack placement table 22a in the first pack exchange process, and then the "tuna" ingredient pack P is returned to the pack storage section in the second pack exchange process. Then, in the third pack exchange process, the "tuna" ingredient pack P is again taken out from the pack storage section to the pack placement table 22a.

[0089] Also, the second data frame F １２ Sector F in １２２ and the third data frame F １３ Sector F in １３３ Since the same "salmon" is set in the pack storage section 22a, in the second pack exchange process, the "salmon" ingredient pack P is moved from the pack storage section 22a to the preparation position A ２ After being taken out, the pack is further taken out to the preparation position A in the third pack exchange process. ２ While the "salmon" ingredient pack P is returned to the pack storage section from the pack placement table 22a, the "salmon" ingredient pack P is returned to the preparation position A ３ A "Salmon" topping pack P will be prepared.

[0090] Therefore, the ingredient packs P are frequently taken in and out between the pack storage section and the pack placement table 22a, which lengthens the time required for the series of cooking operations and reduces cooking efficiency.

[0091] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, as described above, the first cooking order definition data set F is obtained by correcting the cooking order of the same type of product items in one data frame (one cooking unit). ＊ １ Since the ingredient pack preparation device 22 is driven based on this, the frequency of taking in and out ingredient packs P can be reduced.

[0092] On the other hand, the ingredient pack preparation device control unit 112 uses the second cooking order data Y ２ When receiving the cooking order definition data set F ＊ ２ ) and drives the gunkan sushi pack preparation device 42. More specifically, the sushi pack preparation device control unit 112 first refers to the second cooking order definition data set F ＊ ２ Data frame F ２１ The gunkan ingredient pack preparation device 42 is driven so that each ingredient pack P2 holding sushi ingredients corresponding to each product item set in the machine ("Tuna Tataki Gunkan," "Natto," and "Squid and Okra" in FIG. 6) is prepared in front of the cooking staff member O2 (on the pack placement table).

[0093] When the dish information writing unit 114 receives a signal from the RFID writer 24 (a signal indicating the arrival of the dish D1), it writes the first cooking order data Y １ More specifically, the dish information writing unit 114 counts the number of dishes that arrive at the RFID writer 24, and writes the predetermined dish information to the dish D1 by referring to the first cooking order data Y １ The RFID writer 24 then compares the cooking order of each product item included in the RFID writer 24 with the cooking order of the product items included in the RFID writer 24 to identify the plate D1 (the plate ID of the plate D1) that has currently arrived at the RFID writer 24. The plate information writing unit 114 then generates plate information including a table ID linked to the identified plate ID, and operates the RFID writer 24 to write the plate information to the plate D1.

[0094] Furthermore, when the dish information writing unit 114 receives a signal from the RFID writer 44 (a signal indicating the arrival of the dish D2), it writes the second cooking order data Y ２ , and the process of writing dish information to dish D2 is performed in the same manner as the process of writing dish information to dish D1.

[0095] When the broiling cooking determination unit 115 receives a signal from the RFID writer 24 (a signal indicating the arrival of the dish D1), it calculates the first cooking order data Y １More specifically, the broiling determination unit 115 determines whether the sushi on the plate D1 needs to be seared by referring to the data of the plate information writing unit 114. The broiling determination unit 115 identifies the plate ID of the plate D1 that has currently arrived at the RFID writer 24 using the same process as the plate information writing unit 114, and then uses the identified plate ID as a key to create the first cooking order data Y １ The searing determination unit 115 then extracts additional cooking information for the plate D1 from the extracted additional cooking information. The searing determination unit 115 then determines whether or not the sushi on the plate D1 needs to be seared, and generates a flag (necessity flag) indicating the result of the determination.

[0096] The kitchen switch driver 116 refers to the necessity flag and operates the conveyance path switch 13. More specifically, when the necessity flag has a value of 0 (when searing is not required), the kitchen switch driver 116 operates the conveyance path switch 13 so that conveyance of the plate D1 by the conveyor unit 12b is maintained (so that the plate D1 is guided to the first conveyance path). On the other hand, when the necessity flag has a value of 1 (when searing is required), the kitchen switch driver 116 operates the conveyance path switch 13 so that the plate D1 is guided from the conveyor unit 12b to the conveyor unit 12d.

[0097] When the grilling machine drive unit 118 receives a signal (grilling machine arrival signal) from a sensor or the like (not shown) indicating that the plate D1 has reached the automatic grilling machine 23, it outputs a command signal to the automatic grilling machine 23 so that the sushi placed on the plate D1 is automatically grilled.

[0098] When the branch conveyor driving unit 122 receives a signal from the RFID reader 26 (a signal including the arrival detection of the plate D1 or the plate D1′ and the plate information), it refers to the received plate information and drives the lower branch conveyor 14 ｄ , first lower stage path switch 16 ｄ , and the second lower stage path switch 17 ｄ More specifically, the branch conveyor driving unit 122 drives (operates) the tray D1 (or the tray D1') between the first kitchen conveyor 12 and the lower branch conveyor 14. ｄ From the connection part of any of the lower seat conveyor pairs (R １ｄ , R２ｄ , or R ３ｄ ) so that the lower branch conveyor 14 ｄ , the first lower stage path switch 16 ｄ and the position adjustment of the second lower stage path switch 17 ｄ Perform position adjustment.

[0099] Furthermore, when the branch conveyor driving unit 122 receives a signal from the RFID reader 46 (a signal including the arrival detection of the plate D2 and the plate information), it refers to the received plate information and drives the upper branch conveyor 14 ｕ , first upper stage path switch 16 ｕ , and the second upper stage path switch 17 ｕ More specifically, the branch conveyor driving unit 122 drives (operates) the second kitchen conveyor 32 and the upper branch conveyor 14. ｕ From the connection part of any of the upper seat conveyor pairs (R １ｕ , R ２ｕ , or R ３ｕ ) to the upper branch conveyor 14 ｕ driving the first upper stage path switch 16 ｕ and the position adjustment of the second upper stage path switch 17 ｕ Perform position adjustment.

[0100] The customer conveyor driving unit 124 is an RFID reader 51 ｄ , 52 ｄ , 53 ｄ When a signal (a signal including the arrival detection of the plate D1 or the plate D1' and the plate information) is received from the １ｄ , S ２ｄ , S ３ｄ , and each lower seat conveyor pair R １ｄ , R ２ｄ , R ３ｄ More specifically, the RFID reader 51 ｄ When the signal is received from the customer conveyor driving unit 124, the lower stage path switching unit S １ｄand the position adjustment of the corresponding seat conveyor (seat conveyor R １ｄ The drive of the conveyor (any of the conveyors included in

[0101] In particular, the customer conveyor drive unit 124 drives the tray D1 or D1' through the lower stage path switch S １ｄ By adjusting the position of the plate D1 or D1', the plate is guided to the desired seating conveyor (row of seats) corresponding to the table ID, and the seating conveyor is driven at a predetermined speed for a predetermined time and then stopped. Here, the predetermined time is determined in advance as the time it takes for the plate D1 or D1' to reach the individual table to be served from the entrance of the seating conveyor to which it has been guided according to the predetermined speed.

[0102] In addition, the RFID reader 52 ｄ or RFID reader 53 ｄ The same applies to the control when a signal is received from the

[0103] Furthermore, the customer conveyor driving unit 124 is an RFID reader 51 ｕ , 52 ｕ , 53 ｕ When a signal (a signal including the arrival detection of the dish D2 and the dish information) is received from the upper seating section, the upper seating section path switch S １ｕ , S ２ｕ , S ３ｕ , and each upper seat conveyor pair R １ｕ , R ２ｕ , R ３ｕ The details of this control are described in the RFID reader 51. ｄ , 52 ｄ , 53 ｄ The control is the same as when a signal is acquired from

[0104] Next, an example of a specific operation of the food and drink providing system 10 having the above configuration will be described.

[0105] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the food and drink providing system 10. In particular, Fig. 6 shows the process of transporting sushi cooked in the first kitchen K1 to each individual table.

[0106] In the example shown in FIG. 6, first, the control device 100 (particularly the order sequence data generating unit 102) generates the first order sequence data X １ Next, the control device 100 (cooking sequence data generating unit 104) generates the first cooking sequence data Y １ is generated (step S20).

[0107] Then, under the control of the control device 100 (particularly the rice removal device control unit 108 and the neta pack preparation device control unit 112), the rice placement device 21 places rice on the plate D (step T10), and the neta pack preparation device 22 removes the neta pack P1 (step T20).

[0108] Thereafter, the cooking staff member O1 applies the toppings to the rice on the plates D (step U10). More specifically, with the first kitchen conveyor 12 (more specifically, conveyor unit 12a) stopped, the cooking staff member O1, while checking the information displayed on the display device, applies the sushi toppings from each topping pack P1 prepared on the pack placement table to the rice on the multiple plates D (three in this embodiment) prepared in front of him / her.

[0109] When the cooking staff member O1 finishes the sushi topping work, the manual switch sw1 is operated (step U20), which drives the first kitchen conveyor 12 (more specifically, conveyor unit 12a) (step U30), and the plate D1 with the toppings on it is sent to conveyor unit 12b.

[0110] When the plate D1 reaches the RFID writer 24, the control device 100 (particularly the plate information writer 114) writes the plate information corresponding to the plate D1 (step S30). Furthermore, the control device 100 (particularly the broiling determination unit 115) determines whether or not the sushi on the plate D1 needs to be broiled (step S40).

[0111] If it is determined that searing is not required, the control device 100 (particularly the kitchen switch drive unit 116) guides the plate D1 to the first conveying path (the path from 12b to 12c to 12e) (step T40). On the other hand, if it is determined that searing is required (step S40 is Yes), the kitchen switch drive unit 116 guides the plate D1 to the second conveying path (the path from 12b to 12d to 12e) (step T50). Then, when the plate D1 reaches the automatic searing device 23 on the second conveying path, the control device 100 (particularly the searing device drive unit 118) controls the automatic searing device 23 to sear the sushi on the plate D1 (step T60).

[0112] Then, plate D1 that has not been seared and plate D1' that has been seared join each other at junction J of conveyor unit 12e (step T70). Then, when the plate information of plate D1 or plate D1' is read by RFID reader 26 (step S50), each actuator is operated by control device 100 (particularly branch conveyor drive unit 122 and customer conveyor drive unit 124), and plate D1 or plate D1' is transported to the desired individual table.

[0113] This allows plates D1 that should be transported directly to the branch conveyor 14 after being cooked in the first cooking area K1, and plates D1' that should be cooked in the first cooking area K1 and then additionally seared and transported to the branch conveyor 14 to be transported from within the kitchen to the desired individual table via a common branch route.

[0114] (Operational Effects of the Present Embodiment) In the present embodiment, a cooking assistance device (102, 104) is provided that determines the cooking order of sushi when multiple orders for food and drink (sushi) are received.

[0115] This cooking assistance device includes an order order data generation unit 102 that, upon receiving sushi order information I, generates order order data X including the order order and product items (sushi toppings) for multiple orders included within a predetermined time (cooking order change unit time Δt); １ ) based on the cooking order data Y (particularly, the first cooking order data Y１ and a cooking sequence data generating unit 104 that generates the cooking sequence data.

[0116] The cooking order data generation unit 104 generates the order order data X (particularly, the first order order data X １ ) from multiple data frames F １１ , F １２ , F １３ A cooking order definition dataset F (particularly, the first cooking order definition dataset F １ ) is generated. In particular, for each data frame F １１ , F １２ , F １３ In each of the first cooking sequence definition data sets F, one or more product items to be cooked at the same time are set and linked to a cooking sequence. １ Execute product item correction processing for the first cooking order data Y １ In particular, in the product item correction process, each data frame F is generated so that the same type of product item is included in one or more data frames in which the difference in cooking order is within a predetermined value. １１ , F １２ , F １３ Rearrange the product items set in.

[0117] As a result, the first cooking order data Y １ Since the work of preparing ingredients (replacing the ingredient packs P on the pack placement table 22a) can be performed based on this, the burden of replacing the ingredient packs P can be reduced and cooking efficiency can be improved.

[0118] In particular, in the product item correction process of this embodiment, the first cooking order definition data set F １ For each data frame F, the same type of product items are included in the same data frame. １１ , F １２ , F １３ Rearrange the product items set in.

[0119] As a result, the first cooking order data Y , which is a data frame (a single cooking unit) of the same type of product items, is generated. １Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the frequency of replacing the ingredient packs P caused by cooking the same type of product item at different cooking times, and to make cooking operations more efficient.

[0120] In the product item correction process, the first cooking order definition data set F １ If three or more items of the same type are set in each data frame, each data frame F is sorted so that at least two items of the same type are set in the same data frame. １１ , F １２ , F １３ It is preferable to rearrange the product items set in the above.

[0121] This reduces the number of product items that need to be rearranged between different data frames, and also prevents other product items from being provided to customers significantly later than the original order order.

[0122] In addition, in the product item correction process, the first cooking order definition data set F １ Alternatively, a control logic may be employed that swaps the product items set in each data frame so that the same type of product item is included in two consecutive data frames in the cooking order.

[0123] This allows the ingredient pack P to be maintained on the pack placement table 22a without being replaced depending on the situation over successive cooking periods, thereby reducing the frequency of replacing the ingredient pack P and improving cooking efficiency.

[0124] In addition, in this embodiment, a food and beverage serving system 10 is provided that supports the preparation of food and beverage (sushi or gunkan) by combining a second ingredient (sushi topping or gunkan topping) with a plate carrying a first ingredient (rice or gunkan rice) supplied to a cooking area (first cooking area K1 or second cooking area K2) while transporting the plate D within the kitchen.

[0125] This food and beverage providing system 10 comprises the above-mentioned cooking assistance device, a first ingredient preparation device (21, 41) that automatically places a first ingredient (rice or gunkan rice) on a plate D sent to a kitchen (first kitchen K1 or second kitchen K2) in accordance with acquired order information I, a second ingredient preparation device (22, 42) that is arranged downstream of the first ingredient preparation device (21, 41) and automatically prepares a second ingredient (sushi toppings or gunkan toppings) in the kitchen (K1, K2) in accordance with order information I, and a control device 100 (particularly a rice removal device control unit 108 and a topping pack preparation device control unit 112) that controls the first ingredient preparation device (21, 41) and the second ingredient preparation device (22, 42).

[0126] The control device 100 then calculates the cooking order data Y (particularly the first cooking order data Y １ ), the first food ingredient preparation device (particularly the rice placement device 21) is operated to prepare the first food ingredient on the plate D, and the second food ingredient preparation device (particularly the neta pack preparation device 22) is operated to prepare the first cooking order definition data set F １ Each data frame F contained in １１ , F １２ , F １３ The second ingredients corresponding to each product item are stored in a data frame F １１ The kitchen (first kitchen K1) prepares the second ingredients in the order of the product items included in the above (in FIG. 8, "tuna," "shrimp," and "seared marinated mackerel").

[0127] This allows for efficient cooking. １ By referring to the above, sushi rice (gunkan sushi rice) is automatically placed on the plate D, and the appropriate sushi toppings (gunkan sushi toppings) to be paired with the sushi rice (gunkan sushi rice) are automatically prepared by the topping pack preparation device 22 (gunkan sushi topping pack preparation device 42). Therefore, it is possible to determine a cooking order that improves cooking efficiency, and to realize a specific system configuration for actually cooking food (sushi) based on the cooking order.

[0128] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the above embodiment merely shows an application example of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configuration of the above embodiment.

[0129] For example, the first kitchen conveyor 12, the second kitchen conveyor 32, the branch conveyor 14, and the upper seat conveyor pairs R in the above embodiment may be １ｕ , R ２ｕ , R ３ｕ , and each lower seat conveyor pair R １ｄ , R ２ｄ , R ３ｄ The specific structure of the above is an example, and various modifications are possible within the scope in which the effects of the present invention can be realized.

[0130] In this embodiment, the first kitchen K1 performs the sushi topping process, and the second kitchen K2 performs the gunkan topping process. However, other cooking methods may be used. For example, the first kitchen K1 may perform the sushi topping process and the subsequent process of adding predetermined toppings (an additional process that can be performed by hand in a relatively short time). The same applies to the second kitchen K2. Furthermore, instead of or in addition to the searing process using the automatic searing machine 23, other additional cooking methods (such as grilling the surface of the sushi or applying seasonings such as sauces to the sushi) may be used.

[0131] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which sushi rice (rice sushi rice) is prepared on a plate D as a first ingredient, and sushi toppings (sushi toppings) are combined with the first ingredient and cooked. The sushi is then delivered to the customer-side delivery device either as is or after additional cooking (broiling). However, the configuration of the food and beverage service system 10 of the above embodiment can also be applied, with appropriate modifications, to food and beverages prepared using other combinations of first and second ingredients. For example, a ramen noodle may be prepared as a first ingredient and a ramen soup prepared on a plate (bowl) in the first cooking area K1, and the ramen may be cooked by combining the soup with the noodles. The ramen may then be delivered to the customer-side delivery device either as is or after additional cooking with the addition of specified toppings.

[0132] In addition, if the second ingredient is the same but the only difference is whether or not additional cooking (such as searing) is required, resulting in different names of product items (when the type of sushi topping to be prepared or the type of gunkan sushi topping itself is the same), these product items correspond to the "same type of product item" in this specification.

[0133] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of a cooking assistance device applied to a system configuration in which ingredient packs P1, P2 are automatically prepared at a preparation position (pack placement table) in the kitchen (K1, K2) by the ingredient pack preparation device 22 or the battleship ingredient pack preparation device 42. On the other hand, the cooking assistance device may be adopted in a system that assumes that store staff manually prepare ingredient packs P1, P2 at a predetermined preparation position in the kitchen (K1, K2) as appropriate while checking the display on the display device.

[0134] More specifically, within the scope of the matters described in the specification etc. of the present application as originally filed, there is provided a food and drink providing system 10 that assists in the cooking of food and drink (sushi or gunkan) by combining a second ingredient (sushi topping or gunkan topping) on ​​a plate carrying a first ingredient (rice or gunkan rice) supplied to a kitchen (first kitchen K1 or second kitchen K2) while transporting the plate D within a kitchen, the system including the cooking assistance device described above, a first ingredient preparation device (21, 41) that automatically places the first ingredient (rice or gunkan rice) on a plate D sent to the kitchen (first kitchen K1 or second kitchen K2) in accordance with acquired order information I, a placement table (pack placement table) that is arranged near the kitchen (first kitchen K1 or second kitchen K2) and on which one or more types of second ingredients are placed, and cooking order data Y (particularly the first cooking order data Y) that is arranged near the kitchen (K1, K2) and which is generated by the cooking assistance device. １ The present invention also includes a food and beverage providing system 10 equipped with a display device that performs a display based on the information.

[0135] Furthermore, the processes performed by the control device 100 shown in this embodiment are merely examples for realizing this embodiment, and the order of some of the processes may be changed, some of the processes may be omitted, or other processes may be added, within the scope that allows this embodiment to be realized. Furthermore, programs for executing the processes performed by the control device 100 shown in this embodiment and computer-readable recording media that store the programs are also included within the scope of the matters described in the specification, etc., as originally filed.

[0136] For example, a cooking assistance program that causes a computer (control device 100) to determine a cooking order for sushi when multiple orders for food and drink (sushi) are received, wherein the computer, upon receiving sushi order information I, generates order order data X including the order order and product items for multiple orders included within a predetermined time (cooking order change unit time Δt), and generates the order order data X (particularly, the first order order data X １ ) based on the cooking order data Y (particularly, the first cooking order data Y １ ) is generated, and in generating the cooking sequence data Y, the order sequence data X (particularly, the first order sequence data X １ ) from multiple data frames F １１ , F １２ , F １３ A cooking order definition dataset F (particularly, the first cooking order definition dataset F １ ), and each data frame F １１ , F １２ , F １３ In each of the first cooking sequence definition data sets F, one or more product items to be cooked simultaneously are set and a cooking sequence is linked to each of the first cooking sequence definition data sets F. １ Execute product item correction processing for the first cooking order data Y １ In the product item correction process, each data frame F is generated so that the same type of product item is included in one or more data frames in which the difference in cooking order is within a predetermined value. １１ , F １２ , F １３"A cooking assistance program that rearranges product items set in a menu." is also included within the scope of the matters described in the specification, etc., as originally filed.

[0137] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-62639, filed with the Japan Patent Office on April 9, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A cooking assistance device that, when receiving multiple orders for food and drink, determines a cooking order for the food and drink in a kitchen, comprising: an order order data generation unit that, upon obtaining the food and drink order information, generates order order data including order orders and product items for multiple orders included within a predetermined time period; and a cooking order data generation unit that generates cooking order data for defining the cooking order based on the order order data, wherein the cooking order data generation unit: generates a cooking order definition dataset including multiple data frames from the order order data, each data frame being set with one or more of the product items to be cooked simultaneously and associated with a cooking order; and performs a product item correction process on the cooking order definition dataset to generate the cooking order data, and in the product item correction process, rearranges the product items set in each data frame so that product items of the same type are included in one or more data frames where the difference in cooking order is within a predetermined value.

2. A cooking assistance device as described in claim 1, wherein the product item correction process rearranges the product items set in each data frame of the cooking sequence definition data set so that product items of the same type are included in the same data frame.

3. A cooking assistance device as described in claim 2, wherein in the product item correction process, when three or more product items of the same type are set in the cooking sequence definition data set, the product items set in each data frame are rearranged so that at least two product items of the same type are set in the same data frame.

4. A cooking assistance device as described in claim 1, wherein in the product item correction process, the product items set in each data frame of the cooking sequence definition data set are swapped with each other so that the product items of the same type are included in two consecutive data frames of the cooking sequence.

5. A food and drink serving system that assists in the cooking of food and drink by combining a second ingredient onto a plate carrying a first ingredient that is supplied to the cooking area while transporting the plate within a kitchen, the food and drink serving system comprising: a cooking assistance device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 4; a first ingredient preparation device that automatically places the first ingredient onto a plate sent to the cooking area in accordance with the acquired order information; a second ingredient preparation device that is located downstream from the first ingredient preparation device and automatically prepares the second ingredient in accordance with the order information in the cooking area; and a control device that controls the first ingredient preparation device and the second ingredient preparation device, wherein the control device operates the first ingredient preparation device to prepare the first ingredient on the plate based on the cooking order data generated by the cooking assistance device, and operates the second ingredient preparation device to have the kitchen prepare the second ingredients that correspond to each product item in each data frame included in the cooking order definition dataset, starting with the second ingredient that corresponds to the product item included in the data frame with the earliest cooking order assigned.

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